Wednesday, February 25, 2015

How Marijuana Helps with Depression

Daily and weekly recreational users of marijuana report in surveys they are less depressed. Cannabis users with medical conditions report having symptoms of depression that may be related to there condition.(Source) Studies have found no correlation to marijuana causing depression.(Source)

Medical marijuana and recreational marijuana are increasingly becoming legal state by state. Statistics of states that have legalized show sharp decreases in suicide rates. States that legalize marijuana have an eleven percent decrease in suicide rate for males 20-29 years old. Research has shown that there is a correlation of suicide and alcohol abuse. Studies have also concluded that the availability of marijuana reduces alcohol consumption. It is still unclear if this drop is from marijuana, or from decrease use of alcohol.(Source)

The Arizona Department of Health took surveys of their patients that dealt with debilitating medical conditions. The patients describe cannabis helping to diminish symptoms and alter there mood to reduce depression. George McMahon suffering from illness said “The elevated mood associated with cannabis definitely affected my health in a positive manner. I was more engaged with life. I took walks and rode my bike, things I never considered doing before in my depressed state, even if I had been physically capable. I ate regular meals and I slept better at night. All of these individual factors contributed to a better overall sense of well-being." (Source)

Patients with bipolar describe notable improvement to stabilizing their moods with medical cannabis. They report a slow down to the cycle of manic to depression states improving overall mood. The amount of time feeling depressed is reduced significantly. (Source)

Many have used cannabis to treat mood disorders such as anxiety, PMS, depression and bipolar disorder. Early writings in the 19th century report using cannabis to improve depression and mood. Reducing pain and other uncomfortable conditions with cannabis can also improve mood.(Source)

Source:
http://www.420magazine.com/forums/medical-marijuana-facts-information/67789-marijuana-psychological-conditions.html

Monday, February 23, 2015

Beta Myrcene is the Most Common Terpene in Cannabis

Beta Myrcene is the most common terpene found in cannabis. It has a spicy herbal scent that is known to aid in treatment to pain, inflammation and muscle relaxation. This terepene is also found in bay leaves, eucalyptus, hops, lemongrass, mangos, parsley and thyme. The high amount of β-Myrcene in Indica strains are what give the “couch-lock” sedative effect.(Source)

Myrcene, or β-myrcene is a monoterpene which is a volatile compound that evaporates quickly with exposure to air. It is known as an essential oil for its fragrance and is used for menthol and citronella products. Cannabis strains that contain high amounts of Beta Myrcene are White Widow and Neville's Haze.(Source)

The benefits of Beta Myrcene are found in it's analgesic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, sedative and ability to reduce muscle spasms. Lemon grass tea is known for it's pain relieving effects due to it's high content in β-myrcene. Studies with high content of Myrcene in mice have shown a sedative quality. The terpene has a unique ability to intesify the effects of the CB1 receptors in the body which helps in inflammation and pain relief.

Myrcene lowers the resisistance across the blood brain barrier. This effect makes other chemicals like THC to absorb and take effect more quickly. Indica strains in cannabis offer a .5% or greater potency in myrcene allowing for better delivery of THC and it's effects. Sativa strains typically contain less than .5% which allows the effects to be more subtle. It has been found that eating a mango a half hour before smoking cannabis increases the psycho active effects for it's high content of β-Myrcene.

Source:
http://www.marqaha.com/#!under-microscope/c1cbz

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Federal Government Could End Marijuana Prohibition

On Friday February 20th, 2015 two separate bills were introduced in Congress to end federal prohibition on marijuana. Currently the federal government can supersede the local laws leaving the states vulnerable when approving marijuana for sale. The passive nature of the federal government has allowed states to legalize marijuana for medical and recreational use. This hands-off approach may change with a new president.

Democratic representative from Colorado Jared Polis introduced the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act. Rep. Polis calls for marijuana to be removed from the Controlled Substances Act. This would allow the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to regulate marijuana similar to alcohol.

On the same day house Democrat from Oregon Earl Blumenauer introduced the Marijuana Tax Revenue Act. This act would introduce a tax on marijuana sales similar to the Marihuana Tax of 1937. This tax was repealed in 1970. The new bill may impose more prosecution for possession.

Representative Polis bill is a positive direction for marijuana for many reasons. Removing the Drug Enforcement Agency from regulating allows the states laws to be fully legal and protected. Legalizing marijuana allows patients and the people that work in the industry to not fear prosecution. Removing marijuana from the label of a controlled substance will allow more research to be conducted. This will allow for safer medicine, a better understanding on how marijuana works in the body and new avenues for health care.

Source:




Friday, February 20, 2015

The Benefits of Medical Marijuana and Bone Cancer


Over 50% of people that have cancer suffer from chronic pain. Studies show a higher percentage of bone cancer patients suffer from pain.(Source)

Bone Cancer can result in a lot of pain. In a recent study on mice and humans it was found that cannabinoids found in cannabis reduce pain caused by C-fiber nociceptors, CB2 Receptors(Source) and WIN-55(Source). They react to slow down the pain signals going to the brain giving relief to the pain.(Source) A low dose cannabis treatment can mitigate the pain associated with bone cancer.(Source)

The effect of the CB2 receptors from cannabis treatment has shown to reduce bone loss and fracturing.(Source) The receptors increase bone cell renewal and reduce bone resorption. Marijuana has shown to increase bone density and reduce osteoporosis to keep bones healthy.(Source)

Many cancer patients describe the cannabis application of Rick Simpson Oil or also known as Phoenix Tears to help and cure their cancer and reduce pain. Rick Simpson created his own cannabis oil by slow boiling the whole plant to get a concentrated form of cannabinoid oil. It can be taken orally in drops under the tongue or applied topically to the area of pain or cancer. Many patients have cured their cancer and attributed it to Rick Simpson Oil.

Source:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22490961
http://www.earthclinic.com/herbs/cannabis.html

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Loudpack Extract now at OUTCO


Loudpack Extracts Concentrate offer crumble and shatter
Loudpack Extracts
Loudpack offers a wide variety of crumble and shatter. The word “Loudpack” is a way to describe marijuana that comes from the Atlanta region. People use the term to describe the scent being so loud it overpowers the room. A strong scent signifies freshness and high terepene quality in marijuana.

OUTCO now offers Loudpack the brand to it's members in San Diego California. A variety of Indica and Sativa strains allow for choice on the effects. Crumble and Shatter gives the user a potent, discreet and efficient method of marijuana delivery.

710 in the Cannabis Community


710 is oil spelled backwards in the marijuana community
710 Hash Oil


Recently the number 710 has become a number associated with the cannabis community. It is used as a code to represent hash oil. 710 upside down spells OIL. July 10th and 7:10 pm have a new popular time to use marijuana in the concentrated form. Hash oil, honey oil and wax are extracted potent forms of cannabinoids made from the marijuana plant.(Source)

July 10th has become popularized as “Dab Day”. A Dab is a single hit of concentrate. Colorado has a 710 Cup Expo that celebrates dabbing with guest speakers, glass blowing and workshops.(Source)
Concentrates have become in high demand for the efficiency, potency, cost effective and discreet method of receiving marijuana.


Source:
http://the710cup.com/







Wednesday, February 18, 2015

The Difference Between Nug Run and Trim Run

The Difference between Nug Run and Trim Run Shatter
Nug Run Shatter

Concentrate made with the whole cannabis flower is called “Nug Run”. "Trim Run" uses shake trim material to make the concentrate. The Nug Run yields better quality by providing more potency, higher terpene profile, cleaner flavor.(Source)

Extraction to make concentrate removes the excess material of the plant to leave a potent cannabinoid product. The Nug Run method will give a larger amount of concentrate than trim. The Trim Run tends to contain more chlorophyll resulting in a smaller yield . Small buds offer a higher yield with higher percentage of crystals per weight. Having Nug Run on the menu at a dispensary is a great find due to the cost of using the whole flower.(Source)

Source:
http://www.hightimes.com/read/dabs-20-co2-extraction-cannabis-concentrates

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong Urges for Safe Dispensing of Medical Marijuana

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shion is an American surgeon, medical researcher, and a professor at UCLA. He is the wealthiest person in the American health care industry. His impact in the medical world is due to a revolutionary approach to curing cancer.(Source)

Dr. Sanjay Gupta recently interviewed him on 60 minutes. During this interview he said “Cancer is not cells growing, it's the inability of the cells to die”. His research focuses on mutations in cells versus traditional cancer treatment that target specific areas. (Source)

Dr. Soon-Shion is impatient with the slow rate of FDA approval. He can afford to be outspoken because of his wealth to fund his research without big pharma or the government backing. This allows him to speak and think freely about health care and medical marijuana. Soon-Shion says “Medical Marijuana has a real chemical positive effect”. He states it helps with the brain and nausea. He warns about the bad quality and impurities from poorly run distribution.(Source)

San Diego is leading it's region in setting up safe medical marijuana dispensaries. All medication by legally licensed dispensaries are regulated by San Diego county. They must adhere to strict testing for quality and lack of impurities. Outliers Collective is the first and only dispensary in San Diego County to be licensed. OUTCO can offer a permanent location, safety of medicine and pay taxes to benefit the community.

Source:
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/12/marijuana-dispensary-legal-open-milestone/

Maintaining High Terepene Quality in Cannabis


Terepene quality is difficult to maintain in cannabis. This is due to the highly volatile chemical structure. Evaporation occurs with exposure to air and warming in temperature. The most volatile terpenes are the Monoterepenes that make the fragrance of the cannabis flower. Sesquiterpenes are a more stable structure allowing for taste to be maintained longer than smell. The change is taste from dried flowers can be attributed to the degradation of chlorophyll.

Different factors when cultivating the cannabis plant can effect terepene levels. The weather, climate, soil and fertilizers used will effect the type and amount of terepenes the plant produces.

• Experienced growers can stress the cannabis plant to encourage terepene production in the plant.

• Restricting nitrogen fertilizer during the flowering can help produce larger buds.

• Reducing temperature and humidity slows down the evaporation process of the terepenes.

• Hydroponic grown plants tend to give a higher yield but composted soil grown give a larger terpene profile to the flowers.

• Sunlight and LED lights which contain the full color spectrum tend to have higher terpene counts.

• Not handling the buds will allow for the terepenes to not brush off of the buds.

Harvesting early in the morning is crucial to maintain the highest content of terepenes in the flower. Trichomes excrete terpenes which tend to evaporate during the warmer temperatures later in the day. It is important to seal the flower from exposure to air and light after harvest to maintain the terpenes. Fresh flowers maintain a minty, citrus and fruity aroma. Dried flowers will dull these smells from the loss of terepenes.


Source:
http://www.growweedeasy.com/better-taste-better-smell



Monday, February 16, 2015

The Purpose of Terpenes in Cannabis

Typically, terpenes are volatile molecules that evaporate easily and readily announce themselves to the nose. Therein lies the basis of aromatherapy, a popular alternative-healing modality. Like their odorless cannabinoid cousins, terpenes are oily compounds secreted in the marijuana plant’s glandular trichomes. Terpenes and THC share a biochemical precursor, geranyl pyrophosphate, which develops into the cannabinoids and terpenoids that saturate the plant’s flower tops.  

But unlike THC and the other plant cannabinoids that exist nowhere else but in marijuana, terpenes are ubiquitous throughout the natural world.  Terpenes are found in a variety of plants including flowers, vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices and other botanicals. They are volatile compounds that readily evaporate to give an aroma and taste to the plant.

The purpose of terpenes in plants is to protect itself from predators and cool the plant with it's evaporation.  The taste and smell of terpenes attract or detract animals to improve the survival of the plant. One instance is the corn plant which will emit the terpene sesquiterpene (E)-β-caryophyllene after it is attacked by caterpillars. This terpene attracts wasps that prey on the caterpillars to protect the plant from further damage from the caterpillars.(Source)

Different kinds of terpenes result in different defenses for the plant. Monoterpenes are found in flowers of the plants to attract insects. Sesquiterpenes are found on the leaves of plant to produce a bitter taste to ward off herbivore animals. They can produce a sticky resin and are secreted as oils from trichomes. (Source) Pleasant smelling terpenes attract herbivores that will eat the fruit and help spread the plants seeds. Some terepenes give the plant resistance to fugus to allow for better survival.(Source)

In the morning the terpenes are most prevalent on the plant. When the weather warms up during the day the terpenes evaporate. This evaporation causes an air flow that allows a cooling wind to the plant. This cooling allows the plant to maintain hydration. Plants will typically smell stronger in the morning when the terpenes are on the plant. The smell with be very weakens as they evaporate during the day.(Source)

Source:

Thursday, February 12, 2015

What Does 420 Mean?


420 is a number associated with the cannabis culture. People who use marijuana sometimes refer to their subculture as 420 or smoke at 4:20pm in the day. Some use April 20th, or 4/20 as a day to honor the medicinal herb. The beginning of the number to represent smoking marijuana has many urban legends and the origins remain elusive.

The most popular legend is one that Steve Hagar made famous. He was a writer for the marijuana magazine High Times. The story goes that a group of students from San Rafael High School in 1971 were in search of a hidden marijuana grow. The teenagers used to hang out by a wall outside their school and called themselves the “Waldos”. They would meet at 4:20pm every day by the Louis Pasteur statue at the school. From there they would go on their quest to find the hidden marijuana grow.

Many believe that the 420 began with the Grateful Dead following using 4:20 as their main time to smoke. The following does not claim to be the origin of the 420 popularity. The Grateful Dead tour did bring the trend to many communities and is one of the main reasons it grew into such popularity.

Some believe 420 is the police code for possession of marijuana. Each municipality and state have their own set of laws and guidelines, none with 420 being the code for possession. One exception is with California Senate Bill 420 that sets guidelines for possession. This bill was enacted after the popularity of the number association.

Their are numerous other theories that are untrue. The Grateful Dead did NOT stay only in hotel rooms with the number 420. Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison did NOT die on April 20th. And there are NOT 420 chemical compounds in marijuana, there are only 315 known.

The origins of the number 420 is elusive to the association of marijuana. The popularity can be seen in the widespread use of the number. For instance the Colorado Department of Transportation had a problem of continuously stolen signposts on mile 420 of I-70 east of Denver. To stop the thievery they have replaced it with mile post 419.99.

Source:


Wednesday, February 11, 2015

What Does OG Mean for Marijuana?


There are many marijuana strains that include “OG” in the name. The OG name comes from kush seeds rumored to have been bought at a Grateful Dead show. The meaning has many urban legend theories. All strains that have the OG name are typically a phenotype of the original OG Kush strain.

The most widely accepted theory behind the name is based on the strain originator. He grew a new phenotype of Kush. His friend gave him some cannabis to smoke and told him it was mountain grown. The grower smelled it and recognized the marijuana as his own original strain. He corrected his friend saying it wasn't mountain grown but instead ocean grown. Over time the name was shortened from Ocean Grown Kush to OG Kush.

The distributor of OG Kush seeds is DNA Genetics. San Diego's CityBeat.com asked them what the origin of the OG name was. DNA Genetics believed the name came from the rap group Cypress Hill. The singers use it as slang to say Original Gangster. The original gangster in music refers to a gangster that has been around from the beginning.(Source)

An alternative theory is comes from the website Overgrown.com. This forum was the largest internet site for marijuana cultivation. The website was closed by the Canadian government for illegally distributing seeds. Some people believe this name serves as a tribute to this website.

The original grower left cuttings of his strain in Downey California. The cuttings spread to other growers in San Fernando Valley and Orange County. Popular new strains later developed including; Tahoe OG, SFV OG and Larry OG.

Both the grower and the name origin still remains a mystery. By not growing correctly the strain can result in low yields. The difficulty of growing can make OG Kush a high demand strain. It is thought that it is a cross between Chemdawg with a male that is a cross of Lemon Thai and Paki Kush.

Source:

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

What Makes the Purple Color on Cannabis

How the purple in marijuana is created
Purple in Marijuana

The purple color in cannabis has lead to legendary strains such as Grand Daddy Purple, Grape Ape and Purple Fire. The purple color is prominent as a result of cold growing conditions. Most purple strains are indica rather than sativa. Indica strains originate from locations with high altitudes and cold climates.

The purple color comes from pigment molecules called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins also make raspberries red, blueberries blue and grapes purple. These pigments, classified as flavonoids, change color with the PH value. An acidic PH will produce red like raspberries, purple for a neutral PH, and blue for alkaline.

Anthocyanins are produced by the plant only during the last part of the growing cycle. During the last stage of plant growth production of the green chlorophyl slows down. This allows the plant to give all of the energy to the flowers. When the chlorophyl color fades the purple hue of the anthocyanins prevail. Stress from a cold condition will also cause the chlorophyl to slow down.(Source)

Some marijuana patients seek after the purple strains for their medicine. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants and studies suggest they give health benefits. Antioxidants help to reduce oxidation degeneration in the cells. Foods rich in color like berries and blood oranges have been known to aid in cardiovascular health and preventing obesity. Scientific research is ongoing to justify treatment by anthocyanins for cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders, inflammation, arthritis and gout pain.(Source)

Source:
http://www.immunehealthscience.com/anthocyanins.html

Monday, February 9, 2015

Jamaica set to Decriminalize Marijuana

Jamaica Flag and how marijuana is now legal in the country
Jamaican flag

This Friday the Senate in the Country of Jamaica debated the legalization of marijuana. There couldn't be a more fitting day for the debate then the birthday of marijuana advocate Bob Marley. The Jamaican cabinet approved a bill in January 2015 that is now in need of approval with the senate.

With this ruling the 100 year prohibition of marijuana in Jamaica could soon be broken. The Rastafarian religion rooted in Jamaica uses the herb for religious purposes. They regard smoking marijuana as a sacrament. The bill would allow for a licensing authority to be established. This would grant permits for marijuana cultivation, distribution, research and medicinal use.

The legalization of marijuana in Jamaica would effect the community as well as the drug trade in the Caribbean. Prohibition has failed to reduce the drug prevalence in Central America. A different approach to these laws may reduce the criminal aspect in marijuana distribution.


Source:
http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/politics/2015/02/06/jamaican-senate-resumes-debate-on-decriminalizing-marijuana/

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Pediatricians Urge the Government to Accept Cannabis Medication


In 2015 pediatricians started out with positive pressure to reclassify marijuana. The American Academy of Pediatrics urged the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency for more research into the benefits of cannabis medication. They also called for compassion for their patients to use marijuana.

Doctors and parents have seen beneficial uses of cannabis for children. Cannabis rich in the cannabinoid CBD has shown to reduce epileptic seizures in children with dravet syndrome. Some cases have shown that CBD has also reduced brain tumors in children. Cannabis use has also shown to help with autism in verbal communication and reducing self injury.(Source)

Currently the government has taken steps to legitimize it as a beneficial drug. The government holds a patent for the beneficial use of cannabis. Prescribed cannabis medication like Dronabinol and Sativex are out on the mainstream market for treatment in nausea, neuropathic pain, spasticity and overactive bladder. The U.S. Governement owns a marijuana farm at the University of Mississippi for research.

The AAP wants to specifically change the way cannabis is classified as a schedule 1 drug. This current classification restricts marijuana from research and use as a medication to the public.

Source:
https://faceofcannabis.wordpress.com/2013/10/24/calvin/

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

What Cannabis Topical Balms Are Used For

CBD Oil as a balm to help with arthritis and pain as a medical marijuana treatment
CBD Oil Balm

Cannabis topicals are applied to the skin for direct application to the treatment area. Creams and balms can penetrate through the skin and body tissue. Patients use creams for treatment in arthritis, allergic skin reactions, post herpes neuralgia, muscle strains, inflammation and swelling. Topicals offer a non-phycho active medicine to the patient.

Research is limited on the many uses of cannabis topicals. Patients have been reported using topicals for many treatments including:

• Arthritis
• Dermatitis and psoriasis
• Wounds and cuts
• Muscle Pain
• Hemorrhoids
• Sore throat, bronchitis
• Menstrual cramping
• herpes, blisters and lip aid
• pain from sprains and breaks
• headaches
• breathing problems

Lotions and balms offer localized treatment to the targeted area. The cannabinoids work by targeting CB1 and CB2 receptors that are found all over the body including the skin. Most patients use this method for it's anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects. Cannabis topicals often use a base of hemp oil which is rich in Omega 3 and 6. These essential fatty acids are beneficial for the health of your skin.

Source:

http://www.leafly.com/news/products/what-are-topicals-anyway-a-tour-of-a-manufacturing-lab

Monday, February 2, 2015

Cannabis Capsules

Cannabis edible capsules
Cannabis Capsules

Cannabis capsules or “Canna Caps” are a great way to ingest cannabis in a controlled dosage. Cannabis medicine effects can last much longer as an edible than when smoked.(Source) Patients choose an edible form to help treat pain, multiple sclerosis, depression, digestive problems, and addiction of other substances.(Source)

Dr. Hornby has researched the benefits of capsules for treatments. A study with Multiple Sclerosis researched the use of capsules along with smoking. The patients were able to achieve a continuous plateau of pain relief.(Source) Another study Dr. Hornby conducted was on the reduction of addiction to methadone. One third of all drug overdoses in America are from methadone. The study found that taking cannabis capsules resulted in a 50% reduction in methadone use.(Source)

Dr. Paul Hornby has been a leader in advocating the use of capsules for cannabis. He has set guidelines for capsules to have a standard dose and be free of pesticides and harmful contaminants.

Source:
http://cannabisdigest.ca/cbc-of-c-product-testing/

Sunday, February 1, 2015

What Cannabis Sprays Are Used For

Cannabis Sprays for edible marijuana treatment
Cannabis Sprays

Cannabis spray is an oral medication for pain. In 2014 the FDA designated a fast track to approve cannabis sprays at a federal level. Cannabis sprays are desired by cancer patients that have trouble responding to opiate medication for their pain.

The company GW Pharmaceuticals has become well known for cannabis based drugs for the mainstream market. Their CEO Justin Gover says “Sativex is the only non-opioid treatment currently in Phase 3 development for patients who do not respond to, or experience negative side effects with opioid medications.” He goes on to say “We are fully committed to delivering the first FDA-approved cannabinoid medicine for these patients who currently have nowhere else to turn.”(Source)

Many patients prefer the spray over other cannabis applications. The benefits of administering an oral spray are the fast acting effects. Cannabis spray is discreet and has a pleasant smell. The sprays are offered in unflavored or other flavors like mint. Patients can regulate their dosage in an effective way with the spray.

OUTCO currently offers CBD oil spray in unflavored or peppermint flavor. Outliers Collective is located in El Cajon. It is the only legally licensed Dispensary in San Diego.

Source:
http://www.hightimes.com/read/fda-yes-marijuana-spray-will-not-reclassify