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Is Cannabis Good for Covid? New Study Says Yes!

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1 year ago

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A recent study found that cannabis users had better outcomes than non-users, when it comes to covid.

The corona virus

Having the corona virus is not ideal; but its never ideal to have a virus. The reality of life is that we do nearly everything we can, to avoid any kind of sickness, or pain, or uncomfortable experience. Of course, try as we might, life happens anyway; and consistent with that, the grand pandemic of the last few years, has by now hit a wide percentage of the population.

Covid, or SARS-CoV-2, or corona, is often defined as a ‘novel’ virus; but in fact, this terminology simply means we hadn’t specifically dealt with this particular version of corona before. The virus is actually a member of the Coronaviridae family of viruses, which accounted for 45 different already known-about species, in 2020. In fact, 15% of all common colds, are coronaviruses; which means, they’re rather common. Several years before this corona came out, we dealt with a fundamentally more deadly version, dubbed SARS. So, really, we’re very familiar with coronaviruses.

So familiar, in fact, that there was already a lot of research done on how to fight them. Much of that research was done in the plant world; where it was established as early as 2003, that glycyrrhizin from licorice “was the most active in inhibiting replication of the SARS-associated virus.” According to researchers of the study the quote comes from, “findings suggest that glycyrrhizin should be assessed for treatment of SARS.” This was not done, however. Instead, it became a big debate about masks and vaccines.

Masks were a covid point of debate
Masks were a covid point of debate

The pandemic has been one of the most hotly contested topics of debate recently. Everything from what exactly it does, to how deadly it is, to how quickly it spreads, to the efficacy of vaccines and masks; were all points of argument throughout the US, and the world. It got to the point where people were fighting over whether the flu had gone out of existence, with all damage attributable to corona (it didn’t.)

You’d think this virus was the topic of Martians landing on the earth, or Bigfoot; it certainly came off that way. And as such, I’m not here to give opinions. Rather, I’m here to share some new research, which explains how its quite possible that cannabis users did better than non cannabis users, when it comes to covid outcomes.

Covid and cannabis study – set up

It’s not like study investigators went around and asked everyone who had covid, what their cannabis use habits were. All data for the recently published study, Exploring the relationship between marijuana smoking and covid-19 outcomes, came from the National Inpatient Sample Database. All individuals, therefore, were admitted into a hospital, and came up positive on a covid test.

According to study investigators, the “purpose of the study is to compare the outcomes of COVID-19 infection on individuals who use marijuana and those who do not.” The thought behind the investigation, is that cannabinoids have at least some immunomodulatory abilities; but that we don’t always know what they are, or where they’re beneficial. In this particular case, the investigation was purely into how people with covid fared; between cannabis users, and non-users.

Cannabis use was the dividing factor, which created two groups. Beyond looking at just cannabis use, investigators also took into account demographics information, and issues of comorbidity with other medical issues/problems. Investigators automatically excluded patients without all data available, and who were under 18 years of age. Investigators used something called “greedy propensity” to match marijuana users to non-users at a ratio of 1:1, for age, race, gender, and 17 other factors, like chronic heart or lung disease.

What did the covid cannabis study find?

Altogether, the study looked at the information of 322,214 patients; and of them, 2,603 used cannabis. Overall, cannabis users were generally younger, and had a greater chance of being tobacco users as well. Regardless of more tobacco use, however, the cannabis users group, showed less issues with “obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus.”

Study into whether cannabis use affected covid sufferers
Study into whether cannabis use affected covid sufferers

A univariate analysis showed that those who used cannabis, had a 6.8% chance of intubation vs the 12% chance of non-cannabis users; a 2.1% chance of acute respiratory distress syndrome, in comparison to 6% for non-users; a 25% chance of acute respiratory failure, compared to 52.9% for non-users; and a 5.8% chance of severe sepsis accompanied by multi-organ failure, in comparison to 12% for everybody else.

Other places where cannabis users showed greater health than their non-using contemporaries, were with the following: in-hospital cardiac arrest, which was 1.2% for cannabis users vs 2.7% for non-users; and death, for which cannabis users had a 2.9% chance vs non-users at 13.5%.

Study investigators concluded that “Marijuana smokers had better outcomes and mortality compared to non-users. The beneficial effect of marijuana use may be attributed to its potential to inhibit viral entry into cells and prevent the release of proinflammatory cytokines, thus mitigating cytokine release syndrome.” They continued that the topic “warrants further investigation of the association between marijuana use and COVID-19.”

An interesting take-away

I’m not here to make medical judgements about this research, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t spend a little time on one point: cigarettes. The reason I bring them up, is because smoking in general (lighting something on fire and breathing it in) is the most destructive overall drug or method of consumption. It’s related to so many health problems, that it brings up a point of interest here.

The cannabis group was associated with two things: a higher rate of tobacco use, and a lower rate of all the issues listed above. This one specific vice does not account for other bad health behaviors like drinking or overeating; so this specification doesn’t have to be meaningful. But its still interesting to ponder for a moment.

The group that should’ve had raised issues with all co-morbid diseases, (especially related to the lungs and heart); had fewer in some arenas. It’s almost never seen that the tobacco-using group, is the group also associated with less health problems, and a lesser rate of death. Now, sure, it could be that everyone else was a heavy drinker, or had some other health-hurting habit, or that the data collected is not an accurate representation. Studies often fall short, and we don’t have all information.

Cigarette smoker
Cigarette smoker

So, is this actually true? I can’t verify it. I point it out for the sheer fact that it’s not usually seen. Usually, when there are higher rates of tobacco use, this means smoking; and smoking means higher rates of just about everything else. We’re talking about people who made it into a hospital because of this virus, so it suffices to say that no one was in particularly good shape going in. Yet somehow, even with more tobacco users; the weed group did better medically.

I should put in, however, that how the tobacco users used the tobacco, was not defined. Nor was it defined, how cannabis users, used cannabis. Its quite possible that a large percentage of tobacco users, were vaping instead, and not actively smoking. Either way, this gives credence to both the ideas that cannabis can fight illness, and that vaping is a better option to smoking.

Conclusion

This is just one study. Chances are, if you mess with numbers enough, you can get them to say just about anything, so even these results can be taken with a grain of salt. Even so, we of the cannabis world can take this as a win for now. And perhaps beyond looking into how well components of licorice can treat the illness, we should also be looking further at how cannabis fights covid.

Hello cannabis aficionados; cool that you’re here. We’re Cannadelics.com; an independent publication in the drugs space, here to bring you the latest on the wide world of weed. Visit us frequently to keep up; and get signed up to our Cannadelics Weekly Newsletter; for sweet product promotions, alongside the news.



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3 Wise Men

Three Wise Men Give Marijuana Strain Gift Suggestions

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1 day ago

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December 20, 2024

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It has become a popular gift with over 20% of the population putting it under the train. So we asked 3 wise man what to give (or consume) during the season.

The holiday season is a special time of year with a combination of Christmas, Hannakuh, and more are the modern hoildays descended from pagan holidays. Food, celebrations, gifts and a hint of something magical are all part of the holidays.  With Christmas, the three wise men bring gifts to the baby Jesus being steered by a star.  As we head into the last part of the season, why not think of the perfect gift to give or for yourself.  We have three wise men give marijuana strain gift suggestions to share with our readers.

RELATED: Can Pets Use Medical Marijuana or CBD

Terran Cooper, one of the rising stars of the industry and a part of the firm Falcon Rappaport & Berman who works in the cannabis industry.  New York based, he says while there are several great strains, he has two to share for the holiday season.

One of my favorite day time strains, Pineapple Express has skyrocketed in popularity following the 2008 film by the same name. This strain is one of the more energetic strains that I’ve come across, allowing for a nice balance between productivity and relaxation this holiday season. Its joyful and uplifting effects may pair nicely with last minute holiday tasks in addition to any festivities. Though infrequent consumers beware – its relatively high THC content means that a little can go a long way.

Beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts under a festive tree with glowing lights.

Andrew Laub, managing partner of Keneh Ventures and CEO of Cannabition, is a leader in the industry and shared his favorites. Golden Goat is my secret to finding joy in any moment, especially during the holiday season. Its tropical, citrusy flavor is bright and uplifting, just like its effects. I love how it gives me an energized, creative boost without feeling overwhelming, making it perfect for everything from decorating the house to hosting friends. It’s my reminder to savor the fun and chaos of the holidays.

Granddaddy Purple is like my personal escape when the holiday rush gets overwhelming. I love its rich, grape-like flavor and how it helps me unwind at the end of a busy day. Whether I’m binge-watching holiday movies or enjoying quiet time by the fireplace, this strain makes everything feel a little cozier and more magical.

Sour Diesel is my motivation when there’s too much to do and not enough time. Its energizing, citrusy aroma wakes me up, and its focus-boosting effects help me tackle long to-do lists with ease. I love using it to power through holiday prep, whether I’m wrapping gifts, planning meals, or brainstorming creative ways to make the season special.

RELATED: Holiday Hangover? Here’s How To Stop It Before It Strikes

Online cannabis influencer Miguel a.k.a Miggy420 (@miggy420) believes consumption of cannabis is a personal experience with everyone being different. He sees the endocannabinoid system as unique as snowflakes in winter. Some smoke to wash away ills, others to wash away the ills of society. He shared his two favorites.

Vin Diesel Diesel is a sativa grown by Dewey’s Cultivars. Her beauty matches her taste with gassy hits reminiscent of early 2000 diesel strains I would buy in the traditional market. These growers come with a biochemical background and it shows with this plant, pure bliss – and this is coming from someone who prefers indicas.

If you’re looking for something post family events i.e you just realized the debt you incurred for the little ones or you’re just happy your conspiracy Uncle is gone, I recommend Gelato Cake by Agro Couture. This indica dominant hybrid will have your mind drifting away and able to focus on what it is you really wanted to do, hot box your bedroom and binge watch YouTube.

Enjoy these suggestions and may everyone have a great holiday season.

 



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Teen Marijuana Use Continues To Drop With Legalization

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2 days ago

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December 20, 2024

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In another positive reason for cannabis legalization – teen use continues to drop.

One of the great arguments against marijuana legalization is it will lead to more youth partaking. This argument is brought out, despite teen alcohol use continuing to be a problem. Now, a new study shows teen marijuana is continuing to decline, coinciding with the increasing legalization of cannabis for adult use across the United States. This trend contradicts predictions made by opponents of legalization, who argued that easier access would lead to increased youth consumption.

According to the latest Monitoring the Future (MTF) Survey, supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), cannabis use among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders is now lower than before the first states began enacting adult-use legalization laws in 2012. This decline is part of a broader trend of decreasing youth drug use, which has reached historic lows since the coronavirus pandemic.
Photo by 2H Media via Unsplash

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported an 18% decrease in the percentage of 12- to 17-year-olds who had ever tried marijuana from 2014 to 2023. Additionally, current marijuana use among this age group fell by 19%. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavioral Survey found a 26% reduction in the percentage of high schoolers identifying as current cannabis consumers between 2013 and 2023.

Researchers attribute this decline to several factors:

  1. Regulated markets: Licensed dispensaries require proof of age, making it more difficult for teenagers to obtain marijuana.
  2. Effective ID policies: Studies show high compliance rates among licensed cannabis retailers in checking customer IDs.
  3. Shifting perceptions: There has been a significant drop in youth perceptions that cannabis is easy to access, despite the widening adult-use marketplace.

The trend is not limited to the United States. A Canadian study found high school students reported more difficulty accessing marijuana since the country legalized it nationwide in 2019

These findings support the argument that regulated marijuana markets for adults, with appropriate safeguards, can effectively deter youth access and use. The data suggests that legalization policies can be implemented in a manner that provides regulated access for adults while simultaneously limiting youth access and misuse.

As more states consider legalizing marijuana, this evidence can inform policymakers and public health officials in developing effective strategies to protect youth while allowing adult use. The ongoing decline in teen marijuana use demonstrates that legalization, when properly implemented, does not necessarily lead to increased adolescent consumption and may even contribute to its reduction.



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Cannabis

The Best Tips If You Are Giving Marijuana As A Gift

Published

3 days ago

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December 18, 2024

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Roughly 25% of people are planning to give cannabis as a holiday gift….here are some practical suggestions to make it a success.

Last year was a watershed year for Santa with 1 in 4 planning to add cannabis into their gift giving, the trend is only going up in 2024. Since the plant has become mainstream (except for a few in DC), it is to be found under the tree, next to the menorah and during festive gatherings. Gen Z and Millennials are leading the trend with 78% (vs. 56% of Gen X and Boomers) in planning to include cannabis in their holiday plans. But you you want to do it right, here are the best tips if you are giving marijuana as a gift.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

While giving alcohol is a long tradition, giving cannabis is does have some variances.  To start, so far most can’t grab it out of personal stock or fish it out of Christmas gifts already given for the year. While Costco, groceries stores and Total Wine are the booze top sellers, it can be also purchased in bodegas, gas stations and other locations. Cannabis still has to be purchased at specialized dispensaries.

marijuana dispensary
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First, plan ahead when you shop. The good news is most dispensaries keep hours similar to a grocery store – open by 9 am and closing around or after 10 pm. This makes dashing in for a last minute gift or squeezing it in during the day easy. Remember to bring cash, have a plan and chill out.

The good news isyou can’t seem to be “cheap” giving weed. Most edibles are in a small price range, whereas wine bought at a grocery stores can go for $6-$100.  And the quality of the wine can vary greatly. Most edibles, including gummies, are within the same price point and potency while caring on quality.  Wana Brands, one of the nation’s leading gummy makers, hits the mid spot on price.  Also, unless you are doing a hefty gift basket, you are can give one or two items as a trail.

Never overestimate someone’s usage. Think about the recipient’s experience level and preferences when selecting cannabis gifts. For most, consider starting with low-dose or CBD-dominant products. Gummies, vapes, oil, or gift cards are all popular choices.  Also, ask the budtender what the best sellers for mid level consumers.

RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

If you are in the less than 50% of the population where legal cannabis is available, consider hemp beverages. It can provide a quick, similar high but is legal.  In Texas, they are huge sellers and can be found in some Total Wines, local convenience stores and other locations.

Lastly, have a hint of discretion, it might not be the best public secret Santa gift, but gummies can be a fun White Elephant!



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