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A Look At Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

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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).

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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.

RELATED: How Safe Is It To Smoke Marijuana Every Day?

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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.

RELATED: 10 Glorious Cannabinoids In Marijuana And What They Can Do For You

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

Is Marijuana At Passover Kosher

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It is an important holiday with clear guidelines on celebrating – so is marijuana allowed.

It is one of the most important and celebrated holidays in the Jewish faith. The 7 day observation is filled with food, gatherings and traditions. Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, commemorates the slavery of the Israelites in Egypt and their ultimate exodus to freedom. This story of redemption from slavery is the anchor narrative of the Jewish People.  It is core to their faith and lifestyle. With family and friends, some like to imbibe in something intoxicating.  There is kosher wine, so you might wonder, is marijuana at Passover kosher?

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

Being kosher for food means it adheres to the dietary laws of the Jewish faith. Meats and dairy must adhere to a strict set of rules. Preparation has clear guidelines to ensure the faith’s laws and intentions are maintained. For all commercial products, this is usually a letter of kosher certification from a Rabbinic agency which designates the item as kosher. The letter of certification will indicate the pareve or dairy status of the product as well.

Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, widely considered the leading living ultra-Orthodox halachic authority, ruled marijuana is kosher for Passover and can be either eaten or smoked over the eight-day Jewish festival. Which means gummies (possible animal gelatin) and edibles (dairy) must be kosher certified to be considered. Flower and vapes are plants and in preparation do not touch either so they are good to consume.

Smart product companies will have the label on the package if you want gummies or edibles. Wana Brands product are kosher and have been certified by Whole Kosher Services, a company based in Houston.

Kosher approval symbols
Kosher approval symbols

RELATED: Marijuana MicroDosing Can Improve Mundane Tasks

About 8 years ago, as Israel become a leader in cannabis innovation, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky ruled t marijuana is, in fact, kosher. Allowing it to be consumed over the celebration of Passover for medicinal purposes. For some, being with family for eight days is enough to give anxiety, which medical marijuana is a way to ease the tension and make for a more relaxed holiday.

 



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American Journal of Medicine

Will Marijuana Help You Look Good In a Swimsuit

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Summer is around the corner and already people in swimsuits are populating Insta, TicTok and more. Time to shake off the pale skin and start working on a tan while working to get rid of the holiday pounds. Winter helps you gain and not in a good way. The lack of sunlight in winter supports weight gain by keeping more fats in the body. Dark nights coupled with unfriendly weather can make you feel more fatigued and reduce activity.  The average addition is five to seven pounds.  But the good news is marijuana can help.

RELATED: People Who Use Weed Also Do More Of Another Fun Thing

You might think what? Doesn’t marijuana make you have the muchies and make you lazy?  Well, the “old school” thought is still around, but science is starting to say something else. A bit of a gummy or other marijuana before a workout can boost motivation and make exercise more enjoyable. If you are a casual, it can be a benefit. If performance is the goal, it may be best to skip. That’s the takeaway of the first ever study from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Another study published in the American Journal of Medicine, marijuana users are less likely than non-users to develop metabolic syndrome, which is a significant risk factor for obesity, type II diabetes, and heart disease. Among young adults, cannabis consumers are 54 percent less likely than non-consumers to present with metabolic syndrome. Past marijuana use is associated with lower odds of metabolic syndrome among middle-aged adults. And seniors who medicate with cannabis tend to be slimmer and less insulin-resistant than seniors who just say no.

Related: How I Lost 50 Pounds Using Marijuana

The munchies imagine is real, it is a scientifically proven phenomenon. But just like cannabis can give you the munchies, certain marijuana can be the anti-munchies. THC is a CB1 “agonist” that turns on the appetite receptor and causes it to signal. An “antagonist” will block the receptor and prevent it from signaling. Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), a minor but medically significant component of the cannabis plant, is a neutral CB1 receptor antagonist. Scientists have also synthesized “inverse agonists” that can activate a cannabinoid receptor and cause it to signal in the opposite manner from how it functions naturally. A CB1 inverse agonist will curb appetite and reduce food intake by binding to CB1 receptors, whereas THC boosts appetite and food intake by binding to CB1.

RELATED: 4 Terrific Ways Marijuana Can Help You In The Gym

And lastly, people have figured out marijuana is less fattening than alcohol. As the realization has taken effect, beer sales have dropped as people have reduce there suds intake for a gummy or vape – especially in the beginning of the week.



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Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s Palsy And Marijuana

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It can be frightening when suddenly your face becomes paralyzed.   You freak out – but can medical marijuana help?

It is has been in the news and can be frightening, especially since it hits about 1 in 70 people. From a cure point of view, what is even more scary is the cause of it is unknown. It is thought to be due to swelling (inflammation) of the facial nerve in the area where it travels through the bones of the skull. Incidence peaks for people in the 40s, but is prevalent most in those under 10 and over 65. There isn’t a cure and recovery doesn’t start until about 2 weeks and can take up to 6 months to fully recover.  What about Bell’s palsy and marijuana – can it help, does it hurt?

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

The illness usually comes on quickly and a key indicators is a mild weakness to total paralysis on one side of the face — occurring within hours to days.  This includes a facial droop with trouble making facial expressions, such as closing an eye or smiling. Pain around the jaw or ear on the side affected, drooling, loss of taste and a headache are other symptoms.  Seeking medical help as quickly as possible is key. A key treatment is an oral steroid or an antiviral medicine. Taken quickly upon onset improves the chave of a full recovery.

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Photo by Julia Koblitz via Unsplash

Research has shown marijuana does not cause or lead to Bell’s palsy. Those with diabetes are more likely to have it.  Also, it seems there is a link to some viruses (shingles, mono, rubella, and mumps among them) which can induce the illness.

Research is still be done on the disease in general and very little has been done regarding if medical cannabis’s benefit’s can help with symptoms. Inflammation stands as the primary culprit behind Bell’s palsy symptoms and THC/CBD is anti-inflammatory. While this can be promising, studies need to be done regarding dosage and more. Additionally, cannabinoids and terpenes found in the cannabis plant promote improved nervous system health. So there are building blocks to help, but so far no hard data.

RELATED: Marijuana MicroDosing Can Improve Mundane Tasks

Bell’s palsy is often marked by discomfort in various areas, such as the head, jaw, and behind the ear. Cannabis is well-suited for addressing this because it helps the body in pain management and timely reduction of pain signals. Always work with a health professional in regards to using medical marijuana for a treatment.



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