People love THC for the fun – but if you look past it, there are other benefits
Marijuana is becoming increasing popular and over 85% believe it should be legal in some form. Unlike alcohol, cannabis has proven medical benefits. Mentally, people recognize it as a help with PTSD, pain, chemotherapy, and more, but generally people see it as a way to chill and have fun. And it is becoming an equal opportunity with women almost consuming as much as men. Still, stereotypes and entertainment continue to promote it as treat for a lazy stoner. But THC has more benefits than just getting you high…and it is important more research is done to help millions.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a terpenoid found in cannabis. It is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis and one of at least 113 total cannabinoids identified on the plant. THC generally refers to the delta-9-THC and is one to get you high. Many people fear using it for a benefit, thinking they will get stoned and it won’t help. Science says otherwise.
Cannabinoids, including THC, are the active chemicals in medical marijuana, are similar to chemicals the body makes that are involved in appetite, memory, movement, and pain. While research is continuing slowly, patients are being helped on a daily basis.
Studies have shown cannabis is associated with a reduction in overall PTSD symptoms. In most studies, cannabis was well tolerated, but small proportions of patients experienced a worsening of PTSD symptoms. This can be attributed to both dosage issues and interactions with medications.
Another key issues which affects millions is a pain reliever, especially chronic pain. More than half of survey respondents reported their medical cannabis use led to a decrease in prescription opioid use, prescription non-opioid use and use of over-the-counter medications. This is a short and long term benefits as it prevents opioid addiction.
In addition, medicines containing cannabinoids are helpful in treating certain rare forms of epilepsy, nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, and loss of appetite and weight loss associated with HIV/AIDS. Even the traditional American Medical Association acknowledged the benefits of cannabis.
Some current challenges are it is not insurance reimbursable, managing dosing is not as reliable as traditional medicine, and some physicians will not prescribe until it is either rescheduled or federally legalized.
It seems the new administration will put a bigger focus on space – here are the perfect strains to celebration the exploration.
The new admisntration is poised to encourage expanded space travel. Apollo 11 was the spaceflight conducted in 1969, and now Blue Origin, Boeing SpaceX and more are working on leaving the earth’s orbit normal. Civilians can now pay to be taking up and experience.
Not everyone can write the check, but here are our awesome 11 marijuana strains to celebrate space travel and take you out of this world.
A hybrid strain that combines relaxation, euphoria, and creativity. It’s gaining popularity for its unique branding and powerful effects, making it a standout in the cannabis market.
An indica-dominant strain (85% Indica/15% Sativa) known for its euphoric and focused effects. It features a fruity flavor profile derived from its parent strains, Gorilla Glue and Wookie #15.
Apollo 11
Celebrating the historic moon landing, this strain delivers strong cerebral effects that help alleviate stress and moderate pain.
Apollo 13
This hybrid strain features energizing effects with an earthy scent, inspired by the famous space mission. Users report a euphoric experience that feels like a journey through space.
Cosmic Collision
A fusion of Cosmic Charlie and Piña Collision, this sativa strain offers pineapple-kiwi flavors and uplifting effects that enhance creativity.
Carl Sagan
Named after the famous astronomer, this strain provides balanced effects and relaxation, perfect for unwinding after a long day of cosmic exploration.
Outer Space
A sativa known for its creative and energetic effects, Outer Space is said to make users feel uplifted and focused—ideal for those looking to explore their thoughts.
This balanced hybrid (50% Indica/50% Sativa) is known for its euphoric high and ability to alleviate various ailments such as pain and anxiety.
Northern Lights
A classic indica strain that promotes relaxation and introspection, perfect for those looking to ponder the mysteries of space while enjoying a calming experience.
White Widow
This enduring strain provides cerebral stimulation without anxiety, suitable for contemplative moments or social gatherings under the stars.
Supernova
Known for its powerful effects and vibrant flavors, Supernova is ideal for those seeking an explosive experience that mirrors the wonders of the cosmos.
There is a big buzz about the dropping of fact checking and opening the door to increased online harassment on Meta they still stomp on marijuana
Dealing with fake or hateful information online can be annoying, but for some, it is much worse. Especially for kids who are still developing their coping skills. In fact, 26.5% of teens (aged 13 to 17) reported experiencing cyberbullying within the last 30 days. This marked an increase from 16.7% in 2016. Despite the increase, Meta announced a shift towards a “community notes” model where users can flag questionable content instead of relying solely on third-party fact-checkers.
However, this change does not extend to cannabis content, which remains heavily moderated and often blocked from search results. Cannabis-related content on its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, remains stringent despite recent updates to its content moderation policies. The company continues to categorize cannabis content as a “high severity violation,” which places it alongside issues like terrorism and fraud.
Meta ended its third-party fact-checking program, replacing it with a user-driven model akin to Community Notes. Critics argue this will lead to an increase in misinformation and hate speech, as there will be less oversight on potentially harmful content. Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged that this change would likely result in more “bad stuff” circulating on its platforms.
And yet, the ongoing restrictions have made it difficult for cannabis advocates, news outlets, and businesses to share information or promote educational content about cannabis including medical marijuana. The American Medical Association, AARP, the Food and Drug Administration have all acknowledged the value of medical marijuana, but information on how it helps as been limited by Meta.
Many accounts related to cannabis advocacy have faced suspensions or limitations, further complicating efforts to engage with the public on legalization and reform issues. Not only as medical marijuana benefiting millions, thousands of mom and pop business are being hurt by the policy.
Meta’s policies reflect an outdated view of cannabis, lumping it together with more dangerous drugs without recognizing its legal status in many jurisdictions. This has led to accusations that Meta is missing an opportunity to support the evolving cannabis community and its businesses. Interesting their harmful cannabis policy is now in line with their hateful content policy.
As time as evolved, parents have a better understanding about pregnancy. Caffeine, cannabis, tobacco and more can have an impact.
In France, 20% of pregnant women smoke and depending on studies, the prevalence of alcohol use is at least 15%, yet they have lower infant mortality rates. Some of the reason could be the healthcare and support around expectant mothers, but some is general lifestyle. It is is called the French paradox. While no medical professional is advocating for bad habits while expecting, it happens. Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol are on the avoid list, but can marijuana cause a miscarriage?
The evidence is clear smoking, alcohol and caffeine can have an effect on the fetus. Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, when consumed during pregnancy, can all have negative effects on a fetus, including potential for low birth weight, development delays, birth defects and even miscarriage. Alcohol poses the most significant risk due to its potential for fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
Maternal use of cigarettes, alcohol, cannabis, and caffeine were compared in a research study. The relationship between such usage and growth parameters of offspring followed up from birth to 12 and 24 months of age were examined. Of the soft drugs used, nicotine had the most pronounced effect. After adjustment for other relevant variables, nicotine use prior to and during pregnancy was negatively related to weight and head circumference at birth. Furthermore, third trimester nicotine use was a stronger predictor of decreased weight and head circumference at birth than was first trimester use. The results obtained are consistent with ponderal index (PI) literature suggesting a recovery of growth retardation in infants with a lowered PI. Average consumption of greater than one ounce of absolute alcohol per day was negatively related to birth weight and length. Neither cannabis nor caffeine use had a significant negative effect on any growth parameter.
The chemicals in cannabis, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can pass through the placenta and affect the fetus’s development. This can lead to a variety of issues. Frequent cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with lower birth weight. Cannabis use can impair neurodevelopment and increase the risk of abnormal neurological development in the fetus.
A key factor is the amount consumed. Frequent cannabis use is linked to low birth weight babies. There is also an increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth. Another concern is may impact the baby’s brain development or cause abnormal neurological development. Long term it may affect a child’s long-term learning and behavior.
Studies are inconclusive about the association between marijuana use and miscarriage, but it is clear regular or heavy use can have an impact.