Cannabis

Side Effects Of Cannabis Edibles And What You Can Do To Lessen Them

Published

8 months ago

February 14, 2023

admin

If you have been around the cannabis scenes for a while, you are probably very familiar with the brownie. What started out as a means to primarily conceal the use of marijuana has quickly grown into a preferred method of consumption. Though brownies were the parent edible, creativity and innovation has led to a host of other fun and convenient edibles.

Taking edibles is easy, but is it safe? Here are some side effects that you might experience after taking edibles and what you can do about them.

What Are Cannabis Edibles?

Also known simply as edibles, marijuana edibles are food products which are cannabis infused. When referring to marijuana, what instantly comes to mind is the smokable pot.

Edibles differ from these both by the method of consumption and effects.

Edibles are now found in a vast number of forms. From baked goods to sweets, to basic foods. Some high class hotels even offer five star gourmet meals infused with weed.

The most common forms of edibles are in the form of:

Baked goods
Candies
Gummies
Chocolates
Lozenges
Beverages

Edibles could be prepared at home or purchased from the cannabis dispensary when made commercially.

At home, THC is mostly extracted in the form of butter or oils which are then used to cook or directly spread onto food. This is where baked edibles such as brownies and cookies are made.

Commercial edibles span from gummies and lozenges to chocolate and beverages.

What is most common about all edibles is that they are the easiest method to consume weed. What’s more, they are fun and enjoyable to take.

And herein lies the crux. One might be tempted to think that they are very harmless. And they can be if used correctly.

However, many times they cause a myriad of side effects.

weed brownies edibles — Photo by Sarah Pender/Getty Images

Why Are Edibles Different?

As we have discussed, the most common method of consuming cannabis is through smoking either a joint or vaping. When the joint is burnt, it releases the cannabinoids which you then inhale into your lungs. THC and the other cannabinoids then enter your bloodstream and travel to the rest of your body at which point you will feel their effects.

However, when you smoke cannabis, you end up inhaling more than the cannabinoids. You might also inhale paper, plant matter and other substances that could even be potentially carcinogenic.

Experts have warned people about the negative effects of smoking from time immemorial, this makes a good case for edibles, yes?

Edibles do not enter your respiratory system, they are instead digested the same way your body breaks down regular food. As the food is broken down, and introduced into the bloodstream. It is only at this point that you will feel the marijuana effects of your edibles.

Here are some differences between the effects of edibles and smokables:

Speed: When smoked, cannabinoids get into the respiratory system and get into the blood almost immediately. The effects of smoking are thus almost instantaneous.Edibles on the other hand have to wait for digestion to take place. Their effects are likely to be felt after roughly about 1 hour or more.
Potency: Some studies show that edibles have less bioavailability than inhaled marijuana. What that means is your body ends up using up only a fraction of the ingested cannabis and the rest is lost in the process of digestion. As sound a s this theory is, the amount of THC in a particular edible is usually undetermined, which can end up in excessive amounts of the cannabinoid being consumed.
Effects: It is reported that edibles result in more intense and more vividly psychoactive highs in comparison to inhaled methods. This could either be attributed to the amounts of THC that end up being consumed in the process of digestion itself, which is slow and steady.
Duration: Though a slow starter, the edible high can last for multiple hours. This is very unlike the inhalation high which hits fast and fades fast. The quickly fading effects of THC when smoked are as a result of all the available THC immediately going into the bloodstream and being synthesized at once, as opposed to the case of edibles where the digestion process slowly releases the cannabinoids into the bloodstream.

How fast and to what extent a certain amount of THC will affect you is dependent on a number of factors. These factors range from body type, metabolism, diet, BMI and diet.

A trick to remember when consuming edibles is that fatty foods have the ability to improve the digestion of the cannabinoids found in the edibles. You could therefore incorporate some butter into your edible for that killer high.

That said, be careful to watch out for the risks of consuming edibles. Here goes.

marijuana edible — Photo by MykolaSenyuk/Getty Images

Risks of Consuming Edibles

Consuming edibles can give you a whole range of pleasant effects. However, they are also likely to cause you some pain. The negative effects of edibles could either be short term or long term. They also range from being very mild to quite serious. Let’s look at these effects in detail:

Short-Term Side Effects:

Dry Mouth: Associated with most types of THC high strains, consuming edibles is likely to give you a dry mouth, also known as cottonmouth.
Red, Bloodshot Eyes: Also very common in the consumption of weed, red eyes are the result of THC over dilating the blood vessels that surround the eyes. Sometimes one can even experience dryness of the eyes alongside the redness.
The Munchies: This is another cannabis classic. It is however said that the hunger pangs that accompany having edibles is legendary. Though certainly not dangerous, this is an effect worth taking note of.
Anxiety/Paranoia: As with consuming high doses of THC, taking too much of an edible can result in you becoming anxious and paranoid. This is also very likely to happen as it is difficult to ascertain the amount of THC a particular edible contains, therefore leading to over consumption.

Contrary to common belief, dehydration does not cause cottonmouth, which is one of the most experienced side effect of THC.

marijuana edibles — Photo by Sarah Pender/Getty Images

Dehydration Vs. Cottonmouth

Have you ever felt like your mouth is filled with sand after a period of indulgence in marijuana? No, you are not dehydrated.

The symptoms of a dry mouth occur because the THC found in your cannabis binds itself to your salivary glands which stop them from working effectively for a period of time.

This same action of THC is why your eyes become red and dry as the tear glands also stop working as they should. The effect of cannabis is to decrease tear production, which also decreases the rate of blinking. This in turn worsens the reddening of the eyes.

The side effects we have so far discussed are more a nuisance than a real cause for concern. However it is important to note that their intensity is also affected by the amount of edibles consumed and how potent they were. The higher the dose, the more out of synch you will look.

Serious Negative Side Effects

Sometimes, the effects of consuming edibles are not as mild as one would want. Dr Nora Volkow, the director of “the National Institute of Drug Abuse” says that some medical complications are emerging that could be linked to the consumption of marijuana. Though not empirically tested, and also though there might be other factors to consider, consuming an excess of edibles could lead to:

Drowsiness.
Confusion.
Vomiting.
Panic attacks and Anxiety.
Agitation.
Psychotic episodes.
Hallucinations.
Paranoia.
Impaired motor ability.
Respiratory depression.
Heart problems (irregular heartbeat and sometimes even a heart attack).

edible marijuana — Photo by Vanessa Nunes/Getty Images

Do Cannabis Edibles Cause Aggression?

As we have earlier discussed, the delayed onset of the edible high coupled with the uncertainty of how potent it is could lead to serious adverse effects. The effects caused by an overindulgence in edibles and therefore THC could cause one to temporarily lose themselves. This could manifest in blackout periods where the user loses control of their faculties and probably not even recall anything they did. At best, the blackout could be just that, a period of intense, deep slumber.

At worst, high THC inspires violent behavior in some people. There have been cases of one putting themselves or others in harm’s way when under the influence of marijuana. This is particularly true in excessive cases of consuming edibles because the “high” is more intense and lasts for longer, giving one ample opportunity to do more harm.

These effects usually disappear as the high dissipates.

Long-Term Side Effects:

Addiction: Marijuana is generally thought not be an addictive substance. However, early studies show that over dependence can become an issue in the marijuana consuming population. It is therefore important that you monitor your consumption and ensure you do not become dependent on it.
Mental Issues in Teens: Some studies indicate that that teens and younger adults are likely to suffer far reaching effects from consuming cannabis. This is probably because their brains are developing and the effects of cannabis can interfere with the process of maturation.

How to Mitigate the Side Effects of Edibles

Over indulging in cannabis will cause adverse effects, especially when the edibles are rich in THC. Though often not serious, here are a few tips for what you can do in each case:

Dry mouth: A glass of water you sip on periodically can help you keep your mouth moist. You could also use mouthwash to rinse out your mouth and make it fresh.

Dry Eyes- Nobody likes having bloodshot eyes. The simple solution to this is eye drops. They can both moisturize your eyes and help clear the redness from them.

Anxiety and paranoia- Because anxious and paranoid is a direct effect of high levels of THC. So naturally, if you want to reduce these effects, ensure that your edibles have a low dose of THC. Because you might not be able to measure this in any particular way, take a small piece of the dibble, wait a while and then take a little.

Sedation/Fatigue- Edibles should always be consumed while in the company of friends. This is because their effects can be very unexpected and very intense. If you happen to go overboard they will be there to have your back.

If you drive to a place where you are likely to indulge in edibles, ensure that you have a reliable ride back home.

Also, as you might blackout, ensure that you are consuming the edibles in a comfortable place you would not mind sleeping in.

The Lower the Dose, the Lower the Risk

When trying to determine the best dosage for edibles, it is important to know how commercially manufactured edibles are rated and what might be best for you.

Edibles are usually found in 2.5, 5 and 10 mg concentrations. When starting out, it is advisable to start with the 2,5, then 5 until you get to the point where you fully understand the effect the edible has on you. Ten mg is usually best suited for seasoned users who know what to expect.

While some people can consume 100 mg in one sitting, do not rush to be that person.

If for some reason you end up indulging too much and find yourself feeling “too high”, do not panic. Follow the steps outlined above and try to ride out the wave.

However, you should make your way to the ER if you experience:

Extreme confusion
Seizures
Chest pain
Muscle spasms

If you are feeling “too high” but do not have any of the above symptoms, take a hot shower and lie in a dimly lit room. As we advised earlier, make sure that you are not alone.

Keep your edibles in a safe place!

Because these are treats anyone would want to indulge in, keep your edibles far away, especially if you have children around. This is a scenario where it would be better to be safe than sorry.

Final Thoughts

Edibles are a very fun way to consume marijuana. Who doesn’t like a sweet treat whose effects are quite literally out of this world?

What is important to note is that the side effects of edibles can be quite undesirable and the best way to keep them at bay is to indulge in moderation.

After all, moderation is the mother of discretion.

This article originally appeared on MyCannabis.com and has been reposted with permission.

Source link

All about Cannabis

What is Vivek Ramaswamy’s Position on Cannabis? – Cannabis | Weed | Marijuana

Published

4 hours ago

October 2, 2023

admin

What is Vivek Ramaswamy’s position on cannabis? “You don’t hear me talk about the war on drugs. I’m not a war on drugs person,” Ramaswamy said when he appeared at a Free State Project event in New Hampshire last June.

Vivek Ramaswamy is an American entrepreneur seeking the Republican nomination to run for President of the United States.

Ramaswamy told the crowd he was “probably the only person in the modern history” of the Republican Party to talk about decriminalizing drugs for people with PTSD and other mental health problems.

“Psychedelics,” he said specifically. “From ayahuasca to ketamine… That’s gotta be part of the solution.”

But what is Vivek Ramaswamy’s position on cannabis? He told Fox News:

We got to catch up with the times. It’s not a popular position in the Republican Party, but I’d just, again, I guess I’m going to speak the truth. Whether you vote for me or not is your choice. I think the time has come to decriminalize it.

Later, a spokesperson from his campaign said:

The current state-level ‘legalization‘ farce contributes to the culture of lawbreaking. It’s literally against the law. For us to pretend otherwise only undermines the rule of law in this country. For that reason, Vivek favors the federal legalization of marijuana.

What is Vivek Ramaswamy’s Position on Cannabis?

What is Vivek Ramaswamy’s Position on Cannabis? Decriminalization or legalization? Once upon a time, those meant the same thing. And indeed, in America, this may still ring true.

Vivek isn’t shy about wanting to rule by executive fiat. Suppose he’s the next U.S. President and unilaterally deschedules cannabis. Not a rescheduling, a complete descheduling.

As far as the federal government is concerned – cannabis is not its business.

Is that decriminalization or legalization? For operators in legal states, it certainly helps their tax situation. And why would the financial system fear a plant the government has delisted as a controlled substance?

Is that legalization or decriminalization? Or are those terms synonymous?

If a Ramaswamy Administration removed cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act entirely, there would be a few implications.

Implications of De-Scheduling Cannabis

Opinion: Why did Cronos delay their year end filing?

Vivek Ramaswamy’s position on cannabis could empower state-level regulations. If the federal government takes a literal hands-off approach, you could argue that’s not legalization.

But is legalization ideal? Should Washington D.C. force states like Idaho to legalize? Suppose people in Idaho want to consume cannabis legally. There are 23 other states they can move to, including next-door neighbors.

Even if all 50 states legalized – isn’t it better to have local regulation of a competitive and complex modern industry? Think of the supply chain: cultivation, production, packaging, distribution, sales, marketing, and everything in between.

Do you want D.C. bureaucrats in charge of all that? Isn’t that how lobbyists capture the process and rig the rules against the little guys?

When The Feds Do Get Involved

Of course, some will argue Vivek Ramaswamy’s position on cannabis can’t be entirely hands-off. Somebody is going to have to regulate interstate commerce and international trade.

Imports and exports are federal jurisdiction and always have been. Of course, Vivek’s brand of governing may detest interstate regulation. A Ramaswamy Administration may create a free-for-all for all industries, not only cannabis.

One can hope.

And, of course, FDA bureaucrats will want to control aspects of cannabis, especially if it’s used in food products or marketed as a medical treatment. In a sense, descheduling and taking a hands-off approach empowers the existing bureaucracy.

But Vivek can use the stroke of the Presidential pen and tell the FDA to buzz off. Such is the state of the American “republic.”

Of course, if Vivek Ramaswamy becomes President, he won’t be able to decline the tax revenue. Who can, really? Except for maybe Ron Paul.

So, the federal government may tax cannabis. And so Vivek Ramaswamy’s position on cannabis matters a great deal.

But there’s something else. And it involves Vivek’s policy on the Federal Reserve Bank.

Vivek Ramaswamy’s Position on Cannabis & Money Could Change the World

Vivek Ramaswamy’s position on cannabis and money could change the world. And here’s how.

Experts must control money. That’s what the experts say. That’s why supply and demand don’t determine interest rates. You can’t trust free markets, they say. You need a central planning committee of experts.

But when the hell has that ever worked? This is not the 1920s, this is the 2020s. We have evidence of central planning, and the results are far worse than any of the theoretical excesses of free-market capitalism.

But suppose the experts are right about one thing. The price of money is too volatile to leave to a truly random process. That there should be a more market-based approach to price stability.

As in, leave it to the experts, but not the boardroom suits. Leave it to the people who are actually buying and selling in the market on a daily basis.

Like Vivek Ramaswamy’s position on cannabis, his proposal for the Federal Reserve is a breath of fresh air—a novel idea in an age of corporate-state shallowness.

What is a Government Gold Standard?

A country on a gold standard exchanges its currency for gold at a fixed rate, say, $35 an ounce. And vice versa. So, if the market price of gold goes beyond $35, people bring in their dollars to exchange for gold.

This process means the number of dollars in circulation decreases, so the value of the dollar increases. This continues until the market price of gold is back to $35.

If the market price drops below $35, the same process works in reverse. Historically common, it’s not without its flaws. Governments tinker with the mechanism like a curious 12-year-old who takes apart the television to see how it works (and ends up breaking it in the process).

A gold standard keeps the value of the money constant relative to the market price of gold. Economists have all kinds of critics and rebuttals as to why that wouldn’t work today in the “modern” economy.

To their credit, relying on gold as the sole commodity backing the government currency does run into problems. Especially when governments are always trying to cheat the system.

Vivek Ramaswamy’s position on cannabis stems from listening to the people and the real experts (i.e. not “public health”). He is responding with the correct answers. He has – more or less – done the same with the subject of the Federal Reserve and the money.

What is a Commodity Bundle Standard?

Vivek Ramaswamy should combine his positions on money and cannabis.

Vivek wants a commodity bundle standard to help solve the problem of using government currency. In this system, the market defines the U.S. Dollar as a collection of commodities. This collection or bundle is valued by what’s in it.

For example, suppose you had one million dollars. You take it to the bank and demand your bundle. It could consist of a few pounds of gold and silver, but it’d mostly be a claim on commodities (i.e. 100 pounds of grade A beef, 10 barrels of crude oil, 1,000 board feet of lumber).

Likewise, anyone who brings in a bundle (the claim on commodities) gets a million dollars. This keeps the bundle’s price at a million dollars and, thus, a stable purchasing power, assuming nobody is messing with the bundle.

Vivek Ramaswamy’s Position on Cannabis & Money Could Change the World

Vivek Ramaswamy could combine his positions on money and cannabis by including 1,000 pounds of industrial hemp biomass and 500 grams of premium-grade cannabis flower in the commodity bundle.

Regarding “changing the world,” you’ll have to refer to some of our past posts on the subject.

The main takeaway: eliminating the elite’s ability to create money out of thin air and charge interest on it can only be construed as a step in the right direction.

In fact, it’s the first step.

Source link

accessories

5 Essential Marijuana Products For The Modern Bathroom

Published

2 days ago

September 30, 2023

admin

Those who use marijuana skin care claim that the hydrating, anti-inflammatory properties save their skin and lips, while beauty experts suggest that cannabis-infused products may help treat skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and dry scalp without any psychoactive effects.

While most of the information available on the effects of marijuana skin-care products is anecdotal, some clinical research by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology and the National Center for Biotechnology Information exists showing that cannabinoids from cannabis have anti-aging and antioxidant properties. The cannabinoid molecules interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of cell receptors that stretching throughout the entire human body to control all kinds of vital functions.

These studies also confirm that cannabinoids, especially CBD, are responsible for lipid production and, therefore, help regulate conditions such as dry skin or acne when applied topically. It’s also an excellent treatment for psoriasis, eczema, and muscle cramps.

Sensimilla Soaps and Soaks

'Bathleisure' Is Now A Fashion Trend And We Don't Know Why — Photo by Sarah Pflug via Burst

Cannabis seed oil is anti-inflammatory that helps decrease the activity of oil glands, which may explain a benefit in acne. Back pain, sore muscles and joints can all benefit from a scrub with a cannabinoid-rich soap. Sensimilla, a type of marijuana with high THC, will give you a genuine body buzz. Plus, topical application of cannabis is non-psychoactive and is safe enough for the whole family. Your choice of soap may contain CBD, THC or both but it should also be made of ingredients that are gentle on skin.

Marijuana-filled bath bombs are also being gobbled up by fans of the canna-beauty trend. Warm bath water helps to open pores and allow cannabinoids full penetration for all-over relief. Fair warning to females: medicated bath soaks can cause a slight high due to vaginal exposure.

Lifted Lip Care

Marijuana lip balm soothes chapped lips and takes the idea of illegality and stigma out of using marijuana. The popular, and highly-clandestine pot product that sheds the “stoner” association while still giving the user all the benefits of being high. Whether or not the balm contains THC, the important thing is that it has CBD oil and other agents that will allow lips rebuild their natural oil barrier. Before you buy, here are 4 Things Dermatologist Want You To Know About CBD Lip Balm.

Hemp Hand Protection

Cannabis Topicals — Photo by rawpixel.com

The Body Shop has been making hemp hand protector for years, before it was cool. And now that beauty editors across the country are hooked on the craze, the product has become the store’s best seller. Cannabis topicals and creams can treat skin problems from dry skin to rheumatoid arthritic flare-ups and sunburns.

Cannabis Flower Fragrances

Apply cannabis accord anywhere you like to wear fragrance for an earthy and delicate scent that smells less like a dispensary and more like a chic eastern European boutique.

Anti-aging Potions Medicated with Marijuana

Here's What You Should Know About CBD Topicals — Photo by vadimguzhva/Getty Images

Look for full-spectrum hemp oil face moisturizers that use cannabis sativa oil to correct skin while actively protecting it throughout the day. Cannabis seed oil stimulates the skin’s natural oil production to keep skin firm.

Source link

anxiety

Why Does Cannabis Make Some People Freak Out

Published

3 days ago

September 30, 2023

admin

People tend to have two reactions when it comes to using marijuana: they either find it very relaxing or they don’t. Those who belong to the latter group accuse the plant of causing them tons of paranoia and anxiety, making them feel like they are too “in their heads.”

Bad highs are almost like meltdowns, where your body’s reactions become stressful and scary. These episodes are temporary, but they still feel terrible and the only relief is either waiting them out or trying to sleep off the effects. Bad highs are a big reason why some people choose to avoid marijuana altogether.

These anecdotes leave cannabis in an interesting spot. The same plant can produce exact opposite effects in different people, all because of genetics, experience and predisposition to the drug.

Marijuana produces effects by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors in our bodies, located in different areas, like our brain and skin. Cannabinoids, such as THC, bind to the receptors in the brain, causing either relaxing or stressful effects. Some of these receptors are located in spots governed by the amygdala, a section of tissue that’s responsible for managing emotions like fear, stress and paranoia.

THC is also known for increasing heart rates and producing an influx of thoughts — both behaviors that can cause anxiety for people that are naturally anxious or who haven’t experienced these feelings before.

Studies show that the positive and therapeutic effects of cannabis are due to the influence of cannabinoids on our endocannabinoid systems. These positive results appear even more markedly on patients that have experienced trauma and PTSD, who usually have low levels of chemicals like anandamide.

5 crazy things that turn people on — Photo via Pixabay

The most clear link between freak outs and cannabis occurs when people are new to the plant or they’ve had a negative experience with it — both of which create a predisposition towards certain behaviors. What people can do in order to prevent these reactions is to stick to low and manageable doses (avoiding oils and edibles since they’re harder to manage) and smoke somewhere that’s comfortable and private, surrounded by people they trust.

For newbies and people who’ve had bad experiences with weed but are willing to give it another shot, the type of weed you smoke, your location and companions are pivotal factors. Ask your budtender for a relaxing strain, something that’s focused on the body and not the brain. By trying to manage these factors you can try to curb freak outs and reintroduce yourself to fun experiences with cannabis.

Source link