{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/thc/7","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2471-markdown","title":"Detox: How to Flush Marijuana From Your Body","slug":"detox-how-to-flush-marijuana-from-your-body","content":"\n\n\n\nEven if you try to be very intentional about not getting into situations where your cannabis use may jeopardize a job opportunity—or stop you from getting the best price on health insurance (who knew?), there might be times when you will have to unexpectedly participate in a drug test. If you aren’t given any advance notice, there’s really nothing you can do to reverse an on-the-spot situation that will garner positive tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) results. But, if luck is on your side and you get the chance to know the date of your test, there are some things you can do to put the odds in your favor. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThere are a number of factors that contribute to how much THC is present in your body at any given time including:\n\n- How much body fat you have\n- How active your metabolism is\n- How often you consume cannabis\n- What you’re consuming (flower, edibles, tinctures, concentrates)\n\nThe most common type of drug test is a urinalysis, where your urine is examined for traces of metabolized THC. This type of test gives you your best chance at passing a marijuana screening. There’s no tried-and-true way to flush THC completely out of your system beyond abstaining altogether. However, there are some tips you can put to use to help heavily dilute, mask or greatly reduce the amount of THC that could show up in an urinalysis test.\n\nRELATED: [DO CANNABIS TOPICALS PASS THE DRUG TEST?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/574b679b982db9000a000055/do-cannabis-topicals-pass-the-drug-test) \n\nPlease keep in mind that these cannabis detox tips won’t be very effective for more in-depth tests that require blood or hair samples.\n\n### Detox Tip #1: Stop Consuming THC\n\nThis may seem like a given, but the first thing to do as soon as you’re aware that you’ll need to take a test is stop consuming marijuana containing THC. That means no smoking, vaping, eating an edible, sneaking drops of tincture, putting on a transdermal patch—cut it all out. You’ll have to just go cold turkey on your marijuana consumption until the coast is clear. \n\n### Detox Tip #2: Stall for More Time\n\nThe more time you can put between your appointment and the last time you consumed a cannabis product with THC in it, the more time you have for it to naturally exit your system. On average, it can take about three to four weeks for the body to be rid of any telltale signs of THC. That said, it can also stick around up to a few months for daily consumers. So again, the longer you can have before taking a drug test, the better your results may be. \n\n### Detox Tip #3: Drink Water\n\nWater will help dilute the amount of marijuana in your system. But it’s not necessary to overdo it, as heavily diluted and lightly colored urine will likely be noticeable to lab technicians. Drinking two to three liters per day in the time leading up to the drug test and at least one liter the day of the test should be enough. As well, adding some lemon to your water will aid not only in digestion but with the detoxification of your body of marijuana.\n\n### Detox Tip #4: Take Vitamin B & Creatinine\n\nHigh water intake changes the natural hue of your urine and reduces naturally occurring waste chemicals that might be a red flag during testing. Taking vitamin B will help restore the yellow color while creatinine will replicate the chemical waste product produced by muscle metabolism, thereby reducing any suspicions of intentional dilution. \n\n### Detox Tip #5: Eat Well ... or Try a Cleanser Drink\n\nYou can flush marijuana from your body naturally by committing to an impeccable diet full of fresh, whole foods that are high in fiber if you have the luxury of time. If you’re pressed for time, you can opt for detoxification programs or cleansers to flush out the marijuana. Meanwhile, there are companies that offer herbal regimens. Or you can head to a local smoke shop to pick up a detox or cleanser drink that will help you if you need to detox your body quickly.\n\n### Detox Tip #6: Sweat, Sweat, Sweat\n\nAlthough it’s advised that people avoid exercise in the 24 hours before a testing situation, it’s a good idea to try to sweat as much as possible leading up to your test date, thereby flushing your body of the marijuana—specifically, the THC. Try to hit the sauna, go for high-energy runs or find other ways to raise your body heat and detox even more.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/14b42/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/f836f/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.jpg 200w,\n/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/2244e/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.jpg 400w,\n/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/14b42/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.jpg 800w,\n/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/47498/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.jpg 1200w,\n/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/54ac5/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/58556/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/61e93/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.webp 200w,\n/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/1f5c5/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.webp 400w,\n/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/58556/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.webp 800w,\n/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/99238/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.webp 1200w,\n/static/5c0aa9d8b538d0be55ade97a0ea078c1/5e0b8/709536c84c797aa940e8c9424ca528f2.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2349-markdown","title":"The Healing Powers of Psychedelic Therapy","slug":"the-healing-powers-of-psychedelic-therapy","content":"### What Is Psychedelic Therapy?\r\n\r\nPsychedelic therapy is an innovative treatment for psychiatric disorders, including mental illness, that uses psychedelic drugs such as MDMA or LSD to induce psychedelic “trips\" to help relieve people of their psychiatric conditions. Psychedelic therapy uses  hallucinogens that produce a psychoactive response in order to assist the therapist during psychotherapy. With the assistance of a therapist or \"guide\", patients take a series of journeys, with the intention of making psychiatric breakthroughs. \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\nPsychedelic therapy was largely studied in the 1950s and 1960s, including the work of [Dr. Timothy Leary out of Harvard University](https://psychology.fas.harvard.edu/people/timothy-leary). During those years nearly 40,000 case studies of psychedelic treatment led to 1,000 papers being published on the subject. In the early 1970s, however, the study of the effects of psychedelic drugs on psychiatric conditions was dismissed and then prohibited due to schedule 1 status applied to LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin, as well as cannabis. \r\n\r\n### New Research Being Conducted\r\n\r\nDespite the long ban on the studies, new research is being conducted in California to see how psychedelic therapy could continue to help people. [Habor-UCLA Medical Center in Southern California](http://www.cbsnews.com/news/psychedelic-therapy-tried-by-patients-for-mental-health-psychological-conditions/) is one of the research centers that has begun to conduct FDA approved studies using psilocybin, the chemical in mushrooms that causes pyschoactivity. A recent study conducted by the Medical Center looked at twelve patients with cancer who suffered psychiatric conditions because of their illnesses. The goal of the study was to look at the efficacy and safety of using psilocybin on patients who had anxiety induced by late stage cancer. \r\n\r\nOne of the patients in the study, Annie Levy, who suffered from late stage ovarian cancer, struggled with all-consuming anxiety and depression after her diagnosis. After receiving treatment, however, she saw the complete disappearance of her anxiety and depression, and [her husband Richard said](http://www.cbsnews.com/news/psychedelic-therapy-tried-by-patients-for-mental-health-psychological-conditions/) following her treatment, “It was like someone had lit up a lightbulb in Anne’s head. She was a totally different person.” \r\n\r\n### Reduction in Anxiety & Depression\r\n\r\nAnother study by New York University and John Hopkins University found an 80% reduction in anxiety and depression when cancer patients were treated with psilocybin. Most of the studies that have been conducted have been focused on the potential for psilocybin to be used in psychedelic therapy, rather than other drugs, such as cannabis. \r\n\r\nPsychedelic treatment, though unorthodox, has actually provided many people with relief. In addition, the majority of people surveyed above, a total of 63%, were open to treatment by psychedelics. Surveys have also shown that a higher level of education leads to an increased level of acceptance of treatment by psychedelics, though almost all people who approved of treatment by psychedelics were only were willing to use drugs that were assured to be proven safe to induce the psychedelic therapy. \r\n\r\n### THC May Prove Helpful\r\n \r\nTHC, the psychoactive e component of cannabis has anecdotally shown the ability to have therapeutic benefit for many patients who suffer from anxiety and depression. Certain cannabis products, particularly concentrates like wax, have some of the highest potential to be used for psychedelic treatment due to their high concentrations of THC. Since cannabis is already approved for medical use in many states across the country, it could provide patients with the ability to access psychedelic treatment with a legal medication. Psychedelic therapy could also help people suffering from conditions like PTSD, where we have already seen success with cannabis previously. \r\n\r\nThe [Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies](http://www.maps.org/resources/students/6396-the-kind-welcome-to-the-psychedelic-future-of-mental-illness-treatment) started a small trial at the end of last year to help treat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The study, which uses cannabis, is inspired by a previous study that used MDMA. Cannabis could become a valuable resource for psychedelic therapy as more and more people open up to the potential benefits of mind altering substances.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c723cf59d96fa3cbd8b882d9f2f633cb/14b42/43100ff5e7d96eb6184ddd0739f704e4.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c723cf59d96fa3cbd8b882d9f2f633cb/f836f/43100ff5e7d96eb6184ddd0739f704e4.jpg 200w,\n/static/c723cf59d96fa3cbd8b882d9f2f633cb/2244e/43100ff5e7d96eb6184ddd0739f704e4.jpg 400w,\n/static/c723cf59d96fa3cbd8b882d9f2f633cb/14b42/43100ff5e7d96eb6184ddd0739f704e4.jpg 800w,\n/static/c723cf59d96fa3cbd8b882d9f2f633cb/47498/43100ff5e7d96eb6184ddd0739f704e4.jpg 1200w,\n/static/c723cf59d96fa3cbd8b882d9f2f633cb/54ac5/43100ff5e7d96eb6184ddd0739f704e4.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/c723cf59d96fa3cbd8b882d9f2f633cb/58556/43100ff5e7d96eb6184ddd0739f704e4.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c723cf59d96fa3cbd8b882d9f2f633cb/61e93/43100ff5e7d96eb6184ddd0739f704e4.webp 200w,\n/static/c723cf59d96fa3cbd8b882d9f2f633cb/1f5c5/43100ff5e7d96eb6184ddd0739f704e4.webp 400w,\n/static/c723cf59d96fa3cbd8b882d9f2f633cb/58556/43100ff5e7d96eb6184ddd0739f704e4.webp 800w,\n/static/c723cf59d96fa3cbd8b882d9f2f633cb/99238/43100ff5e7d96eb6184ddd0739f704e4.webp 1200w,\n/static/c723cf59d96fa3cbd8b882d9f2f633cb/5e0b8/43100ff5e7d96eb6184ddd0739f704e4.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2374-markdown","title":"Low Doses of THC May Improve Mental Capacity in the Elderly","slug":"low-doses-of-thc-may-improve-mental-capacity-in-the-elderly","content":"### Low Doses of THC Prove Effective \n\n[Nature Medicine Journal](https://www.uni-bonn.de/news/128-2017) recently published new research conducted by the University of Bonn in Germany, in association with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The mouse-modeled study was led by Andreas Zimmer and found that low doses of THC, which did not induce psychoactivity, could reverse declines in cognitive function in elderly mice. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nGroups of young and elderly mice were given behavioral memory and learning assessments before they were dosed with any THC as a control. When the young mice were dosed with THC, they performed worse on the assessments than they did before receiving a dose of THC. The elderly mice, who had done worse than the young mice on the exam originally, did as well as the young mice (without any dose), once they received a low dose of THC. \n\nThe researchers believe that the elderly mice performed better on the assessments with the addition of THC because of an increase in activity that was noted in the hippocampus of the mice, which is connected to learning and memory. In the hippocampus, the researchers saw more points of contact between neurons. \n\n### The Aging Endocannabinoid System\n\nMice, like all other mammals, have endocannabinoid systems. Endocannabinoid systems change greatly as animals age, and so does the way they react to the presence of cannabinoids from cannabis. As endocannabinoid activity declines, aging increases rapidly, which was seen in a previous study by Zimmer. \n\nRELATED: [WHY YOUR PARENTS NEED TO LEARN ABOUT CANNABIS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56848bf0e4a020000b000140/why-your-parents-need-to-learn-about-cannabis)\n\nEndocannabinoids, the cannabinoids that mammals produce internally, become less prevalent as mice age, and the less functional cannabinoid receptors that mice had, the faster they aged. \nCannabinoids from cannabis could possibly supplement the decreased supply of internally produced endocannabinoids, helping reverse the side effects of aging. The differences between the reactions of the young and elderly mice had could possibly be explained by the aging of the endocannabinoid system. \n\n### Parallel with Humans\n\nThough the research is very preliminary, many people have become interested by the study because of the potential parallel with humans. Susan Weiss, the director of the [Division of Extramural Research at the National Institute on Drug Abuse](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/marijuana-may-boost-rather-than-dull-the-elderly-brain/?WT.mc_id=SA_TW_MB_NEWS&sf77733268=1), said about the study, “This well-designed set of experiments shows that chronic THC pretreatment appears to restore a significant level of diminished cognitive performance in older mice, while corroborating the opposite effect among young mice…While it would be tempting to presume the relevance of these findings [extends] to aging humans…further research will be critically needed.” \n\nZimmer has received more funding from the German government in order to conduct a clinical trial with elderly patients with mild cognitive impairments. The upcoming clinical trial could provide concrete evidence to supplement the positive possibilities that have come from this study, in association with anecdotal evidence that cannabis can help people with disorders like Alzheimer’s. Hopefully we will soon gain more concrete evidence through this upcoming clinical trial about another way that cannabis could greatly help improve peoples’ quality of life. \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.  \n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/oliverperra/1603399537/in/photolist-3rFQPB-5qzo41-7VdUnq-6cE7P-7YCKbn-5uSiw-ebNcqE-PwQP-jCHqyc-3etyqZ-7nU8oQ-pgQKmL-4BCbxo-4BCfAs-zWEFJ-2Ch1xw-obc3DL-7nQexF-4BCcm7-69qEM5-fQph6L-p849gb-4BxWwc-4BxVHB-7GGJP-7TJNrS-2CkQ4s-hYa1P-7GGHZ-4BCeMh-7xS6ux-hYa1Q-7GGKi-7GGKu-7GGK4-7GGHW-7GGJk-nhJmp-77ife9-b3KqER-Jrndm-9tt6Rg-fZy4rW-4Jab5c-7GGKC-3J2ypS-dJhHgg-BB9ku-9hWjRu-JEvv)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/06cd40fb6caffbea87e9d2739f7ca9ab/14b42/29afeb8cd4c588184e64df1bf5068728.jpg","srcSet":"/static/06cd40fb6caffbea87e9d2739f7ca9ab/f836f/29afeb8cd4c588184e64df1bf5068728.jpg 200w,\n/static/06cd40fb6caffbea87e9d2739f7ca9ab/2244e/29afeb8cd4c588184e64df1bf5068728.jpg 400w,\n/static/06cd40fb6caffbea87e9d2739f7ca9ab/14b42/29afeb8cd4c588184e64df1bf5068728.jpg 800w,\n/static/06cd40fb6caffbea87e9d2739f7ca9ab/47498/29afeb8cd4c588184e64df1bf5068728.jpg 1200w,\n/static/06cd40fb6caffbea87e9d2739f7ca9ab/54ac5/29afeb8cd4c588184e64df1bf5068728.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/06cd40fb6caffbea87e9d2739f7ca9ab/58556/29afeb8cd4c588184e64df1bf5068728.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/06cd40fb6caffbea87e9d2739f7ca9ab/61e93/29afeb8cd4c588184e64df1bf5068728.webp 200w,\n/static/06cd40fb6caffbea87e9d2739f7ca9ab/1f5c5/29afeb8cd4c588184e64df1bf5068728.webp 400w,\n/static/06cd40fb6caffbea87e9d2739f7ca9ab/58556/29afeb8cd4c588184e64df1bf5068728.webp 800w,\n/static/06cd40fb6caffbea87e9d2739f7ca9ab/99238/29afeb8cd4c588184e64df1bf5068728.webp 1200w,\n/static/06cd40fb6caffbea87e9d2739f7ca9ab/5e0b8/29afeb8cd4c588184e64df1bf5068728.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2387-markdown","title":"DIY Recipe: Consuming THCA Naturally","slug":"diy-recipe-consuming-thca-naturally","content":"### THCA: The Powerhouse Cannabinoid\n\nI've been talking about [THCA](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/584f78817f091000089c44a4/the-medicinal-benefits-of-thca) for the past year and even cited it as one of the biggest [health trends for 2017](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/58abd12e005f8b00176972fd/the-top-5-health-trends-in-cannabis). It's what I call a powerhouse cannabinoid and Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid, or THCA, is having its moment.\n\nTHCA is the non psychoactive precursor to [Delta9-THC](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57a17dc121a3ad00076694fc/cannabis-101-thc-vs-cbd), the psychoactive component of cannabis. To transition into psychoactive THC, THCA must be heated or what is known as decarboxylated. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### THCA's Therapeutic Value\n\nTHCA is a cannabinoid that in its raw form holds tremendous therapeutic value.  Similar to CBD, it is an anti-inflammatory, nuero-protective, anti-emetic, and has anti-proliferative properties, among other qualities. Anecdotally, patients have indicated it helps with insomnia, pain, muscle spasms and even Alzheimer's.  When consumed in its raw form, from the plant itself, it contains a high amount of terpenes and antioxidant content, both of which hold tremendous therapeutic value on their own.\n\nRELATED: [COOKING WITH CANNABIS](https://www.hellomd.com/learn/recipes-and-diy)\n\nIt's not easy to find reliable sources of THCA and the reality is, the best way to consume it is directly from the trimmings of a live cannabis plant. Lucky for me, we had an upcoming cannabis juicing segment on our filming schedule, so we were given two large bags of cannabis leaves from Nurit, the cofounder of ONA.Life.\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58caf7e900731f003a2dfe76/embedded_images/58caf7ec00731f003a2dfe77/Screen_Shot_2017-03-16_at_1.14.35_PM.png) \nChris and I with 2 large bags of cannabis leaves and 5lbs of frozen sausage (don't ask).\n\n### Non Psychoactive Cannabis Smoothie with THCA\n\nEvery morning, after exercising, I make a green smoothie to start the day. So, this morning I was excited to wake up and have a ton of cannabis leaves so I could add  THCA into the mix. What surprised me most about adding the cannabis was how incredibly flavorful it was, you can really taste the terpenes. I absolutely loved it. Cannabis leaves need to be in my fridge waiting for me every morning from now on.\n\nToday, I will divulge my secret smoothie recipe that keeps me happy, healthy and energized for most of the day. This is my everyday recipe with fresh cannabis leaves added in.\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58caf7e900731f003a2dfe76/embedded_images/58caf7ee00731f003a2dfe78/Screen_Shot_2017-03-16_at_1.38.35_PM.png) \nThe smoothie in action.\n\n### Ingredients\n\nI must admit I am not prescriptive with quantities as I am liberal in my proportions. I pack my smoothies full of greens and fresh organic fruit as well as spices.\n\n>1 dash of nutmeg\n\n>1 dash of cinnamon\n\n>1 dash of tumeric\n\n>a smidge of cayenne pepper (be careful!)\n\n>a smidge of pink himalayan salt (yes, it's good!)\n\n>1 teaspoon chia seeds\n\n>1/2 teaspoon of spirulina or any type of superfood powder\n\n>1 teaspoon of local organic unprocessed honey\n\n> 1 1/2 cup of either vanilla almond milk or coconut water\n\n>1 massive handful of organic spinach\n\n>1 handful of organic frozen mango (I like this as it makes the smoothie cold)\n\n>1 big banana (avocado also adds a creamy, thick texture as a substitute)\n\n>1 whole tangerine with the skin (good for the extra terpenes)\n\n>1 small apple\n\n>2-3 oz. of washed raw cannabis trim-the leaves\n\n### How To: Mix It!\n\nI use my Nutri Bullet, but anything like a Vitamix can work well. Throw it all in and mix. Drink your potion right away.\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. \n\n\n\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.342281879194631,"src":"/static/0b7e7ddd517707b7c066b7af3d870ce6/14b42/6a3d447accbc4e747a53de72aad0e852.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0b7e7ddd517707b7c066b7af3d870ce6/f836f/6a3d447accbc4e747a53de72aad0e852.jpg 200w,\n/static/0b7e7ddd517707b7c066b7af3d870ce6/2244e/6a3d447accbc4e747a53de72aad0e852.jpg 400w,\n/static/0b7e7ddd517707b7c066b7af3d870ce6/14b42/6a3d447accbc4e747a53de72aad0e852.jpg 800w,\n/static/0b7e7ddd517707b7c066b7af3d870ce6/47498/6a3d447accbc4e747a53de72aad0e852.jpg 1200w,\n/static/0b7e7ddd517707b7c066b7af3d870ce6/3a12e/6a3d447accbc4e747a53de72aad0e852.jpg 1375w","srcWebp":"/static/0b7e7ddd517707b7c066b7af3d870ce6/58556/6a3d447accbc4e747a53de72aad0e852.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0b7e7ddd517707b7c066b7af3d870ce6/61e93/6a3d447accbc4e747a53de72aad0e852.webp 200w,\n/static/0b7e7ddd517707b7c066b7af3d870ce6/1f5c5/6a3d447accbc4e747a53de72aad0e852.webp 400w,\n/static/0b7e7ddd517707b7c066b7af3d870ce6/58556/6a3d447accbc4e747a53de72aad0e852.webp 800w,\n/static/0b7e7ddd517707b7c066b7af3d870ce6/99238/6a3d447accbc4e747a53de72aad0e852.webp 1200w,\n/static/0b7e7ddd517707b7c066b7af3d870ce6/b5697/6a3d447accbc4e747a53de72aad0e852.webp 1375w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2315-markdown","title":"Top 11 Health Benefits of Marijuana","slug":"top-11-health-benefits-of-marijuana","content":"Cannabis has moved out of the grey area and into its rightful position as a part of a healthy approach to overall wellness. In fact, a recent study released from Duke University and the University of Arizona found that [long-term marijuana use didn’t lead to a decline in health](http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2526003). In this study, 1,000 participants from New Zealand were tracked over a 40-year period, each with a minimum of 20 years of consistent cannabis consumption—smoking, specifically. \n\nThe study found no decline in lung function as well as no increase in high blood pressure or diabetes. Nor did it detect any other deterioration in physical health. The one caveat to the study was that the researchers found high levels of gum disease among the study participants. That said, this is a factor that could very well decrease as people move away from smoking marijuana towards vaporizing cannabis as well as consuming edibles or using cannabis-infused topical products. \n\nIn addition, no similarities were found between those who engaged in long-term tobacco smoking versus long-term marijuana smoking. Avshalom Capsi, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University and the co-author of the study, said that “overall damage to physical health is not apparent in this study.” \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Top 11 Reasons Why Marijuana Is Good for You\n\nThis study adds new scientific evidence to the thousands of years of anecdotal evidence, which show that cannabis isn’t bad for your health, nor can it kill you. Meanwhile, 595,690 deaths a year in the U.S. alone are attributed to tobacco. What we’re now finding is that cannabis provides a variety of health benefits for both healthy individuals and those struggling with various illnesses. \n\nHere are 11 key—and sometimes surprising—benefits of cannabis.\n\n### Benefit #1: Cannabis Regulates Metabolism & Weight Loss\n\nA survey conducted at Nunavik Inuit Health in 2004 found that the 57.4% of people in the survey, who said they used cannabis, had a lower average percentage of fat mass, body mass index and fasting insulin levels. There were statistically significant differences between the groups of people who self-reported as smoking cannabis compared to those who didn’t. \n\nSmoking cannabis in the last year was associated with a 56% lower likelihood of obesity. This is just one of the many studies that ties lower rates of obesity to cannabis consumers. Researchers found that cannabis consumers’ waists are 1.5 inches smaller on average than that of non-cannabis users. Cannabis is believed to help regulate your metabolism, also making it a factor in lowering the risk of diabetes. \n\nIn addition, for a number of folks, cannabis can get people off the couch and moving—whether it’s on the road or in the gym. In fact, some claim that marijuana increases athletic performance, for long-distance runners and swimmers in particular. Some athletes claim that it improves focus and the ability to push past previous limitations.\n\n![One benefit of marijuana: regulating metabolism & improving sports performance](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/588fcc137bf61c000cbbd136/embedded_images/588fcc167bf61c000cbbd138/Screen_Shot_2017-01-30_at_3.20.53_PM.png)\n_One of the many benefits of marijuana is improved sports performance, especially in long-distance running._\n \n### Benefit #2: Marijuana Helps Alleviate Depression\n\nDepression is one of the most common medical conditions in the world. In a 2015 study from the University of Buffalo, RIA senior research scientist Samir Haj-Dahmane, Ph.D., said, “In the animal models we studied, we saw that chronic stress reduced the production of endocannabinoids, leading to depression-like behavior.”\n\nThis means that cannabis can be used to supplement endocannabinoids lacking within our system, helping the body return to homeostasis and in turn reducing levels of depression. Cannabis also aids in relieving stress, which is one of the biggest risk factors for depression. \n\n### Benefit #3: Cannabis Slows the Development of Alzheimer’s Disease\n\nAlzheimer’s disease is currently the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. It also causes mental disability for those afflicted many years prior to death. A study published in the _Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease_ in September 2014 found that, “THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) could be a potential therapeutic treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease through multiple functions and pathways.” This is believed to be due to the neuroprotective and antioxidant qualities of cannabis. \n\n### Benefit #4: Cannabis Relieves Arthritis\n\nArthritis is one of the leading causes of physical disability in the world. And it’s one of the most common kinds of chronic pain that people experience. The first recorded use of cannabis to help heal arthritis was in China nearly 4,000 years ago.\n\nTetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active compound in most strains of marijuana, has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, cannabidiol (CBD), which is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, helps regulate autoimmune conditions like arthritis.\n\n### Benefit #5: Marijuana Eases Chronic Pain\n\nOne of the most common reasons people miss work and have a decreased quality of life is due to various types of chronic pain. From PMS cramps to headaches to back pain, many people are debilitated by daily, overwhelming pain. Due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, cannabis can help reduce pain whether it’s applied in the form of a topical or consumed orally. Cannabis consumption can also help greatly decrease the need for harsh, addictive opioids. \n\n![Marijuana eases chronic pain](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/588fcc137bf61c000cbbd136/embedded_images/588fccc42cf8a800084e13fc/Screen_Shot_2017-01-30_at_3.30.09_PM.png)\n_One of the benefits of cannabis is that it can relieve pain. Learn what the top strains for chronic pain are._\n \n### Benefit #6: Marijuana Lowers Blood Pressure\n\nOne-third of adults in the United States have high blood pressure or hypertension. This can lead to cardiovascular disease as well as strokes or heart attacks. Tobacco is one of the most common causes for high blood pressure, along with poor diet and lack of exercise.\n\nThere are a wide range of scientific and anecdotal studies to support how cannabis decreases blood pressure. Some researchers also believe that cannabinoids may have a protective role within the body, also leading to a decrease in blood pressure. \n\n### Benefit #7:  Marijuana Supports Recovery From Eating Disorders\n\nEating disorders are becoming an increasingly large problem across the world as many young people are exposed to constant media and peer pressure to be unattainably beautiful and thin. Cannabis can help regulate eating patterns, aiding with recovery from conditions like bulimia and other binge disorders.\n\nIt can also help stimulate appetite and regain a desire to eat in individuals with eating disorders like anorexia. Cannabis can also help reduce anxiety—both social and food related, which can lead many people down the path of eating disorders.\n\n### Benefit #8: Cannabis Provides Relief to PTSD Sufferers\n\nVeterans have become one of the most vocal supporters of cannabis legalization due to the incredible relief that cannabis can provide to people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Consuming cannabis can help reduce the stress and anxiety that PTSD sufferers struggle with every day. It also reduces the need for harder opioids and medications that can often worsen the symptoms of PTSD.\n\n### Benefit #9: Cannabis Reduces Nausea\n\nMany people experience nausea on a regular basis, whether it’s due to digestive problems, migraines or chemotherapy. Marijuana reacts with brain receptors to help regulate the feelings that are often associated with nausea.\n\nIt can also help decrease stomach pain and regulate your body’s digestive processes—as digestive issues often go hand in hand with feelings of nausea. Cannabis can also help stimulate appetite if people find themselves unable to hold food down, because they’re experiencing queasiness and an unsettled stomach. \n\n### Benefit #10: CBD Can Reduce Seizure Activity\n\nCBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana, can greatly reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Medical marijuana legalization has been pushed through in many states due to the incredible effects that cannabis has on seizures.\n\nA study from the American Academy of Neurology published in 2015 found that there was, on average, a 51% decrease in the amount of seizures people experienced while using medical cannabis, as well as a 63% decrease in seizures for patients who had Dravet’s syndrome.\n\nA specific marijuana strain, Charlotte’s Web, was created particularly for a young girl who experienced extreme seizures. The strain is still widely used due to its effectiveness and lack of psychoactive side effects. \n\n![Another benefit of marijuana: It makes us feel good](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/588fcc137bf61c000cbbd136/embedded_images/588fcc157bf61c000cbbd137/Screen_Shot_2017-01-30_at_3.13.41_PM.png) \n_Another benefit of marijuana, specifically THC, is that it produces feelings of happiness._ \n\n### Benefit #11: Cannabis Makes You Happy\n\nLastly, for the vast majority of people, [marijuana induces a sense of euphoria and calm](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/582b86cce686fc000c657034/why-does-cannabis-make-you-feel-good). Happiness, or a general sense of well-being is something that everyone wants. Scientific studies show a connection between happiness, optimism and overall life satisfaction.\n\nCannabis activates a neurotransmitter in our brain called anandamide—also called the bliss molecule. This molecule, among other things, is responsible for making us feel happy. THC is responsible for stimulating anandamide, which is found both within our body as well as within cannabis itself.\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://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/8QAGAAAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMBAgX/xAAXAQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQID/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAHIlqtJQXBf/8QAGhAAAgMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgMAARIQIf/aAAgBAQABBQJYatgZuLLML3n/xAAWEQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQESH/2gAIAQMBAT8BcH//xAAUEQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQ/9oACAECAQE/AT//xAAVEAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQAf/aAAgBAQAGPwJr/8QAGRAAAwEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERIUFR/9oACAEBAAE/IeAIwIQengzesh//2gAMAwEAAgADAAAAELM//8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABFx/9oACAEDAQE/EI0r/8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACFB/9oACAECAQE/ENR//8QAHRABAAICAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARMVEQIUGB8P/aAAgBAQABPxC2FIaJQBxJgFACuvf3mK8+jEaM/9k=","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/14b42/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/f836f/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.jpg 200w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/2244e/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.jpg 400w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/14b42/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.jpg 800w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/47498/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.jpg 1200w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/54ac5/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/58556/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/61e93/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.webp 200w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/1f5c5/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.webp 400w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/58556/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.webp 800w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/99238/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.webp 1200w,\n/static/b0878d76d079f1945e473d7543502f16/5e0b8/12490c05851613cd37353723f5bce115.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2161-markdown","title":"How to Stop Migraines","slug":"how-to-stop-migraines","content":"### Suffering with Migraines \n \nMy migraines started when I was 14 and I only gained control over them when I turned 40. The first migraine I had in my teens hit me like a lightning bolt, and I fell to the ground on my knees holding my head and it didn’t stop until I passed out and woke up 24 hours later. From that time on I would experience migraines frequently and they would come in clusters. Often I would be vomiting, see an aura and spend days in bed. \n\nVisiting with doctors, they never really had an answer but they would hand me a prescription. After multiple medications that did not work, and all which had intense side effects, plus visits to alternative practitioners, I assumed this was something that I needed to live with. And I did, for the next 20+ years. As time wore on my migraines settled into a monthly pattern. But after the birth of my 3rd child, they suddenly became much, much worse.\n\n### Opioids - A Long Term Solution? \n\nTrying to raise three kids all under the age of 4 and working full time, I did not have time for migraines. So, at the onset of a migraine I would pop a Vicodin and maybe another. The Vicodin helped to keep the pain at bay, as I needed to function and could not afford to spend hours, much less days in bed. Even at the time, I knew this needed to be a short term strategy, addiction was too easy a trap.\n\nFinally, a friend insisted that I consider cannabis as a solution. Honestly, I had nothing to lose, but I thought my chances of success were zero to none. I also did not consider myself a stoner.\n\n### Marijuana Stopped My Migraines \n\nMarijuana stopped my migraines. After 20+ years, I do not experience frequent migraines anymore. It did not happen right away but today I live relatively pain free, and free of narcotics. How did I do it? It’s a two step process. The first step is preventative, which cannot be over emphasized. The second step is preventing pain if a migraine/headache does sneak through. \n\nThe preventative steps are relatively simple. I take 10 mg of 20:1 CBD to THC Rosette Wellnesstincture in the morning. I have found this ratio to be the most effective. Later in the day I take Moxie Meds 4:1 tincture, also at a 10 mg dosage.\n \nIt is important to note that high ratio CBD products do not make you high and although I ingest cannabis throughout the day, I am never high when taking these preventative measures. Also, CBD is not a silver bullet that takes effect in a day or two. I have found that the effects are cumulative and it took a 2-3 months of daily dosing before the longer lasting impact was felt.\n\nIn addition to cannabis, I also take [Vitamin B and Magnesium](http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/migraine-headache) which research has found to reduce migraines in patients who take these supplements regularly. I make sure to exercise regularly, typically hiking 3x a week and yoga 3x a week. Lastly, I eliminated gluten, soy and wine from my diet, which personally helped me, but may not be necessary for others.\n\nToday, I am almost 100% migraine free. What does happen is what I call a ‘shadow headache’. When I feel the shadow descending, which is usually the result of a stressful event, I reach for my vape pen. As I do not do well with high THC, my oil cartridges are always high CBD and low THC. \n\nCBD is known to be an analgesic as well as an anti inflammatory. My favorite oil cartridge is Bloom Farms Electra Tsu 3:1 oil cartridge. LOVE…I even wrote them a haiku, my highest form of praise and adoration.\n\n### Preventing Migraines\n\nMigraine prevention is a possible. What triggers a migraine is individual, but the solutions mentioned above could  prevent yours. I am always surprised by the amount of acceptance I hear from migraine sufferers, where all the attention is paid to pain management rather than migraine prevention. Why not try to stop them before they begin? As a result of my preventative efforts my life has changed significantly, for the better. I hope perhaps my solution helps you or someone you know.\n\nDo you have a migraine solution? We would love to hear it, please share in the comments below!\n\n_____________________________________________________________________\n\nIf you are 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://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n\n\n\n\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/16e399833b5fe35e79cedd2773983a71/14b42/2697b909e48cfac58b843361457b8027.jpg","srcSet":"/static/16e399833b5fe35e79cedd2773983a71/f836f/2697b909e48cfac58b843361457b8027.jpg 200w,\n/static/16e399833b5fe35e79cedd2773983a71/2244e/2697b909e48cfac58b843361457b8027.jpg 400w,\n/static/16e399833b5fe35e79cedd2773983a71/14b42/2697b909e48cfac58b843361457b8027.jpg 800w,\n/static/16e399833b5fe35e79cedd2773983a71/47498/2697b909e48cfac58b843361457b8027.jpg 1200w,\n/static/16e399833b5fe35e79cedd2773983a71/c28ba/2697b909e48cfac58b843361457b8027.jpg 1420w","srcWebp":"/static/16e399833b5fe35e79cedd2773983a71/58556/2697b909e48cfac58b843361457b8027.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/16e399833b5fe35e79cedd2773983a71/61e93/2697b909e48cfac58b843361457b8027.webp 200w,\n/static/16e399833b5fe35e79cedd2773983a71/1f5c5/2697b909e48cfac58b843361457b8027.webp 400w,\n/static/16e399833b5fe35e79cedd2773983a71/58556/2697b909e48cfac58b843361457b8027.webp 800w,\n/static/16e399833b5fe35e79cedd2773983a71/99238/2697b909e48cfac58b843361457b8027.webp 1200w,\n/static/16e399833b5fe35e79cedd2773983a71/7a95f/2697b909e48cfac58b843361457b8027.webp 1420w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2109-markdown","title":"How Cannabis Helped Me Find Relief from Parkinson's Disease","slug":"how-cannabis-helped-me-find-relief-from-parkinsons-disease","content":"HelloMD had the pleasure of speaking with Jan Lavelle who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease just over 6 years ago. Jan has chosen to follow a holistic route for her treatment of Parkinson’s, rather than more traditional western pharmaceutical methods. Through a combination of dietary change, exercise, natural supplements, and cannabis, Jan has found relief from her Parkinson’s related symptoms and hopes to slow the progression of the disease. She is also a passionate Wellness Consultant, helping others to learn about the potential benefits of cannabis for Parkinson's and other conditions.\r\n\r\n### What were your initial symptoms?\r\n\r\nI was diagnosed with Parkinson’s  when I was 45 years old. My mom, my sister, and I all have genetic Parkinson’s Disease. My mom was diagnosed at age 60. My sister is one year older than I and she was diagnosed at age 44. I had noticed that I was holding my arm funny. My right arm was straight out and not swinging while walking, so I called my sister and asked her if her arm did this funny thing where it just doesn't move. She said, “Oh you’re holding the invisible purse,” and this same stiff arm was one of her first symptoms as well. We then all went to the website 23 and Me (a genetic testing site) and ultimately found we all have the gene Lrrk2. Once we were all identified with the particular gene, we did a bunch of studies through UCSF, Stanford, and Sunnyvale Parkinson’s Institute. Genetic Parkinson’s hasn't become very evident until lately, so we are considered a unique case. \r\n\r\n### How did Parkinson’s affect your daily life?\r\n\r\nI am a pretty healthy person, so I wasn’t sure in the beginning if it would affect me at all. My mother and sister each are having their own individual journey, so I was pretty sure mine would be different as well. My sister started western meds and eventually had two brain surgeries, called deep brain stimulation (DBS). They put a pole in your head and a battery in your chest that allows for the stimulation of the production of dopamine. My sister had that done on both sides. My mother also had that surgery at 78 years old. Deep brain stimulation surgery really works for tremors and the movement symptoms because it stimulates the dopamine production. \r\n\r\nTremors are not my biggest issue though, my issue is really stiffness and rigidity in the way that I walk and drag my leg. I also can’t move my hand very well. I don’t have a resting tremor but when I try to use my hand it tremors. I just do everything with my left hand now because my right hand doesn’t signal to move properly, along with my right leg. In order to even get the deep brain stimulation surgery, you need to be on levodopa/carbidopa to make sure that dopamine actually helps the symptoms.  I have opted to not take western drugs for now, but I would also not be opposed if I felt it would improve my quality of life.  My neurologist told me, “the drugs do nothing to slow or stop the progression of the disease”.  However, they can apparently help with symptoms. \r\n\r\n### Was cannabis your first choice for treatment?\r\n\r\nCannabis wasn’t my first choice. I didn't know much about it six years ago. I read Grain Brain and learned how grain is bad for your brain function, so I made some dietary changes. I cut wheat out of my diet and I take antioxidants like green tea, blueberries and turmeric to keep my immune system strong.  I also exercise every day. I am a trained yoga practitioner and I’m also a trained Ayurveda practitioner. I knew a lot about health, nutrition, and exercise, so I worked to do everything naturally. \r\n\r\nI also tried a form of natural dopamine, which is made from mung beans called Mucuna Pruriens. Western pharmaceutical companies traditionally use Sinemet for Parkinson’s. Sinemet is made of Levodopa Carbidopa, which helps your body get the dopamine through the blood brain barrier.  Alternative medicine practitioners have developed a protocol with amino acids that gets the dopamine in you, and through the blood brain barrier without making you sick, but unfortunately it made me very sick. I tried it for a year and it did help with my symptoms a bit, but it made me nauseous all of the time so I stopped doing it. That’s when I started taking CBD tinctures. A friend told me about CBD tinctures and how they might help me, and I have been doing so ever since. \r\n\r\n### When did you first consider medicinal cannabis? \r\n\r\nIt was through the friend who recommended it. Then I immediately began doing research. We had a family friend of ours who was featured through United Patients Group. You can watch a video of his story, Stan Rutner, who was basically dying of cancer. As a last resort they gave him CBD oil and the results were amazing. My mom had sent me this video, so I called his daughter to talk to her about it. She was the person who got me the first information on what to take and how. I started meeting more and more people that gave me information on medicinal cannabis. The first tincture I used was a CBD tincture by Care by Design. \r\n\r\n### Do you use CBD and THCA?\r\n\r\nNow, I’m actually taking CBDA and THCA, they are both non-psychoactive. I micro dose both throughout the day. I take three doses a day about an hour before each meal. The product I take is made by a company called Alta Botanicals. I am working on a cannabis protocol with Alta Botanicals for Parkinson’s to get the [endocannabinoid system](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system) stimulated and working again. \r\n\r\n### How are you trying to help other patients?\r\n\r\nAlta Botanicals and I are trying various methods on me to see what works best with Parkinson's. I am working hard to stick to a protocol, which is easy to do because the medicine is so simple to take. We’re are observing what is going on and ultimately, we would love to be able to cure this disease and help other people with this disease. That’s the goal, of course, to help people get better. \r\n\r\n### How has using cannabis changed your day to day life?\r\n\r\nCannabis gives me some relief from my symptoms. When you have Parkinson’s, you lose your sense of taste and smell, your body kind of freezes up. You don’t have the same senses that you normally would because you lose your dopamine, which can also cause apathy and depression. CBDA and the THCA have actually brought back my sense of taste and smell. My physical senses, like my touch and feel, have also come back. \r\n\r\nWith Parkinson’s you tend to lose your connection between body and mind because of the lack of dopamine, but now I am much more aware of my body mind connection than I was before. I am still limping quite a bit and I still have trouble with my right hand. It’s hard, it is definitely still hard. I think if I keep building cannabis up in my system it will get better.  There are definitely some days when I just want to say screw it and go on western meds and get rid of my symptoms, but the western meds don’t do anything to slow or stop the disease, they just mask the symptoms. With cannabis, we can actually do something to slow the disease because of the connection between Parkinson’s and the endocannabinoid system. There are also a lot of side effects to the western pharmaceuticals, which I want to try to avoid. \r\n\r\n### What would you want other people to know about cannabis?\r\n\r\nI went to a woman’s cannabis party hosted by [Octavia Wellness](http://octaviarosewellness.com/), where I was able to meet many people in the industry. That was my first experience where I felt like I had something to share and people really related to it and listened. I want people to know how acceptable it is to use cannabis and how I am carrying on with a regular job, a regular life, and I have an eleven-year old child. It’s not scary and there’s nothing taboo about it. I want people to know we can do this without being “high”. The benefits of CBD are profound, the information about the benefits of CBD are spreading by leaps and bounds every day. I am committed to supporting people to heal.\r\n\r\nIronically, that first Octavia Wellness party has opened a pathway for me to help other people.  I actually have teamed up with the founder, Carrie Tice and for the past year we have worked on creating a great platform to allow for people like me to be able to become trained in cannabis and become Wellness Consultants. Everyone has people in their personal network who are interested in learning about cannabis- and they may not feel comfortable going to dispensaries - we have solved this by making the process personal.  We are passionate about giving people safe and legal access to trusted information and products.  It's quite empowering!\r\n \r\n### Does the stigma attached to cannabis have merit?\r\n\r\nCannabis can be recreational and I have nothing against recreational cannabis. Sometimes having some THC at night helps me sleep. The benefits we get from the whole, healing plant, if we use it responsibly, are endless. Marijuana is a natural anti-inflammatory; it is a better anti-inflammatory than ibuprofen or anything like that. I’ve heard many lectures about the benefits of cannabis for PTSD, cancer, and many other conditions. I believe all illnesses are caused by some form of inflammation, and cannabis works to alleviate that. If we can get rid of the inflammation, have a healthy attitude, healthy diet, and exercise, we can avoid a lot of illnesses. Cannabis can’t do it alone, but neither can any pharmaceuticals. There are so many healing modalities and there should not be any stigma around cannabis because it is a beautiful, healing plant. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about cannabis and Parkinson's Disease? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. Our doctors and community will answer.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4388489208633093,"src":"/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/14b42/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/f836f/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.jpg 200w,\n/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/2244e/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.jpg 400w,\n/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/14b42/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.jpg 800w,\n/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/6db77/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.jpg 1070w","srcWebp":"/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/58556/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/61e93/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.webp 200w,\n/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/1f5c5/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.webp 400w,\n/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/58556/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.webp 800w,\n/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/3f179/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.webp 1070w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2215-markdown","title":"Cannabis 101: THC vs CBD","slug":"cannabis-101-thc-vs-cbd","content":"Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two most prevalent compounds in marijuana, also known as cannabinoids. Though they’re just two out of more than 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis, they’re present in the largest quantities across the different varieties of the cannabis plant. Here’s what you need to know about each compound, so you can choose the marijuana strains and products that will give you the effects you need.  \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### What Is CBD?\n\nCBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. Unlike THC, [CBD can be derived from hemp or cannabis](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55f6ea9c65393944020d0000/what-is-hemp-cbd), though it’s often much more potent when it’s derived from cannabis. We now know that CBD lacks the psychoactive effects of THC because it doesn’t bind with the same receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). \n\nCBD also has the ability to reduce the high caused by THC. For this reason many people, even those who prefer cannabis with a high THC percentage, keep a CBD product like a tincture close by, in case they [consume too much THC and want the intense high to go away quickly](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a5cfdb5c7e0180007a78273/5-tips-to-reduce-the-effects-of-having-too-much-cannabis). \n\n### What Health Conditions Can CBD Help?\n\n* CBD has shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it great at relieving pain for everything from arthritis to sciatica.\n* Folks who suffer from skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema tend to treat their conditions with CBD-rich topicals such as creams, balms and salves. \n* CBD is an anti-emetic, meaning it can reduce nausea and vomiting. This is great for sufferers of wasting disease and HIV/AIDS. Cancer sufferers who deal with nausea in relation to chemotherapy also turn to CBD to quell this symptom. \n* CBD also has the ability to reduce seizures and muscle convulsion or spasms, making it effective in helping patients with seizures or muscle spasms caused by conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. \n* CBD is successful at promoting healthy bone growth and can help reduce vascular tension and artery blockage. \n* Studies show that CBD can also help reduce blood sugar, making it helpful for patients with diabetes or other conditions that require monitoring blood sugar levels. \n* For anxiety sufferers, CBD has been shown to reduce the condition for people who have general anxiety disorders or conditions such as PTSD. \n\n### What Is THC? \n\nTHC is the most common and well-known cannabinoid found in the marijuana plant. Often associated with its psychoactive properties, THC can be very helpful in different medical applications. THC’s pain-relieving properties make it effective for patients managing their chronic pain.\n\n### What Health Conditions Can THC Help? \n\nBesides chronic pain, THC can also help:\n \n* Ease stomach discomfort through the reduction of nausea and vomiting\n* Stimulate appetite in older patients and those experiencing chemotherapy for cancer treatment\n* Those who suffer from chronic stomach issues such as Crohn’s disease irritable bowel syndrome \n* Reduce muscle spasms, helping patients with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease control excessive muscle movement \n\n### What Role Do Other Marijuana Cannabinoids Play?\n\nCannabis is much more effective in the whole plant as opposed to when one cannabinoid is used in isolation. It’s the interactions taking place among the various cannabinoids—called the [entourage effect](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56d0f3acbbf86b000b0000ae/what-is-the-entourage-effect)—that helps drive positive effects in the human body. \n\nTHC and CBD work in harmony on the endocannabinoid system in the body. For example, having a balance of THC and CBD in a strain of cannabis can allow for the highly successful pain-relieving aspects of THC with less of the psychoactive effect—because non-psychoactive CBD counteracts THC.\n\nThough THC and CBD are the most prominent compounds, many other cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabichromene (CBC) can provide a range of benefits. Studies have found [THCA to have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-emetic and antiproliferative properties](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a90bb3ef24d1300077ccb60/how-to-make-the-most-of-non-psychoactive-thca), while CBC appears to be an effective antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-depressant and analgesic compound.\n\n### What Are Cannabis Terpenes & How Can They Help?\n\nTerpenes—compounds that lend the cannabis plant strains their fragrance and flavor—number well over 100, and interact with the ECS as well. They work in concert with cannabinoids in a wide range of activities—from promoting sleep to elevating mood and providing stress relief.\n\nRELATED: [WHAT ARE TERPENES AND WHAT IS THEIR EFFECT?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56e359576d0ed000080000ba/what-are-terpenes-and-what-is-their-effect)\n\nSince THC and CBD have different effects on the body, it’s important that you have a clear idea of what you want out of consuming marijuana. Then, you can choose the cannabis strain or product that’s right for you, based on the major cannabinoids that it contains. \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":1.4388489208633093,"src":"/static/9fc65f169cfeb7fed7a0561b20ae2692/14b42/eb593ca48bcb2576dc5c9c21dad51638.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9fc65f169cfeb7fed7a0561b20ae2692/f836f/eb593ca48bcb2576dc5c9c21dad51638.jpg 200w,\n/static/9fc65f169cfeb7fed7a0561b20ae2692/2244e/eb593ca48bcb2576dc5c9c21dad51638.jpg 400w,\n/static/9fc65f169cfeb7fed7a0561b20ae2692/14b42/eb593ca48bcb2576dc5c9c21dad51638.jpg 800w,\n/static/9fc65f169cfeb7fed7a0561b20ae2692/6db77/eb593ca48bcb2576dc5c9c21dad51638.jpg 1070w","srcWebp":"/static/9fc65f169cfeb7fed7a0561b20ae2692/58556/eb593ca48bcb2576dc5c9c21dad51638.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9fc65f169cfeb7fed7a0561b20ae2692/61e93/eb593ca48bcb2576dc5c9c21dad51638.webp 200w,\n/static/9fc65f169cfeb7fed7a0561b20ae2692/1f5c5/eb593ca48bcb2576dc5c9c21dad51638.webp 400w,\n/static/9fc65f169cfeb7fed7a0561b20ae2692/58556/eb593ca48bcb2576dc5c9c21dad51638.webp 800w,\n/static/9fc65f169cfeb7fed7a0561b20ae2692/3f179/eb593ca48bcb2576dc5c9c21dad51638.webp 1070w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2010-markdown","title":"Why Marijuana Infused Soda Might Be Your Next Drink","slug":"why-marijuana-infused-soda-might-be-your-next-drink","content":"I have memories of running around on a hot summer day at our community pool and grabbing an ice cold Fresca, then running onto the slip-and-slide (aka ‘The Wet Banana’). I remember that type of childhood experience and that soda flavor so very well. The flavor somehow got embedded in my feel-good subconscious, similar to how the smell of autumn leaves might signal football games or burning wood makes me think of get-together bonfires on a beach in Martha’s Vineyard. So, perhaps if the notion of summer time (during our cold wet winter) combined with a bit of nostalgia sounds like a recipe for a good time, then [Sprig](http://www.drinksprig.com/) may have a place in your heart and next social gathering.\r\n\r\nSprig is a new THC infused beverage, which also happens to taste like a Fresca. In the words of founder Michael Lewis ‘A Sprig should make you want to smile more, that’s the whole point.’ Launched this past August, it has quickly become the rising star in the edibles drink market winning [Edibles List magazine Best Soda of 2015](http://ediblesmagazine.com/edibles/the-2015-best-of-edibles-list-awards-winners/). The magazine has a national scope, so Sprig was competing against some solid contenders, including [Dixie Elixirs](http://dixieelixirs.com/) flagship products.\r\n\r\nWhat becomes clear when you speak to the guys who started Sprig, is that they have authentic and inspiring aspirations for their brand. In their mind, a Sprig should be consumed in a social gathering creating a good-times-atmosphere and ideally, some shared memories. Their goal is not to get people smashed and their initial product launched at an intentionally low dose, a 15mg per serving can. They’d like to enhance a good vibe mentality and promote smart-use with what is essentially a recreational product. Think of the movie [Endless Summer](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060371/), and imagine those guys after catching the most perfect wave, sitting down and drinking a Sprig together. \r\n\r\nMichael Lewis, Co Founder of Sprig, sat down to chat with me last week and here is what he had to say about Sprig:\r\n\r\n**How did you come up with the idea to create Sprig?**\r\n\r\nThe general concept of Sprig started just a little over a year ago and we officially launched in August of 2015.  I met my co founder Ethan Feffer and Michael Lewis while working at [WeedMaps](https://weedmaps.com/) in Irvine, CA. Ethan was General Counsel there at the time, while I was managing Business Development and we became friendly. For both of us it was our first exposure to the cannabis industry and where we really gained an understanding of the California cannabis marketplace. Prior to Weedmaps, Ethan had been a corporate transactional attorney and I worked within finance for private investment funds. While still at Weedmaps, it became evident to us that there were very few well-done brands within the industry. It was at this time that we began to think about how we could possibly create a new product together and the idea of Sprig was hatched.\r\n\r\n**When you started creating Sprig, how did you think about it in relation to the edible marketplace?**\r\n\r\nEdibles, particularly those that you eat like a chocolate, are most often overpowering and the dosage can be unreliable. When creating our product we wanted to avoid creating anything that might have the [‘Maureen Dowd’ effect]( http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/04/opinion/dowd-dont-harsh-our-mellow-dude.html?_r=1). We wanted to create an elevated brand as well as a reliable product from the chemistry side, which would be incredibly consistent and reliable. Our intention was to create a product that contained the level of quality of a product you might purchase at a grocery store. Beverages are interesting in that it is much easier to know what you are getting in terms of reliability. The uniformity of the mixing ensures that the dosage is more consistent. We like that people can feel confident in what they are ingesting.\r\n\r\n**So, it sounds as if you knew early on you wanted to create a beverage within the edibles space?**\r\n\r\nYes, we wanted to create a beverage, as it is already something that people feel comfortable with socially. I feel more social drinking with people than I do when I am splitting a brownie. We want the experience people have with a Sprig to feel light hearted. Ultimately, the idea is that people would want to sit down and be comfortable in a group setting with a Sprig.\r\n\r\n**How did you come up with the name Sprig?**\r\nSprig the name is a subtle nod to an herb, whether that be rosemary, thyme or a plant like cannabis. The brand aspiration was to create something that is approachable that did not say ‘stoner’ or contain any puns relating to marijuana. We want both a new consumer as well as an experienced one to feel comfortable approaching our product. \r\n\r\n**It is interesting that Sprig launched with a 15mg dosage. This is considered a much lower dosed product than the industry norm. What was the thought behind releasing a 15 mg product?**\r\n\r\nInitially, we wanted to launch Sprig with a much lower dosage so that newer consumers within the market could start out smaller and feel OK with a can in their hands. Our first product contained only 15mg of THC and can be casually sipped over a period of time. Overall, our 15mg dose should never get anyone too high or overpower his or her day. \r\n\r\nWe worked with a group of chemists and PHDs out of USC to formulate the beverage and everyone was on the same page, the idea being we would start with a low dosage and work our way up to a higher dosage later. This is exactly what we have done with success. After being on the market for a little while, we saw there was a market demand for a higher dosage, so we have now released our 45mg dosage drinks. In California, our market let us know that they wanted a higher dosage and so we worked to deliver this. In relation to other products, our higher dosage product is still on the lower side of what you often see in a dispensary. We like that our high dose product is considered relatively low dose compared to other products.\r\n\r\n**How does consuming a can of Sprig make people feel?**\r\n\r\nIf I drink a 45mg can of Sprig, I will feel the effects of it for about 3 hours. If I drink a 15mg Sprig, I may feel a little relaxed or giggly. A slight upper effect is felt with the lower dosage, but you should not get a feeling of being overpowered. Everyone is different as we know, but in general, the market feedback we have received has mimicked my experience with the drink. Our goal was to create a social drink where people could continue to be social after drinking it and not feel the need to go away from the group.\r\n\r\nWhen a person drinks a Sprig, they will feel the effects more quickly than if you eat an edible, such as a brownie. Due to the fact it is a liquid, you will feel the effects in about 30 minutes and will not last for more than 3 hours. An edible you eat may take up to an hour or more to feel and can effect you for as long as 6 or 8 hours.\r\n\r\n**What is the process you go through to create a can of Sprig soda?**\r\n\r\nWe use a raw CO2 based extract, which is a very clean extract with no nasty solvents. Once we have created the CO2 extract, it is distilled in a similar way to liquor. The distillation process takes out some of the remaining impurities, and so you end up with very pure THC oil. There is no meaningful CBD presence within the extract and it almost looks like a honey-type substance. It is very viscous, amber colored oil. Once we get the refined CO2 oil, it is put into a soda and from there we combine it with organic cane sugar. It is your basic beverage but it has THC. \r\n\r\nThe flavoring is similar to a Fresca, and people seem to love this. When we were trying to create the soda from scratch, we steered the chemists towards the things we wanted to be somewhat like, which was a cross between a Fresca, an Orangina and a Japanese sodas, which often are less sweet than typical American sodas. After some back and forth, Sprig is what we came up with.\r\n\r\n**What would you like people to know about Sprig?**\r\n\r\nOur goal has been to release a very simple product. It is a THC infused soda that is meant to be socially positive. We don’t aim to get folks crazy high and we want people to have a good time and feel good while drinking the soda and afterwards. We wanted to develop a safe way for people to take cannabis. It is meant to be psychoactive and fun.\r\n\r\nWe believe our product has a wide appeal to people of different ages and backgrounds. It could be a poolside or beachside drink and if I think of a setting where it is consumed I think of happy, casual social get-togethers. This is not a product that is meant for hard partying, like say, Red Bull vodka. We think of a group of people enjoying each other’s company and smiling more. We want our brand and our product to look and feel uplifting and positive. \r\n\r\n**Where can people find Sprig today?**\r\n\r\nWe are currently in 110 dispensaries from San Diego up to Sonoma/Santa Rosa area. Initially, it was not easy to get into dispensaries. I would knock on doors and hustle it into various shops, it was good experience, but it was hard. Now, we add about 2 to 3 accounts a week and now people are calling us to find our product and some distributors are helping us with this. We would like to be in 200-350 dispensaries by the end of 2016. \r\n\r\nCurrently, we are focused on California, which is the nation’s biggest cannabis market. That said, Sprig's ambitions are national as well as international. We will want to ensure that we have quality control wherever we distribute so someone drinking a Sprig in Illinois or Washington will have the same experience as someone in Los Angeles. That's our end goal with wherever we take our product.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/ee604/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.png","srcSet":"/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/69585/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.png 200w,\n/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/497c6/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.png 400w,\n/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/ee604/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.png 800w,\n/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/f3583/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.png 1200w,\n/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/f90fa/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/58556/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/61e93/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.webp 200w,\n/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/1f5c5/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.webp 400w,\n/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/58556/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.webp 800w,\n/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/99238/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.webp 1200w,\n/static/3d55f2472ec0da60edca2ed724c0553c/5e0b8/3aa2637a7077c1375b7a65f2bb468a8a.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":72,"numPages":7,"currentPage":7,"id":5834,"name":"Thc","slug":"thc","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}