Cannabis News
How Cannabis Promotes Healing While Big Pharma Promotes Disease Management
How Cannabis Warps Your Mind In Relation To Illness
Big Pharma doesn’t want you to be healthy. At least, this isn’t very good for their profit margins. However, I think it’s important to make a distinction between pharma and Big Pharma.
Pharmaceutical companies primarily focus on treating illnesses and medical conditions, and there’s a complex interplay between their goals and promoting overall health. It’s not accurate to say that they don’t want healthy people, but their profit model is largely driven by medications and treatments, which are essential for addressing diseases.
Big Pharma, are the top players within the pharmaceutical industry and are the ones who spend billions on dining congress people, sponsoring the news, prime television, and anything they can. It’s important to distinguish an independent pharmaceutical company that might be working on some specific disease, than the “Big Fish” on the market. Despite the fact that “Big Pharma” would probably end up buying out the small fish, there is a distinction between the chemists and scientists that are genuinely working on curing diseases for humanity, and the people who are responsible for sales and distribution.
One way the pharmaceutical industry can be perceived as keeping people unhealthy is through the concept of “disease management.”
Instead of focusing solely on prevention, they often emphasize managing and treating chronic conditions with medications. This can create a cycle where people are reliant on these medications rather than addressing underlying lifestyle factors.
Furthermore, the profit-driven nature of the industry can sometimes prioritize the development and promotion of drugs over holistic approaches like lifestyle changes. The marketing of drugs for conditions that might be managed through healthier habits can indirectly discourage people from prioritizing prevention and wellness. For example, “using a weight loss drug” vs simply eating better and becoming more active.
However, it’s important to recognize that this issue is multifaceted.
Many pharmaceutical companies invest in research and development to find cures and treatments for serious diseases. The challenge lies in striking a balance between profit motives and the genuine desire to improve public health. Addressing the complexities of this dynamic requires a comprehensive approach involving healthcare policies, patient education, and shifting societal perspectives on health and well-being.
Now that we’ve established this, let me restate my original premise.
“BIG PHARMA DOES NOT WANT HEALTHY PEOPLE!”
This is also a reason why Big Pharma isn’t too keen on legalizing cannabis around the world, and why in the US – despite having nearly 80% approval among voters – the DEA will “check” about a report so they can do their report in order to “reschedule cannabis”.
Despite all of the approval of cannabis, you have credit card processors like Visa and MasterCard declining cannabis related purchases. You have delay after delay and it really isn’t “that difficult”.
We have now more than 26-years of legal cannabis in one form or another. We know how people react to different potencies. The only reason why we aren’t seeing cannabis legalized and completely removed from the Controlled Substance Act is because Big Pharma doesn’t want that to happen.
Cannabis promotes Healing, Pharma Promotes Disease Management
Pharma doesn’t like cannabis because they can’t patent the plant. They probably will be able to patent particular cannabinoid concoctions and processes, like creating cannabinoids through bacteria farms and so forth.
But, even with all the science, to get your own cannabis fresh from the ground, you just need some sunshine, soil, water, and patience. Then, taking the cannabis and converting it into oil or other forms of consumption is relatively easy.
With cannabis, you can be the complete supply chain for your medicine without the need of pharma’s involvement.
Because growing your medicine is so easy, it’s safe to assume that you’d eventually grow a small surplus, process a bunch of it, and have an infinite supply of medicine without having to fork over a dime to anyone else.
More importantly, because you’re managing your pain or treating your symptoms with cannabis, you’re not feeling the side effects of the pharmaceuticals – and with more vigor, you begin to get more active. You eat better, you exercise, and before your know it – you’re no longer ill but healthy.
You lose weight, you gain more energy, your thinking is sharper – you’re a whole different human.
This is what Pharma abhors above all – self-sufficiency and the healer’s mindset. Cannabis inspires the body to heal. You smoke a joint and it might not “dull the pain” completely, but it allows you to reevaluate and disengage from the symptom. This creates space between you and the disease, and you allow your awareness to drift away from the cloud of association of illness.
As your mind is distracted from the symptoms, your body can begin to heal itself, as you are no longer tense and inhibiting the process. You shift into rest and digest mode, relaxing, allowing the healing to take place.
Cannabis also helps the mind steer away from the negativity. It allows the mind to detach from the “pain of the moment”, accept it, and simply decide to engage with other aspects of life.
“Yea it still hurts, but I’m going to keep on living and going forward”.
This isn’t an action of defiance to the illness. It’s saying, “everyday my body is getting stronger, every day I am getting healthier…”
Taking medicine to control the symptoms, that is an act of “defiance” against the disease. It’s saying, “Yes I’m sick and it hurts in these different parts, and as a result I’m taking this medicine because it’s too much for me to handle.”
This isn’t to say that you can’t take medicine to control the symptoms. Sometimes, even the chirpiest of attitudes won’t cure your headache. Taking some Aspirin in these instances to deal with the pain of the headache allows you to be functional. But, simultaneously you’ll rest, hydrate, relax (in the case it’s stress related). You focus on the healing as opposed to treating the symptoms.
Why this shift matters?
The difference in mentality comes down to being a victim of your circumstances versus being someone who is actively involved in your healing process. You are choosing to eat better, to sleep better, to do exercise, to watch our emotions.
This is an active stance towards optimal living, and as a result, your unconscious mind gets conditioned to look for more of the same. The unconscious mind only replicates that what we focus on and discovers patterns within the fabric of reality.
Therefore, if you’re focused on being “healthy” and adhering a “healthy lifestyle”. The unconscious mind will begin to seek out similar events in your life, compounding your actions to become healthier and healthier.
However, pill poppers become dependent on their source of symptom management. Instead of coming to terms with their pain, to examine their relationship to their pain, to learn how deep the wounds actually go – and who find their relief in the bottom of a pill jar.
These people will forever be subjected to the pain. When their opioids run out, the pain returns and much greater intensity.
This isn’t to say that opioids on occasions can’t be a blessing. But as we know, many people don’t take opioids sparingly. They get prescribed hard drugs post surgery, relieving their pain momentarily, but also potentially hijacking their reward system, hooking them on a potent narcotic.
When the prescription runs out, people often turn to black market opioids to satisfy their need. Even within the black market, Pharma makes some money. After all, if some dealer on the street is selling Oxy, Pharma already got paid.
Why is this important?
Well – turns out that legalized cannabis has a significant impact on illegal opioid consumption.
Researchers at the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use and UCLA surveyed 205 people who use cannabis and opioids without a prescription from December 2019 to November 2021, aiming to test the theory that marijuana represents an effective harm reduction tool amid the overdose crisis.
The study, published in the International Journal of Drug Policy, found that 58 percent of participants reported that their motivation to use marijuana was to reduce opioid cravings. And a multivariable analysis showed that cannabis use “was significantly associated with self-reported reductions in opioid use.” – Source Marijuana Moment
Can you imagine a near 60% reduction in profits for Pharma? No need to imagine, this is already happening on a state level. Big Pharmaceuticals are said to lose billions every time cannabis is legalized.
The findings reveal that the legalization of cannabis in those states coincided with a 1.5-2% drop in stock prices for giants like Purdue Pharma and Pfizer, among others, which amounts to roughly $3 billion in lost sales and nearly $10 billion in market share losses for the industry as a whole.
After analyzing stock market data recorded in the immediate aftermath of cannabis legalization in legal states, researchers observed a statistically significant drop in the returns of major drug companies. The study’s authors said the trend “persists during the 20 business days following” legalization, resulting in market share losses worth billions, and a decline in post-legalization sales for Big Pharma. – Source (Leafly)
What this means is that whenever cannabis is legalized pharma loses money not only on the legal market, but consumption declines on the black market as well.
Couple this with people who smoke cannabis generally having a lower body-mass index than their non-smoking counterparts, the fact that cannabis consumption enhances the enjoyment of working out and increases the speed of recovery.
This doesn’t mean that all stoner habits are healthy. On the contrary, “the munchies” can be a double-edged sword. Nonetheless, despite all of this cannabis users seem to be “healthy” and those who use medical marijuana will talk about their “journey to health”.
I personally think that this is the key element in the equation – the shift in mindset. Why depend on pharma if I can grow my own medicine? Why pay them when I have the ability to us nature in my favor without the intervention of a third party?
These lines of questioning petrifies Big Pharma and as a result they fund lawmakers, the media, the scientific communities, anyone who is willing to take their money – and why cannabis still hasn’t been legalized in the US despite its popularity.
The Sticky Bottom-line
Some might think that mindset doesn’t matter, but any psychonaut knows it matters a great deal. Therefore, if cannabis helps people tune into the healing frequency as opposed to disease management frequency, then you’ll create “healthier people”.
Pharma doesn’t like this. They may claim they want to research the healing potential of cannabis, but only to turn it into drugs they can patent. They have no interest in legality, they have no interest in human rights.
To Big Pharma, you’re the product. They buy you from the government, the entertainers, the media – all with the idea of injecting fear, confusion, and disease into your mindscape for the sake of maximizing profits.
Or maybe I’m just high!
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Is kratom addictive? Discover the potential for dependence on Kratom, the risks involved with its use, and how to approach its consumption responsibly.
From 2011 to 2017, over 1,800 calls to poison centers involved kratom in the U.S. This significant number highlights the concern regarding kratom addiction.
However, without Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight, and due to various consumption methods like teas and capsules, there are significant health risks. Safe use of kratom is now in question due to these issues.
Research debates how dependence develops, outlining signs like loss of control and withdrawal symptoms. These signs are seen in regular kratom users. Ironically, some people switch from drugs like heroin to kratom, looking for a legal alternative.
Understanding Kratom: Origins and Prevalence
Kratom comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Southeast Asia. It can act like a stimulant or like opioids, based on how much you take. People use it in different ways, for a small energy boost or stronger effects at higher doses.
The legal status of kratom in the U.S. is complicated and changing. It’s a hot topic because some worry about its misuse. It’s still legal in several states. This shows how different places handle drug rules. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is looking into its medical benefits. But, the FDA hasn’t approved it for medical use yet. The DEA calls it a “drug of concern,” which means policies might change.
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From 2011 to 2017, poison control centers in the U.S. got over 1,800 reports about kratom. This shows it’s widely used and might pose health risks.
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Kratom’s main ingredients bind to opioid receptors very strongly, stronger than morphine even. This fact is key to understanding its effects.
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As more people use kratom, more are reporting serious health problems. These include liver and heart issues, and tough withdrawal symptoms, particularly in those already sick.
The statistics show mounting worries about kratom in the U.S. As its use grows, it’s becoming more important to health policies and laws. What happens next will depend on further research and legal decisions.
Is Kratom Addictive: Investigating the Substance’s Nature
The question of kratom’s addictiveness focuses on how it affects brain receptors and its long-term health implications. The ongoing debate highlights concerns about dependence and the risk of addiction. Scientists are closely looking at these issues.
How Kratom Works in the Brain
Kratom’s main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to the brain’s opioid receptors, similar to painkillers and narcotics. This connection suggests a potential risk of dependence. These alkaloids are key to kratom’s pain relief but also point to possible addiction concerns, especially with frequent, high-dose usage.
Patterns and Consequences of Long-term Use
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Using kratom often, especially in large doses, can increase the risk of dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms, similar to opioid withdrawal.
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Although some use it for pain or to improve mood, long-term kratom users might see serious health problems, like liver damage and mental health issues.
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Withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, nausea, and sleep problems, show kratom’s impact on one’s physical and mental health.
Assessment of Addiction Risks
Studies indicate a significant risk of addiction to kratom, especially with high doses or frequent use. Dependence develops as the body gets used to kratom, leading to tolerance and a need for more to feel its effects. Withdrawal symptoms emphasize this risk, as highlighted by health experts.
Physiological Effects: Kratom’s Impact on the Body
There is a lot of debate about the safety and use of kratom. This herbal extract comes from the Mitragyna speciosa plant. It has drawn attention for its possible harmful effects on the body. The FDA has issued many warnings about kratom, raising safety concerns.
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Kratom Adverse Effects: Kratom users have reported side effects like nausea, vomiting, and confusion. More serious issues include high blood pressure and liver damage. These problems highlight the risks of using kratom.
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Herbal Extract Safety: Some kratom products contain heavy metals and pathogens. These can cause severe health issues, including death. This shows the importance of safety in herbal products.
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FDA Warnings and Regulations: The FDA has linked kratom to over 35 deaths and warns against using it. They point out the lack of medical uses and the risk of addiction.
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Physiological Impact: Kratom’s effects depend on the dose and the user’s body. Yet, it can lead to dangerous outcomes like liver damage and seizures.
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Safety Concerns from Authorities: Federal agencies like the DEA are worried about kratom’s safety. Although not a controlled substance, monitoring suggests users should be careful.
Kratom might offer temporary relief for some ailments, but it comes with significant risks. The FDA’s warnings should make people think twice. If considering kratom, it’s crucial to talk to a doctor first. Experts stress the need for safety and caution with herbal extracts.
Conclusion
Kratom’s role in health and regulation is complex, with views and research findings widely varied. Some people use kratom for its claimed health benefits, but it’s a hot topic. Experts advise caution and suggest consulting a doctor before using kratom due to the unclear effects.
Clinical studies using scores like SOWS and COWS haven’t confirmed withdrawal symptoms from kratom. This adds to the debate, especially when some users report withdrawal. This makes kratom a controversial subject among different findings and user experiences.
When it comes to treating opioid addiction, kratom can be both helpful and harmful. Some have used it successfully to fight addiction. Yet, some states have banned it. This highlights the need for regulations and consistent product quality. It also raises questions about kratom’s legal status due to mixed actions by authorities.
The situation shows how complex kratom is in the realm of substance use and law. Without clear evidence supporting either its benefits or risks, it poses a challenge. More research is needed to guide regulations and health advice. For now, anyone thinking of using kratom should be careful, seek medical advice, and keep up with laws and health guidelines.
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As the popularity of CBD (cannabidiol) continues to rise, many pet owners are exploring its potential benefits for their furry companions. CBD is derived from the hemp plant and is known for its therapeutic properties, which may help alleviate anxiety, pain, inflammation, and other health issues in dogs. However, when considering CBD treats for your dog, it’s crucial to understand the ingredients that go into these products. This article will delve into the essential ingredients to look for in CBD treats, their benefits, potential risks, and how to choose the right product for your canine friend.
Understanding CBD and Its Benefits for Dogs
Before we dive into the ingredients, it’s important to understand what CBD is and how it can benefit dogs. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which can produce a “high,” CBD does not have intoxicating effects. Instead, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in both humans and animals, which plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes.
Potential Benefits of CBD for Dogs
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Anxiety Relief: Many dogs experience anxiety due to various factors such as loud noises, separation from their owners, or changes in their environment. CBD may help reduce anxiety levels by promoting a sense of calm.
Choosing the Right CBD Treats
When selecting CBD treats for your dog, it’s essential to look beyond just the CBD content. The overall quality of the treat is equally important. Here are some key ingredients you should be aware of:
1. High-Quality CBD Oil
The foundation of any good CBD treat is the quality of the CBD oil used. Look for treats that contain:
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Full-Spectrum or Broad-Spectrum CBD: Full-spectrum products contain all cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC (below 0.3% as per legal standards). Broad-spectrum products contain multiple cannabinoids but no THC. Both types can provide an “entourage effect,” enhancing the therapeutic benefits.
2. Natural Ingredients
Just like human food, the ingredients in your dog’s treats matter significantly. Look for treats made with natural ingredients rather than artificial additives or preservatives. Here are some beneficial components:
Whole grains like oat flour or brown rice flour provide essential nutrients and fiber that support digestive health. They are also a good source of energy for active dogs.
Healthy fats are vital for maintaining your dog’s coat and skin health. Ingredients like coconut oil or peanut butter not only enhance flavor but also provide beneficial fatty acids that support overall well-being.
Incorporating fruits and vegetables into your dog’s treats can boost their nutritional value:
To make treats more appealing without resorting to artificial flavors, look for natural flavorings like chicken broth or carob (a chocolate substitute safe for dogs). These ingredients can enhance taste while keeping the treat healthy.
3. Functional Ingredients
Some treats may include additional functional ingredients designed to address specific health concerns:
These compounds are often included in joint support treats to help maintain joint health and mobility, especially in older dogs or those with arthritis.
Probiotics can promote gut health by supporting a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog’s digestive system.
Certain herbs like chamomile or ginger may offer calming effects or aid digestion. Always ensure these herbs are safe for canine consumption before choosing treats containing them.
Ingredients to Avoid
While there are many beneficial ingredients to seek out, it’s equally important to know which ones to avoid:
1. Artificial Additives
Many commercial pet treats contain artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives that can be harmful to your dog’s health. These additives may lead to allergic reactions or other health issues over time.
2. High Sugar Content
Just like humans, dogs do not need excessive sugar in their diets. Treats high in sugar can lead to obesity and dental problems.
3. Low-Quality Fillers
Avoid treats with low-quality fillers such as corn syrup or by-products that do not provide any nutritional value.
Always ensure that any CBD product you choose contains less than 0.3% THC to avoid any psychoactive effects on your dog.
How to Introduce CBD Treats Safely
When introducing any new treat into your dog’s diet—especially one containing CBD—it’s essential to do so gradually:
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Start Small: Begin with a small amount of the treat to see how your dog reacts.
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Monitor Your Dog: Observe your dog for any adverse reactions such as changes in behavior or gastrointestinal upset.
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Adjust Dosage as Needed: Depending on your dog’s size and needs, you may need to adjust the dosage over time.
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Consult Your Veterinarian: Before starting any new supplement regimen, including CBD treats, consult with your veterinarian—especially if your dog has existing health conditions or is taking other medications.
Conclusion
CBD treats can be a beneficial addition to your dog’s diet when chosen carefully with attention to ingredient quality and safety. By understanding what goes into these treats—such as high-quality CBD oil, natural ingredients, functional additives—and knowing what to avoid, you can make informed decisions that support your dog’s health and well-being.
Always prioritize transparency from manufacturers regarding ingredient sourcing and product testing; this will ensure you’re providing your furry friend with safe and effective options tailored to their needs. With proper research and guidance from a veterinarian, you can confidently explore the potential benefits of CBD treats for your beloved pet while ensuring they enjoy a tasty snack that’s good for them too!
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