Cannabis News
Parkinson’s Patients are Self-Medicating with Cannabis, and Seeing Good Results!
Published
3 months agoon
By
admin
Parkinson’s disease is a terrible neurodegenerative disorder that severely impacts one’s movement. Since it affects the nervous system, movement, and body parts that are controlled through our nerves, patients with Parkinson’s disease suffer from being unable to move as they wish since there is no longer any coordination in the body.
The symptoms of Parkinson’s often start out very mild, though they all eventually progress. Tremors and shaking are a hallmark early symptom, typically starting out in the fingers or hands. Other symptoms gradually begin: these symptoms include bradykinesia, muscle rigidity, impaired coordination and balance, changes in speech and writing, and overall loss of movement when the disease has progressed to severe.
Parkinson’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, it affects around 1 million people in the United States alone, and globally, around 8.5 million people live with this condition. While there are several medications that can help slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease, many patients have found relief in using cannabis as well.
Is It Safe To Self-Medicate With Weed If You Have Parkinson’s?
There is a growing number of clinical trials, studies, and surveys pointing to the efficacy of cannabis in treating Parkinson’s Disease symptoms. Just do a search on Google and you’ll find them. If you go on YouTube, you’ll even see some incredible videos showing how marijuana impacts its symptoms, like this one. Scientists, doctors, and patients alike are all interested to know more about marijuana and Parkinson’s.
A recent study published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease found that a third of patients with the disease turn to marijuana as well as coffee as natural aids to help them cope with the disease. More often than not, they also don’t disclose these to their doctors. Other natural aids that they commonly turn to include coffee and turmeric.
“The interest in natural sources of bioactive molecules documented here corroborates other studies indicating that PwP seek to become active players in the design of their therapies. This offers an opportunity to further develop personalized treatments and promote patient involvement in health care decision making,” wrote the study’s authors.
It’s easy to see why people are increasingly seeing cannabis as a natural health aid; after all, it has been used since ancient millennia traditionally, and it’s based on whole plant medicine that has little to no side effects, other than its psychoactive characteristics. Cannabis is also not addicting and non-toxic, unlike other pharmaceutical medications. In addition, if weed is legal where you live, it can be easy to integrate it into your lifestyle especially to mitigate the other symptoms of the condition.
While marijuana can certainly help mitigate many symptoms of this neurodegenerative disease and possibly even slow down its progression, we must remember that it can still interact with other medication. Consultation with a healthcare provider is always best so that we know the right dosage for maximum efficacy and safety at all times.
Back in 2021, a survey was conducted to poll patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Researchers utilized a cross-sectional-based survey throughout Germany, using a questionnaire they had developed themselves. The questionnaire had 25 questions, which sought to ask patients about their cannabis use for Parkinson’s, their patient knowledge as well as demographics.
A total of 24,000 questionnaires were distributed and 1,123 were analyzed from the 1,126 that were returned. Ninety percent of 250 patients who were invited to join the survey responded. Among them, 15% were marijuana users; 13.9% were regular cannabis users while 32.2% were considered occasional. It was surprising that just 51% said they were knowledgeable about weed, and just 8.8% understood the difference between CBD and THC. However, over half of them reported that weed had a positive clinical effect on them.
“Our data confirm that PD patients have a high interest in treatment with medical cannabis but lacked knowledge about how to take it and especially the differences between the two main cannabinoids, THC and CBD,” explained Professor Carsten Buhman, the lead investigator and a professor at the Department of Neurology in the University Medical Center Hamburg – Eppendorf, Hamburg.
Conclusion
Studies show that cannabis targets several mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease to provide relief to patients. These may vary from one patient to another, but cannabis has been shown to help reduce muscle rigidity, tremors, mitigate anxiety and depression caused by the disease, improve sleep, and reduce pain among others. Cannabis may also help treat dyskinesia, which is a side effect of using conventional Parkinson’s treatments for a long period of time.
All these said, there’s still much more we need to know about cannabis and this disease. If you are interested in trying weed for its symptoms or for a loved one, we always recommend consulting with your healthcare provider; ideally, they’re knowledgeable about the use of cannabis for Parkinson’s disease and may be able to offer helpful advise when it comes to dosing and consumption for your specific needs.
Furthermore, we need stronger clinical data to back up the safety of said dosage as well as the cannabinoids in weed. Many elderly patients, or those who are sick, do not want to experience the psychoactive effects of THC. More data on weed’s mechanism of action and variability of response will help healthcare professionals curate a more personalized treatment plan that can include cannabis together with other conventional medications.
SLOWING DOWN THE EFFECTS OF PARKINSONS’ WITH WEED? READ ON…
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Wait, Can TSA Now Stop You for Cannabis in Your Luggage?
Published
8 hours agoon
November 8, 2024By
admin
Can TSA stop you if you have weed in your bag?
With the election over and Republicans getting a clean sweep across much of the board in America, is it safe to travel on an airplane with weed, now? Traveling with cannabis can be a daunting experience, especially given the complex web of state and federal laws governing its use and possession. As more states legalize marijuana for recreational and medicinal purposes, many travelers find themselves asking: **Can the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) stop you for cannabis in your luggage?** This comprehensive guide will explore TSA policies regarding cannabis, the implications of federal law, and practical advice for travelers to navigate this evolving landscape.
The Legal Landscape of Cannabis in the United States
Federal Law
At the federal level, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification indicates that marijuana is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Consequently, possession, distribution, or cultivation of marijuana remains illegal across the United States, regardless of state laws.
In December 2018, the U.S. Congress passed the **Farm Bill**, which legalized hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis). This legislation opened the door for the legal sale and transportation of certain hemp-derived products, such as CBD oil. However, it did not change the legal status of marijuana itself.
State Laws
In contrast to federal law, many states have enacted their own laws regarding cannabis use. As of now, over 30 states have legalized marijuana for medical use, and several have also legalized it for recreational use. Each state has its own regulations governing possession limits, usage locations, and age restrictions. Here are some key points to consider:
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Recreational Use: States like California, Colorado, and Oregon allow adults over 21 to possess and use cannabis legally.
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Medical Use: Many states require patients to obtain a medical marijuana card to access cannabis products legally.
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Decriminalization: Some states have decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis, meaning that while it remains illegal, penalties are reduced.
The Patchwork of State Laws
The disparity between state and federal laws creates a patchwork legal environment that can be confusing for travelers. For instance:
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A traveler may legally purchase cannabis in California but face legal repercussions if they attempt to bring it into a state where it remains illegal.
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Even in states where cannabis is legal, local jurisdictions may impose additional restrictions or penalties.
TSA Policies Regarding Cannabis
TSA’s Primary Mission
The primary mission of the TSA is to ensure the safety and security of air travel. Their focus is on preventing dangerous items from being brought onto airplanes—such as weapons or explosives—rather than enforcing drug laws. This means that while TSA officers may encounter cannabis during security screenings, they are not actively searching for it.
What Happens If TSA Finds Cannabis?
If TSA officers discover cannabis during a security screening, they follow specific protocols:
1. Confiscation: The TSA will typically confiscate any cannabis products found in your luggage.
2. Notification of Law Enforcement: TSA officers may notify local law enforcement if they find marijuana in your luggage. What happens next depends on local laws regarding cannabis possession.
The Role of Local Law Enforcement
When local law enforcement gets involved after TSA confiscates cannabis:
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Legal Consequences: Depending on the amount found and local laws, you may face fines or other penalties.
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Discretionary Enforcement: In some areas where cannabis is legal or decriminalized, law enforcement may choose not to pursue charges against individuals found with small amounts.
What You Can Bring: Understanding Limits
Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC are legal federally. This means that items such as CBD oil made from hemp can be transported legally through airports. However, it’s essential to carry documentation proving that the product contains less than 0.3% THC to avoid issues at security checkpoints.
Tips for Traveling with Hemp-Derived Products
1. Documentation: Always carry a certificate of analysis (COA) from a reputable lab showing that your product meets federal guidelines.
2. Proper Packaging: Keep hemp-derived products in their original packaging to avoid any confusion during security checks.
3. Know Your Product: Be aware of the THC content in your product; if it exceeds 0.3%, it could be considered illegal under federal law.
Medical Marijuana
If you are traveling with medical marijuana, understanding both your departure and arrival states’ laws is crucial:
1. Check Local Laws: Some states allow medical marijuana patients to carry their medication across state lines; others do not.
2. Documentation: Always carry your medical marijuana card and any prescriptions to avoid complications at security checkpoints.
Considerations for Medical Marijuana Users
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Quantity Limits: Be aware of how much medical marijuana you are allowed to carry according to your home state’s regulations.
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State Reciprocity: Some states recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards; check if your destination state has this provision.
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Traveling by Air: If flying from a legal state to another legal state but through a non-legal state, consider alternative routes or transportation methods.
Navigating Airports with Cannabis
Security Screening Procedures
When you arrive at an airport with cannabis or hemp-derived products:
1. Prepare for Screening: Place all items in your carry-on bag for easier inspection.
2. Be Honest: If questioned by TSA officers about any items in your bag, be honest about what you’re carrying.
3. Stay Calm: If TSA finds cannabis during screening, remain calm and cooperative; panicking can escalate the situation unnecessarily.
Airport Policies on Cannabis
While TSA is responsible for security screenings, individual airports may have their own policies regarding cannabis:
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Some airports in legal states have designated areas where travelers can consume cannabis legally before boarding their flights.
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Other airports may have strict policies against any form of cannabis possession due to local laws.
Tips for Travelers
To ensure a smooth travel experience when it comes to cannabis, consider these tips:
1. Know Your Destination’s Laws: Research both your departure and arrival locations’ laws regarding cannabis possession and use.
2. Local Regulations: Understand any local regulations that may differ from state laws; some cities have stricter rules than their respective states.
If possible, refrain from bringing cannabis on your travels altogether:
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Purchase it legally at your destination if allowed.
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Consider using delivery services available in some legal states that can bring products directly to your accommodation.
If you must travel with cannabis or hemp-derived products:
1. Keep It Discreetly Packed: Store products discreetly within your luggage to avoid drawing attention during screenings.
2. Stay Within Legal Limits: Adhere strictly to possession limits set by both your home state and destination state.
Understand Risks Involved
Be aware that even if you are traveling from a legal state to another legal state:
1. Federal Law Applies in Airports: Federal law governs airports; possessing marijuana can lead to serious consequences regardless of state legality.
2. Potential Legal Issues: Be prepared for potential legal issues if stopped by law enforcement.
Real-Life Scenarios and Experiences
Understanding how TSA policies play out in real-life scenarios can provide valuable insights for travelers:
Scenario 1: Traveling from California to Colorado
A traveler leaves California (a legal state) with an ounce of recreational marijuana intended for personal use while visiting Colorado (another legal state). At LAX airport security.
The traveler places their bag on the conveyor belt without any concern since both states allow recreational use. TSA discovers the marijuana during screening; they confiscate it but do not involve law enforcement due to California’s legalization status.
In this case, although both states allow recreational use, the traveler faced no penalties because they were compliant with California’s regulations when departing.
Scenario 2: Traveling from New York to Texas
A medical marijuana patient travels from New York (where medical use is permitted) to Texas (where possession remains illegal). The patient carries their prescribed quantity along with documentation Upon arriving at an airport in Texas, TSA discovers the medical marijuana during screening. Local authorities are notified due to Texas’s strict laws against possession; the traveler faces potential charges despite having valid documentation from New York.
This scenario illustrates how traveling between states with differing laws can lead to serious consequences despite having valid medical documentation.
Conclusion
TSA does not actively seek out cannabis during security screenings, they will confiscate any found and may report it to local authorities. The legality of traveling with cannabis depends heavily on state laws and federal regulations making it essential for travelers to stay informed about both sets of rules before embarking on their journey.
By understanding these guidelines and taking proactive steps such as researching destination laws and considering alternative options travelers can navigate their travel plans confidently and minimize risks associated with carrying cannabis through airports. As societal attitudes toward cannabis continue to evolve alongside changing legislation across various jurisdictions, staying informed will remain crucial for anyone looking to travel with this increasingly popular substance safely and legally.
TSA ALLOWES CANNABIS-BASED MEDICINES NOW? READ ON…
Cannabis News
Why Weed is the Best Thing That’s Happened to Endometrosis Patients in the Last 50 Years
Published
2 days agoon
November 6, 2024By
admin
Endometriosis is one of the most pain conditions affecting women worldwide.
When endometriosis occurs, the endometrial tissue which normally grows inside the uterus, grows outside of it. As a result, it can attach itself to other reproductive organs in the area. In extreme cases, endometriosis can reach far beyond the reproductive area and cause serious pain and damage. The symptoms of endometriosis include sharp period pains, fatigue, pain during sex, infertility, heavy periods, and much more.
According to the World Health Organization, around 10% of women who are in reproductive age, have endometriosis. Unfortunately, there is no known cure, though several protocols can be integrated into a patient’s lifestyle to mitigate or reduce symptoms. Some common medications used for reducing the symptoms of endometriosis include birth control pills, hormonal injections, patches, and intra-uterine devices (IUD), to name a few. However, these may affect a woman’s chances of getting pregnant, or make infertility even worse since endometriosis can also affect fertility.
Thankfully, more women are finding success with lifestyle changes and integrating natural treatments to treat endometriosis. Along with regular exercise, weight loss among overweight women, and healthy habits, cannabis has been shown to be helpful treating this dreaded disease.
What Studies Are Saying
There are more studies than ever, too, proving the efficacy and benefits of cannabis for women suffering from endometriosis. In a recent study out of Germany, researchers analyzed survey data from more than 900 endometriosis patients to determine how, if any, the symptoms are impacted by cannabis.
A significant percentage of the 900 respondents acknowledged using marijuana, and most of them said that it was beneficial in helping with symptoms. “Seventeen percent of the respondents used cannabis flower strains or cannabis-related products as a self-management method,” said the researchers. “Cannabis was rated as the most effective self-management strategy to reduce symptom intensity (self-rated efficacy 7.6 out of 10). Additionally, ~90 percent of the participants were able to decrease the pain medication intake,” explained the researchers. They also noted that the participants observed the most significant benefits from cannabis in their sleep, menstrual pain, and non-cyclic pain in that order. Because of this, it’s become clear that cannabis can greatly help improve quality of life in these areas, which are otherwise affected by symptoms of endometriosis.
It’s important to note that the investigators also acknowledge that existing studies on cannabis for endometriosis is limited, yet there is an increasing quantity of studies pointing to a growing trend of women self-medicating with cannabis for this condition, and seeing success!
“The use of cannabis has a significant impact on the overall well-being and quality of life of women with endometriosis,” they concluded. “The study indicates that there is a significant interest and demand for additional therapeutic options, and cannabis can potentially become an important part of a multimodal therapy approach for treating endometriosis,” said the study.
Another study from Australia, whose results were published earlier this year, found similar results. The data, which was published in the journal, Obstetrics and Gynecology, were taken from 192 women who were polled by Australian researchers regarding their history of marijuana consumption and endometriosis symptoms.
According to the findings, 63% of the poll respondents were given doctor’s authorization letters for using cannabis-based medications. In Australia, physicians are legally allowed to recommend cannabis use for patients who have had no luck treating specific conditions using conventional prescription drugs. In the study, most women were using THC-dominant marijuana products and they reported improvements when it came to sleep, pain, nausea, and anxiety.
“This study found that THC-predominant CBMPs [cannabis-based medicinal products] are commonly prescribed to Australians with endometriosis,” said the authors. “Given major issues with symptom management and the self-reported reductions in pain and other symptoms, improving access to medicinal cannabis for this population is important and timely,” they said.
Why Cannabis Works So Well For Endometriosis
These studies and tons of anecdotal evidence available on the internet show that cannabis is indeed safe and effective for treating endometriosis. After all, cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays an important role in helping us regulate pain, inflammation, and our immune response – all of which are impacted by endometriosis.
While there are many symptoms that cannabis can help with, one of its greatest successes has been in reducing pain. Women have found success using both high-CBD and high-THC products to reduce the severe pain that accompanies endometriosis. Likewise, the pain, discomfort, and cramping can make it difficult to get some decent sleep; marijuana can help with that too!
In addition, marijuana can help women’s bodies balance out hormones, since the endocannabinoid system also plays a role in hormone regulation.
Furthermore, women can choose from a variety of products to help treat endometriosis. While smoking or vaping is always a popular choice, there ae also edibles, topical creams, oils, beverages, and tinctures.
Conclusion
When looking to treat endometriosis, remember that there is no miracle cure out there. Marijuana certainly helps, but it’s not a one-size fits-all approach. Please remember to consult with a medical professional, and keep in mind that you will always have the best results if you also address other lifestyle factors as mentioned earlier.
Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding processed and sugary food, and regular exercise are all key factors to mitigating the symptoms of endometriosis. Add cannabis to the mix, and you can now look forward to regaining a better quality of life.
MARIJUANA STRAINS FOR ENDO PATIENTS, READ ON…
Cannabis News
Amendment 3: Florida Legalization Fails
Published
2 days agoon
November 6, 2024By
admin
Amendment 3, which would have legalized recreational marijuana for adults in Florida, garnered 55.8% of the vote, falling short of the 60% threshold needed to pass. While the initiative had the support of President-elect Trump, the opposing forces led by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis carried the day. Supporters may draw some comfort from the fact that a clear majority of voters supported legalization, but the fact remains that adult-use cannabis will remain illegal in the Sunshine State for the foreseeable future.
Leaving aside the fact that getting 60% of voters to agree on anything these days appears to be a tall order, Amendment 3 faced active opposition from Florida’s leadership. While themselves driven by a fundamental dislike of cannabis, Gov. DeSantis and his team deftly tapped into concerns that came from different places altogether, such as the lack of provisions for home grow and related concerns over the entrenchment of “Big Weed”.
Looking at the big picture, it is remarkable to see how much Floridians’ attitudes toward cannabis have changed in the past decade. Back in 2014, it was a medical cannabis initiative that fell short of the 60% supermajority requirement. Ten years on, a legal medical marijuana industry is well established in Florida.
Despite the progress, the experience with Amendment 3 suggests that further reliance on the initiative process is not the path forward for legalization advocates. Just getting the proposed amendment on the ballot required overcoming legal challenges from the state government, before addressing the challenge of seeking 60% of votes in the nation’s third-most populated state.
A more sensible approach might be to focus on the fact that legalization is already supported by a majority of Florida voters. For elected officials in large swathes of the state, support for legalization could be a boon. And the fact that concerns over Big Weed control helped defeat opposition to Amendment 3 presents a political opportunity, not for those who double-down on prohibition, but for those who refine approaches to legalization.
We’ll discuss the Florida result on Thursday in a free webinar (register here), along with the disappointing results in North Dakota and South Dakota, the win (for now) in Nebraska, and a few other state and local measures on cannabis regulation. Hope to see you soon.
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