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Legalize it – Macedonia

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Legalize it – Macedonia

The latest country to sit at the cool kids table is Macedonia. That is right, loveable Macedonia (do you know ANYTHING about Macedonia???l) decided just last week to legalize medical cannabis! The Health Minister announced plans to have medical marijuana available for patients to purchase in regular pharmacies across the country. Like patients are real people, imagine that!

Macedonia may have actually tackled the medical aspect of legitimizing marijuana better than anywhere in the United States. Why? Well, other than giving patients the ability to purchase their medicine like everyone else (in a pharmacy), Culture Magazine reports,

“Amendments were made to the law on Control of Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, which enables medical cannabis to be treated like medicine.”

This means that Macedonians who use medical cannabis wouldn’t be going against Macedonian government drug policies – the way that residents in medical states in the U.S. go against United States Federal government drug policies. Macedonians won’t have to worry that their pharmacies, their families or their businesses will be in jeopardy due to breaking the law.

Croatia was the first  Balkan state to legalize medical marijuana, at the end of last year, which left the opportunity for Macedonia to take a stand themselves.

Here is to breaking unjust cannabis standards. And what do you think? Are you more likely to visit the Balkans?

 

 

Cannabis May Prevent Obesity

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Cannabis May Prevent Obesity

A Washington Post article I read put it pretty bluntly with its opening statement,  “Want to take a bit out of the American Obesity epidemic? Legalize medicinal marijuana.” They make it sound so obvious. And so easy.

A recent study discovered that in states that passed medical marijuana laws, the population had a 2% to 6% decline in their probability of obesity.

Some of the findings indicate why cannabis could be preventing obesity.  For older users, cannabis increased physical mobility because it reduces pain and inflammation – HELLO, ARTHRITIS. Basically, folks who would be highly immobile due to arthritic issues or other aches and pains are able to use cannabis and regain much of that mobility back.  So they aren’t sitting around all day because it hurts too much to move.

In younger users, cannabis often correlates with a decreased consumption of alcohol – which is high calorie – which increases chances of weight gain.

“Our findings show that the enactment of MMLs [medical marijuana law] is associated with a 3.1% reduction in the probability of alcohol consumption and a 4.8% reduction in the probability of binge drinking.”

Do these figures and findings resonate with you? In Colorado and Washington states, where marijuana is legal for medical and recreational purposes, recent stats show great health among residents…

Men’s Journal Asks, Can MaryJane Fix Your Sex Life?

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“When you get supremely stoned, you’re probably not good for taking care of anything beyond a couple bags of Doritos.”

At face value, a funny line, sure, but certainly not complimentary or sensitive. And not super amusing to patients with issues such as severe nausea or wasting syndrome, who use cannabis to be able to eat anything at all.

Men’s Journal does bring up a good point early on though. While marijuana has traditionally been linked to erectile dysfunction and low sperm count, doctors in the field and patients reporting back are producing and providing very different results. Men’s Journal reports,

“The traditional literature is out of date and in need of an overhaul. However, because most academic research relies on federal grants and federal law prohibits marijuana, it may be years before new research comes from American universities.”

Chief Medical officer at HelloMD Perry Solomon says,

“The way I see it, why not try cannabis? There are side effects to Viagra and zero side effects to cannabis when dosed properly…Maybe it’s just making them feel better and relaxed, and that’s making it easier for them to enjoy sex, but it’s still working.”

It is a good point. Why not reap the benefits without any of the risks traditionally associated with Viagra? I mean, that stuff can kill you if you take too much.

Men’s Journal also focuses on the concern that too much cannabis can easily take things from sexy to sloppy. They warn readers that couchlock could prevent some men from even wanting to have sex.

Who are these men? I have never met them.

MJ follows up with an important topic – consent. Make sure that yourself and your potential partner are fully aware of what you are doing. While I’ve never known marijuana alone to incapacitate someone beyond the ability to say “yes” or “no”, experimenting with edibles can lead to some pretty strange states of consciousness. So use your common sense and don’t get weird guys and gals.

Source: Men’s Journal

Cannabis Urban Legends: The Drive Thru Recreational Dispensary

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Prior to 4/20 we were checking out what big things were happening in cannabis around the country.  One thing we saw was a video from Now This Marijuana, in which recreational users in Oregon were given a glimpse of a 4/20 miracle.

now-this-marijuana

Check out the Now This video for yourself.

It sounded too good to be true – but the reports were pretty clear. Time and USA Today even covered it.  For the first time, a dispensary would offer a drive-thru option for recreational users!  And originally we wanted to do a story on how it worked out for everyone out in Oregon on 4/20 at the drive-thru. Were there any problems or did it go smoothly? And when can WE drive-thru?

Sadly, upon further investigation, we have not been able to find anything confirming that this mythical Recreational Cannabis Dispensary Drive Thru was ever open?

No pictures means it didn’t happen, right?

Was this all just a huge public relations stunt to get more business? Is it okay with you if that is all it was? What other cannabis urban legends do you know?Do you have PROOF that a dispensary did this on 4/20 or any other day?

Comment below to fill us in or email us at [email protected] and use subject Urban Legends Blog.

 

Lifehacker’s How To Use Marijuana – A Review.

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We took a look at Lifehacker’s How To Use Medical Marijuana and had a few thoughts to pass along to you, our favorite cannabis consumers.

1. Plan Ahead for the First Few Times

I guess maybe because I’m not a newbie at this, the idea of calling in a babysitter for yourself to get high seems a little strange to me. With that said, if you are so vastly inexperienced with marijuana that you DO feel a babysitter for yourself is necessary GET ONE! Maybe you are trying edibles for the first time or experimenting with your mg intake – those are great times to make sure you are in good company in case you do need some assistance. I’ve definitely seen someone drop from an edible and she was all by herself – would have been nice if she’d had a trusted ally with her to help her when she went just a bit over her comfort level.

2. Manage the Munchies

Lifehacker suggests you plan what you want to eat in advance. I’d have to advise you not stress out too much about what you want to eat before you get high because chances are you are going to have an entirely different opinion on what you are hungry for after you get high. Just make sure you’ve got some go to favorites in the closet and if you’re trying to improve your eating habits – make sure you don’t have any chips 😉

3. Learn to Act Normally

I’ve been struggling with this one for my entire life, stoned or sober. I’m not sure what “normal” means to Lifehacker but my advice is to keep some eye drops handy and don’t say anything to anyone you don’t know unless totally necessary, ha ha ha! I always end up catching myself thinking up the weirdest (funny to me) stuff to say to the check-out person at the grocery store around the corner. But I’ve learned to keep those little hilarities to myself, because if history has proved anything time and time again it is that when I am high on cannabis, strangers do not find my small talk nearly as amusing as I do.

4. Control Your Tolerance

Lifehacker suggests taking one week off of marijuana a month. Three weeks on, one week off is a big regimented for cannabis use, but the things a person will do to keep their tolerance low…

5. Avoid Dependency

I do believe that checking in with yourself about your cannabis use is a vital step on the path of NOT becoming psychologically dependent on it. Lifehacker has a great point that I loved reading, and will end this article with.

“While marijuana doesn’t cause much in the realm of physical dependency—at least, not without very prolonged frequent use at high doses—you do run the risk of psychological dependency. That’s the case with anything, including a great chocolate cake.”

 

 

Source: https://lifehacker.com/how-to-use-medical-marijuana-safely-and-responsibly-1770545055

 

Cannabis – Lost in Translation

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Cannabis – Lost in Translation

Reporters were getting it all wrong on January 15th, when stories began to flood the internet about the “cannabis drug” research trial. 6 people in the study had been hospitalized. As of this writing 1 research volunteer has died and 4 remaining 5 being hospitalized currently suffer from “deep necrotic and hemorrhagic lesions in the brain.”

The entire first day of reporting, headlines were filled with claims that the drug being tested was a cannabis based painkiller. But it wasn’t true. At all.

The drug being tested was called BIA 10 – 2474. The company sponsoring the research trial, Bial, released an official statement on January 15.

“The development of this new molecule, in the area of pain (a FAAH enzyme inhibitor), has been conducted since the beginning in accordance with all the good international practices guidelines, with the completion of tests and preclinical trials, particularly in the area of toxicology. The results obtained in accordance with international guidelines have permitted the start of the clinical trials in humans. Throughout this trial, the new drug had already been administered to 108 patients without any moderate or serious adverse reaction.”

Effective FAAH enzyme inhibitors are needed. Unlike the often prescribed painkiller oxycodone, which interacts with the human body’s opioid receptors,  FAAH enzyme inhibitors are non addictive and don’t interact with opioid receptors.

So how did cannabis get mixed up in this story?

Pontchaillou medical centre in Rennes, the scene of a ‘serious accident’ during a trial of a reportedly cannabis-based painkiller in France
The Pontchaillou medical centre in Rennes, France

 

It has to do with how this FAAH enzyme inhibitor interacts with the human body. Forbes explains,

“What’s so important about FAAH? Our bodies make several fatty acid amides that include anandamide, a natural stimulator of the cannabinoid receptors upon which chemicals in the marijuana plant act. Anandamide is referred to as an endocannabinoid. The rationale is that a drug blocking FAAH will allow naturally-occurring anandamide to accumulate and act on cannabinoid receptors in a manner that won’t produce the psychoactive effects of cannabis.”

To this writer, it would appear as though the goal of this particular trial was to effectively create a modified, synthetic version of cannabis to negate the need to use it as medicinally as it naturally occurs.

Bial contends that the drug trial had been approved by all the necessary regulatory agencies, authorities and committees. Several news sources have since edited their original stories and/or published retractions stating that the offending drug was not cannabis based.

4 Presents to Please Your Weed Lovin’ Man

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4 Presents to Please Your Weed Lovin’ Man

 

It's Four-Twenty T-Shirt

1. Weed Apparel

Button up shirts are boring gifts. They just are. Instead, pick from the seemingly unlimited choices when shopping for cannabis-inspired clothing. You name it and someone, somewhere, had made it with a pot leaf or two on it. Undies? Check. Adult footie pajamas? Check! This T-shirt from 6DollarShirts.com presents a valid point, and for the canna-enthusiast who is also a cat lover this shirt by Rip N Dip covers both bases adorably.

 2. A key ring … on weed?

I don’t know about you, but my main man has what might be a hundred keys. He has house keys and car keys and work keys, oh my. Helping him dress up his key ring, a staple of his every day, can be a cute reminder of how much he is loved. Enter the Sweet Leaf Key by Good Worth & Co, which is a small but flashy choice for a house key. Another option could be this handmade key chain with cut-out coin by Bongo Beads. You could even choose to leave the weed leaf out of it and express your thoughts with words using this offering from Rasta Empire that simply reads: Legalize It.

3. Add to his (4:20) toolkit.

Maybe your guy is new to cannabis or maybe he is an old hand in the game. Whatever the case — starting a collection or adding to an existing one — a new pipe or vaporizer will be a sight for sore eyes. One kit I found on EverydaySmoker.com includes a grinder, a lighter and (one of my personal favorite styles of pipe) a steamroller. This would dazzle even the seasoned smoker. I mean, how many steamrollers have you smoked out of? Alternatively, if you have a little more cash and would prefer to vaporize, I’ve heard good things about the Pax 2 for its sleek style and the Herbalizer, which is designed by former NASA engineers. Both are high quality and discreet. Though I’ve yet to try either, I know my guy would be psyched if I surprised him with one of these.

4. Help him build his library, one cannabis publication at a time.

When my husband was growing up he got a monthly subscription to skateboard magazines. The anticipation is half the fun — checking the mailbox each day for the next issue. Nowadays, we tend to dread the mailbox filled with junk flyers and bills. But we wouldn’t if we had a monthly HT subscription. With grow tips, photo spreads and interviews, a monthly ’scrip for this classic mag won’t disappoint.

 

Republished with permission from the author.

3 Reasons To Grow Your Own Cannabis

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3 Reasons To Grow  Your Own Cannabis

In the cannabis industry, having a green thumb can be a very profitable skill.  It may not be naturally easy for everyone, but gardening can be very satisfying in a variety of ways. If cannabis is legal to grow in your state, we highly recommend you give it a try – and here are three reasons why.

 

1. Dirt Makes You Feel Good

First discovered by a British oncologist experimenting with cancer treatments, a soil dwelling bacteria called Mycobacteria vaccae. When administered, cancer patients displayed less symptoms and had a rise in their general feeling of well being – feeling more healthy, revitalized and with a sharper wit.  Later research uncovered that the M. vaccae caused a surge in serotonin in mice and acted as a de-stressor, lessening anxiety and improving cognitive functions. So get those hands dirty, the science says you’ll feel great afterwards.

2. Goal Setting Boosts Self Confidence

When anyone sets out to plant a cannabis seed their end goal is typically to have some usable plant material. And that doesn’t come overnight with cannabis. It takes many weeks to produce flowers worth consuming and just as much patience. But that’s what goals are – your envisioned ideal situation. Goal setting works positively for your confidence even if the desired result is never achieved because the process of setting and goal and following through is a confidence builder in itself. And we bet you’ll be stoked if and when you do reach this goal, right?

3. With Plant From Seed To Smoke

Buying cannabis from a reputable dispensary is a revolutionary process that only a few states allow their citizens to enjoy. But even when that is an option, there is something to be said for those that grow their own. Those people know exactly what kind of pesticides are used (or aren’t), what nutrients were used and how long the product was dried and cured. People that grow their own are wholly informed on the product they consume and that is enviable, is it not? Sure, there are space and legal restrictions in place but where there is a will there is a way.

 

While it might be impractical to think you could service a daily user for long with a small closet grow – it is practical, if it’s legal where you are, to give yourself the benefit of the doubt and see just what shade of green your thumb is.

Do They Dare?

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Do They Dare?

 

Early this week, Leafly and other news sources reported that the famous Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or DARE, had removed “marijuana” as a gateway drug on their website. Leafly included a link to a page that housed information about gateway drugs but when we tried to access that webpage, the link was broken with the displayed message “Page Not Found…Sorry, no posts match your criteria.”

So where does the organization stand on cannabis, legal or otherwise?

Leafly expands on this topic saying,

“Ron Brogan, a D.A.R.E. America regional director, explained that D.A.R.E. relies heavily on an outside contractor to handle its website. That makes it difficult to know when the change happened — or whether it happened at all. “I suppose it could have come out as part of our new curriculum, ‘Keepin’ It Real,’ and that may be the thought of the scientist that developed that,” he said.


Leafly, ever diligent, didn’t settle for a non-answer kind of answer. They searched the web and found a cached version of the website which was saved in 2013. There, no where on the page, is “cannabis” or “marijuana” mentioned as an actual gateway drug. SO although this removal of marijuana is news to most of us, it appears as though DARE (or at least the company running their webpage) hasn’t been demonizing marijuana quite as much as we all thought they had been.

He Had Nothing Left To Lose – Cannabis Oil Brought Him Back

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He Had Nothing To Lose

Cannabis Oil Brought Him Back

 

When David Hibbitt, 32, was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer his heart dropped. The expectation for his outcome was grim. The doctors gave him a mere 18 months to live. He decided to fight it.

Hibbit did what many do, and quickly adopted the chemotherapy and radiation protocol.  But it didn’t take long for his body to deteriorate.  Hibbitt realized pretty quickly that if the cancer wasn’t going to kill him, the cancer treatment would. He felt as though death was imminent.

Which is when David Hibbitt began to heed some loving advice. Friends and co-workers had been mentioning to him for some time to try cannabis oil. They’d heard and seen and read about it helping other people with cancer and wanted Hibbitt to give it a go.

Now, he uses one gram of cannabis oil per month – and has felt and seen a significant impact on his health and wellbeing. After nixing chemo and treating with cannabis oil, he not only felt like a different person, but he is now cancer free. Really.

Watch the video below to get a closer look at David Hibbitt.

 

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