There is no known, underlying medical cause for the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue, which include inexplicable exhaustion that doesn’t improve with increased rest and sleep.
For someone with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the tasks faced in everyday life feel insurmountable with a limited resource of energy to tap into. The frustrating nature of CFS, sometimes called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, is that it is difficult to diagnose. There is no known, underlying medical cause for the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue, which include inexplicable exhaustion that doesn’t improve with increased rest and sleep.
Accompanying symptoms may include inflammation of lymph nodes, joint pain, muscle pain, and difficulty remembering things or focusing. Some individuals may also experience headaches and a sore throat.
In a Univeristy of New Mexico study, titled The Effects of Consuming Cannabis Flower for Treatment of Fatigue” published in the journal, Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, researchers showed using cannabis results in improvement for feelings of fatigue in the majority of users. This was the first large-scale study to show that, on average, people are likely to experience a 3.5 point improvement of feelings of fatigue on a 0-10 scale
Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
There isn’t a standard treatment method for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. While there are suspicions infection, hormonal imbalances, or issue with the immune system may have something to do with the condition, not knowing the cause of the CFS prohibits knowing how to cure or treat it.
For now, the standard approach is management, not treatment of the conditions. One such method is called pacing and involves managing exertion to avoid a flare-up of more severe symptoms. This requires a good understanding of what you are capable of carrying out without bringing yourself to a point of exhaustion. Additional management techniques focus on symptoms or co-occurring conditions, like depression and sleep problems.
CBD and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
From the start, it is important to be upfront that there is no existing formal research on the effects of CBD or marijuana on chronic fatigue syndrome. There are anecdotal reports, however, from individuals using CBD to manage their symptoms.
Many individuals who have CFS also experience joint paint. There are recent animal studies that have observed improvements in pain symptoms with the use of a topical CBD product, such as this study published in 2018.
There is evidence that chronic fatigue is connected to having a hypersensitive central nervous system. In 2017, the journal Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets listed cannabidiol as a way to decrease the activity of brain cells called glia, which triggers that hypersensitivity of the nervous system.
Marijuana and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
With the UNM study, there may be solutions soon to help. Additional uses for marijuana for these individuals could include improving sleep, managing depression, and decreasing chronic pain. Patients struggling with chronic fatigue should find a doctor who are open to alternative therapies. Someone who has experience prescribing medical marijuana and cannabidiol can help guide you on dosing as you look for new ways to manage the worst symptoms for your conditions.
Some people take New Year New You to a different level – here is what you should know about cannabis and plastic surgery.
The annual Golden Globes award ceremony was held Sunday night and among the winners were cannabis. Held since 1944 to honor artists, writers and other creatives, it celebrates film, television and streaming. Founded by the Foreign Press Association, it is now run by the Golden Globe Foundation. This year, in a nod to the mainstream acceptance, Golden Globe winner Hacks treats marijuana like normal, making it an unacknowledged winner. The show, lead by the talented Jean Smart, is clever, witty and takes the mundane and is laugh out loud funny.
The HBO Max series offers a nuanced portrayal of marijuana use within its comedic narrative, reflecting evolving attitudes towards cannabis in contemporary television. The show has been cutting edge and pushed both stars into the limelight with their witty jokes and strong plot lines.
In “Hacks,” marijuana serves as a tool for character development, particularly for Ava Daniels, played by Hannah Einbinder. Ava’s cannabis use is presented as part of her lifestyle, contributing to her characterization as a young, somewhat stereotypical twenty-something writer. This portrayal aligns with Einbinder’s real-life experiences, as she has openly discussed using marijuana in her youth to counteract the effects of ADHD medication.
The show cleverly uses marijuana to highlight generational differences between Ava and Deborah Vance, played by Jean Smart. While Ava’s casual attitude towards cannabis use is representative of younger generations, Deborah’s reactions provide insight into older perspectives on the drug. This contrast serves to underscore the generational conflicts and evolution central to the show’s premise. Today, even the AARP support marijuana use.
“Hacks” incorporates marijuana into its storylines with a sense of normalcy, often using it as a source of humor. For instance, Deborah questions Ava about room service charges, revealing Ava’s marijuana-induced munchies. This approach to depicting cannabis use aligns with a broader trend in television, where marijuana is increasingly being written into storylines of both dramas and comedies.
The show also touches on the medical aspects of marijuana use. In one episode, Ava discloses her marijuana use to an ER doctor, alongside other substances. This scene, while played for laughs, subtly acknowledges the growing acceptance of marijuana as a topic of open discussion in medical settings
By incorporating marijuana into its narrative without heavy-handed moralizing, “Hacks” reflects the changing attitudes towards cannabis in society and media. This approach contrasts sharply with earlier television depictions of marijuana, which often portrayed it in a negative light or as the subject of “very special episodes”.
“I have a cast and crew that were sent from heaven, especially my costar, Hannah Einbinder,” Smart said while accepting the award for best performance by a female actor in a television series
After 12 years as Prime Minister, he is stepping down…here is a look back on Justin Trudeau’s long involvement with cannabis.
Justin Trudeau’s journey with cannabis legalization in Canada is a story of personal experience, political conviction, and transformative policy-making. As the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Justin’s perspective on marijuana was shaped by a family incident involving his younger brother Michel. In 1998, Michel Trudeau was caught with marijuana during a traffic stop. Thanks to their father’s connections and resources, the charges were dropped.
This event highlighted the inequalities in Canada’s drug laws, where those with means could avoid consequences while others faced criminal records. Justin Trudeau later reflected on this, stating, “That’s one of the fundamental unfairnesses of this current system is that it affects different communities in a different way”.
Trudeau’s personal history with cannabis extends beyond family experiences. In 2013, he admitted to smoking marijuana at a dinner party in his Montreal home in 2008, after he had already been elected as a Member of Parliament. In a sign of changing norms, the admission, while controversial, did not significantly impact his political career.
As Liberal Party leader, Trudeau campaigned on a platform of cannabis legalization during the 2015 federal election. His approach focused on regulation and harm reduction rather than economic benefits. Trudeau emphasized two main goals: minimizing underage access to marijuana and reducing criminal activity surrounding illegal marijuana trade.
After winning the election, Trudeau’s government took concrete steps towards legalization. In 2016, a task force was created to explore the issue. The following year, the Cannabis Act was introduced in Parliament, allowing for the sale and possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for anyone over.
On October 17, 2018, Canada became the second country in the world, after Uruguay, to legalize recreational cannabis nationwide. This move was seen as a bold reform, distinguishing Trudeau’s administration from previous governments. The legalization process wasn’t without challenges. Provinces were given significant responsibility for regulating sales, leading to some friction with the federal government .Additionally, Trudeau faced criticism from both supporters and opponents of legalization.
Following legalization, Trudeau’s government announced plans to create a simplified, free process for pardoning individuals with simple possession records. This move aimed to address the historical inequities in cannabis law enforcement.Trudeau’s approach to cannabis legalization reflects a combination of personal experience, pragmatic policy-making, and a commitment to social justice. By moving from prohibition to regulation, Canada under Trudeau’s leadership has embarked on a significant social and legal experiment, the results of which continue to unfold.
As Trudeau ends one chapter and starts another, he will continue to be a champion of cannabis.
Dry January is increasing popular, but can cannabis help make it not seem so long?
Since it premiered in 2013 in the UK, it has grown increasingly popular. It received a boast after the covid pandemic when alcohol consumption and sales increased exponentially. The trend has stuck around though, thanks to younger generations. Alcoholhelp.com says 35% of Gen-Z aged 21-24 practiced Dry January in 2024. While it is known alcohol it is not healthy, taking a 31 day break can be difficult. Can cannabis help your Dry January?
Cannabis can serve as an effective substitute for alcohol during the month, providing relaxation and social lubrication without the negative impacts associated with drinking. Many individuals find that cannabis helps them unwind after a long day, much like how they might have previously used alcohol. Oils, gummies, and vapes tend to be the healthiest options to avoid lung damage or extra pounds. Microdosing has become increasingly popular also.
For those experiencing alcohol cravings during Dry January, cannabis may help. It can assist in managing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and nausea, making the transition to sobriety more manageable. While some may worry you are trading bad habits, marijuana’s effect on the body is less damaging.
Cannabis, particularly strains high in CBD, can offer a sense of relaxation similar to alcohol but without many of the adverse effects. It’s a natural way to de-stress and wind down, helping participants navigate the challenges of abstaining from alcohol..
Cannabis can enhance social interactions without the negative impacts of alcohol. Some strains can provide an energy boost and mental clarity, helping users navigate social events more comfortablyCannabis and hemp are great substitutes for house parties or on a Friday night. These products come in various flavors and can provide a refreshing experience without compromising on taste or effects.
The California Sober movement has become popular, especially among Gen Z. It recongizines marijuana is a healthier alternative to booze. Additionally, it is far less addictive than alcohol, with alcohol use potentially resulting in significant and potentially fatal physical withdrawal, which is not observed with marijuana. As a sign of the benefits it brings, legal cannabis sales usually tend to spike in January.