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 Can Help With Holiday Stomach Issues

Published

14 hours ago

December 24, 2024

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It is the time for indulgence…but too much may cause issues…cannabis help with bloating, nausea and more

Cookies, appetizers, eggnog, the holiday is filled iwth treats BEFORE the feast. Families, friends and more will gather together for turkey, beef, carbs and more. But for some, the overindulge comes at a price, stomach issues. A 2022 survey found over 50% experience gastric issues during Christmas. In addition, for some fatty and sugary foods slow digestion, which can lead to bloating. While traditional remedies exist, some are turning to a plant older than Santa as a potential solution for holiday-related digestive discomfort. Cannabis can help iwth holiday stomach issues.

Cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating digestive processes. Cannabinoids can help improve poor digestive motility, a common feature of gastrointestinal disorders that can contribute to bloating. By interacting with ECS receptors, cannabis may help regulate the movement of food through the digestive system, potentially alleviating the feeling of fullness and discomfort associated with overeating during holiday meals.

One of the most notable benefits of cannabis for digestive issues is its potential to alleviate abdominal pain and bloating. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of certain cannabinoids may provide relief from the discomfort caused by excessive food intake. Many users report a significant reduction in abdominal pain and bloating when using cannabis, which could be particularly beneficial after a large Christmas dinner.

The holidays can be a stressful time, and stress is known to exacerbate digestive issues. Cannabis possesses considerable stress-relieving properties that can be highly beneficial for those coping with digestive discomfort. By promoting relaxation, cannabis may help ease tension in the digestive tract, potentially reducing bloating and other symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.

While cannabis is often associated with increased appetite (the “munchies”), its effects on eating habits can be more nuanced. Some strains of cannabis may help regulate appetite, potentially preventing overindulgence during holiday feasts. Additionally, for those who experience a loss of appetite due to digestive discomfort, cannabis may help stimulate hunger and promote better nutrient absorption.

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AARP

A New Cannabis Christmas Tradition For Santa

Published

1 day ago

December 23, 2024

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He is known for working hard and this new tradition is helps him relax. Why not give Santa this special treat at Christmas?

A new holiday tradition is taking root in regions where cannabis is legal: leaving cannabis-infused treats for Santa Claus. This twist on the classic milk and cookies is gaining popularity among adults who want to add a festive and relaxing touch to their Christmas celebrations. As cannabis legalization spreads, more people are incorporating it into their holiday rituals. Instead of the traditional glass of milk and plate of cookies, some households are opting to leave Santa a special treat that might help him unwind during his busy night of gift-giving.

The tradition may have originated with the feast of St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop known for his generosity. Children would leave food and drink for St. Nicholas and his attendants on December 6, and in exchange, they would receive gifts. Over time, this tradition evolved into leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus. The new playful adaptation of a beloved custom reflects changing attitudes towards cannabis and its increasing acceptance in mainstream culture. In fact, BDSA, a leading analytics firm which covers cannabis, shared over 50% of people who use marijuana has had an edible. In fast, even the AARP has embraced medical marijuana since so many of their members are using it for a variety of issues.

Cannabis-infused edibles, particularly cookies, are a popular choice for this new tradition. These treats not only provide a tasty snack for Santa but also offer a potential moment of relaxation during his hectic Christmas Eve journey. However, it’s crucial to remember that these treats are strictly for adult consumption and should be kept safely out of reach of children and pets.

For those interested in trying this new tradition, here’s a recipe for Cannabis Christmas Sugar Cookies Santa (and other adults) might enjoy:

Cannabis Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

2 2/3 cups flour
1 cup cannabutter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp hemp hearts
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
Red and green sprinkles (optional)

Create:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper
In a large bowl, cream together the cannabutter and brown sugar until light and fluffy
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, hemp hearts, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms
Roll the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie
If desired, sprinkle the cookies with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

This new tradition of leaving cannabis treats for Santa adds a modern twist to holiday celebrations in areas where it’s legal. Make sure they are accessible to adults only. Have a merry holiday.

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Cannabis

Cannabis Has A History With Christmas

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2024

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Before Santa Claus, there was cannabis…the history of cannabis and Christmas.

Today’s Christmas is a spectacular affair with music, gifts, lights, and weeks of buildup. The history of the holiday has involved thanks to Coco-cola, the Catholic church and the retail industry. But in the beginning, cannabis has a history with Christmas. T’was teh time before Christmas and all through the lands, marijuana was accepted and part of the plan.

Long before Christianity, various cultures celebrated winter festivals around the time of the winter solstice. In ancient Rome, Saturnalia was a popular holiday honoring the god Saturn, initially observed on December 17th but later extended to last up to a week, ending on December 23rd. This festival involved role reversals between masters and slaves, feasting, and general merrymaking. Another significant Roman festival was Sol Invictus, dedicated to the “Unconquered Sun.” Emperor Aurelian established December 25th as the feast of Sol Invictus in 274 CE, coinciding with the winter solstice in the Roman calendar.

Cannabis Has A History With Christmas

Cannabis played a significant role in ancient pagan winter celebrations, particularly during the winter solstice and Yuletide festivities. These traditions, which predate Christmas, incorporated cannabis in various ways. It was part of a nine-herb blend to smudge homes and stables. This practice was believed to ward off evil spirits and calm the gods during the 12 Raw Nights”(December 25 to January 6 – today, the 12 days of Christmas), when the Wild Hunt was said to occur. It was also seen as one of the sacred plants used to symbolize the return of green life after winter. Evergreens and other plants were brought into homes to represent rebirth and the coming of spring.

And some ancient pagans used cannabis to enhance their spiritual experiences during winter solstice celebrations. The psychoactive properties of the plant helped deepen connections with nature and the changing seasons.

Some scholars believe early Christians adopted the date of December 25th to make their faith more appealing to pagans. However, this theory is contested. The first recorded celebration of Christmas on December 25th appears in the Philocalian Calendar from 354 CE. Interestingly, the Donatists, a group of Christians opposed to any pagan compromise, seem to have been among the first to celebrate Christ’s birth on this date around 312 CE.

Cannabis contributed to creating a green, jolly, and festive atmosphere during the darkest days of the year. Its use in rituals and celebrations helped mark the transition from darkness to light as the days began to grow longer after the solstice. Today, in over 50% of the population, marijuana will again help bring a little chill and joy to the season.

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