From 15-19% of the population does Dry January. After the excess of the holidays with food, drink, celebrations and family….your body might need a break. But do you want Dry January of California sober. What is it? Well, it is taking a break from alcohol and drugs except for cannabis. And there are some sound reasons as marijuana is less hard on the body and offers up some medical benefits. But if you are new to cannabis, you might be worried, concerned or need more information. Here are the answers to your questions about marijuana.
Is it addictive?
While not all that common, there are people who are heavily affected by marijuana use. The condition, known as cannabis abuse disorder (CID), affects about 30% of users, impairing their lives in one way or another. People who suffer from the condition often have the drug affecting their work and relationships, feel anxious when not consuming it, have cravings, and more. The populations that are at higher risk of developing this condition are teens and young users.
Marijuana overdoses are pretty chill in the grand scheme of things. Still, some awkward and uncomfortable things can happen, so it’s important to pace yourself no matter the method of consumption. Symptoms of a marijuana overdose include dry mouth, sleepiness, paranoia, a fast heart rate, and even vomiting.
Which method is best?
Marijuana has come a long way. Long gone are the times of the crappy joint filled with brown weed, making it the perfect time to jump in. While the variety of methods can be overwhelming, it’s simple once you parse it all out. There’s cannabis flower, edibles, and vapes, with each of these having its own perks and pitfalls. In terms of health, vaping and smoking affects your lungs, so an edible might be a good starting place. Just know that edibles take a while to kick in and that you should start off slow.
Historically, cannabis is praised for its anxiety-relieving properties and acting as a facilitator for social situations. While this is true, it’s also not the whole truth. Cannabis is fussy, acting differently depending on the cannabis you’re consuming, the person consuming it, and their level of experience. It’s also important to know what type of anxiety is being treated. If it’s a medical issue, it’s important to talk it out with your doctor.
Cannabis can make people very sleepy, but this isn’t the case for everyone and it depends on the type of cannabis you’re consuming. While some strains can make you feel relaxed and sleepy, others can make you feel wired (indica for the former, sativa for the latter). The best advice for using cannabis as a sleep aid is to start off slow, keeping track of your behaviors and patterns.
What is the difference between CBD and THC?
THC and CBD are cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. The main difference between the two is the fact that THC is psychoactive (producing that “high” feeling), while CBD is not. When smoking a CBD joint you may feel relaxed and loose, yet you won’t get high. CBD is mostly medicinal and it’s also very trendy, appearing in a wide variety of products ranging from hair products to skincare.
After the holidays, January is a tough with returning to a work routine and the weather…but there is something to help.
Th holiday is time of time off, festive actives and anticipation. But starting 2 January, it is back to work and long work days, delayed projects and credit card bills, but there is good news. If you want to be focused and more upbeat, start 2025 prepped and ready with marijuana microdosing. As we look ahead, microdosing marijuana is emerging as a promising method for achieving calm and focus in our increasingly hectic lives. This approach involves consuming small, controlled amounts of cannabis to harness its therapeutic benefits without experiencing the intense psychoactive effects typically associated with larger doses.
Microdosing marijuana allows individuals to fine-tune their cannabis experience, achieving a delicate balance between sensory enjoyment and therapeutic benefits while minimizing unwanted side effects. By opting for carefully calibrated doses, users can maintain focus and functionality throughout the day, making it an ideal choice for work or other daily tasks.
One of the key advantages of microdosing is its potential to alleviate anxiety and stress while promoting relaxation. Studies have shown that low doses of THC can dampen negative emotional responses without significantly impacting performance. This subtle effect can help individuals navigate stressful situations with greater ease and maintain a sense of calm throughout their day.
For those seeking to enhance their productivity and creativity, microdosing marijuana may offer a unique advantage. Some tech workers have reported that small doses of cannabis provide a creative edge, potentially boosting mental functioning and innovative thinking. While more research is needed to confirm these effects, many users find that microdosing helps them maintain focus and clarity without the distracting “high” associated with larger doses.
Each year the cannabis industry continues innovations in microdosing products and delivery methods. Precise dosing options, such as low-THC edibles, vapes, or concentrates, will make it easier for users to find their optimal microdose and maintain consistency in their regimen.
It’s important to note that the effects of microdosing can vary from person to person, and finding the right dose may require some experimentation. Generally, microdoses range from 1 to 5 mg of THC, depending on individual tolerance and desired outcomes.
As always, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating microdosing into your wellness routine. By offering a more subtle and controlled approach to cannabis consumption, microdosing may help individuals navigate the challenges of modern life with greater ease and clarity
And like a holiday blockbuster – people have something new to worry about – but marijuana could come to the rescue.
Blockbuster disaster movies always have something destroying major cities. Now scientist are citing the very real evidence we could have space junk crashing and having a big impact on the planet. Kessler syndrome, proposed by NASA scientists Donald J. Kessler and Burton G. Cour-Palais in 1978, describes a potential cascade of collisions in low Earth orbit (LEO) that could render space activities increasingly difficult This scenario occurs when the density of objects in orbit becomes so high that collisions between them generate debris, further increasing the likelihood of subsequent collisions. It seems with everything sent to space, civilization could be at a tipping point. But cannabis can keep you from freaking out about Kessler Syndrome.
The syndrome poses a significant threat to satellite operations and space exploration. Even small debris fragments can cause catastrophic damage to spacecraft due to their high velocity. As collisions create more debris, the risk of further impacts grows exponentially, potentially leading to a chain reaction that could make certain orbital ranges unusable for generations. While there’s no consensus on whether Kessler syndrome has already begun, experts agree that the concept is valid and requires attention. The increasing number of satellites, particularly large constellations like SpaceX’s Starlink, has raised concerns about exacerbating the problem.
While disaster movies are more dramatic, the idea of space junk destroying Paris, New York or Los Angeles is low. BUT…the real tragedy it could force human to go analog again as it poses a significant threat to space-based activities and technologies. Critically, it could disrupt telecommunications, internet connectivity, GPS navigation, and weather forecasting. And the effects could last for generations, making space exploration and satellite usage dangerous or impractical.
On top of all the other anxiety, this could tip the scale, but research data shows cannabis, particularly products high in CBD (cannabidiol), may offer relief from anxiety symptoms without the risks associated with THC-dominant products.
While both THC and CBD can affect anxiety levels, their impacts differ:
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): This psychoactive compound has a biphasic effect on anxiety. Low doses may decrease anxiety, while higher doses can potentially increase issues.
CBD (Cannabidiol): Studies indicate that CBD appears to decrease anxiety at all tested doses, without the psychoactive effects associated with THC.
When considering cannabis for anxiety management, especially in the context of concerns about the Kessler syndrome, it’s important to note:
Individual Responses: Reactions to cannabis can vary widely among individuals, influenced by factors such as dosage, strain, and personal physiology.
Consultation: It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider or a state-certified cannabis clinician before using cannabis for anxiety treatment.
Complementary Approach: Cannabis should not replace traditional anxiety treatments like talk therapy but rather be considered as a potential complementary approach.
Dosage and Ratio: The ratio of CBD to THC in cannabis products can significantly impact their effects on anxiety. CBD-dominant products may be more suitable for anxiety relief.
Long-term Effects: While cannabis may offer short-term benefits for anxiety symptoms, long-term effects and potential risks should be considered.
if you ever thought you were an actor in the movie, just look at the news – you can’t make this stuff up.
From broken hearts to being alone, not everyone is merry in December, but maybe marijuana can help.
It is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for a portion, it is a rough patch. Whether through the lose of a loved one, illness or being alone, it can be tough for many. In one survey, 10% of those over 55 say they won’t have anyone else in their home this holiday season. Not everyone has a happy holiday, but maybe marijuana can help. Marijuana may help alleviate symptoms of holiday depression in several ways. Cannabis, particularly strains high in CBD, can reduce stress and anxiety associated with the holiday season. CBD interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, potentially producing anti-depressive effects
According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 38% of individuals report increased stress during this time, stemming from various responsibilities such as shopping, cooking, and entertaining. The pressure to create a perfect holiday experience can lead to feelings of overwhelm and inadequacy when expectations are not met.
Microdosing marijuana can be an effective way to manage holiday depression. By consuming small amounts of cannabis, typically 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC, individuals can experience mood-enhancing effects without feeling intoxicated. This approach can help ease stress and anxiety. It can also help you reframe the self expectation pressures into things which are more manageable and realistic. Microdosing allows for better social interactions and increased productivity, which can be particularly beneficial during family gatherings.
Additionally, combining low doses of THC with CBD can provide a balanced effect, promoting relaxation and reducing negative emotional responses. It’s important to start with a low dose and adjust gradually, as individual responses may vary.
THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, can provide temporary relief from depressive symptoms, though it’s important to use it cautiously as high doses may worsen depression. Some users report that cannabis helps them relax, fall asleep more easily, and manage holiday-related grief. When using marijuana for depression, it’s recommended to opt for strains with higher CBD and lower THC content. Terpenes like limonene, linalool, and beta-caryophyllene may also have anti-depressive properties
However, it’s crucial to note while cannabis may offer temporary relief, it’s not a cure for depression. Individuals should consult with a healthcare professional before using marijuana to manage depressive symptoms, especially if they’re already on medication.
There are others ways to manage holiday-related sadness. Recognizing it’s normal to feel sad or stressed during the holidays can help alleviate some pressure.Adjusting expectations about what the holidays should look like can reduce feelings of inadequacy. Connecting with friends or support groups, or even volunteering, can help combat loneliness. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and well-being can be beneficial.
For persistent feelings of sadness or depression, seeking help from mental health professionals is advisable. Understanding these factors and implementing coping strategies can help individuals navigate the emotional complexities of the holiday season more effectively.