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Cannabidiol for Sleep Apnea

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Disturbances to one’s sleep are more than simply an annoyance. The negative effects of poor sleep on your health are far reaching and extend well beyond a lack of energy and focus throughout the day. You probably know that there are treatments available for those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, including CPAP therapy, tongue-retaining devices, mouth guards, and other dental equipment.

Did you know that in certain places like Minnesota, medicinal marijuana is being utilized as an alternative therapy for obstructive sleep apnea?

Can sleep apnea sufferers get relief from marijuana use? In the following, ApneaMed discusses the specifics of using medical marijuana to treat sleep apnea and addresses any questions or concerns you may have.

Exactly what is this apnea thing all about, anyway?

When the soft tissues in the back of your throat relax and block your airway while you sleep, you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). When the soft tissues of the throat collapse, it blocks the airway and makes it hard to breathe. Because of this, you may experience gasping or choking as you try to free your airway. As a result of the brain not getting enough rest, you won’t be able to get into a restful slumber and will feel exhausted throughout the day.

Most people with sleep apnea are blissfully unaware that they have the disease until a bed partner or friend alerts them to the fact that they snored, grunted, gasped, or choked repeatedly during the night. Those with mild to severe obstructive sleep apnea may find relief from their symptoms with alternate treatment approaches, such as medicinal marijuana, even if continuous positive airway pressure therapy is the standard of care.

Sleep Apnea and Marijuana for Medical Purposes

Many serious health issues, including as stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, obesity, migraines, and more, may be caused by untreated sleep apnea. Though CPAP machines and other breathing aids may help, patients with mild to moderate symptoms of sleep apnea are increasingly looking for alternatives to these devices. To this end, studies examining the efficacy of medicinal marijuana in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea have increased.

Medical marijuana was shown to enhance the breathing patterns of rats with sleep apnea in a 2002 study done by researchers at the University of Illinois. A human trial of medicinal marijuana for sleep apnea was conducted in 2013 after this research and showed that the decrease of sleep apnea symptoms was enhanced. Researchers are optimistic that medicinal marijuana may help patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, despite the fact that these trials are still in the first phases.

In 2017, the Minnesota Department of Health legalized medicinal cannabis for the treatment of sleep apnea, in light of these encouraging trial findings showing a reduction in nighttime bouts of shallow breathing and apneas.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine Recommends Medical Cannabis for Sleep Apnea Patients
The effectiveness of medicinal cannabis in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is still being investigated, although more recent trials have shown promising results. This abstract was published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and discusses the effects of cannabis on breathing patterns. Since cannabis is not yet subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, it is difficult to evaluate the long-term influence it has on sleep apnea and quality of sleep (FDA). The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) does not yet endorse the use of medical cannabis for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea because to the lack of regulation and the vast variation in synthetic cannabis.

Sleep apnea evaluation and therapy

Sleep apnea sufferers should talk to their doctors about the best course of therapy, including any drugs being used or planned for the future. In spite of the widespread acceptance of the medicinal benefits of cannabis, studies on its effectiveness in treating sleep apnea are still in their infancy.

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Cannabinoids in the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Ulcerative Colitis

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More than three million Americans are living with the chronic illness known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). USA Reliable Source. The conditions known as Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) fall under the umbrella term inflammatory bowel disease (I (UC).

Unfortunately, there is now no treatment that will alleviate the symptoms of IBD, and sometimes medicine is ineffective. Researchers have been looking at cannabis’ potential for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for a while now. Uncertainty still surrounds the final conclusion.

The number of diseases for which medical marijuana is being prescribed is growing. These include epilepsy, chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and inflammatory disorders. Because of this, cannabis is gaining popularity.

Here, we’ll examine the studies that have investigated the effects of cannabis on IBD in further detail.

Language is important
The three varieties of cannabis (Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis) all belong to the same type of plant. Cannabinoids are a group of chemical compounds found in cannabis that have a wide range of effects. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of the most researched cannabinoids (CBD). The results of each are different.

Marijuana may refer to any part of these plants that has been dried and smoked or eaten.

The term “cannabis” has largely supplanted the older term “marijuana” to refer to this family of plants. There are a number of factors at play here, one of which is the ever-changing legal status of cannabis in the USA. This is done in order to distance ourselves from the term’s racist past.

Cannabidiol (CBD) for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, IBD is a chronic (long-term) disorder that may have a significant effect on your quality of life. Although researchers have not pinpointed a specific cause for IBD, they suspect that a combination of genetics, nutrition, and environmental factors have a role.

Long-term symptom management of UC and CD may be difficult with the current standard of care for IBD, especially for those with severe symptoms including bloody diarrhea and stomach discomfort. Because of this, researchers are looking into novel medicines to treat these chronic diseases and enhance patients’ quality of life in the long run.

Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) include stomach discomfort, loss of appetite, and diarrhea; studies reveal that C. sativa variants (THC and CBD) are often used to address these symptoms.

Many questions remain unanswered concerning the potential benefits of cannabis for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This is due to the fact that various strains of the cannabis plant include a wide range of effects due to the presence of more than 140 chemicals. Concerns remain concerning their efficacy in treating inflammatory bowel disease.

These are some of the most crucial questions to ask:

  1. Which varieties (THC, CBD) could have positive effects?
  2. For IBD, how do they alleviate symptoms?
  3. What are the optimal preparations and doses?
  4. When used for extended periods, what precautions should be taken, if any?

Insufficient evidence exists, for instance, regarding the efficacy and safety of cannabis in controlling UC and CD symptoms, according to a 2020 review of trials using cannabis for IBD. Further study is required to determine whether or not cannabis is helpful for UC or CD symptoms and whether or not the potential risks outweigh the potential benefits.

In what ways can cannabinoids in cannabis alleviate pain and discomfort associated with inflammation and gastrointestinal distress?

Some researchers think that cannabinoids achieve their effects by emulating the body’s own endocannabinoids. Numerous physiological processes rely on endocannabinoids, which bind to cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2.

There is evidence from studies that

Cannabinoids from a Trusted Source (such THC and CBD) may stimulate CB1 and CB2 receptors, resulting in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Some of the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be alleviated by these compounds, which may have actions comparable to endocannabinoids.

low metabolic rate, difficulty losing weight, and poor appetite are all symptoms of a metabolic disorder.

Although cannabis has been shown to alleviate certain symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), research on its efficacy in treating this condition have been mixed. Research involving humans is required to determine the efficacy of cannabis in treating the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Active studies for inflammatory bowel disease

Talk to your doctor about participating in clinical trials related to IBD research if you’re interested in taking part in research investigations.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and mental health patients might benefit from the care provided in specialized medical settings.

  • Supplemental vitamin D3 for individuals with active inflammatory bowel disease
  • Reduced risk of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease and stress
  • Discuss with your doctor whether or if you meet the criteria for participation in any of the other ongoing clinical trials for IBD.

Cannabis-related problems or side consequences

The effects of cannabis on the body vary widely. The effects of cannabis vary widely depending on variables such as the kind of cannabis (THC or CBD), quantity and intensity (level of THC), method of consumption (smoking vs. oral), other health problems, medicines, and the person using cannabis.

Among the possible immediate consequences are:

  • Emotional swings
  • nausea dry mouth dizziness
  • improved calmness when snacking
  • perceptual shift
  • hallucinations (with excessively intense amounts of THC) (with extremely concentrated levels of THC)

The main other THC-related negative effects are:

  • poor arterial pressure
  • elevated heart rate due to nervousness
  • sickness and retching, inability to focus, and rapid-fire thinking
  • confusion
  • lethargy
  • Sleep disturbances anxiety issues with learning and memory paranoia
  • psychosis (with excessively concentrated amounts of THC) (with extremely concentrated levels of THC)
  • a state of utter reliance on
  • Having a conversation about treatment options with your doctor
  • Please with your physician before using cannabis to treat your IBD symptoms.

In other words, they may elaborate:

Cannabinoids with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Pros and Cons Where to get it, what makes medical marijuana different from other types, how long an impact medical marijuana has, and whether or not it’s legal in your state

Your current IBD drugs may interact with cannabis as well. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before attempting any new OTC medications. Yes, it also refers to cannabis.

If you’re interested in learning more about cannabis, it’s best to have an open talk with your doctor about it. What you tell them must be kept secret under penalty of law.

Takeaway

Cannabis is a multifaceted substance with many permutations and uses. The effects of cannabis may vary depending on factors such as the strain used, the amount of THC present, and the method by which it was consumed. This is why the scientific rationale for cannabis’ therapeutic benefits is still murky.

Some studies have shown that cannabidiol (CBD) helps alleviate IBD symptoms, however these findings have been contradictory. The usefulness of cannabis for IBD, including the optimal dose, route of administration, and long-term effects, remains largely unclear. Before cannabis may be suggested for use in controlling IBD symptoms, further human research are required.

It’s also worth noting that cannabis legality varies by state. To learn more about the latest cannabis and IBD studies, see your doctor. You may ask them about potential jobs, safety, and long-term usage impacts, among other things. Inquire as to whether or not cannabis is a viable solution for you.

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How to Choose Your First Marijuana Strain

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The number of Americans who use cannabis regularly is growing. While young cannabis usage has fallen, a 2018 survey found that everyday cannabis use among American adults is on the rise.

Forbes estimates the worldwide cannabis market to be worth $7.5 billion. By 2021, it is expected to reach $31.4 billion.

The adaptability of cannabis as a therapeutic aid contributes to the industry’s success. Cannabis has been the subject of several scientific studies, with promising results for treating a range of medical ailments (including anxiety, chronic pain, and epilepsy).

The problem is that not all cannabis is the same, as any medicinal or recreational user will tell you. The effects of various cannabis strains allow for a wide range of applications.

We’ve got you covered if marijuana is legal where you live but you’re not sure which strain would be best for you. Read on for more information on different types of marijuana.

Can you explain what a marijuana strain is?

You may have seen the terms “indica,” “sativa,” and “hybrid” while researching marijuana or shopping for it. Most people classify marijuana in one of these three ways.

The Hindu Kush mountains in India are the birthplace of Indica, a strain that is often believed to have a calming effect on the user. Sativa strains are more stimulating, while hybrids have elements of both.

However, many professionals in the field are beginning to rethink the distinctions between indica, sativa, and hybrid strains. Confident Cannabis’s director of data science, Amos Elberg, says these labels don’t imply anything.

We examine samples of all cannabis products evaluated via our partner laboratories, and when we look at all the data, especially of the chemical composition of flower, we detect no discernible traits that are consistent with indica, sativa, or hybrid, he says.

People are using these names interchangeably, although they don’t all refer to the same results. Some individuals who use indica report feeling wired rather than couch bound.

That is to say, consumers should not be startled if an indica strain produces euphoria rather than calmness or if a supposedly stimulating sativa strain has the opposite effect.

Marijuana clinics may further categorize their stock by strain, beyond the typical indica, sativa, and hybrid categories. Different strains of cannabis are developed to produce varying degrees of psychoactive effects in its consumers.

Nonetheless, if indica, sativa, and hybrid are worthless categorizations, are strain names likewise meaningless?

Not quite, according to Elberg.

In spite of their shared names, not all seed packets contain genetically equivalent or even related varieties. According to Elberg, “some producers may opt to develop a strain name purely as a branding exercise, or to identify their product with an existing name because they feel the product fits features the market expects from product sold under that label.

However, Elberg notes that there is still uniformity in the quality of goods marketed under different strain names.

“In general,” he says, “stuff provided by various suppliers tends to be very constant” even when it comes to less well-known brand names. “However, a greater selection of goods are offered for the most prevalent strain names.”

If you buy from a reliable vendor, you should expect somewhat uniform strains. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s responses to cannabis vary.

The Best Way to Pick a Strain

The desired effect should guide your selection of a strain. As was previously noted, cannabis has many potential medicinal applications; however, certain strains are more effective than others for treating particular symptoms or illnesses.

The strain’s possible side effects should also be investigated. Many of the most common strains might cause you to feel dizzy, have dry eyes and mouth, and even faint. Furthermore, marijuana may interfere with prescription drugs. Marijuana users should not operate heavy machines.

You want to test cannabis because you think it could be useful in treating a medical condition.

If you have a preexisting ailment or are on any drugs, you should see your doctor.

Viral strains of varying kinds

Here’s what some of the most common marijuana strains have been reported to do by Leafly users.

“Acapulco Gold”

Acapulco Gold is a famous and highly regarded cannabis variety with its roots in Acapulco, Mexico. It is well-known for the uplifting and euphoric effects it has on its users. Experts claim it may help with anything from a bad attitude to motion sickness.

Imagine a Blue Skied Night

Blue Dream has a calming and soothing effect without being too sedative. When you can’t afford to sleep but yet need relief from pain, cramps, or inflammation, this is your best bet. On top of that, it’s supposed to make you feel happy and upbeat.

Kush, Purple

Purple Kush is excellent for creating euphoria, making one feel content, drowsy, and relaxed. In many cases, it may help alleviate discomfort and relax tight muscles. The sedative properties of this substance make it useful for treating insomnia.

Acidic Diesel

Sour Diesel is an excellent strain for boosting energy and motivation since it is both uplifting and stimulating. It also helps relieve tension and discomfort significantly.

Bubba Kush.

Bubba Kush is a strain that is known for putting people to sleep. It works well as a sleep aid for those who suffer from insomnia. There is a decrease in discomfort and tension is alleviated as a bonus.

Daddy Purple

In the same vein as Purple Haze, Granddaddy Purple is a very soothing strain to smoke. It is well regarded for the positive effects it has on combating insomnia and relieving anxiety. Users report that it increases hunger and exhilaration, both of which are beneficial.

The Kush Mountains of Afghanistan

Afghan Kush is a very calming and sleep-inducing strain that originated in the Hindu Kush mountains that lie between Afghanistan and Pakistan. In the same way that it might assist alleviate pain, this can also stimulate hunger if you’re feeling particularly famished.

Private Discussions in Los Angeles

The LA Confidential strain of cannabis is another popular choice for treating insomnia. Many individuals who suffer from chronic pain find it helpful because of its purported anti-inflammatory and painkilling properties.

Wow, Maui

Enjoying a Maui Wowie may make you feel calm and inspired at the same time. As a bonus, it helps you stay alert and focused on days when you have a lot of work to get done.

a fabled golden goat

Because of its joyful and inspirational effects, Golden Goat has gained widespread popularity. It’s fantastic for improving your mood and warding off weariness at the same time.

The Aurora Borealis

Another strain that might help you wind down and get some shut-eye is Northern Lights. In addition to alleviating sleeplessness, pain, tension, and depression, it is well recognized for its mood-enhancing properties.

“White Widow”

White Widow has a plethora of benefits, like lifting your spirits, energizing you, and calming you down. There have been claims that its use may alleviate physical discomfort, mental strain, and emotional melancholy. White Widow might give you a jolt of energy and keep you mentally sharp if you’ve been feeling tired.

The Ultimate Silver Haze

Super Silver Haze is another uplifting strain that is believed to alleviate pain and nausea while also boosting your mood. Because of this, it is great for relieving tension.

“Pineapple Express”

Pineapple Express, so-called because of the 2008 film of the same name, has a fruity aroma. It’s soothing and upbeat, but others claim it also gives you a jolt of energy. This seems like a strain that could really help with efficiency.

Fruity cereal

The exhilaration and calmness that users of Fruity Pebbles OG (FPOG) report feeling suggest that this strain is useful for managing stress. Users report feeling more jovial, experiencing less nausea, and having a greater appetite after taking it.

Products that are both necessary and helpful

Many useful items exist for those who live in states where marijuana use is legal and who want to experiment with various kinds of cannabis or even produce their own supply.

Growing

Laws

Legislation

cultivation of marijuana varies greatly from one jurisdiction to the next. Think long and hard about

develop, check your facts first.

Inhalation Device Resembling a Volcano

Inhaling cannabis may be more appealing than smoking it in a pipe, bong, or joint for certain users. Using its heating element, this desktop vaporizer vaporizes cannabis before releasing the vapor into a balloon. The balloon’s air is subsequently breathed in by the occupant.

You may get a vaporizer that is compatible with both dry herbs and liquid concentrates.

Butter Conjuring Kit

Many edibles begin with cannabutter, or butter that has been infused with cannabis. Unfortunately, the process of creating cannabutter can be time-consuming and tiresome.

However, with this butter kit, infusing herbs into butter is a breeze. The butter and product may be kept at at the right temperature thanks to its integrated heating unit and thermostat.

Dosage Calculator tCheck

The tCheck Dosage Checker measures the potency of alcohol-based tinctures and other liquids containing cannabis. You may use it to evaluate the potency of consumables like olive oil, ghee (clarified butter), and coconut butter that have been infused with cannabis.

Regrettably, it cannot test dry herb, just liquids.

Relating to a Palm Minter

The Palm Mincer is helpful since grinding cannabis leaves by hand may be laborious. It’s the ideal size to fit in your palm, and it makes short work of cannabis. Furthermore, it can be cleaned in the dishwasher, making it simple to remove the sticky cannabis resin. I’m selling it right now if you’re interested.

A Gathering Jump-Start Kit

The essentials for growing and harvesting your own cannabis are included in this handy beginning package.

The grow kit has everything you need to get started, including a trimming tray, a microscope for inspecting buds to see if they’re ready to be harvested, three different kinds of pruning shears, sanitizing spray for your instruments, a drying rack, and gloves.

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The universally beneficial effects of cannabis on health

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In addition to the pain-relieving properties of THC, cannabis also contains CBD, a chemical that increases the efficiency of brain activity. Short-route distillation is a suitable technique for producing both chemicals and enhancing their use. Among the ways cannabis may benefit its consumers:

Reduction of chronic pain

Cannabinoids are merely one of cannabis’s hundreds of chemical components. Cannabinoids have been linked to the relief of chronic pain due to their chemical nature. Medical cannabis, a cannabis derivative, is often used to relieve chronic pain.

augmentation of lung function

Cannabis is safe for the lungs when smoked. Contrary to common opinion, research indicates that cannabis really increases lung capacity.

Help with weight loss

Contrary to common assumption, regular marijuana users are not often overweight. Due to the fact that studies have shown that cannabis usage may assist your body manage insulin and regulate calorie intake.

Diabetes may be prevented and managed by managing blood sugar levels.

The action of cannabis on insulin explains why it controls blood sugar levels and prevents diabetes. The American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC) has released studies demonstrating that cannabis stabilizes blood sugar levels, decreases blood pressure, and increases blood flow.

Combat cancer.

The ability of cannabis to suppress tumor development is among the most promising medical uses of the plant. In animal experiments, cannabinoids have showed promise in the treatment of cancer.

Reduces symptoms of depression and assists in therapy

Most individuals with depression are unaware of their condition. The endocannabinoid compounds contained in marijuana have been related to both mood stability and decreased depression.

Autism treatment: encouraging outcomes to date

Cannabis has a sedative impact on its users. Helps autistic children with extreme mood swings to keep them under control.

Control convulsions

Epilepsy can be treated, according to the findings of research on CBD. The effects of cannabis on epileptics are now the focus of investigation.

Repair damaged bones

Cannabidiol has been connected with accelerated bone fracture healing. According to the Bone Research Laboratory in Tel Aviv, it also strengthens the bone throughout the healing process. Consequently, future bone fractures will be less likely to occur.

Beneficial in treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Those with ADHD or ADD often struggle to keep focus. They often struggle with memory and focus. Cannabis may help persons with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) focus better, according to available evidence. It is also a safer alternative to stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin.

Glaucoma medicine.

Glaucoma patients endure pain owing to increased intraocular pressure. Cannabis may provide glaucoma sufferers with some short-term comfort by reducing intraocular pressure.

Soothe your nerves

There is a method for reducing the anxiety that marijuana is infamous for producing. Cannabis has been found, in regulated dosages and under close supervision, to relieve anxiety and increase relaxation in its users.

A gradual development of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is merely one example of the many illnesses that contribute to mental loss. Age-related decline in cognitive abilities is a normal effect of aging. The anti-inflammatory properties of the endocannabinoid system in cannabis may lessen the brain inflammation that leads to Alzheimer’s disease.

Conquer the anguish brought on by arthritis

Patients with arthritis may now get cannabis in the form of lotions and balms. THC and CBD are complimentary in their capacity to relieve pain.

Reduces symptoms of PTSD

Not only soldiers are susceptible to getting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after experiencing a stressful incident. Ongoing research is being conducted on the impact of legalized cannabis on the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Cannabis regulates the fight-or-flight response to prevent it from going into overdrive.

It gives incalculable assistance to persons afflicted with MS.

Historically, cannabis has been used to alleviate the pain associated with multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis causes very painful muscle spasms, which medicinal marijuana may alleviate.

Increases therapy effectiveness while minimizing bad effects associated with hepatitis C.

The side effects of hepatitis C treatment include nausea, fatigue, depression, and muscle aches. Some individuals with hepatitis C experience them for months. Cannabinoids in cannabis have been demonstrated to increase the effectiveness of therapies while decreasing their side effects.

Reduces gastrointestinal and stomach irritation

Cannabis may give some relief to those with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. THC and CBD both interact with gut cells that are essential for immune response and gastrointestinal function. Intestinal inflammation may be produced by bacteria and other substances, both of which may be suppressed by the antibacterial effects of cannabis.

Anti-tremor action; beneficial for Parkinson’s disease.

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease Cannabis has been demonstrated to reduce tremors, alleviate pain, and promote sleep. Also shown to improve are the patients’ motor skills.

A support in the battle against alcoholism

The fact that cannabis is safer than alcohol is simply one of the several reasons marijuana is beneficial to your health. Substituting cannabis for alcohol may not be risk-free, but it may be a more effective method for reducing alcohol consumption.

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How Cannabinoids in Marijuana Help with Back Pain?

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Growth in support for using cannabis for therapeutic purposes is been seen. Marijuana is increasingly being utilized as an alternative therapy for a wide variety of physical and mental health issues. Some doctors and healthcare professionals now offer medicinal marijuana to patients suffering from chronic pain, osteoarthritis, and back pain, and patients with these conditions are increasingly seeking out medical marijuana on their own.

Nonetheless, marijuana continues to have the same negative connotations it has always had. There isn’t a ton of information regarding “marijuana as a therapy for back pain” since marijuana was banned for much of our adult life (and so lacked the marketing push and distribution of popular prescription pain drugs). Those curious in medical marijuana as an alternative to opioid painkillers likely have many concerns about its efficacy and safety for this purpose.

The Most Frequently Asked Concerns Regarding Medical Marijuana Is there any proof that marijuana is safe for medicinal use? Is being “high” always a side effect of using marijuana? In what ways, if any, can marijuana relieve back pain? Is it okay to use this in addition to my regular pain medication? Is it allowed under the law?

In this article, we’ll tell you where it stands legally in the United States, what kinds of marijuana there are and how they’re administered, and why medical marijuana may help alleviate your back pain and other ailments.

Curious as to the origins of your lower back discomfort and potential solutions? This must be read before we discuss using medicinal marijuana.

OK, so first things first:

I’m Confused: Describe Marijuana.

The term “marijuana” is often used to refer to both the dried flowers (buds) and leaves of the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are the natural chemical ingredients found in marijuana. These chemicals (such as THC or CBD) may alleviate a wide variety of ailments thanks to their therapeutic characteristics. Cannabinoids in marijuana interact with the body’s natural cannabinoid receptors, which have a wide range of therapeutic effects, including relief from pain, inflammation, anxiety, sadness, nausea, and increased mobility.

THC is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that causes the high. Choose a strain of marijuana with low THC (the average is approximately 25%) if you don’t want to experience the psychoactive effects (side effects might include mood swings, anxiety, losing track of time, etc.). In case you need assistance, just ask at your local marijuana store.

If you suffer from chronic back pain, you may be wondering, “Why use medical marijuana?”

Getting “stoned” isn’t all that marijuana has to offer. The mental repercussions of chronic pain, such as sadness, anxiety, and sleeplessness, may be alleviated by using marijuana, which has various therapeutic characteristics that can help with back pain, tightness, inflammation, and nausea (induced by other drugs).

Among the more than one hundred cannabinoids found in cannabis, THC is by far the most well recognized. Pain, inflammation, arthritis, fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, and other disorders may respond well to a combination of cannabinoids including CBC, CBD, CBN, and THC. Although some of these cannabinoid compounds include the psychoactive components (THC) that cause one to feel stoned, this is not the case for all of them. That is to say, there are strains of medicinal marijuana available to those who want treatment from pain without the psychoactive effects.

The Advantages of Marijuana Compared to Conventional Painkillers

Is your doctor reducing or eliminating your pain medication? The explanation is as follows.

The opioid and narcotic pain medicine prescribed to patients is under increased scrutiny from healthcare professionals and regulatory authorities (such as the Centers for Disease Control and Medicare). Many doctors are decreasing the amount of narcotic pain medicine they give, while others are outright refusing to treat patients with chronic pain who need opioids. The problem is incredibly complex, much like the opioid epidemic. Marijuana might be an excellent “medication” for those with back pain who are trying to wean themselves off of pharmaceutical pain relievers (or who wish to avoid them entirely).

Please with your doctor or healthcare provider before using marijuana with any drug, prescribed or otherwise.

Distinct Advantages of Marijuana Compared to Prescription Painkillers

Marijuana’s advantages over conventional painkillers

May Cause Decreases in Optimal Doses of Opioids. Clinical Pharmocology and Therapeutics published a research indicating that combining marijuana and opioids may dramatically reduce pain. In terms of opioid therapy, the research suggests that “the combination may allow for opioid treatment at lower dosages with fewer adverse effects,” referring to marijuana.

Completely unadulterated. Cannabis exists in its purest form as a natural plant. Opioid painkillers are synthetic and associated with a wide range of undesirable, and sometimes dangerous, adverse effects.

Reduced Adverse Effects. When compared to opioid pain medications and other synthetic medications, the negative effects of marijuana are much less (like NSAIDs, tylenol etc.). Medications used to alleviate pain might have adverse side effects such as heart attacks, seizures, diarrhea, nausea, and so on. Anxiety, rapid heart rate, dry mouth, and an increased risk of stroke are the only known negative effects of marijuana.

To a lesser extent, Addicting. It is abundantly obvious from the present opioid crisis that opioids are highly addictive and may have profound effects on both patients and non-addicted users. There is some debate about whether or not marijuana is as addictive as opioids, but if it is, it is certainly less so. Constant marijuana usage is associated with psychological and physiological changes, including tolerance, cravings, and withdrawal. Marijuana addiction, on the other hand, is very rare and has less severe withdrawal symptoms.

It’s less risky. Long-term users of prescription pain relievers may experience addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. It has been asserted that marijuana, like opioid pain medications, is addictive, causes tolerance, and has withdrawal symptoms, although not to the same extent. Furthermore, there is no such thing as an accidental overdose from marijuana.

Marijuana Use for Chronic Back Pain

There are several strains and techniques of consuming marijuana. Most people picture marijuana being smoked when they think of it. Vaporizing, edibles, tinctures/sprays, and topical lotions are other methods of ingestion for medical marijuana. Whether or not THC (the “high” inducing component) is helpful for relieving back pain depends on the individual’s tolerance for and choice for various modes of administration.

Use a little amount initially as a rule of thumb. If you’ve already smoked any weed, there’s no way to “unsmoke” it. OrganiGram reports that daily doses of “1-3 grams of dried cannabis” are recommended by the medical community. Marijuana’s intoxicating effects don’t appear for a while.

Methods of administration are as follows:

Smoking is a good example since it’s simple to administer and you have complete command over the dosage. It’s easier to control your smoking habit if you take it slow and in tiny doses. The negative consequences of smoking are nearly instantaneous (peaking at 9 minutes after consumption).

Vaporizing, or “Vaping,” is a trendy alternative to traditional smoking. With a vaporizer, medicinal marijuana is still smoked, but the effects are more subtle and comfortable. A vaporizer is a less harmful alternative to smoking dried cannabis flower for quick relief. Vaporizers are an expensive investment, but they might be worth it for frequent users.

Some people prefer edibles because they don’t like the concept of inhaling marijuana smoke. It takes longer for the benefits to kick in, and they’re more of a “body high,” but once they do, they endure. It might be 30-60 minutes after ingesting an edible before you reach your peak.

Sprays and Tinctures. Sprays, typically, have a less concentration than pills. If you don’t want to smoke but are nervous about ingesting the appropriate amount, this is a perfect solution. Sprays often have a lower dosage than traditional edibles and take less time to take effect.

Topical. Inflammation, edema, and localized back pain are all improved by the use of marijuana topicals. Topical cannabis products applied to the back might provide almost instantaneous relief. You won’t get high by using a topical cannabis product, but you’ll still reap the medicinal advantages and get some relief from discomfort. Beeswax, shea butter, etc. are often used in topical preparations to provide even more hydration to the skin. Win-win!

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Cannabis use over a long period of time increases the likelihood of developing dementia

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Marijuana for medical purposes is quite popular now. You’ve probably read about its supposed ability to alleviate pain, aid in sleep, slow the progression of chronic illnesses, and much more. Current thinking is that it may help alleviate certain dementia symptoms. Banner Alzheimer’s Institute neurologist and psychologist Dr. Danielle Goldfarb believes preliminary research on the effects of medicinal marijuana on dementia is promising.

Despite the paucity of data, Dr. Goldfarb believes that marijuana may help alleviate the behavioral symptoms of dementia. “Nabilone, a synthetic version, also showed favorable benefits in one recent trial.”

Few researches
Researchers in the area of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are only just starting to investigate the potential benefits of marijuana for treating the behavioral symptoms of these diseases. To far, only a handful of studies have looked at how aggressiveness and agitation are affected by synthetic cannabinoids and active components of the natural marijuana plant. Unfortunately, there are no reliable research showing that medicinal marijuana improves cognitive function in dementia patients.

It’s hard to draw conclusions from many research because of the tiny sample sizes, Dr. Goldfarb says. There’s also the fact that “high-quality research-grade marijuana is hard to get.” It wasn’t until recently that researchers were able to get marijuana from many facilities for government sanctioned studies. The Drug Enforcement Agency promised in August to increase the number of approved facilities to cultivate marijuana for scientific purposes. Better grade plants for research purposes will now be readily available to scientists.

Dr. Goldfarb warns that much more study is needed. Most people are acquainted with two of the cannabinoids found in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) (cannabidiol.) CBD and THC levels vary widely amongst cannabis strains. This complicates scientific research since different studies do not employ the same strain.

What do you think?
Please see a physician before using medicinal marijuana for the treatment of dementia. You should see a doctor to determine whether you or a family member might benefit from using medicinal marijuana. As an added bonus, they may be able to advise you on the best strains to use and how much to take.

Knowing your state’s regulations on medicinal marijuana is also crucial. Alzhiemer’s-related agitation is listed as a qualifying diagnosis for medicinal marijuana in certain jurisdictions, including Arizona. However, its use for Alzheimer’s disease in certain jurisdictions is limited, and it is not permitted for use with any other illnesses that may lead to dementia in those same areas.

Dr. Goldfarb believes that additional study is needed to fully understand the advantages and negative effects of medicinal marijuana, despite the fact that certain varieties have been demonstrated to lower agitation and aggressiveness for some persons with dementia. “Those interested in giving it a try should see a doctor about selecting an appropriate strain and dosage.”