Cannabis

Study Reinforces Marijuana’s Power To Treat PTSD

Published

1 year ago

December 23, 2023

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There seems to be bi-partisian support for medical marijuana to be an aide in treating PTSD. The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act was introduced during summer for Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition to pain and post-traumatic stress disorder, the legislation would require the VA to examine how the plant affects sleep, agitation, mortality and hospital readmissions. It was is critical as it healthcare professionals, veterans and counselors give the nod it is a benefit for those in need.

Science is finally backing up these opinions. A study published in the Journal of Pharmacology looked at the patient history of 24,000 Canadians using 2012 Statistics Canada data. Researchers were interested in exploring how cannabis could affects those living with PTSD, specifically with regards to suicide and depression. Living with PTSD sharply increases the risk of depression and suicide in patients unless, researchers discovered, they consume marijuana.

“We know with limited effective treatment options for PTSD, many patients take to medicating with cannabis to alleviate their symptoms,” lead author Stephanie Lake told Global News. “However, until now, there has been no population-level data to suggest cannabis might have a possible therapeutic role in the course of PTSD. These findings offer those patients seeking treatment options some promise.”

cannabinoids — Photo by lalesh aldarwish via Pexels

In the more than 24,000 participants, researchers found 420 Canadians who’d been clinically diagnosed with PTSD. About 28% (106 individuals) of those living with PTSD reported using cannabis in the past year. Only 11% of respondents undiagnosed with PTSD reported cannabis usage. Non-users were seven times more likely to have experienced a recent major depressive episode and had a 4.7% higher chance of contemplating suicide, compared to non-cannabis users who didn’t suffer from PTSD. Among cannabis users, the study did not find a connection between PTSD and depression or suicide.

Official VA statistics reports about 10-20% of veterans live with PTSD, depending on the service era in which they participated. But the organization’s National Suicide Report paints a starker picture — suicide rates are increasing for both veterans and non-veterans. About 20 veterans commit suicide each day, according to the report.

While more research is necessary, as Lake and her team said, this study points to how cannabis might assist those living with PTSD.

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Cannabis

RFK Jr. Does Champion Cannabis

Published

11 minutes ago

January 30, 2025

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He is in middle of the process to be the new Health and Human Services Secretary, the good news he aligns with their stance on marijuana.

Robert F Kennedy, Jr has some unique healthcare ideas and it is causing a bit of a stir in Congress. He is being nominated to be the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency, among other things, is responsible for advancing the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services along with ensuring food and drug safety, and provide health insurance programs. Part of the programs they oversee include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It is a massive job with million of lives effected. His approval by the Senate could make a difference in one area, RFK Jr does champion cannabis.

Kennedy has gained the ire of public health officials, the Kennedy family, bipartisan Congressional members and more…but the new administration backs him. When he announced his endorsement of this GOP nominees, the current President embraced him wholeheartedly. He would have influence of the chaos of the rescheduling process. He would also provide home to the thousands of small business in the industry.

Kennedy’s stance on marijuana is multifaceted:

Federal Legalization: He supports the complete federal legalization of marijuana, which would align federal policy with the growing number of states that have already legalized cannabis for recreational use.
Banking Services: Kennedy advocates for opening up traditional banking services to the cannabis industry. This would address the current cash-intensive nature of the business, which he believes encourages crime.
Tax Revenue Allocation: A central aspect of Kennedy’s plan is to implement a federal tax on marijuana sales. He proposes using this revenue specifically to fund drug treatment and rehabilitation centers.
Treatment Centers: Kennedy envisions creating “renewal centers” that would focus on treating mental illness, PTSD, and drug addiction. These centers would also incorporate therapeutic activities like organic farming.
Personal Freedom: While acknowledging his own past struggles with addiction, Kennedy emphasizes the importance of personal freedoms and views the current policy of criminalizing and incarcerating people for drug use as unsustainable.

As the debate around marijuana legalization continues, Kennedy’s stance represents a an updated and science based cannabis policy. It also emphasizes treatment and regulation over criminalization. His position aligns with a growing bipartisan trend towards cannabis legalization, reflecting changing public attitudes and a reevaluation of America’s approach to drug policy

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AI

How AI Impacts The Cannabis Industry

Published

24 hours ago

January 29, 2025

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Artificial Intelligence has been the shiny new toy and now has hit a threat….but has it had an impact on the cannabis industry?

The Chinese companies DeepSeek and Alibaba have upended artificial intelligence (AI) world this week. AI has been the new buzz world and an investment darling, raking in billions with the promise of a changed world. Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, and more have worked to integrate into their businesses in the pursuit of more innovations, effectiveness and cost saving business lines. ChatGPT rocked the world and Nvidia become the darling of Wall Street. But this week, analysts had a chance to review DeepSeek and it sent the US AI market spiraling…causes a dip in the stock market. Here is how AI impacts the cannabis industry.

One of the downsides of this new technology is how venture firms have become hyper-focused on tech, specifically AI. When companies announce AI they get a stock boost and it is popping up in a variety of places from phones to appliances. The entry of DeepSeek could be a devastating event for venture capital firms who went all-in on foundational model companies. The amount of capital is much more than anything firms has ever before disbursed, based on what might be a suddenly-stale thesis. Now they could be in danger.

Despite the financial aspect, AI is helping the cannabis industry. It is having the biggest impact in various aspects of cultivation, production, and retail. This technological advancement is enhancing efficiency, quality, and sustainability across the entire cannabis supply chain.In cultivation, AI algorithms are optimizing growth conditions by processing environmental and plant health data to maintain ideal growing conditions. This maximizes yield and reduces resource waste. AI-powered video analytics and machine learning technologies are providing detailed insights into every aspect of the growing process. These systems analyze data from environmental sensors and cameras to monitor conditions such as light, humidity, temperature, and CO2 levels in real-time, making precise adjustments to maintain optimal growing conditions.

AI systems are also optimizing water and nutrient delivery to cannabis plants, significantly affecting yields and product quality. By analyzing data from soil moisture and nutrient sensors, these systems precisely adjust irrigation and fertilization schedules based on the plants’ needs. This technology not only improves crop performance but also conserves resources and reduces environmental impact.

In the harvesting process, AI-driven robotics are automating and streamlining operations. These robots use AI video analytics to determine the optimal harvest time for each plant, ensuring consistent quality and reducing labor costs. Companies like Bloom Automation have developed robots that can delicately handle plants, identify ripe cannabis flowers, and trim buds from branches with precision.

In supply chain management, AI algorithms are optimizing inventory management, forecasting demand, and streamlining logistics. By analyzing sales data, production schedules, and market trends, AI helps businesses forecast demand, minimize excess inventory, and streamline distribution processes. This enhanced visibility and control over the supply chain empower cannabis businesses to make data-driven decisions and improve operational efficiency.

Moreover, predictive analytics can anticipate customer demand and optimize inventory management, ensuring that products are available when and where they are needed.

As AI continues to evolve, its impact on the cannabis industry is expected to grow, driving innovation, efficiency, and quality across all aspects of the sector. However, challenges such as high implementation costs for smaller companies and data privacy concerns will need to be addressed to fully realize AI’s potential in this rapidly growing industry. Also, the Chinese government have a worse aversion to cannabis than most companies, and it could impact customer perception in the future.

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Cannabis

The Best Marijuana Strains For Your Chinese Zodiac Sign

Published

2 days ago

January 29, 2025

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As we start the year of the snake – are you curious what cannabis strain is best for your sign?

Lunar New Year is a significant cultural festival celebrated by many Asian countries marking the beginning of a new year based on lunar or lunisolar calendars. It typically begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and lasts for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival. It is most important festival of the year for many Asian cultures. This year is the year of the snake! But why not skip the tradition of the red envelope and go straight for the green! Here are the best marijuana strains for your Chinese Zodiac sign.

Cannabis enthusiasts and astrology buffs alike have found an intriguing intersection between the lunar zodiac and marijuana strains. This fusion of ancient wisdom and modern horticulture has given rise to a unique way of selecting and experiencing cannabis based on one’s astrological sign.

Each zodiac sign is believed to have distinct traits that can be complemented by specific cannabis strains1. For instance, the bold and energetic Aries might find harmony with sativa-dominant strains like Green Crack or Jack Herer, which provide an uplifting and energizing experience13. In contrast, the grounded and sensual Taurus may prefer indica-leaning strains such as Grandaddy Purple or Northern Lights, known for their relaxing and indulgent effects. Here is what is best for you.

Rat: Known for intelligence and adaptability. Strain: Green Crack – energizing and mentally stimulating

Ox: Diligent and strong. Strain: OG Kush – relaxing and stress-relieving, perfect after a hard day’s work

Tiger: Brave and confident. Strain: Sour Diesel – energizing and confidence-boosting

Rabbit: Gentle and elegant. Strain: Harlequin – calming with high CBD content for anxiety relief

Dragon: Charismatic and energetic. Strain: Durban Poison – uplifting and creative

Snake: Wise and enigmatic. Strain: Girl Scout Cookies – balanced hybrid for introspection

Horse: Energetic and free-spirited. Strain: Jack Herer – energizing sativa for adventure

Goat: Mild-mannered and creative. Strain: Blue Dream – relaxing yet creative-enhancing

Monkey: Clever and playful. Strain: Trainwreck – euphoric and sociable

Rooster: Observant and hardworking. Strain: Skywalker OG – relaxing without impairing productivity

Dog: Loyal and honest. Strain: ACDC – high CBD strain for gentle relaxation

Pig: Easy-going and generous. Strain: Purple Punch – deeply relaxing and comforting1.

The connection between astrology and cannabis extends beyond strain selection and cultivation. In some spiritual practices, such as Hoodoo, certain plants and animals associated with zodiac signs are believed to have magical properties6. This cultural overlap highlights the diverse ways in which astrology and plant medicine intersect across different traditions.

While often referred to as “Chinese New Year” in the United States, the term “Lunar New Year” is preferred by many Asian communities to recognize the broader cultural significance of the celebration

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