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Can Cannabis Help During Flu Season

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The cold weather is arriving and with it comes flu season…but maybe a type of cannabis can help.

The days are getting shorter and the weather a bit more difficult. Which drives people indoors and provides a great chance of catching something – like the flu. People packed together along with cold, dry air, which can weaken resistance, make it easier to catch the virus. But can cannabis help during flu season? As interest in natural remedies grows, many are exploring cannabis as a complementary option for managing discomfort during illness.

Studies show cannabis contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which some believe could help alleviate flu symptoms. It can also help manage flu symptoms like pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. A key factor is how to consume and the dosage amount.  Smoking, including vaping, can aggravate the virus and the lungs.  The most soothing way would be via edibles, like gummies, or tincture/oils.
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Pain Relief – Cannabinoids like THC and CBD have analgesic properties that may help alleviate body aches and headaches associated with the flu. By binding to pain receptors, cannabis can reduce the perception of pain and provide comfort.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects – The flu triggers inflammation as part of the immune response. CBD, in particular, is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, This may help reduce swelling and discomfort in the respiratory tract.

Sleep Aid – Getting adequate rest is crucial for recovery. Cannabis, especially strains high in THC, can have sedative effects that may help those struggling with flu-related insomnia

Appetite Stimulation – The “munchies” effect of cannabis could be beneficial for flu patients experiencing reduced appetite. Maintaining proper nutrition is important for the body’s healing process.

Interestingly, some research indicates that cannabis may offer temporary respiratory relief.  It might help with bronchodilatation. Infrequent cannabis use has been shown to open airways for 15-60 minutes, potentially easing shortness of breath. Cannabis may act as an expectorant, helping to clear phlegm from the lungs and throat.

Cannabis may offer a natural approach to managing some flu symptoms, particularly pain, inflammation, and sleep disturbances. However, it’s not a replacement for proper medical care, hydration and rest. As research continues, there will develop a clearer understanding of how cannabis interacts with the immune system during viral infections. Always talk with a health professional if you have flu or flu like symptoms.



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AARP

DEA Delivers Gut Punch To Marijuana Industry

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The DEA has worked hard to keep marijuana illegal – despite almost 90% believing it shouldn’t be.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has work diligently to turn the tide of legal marijuana. An agency built on the “War on Drugs” is doing everything to stop cannabis being available to the population and undercutting a vast amount of their efforts. And now again the DEA delivers gut punch to the marijuana industry. The agency is swimming upstream in the process as it is being recommended by Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration to them to reclassify cannabis in part do to the medical benefits. This goes along the American Medical Association and  the American College of Physicians encouraging the federal government to change based proven, science based medical help to a variety of patients including cancer, chronic pain, inflammation and more.

The  delay until post-election is do to the DEA’s inability to coordinate the next steps so they pushed the in-person testimony for the upcoming marijuana rescheduling until early next year. DEA director Anne Milligan is seen as anti-marijuana and more inline with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). When the current administration announced the move to reschedule, Director Milligan had a meeting with key DEA Leaders with “no note taking” and off the record. The DEA not rescheduling would go against the norm as they have always followed HHS and the FDA recommendations.

While both presidential candidates have expressed support for marijuana, a YOUGOV poll has indicated more people have faith in Harris to support the industry. The surprise is the fact is both Democrats (65%) and Republicans (31%) believe her administration would follow through. Pew Research, who has followed the mainstreaming of cannabis, has it at 88+% of the population is for some form of federal legalization.  Even AARP has moved toward legalizing marijuana, a key voting block for both parties. But, it seems, the DEA, is against the move and is hoping there is a change of heart in policy making.

In another slap to the cannabis industry, Milligan and the DEA have tried to stack the deck against cannabis. NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said that he was disappointed but hardly surprised by the DEA’s decision to disproportionately include groups opposed to marijuana policy reform as designated participants. “The fight to end our nation’s outdated and failed cannabis prohibition laws has never been fought on a level playing field,” he said.



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Is An Old Fashioned Or A Gummy Healthier

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Cocktails, beers, vapes, and gummies are all staples of social gathers – but is the cocktails or the vape better?

Alcohol has long consistent hold on society. Having been part of India, the Middle East and more, it has played a part in medicine, religion, intimacy and recreation for thousands of year. Yet alcohol has become the modern accepted intoxicant.  But is an old fashioned or a gummy healthier in today’s world?  Moderation is the key for both, but science comes down clearly on one side.

Cannabis and alcohol are two of the most widely used recreational substances, but their health impacts differ significantly. While neither is without risks, research suggests that cannabis may be the healthier option overall when used responsibly.

Alcohol consumption carries substantial health risks, especially with heavy or long-term use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that excessive alcohol use leads to approximately 88,000 deaths annually in the United States. Alcohol is linked to liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and increased cancer risk. It can also exacerbate mental health issues and contribute to accidents and violence
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Cannabis, on the other hand, has a lower risk profile. There have been no reported deaths from marijuana overdose, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. While smoking cannabis can have negative effects on lung health, alternative consumption methods like gummies, tinctures and oils avoid this risk. Cannabis is also less addictive than alcohol, with about 9% of users becoming dependent compared to 23% for alcohol.

Both substances impair cognitive function and motor skills in the short term. However, alcohol tends to have more severe immediate effects, including the risk of alcohol poisoning. Cannabis typically does not cause the intense hangover effects associated with alcohol use.

Moderate alcohol consumption may have some cardiovascular benefits, according to some studies. However, cannabis has shown promise in pain management and as a potential alternative to more dangerous opioid medications. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that researchers continue to explore.

While both substances carry risks, the available evidence suggests that cannabis is likely the healthier choice when compared to alcohol. It has a lower risk of overdose, less severe long-term health consequences, and potentially more medical applications. However, it’s crucial to note that the healthiest option is always moderation or abstinence from both substances.



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The Basics On Using Marijuana Tinctures And Oils

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Want to consume marijuana and want a quick hit but don’t want to smoke? Consider a tincture or oil.

More people are using cannabis to relax, to sleep, or for medical reasons. It has become popular with all ages and all over the country. But for those new to it and don’t want to smoke or vape, there is an alternative other than edibles. Cannabis tinctures and oils offer a discreet and precise way to consume marijuana, providing fast-acting effects and easy dosing. Discreet and odorless consumption, precise dosing, adjustable timing, a long shelf life and low-calorie alternative to edibles. Here are the basics on using marijuana tinctures and oils.

Select a tincture based on your desired effects. CBD-dominant tinctures offer relaxation benefits with minimal psychoactive effects. THC-dominant tinctures provide stronger psychoactive effects. Balanced THC:CBD ratios offer a combination of benefits

Proper dosing is crucial when using cannabis tinctures or oils. Start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to cannabis or the specific tincture. Begin with 1-3 drops and wait at least an hour to assess the effects. Gradually increase the dose if needed, but do so cautiously. Remember that individual responses to cannabinoids vary based on factors like body weight, tolerance, and the tincture’s potency.

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The most common and efficient method of using a cannabis tincture is sublingual administration:

  1. Shake the tincture bottle well before use.
  2. Using the dropper, place the desired dose under your tongue.
  3. Hold the liquid there for 60-90 seconds without swallowing
  4. After holding, swish the remaining tincture around your mouth before swallowing.

This method allows for rapid absorption through the sublingual blood vessels, resulting in faster onset of effects compared to oral ingestion. You can expect to feel the effects within 15-30 minutes, lasting for up to 3 hours.

You can also swallow the tincture directly or mix it with food and beverages:

  1. Add the desired dose to your favorite drink or food item.
  2. Consume the mixture as you normally would.

When ingested orally, effects may take up to an hour to manifest but can last up to 4-6 hours. This method is ideal for those who dislike the taste of tinctures or prefer a more gradual onset of effects.



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