It was common and part of the American myth, guys would come home after work and pop a beer.  Or stop by their “local” for a quick one before heading to the house. But the world has changed and more people are concerned about weight, calories and health impacts. A survey by the American Heart Association found millennials, more than previous generations, are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet. In addition, Gen Z seems to be the first generation to slowly move away from alcohol, and a portion are moving to marijuana.

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Thanks to anecdotal and hard data, there is now a slow trend where after work instead of a grabbing a beer, people are taking a puff or popping a gummy.  Same relaxation, but with less side effects. But what should be the marijuana dosing for the first half of the week? It is important you don’t rely on anything every day to relax.  To do so could be a sign of addiction. But if you are want a quick, after work cool down.  Here are some suggestions.

Consider vaping, gummies or tinctures. These vehicles are easy to consume and you don’t have to commit to a big dosage.   A couple of hits on the vape while unwinding should be enough to release the tension while doing Monday stuff. The same line goes with gummies and tinctures.

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A suggested dosage of marijuana for a low key chill is between 5-7.5 milligrams (mg).  A study revealed participants who received 7.5 mg. of THC reported less stress after the psychosocial test than those given a placebo, and stress levels dissipated faster after the test.  This would equal a couple of dose on a vape or about 1.5 gummies.  (with gummies having a bout 5 mg of THC).

Alcohol sales, a predictor of use, shows the first half of have low sale but by Thursday it is has jumped 2.5X. Marijuana should follow in the same footprint.

Over 100 million people in the US and Canada have to deal with seasonal allergies. As spring starts and flowers and plants bloom, noses start their annual running.  More than $13.4 billion was spent in 2021 on people seeking relief from the sniffling and sneezing. Typical symptoms including congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, nose and throat, runny nose and eyes, and post nasal drip. But can pollen allergies be helped by cannabis?  It sort of depends.

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While pollen is a generally an issue when it warm…it can go from spring to fall. For many  this means February onwards for tree pollen, followed by grass pollen, then ragweed in the later summer and autumn. While more research can be done, for a portion of those afflicted, marijuana may help.

Marijuana is known to be anti-inflammatory and it seems marijuana can lower histamine levels in the body. This suppresses the immune system’s allergic response to pollen and other allergens. By reducing inflammation, marijuana may be able to open up airways and provide relief similar to over-the-counter allergy medications, but without some of the side effects.  In addition, for some, it can be a sleep aide to help get over the loss of sleep/fatigue hump.

However, it’s important to note that marijuana itself can also act as an allergen for some people. The pollen-rich cannabis plant may trigger allergic reactions in those with sensitivities, leading to symptoms like congestion, watery eyes, and itchy nose. There is also a risk of cross-reactivity, where people allergic to things like trees, weeds, or latex may experience reactions to hemp or cannabis products.  If you plan to try cannabis to help, consider gummies as way to consume the distilled plant.

For those exploring marijuana to help, pay attention to actually benefits you may receive.. While it may provide relief for some, marijuana is not a one-size-fits-all solution for seasonal allergies. As with any new treatment, it’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the best approach.