Summer is in full swing and some people are figuring out how to combat a pesky bug. About 20 percent of the population sees an above-average incidence of mosquito bites. Been bitten is generally not life threatening, but highly annoying and the more bites, the worse the next few days. Smoke is a deterrent against them, but what about mosquitos and marijuana? And what about those itchy bites?
Not everyone is a mosquito target. Only the females bite humans so they can use blood to produce their eggs. To help locate their prey, females use their antennae and palps, the organs between their antennae, to detect carbon dioxide and odor. That means people who have a high metabolic rate and emit more carbon dioxide tend to be a draw. This includes those who are pregnant, working out, or drinking alcohol. Perfumes and colognes are filled with the stuff mosquitoes love, and their acute sense of smell locks in on anyone wearing it, especially if it is a floral scent. It really drives them wild when you’re trying to mask B.O. (something mosquitoes like) with perfume or cologne (something mosquitoes love). Both types of smells will attract the pests to you, and perfume can actually make that draw worse.
More research has to be done regarding them being attracted to a certain blood type.
Smoke is a good bug repellent; the strong, distinct odor is unpleasant and uncomfortable for bugs including mosquitoes, so they will try and avoid both the smell and the heat. Whether it is smoke from a citronella candle, firepit or mosquito coil.
There is anecdotal evidence that smoke is an effective insect repellent, and the practice of ‘smoking’ rooms to prevent the nuisance of biting mosquitoes is widespread. Mosquitoes have an issue with nicotine and tobacco and cigarette butts are a bit turn off for them. But who wants to keep full ashtrays around?
Cannabis is one of the few plants that repel mosquitoes when they’re growing fresh in the ground. But like tobacco smoke, there isn’t enough evidence regarding them turning off flying pests. And insects don’t have an endogenous cannabinoid receptors, so they don’t even enjoy being around the smoke.
The itching from a bite occurs due to an inflammation which is caused intentionally by our immune systems. When we are bitten by a mosquito an inflammation occurs in our bodies which appears as red, swollen, and itchy skin. Cannabinoids have a strong anti-inflammatory effect and are therefore effective in reducing, or stopping, the itching which occurs after a mosquito bite. So a good topical can help take the string out and hopefully let you have a pleasant time and a good sleep rather than scratching.
Photo by 41330 via Pixabay
Now you know about marijuana and mosquitos, and may you have a bite free rest of the summer.
The administration has spent very mixed signals…will consumers turn to hemp if marijuana is outlawed again?
He is one of the most globally well known figures and now he has health issue. The Pope resides in Vatican City, the world’s smallest country, and given its unique status , there is no healthcare system, medical centers, or hospitals. All patients must access clinics and hospitals in Rome for care. One of the most ancient cities in the world, Rome has a robust healthcare system. It includes the renowned Policlinico Universitario Gemelli, which is considered one of the largest private university hospitals in Europe and the best in Italy. But it isn’t global known like the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, or Toronto General. Thinking outside the box, could medical marijuana help Pope Francis?
As the Pope continues his recovery from pneumonia and mild kidney issues, medical experts are exploring innovative treatments that could potentially aid in his healing process. One such treatment gaining attention is medical marijuana, which has shown promise in addressing various health conditions.
Medical marijuana might offer relief for Pope Francis’srespiratory challenges. Certain cannabinoids, particularly CBD, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce lung inflammation associated with pneumonia. While smoking cannabis is not recommended for respiratory conditions, alternative delivery methods such as vaporization or edibles could potentially provide therapeutic benefits without irritating the lungs
As the Pope recovers, pain management is likely a key concern. Medical marijuana has shown potential as a pain adjuvant, potentially reducing the need for opioids in patients with chronic conditions. This could be particularly beneficial for elderly patients like Pope Francis, who may be more susceptible to the side effects of traditional pain medications.
Recent studies have explored the relationship between cannabis and kidney function. While more research is needed, some evidence suggests that cannabis does not negatively affect kidney function in healthy individuals. For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), careful monitoring and dosage adjustment may be necessary to ensure safe use.
Medical marijuana has been associated with improvements in various symptoms that could enhance the Pope’s quality of life during recovery. These include better sleep, reduced anxiety, and increased appetite. Such benefits could contribute to a more comfortable and efficient healing process.
While the potential benefits of medical marijuana are intriguing, it’s important to approach any treatment the same caution as any elderly patient. A personalized treatment plan, developed in consultation with medical professionals, would be essential to ensure safety and efficacy. As the world watches the Pope’s recovery, the consideration of medical marijuana as a complementary treatment option offers a ray of hope. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects on specific conditions, the potential benefits for pain management, inflammation reduction, and overall well-being make it an intriguing possibility.
Medical marijuana has become widely accepted – what do Mormon’s allow?
Mormons are advised to abstain from coffee, tea, and alcohol as part of the Word of Wisdom,” a health code received by the church’s founder, Joseph Smith, which is now considered scripture. They are allowed hot chocolate, but not anything else with caffeine. But what about Mormons and marijuana? It seems the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church, has evolved its stance on cannabis and medical marijuana over the years, balancing religious principles with changing societal attitudes and medical research.
Traditionally, the Mormon church has opposed the use of substances that are “harmful, illegal, or addictive or that impair judgment,” as stated in its official handbook. This stance has historically included cannabis, alongside tobacco, alcohol, and coffee. But in recent years, the church has nuanced its position, particularly regarding medical marijuana. In 2016, the church supported efforts to legalize CBD oil in Utah, while still opposing whole-plant cannabis remedies. By 2018, the church played a significant role in Utah’s medical marijuana legalization process. Initially opposing a ballot measure, the church later helped broker a compromise that led to a more conservative medical marijuana program. Then in 2019, the church clarified its stance in its youth magazine, stating that while marijuana may be legal in many places, its use is still against the Word of Wisdom (the church’s health code). However, it acknowledged that medical uses were being studied.
Utah, home of the Mormon church headquarters, generally has lower liquor and tobacco sales compared to other states, with Utah collecting the lowest per-capita alcohol taxes in the nation, and having strict regulations on alcohol and tobacco sales. This clearly shows their beliefs have become somewhat off a cultural norm. Currently, the church’s current stance on medical marijuana is it does not oppose medical marijuana when used as prescribed by a competent physician. This includes vaping marijuana when authorized based on medical necessity. But, the church continues to strongly oppose recreational marijuana use.
Additionally, the church advises caution, comparing marijuana to opioids and other addictive substances that should be avoided except under proper medical care.
In Utah, the church initially opposed a broad medical marijuana ballot initiative in 2018. But as cannabis was proven to have medical benefits, they facilitated negotiations between lawmakers, advocates, and other stakeholders to create a restrictive medical marijuana law. The resulting program includes limitations such as prohibiting smoking of marijuana flower (only vaporization is allowed), lower purchase limits, and requiring a pharmacist at every dispensary.
The church’s stance continues to evolve and in 2020, the church updated its handbook to explicitly allow vaping of medical marijuana when authorized by a medical provider. Church leaders have emphasized the need for prompt action on medical marijuana legislation, recognizing the urgency for those who may benefit from it. The church maintains that it respects the counsel of medical professionals and supports scrutiny of new drugs by medical scientists and official approval bodies.
Both are seen as vices, both have potential downsides, but the public views them differently.
As public perception shifts and scientific evidence mounts, marijuana is increasingly recognized as a safer alternative to alcohol. A recent YouGov survey highlights this changing attitude, revealing that a majority of Americans now believe marijuana to be less harmful than alcohol. Once seen as something lazy stoners used and a sign of the decline of civilization, it has now been embraced by such staid organizations as AARP and the Food and Drug Adminstration. The medical community sees it as a key alternative to opioids and more states see it as a key tax revenue. And here is how hte mainstream view alcohol and marijuana.
Part of the reason is medical marijuana offers a range of therapeutic benefits, supported by emerging research and patient experiences. Here are 100 positive words highlighting its advantages. These include relief from pain, nausea, reducing, vomiting, controlling, spasms, easing, tremors, improving sleep, managing anxiety, alleviating,depression, stabilizing mood, enhancing focus and concentration, help with arthritis inflammation, and appetite stimulating Also, cannabinoids like THC and CBD provide targeted relief for epilepsy and seizures. They improve quality of life by addressing symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), Crohn’s disease (IBD), Alzheimer’s progression prevention.
Photo by Esther Kelleter/Getty
The YouGov poll, which involved nearly 20,000 American adults, found that 58% of respondents consider regular alcohol use more harmful to a person’s health than regular marijuana use. This sentiment spans across political lines, with 64% of Democrats, 59% of independents, and 52% of Republicans agreeing that alcohol poses greater health risks.
When examining the health impacts of both substances, marijuana consistently emerges as the safer option:
Overdose Risk: While alcohol overdose claims tens of thousands of lives annually, there has never been a recorded case of a fatal marijuana overdose.
Addiction Potential: Researchers consistently report that marijuana is far less addictive than alcohol, with alcohol potentially causing severe physical withdrawal symptoms.
Injury and Violence: Alcohol use is strongly associated with increased risk of injury and violent behavior, whereas marijuana use has not been linked to such outcomes
The shift in public opinion is already influencing consumer behavior. More than half of marijuana users report drinking less alcohol or abstaining entirely after using cannabis. This trend is particularly pronounced among young adults, who are nearly three times more likely to use marijuana daily compared to alcohol.
As perceptions change and legalization expands, the alcohol industry faces a growing challenge. The rise of cannabis poses a threat to alcohol sales, with many consumers viewing marijuana as a safer and more desirable alternative. This could be why so many alcohol corporations have invested in cannabis businesses.