Cannabis

Restless Leg Syndrome And Marijuana

Published

1 year ago

September 8, 2023

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What would you do if you felt a consistent tingling, itching, and/or crawling sensation within your legs every day? How would you feel if you had to make various lifestyle changes because of constant body and leg restlessness?

People with restless leg syndrome (RLS) not only make lifestyle adjustments because of many uncomfortable symptoms they experience, but many must endure chronic symptoms that can take a toll on their quality of life. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Strokes, it has been estimated that roughly 7% to 10% of the U.S. population is impacted by RLS. Even though there’s currently no cure for this syndrome, there are natural treatment methods available like cannabis and cannabidiol that can help alleviate many RLS symptoms.

Background of Restless Leg Syndrome & Its Significant Impact on One’s Life

Restless leg syndrome is classified as a neurological disorder that can impact anyone of any age. However, this syndrome gets more severe and painful as one gets older even though it’s not life-threatening. Sometimes, RLS is referred to as Willis-Ekbom Disease or Wittmaack-Ekbom’s Syndrome. These names come from one of the first doctors who discovered and identified RLS, which was Dr. Karl-Axel Ekbom in 1943.

Generally, restless leg syndrome causes different symptoms with many of them occurring and worsening in the evening. Thus, sleeping difficulties often occur because this syndrome frequently wakes people up or it becomes so uncomfortable that they cannot fall asleep. As a result, numerous people with RLS have a poor quality of life and a decline in their overall well-being.

In addition, according to the National Sleep Foundation, some individuals describe RLS as the following, “…the sensation of ants crawling through their legs or carbonation running through their veins.” Normally, when an individual is relaxing, sitting, or lying down, their symptoms get progressively worse. The severity of this disorder differs per person though. Most people experience relief after moving around a lot. Whereas, others don’t find relief from movements at all.

Currently, the precise cause of RLS is unidentified. But, there are different conditions that are closely linked to it. Some people can even develop RLS from medication-causing side effects. Unfortunately, since the exact cause of RLS is yet to be identified, it’s difficult to prevent it.

Common RLS Side Effects and Painful Symptoms

Although RLS affects every individual differently, there are multiple side effects and symptoms that are felt by most RLS patients. The following symptoms are felt by most affected individuals:

Sleeping difficulties and interruptions
Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
Restlessness, which can manifest into repetitive movements like tossing and turning in bed or pacing back and forth
Tingling, itching, and/or crawling sensations within the legs
A strong force to move and shake the legs to alleviate uncomfortable sensations
Unintentional movements or leg jolting during one’s sleep cycle, while resting, or even while wide-awake

Additionally, physical side effects include sleep loss, daytime sleepiness, overall discomfort, itchiness, and leg restlessness. Because this disorder can cause discomfort at any time of the day or night, some individuals opt out of social gatherings and events because of the pain they experience when sitting or standing for lengthy periods of time. Therefore, various emotional symptoms occur like loneliness, anxiety, depression, and isolation. On the plus side though, different treatment methods are available to help those with RLS live the best life they can. One rapidly-growing natural treatment method that can help is cannabis and CBD.

Traditional and Non-Traditional RLS Treatment Methods: What’s Right for You?

In recent years, RLS has gained more attention. However, this disorder has been documented and examined for centuries. There are both traditional and non-traditional treatment methods available, and it’s up to the individual to decide what’s best for them. Several traditional RLS treatment methods include vein treatments, foot wrap treatments, pharmaceutical medications, and specific exercises on a regular basis. There are also non-traditional, natural methods available too. Some of these include calf massages, warm and cold compresses, ice packs, warm baths, and cannabis and CBD products.

How Cannabis and Cannabidiol Usage Can Help Alleviate RLS Symptoms

Moreover, one 2017 study discovered that inhaled medicinal cannabis lessened RLS symptoms. Five out of the six subjects experienced full symptom remission after consuming cannabis, and CBD played a large role in symptom alleviation. After the cannabis treatment ended, all participants experienced sleep improvements. Another study found that Sativex (a sublingual cannabis-based spray that contains CBD and THC) helped 40-50 percent of the RLS patients with their sleeping issues. Fortunately, cannabis and CBD can help treat insomnia, but especially CBD, which often delivers sedative and mellow effects to users.

So far though, there’s a lack of clinical trials and studies on the topic of medicinal cannabis helping treat RLS. However, there are numerous anecdotal success stories that RLS patients continue to share. Due to cannabis and CBD’s analgesic properties, RLS patients who experience regular pain can find relief from consuming different cannabinoids. Also, because of the relief that’s delivered from cannabis, individuals can relax more easily, which results in better bedtime preparation to combat insomnia.

Also, due to the sleeping difficulties most RLS patients experience, other problems could arise like anxiety, depression, lessened mental functioning, and wear and tear to the body’s immune system. Fortunately, though, CBD contains natural anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties. This cannabinoid can also provide the body with antioxidants, which can help improve one’s immune system.

Optimal Cannabis Strains to Alleviate RLS Symptoms

On another note, there are various cannabis strains that can be consumed to help alleviate RLS symptoms. The strains individuals use should be appropriate to the symptoms they want treated though. If RLS patients want to use cannabis to help with insomnia, high THC or high CBD strains are recommended. A few examples of these include granddaddy purple (indica), purple kush (indica), ACDC (hybrid and high CBD), and Charlotte’s Web (high CBD). All these strains can help alleviate pain, anxiety, and insomnia while also delivering physically and mentally relaxing effects.

Then, for nearly immediate relief, the best consumption methods include inhalation, sublingual administration, and topical usage. All in all, it’s essential to find the right cannabis strain and consumption method that’ll fit one’s exact needs and wants.

Although restless leg syndrome impacts twice as many females as males, it can still be detrimental to one’s quality of life regardless of their gender. If traditional treatment methods are ineffective or do more damage than good, it may be a sign to try something more natural like cannabis and/or Cannabidiol. If you could naturally improve your well-being and alleviate many painful chronic symptoms, would you?

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Advice

Can An Air Purifier Get Rid Of The Marijuana Smell

Published

6 hours ago

October 23, 2024

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Cannabis is legal to more than 50% of the population and more people are consuming. As additional states consider legalizing, what about the famous smell? Governor Ron DeSantis has made it a point talking about how cities will stink if weed is legal. Well, marijuana does have some stink, but most smoke outside or in their own home. And Florida is a state of cars and indoor spaces. Smoking cannabis, like tobacco, will be not be allowed indoors except in homes. But occasionally, you are in someone else’s space and, well, things happen. What to do? Can an air purifier get rid of the marijuana smell?

Additionally, lots of people are traveling and being in mew spaces, especially in legal states. Friends, guests, clients all have different habits. In fact, Gen Z and millennials took, on average, nearly five trips in 2023. Gen Xers and Boomers to four. Millennials and Gen Zers also say they devote, on average, 29 percent of their incomes to travel, compared with 26 percent for Gen Zers and 25 percent for baby boomers. So this a variety of AirBnBs, friend’s couches, and more. Air purifiers can be highly effective at eliminating cannabis odors from indoor spaces. The key to success lies in choosing the right type of air purifier withappropriate filtration technology.

skunk mail — Photo by Flickr user boviate

The most effective air purifiers for cannabis odor utilize a combination of HEPA filtration and activated carbon filters. Here’s how they work.

HEPA Filtration: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters remove tiny particles from the air, including smoke particles that carry odor molecules. This helps reduce the overall concentration of cannabis smoke in the air.

Activated Carbon: The real workhorse for odor elimination is activated carbon. These filters are highly porous and adsorb odor-causing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and gases, effectively trapping the molecules responsible for cannabis smell.

When selecting an air purifier for cannabis odor, here is what to consider. Look for units with large activated carbon filters, ideally containing several pounds of carbon for maximum odor absorption. Choose a purifier powerful enough to cycle the air in your space multiple times per hour for best results. And ensure the purifier is rated for the size of the room where it will be used.

While air purifiers are effective, combining them with other strategies can enhance odor elimination. Designate a specific smoking area to contain odors. Smoke near an open window when possible. Use lower-odor cannabis strains. And lastly clean surfaces regularly to prevent odor buildup.

By using a high-quality air purifier with both HEPA and activated carbon filtration, along with these additional measures,

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AARP

Red States Lean Green This Election

Published

1 day ago

October 23, 2024

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The last 20 years have seen a big change for marijuana.

The War On Drugs framed a mindset about marijuana for two generations, but in the last 10 years, the country seems to have moved passed it. Now even red states lean green this election. Nixon’s administration went to battle with drug abuse declared “public enemy number one”. But times have changed and so has public opinion and taste. And in this election, even conservative states are polling positive about opening their border for forms of legal cannabis.

The west coast led the way for legalization with California, Oregon and Washington, but other states were slower in acceptance. But as of 2022, over 50% of the population has access to legal weed and even the AARP has come up in support of it for medical marijuana. And states have enjoyed the robust revenue to the state coffers. States with fully recreational earn more money from cananbis taxes than alcohol. And crime drops also.

In Kansas, the Midwest Newsroom partnered with Emerson College Polling to conduct surveys. More than 72% of the state’s voters said they support legalizing medical marijuana. About 56% support legalizing it for recreational use. Republican leaders in the Sunflower state have opposed legalizing marijuana of any kind. But with some movement at the federal level, recently appointed a special committee on medical marijuana.

North Dakota voters appear split and largely undecided about the marijuana initiative according to poll commissioned by the North Dakota News Cooperative. The Dakotas are traditionally conservative states, but the North’s sister state to the south is showing a bit of difference. The Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota shows an increase in support, but not quite at the level needed to to pass.

Utah, which is not a fan of alcohol or caffeine seems to be leaning green. A recent poll found 50% of the Beehive State voters would support recreational cannabis. Another 38% of Utahns surveyed support medical cannabis only and 9% believe cannabis should be illegal entirely. Three percent were “not sure.”

Florida, one of the largest states, seems to have leaned into saying yes for recreational marijuana according to polls. This is interesting considering the state’s governor, Ron DeSantis, has waged an all out war against the ballot initiative. Currently, there is a court battle about DeSantis using the state’s resources to put pressure on the media to promote public service announcements against legalization.

November 5 could be a big day for cannabis, and a look into the mindset of the country.

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alcohol

Can Cannabis Or Alcohol Help With Colds

Published

1 day ago

October 22, 2024

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The weather is turning cold, wet and soon snowy – it is the winter cold season – does marijuana or booze help or hurt?

October is when the weather turns and head colds appear in force. There are reasons for it, more time indoors during the colder months, which makes it easier for viruses to spread is a key reason. Also, cold, dry air can make nasal passages more vulnerable to infection. It is heard to avoid, but there are some thing you can do to avoid them and still have fun! Washing your hands, keep work and home surfaces clean, get enough sleep and eat healthy are all helpful. But can cannabis or alcohol help with colds?

While both marijuana and booze are seen as “bad” and “vices”, there are reasons to consider them as a helpmate during cold season. The average adult will get 2 to 4 colds a year, mainly in the fall and winter months. The symptoms including a stuffy runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, fever and a cough…it makes it miserable. But beyond a bracing hot toddy…can a couple of vices help?

Alcohol does not make it easier to catch a cold. In fact, there is some evidence moderate alcohol consumption may actually reduce the frequency of colds. However, excessive alcohol use can negatively impact the immune system and potentially increase susceptibility to infections.

Some studies suggest moderate alcohol intake may decrease the number of colds people get overall. For example, one study found that participants who consumed 11.5 to 35.8 grams of alcohol per day (equivalent to about 1-3 standard drinks) experienced fewer episodes of the common cold compared to non-drinkers.

The potential protective effect may be due to alcohol’s influence on certain aspects of the immune response, such as the release of inflammatory cytokines, which could be beneficial for fighting infections in the short term/

Occasional or moderate drinking may have some benefits but excessive or frequent alcohol use can negatively impact the immune system and overall health. Alcohol can weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off infections. It can alter gut flora, damage the intestinal lining, and impair immune cell function in the respiratory tract, increasing vulnerability to infections. And it can lead you to dehydration if you are not careful.

The biggest thing is alcohol may help before you catch a cold, but not after you catch one.

Marijuana can’t help you avoid a cold, but it can help you manage the symptoms. Cannabis, particularly CBD, has anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce inflammation associated with colds. THC and CBD may help relieve body aches and headaches that often accompany colds. Cannabis can promote sleep, which is important for recovery when sick

And THC can help stimulate appetite, which may be beneficial when feeling unwell

A cold can be caused by a number of different viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronaviruses. There is no cure for the common cold, but there are ways to treat symptoms and feel better while your body fights it off. Get plenty of rest, hydrate, use humidifiers or team to help the throat and eat well.

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