Cannabis

A Look At Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

Published

9 months ago

March 7, 2024

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Activation of neurological cannabinoid receptors can aid in preventing nausea and vomiting, particularly so in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Considering the usual effects of THC and other cannabinoids on receptors in the brain, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) seems to be a paradoxical condition. So why do some individuals suffer from this syndrome?

First described in 2004, CHS typically affects long term consumers of cannabis more so than casual users. It is a condition characterized by chronic cannabis use, cyclic episodes of nausea and vomiting, and excessive bathing or showering with hot water to abate the symptoms and to find relief. As more states legalize cannabis for medical and adult recreational use, emergency departments across the country are seeing a rise in the number of individuals diagnosed with Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS).

It has been proposed that receptors in the brain stop responding to cannabis in their usual manner in some individuals. Meanwhile, cannabinoid receptors in the gastrointestinal track that seem to have the opposite effects on nausea and vomiting are still activated. When this happens, gastrointestinal receptors that are no longer overshadowed by the effects of cannabis in the brain lead to abdominal discomfort, pain, and nausea.

CHS is divided into three stages; prodromal, hyperemetic, and recovery phases. In the prodromal phase, individuals may experience early morning nausea and abdominal pain, though most will continue with normal eating patterns. Some may increase their consumption of cannabis, seeking relief from the general discomfort. This phase is often misdiagnosed due to nonspecific symptoms and may last for months to years.

In the hyperemetic phase, individuals have continued nausea, multiple episodes of vomiting, increased abdominal pain, decreased food intake and weight loss, as well as dehydration. During this period, hot showers tend to alleviate the discomfort and nausea. This phase may continue until an individual completely discontinues use of cannabis. It usually takes one to two days for the hyperemetic phase to resolve.

Treatment is palliative in the hyperemetic phase as it takes time for the endocannabinoid system to return to an inactivated state. IV fluids are given to prevent or treat dehydration, antiemetics and proton pump inhibitors are given to decrease vomiting and nausea, as well as capsaicin cream applied to the stomach.¹ Finally, in the recovery phase an individual will begin to resume normal eating habits and will stop suffering from gastrointestinal issues. This phase may last days or weeks, however symptoms may come back upon use of cannabis.

It has been theorized that the recent uptick in cases of CHS may be due to the increased availability of high potency THC products.¹ However, a recent Canadian study indicates that other factors may be at play. Two groups were compared, one suffering from CHS, and one that consisted of cannabis users who were not. The study found there was not an obvious correlation between cannabinoid concentrations in individuals and CHS occurring.4 In any case, further research on the specific cannabinoids and receptors involved will be necessary to fully understand CHS moving forward.

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Cannabis

4 Ways Marijuana Can Help You Have A Better Thanksgiving

Published

13 hours ago

November 22, 2024

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If going the family Thanksgiving route, these gatherings can sometimes be stressful, especially when dealing with relatives you don’t see often or navigating potentially tense conversations. Marijuana can help reduce anxiety and create a more relaxed atmosphere. Microdosing is a popular trend with the younger generations, and it could be helpful in during the holiday. Numerous studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD can effectively reduce anxiety. By helping to calm nerves and ease social tension, cannabis can contribute to a more pleasant and harmonious family gathering.

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Aquafina

Can Big Alcohol Help The Cannabis Industry

Published

15 hours ago

November 22, 2024

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It has been a rough few months for the cannabis industry…could Big Alcohol help during another rough patch?

The cannabis industry was worth $33 billion in 2023 and is filled with mom and pop businesses. With the majority of the population having access to legal marijuana, consumer use is up, states are filling their coffers, and more patients are using medical marijuana. It has become so mainstream, even the staid AARP has acknowledge a signifiant portion of boomers are using it for medical reasons. But federal restrictions are crippling the industry, despite the growth. The industry needs federal help, can Big Alcohol help the cannabis industry. Alcohol is in a majority of grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, resorts, planes and homes. They understand the consumers and sell $260 billion in booze a year, not counting the second level market up. The alcohol industry spends over $20 million annually on lobbying, a drop compared to the $220+ million pharmaceutical spends, but an impressive amount. But Congress, the DEA, and members of the administration are not fans…and help is needed.

Alcohol has a $14+ billion investment in the industry and has a voice in the Congress. Cannabis is a brand and revenue extension for alcohol rather than a competitor. A major change in the beverage industry came with the introduction of purified waters by PepsiCo (Aquafina) in 1994 and Coca-Cola (Dasani) in 1999. Seeing it as way to reach more consumers and revenue, the two soda giants are now the owners of the top two bottled water companies in the North America. WIth a stake in the outcome, the big liquor companies could guide Congress to open up more for cannabis. This would provide both industries access to more customers and more revenue for everyone, including government entities.

marijuana legalization — Photo by Alexander Sanchez/Getty Images

“While alcohol and cannabis can play in the same sandbox, we more often see consumers using cannabis as a replacement for more harmful substances like alcohol. In cannabis, we find a paradigm shift—entertainment and relaxation without the costs of alcohol’s physical and social tolls.” shares Jesse Redmond, managing director at Water Tower Research, LLC.

Like bottled water, alcohol could open up markets to an additional set of consumers. They have the expertise and relationships most cannabis businesses lack. Already, hemp beverage are in mainstream retailers like Total Wine (Texas) and in convenience stores.

The incoming administration has few cannabis champions with both the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate and the cabinet doesn’t seem to be focused on marijuana legalization at all. But the majority of members are a fan of booze and that can be used to marijuana’s advantage.

Both would benefit from product development, producing and marketing cannabis-infused beverages and edibles. From a marketing point of view it also makes sense consider the consumer reach. In addition, research shows that people often pair cannabis with alcohol rather than replacing one with the other. The proportion of consumers pairing cannabis with spirits or liquor increased from 12% in 2018 to 22% in 2022. The next 14 months will shape the cannabis industry path for years to come, let’s see if Big Alcohol plays a role.

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Cannabis

Can Microdosing Help Manage Holiday Family Anxiety

Published

1 day ago

November 22, 2024

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The holidays can be festive, fun and heartwarming – but for some, there is too much family drama….microdosing could make it better.

Carols, gifts, parties, festive meals with favorite foods are all part of hte holiday season. But even in the best circumstances, there could be stress. Some 89% say concerns around money, missing loved ones and anticipating family conflict cause them stress at this time of year. But roughly have say it is moderate and may not be any more than the rest of the year. While family tend to provide a positive effect, if you look at Reddit, there are are plenty of causes of drama during hte holiday at gatherings. For those who are experiencing some level of stress, can mircodosing help manage holiday family anxiety? It could be a better solution than a half of a bottle of booze.

Microdosing marijuana can be an effective way to manage holiday anxiety, offering a subtle yet impactful approach to stress relief during the festive season. By consuming small amounts of cannabis, typically between 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC, individuals can experience the therapeutic benefits without feeling overly intoxicated.

Microdosing cannabis can provide several advantages for those dealing with holiday-related stress. Low doses of THC can activate the endocannabinoid system, potentially leading to decreased stress levels without causing an overwhelming high. This can be particularly helpful during family gatherings or social events that may trigger anxiety. It may alleviate the effects of social anxiety, allowing individuals to feel more relaxed and confident in social situations. This can be especially beneficial during holiday parties or family reunions.

Small amounts of cannabis can boost mood and social confidence, contributing to a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday experience. Another benefit is may induce deep, natural sleep patterns without excessive grogginess, helping to combat short term holiday-related insomnia.

To microdose marijuana effectively for holiday anxiety, consider the following tips:

Start Low: Begin with a dose of 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC and maintain this dosage for at least three days. If you’re new to cannabis, begin with an even lower dose and gradually work your way up.
Gradual Increase: If needed, slowly increase the dosage in 1 mg increments until you begin to feel the desired effects.
Consistency: Once you find an effective dose, stick with it for at least four days to assess its impact.
Choose the Right Product: CBD-dominant strains or products with balanced THC:CBD ratios may be more suitable for anxiety relief.
Consider Terpenes: Look for cannabis products containing terpenes like limonene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene, which have stress-relieving properties
Timing is Key: Plan your microdose schedule around holiday events or stressful situations to maximize its effectiveness.

While microdosing can be beneficial, there are some general precautions. Consider potential interactions with alcohol or other medications you may be taking during the holidays. If you are some medications, it is important to talk to a health professional. And remember everyone reacts differently to cannabis, so what works for others may not work for you.

By incorporating microdosing into your holiday stress management strategy, you may find yourself better equipped to handle the pressures and anxieties that often accompany the festive season. This approach allows you to potentially benefit from the calming effects of cannabis while maintaining clarity and function during holiday activities and gatherings.

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