It is a summer of political news, students protests, family gathering and just every day drama – can marijuana help with a temporary break?

This summer will be filled with ongoing political news as the presidential election is in the fall. Add oversees wars and campus protests and conversations with some people could be fraught with drama. And summer is the time of family gatherings, birthdays, weddings or a 4th of July picnic, it can be stressful. Can marijuana give a break from all the drama. The answer is heck yes! And you will feel better than overindulging in booze.

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While taking a break, breathing, or going for a walk can help, sometimes you get overwhelmed. Avoiding putting yourself in these situations by reducing your news and social media input, putting boundaries around certain people and other healthy habits are import, a quick, easy solution is needed in some situations. Cannabis can provide a temporary relief as it is a proven help against anxiety. To use this tool, there are a few things to know and also not to be over reliant on it as a solution.

Part of the way marijuana chills you out with the active cannabinoid THC. It acts through cannabinoid receptors which activates the brain’s reward system. These includes regions that govern the response to healthy pleasurable behaviors.  It also adjusts perception of time, which is what makes movies and music sound better as it allows you to stop and really absorb the moment.

The younger generation has taken advantage of consumption methods to have marijuana on-the-go.  Vaping is the second, and trends show soon to be first, most popular method of use.  Like gummies (the third most popular way to consume), it is easy, discreet and portable for those with an active lifestyle. You can also manage dosing so you are not too high or suddenly have couch lock.

Done right, a high, even a moderate one, can last 2-10 hours.  Smoking a joint provides the quickest and most powerful, while a gummy takes 30-45 minutes to kick it, but it is much easier to manage the dosage. Vaping is a way to maintain a steady chill.

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One good thing about taking a “time out” and breathing from the drama, it is a better on our mental and physical health.

One recent survey discovered

• 1 in 5 had lost sleep over politics
• 20 percent reported feeling fatigued because of political news
• 29 percent reported losing their temper over politics
• One quarter said they felt hateful toward those with opposing political views
• More than 20 percent have had political disagreements damage their friendships

However you do it, be mindful of where you are and make sure you don’t let outside forces squash you happiness and enjoyment of each day.

Most of the industry has been thrilled with the progress of rescheduling.  But for the 40+ million who consume – what does it mean in real world terms?

The federal government took a big step toward rescheduling marijuana from a Schedule 1, which is a dangerous drug with zero medical benefits, to to Schedule III such as ketamine, Tylenol with codeine, and anabolic steroids.  The industry is excited at the progress, the benefits will include the ability to have simple tax write off like any other normal mom and pop business.  But what can consumers expect from marijuana rescheduling.

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Two longer term benefits. With a Schedule III classification, medical researchers may find it easier to obtain the necessary approvals and funding for studies.  With existing work, scientist have just began uncovering how the plant can help the body.  By better understanding of the compound’s potential, better treatments will be available for a variety of health issue. The pharmaceutical industry, the major leader in research, stands to gain from increased research opportunities.

It also will move the medical industry closer into viewing cannabis as a legal, useful tool in treating patients. This could play a part in weaning physicians from using opioids for pain and using something developed from cannabis which is much less addictive.

Another benefit is it allows legal businesses a bit more breathing room and some expansion, even in the short term. The hope is to push out the grey players who are causing issues. One which is the flow of premade products from maker to seller to consumer, currently – some cut corners and products are not quite the same as on traditional store shelves. Rescheduling will allow more oversight and safer products.

“Legalization represents a pivotal shift towards a safer, more accessible, and consumer-friendly cannabis market,” said, Bob Groesbeck, Co-CEO Planet 13. “Legalization would not only have significant economic implications but would also greatly benefit cannabis consumers. “With legal status ensuring that products undergo rigorous testing for safety and quality, consumers can confidently access products that meet stringent standards.

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One benefit not seen in the near horizon is a lowering of prices. As a growing industry, most mom and pop need the extra cash to stabilize and grow. So while sales may happen, the benefit for the consumer is a healthy shop/product maker which will be around longer.

“Cannabis policy is a burning question with a small minority of the public but data show that in congressional campaigns, the vast majority (nearly 90% of candidates) never mention cannabis policy in public. That suggests that most voters are focused on different issues. Despite that, the current cannabis rescheduling petition before the federal government, and initiated by President Biden, is moving at lightning speed compared to every other cannabis rescheduling petition before it.” shared John Hudak,  Director, Maine Office of Cannabis Policy.

Unlike alcohol – cannabis can be consumed in a ton of different ways – here is a quick overview

Marijuana has become mainstream and popular with over 85% of population believing it should be legal in some form. One of the things as weed “comes out the closet” is a the entry of a bunch of new users and former “closet smokers”. These new consumers  are being more open and curious.  The legal market is also opening a variety of way for more people to try different ways to imbibe.  It is all a journey, some ways are for more experienced veterans, others are ok for you very first time.

Here is all the ways to consume cannabis and the basics around the method.

Smoking And Vaping

The most popular form of consumption is smoking, vaping, or otherwise inhaling marijuana via the lungs. It is one of the quickest way to feel its effects. Users feel euphoria envelop them within minutes of consumption.  You can do old school with joints or store bought pre-rolls.  Bongs and bowls are options. Vaping is almost rivaling smoking and is just as quick in effects but much more discreet. You can purchase vapes for a one time use or invest in system you can reload time and time again.

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Edibles

Edibles include baked goods, candies, mints, oils, cannabutter, and  some random things like soups, sauces and other. The second most popular edible is chocolate as its fatty content allows it to be absorbed better. Edibles take from 30 to 90 minutes from the time you consume. The reason is the way it is processed by the body. It is advised to wait until you can actually feel the effects before deciding to add more.

While the effects of consuming edibles takes longer to kick in, the feeling also lasts hours longer than smoking cannabis. Like vapes, they have a no smell which is a nice, discreet benefit. And they are easy to transport and store.

Gummies

According to BDSA, an analytical company which covers cannabis, 49% of people who consume cannabis have done a gummy.  Easy to carry and having no smell, they are good for a quick take. Usually in a 5 mg, you can microdose or manage a low level high.  Like most edibles, they take between 20-60 minutes to kick in. Although Wana Brands have premiered Calm which is suppose to hit in under 15 minutes.

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Sublingual

This refers a cannabis-based substance consumed by the placement under the tongue and includes tinctures, sprays, tablets and strips. It has rapid absorption rate with consumers feeling it within 15 minutes.

Beverages

With beer and liquor companies in the marijuana industry, there is a whole slew of cannabis beverages on the market.  Beer like, juices and other flavors are all available. Like other edibles, this can take between 15-60 minutes to take effect.  This is one area were hemp beverages have rivaled marijuana in potency.

Concentrates

Also known as wax, shatter, dabs and more, this form is not for the beginner. It normally contain extraordinarily high THC levels ranging from 40 to 80 percent THC amounts. This can be up to four times stronger in THC content than high grade or top shelf marijuana, which normally measures around 20 percent THC levels.  When consumed through this method,the user can feel the effects immediately.

And

Cannabis suppositories are mainly used by medical patients. Cannabis has been found to be effective at reducing pain, and cannabis suppositories can provide fast-acting relief for menstrual cramps and other types of pelvic pain.

Finding a preferable method to consume cannabis is always a personal choice.