Cannabis News
Cannabis Causes a 34% Increase in Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Reginald Examines the Heart of the Study…
Study claims daily cannabis smoke linked with 34% increase in CAD chances
As more and more states legalize cannabis, the once-taboo plant is making its way into the mainstream. Whether you use it for recreational or medical purposes, you’ve likely heard some of the conflicting information about its effects on the human body. Some people swear by it, claiming that it helps with everything from anxiety to chronic pain, while others caution against it, citing its potential to harm the lungs and impair cognitive function. So what’s the truth?
Well, the truth is that it’s complicated. Cannabis is a complex plant with hundreds of different chemical compounds, each of which can interact with the human body in different ways. This means that each individual’s experience with cannabis is unique, with some people finding it calming and others finding it stimulating. And with more and more people admitting to using cannabis, researchers are finally able to collect more data on its consumption and effects.
However, as a forever skeptic, I know it’s important to approach these studies with a healthy dose of skepticism. After all, we’ve seen time and time again how statistics can be manipulated to highlight certain preferred results.
That’s why in this article, I’ll be taking a closer look at the latest study that claims daily cannabis use increases the chances of coronary artery disease (CAD) by 34%. I’ll examine the methods used by researchers to arrive at this conclusion and discuss what it means for those who use cannabis regularly.
But don’t worry, I’m not here to scare you away from cannabis altogether. In fact, I believe that education is the key to making informed decisions about its use. That’s why I’ll also be providing “Good Heart Health tips” at the end of the article, so you can continue to enjoy your cannabis while taking care of your heart. Because let’s face it, if you’re going to indulge, you might as well do it in a way that’s good for you.
So sit back, relax, and let’s explore the complex world of cannabis and its potential impact on our bodies.
A Closer Look at the Claims of the Study
The American College of Cardiology released a study which suggests that daily cannabis use increases the likelihood of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) by one-third, compared to those who have never used the drug.
The study analyzed health data from 175,000 people and found that daily marijuana users were 34% more likely to develop CAD than those who had never used the drug. The research team utilized Mendelian randomization, a genetics-based approach, to identify a causal relationship between cannabis use disorder and CAD risk, using data from an independent genetics consortium.
Cannabis use disorder is a psychiatric disorder involving frequent marijuana use and dependency – but we also know that the DSM is a bit exaggerated.
After adjusting for age, sex, and major cardiovascular risk factors, the results indicated that daily cannabis users were 34% more likely to have CAD than those who have never used marijuana.
The study suggests that it is important for people to be aware of the risks associated with cannabis use and inform their doctors if they use cannabis so that clinicians can take appropriate steps to monitor their heart health.
The datasets used in this study did not differentiate between various forms of cannabis use, such as smoking or consuming edibles or other forms.
Therefore, it is crucial to examine the health implications of these different forms of cannabis consumption in future studies.
Core Points:
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Daily cannabis use increases the likelihood of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) by one-third.
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Daily marijuana users were found to be 34% more likely to develop CAD than those who have never used the drug.
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Mendelian randomization, a genetics-based approach, was utilized to identify a causal relationship between cannabis use disorder and CAD risk.
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It is important to be aware of the risks associated with cannabis use and inform doctors of cannabis use when monitoring heart conditions.
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Further research is needed to understand the health implications of different forms of cannabis consumption.
How to Lie with Statistics
When it comes to interpreting data, there are a lot of common mistakes researchers can make. I’m talking about errors that can turn your findings from trustworthy to just another sensational headline.
One mistake researchers often make is overgeneralizing the results. You can’t just assume that the results of a study on 175,000 people are representative of the entire population. That’s like saying you can judge the taste of a cake by only trying a single crumb. Plus, the study only analyzed data from the All of Us Research Program, which may not be representative of cannabis users as a whole.
Another mistake is assuming causation from correlation. Just because there’s a correlation between daily cannabis use and CAD, it doesn’t mean that one causes the other. There could be other factors at play, like lifestyle habits or genetic predisposition, that contribute to the development of CAD.
But hey, let’s give credit where credit is due. The study analyzed a massive sample size and used a genetics-based approach to establish a causal relationship between cannabis use disorder and CAD risk. That sounds pretty legit, right?
However, there’s a catch. We don’t have direct access to examine the datasets ourselves, so we have to trust the researchers’ analysis and interpretation of the data. It’s like trusting a cook who says the food is delicious, but you can’t taste it yourself.
So how can we protect ourselves from potentially skewed results? First, we need transparency in scientific research. Researchers need to be upfront about their methods and analysis, and they should report all results, not just the ones that support their hypothesis.
Second, peer review and replication of studies are essential. We need other researchers to review and critique the study to identify potential biases and limitations that could affect the results. It’s like a group of judges at a baking competition. They all have different tastes and opinions, but together they can identify the best cake.
Interpreting scientific research can be like walking through a minefield. There are a lot of potential biases and limitations to consider, and we have to trust the researchers’ analysis of the data.
However, by demanding transparency and peer review, we can better ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results.
So next time you see a sensational headline about the latest scientific study, remember to approach it with a healthy dose of skepticism and a craving for more information – unlike the mainstream media that regurgitated the same article.
The Media as a Variable to Control
The media can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, they can help disseminate important information quickly and effectively. On the other hand, they can also contribute to the spread of misinformation and bias. Take, for example, the recent media frenzy around the study linking daily cannabis use to an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). As soon as the study was released, it seemed like every news outlet was publishing the same story, complete with the same quotes and statistics. This mass replication of the story gave the impression that the study was valid and reliable.
However, as we discussed earlier, there are several potential issues with the study that could compromise its validity. For one, it hasn’t been peer-reviewed yet, so we don’t know if other experts in the field would agree with its conclusions. Additionally, there could be unconscious biases in the way the data was collected, analyzed, and interpreted. And let’s not forget the potential for deliberate manipulation of the data, whether by the researchers themselves or by external parties.
But with the media amplifying the story and presenting it as fact, many people are now convinced that daily cannabis use is a serious threat to their heart health. They might not even be aware of the potential flaws in the study or the fact that it hasn’t undergone rigorous peer-review. This is a problem because the media can also be a variable that we need to consider when conducting cannabis research. Journalists might have their own unconscious biases or agendas that influence the way they report on studies. They might also be more inclined to cover studies that have attention-grabbing headlines, rather than studies that are more methodologically sound.
It’s important to remember that just because a story is widely covered in the media doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true or accurate. We need to approach media coverage with a critical eye and consider the potential biases and flaws in the studies being reported on. Until the study linking daily cannabis use to CAD undergoes peer-review and further scrutiny, we can’t take it as law.
This isn’t to say that we shouldn’t also take these findings seriously. Quite the opposite, if you have a history of heart disease – you may want to be aware of these facts. We still find that the majority of cannabis users don’t suffer from these issues, however, it’s good to be informed.
Good Heart Health Practices
Taking care of our heart is crucial to living a healthy and fulfilling life. In addition to being aware of the potential risks associated with cannabis use, there are many other steps we can take to promote good heart health.
First and foremost, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet can make a significant impact on our heart health. Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Regular exercise is also key to good heart health. Even moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking or cycling, can help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the heart muscle.
Managing stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can also help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Avoiding or quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to lower the risk of heart disease. Smoking damages the heart and blood vessels, and even secondhand smoke can be harmful to heart health.
Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels is also important for maintaining good heart health. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help catch potential issues early and prevent serious heart problems down the line.
In summary, here are some key practices to promote good heart health:
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Maintain a healthy and balanced diet
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Engage in regular physical activity
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Manage stress through relaxation techniques
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Avoid or quit smoking
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Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
Now go toke up you stoner!
CANNABIS AND HEART DISEASE, READ ON…
Let’s imagine you just found out you have a surprise drug test at work and you “may or may not” need to flush THC out of your system as fast as possible by, say, Monday.
Detoxing from cannabis involves waiting until all traces of the substance have cleared the body, a process influenced by factors like usage frequency and quantity. If you need to flush all the weed out of your system within 10 days, order a Test Clear Kit here, they work well and have great customer reviews. But what is going on with your body and why does your body still have THC in it after smoking weed?
Cannabis comprises various compounds, notably tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These substances bind to the same receptors as naturally occurring endocannabinoids, typically eliminated through urine and stool.
Detoxing from marijuana and managing cannabis use disorder involves a multifaceted approach. This includes goal setting with support, addressing withdrawal symptoms, managing physical and mental changes during detoxification, among other elements.
Given the individualized nature of substance use disorder, seeking professional addiction treatment is crucial. It allows for tailored detox strategies, managing potential side effects, handling marijuana overdose effects, and exploring diverse detox methodologies.
Understanding Marijuana Detox
Marijuana detox is the process of eliminating tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), marijuana’s psychoactive component, from the body. It is critical because THC can remain in the body’s fat cells even after marijuana usage has stopped, potentially resulting in positive drug test results or hampering efforts to achieve sobriety.
Marijuana detox is required to eliminate leftover THC from the system in those who are drug tested, such as sports, workers, or those in court. This protects against negative repercussions while also ensuring that testing protocols are followed.
The process of marijuana detox is essential to the goal of recovery. Removing THC from the body helps to terminate the cycle of reliance, lessen cravings, and make the road to recovery easier.
Additionally, persons suffering from marijuana-related health issues may require marijuana detox. Excessive or extended usage can be detrimental to both physical and mental health. Detoxification, which allows the body to rid itself of THC and its derivatives, may be able to mitigate any negative health consequences. Could you pass a THC drug test with 2 hours notice? Let’s find out…
What’s the duration of cannabis presence in the body?
As per American Addiction Centers, here’s the estimated duration for cannabis detection:
– Hair: Up to 90 days
– Urine: 3 days to over a month, contingent on usage
– Saliva: Approximately 48 hours
– Blood: Roughly 36 hours
Moreover, a 2017 study found that cannabinoids may persist in sweat for 7–14 days.
The duration of these compounds in one’s system varies widely. Another 2017 study highlights that the strain of cannabis used is a significant factor. Different strains contain varying cannabinoid levels, influencing their presence in the body.
Usage frequency also plays a role. Prolonged cannabis use prolongs cannabinoid traces in the body. This implies potential positive tests months after cessation; some have tested positive for THC even 3 months post-discontinuation.
Other factors impacting cannabis detection duration include:
– Consumption volume
– Exercise frequency and type
– Dietary habits
– Metabolic rate
– Body fat percentage
Given these variables, pinpointing the exact duration of cannabis, particularly THC, in one’s system after use can be challenging.
Optimal Methods for Weed Detox
Detoxifying from marijuana is multifaceted, with no singular “hack” to navigate through withdrawal, cravings, and other challenges.
Achieving the best results in marijuana detox entails considering various factors. Effective marijuana detox involves:
1. Attending to physical well-being by addressing common symptoms like aches and pains during withdrawal.
2. Maintaining a balanced diet with ample water intake, consistent healthy meals, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine.
3. Prioritizing mental health care to manage emotional adjustments in brain chemistry, such as anxiety or depression.
4. Implementing strategies to prevent relapse and cope with cravings through support groups, therapy, or treatment centers.
5. Engaging in therapeutic activities to foster new interests and habits, often facilitated through outpatient programs or professional assistance.
There’s no shortcut to hasten marijuana detox. However, practices like hydration, nutrition, warm showers, and exercise can aid in physical comfort. Yet, the body and mind still require time to purge THC remnants.
Rather than expediting detox, it’s crucial to utilize this period with medical guidance to establish a foundation for relapse prevention and address withdrawal symptoms.
Though treatments and medical detox programs exist, there’s no quick fix or magic remedy to instantly eliminate marijuana from the system or pass drug tests.
Symptoms like red eyes can be alleviated with cold compresses and eye drops.
Natural detoxification remains the most effective approach. The liver plays a pivotal role in removing marijuana and other toxins. Maintaining overall health supports liver function, aiding in toxin elimination and restoring bodily balance.
Various products claim to assist individuals in eliminating cannabis traces from their bodies, available in forms such as:
– Tablets
– Capsules
– Mouthwashes
– Shampoos
However, the effectiveness of these detoxes may vary depending on the type of drug test undergone. For instance, detoxes targeting urine cleansing might not yield desired results and could even result in a contaminated urine sample.
This occurs because urine-focused detoxes operate by purging the kidneys. While eliminating THC, they may inadvertently remove creatine and diminish urine’s natural density. Consequently, these factors could lead to the test appearing contaminated, necessitating a repeat test.
The Importance of Professional Marijuana Detox
Seeking marijuana detox with medical oversight is essential for safety and efficacy. Healthcare experts can craft personalized detox strategies tailored to an individual’s unique requirements, objectives, and medical background. They oversee the detox process, offer guidance, and manage any potential complications.
Supervised detox guarantees appropriate support and care, with healthcare professionals recommending additional treatments or therapies to address withdrawal symptoms and underlying issues contributing to marijuana usage.
Furthermore, medical supervision ensures the individual’s safety throughout detoxification. Abrupt cessation of marijuana may induce withdrawal symptoms, potentially uncomfortable or harmful. Professionals can employ measures to mitigate these symptoms and advise on managing cravings for sustained abstinence.
Bottom Line
THC detoxification is a complex process influenced by individual factors like usage patterns and metabolism. While natural methods offer effectiveness, seeking professional medical guidance ensures personalized care and safety. From managing withdrawal symptoms to addressing underlying issues, professional supervision enhances the detox journey. Remember, there’s no instant solution for THC detox, but with patience, proper care, and professional support, individuals can navigate towards sobriety and improved well-being successfully. By understanding the importance of medical supervision, individuals can embark on a journey of detoxification with confidence, knowing they have the necessary tools and support to achieve their goals.
PASS A DRUG TEST YOU HAD NO IDEA WAS COMING, READ ON…
Cannabis News
MedMen, The $1.7 Billion Apple Store of Weed, Goes Bankrupt Just as Marijuana Gets Rescheduled in America
MedMen Enterprises Inc. has admitted defeat, citing financial woes and an inability to settle its debts, revealed Amit Pandey, the former chief financial officer of the cannabis company, late Friday.
MedMen, once a celebrated pioneer in the cannabis industry and dubbed the ‘Apple store of weed,’ has been hit by a string of setbacks in recent years. These include financial woes, the shuttering of retail outlets, workforce reductions, legal battles, and internal disputes among top executives, all of which have led to the company’s current predicament.
In a press release issued on Friday, MedMen declared that they have carefully assessed the company’s and its subsidiaries’ current financial state. This assessment also includes their incapacity to meet financial obligations as they come and the imminent actions by secured creditors. To that end, they’ve reached the challenging decision to cease operations and initiate Bankruptcy Proceedings and Receivership Proceedings.”
Considering these factors and with no viable alternatives at hand, the Company’s board of directors concluded that proceeding with the Bankruptcy Proceedings and Receivership Proceedings was in the Company’s best interest,” the statement continued.
Here Are A Few Indications
Once revered as a titan in the cannabis industry, with a valuation soaring as high as $1.7 billion as a public entity, MedMen faced imminent financial collapse over a year ago, as revealed in a December 2022 regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. At that time, the company possessed a mere $15.6 million in cash while grappling with a staggering $137.4 million debt load.
Following its initial financial struggles, MedMen faced a series of challenges. Store closures and inventory liquidation began in California, and the company defaulted on payments, leading to severed partnerships with major brands. Landlords demanded overdue rent payments. Amid this turmoil, top executives and board members started to depart, signaling deeper turmoil within the company, as the Green Market Report reported.
What Caused the Downfall?
The crux of the issue likely stems from the company’s swift expansion, driven by the initial excitement surrounding the 2018 legalization of cannabis in California. However, as is often the case nationwide, legalization marked just the beginning, leading to confrontations with the intricate realities of an industry rife with regulatory barriers, hefty taxes, and hampered by federal law.
Despite enjoying early triumphs, MedMen encountered a slew of obstacles, including legal disputes, unsuccessful acquisitions, and competition from both legal and underground cannabis markets.
Six years following an IPO that propelled its valuation to over $3 billion, MedMen, a cannabis retailer, now holds negligible value. Its recent bankruptcy filing in a California court signifies the final blow in a dramatic downfall for a company emblematic of the broader trials facing the legal cannabis sector.
“MedMen has been ‘DeadMen’ for many investors for quite some time,” remarked cannabis industry analyst Alan Brochstein to Fortune. “While this outcome may have been foreseeable to some, not everyone anticipated it.”
MedMen swiftly penetrated the legal cannabis scene following California’s legalization of recreational use in 2016. Initially lauded as the “Apple store of weed,” MedMen’s retail outlets boasted “sleek branding” and a “premium design aesthetic,” as outlined in a 2022 investor presentation.
To capitalize on the anticipated surge in legal cannabis demand, MedMen embarked on an ambitious expansion, opening upscale storefronts in prominent areas such as Venice Beach, New York’s Fifth Avenue, and near the Las Vegas Strip. Riding a wave of positive media coverage and public excitement surrounding legal cannabis, the company enjoyed significant attention.
Under the leadership of co-founder Adam Bierman, who launched the venture in his twenties, MedMen made its debut on the public market in 2018 at slightly above $3 per share. Investor enthusiasm drove its share price to double by the year’s end.
Buoyed by early triumphs, MedMen aimed for rapid growth, accumulating hundreds of millions in debt and pursuing an extensive $682 million merger with competitor PharmaCann. However, the merger collapsed following a Department of Justice announcement of an antitrust investigation, exacerbating MedMen’s financial woes.
As the broader cannabis market faced headwinds, compounded by concerns over regulatory scrutiny of hazardous vape cartridges, investor confidence waned, hindering MedMen’s ability to repay creditors. They went public in 2018. And by the time we reached 2020, [MedMen] was in big trouble, remarked Brochstein. They took on too much debt and made overzealous promises.”
Throughout 2019, MedMen’s stock plummeted, shedding 92% of its value as the company grappled with exorbitant tax obligations and struggled to compete against unlicensed sellers offering lower prices. The onset of the pandemic, however, triggered a surge in demand, providing MedMen and other cannabis retailers with a reprieve through 2020.
The cannabis industry did better than anybody would have expected in 2020. Despite this unexpected boon, it proved insufficient. At its peak, MedMen boasted 25 branches nationwide and had ambitious plans for international expansion. However, today, all but two locations have permanently shuttered.
Bierman, the co-founder, was ousted in early 2020 amidst a slew of high-profile lawsuits alleging racism, stock manipulation, and misuse of company funds to finance an extravagant lifestyle complete with private security and customized Cadillac Escalades.
A Fall From Grace
MedMen’s bankruptcy filing, unveiling over $400 million in liabilities, marks the final chapter in its stunning collapse. Hindered by steep interest rates and sour investor sentiment, the company could not refinance its debt, eventually ceasing SEC disclosures altogether.
“The capital markets were cut off for them so they couldn’t fix their old mistakes,” noted Brochstein.
The once-vibrant unicorn of the cannabis industry now stands bankrupt, with assets valued at a mere $1 (yes, just a dollar) and liabilities totaling $410 million, as detailed in the company’s bankruptcy documents. Predictably, MedMen’s shares, dormant for weeks, face imminent delisting following its steep downward spiral in 2024. At the start of this decline, the OTC Marketplace devalued the company to zero in January.
MedMen’s complete downfall serves as a sobering lesson in the ever-evolving cannabis sector, where once a fault appears, the entire structure can unravel swiftly.
MEDMEN BANKRUPTCY EXPLAINED, READ ON…
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