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New Study Backs Up Cannabis Never Led to Psychosis

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One of the going lines for those opposing cannabis, is that it increases incidences of psychosis, like schizophrenia. Now, a new study greatly contradicts this, to the point of saying nearly the opposite. Why do such contradictory results exist, and should we be worried that cannabis increases the risk of psychosis?

This article is the express opinion of the writer.

New study on cannabis and psychosis

Psychosis definition according to the National Institute of Mental Health: “Psychosis refers to a collection of symptoms that affect the mind, where there has been some loss of contact with reality. During an episode of psychosis, a person’s thoughts and perceptions are disrupted and they may have difficulty recognizing what is real and what is not.” It is not more specific than this.

The study is called Early Detection and Intervention for the Prevention of Psychosis Program (EDIPPP), and was conducted on multiple sites with clinical trials. Eleven different universities took part in it. The goal was originally to show that using cannabis is dangerous for people with a higher risk of psychosis.

For the study 210 ‘clinically high risk’ patients who smoke cannabis, were followed for two years. This was not an adults only study, and the average age of participants was 16 years old. 81% were enrolled in school when the study started. 61% of subjects were white, and 42% of the test population was female. Researchers tracked medication taking, brain function, and other observed behaviors to gather data. This was on on-site study.

New research suggests cannabis helps brain function
New research suggests cannabis helps brain function

According to the study data, not only was cannabis not related to an increase in psychotic onset; but the data indicates it didn’t affect general brain function negatively, or produce clinical symptoms. Quite the opposite, actually. Those who used cannabis were found to have higher functioning brains, with a greater capacity through time, for sociability. According to the team, “CHR youth who continuously used cannabis had higher neurocognition and social functioning over time, and decreased medication usage, relative to non-users..”

This study goes in contrast to many others, like this one out of Denmark; which leaves us with the notion that from 1995-2010, problematic marijuana use with schizophrenia increased from 2% to 4%. This study only used medical files, however, and spoke to no participants. Much like many investigations of this nature, it means study investigators had 0% control over information collection, and all information was collected for other purposes.

The new study doesn’t simply assess previously collected information with a hope of drawing some connection to make headlines. It’s a developed study that used participants who signed releases to be in it. The Denmark study, in comparison, suffers from a lack of contact with participants, while also seeking to measure a specific condition, which isn’t technically measurable. Perhaps the Denmark study, and others of its kind, are some of the better examples of how research and headlines are used to sway our opinions, even when based on nothing.

Why this is silly

We don’t question whether alcohol causes health damage, or whether opioids do. We’re all pretty okay with the line that they do, because we see it in real life. Especially with alcohol, which much like cannabis, has been used throughout recorded history, in some capacity. We know it causes severe issues from all this time, yet this same information can’t be said distinctively for cannabis. It’s questioned, and argued over, yet after all these years, there’s no obvious answer. Or, at least, there’s no obvious answer that it causes damage.

Natural medicine traditions have reported on the properties of different plants for thousands of years. And to be clear, they often speak of cannabis having somewhat psychotic effects. But its never spoken about as a lasting condition; and we’re all aware that when on a drug, we are supposed to experience something. Yet, somehow, despite it being the most widely used drug outside of alcohol, and with thousands of years of accumulated experience showing no lasting damage…

Can you see where I’m going with this? We’ve had thousands of years with weed collectively, and somehow no one was categorically worried about lasting damage in other cultures. Yet today, all of a sudden, it causes psychosis? Forget that the government regulates synthetic opioids that take out close to 100,000 people yearly in the US alone. It’s obviously the psychosis of cannabis – which no one ever sees beyond someone currently high – as the thing to worry about.

Real drug damage is often very visible
Real drug damage is often very visible

If weed were really a problem in this way, it would be reflected in all those ancient texts as possibly causing some form of long-term craziness. It would be seen regularly in society, considering how prevalent weed use is. Now think to yourself if you know even one person who went crazy because of smoking weed.

Beyond these points of logic, there’s the idea that the research world is an incredibly competitive place, wherein some must continue to publish findings to keep their positions. That’s a lot of pressure. Maybe enough to encourage some to put out sub-par efforts just to keep up. To give an idea of just how silly the world of research is getting, check out this article recently published in the Guardian, which attacks the topic of research retractions.

In 2022, for example, a massive 5,500 retractions had to be made for published scientific research. There is so much research published yearly, that this accounted for only one in 1,000. However, back in the year 2000, there were only 40 retractions, for comparison. Its best to remember that these are the ones that got challenged in some way; plenty of research that desperately needs to get retracted, doesn’t get enough exposure or heat for that to happen. Meaning those results stand. Some estimate that at least 100,000 studies should get retracted yearly, or more.

The issue with measuring psychosis

Psychotic issues like schizophrenia, are psychotic issues because a doctor defines them that way. There is no medical definition for any of these conditions, regardless of how many the DSM talks about, or how much you don’t like that sentence. This is not opinion. Not a single one has a definable and testable ability, and this is understood in the medical world, even if its flubbed a bit for consumers. So if the right person says you have one of these disorders, then voila, you do. If they don’t, then its just your friends speculating you’re crazy, according to today’s psychiatric process.

We’ve all seen some crazy people in life. There are definitely people with a screw loose, for whatever reason its like that. Maybe they were born with issues, maybe they got hit in the head, or were highly abused, or exposed to chemicals. Regardless of why a person ends up as the ‘crazy person,’ we know there is some line somewhere, and that past a point, we can see it. It’s not about one specific behavior either, but often a pattern of behaviors, which is indeed what the therapists look for.

When it comes to diagnosis, different doctors often give different ones for the same person. It happens all the time; and the only thing the doctors have in common is some kind of degree. Now consider how often doctors disagree and argue over different topics. The whole reason we develop tests when possible, is to give a clarified answer; so the right treatment measure is taken, and opinion is taken out.

Psychosis cannot be defined by medical testing like blood work
Psychosis cannot be defined by medical testing like blood work

If you have a broken arm, it comes up in an X-ray. If you have diabetes, it shows in your insulin levels. If you have a tumor, that can be biopsied to understand the cancer better. A virus can be detected, as can bacterial and fungal infections, as well as a host of other medical issues. These are all done through medical diagnoses, which define something that can be measured. No psychiatric issue comes with this kind of test, which means 100% of diagnoses are personal opinion. This is not debatable. Those personal opinions might (or might not) be based in education, but they are still personal.

Beyond what this means to shoving psych meds down people’s throats, it comes with another negative implication. If we can’t really measure these things in a definable way, how can any aggregated research mean anything? Since there is no definable test, and the doctor is such an important figure in each diagnosis; we’d have to know each doctor, to understand what they were responding to in each case. Any aggregated research is just a piling up of opinions, for which we have no idea what spawned them in the doctor’s mind.

Conclusion

While I hope this recent study works to get some reality back into a horribly demented research world; I have doubts. I expect as different forces fight to keep things illegal, we’ll hear much more in the future about this cannabis psychosis that no one actually sees.

Welcome everyone! Cool that you’re here! We appreciate you making your way to Cannadelics.com; where we report on the goings-on in the cannabis and psychedelics spaces. Come around regularly to get all the updates; and check out the Cannadelics Weekly Newsletter. It’s got some great product promos, along with the news.



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Can CBD Provide Some Foot Pain Relief

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It hobbles millions – but CBD could be step in the right direction for foot pain.

Roughly 75% of people suffer some type of foot pain at some point. But can CBD provide some foot pain relief? Foot pain can be debilitating, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life. Conditions like gout, plantar fasciitis, neuroma, neuropathy, and metatarsalgia are common causes of foot discomfort. While traditional treatments often come with side effects, CBD oil has emerged as a promising alternative for managing foot pain. Here’s why CBD is gaining attention for its potential benefits in alleviating foot-related issues.

RELAETD: Is GERD Helped By Cannabis

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce intoxicating effects, making it a safe option for those seeking pain relief without altering their mental state. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating pain, inflammation, and mood.
Photo by 2H Media via Unsplash

CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation, a key factor in many foot pain conditions. By minimizing swelling and redness, CBD can help alleviate discomfort associated with conditions like gout and plantar fasciitis.

CBD’s ability to modulate pain perception makes it effective for managing chronic pain. It can increase levels of anandamide, a compound associated with pain regulation, potentially reducing pain perception.

For conditions like neuropathy, where nerve damage leads to pain, CBD’s neuroprotective qualities can help mitigate symptoms. It may reduce neuropathic pain by interacting with receptors in the nervous system.

CBD products come in various forms, including topical creams, gels, and oils, which can be applied directly to the affected area. This localized application avoids systemic side effects and ensures targeted relief.

While more research is needed to fully understand CBD’s effects on chronic pain, existing studies suggest it is generally safe and well-tolerated. Common side effects are mild and include fatigue, decreased appetite, and dry mouth. The FDA has not approved CBD for pain management, but it is approved for certain epilepsy conditions, indicating its potential therapeutic benefits. As research continues to uncover the full potential of CBD, it may become a valuable tool in the arsenal against foot pain, providing comfort and improving quality of life for many.



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5 Ideas To Have A Fun Single’s Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Day is considered a big night for couples – but if you are single, it can be tough…here are some ways to make it fun

It is day of love, candy, silliness and more….but for some, it is a tough day emotionally. It is one of the busiest restaurant days and flowers and candy abound everywhere you look. But what if you are single or taking a break for the big night.  Just because you are single, doesn’t mean you have to hide, rather it gives the chance to do something special for yourself.  Here are 5 ideas on having a fun single’s Valentine’s Day.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

Gather your closest and/or your most fun friends and celebrate with a Guy/Galentine’s Day party. This can be a fun way to spend time with people you love and appreciate. You can play games, share snacks, and enjoy each other’s company without the pressure of romantic expectations. It’s a great way to remind yourself that you’re never truly alone on Valentine’s Day.

Treat yourself to a day of pampering. Book a spa appointment or create your own DIY spa day at home with face masks, bubble baths, and your favorite music. Self-care is essential for mental and physical well-being, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to prioritize it. Whether it’s a relaxing bath or a rejuvenating facial, make sure you feel loved and cared for by yourself.

Chill out with cannabis and let your body relax.  Watch a movie or lose yourself in music. marijuana taps into our minds in all sorts of ways, many of which seem to positively influence how we perceive things, including music. It also accesses a special neurotransmitter system, the endocannabinoid system, which regulates appetite, pain, mood and memory. The way the plant activates this system explains a lot of the unique effects. The THC in marijuana can increase dopamine release in the brain’s reward centers, leading to feelings of pleasure and euphoria.

Indulge in hobbies or interests. It can a be a chance to spend time iwth a new or existing activity you love, but might night share with others. Whether it’s gaming, cooking, or learning a new language, stepping out of your comfort zone can be incredibly rewarding. You might discover a new passion or talent, and it’s a great way to keep your day exciting and productive

Sometimes, the best way to celebrate Valentine’s Day is by taking a solo trip or exploring new places in your city. Whether it’s hiking a scenic trail, visiting a local museum, or trying a new restaurant, getting out and experiencing new things can be incredibly liberating. It’s a chance to focus on yourself and enjoy and discover new things.



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The Best Marijuana Strains For Valentine’s Day

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It is the day for lovers and/or friends…make it a little extra special with these love strains.

Friday is Valentine’s Day, one of the most fraught emotional days of the year. It is one of hte business days of hte year for restaurants, second only to Mother’s Day.  It is also given rise for singles to celebrate including the new trends of Galentine’s Day.

Candy, chocolate, and sweets are a top choice for Valentine’s Day gifts. In 2018, 63% of consumers bought candy for Valentine’s Day, but this year think outside the heart shaped box.  Here are the best marijuana strains for Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re looking to enhance intimacy, boost creativity, or simply relax with your partner, there are numerous marijuana strains which can help set the mood. 

RELATED: Couples Using Cannabis Can Increase Intimacy

When selecting a strain for Valentine’s Day, consider the desired effects and your partner’s preferences. Sativa-dominant strains like Lemonatti and Rainbow can enhance energy and creativity, while indica-leaning strains like Pineapple God and Sugar Black Rose offer relaxation. Balanced hybrids like Cereal Milk and Red Velvet provide a mix of both, making them versatile choices for any romantic evening.

Love Potion

This Sativa-dominant strain is known for its arousing effects. Love Potion enhances focus and energizes the mind, making it perfect for foreplay and deep conversations.

Lemonatti

This sativa-dominant hybrid offers a sophisticated blend of uplifting and relaxing effects, with THC levels ranging from 21-28%. Its energizing properties make it ideal for a lively (wink wink) Valentine’s evening.

Alien Cookies

This hybrid strikes a balance between relaxation and euphoria, creating a cozy atmosphere while setting the mood for connection.

Rainbow

This Uplifting strain has bright and is full of flavor, Rainbow is great for couples seeking a lighthearted, adventurous Valentine’s Day experience.

Pineapple God

This Indica-leaning is perfect for a relaxing evening, offering a stunning visual display of sticky green, pink, and purple buds. If you are spending the evening alone, this can put you in a great mood.

RELATED: The Best Tips To Up Your Intimacy Game While High

Donny Burger

This Indica is ideal for winding down after a romantic evening, providing full-body relaxation effects perfect for cuddling.

Sugar Black Rose

This Indica offers a deeply relaxing experience with a sweet, fruity aroma, making it a beautiful gift for Valentine’s Day.

GG4 Sherbet FF

This energizing strain boosts energy and creativity, perfect for romantic moments and enhancing intimacy.

Cereal Milk

This balanced hybrid promotes creativity and sensory exploration, with a sweet, dessert-like flavor that pairs well with romantic treats….could be a big winner.

Create a cozy atmosphere with dim lighting and soft music and enjoy the cannabis alongside romantic treats like chocolates or desserts.  Avoid alcohol since combining marijuana and booze my not provide the right atmosphere.

 



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