Cannabis News
The Fit Stoner – Does Cannabis Spell the End of Diabetes and Better Metabolic Health for Regular Users?
The Fit Stoner: How Cannabis Correlates with Better Metabolic Health
The classic image of lazy, gluttonous stoners gorging on junk food on the couch has prevailed through decades of prohibition. But emerging research reveals cannabis consumers actually exhibit healthier metabolic indicators than non-users. It’s time to rethink the tired old stereotypes.
Lower Diabetes Risk: Not Just Munchies After All
A new meta-analysis found cannabis use is associated with a nearly 50% lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared to non-users.
This builds on previous epidemiological studies suggesting cannabis consumers have lower BMI, better insulin regulation, and overall reduced diabetes prevalence.
At first glance, this seems counterintuitive.
You’d expect the late night Taco Bell runs to cause higher rates of metabolic disorders. But it seems those cravings haven’t overcome the more subtle physiological benefits of cannabis compounds.
The active ingredients THC and CBD apparently interact positively with glucose metabolism and insulin levels. Exact mechanisms remain unclear, but cannabis seems to correlate with maintained metabolic health rather than decline.
For medical cannabis patients especially, this is great news. Those using cannabis to manage pain and other conditions already get symptom relief without opioids’ side effects. Now it appears their medicine may also reduce risks of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
While more research is still needed, the consistent epidemiological findings shatter tired stereotypes of the unhealthy stoner. Turns out those munchies may not be so bad after all!
Cannabis Consumers Have Lower BMI than Non-Users
Related to lower diabetes risk, surveys consistently show regular cannabis users have lower mean BMI than non-users.
For example, a major 2021 study of over 560,000 people found obesity rates were 25% lower among cannabis users than non-users. Again, this flies against the image of the pothead bingeing on junk food.
Lower BMI likely relates to cannabis interacting with metabolism, gut microbiome, and endocannabinoid receptors that regulate hunger signals. While cannabis can stimulate appetite acutely, its biological effects appear to promote stable body weight over time.
These findings shatter stereotypes of lazy pot smokers getting fat from munchies and inactivity. In reality, responsible cannabis consumers tend to be fitter than Americans generally.
Cannabis Culture Promotes Exercise and Being Active
From hikes to yoga, many cannabis enthusiasts integrate plant medicine into healthy, active lifestyles. Contrary to stereotypes, cannabis’ effects are quite compatible with exercise and movement.
Pre-workout cannabis can enhance enjoyment and mindfulness during physical activity. Cannabis style cultures like 420 Games are bringing users together around sports and competition.
Far from sitting around all day, many passionate cannabis lovers nourish their minds and bodies through healthy diets, exercise, socializing, and time in nature. Using cannabis consciously often supports values of holistic wellbeing.
Of course, some still battle lack of motivation and inactivity when overindulging. Moderation and intention remains key. But the trope of lazy stoners makes little sense in the context of cannabis culture today.
Reconceptualizing the Modern Cannabis Consumer
While the image of the aimless pothead persists culturally, the reality of today’s average cannabis consumer is remarkably different. They tend to be active, health conscious folks using cannabis moderately to enhance quality of life.
It’s time for media portrayals of cannabis users to catch up with the science. Tired stereotypes and stigma only serve vestigial prohibitionist agendas.
In legal states especially, responsible adults of all ages use cannabis for wellness, activity, spirituality and medical relief. The old image of the loser pothead wasting away has no factual basis.
What studies show again and again is that cannabis, when used mindfully, correlates strongly with healthy metabolic indicators and lifestyle practices. The herb’s benefits may extend far beyond the high itself.
None of this means cannabis is a miracle cure or panacea. But we must acknowledge the emerging correlations with improved health outcomes. Through further research and education, cannabis still has so much to offer society.
The Sticky Bottom Line
As a passionate cannabis consumer for nearly twenty years, I’m living proof that responsible use does not equate to being a lazy, unhealthy stoner. Despite daily consumption, I’m now in the best shape of my life in my mid-30s.
While cannabis isn’t for everyone, I’ve learned to integrate it into my lifestyle in a conscious way that enhances wellbeing. It inspires me to exercise regularly, eat healthy, and spend time in nature. My meditation practice is also deepened by cannabis’ effects on mindfulness and inner reflection.
Do I get those late night Taco Bell cravings now and then? Of course. But overall, cannabis has not led me to gain weight or become inactive. If anything, its biological and psychological properties help motivate me to live energetically.
I strongly prefer cannabis over alcohol these days. Hangovers depress me, disrupt productivity, and feel awful. With cannabis, I wake up refreshed without headaches or nausea. Moderating dosage is important, but cannabis allows me to relax and socialize without toxic side effects.
My success integrating cannabis healthily depends on intention. I take periodic tolerance breaks to reset. Getting overly high all day breeds laziness for me, so I avoid that through reasonable doses. Cannabis works best for me as an enhancement in balance with other priorities.
I occasionally use cannabis when working out. It helps me get into a focused, meditative zone during long runs. Recovery also feels faster when using CBD salves for sore muscles. But I avoid getting really stoned before intense exercise. Moderation and self-awareness is crucial.
Could cannabis play a role in my metabolic health? I believe so. I tested with low blood sugar and A1C levels at my last physical. Anecdotal, sure, but it lines up with emerging diabetes research showing lower risk among consumers.
Do I give cannabis full credit for my vitality? No. Plenty of factors are at play. But I suspect cannabis compounds interact with my physiology beneficially beyond just the high. This magical plant supports human health in many mysterious ways we are only starting to understand.
At the end of the day, how you integrate cannabis depends on the individual. Not everyone enjoys the same benefits I do. Some may be more prone to overuse and lethargy. The key is finding balance and moderation in your personal relationship.
But the tired old image of the lazy, useless stoner just doesn’t reflect reality today. Responsible adults are proving cannabis can augment healthy, engaged living. I’m proud to be part of the modern cannabis culture thriving beyond outdated cliches.
This little plant and I still have so much to experience together!
CANNABIS AND DIABETES, READ ON…
“How Long Does One Puff of Weed Stay in Your System?”… This topic can be difficult to answer since it is dependent on elements such as the size of the hit and what constitutes a “one hit.” If you take a large bong pull then cough, it might linger in your system for 5-7 days. A moderate dose from a joint can last 3-5 days, whereas a few hits from a vaporizer may last 1-3 days.
The length of time that marijuana stays in the body varies based on a number of factors, including metabolism, THC levels, frequency of use, and hydration.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. THC and its metabolites, which remain in your body long after the effects have subsided, are detected by drug tests.
Since these metabolites are fat-soluble, they cling to bodily fat molecules. They could thus take a while to fully pass through your system, particularly if your body fat percentage is higher.
THC is absorbed by tissues and organs (including the brain, heart, and fat) and converted by the liver into chemicals such as 11-hydroxy-THC and carboxy-THC. Cannabis is eliminated in feces at a rate of around 65%, while urine accounts for 20%. The leftover amount might be kept within the body.
THC deposited in bodily tissues ultimately re-enters the circulation and is processed by the liver. For frequent users, THC accumulates in fatty tissues quicker than it can be removed, thus it may be detectable in drug tests for days or weeks following consumption.
The detection time varies according to the amount and frequency of cannabis usage. Higher dosages and regular usage result in longer detection times.
The type of drug test also affects detection windows. Blood and saliva tests typically detect cannabis metabolites for shorter periods, while urine and hair samples can reveal use for weeks or even months. In some cases, hair tests have detected cannabis use over 90 days after consumption.
Detection Windows for Various Cannabis Drug Tests
Urine Tests
Among all drug tests, urine testing is the most commonly used method for screening for drug use in an individual.
Detection times vary, but a 2017 review suggests the following windows for cannabis in urine after last use:
– Single-use (e.g., one joint): up to 3 days
– Moderate use (around 4 times a week): 5–7 days
– Chronic use (daily): 10–15 days
– Chronic heavy use (multiple times daily): over 30 days
Blood Tests
Blood tests generally detect recent cannabis use, typically within 2–12 hours after consumption. However, in cases of heavy use, cannabis has been detected up to 30 days later. Chronic heavy use can extend the detection period in the bloodstream.
Saliva Tests
THC can enter saliva through secondhand cannabis smoke, but THC metabolites are only present if you’ve personally smoked or ingested cannabis.
Saliva testing has a short detection window and can sometimes identify cannabis use on the same day. A 2020 review found that THC was detectable in the saliva of frequent users for up to 72 hours after use, and it may remain in saliva longer than in blood following recent use.
In areas where cannabis is illegal, saliva testing is often used for roadside screenings.
Hair Tests
Hair follicle tests can detect cannabis use for up to 90 days. After use, cannabinoids reach the hair follicles through small blood vessels and from sebum and sweat surrounding the hair.
Hair grows at approximately 0.5 inches per month, so a 1.5-inch segment of hair close to the scalp can reveal cannabis use over the past three months.
Factors Affecting THC and Metabolite Retention
The length of time THC and its metabolites stay in your system depends on various factors. Some, like body mass index (BMI) and metabolic rate, relate to individual body processing, not the drug itself.
Other factors are specific to cannabis use, including:
– Dosage: How much you consume
– Frequency: How often you use cannabis
– Method of consumption: Smoking, dabbing, edibles, or sublingual
– THC potency: Higher potency can extend detection time
Higher doses and more frequent use generally extend THC retention. Cannabis consumed orally may remain in the system slightly longer than smoked cannabis, and stronger cannabis strains, higher in THC, may also stay detectable for a longer period.
How Quickly Do the Effects of Cannabis Set In?
When smoking cannabis, effects appear almost immediately, while ingested cannabis may take 1–3 hours to peak.
The psychoactive component THC produces a “high” with common effects such as:
– Altered senses, including perception of time
– Mood changes
– Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
– Impaired memory
Other short-term effects can include:
– Anxiety and confusion
– Decreased coordination
– Dry mouth and eyes
– Nausea or lightheadedness
– Trouble focusing
– Increased appetite
– Rapid heart rate
– Restlessness and sleepiness
In rare cases, high doses may lead to hallucinations, delusions, or acute psychosis.
Regular cannabis use may have additional mental and physical effects. While research is ongoing, cannabis use may increase the risk of:
– Cognitive issues like memory loss
– Cardiovascular problems including heart disease and stroke
– Respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or lung infections
– Mood disorders like depression and anxiety
Cannabis use during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal growth and development.
Duration of Effects
Short-term effects generally taper off within 1–3 hours, but for chronic users, some long-term effects may last days, weeks, or even months. Certain effects may even be permanent.
Bottom Line
The amount of time that cannabis remains in your system following a single use varies greatly depending on individual characteristics such as body fat, metabolism, frequency of use, and mode of intake. Frequent users may maintain traces of THC for weeks, whereas infrequent users may test positive for as little as a few days. Hair tests can disclose usage for up to 90 days, while blood and saliva tests identify more recent use. Urine tests are the most popular and have varying detection durations. The duration that THC and its metabolites are detectable will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including dose, strength, and individual body chemistry.
PEE IN A CUP COMING UP, READ ON..
Is kratom addictive? Discover the potential for dependence on Kratom, the risks involved with its use, and how to approach its consumption responsibly.
From 2011 to 2017, over 1,800 calls to poison centers involved kratom in the U.S. This significant number highlights the concern regarding kratom addiction.
However, without Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight, and due to various consumption methods like teas and capsules, there are significant health risks. Safe use of kratom is now in question due to these issues.
Research debates how dependence develops, outlining signs like loss of control and withdrawal symptoms. These signs are seen in regular kratom users. Ironically, some people switch from drugs like heroin to kratom, looking for a legal alternative.
Understanding Kratom: Origins and Prevalence
Kratom comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Southeast Asia. It can act like a stimulant or like opioids, based on how much you take. People use it in different ways, for a small energy boost or stronger effects at higher doses.
The legal status of kratom in the U.S. is complicated and changing. It’s a hot topic because some worry about its misuse. It’s still legal in several states. This shows how different places handle drug rules. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is looking into its medical benefits. But, the FDA hasn’t approved it for medical use yet. The DEA calls it a “drug of concern,” which means policies might change.
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From 2011 to 2017, poison control centers in the U.S. got over 1,800 reports about kratom. This shows it’s widely used and might pose health risks.
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Kratom’s main ingredients bind to opioid receptors very strongly, stronger than morphine even. This fact is key to understanding its effects.
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As more people use kratom, more are reporting serious health problems. These include liver and heart issues, and tough withdrawal symptoms, particularly in those already sick.
The statistics show mounting worries about kratom in the U.S. As its use grows, it’s becoming more important to health policies and laws. What happens next will depend on further research and legal decisions.
Is Kratom Addictive: Investigating the Substance’s Nature
The question of kratom’s addictiveness focuses on how it affects brain receptors and its long-term health implications. The ongoing debate highlights concerns about dependence and the risk of addiction. Scientists are closely looking at these issues.
How Kratom Works in the Brain
Kratom’s main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to the brain’s opioid receptors, similar to painkillers and narcotics. This connection suggests a potential risk of dependence. These alkaloids are key to kratom’s pain relief but also point to possible addiction concerns, especially with frequent, high-dose usage.
Patterns and Consequences of Long-term Use
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Using kratom often, especially in large doses, can increase the risk of dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms, similar to opioid withdrawal.
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Although some use it for pain or to improve mood, long-term kratom users might see serious health problems, like liver damage and mental health issues.
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Withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, nausea, and sleep problems, show kratom’s impact on one’s physical and mental health.
Assessment of Addiction Risks
Studies indicate a significant risk of addiction to kratom, especially with high doses or frequent use. Dependence develops as the body gets used to kratom, leading to tolerance and a need for more to feel its effects. Withdrawal symptoms emphasize this risk, as highlighted by health experts.
Physiological Effects: Kratom’s Impact on the Body
There is a lot of debate about the safety and use of kratom. This herbal extract comes from the Mitragyna speciosa plant. It has drawn attention for its possible harmful effects on the body. The FDA has issued many warnings about kratom, raising safety concerns.
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Kratom Adverse Effects: Kratom users have reported side effects like nausea, vomiting, and confusion. More serious issues include high blood pressure and liver damage. These problems highlight the risks of using kratom.
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Herbal Extract Safety: Some kratom products contain heavy metals and pathogens. These can cause severe health issues, including death. This shows the importance of safety in herbal products.
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FDA Warnings and Regulations: The FDA has linked kratom to over 35 deaths and warns against using it. They point out the lack of medical uses and the risk of addiction.
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Physiological Impact: Kratom’s effects depend on the dose and the user’s body. Yet, it can lead to dangerous outcomes like liver damage and seizures.
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Safety Concerns from Authorities: Federal agencies like the DEA are worried about kratom’s safety. Although not a controlled substance, monitoring suggests users should be careful.
Kratom might offer temporary relief for some ailments, but it comes with significant risks. The FDA’s warnings should make people think twice. If considering kratom, it’s crucial to talk to a doctor first. Experts stress the need for safety and caution with herbal extracts.
Conclusion
Kratom’s role in health and regulation is complex, with views and research findings widely varied. Some people use kratom for its claimed health benefits, but it’s a hot topic. Experts advise caution and suggest consulting a doctor before using kratom due to the unclear effects.
Clinical studies using scores like SOWS and COWS haven’t confirmed withdrawal symptoms from kratom. This adds to the debate, especially when some users report withdrawal. This makes kratom a controversial subject among different findings and user experiences.
When it comes to treating opioid addiction, kratom can be both helpful and harmful. Some have used it successfully to fight addiction. Yet, some states have banned it. This highlights the need for regulations and consistent product quality. It also raises questions about kratom’s legal status due to mixed actions by authorities.
The situation shows how complex kratom is in the realm of substance use and law. Without clear evidence supporting either its benefits or risks, it poses a challenge. More research is needed to guide regulations and health advice. For now, anyone thinking of using kratom should be careful, seek medical advice, and keep up with laws and health guidelines.
WHAT IS KRATOM ANYWAY? READ ON…
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