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The Rise of Marijuana Creams and Salves

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Marijuana is a plant that has been cultivated for more than 4000 years. The first consumers and growers were mostly indigenous tribes, and its use is associated with medicinal, cultural and spiritual aspects. This ancestral and cultural wisdom has been passed down through generations, and knowledge has been shared in diverse communities for many years. However, prohibition and legal challenges have limited the dissemination of this knowledge and, in some cases, made it an illegal activity.

In the 1960s, the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs classified marijuana at the same level of danger as heroin. However, in 2019, following the recommendations of the World Health Organization, the UN recognized the medical and therapeutic benefits of marijuana derivatives, and 27 countries voted to remove it from the list, where it had been alongside highly addictive and deadly opioids. This has important implications for the Colombian government, as it could lose the opportunity to participate in a lucrative legal market estimated at $146 billion by 2025, in addition to reducing smuggling and micro-trafficking caused by its illegality.

In recent years, sales of ancestral coca- and marijuana-based products in local markets and galleries have increased significantly due to their efficacy. However, these sales remain relatively discrete compared to other markets.

In Colombia’s marketplaces, it is common to find stalls openly selling these products, such as marijuana creams and ointments with mint, drops for wounds, or even toothpastes made with marijuana. There are also pills and liquids based on this plant for medicinal and spiritual purposes, since bad energies are also considered to be the cause of illness.

Nancy Fernández, a street vendor in the sector, explains that the sale of these products is common in marketplaces: “In any respectable Colombian market, you will find a stall selling the typical hot ointment, which is in great demand to quickly relieve cramps and pain. Many people buy it without fear, even though these products are not legal”.

Nancy points out that consumers trust the effectiveness and quality of these products. Despite their illegality, she has not had any problems with the authorities and the products are openly displayed in her stall. Customers often have preferences by brand and type, as some products are made with menthol and marijuana, others with coca, mint and marijuana, and others with marijuana, spearmint and mint, all for medicinal purposes.

Many of the products sold in these plazas are imported, as Victor Rentería, a merchant who supplies products to small stores, points out: “Most of the creams and ointments I sell wholesale come from abroad, mostly from Peru, Bolivia or Ecuador, where these marijuana-based products are freely marketed. We, who could produce them locally, do not have the necessary permits,” he says.

 

Efficacy in various green products

The efficacy of several products made with this plant is remarkable. Although marijuana ointment is better known commercially, there are other products that are equally effective. Nancy explains: “Besides the hot salve, there are other products made with marijuana, such as drops used to treat wounds and skin infections. There are also coca and marijuana-based creams for skin allergies, all with significant benefits and immediate action”.

The growing use of these products has strengthened the cannabis culture in the country. Its efficacy has allowed the creation of medicines to combat diseases caused by spiritual evils, as many indigenous cultures believe that diseases can also be the result of bad energies. Victor Rentería affirms that these ailments can be cured with spiritual remedies made with marijuana-based ingredients. “In addition to marketing marijuana creams and ointments, I also sell water made with herbs and marijuana. These are used to eliminate dark energy that is affecting a person, causing pain, bad luck, or bondage. These waters are requested with a prescription from the healer or monk who will expel the energy,” the merchant concludes.

In Latin America, several countries have legalized marijuana for medicinal use, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. Despite this, Colombia faces challenges in its industry, as there is no significant local production and no medicines based on Colombian cannabis have been developed. However, there is a growing political debate to allow the production and commercialization of Colombian cannabis in a free manner, allowing for its full recreational and medicinal legalization.



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Mixed Messages From The Feds About Cannabis

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The federal administration is all over the board around fed cannabis policy…and millions of patients are worried.

The industry employees over 440,000 workers at all lives and is driven in a large part by mom and pop businesses.  Millions use medical marijuana for health issues ranging from chronic pain to sleep.  But there are mixed messages from the feds about cannabis, and people are very worried. The federal government’s stance on marijuana has become increasingly complex, as recent developments show conflicting approaches to the drug’s potential benefits and risks. On one hand, there’s a push for research into medical marijuana for veterans, while on the other, a campaign against cannabis use is being launched.

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The juxtaposition of initiatives highlights the federal government’s inconsistent approach to marijuana policy. While some departments are exploring the potential benefits of cannabis, others are actively working to discourage its use. This dichotomy is further exemplified by ongoing legislative efforts. For instance, Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) has reintroduced the Veterans Equal Access Act, which would allow VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana to patients in states where it’s legal. Meanwhile, documents from an ongoing lawsuit suggest that the DEA may have weighted the marijuana rescheduling process to ensure rejection of moving the drug from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3.

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The Department of Defense (DOD) has allocated nearly $10 million in funding for research into the therapeutic potential of MDMA for active-duty military members. This initiative, driven by congressional efforts, aims to explore MDMA’s effectiveness in treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) expressed pride in this development, stating that it could be a “game-changer” for service members battling these combat-related injuries.

Additionally, a bipartisan effort in Congress has been pushing for VA research on medical marijuana for PTSD and other conditions affecting veterans. The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act, introduced in both the Senate and House, would mandate studies on how cannabis affects the use of addictive medications and impacts various health outcomes for veterans.

RELATED: The Science Behind Why Music Sounds So Much Better When You’re High

In stark contrast to these research initiatives, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has partnered with an anti-cannabis nonprofit to launch a social media campaign targeting young people. The campaign, set to run ahead of April 20 (4/20), aims to “flood” Instagram with anti-cannabis content. The DEA is offering monetary incentives to students for creating and posting anti-THC videos, with payments ranging from $25 to $50 depending on the type of content produced.

This approach has raised eyebrows, as it seems to contradict the growing acceptance and legalization of marijuana across the United States. Critics argue that such campaigns may be out of touch with current societal trends and scientific understanding of cannabis.



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Could Medical Marijuana Help Pope Francis

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The administration has spent very mixed signals…will consumers turn to hemp if marijuana is outlawed again?

He is one of the most globally well known figures and now he has health issue. The Pope resides in Vatican City, the world’s smallest country, and given its unique status , there is no healthcare system, medical centers, or hospitals. All patients must access clinics and hospitals in Rome for care. One of the most ancient cities in the world, Rome has a robust healthcare system. It includes the renowned Policlinico Universitario Gemelli, which is considered one of the largest private university hospitals in Europe and the best in Italy. But it isn’t global known like the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, or Toronto General. Thinking outside the box, could medical marijuana help Pope Francis?

As the Pope continues his recovery from pneumonia and mild kidney issues, medical experts are exploring innovative treatments that could potentially aid in his healing process. One such treatment gaining attention is medical marijuana, which has shown promise in addressing various health conditions.

RELATED: Couples Using Cannabis Can Increase Intimacy

Medical marijuana might offer relief for Pope Francis’s respiratory challenges. Certain cannabinoids, particularly CBD, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce lung inflammation associated with pneumonia. While smoking cannabis is not recommended for respiratory conditions, alternative delivery methods such as vaporization or edibles could potentially provide therapeutic benefits without irritating the lungs

gold and multicolored cathedral interior

As the Pope recovers, pain management is likely a key concern. Medical marijuana has shown potential as a pain adjuvant, potentially reducing the need for opioids in patients with chronic conditions. This could be particularly beneficial for elderly patients like Pope Francis, who may be more susceptible to the side effects of traditional pain medications.

Recent studies have explored the relationship between cannabis and kidney function. While more research is needed, some evidence suggests that cannabis does not negatively affect kidney function in healthy individuals. For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), careful monitoring and dosage adjustment may be necessary to ensure safe use.

Medical marijuana has been associated with improvements in various symptoms that could enhance the Pope’s quality of life during recovery. These include better sleep, reduced anxiety, and increased appetite. Such benefits could contribute to a more comfortable and efficient healing process.

RELATED: Marijuana Use And Guy’s Member

While the potential benefits of medical marijuana are intriguing, it’s important to approach any treatment the same caution as any elderly patient. A personalized treatment plan, developed in consultation with medical professionals, would be essential to ensure safety and efficacy. As the world watches the Pope’s recovery, the consideration of medical marijuana as a complementary treatment option offers a ray of hope. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects on specific conditions, the potential benefits for pain management, inflammation reduction, and overall well-being make it an intriguing possibility.



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Mormons And Marijuana – The Fresh Toast

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Medical marijuana has become widely accepted – what do Mormon’s allow?

Mormons are advised to abstain from coffee, tea, and alcohol as part of the Word of Wisdom,” a health code received by the church’s founder, Joseph Smith, which is now considered scripture. They are allowed hot chocolate, but not anything else with caffeine.  But what about Mormons and marijuana? It seems the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church, has evolved its stance on cannabis and medical marijuana over the years, balancing religious principles with changing societal attitudes and medical research.

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Traditionally, the Mormon church has opposed the use of substances that are “harmful, illegal, or addictive or that impair judgment,” as stated in its official handbook. This stance has historically included cannabis, alongside tobacco, alcohol, and coffee. But in recent years, the church has nuanced its position, particularly regarding medical marijuana. In 2016, the church supported efforts to legalize CBD oil in Utah, while still opposing whole-plant cannabis remedies. By 2018, the church played a significant role in Utah’s medical marijuana legalization process. Initially opposing a ballot measure, the church later helped broker a compromise that led to a more conservative medical marijuana program. Then in 2019, the church clarified its stance in its youth magazine, stating that while marijuana may be legal in many places, its use is still against the Word of Wisdom (the church’s health code). However, it acknowledged that medical uses were being studied.

white ceramic cup on brown wooden table

Utah, home of the Mormon church headquarters, generally has lower liquor and tobacco sales compared to other states, with Utah collecting the lowest per-capita alcohol taxes in the nation, and having strict regulations on alcohol and tobacco sales. This clearly shows their beliefs have become somewhat off a cultural norm.  Currently, the church’s current stance on medical marijuana is it does not oppose medical marijuana when used as prescribed by a competent physician. This includes vaping marijuana when authorized based on medical necessity. But, the church continues to strongly oppose recreational marijuana use.

Additionally, the church advises caution, comparing marijuana to opioids and other addictive substances that should be avoided except under proper medical care.

In Utah, the church initially opposed a broad medical marijuana ballot initiative in 2018. But as cannabis was proven to have medical benefits, they facilitated negotiations between lawmakers, advocates, and other stakeholders to create a restrictive medical marijuana law. The resulting program includes limitations such as prohibiting smoking of marijuana flower (only vaporization is allowed), lower purchase limits, and requiring a pharmacist at every dispensary.

The church’s stance continues to evolve and in 2020, the church updated its handbook to explicitly allow vaping of medical marijuana when authorized by a medical provider. Church leaders have emphasized the need for prompt action on medical marijuana legislation, recognizing the urgency for those who may benefit from it. The church maintains that it respects the counsel of medical professionals and supports scrutiny of new drugs by medical scientists and official approval bodies.



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