Cannabis

Hospice and Medical Marijuana, Helping At The End

Published

11 months ago

June 20, 2023

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When the time of passing is close, emotions run high. When hospice if involved, it helps, but the pain of upcoming loss and all the unresolved issues are still left. In the US, people are taught to believe in happy endings. Generations have watched television shows and movies where in 30, 60 or 120 minutes all the issues are resolved and there is a last minute confession and a rebounding moment. Real life is neither as clean or as happy.

Does marijuana help in those final hours? In the moments with palliative or hospice care, anything that can help makes a difference.

a building with two windows and a sign that says hospital hospital

Palliative care is medical care for people living with a serious illness, such as cancer or heart failure. Patients in palliative care may receive medical care for their symptoms, or palliative care, along with treatment intended to cure their serious illness.

Hospice care focuses on the care, comfort, and quality of life of a person with a serious illness who is approaching the end of life. Hospice is prescribed when a path to cure has come to an end and the focus changes to focus making the patient comfortable until the end.

Two evidence-based guidelines address the use of medical marijuana in a palliative care setting. The first evidence-based guideline explicitly recommends against the use of medical cannabis as a first or second line option for palliative cancer pain. The guideline suggests that it could be considered in the case of refractory symptoms and with careful consideration of potential risks. The second evidence-based guideline similarly recommends that medical cannabis only be used in the palliative care setting when other treatments have failed, and after consideration of the potential for adverse events and drug interactions.

In study after study, medical marijuana can helps increase appetite, relieve painful constipation, and diminish pain. Hospice focuses on the focus well being, knowing there isn’t a long-term cure. Currently, most science shows medical marijuana manages systems but not resolve an serious ailment or injury.

shallow focus photography of bubble on leaves

Perhaps equally importantly, marijuana is used in the hospice care setting to ease spiritual and existential suffering. Some studies showing an important therapeutic role for patients faced with the despair of a terminal illness, loss of functions, and a lifetime of reflections. A mild euphoria or sense of well-being can ease a patient’s mind, body and spirit as they come to terms with their fate.

In 2019, a study was conducted among hospice professionals. About half of the respondents were nurses followed by administrators and physicians. Regardless of legal status, hospice staff members were overwhelmingly in agreement that medical marijuana is an important tool in supporting their patients.

Though medical marijuana is legal in 40 states, plus the District of Columbia, conflicting federal laws present a challenge for hospice and palliative care programs whose patients are interested in medical cannabis or already using it to manage pain and other symptoms.

The situation is particularly challenging for hospices, which are primarily funded by Medicare. Many hospices say they cannot legally prescribe medical marijuana because it remains a Schedule 1 controlled substance under federal law.

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anxiety

Can Microdosing Marijuana Help You

Published

22 hours ago

May 13, 2024

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Most people think of marijuana in a fun, recreational way – but it can help medically – and for those with anxiety….and microdosing can make a difference.

The imagine of people getting stoned is how most people thing of marijuana, but cannabis offers medical benefits which can change a patients life. From chronic pain to anxiety, it can provide a relief. And it is one of the reasons the American Medical Association and Health and Human Services support rescheduling. But can microdosing marijuana help you?

RELATED: How To Microdose Marijuana

The answer is probably yes, but you should talk to your health professional. The most common reasons including chronic pain and anxiety. More complex reasons include treatment of cognitive deficits, mental illnesses, and many diseases considered incurable. But to understand the benefits, you have to understand your situation and microdosing.

Microdosing is taking from 2.5-5 mg to “take off the edge” without getting really high. It is a point to activate within your system to allow the medical properties to have effect and still allow full functioning abilities. You may do it for a day or longer term depending on how you react and also what your healthcare professional suggests. Roughly 75% of people have a fear of speaking (glossophobia), you may do it for a day where you have to speak to large crowds, or longer if you anxiety is ongoing concern.

While depression and anxiety treatments have improved dramatically over the course of the past decade, medication and counseling are not equally effective for everyone. In fact, according to NCBI, antidepressants proved just 40-60% effective at managing symptoms. Medical cannabis is now consider a valid treatment option with microdosing being effective.

In regards to chronic pain, medical marijuana has been proven to be much, much less addictive than prescribed painkillers, especially opioids. Microsdoing can help you through post surgery, stomach pains, or other ongoing illness which can have a significant impact on day to day life.

Gummies and vapes are the easiest way to microdose. Very controlled small amounts in an easily portable vehicle makes it convenient to use when needed. Since gummies are absorbing differently in the body, it takes longer for them to kick in. Vaping can hit in within 5-10 minutes. While there could be a hint of initial smell, it quickly fades and doesn’t leave an odor on clothes.

If you or someone you know has anxiety, pain or other issue which alters your daily life, talk to a professional and see if microdosing marijuana help you.

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Cannabis

The 5 Best Mom’s Love Language Gifts

Published

3 days ago

May 12, 2024

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Sunday is Mother’s Day – the day mom are celebrated for all the extra effort they do to make kids life special. First celebrated in 1907, it became official in the US in 1914 and Canada in 1915. Between the two countries, spending is expected to reach an all-time high of $35.7 billion this year. Some of it will be enjoyed, some may not. Here are the 5 best Mom’s love language gifts (and one might be weed!).

This love language is all about verbal acknowledgments of affection, compliments, words of appreciation and encouragement.

6 Cannabis Gifts For Mother's Day: CBD, Pre-Rolls And More — Photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash

Words of Affirmation

Try a special way to tell her you love her. Make a book (easy to do online) of special pictures of the two of you. Write her a letter about what she means to you. You can get her favorite podcast host or even reality TV star to send her a special Mother’s Day shoutout (check out Cameo and all the celebrities they have available). Or consider compiling a video from all the kids and family answer the question ‘why we love you.’

Receiving Gifts

These people enjoy receiving gifts and symbols of love. Monetary value is usually not important but more so the thought and reflection behind the gift.

You can spoil her with luxury and a gift she would never buy herself. While gifts don’t need to be expensive, treat her to something luxurious that you know she wouldn’t want to spend the money on for herself. Think of what she loves and work around it. Gift cards for books, music, travel, etc can show you want her to enjoy life.

Another thing, what about giving a gift which could help their sleep, mental health or manage pain. A gummy or edible would be a perfect gift. Maybe a CBD cream which could help with muscle soreness?

Quality Time

People who enjoy this love language want someone to spend uninterrupted time with them, make plans and be fully present in their conversations during these times. Give a gift of an all-inclusive day. Give a Saturday which could include brunch, a walk, and more.

Gift a unique experience. Anyone can plan brunch or a wine tasting but what about surprising mom with something special. Some ideas include a picnic or colorful charcuterie board with all her favorite foods, a self-portrait session or a local food tour.

Acts of Service

This love language includes doing favors or taking the burden off the person you are showing love to. Will cook a special meal, take them a car trip, doing garden together, anything which your Mom would love to do.

Touch

These people feel loved when they receive physical signs of affection, including kissing, holding hands, and cuddling, to name a few.

Spoil her with a gift that will make her senses go crazy. While a spa day may seem obvious here and certainly fits the bill, you can also try something unique such as dance classes or something to make her feel extra cozy such as a weighted blanket, robe or new luxury sheets.

There are many new and fun ways to spoil mom this year. Take it to the next level this time around by considering what will make them feel most loved.

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Cannabis

Can Cannabis Enhance The Northern Lights

Published

4 days ago

May 10, 2024

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The Northern Lights are a visual treat for your eyes and mind – can marijuana make it a bit better?

It isn’t common for them to have a widespread show for millions in Canada and the US. The mesmerizing visuals are captivating…but can cannabis enhance the Northern Lights? NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center shared during the last solar activity of this magnitude, you can could see the lights as far south as Alabama and northern California. Viewers have a chance on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights.

Northern lights, or the aurora borealis, are created when energized particles from the sun slam into Earth’s upper atmosphere at speeds of up to 45 million mph (72 million kph). Earth’s magnetic field protects us but gives us a show. Our magnetic field redirects the particles toward the poles (yes, there are Southern Lights). The process transforms into a cinematic atmospheric phenomenon that dazzles and fascinates scientists and skywatchers alike.

Marijuana has a rich history of enhancing music, movies and other visual and audio activities. So it would make watching the rare occasion even better. But dosage and timing are key – and maybe add some music to lose yourself in the experience.

The central nervous system is activated when we are stimulated with music and visuals. Cannabinoid receptors are a prominent receptors. With cannabis, CB1 receptors become hyperactive, affecting sensation. It also improves current attention, preventing memory seeking with concentrates your brain on the art, making it appear more fresh and intriguing. It is no wonder there is a strain named after the Northern lights.

Considering how rare you have the chance to see the Northern Lights? Why not go all out. And sciences seems to indicate found people seemed to

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