Cannabis News
Over-The-Counter Sleep Aids Can Increase Your Risk of Dementia?
Did You Know That Over-The-Counter Sleep Aids Can Increase Your Risk For Dementia?
This Is Why You Should Be Using Cannabis Instead
When people these days have any trouble sleeping, it’s become almost default to reach for a bottle of melatonin, doxylamine, diphenhydramine, or other common over-the-counter sleep aids. Sure, they work.
But at a price.
It wasn’t until I began experiencing severe memory loss and brain fog at the age of 37 did I start looking into potential causes. I was worried that I could actually have early-onset Alzheimer’s when my husband began to voice his concern about my incredible forgetfulness. However, I did notice there was a week when my brain fog lifted and my cognitive function and memory improved.
I realized that that week, what changed was that I was weaning myself off my melatonin gummies.
So I did the research, and what I found was truly scary. Nobody tells you that melatonin and other seemingly harmless sleep aids can speed up the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
The studies are there. In a recent study whose results were published in the January 2023 issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers analyzed 3,000 elderly adults who didn’t have dementia. The participants weren’t residing in nursing homes but participated in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study, and researchers followed them for around 9 years.
Over the course of the study, 20% of the study’s participants developed dementia. They found that, while there was a mix of white and black individuals enrolled, white participants who admitted to consuming sleep aids “often” or “almost always” were 79% more likely to get dementia compared to the participants who rarely – or never – used them. Other interesting findings from the study was that the white participants were 10 times more likely to be taking trazodone, which is a pharmaceutical antidepressant also used as a sleep aid. They also commonly took Ambien, a sedative that helps induce sleep.
The study concluded that heavy or frequent consumption of sleep aids could increase dementia risk, especially for white people.
Why does this happen?
There are several working explanations; one of these is the fact that specific types of sleep aids work by blocking acetylcholine (ACTH), a chemical found in the brain. When ACTH production is blocked, there is a significant risk for developing dementia. Several kinds of pharmaceutical drugs block the production of ACTH though the common drugs used for sleep include Benadryl, Seroquel, Hydroxyzine, Doxepin, and Elavil. Oftentimes, pharmaceutical drugs that have the ability to block ACTH are prescribed to treat existing health problems such as seizures, allergies, nausea, Parkinson’s disease or others… but it’s a side effect that they also block ACTH.
Dung Trinh, MD of the Irvine Clinical Research in California, tells WebMD: “Research has suggested a potential correlation between the long-term use of sleeping pills and increased risk of dementia.” He goes on to explain that the link isn’t thoroughly understood just yet, and we do need more research.
What About Melatonin?
Melatonin, a hormone produced naturally by the body, one that is responsible for helping us regulate our sleep and wake cycles, has also been produced synthetically to help people treat insomnia. Most people have the misconception that since melatonin is a hormone and taking it regularly does have positive health benefits, there would be no drastic side effects. However, most people remain uneducated about what could happen if you take melatonin in heavy doses or in the long-term.
Studies that go as far back as 2007 have shown that taking melatonin could have an impact on memory formation. The studies on these are limited as of now, and little is also known about other potential long-term risks, which is why it isn’t advisable to become dependent on any sleep aid out there.
Use Cannabis Instead
If you struggle with insomnia or sleeplessness, the good news is that pharmaceutical drugs aren’t your only option. More and more people are turning to various forms of marijuana to help them sleep.
Why pot?
It’s natural, safe, and effective for insomnia – even for long-term use.
In fact, there is a growing number of cannabis products out there designed for relaxation and sleep. Consumers can choose from a wide array of products to suit their consumption preferences: flower, edibles, oils, tinctures, and much more. You can also customize how you want to medicate, based on the types of effects you’re after; some people enjoy the intoxication brought about by high-THC products, while others prefer the relaxing state of CBD.
Regardless, there are a multitude of studies confirming the sedating effects of both THC and CBD. They work in a variety of ways to help people, especially if you are suffering from a chronic condition that prevents you from getting decent shut-eye such as pain.
As a bonus, cannabis has been shown to help reduce the progression of dementia!
Just be wary that medicating with high-THC products, or those that have a longer lasting effect such as edibles, can result in a weed hangover the following day. It all really depends on your tolerance and unique biochemistry.
Conclusion
Over-the-counter sleep medications may seem harmless because they aren’t regulated, but they are not. Long-term use can cause significant cognitive issues and memory decline, and they can make you extremely drowsy that you may no longer know or remember what you are doing. There are risks of overdosing as well.
Cannabis is a natural alternative and can help you get the shut-eye you need. Experiment with various forms of marijuana to determine which products are most effective for you.
WEED FOR SLEEPING, READ ON…
“How Long Does One Puff of Weed Stay in Your System?”… This topic can be difficult to answer since it is dependent on elements such as the size of the hit and what constitutes a “one hit.” If you take a large bong pull then cough, it might linger in your system for 5-7 days. A moderate dose from a joint can last 3-5 days, whereas a few hits from a vaporizer may last 1-3 days.
The length of time that marijuana stays in the body varies based on a number of factors, including metabolism, THC levels, frequency of use, and hydration.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. THC and its metabolites, which remain in your body long after the effects have subsided, are detected by drug tests.
Since these metabolites are fat-soluble, they cling to bodily fat molecules. They could thus take a while to fully pass through your system, particularly if your body fat percentage is higher.
THC is absorbed by tissues and organs (including the brain, heart, and fat) and converted by the liver into chemicals such as 11-hydroxy-THC and carboxy-THC. Cannabis is eliminated in feces at a rate of around 65%, while urine accounts for 20%. The leftover amount might be kept within the body.
THC deposited in bodily tissues ultimately re-enters the circulation and is processed by the liver. For frequent users, THC accumulates in fatty tissues quicker than it can be removed, thus it may be detectable in drug tests for days or weeks following consumption.
The detection time varies according to the amount and frequency of cannabis usage. Higher dosages and regular usage result in longer detection times.
The type of drug test also affects detection windows. Blood and saliva tests typically detect cannabis metabolites for shorter periods, while urine and hair samples can reveal use for weeks or even months. In some cases, hair tests have detected cannabis use over 90 days after consumption.
Detection Windows for Various Cannabis Drug Tests
Urine Tests
Among all drug tests, urine testing is the most commonly used method for screening for drug use in an individual.
Detection times vary, but a 2017 review suggests the following windows for cannabis in urine after last use:
– Single-use (e.g., one joint): up to 3 days
– Moderate use (around 4 times a week): 5–7 days
– Chronic use (daily): 10–15 days
– Chronic heavy use (multiple times daily): over 30 days
Blood Tests
Blood tests generally detect recent cannabis use, typically within 2–12 hours after consumption. However, in cases of heavy use, cannabis has been detected up to 30 days later. Chronic heavy use can extend the detection period in the bloodstream.
Saliva Tests
THC can enter saliva through secondhand cannabis smoke, but THC metabolites are only present if you’ve personally smoked or ingested cannabis.
Saliva testing has a short detection window and can sometimes identify cannabis use on the same day. A 2020 review found that THC was detectable in the saliva of frequent users for up to 72 hours after use, and it may remain in saliva longer than in blood following recent use.
In areas where cannabis is illegal, saliva testing is often used for roadside screenings.
Hair Tests
Hair follicle tests can detect cannabis use for up to 90 days. After use, cannabinoids reach the hair follicles through small blood vessels and from sebum and sweat surrounding the hair.
Hair grows at approximately 0.5 inches per month, so a 1.5-inch segment of hair close to the scalp can reveal cannabis use over the past three months.
Factors Affecting THC and Metabolite Retention
The length of time THC and its metabolites stay in your system depends on various factors. Some, like body mass index (BMI) and metabolic rate, relate to individual body processing, not the drug itself.
Other factors are specific to cannabis use, including:
– Dosage: How much you consume
– Frequency: How often you use cannabis
– Method of consumption: Smoking, dabbing, edibles, or sublingual
– THC potency: Higher potency can extend detection time
Higher doses and more frequent use generally extend THC retention. Cannabis consumed orally may remain in the system slightly longer than smoked cannabis, and stronger cannabis strains, higher in THC, may also stay detectable for a longer period.
How Quickly Do the Effects of Cannabis Set In?
When smoking cannabis, effects appear almost immediately, while ingested cannabis may take 1–3 hours to peak.
The psychoactive component THC produces a “high” with common effects such as:
– Altered senses, including perception of time
– Mood changes
– Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
– Impaired memory
Other short-term effects can include:
– Anxiety and confusion
– Decreased coordination
– Dry mouth and eyes
– Nausea or lightheadedness
– Trouble focusing
– Increased appetite
– Rapid heart rate
– Restlessness and sleepiness
In rare cases, high doses may lead to hallucinations, delusions, or acute psychosis.
Regular cannabis use may have additional mental and physical effects. While research is ongoing, cannabis use may increase the risk of:
– Cognitive issues like memory loss
– Cardiovascular problems including heart disease and stroke
– Respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or lung infections
– Mood disorders like depression and anxiety
Cannabis use during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal growth and development.
Duration of Effects
Short-term effects generally taper off within 1–3 hours, but for chronic users, some long-term effects may last days, weeks, or even months. Certain effects may even be permanent.
Bottom Line
The amount of time that cannabis remains in your system following a single use varies greatly depending on individual characteristics such as body fat, metabolism, frequency of use, and mode of intake. Frequent users may maintain traces of THC for weeks, whereas infrequent users may test positive for as little as a few days. Hair tests can disclose usage for up to 90 days, while blood and saliva tests identify more recent use. Urine tests are the most popular and have varying detection durations. The duration that THC and its metabolites are detectable will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including dose, strength, and individual body chemistry.
PEE IN A CUP COMING UP, READ ON..
Is kratom addictive? Discover the potential for dependence on Kratom, the risks involved with its use, and how to approach its consumption responsibly.
From 2011 to 2017, over 1,800 calls to poison centers involved kratom in the U.S. This significant number highlights the concern regarding kratom addiction.
However, without Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight, and due to various consumption methods like teas and capsules, there are significant health risks. Safe use of kratom is now in question due to these issues.
Research debates how dependence develops, outlining signs like loss of control and withdrawal symptoms. These signs are seen in regular kratom users. Ironically, some people switch from drugs like heroin to kratom, looking for a legal alternative.
Understanding Kratom: Origins and Prevalence
Kratom comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Southeast Asia. It can act like a stimulant or like opioids, based on how much you take. People use it in different ways, for a small energy boost or stronger effects at higher doses.
The legal status of kratom in the U.S. is complicated and changing. It’s a hot topic because some worry about its misuse. It’s still legal in several states. This shows how different places handle drug rules. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is looking into its medical benefits. But, the FDA hasn’t approved it for medical use yet. The DEA calls it a “drug of concern,” which means policies might change.
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From 2011 to 2017, poison control centers in the U.S. got over 1,800 reports about kratom. This shows it’s widely used and might pose health risks.
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Kratom’s main ingredients bind to opioid receptors very strongly, stronger than morphine even. This fact is key to understanding its effects.
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As more people use kratom, more are reporting serious health problems. These include liver and heart issues, and tough withdrawal symptoms, particularly in those already sick.
The statistics show mounting worries about kratom in the U.S. As its use grows, it’s becoming more important to health policies and laws. What happens next will depend on further research and legal decisions.
Is Kratom Addictive: Investigating the Substance’s Nature
The question of kratom’s addictiveness focuses on how it affects brain receptors and its long-term health implications. The ongoing debate highlights concerns about dependence and the risk of addiction. Scientists are closely looking at these issues.
How Kratom Works in the Brain
Kratom’s main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to the brain’s opioid receptors, similar to painkillers and narcotics. This connection suggests a potential risk of dependence. These alkaloids are key to kratom’s pain relief but also point to possible addiction concerns, especially with frequent, high-dose usage.
Patterns and Consequences of Long-term Use
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Using kratom often, especially in large doses, can increase the risk of dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms, similar to opioid withdrawal.
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Although some use it for pain or to improve mood, long-term kratom users might see serious health problems, like liver damage and mental health issues.
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Withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, nausea, and sleep problems, show kratom’s impact on one’s physical and mental health.
Assessment of Addiction Risks
Studies indicate a significant risk of addiction to kratom, especially with high doses or frequent use. Dependence develops as the body gets used to kratom, leading to tolerance and a need for more to feel its effects. Withdrawal symptoms emphasize this risk, as highlighted by health experts.
Physiological Effects: Kratom’s Impact on the Body
There is a lot of debate about the safety and use of kratom. This herbal extract comes from the Mitragyna speciosa plant. It has drawn attention for its possible harmful effects on the body. The FDA has issued many warnings about kratom, raising safety concerns.
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Kratom Adverse Effects: Kratom users have reported side effects like nausea, vomiting, and confusion. More serious issues include high blood pressure and liver damage. These problems highlight the risks of using kratom.
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Herbal Extract Safety: Some kratom products contain heavy metals and pathogens. These can cause severe health issues, including death. This shows the importance of safety in herbal products.
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FDA Warnings and Regulations: The FDA has linked kratom to over 35 deaths and warns against using it. They point out the lack of medical uses and the risk of addiction.
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Physiological Impact: Kratom’s effects depend on the dose and the user’s body. Yet, it can lead to dangerous outcomes like liver damage and seizures.
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Safety Concerns from Authorities: Federal agencies like the DEA are worried about kratom’s safety. Although not a controlled substance, monitoring suggests users should be careful.
Kratom might offer temporary relief for some ailments, but it comes with significant risks. The FDA’s warnings should make people think twice. If considering kratom, it’s crucial to talk to a doctor first. Experts stress the need for safety and caution with herbal extracts.
Conclusion
Kratom’s role in health and regulation is complex, with views and research findings widely varied. Some people use kratom for its claimed health benefits, but it’s a hot topic. Experts advise caution and suggest consulting a doctor before using kratom due to the unclear effects.
Clinical studies using scores like SOWS and COWS haven’t confirmed withdrawal symptoms from kratom. This adds to the debate, especially when some users report withdrawal. This makes kratom a controversial subject among different findings and user experiences.
When it comes to treating opioid addiction, kratom can be both helpful and harmful. Some have used it successfully to fight addiction. Yet, some states have banned it. This highlights the need for regulations and consistent product quality. It also raises questions about kratom’s legal status due to mixed actions by authorities.
The situation shows how complex kratom is in the realm of substance use and law. Without clear evidence supporting either its benefits or risks, it poses a challenge. More research is needed to guide regulations and health advice. For now, anyone thinking of using kratom should be careful, seek medical advice, and keep up with laws and health guidelines.
WHAT IS KRATOM ANYWAY? READ ON…
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