Thursday, April 30, 2015

Top Doctors who Endorse the Use of Medical Marijuana

The science behind the medical effectiveness of marijuana is substantial.(Source) Marijuana has had more clinical trials to prove the benefits then most FDA approved pharmaceutical drugs.(Source) Top doctors in the United States are endorsing the use of medical marijuana to be legalized and studied further.

Within the last five years three top profile doctors have changed their mind to become pro-legalization of marijuana. Dr. Sanjay Gupta introduced the documentary Weed on CNN to show the benefits of the medicinal use. On Larry King Now Dr. Mehmet Oz said “I think that most of us have come around to the belief that marijuana is hugely beneficial when used correctly for medicinal purposes.” ABC News chief health and medical editor Dr. Richard Besser said “Marijuana is less likely to be addictive, it’s less likely to cause car accidents and birth defects, it’s less likely to cause domestic violence.”(Source)

The new U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has recently endorsed marijuana for medical use. He is urging for the justice department to reclassify the medicine from a schedule 1 drug. In a recent interview Murthy said "We have some preliminary data showing that for certain medical conditions and symptoms, marijuana can be helpful."(Source) His endorsement has led to two bills in Congress to change marijuana classification.(Source)

Doctor organizations have endorsed the use of medical marijuana. In 2008 the American College of Physicians (ACP) with 124,000 internal medicine doctors endorsed the effectiveness of cannabis.(Source) Just recently the American Academy of Pediatrics changed its view to endorse marijuana for medical use.(Source) Over 60 doctors associations have publicly endorsed the use of marijuana including; American Academy of Family Physicians, American Nurses Association and Kaiser Permanente.(Source)

Source:
http://www.thecannabist.co/2014/05/13/changing-tide-drs-gupta-oz-bessner-changed-minds-medical-pot/11705/

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

PUR Xtracts now Carried at Outliers Collective

PUR Xtracts in San Diego

PUR Xtracts is a San Diego based company. Outliers Collective is proud to now offer PUR Xtracts in CO2 cartridges. Quality and standard of PUR Xtract is exceptional for being the purest form of cannabis concentrate.

PUR Xtracts use bio-chemists and professional industry specialists to create a solvent-free concentrate. CO2 is an organic method of producing a consistent and contaminant free oil. Every product is independently lab tested to give accurate information on potency and assurance of being contaminant-free.

The industry of cannabis oil is moving away from methods that result in residual solvents. PUR Xtract has the cutting edge technology for producing a medicinal marijuana that is safe, discreet, and clean. Come into OUTCO to purchase Pure Xtracts oil in the strains of Tangie, Grand Daddy Purple and Girl Scout Cookie.

Source:
http://thepur.com

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Outliers Collective Proudly Carries Platinum Vape


Vap CO2 oils Platinum Vape
Platinum Vape
Platinum Vape Premium CO2 Oils are now in stock at Outliers Collective in El Cajon. Platinum Vape is locally made in San Diego California. They offer a wide variety of indica, sativa and hybrid strains at a compassionate price.

Platinum Vape uses state of the art technology to offer a premium quality CO2 oil. This method give a clean solvent-free medicine that is consistent. The THC content levels are 20-30% more potent than the industry leaders in CO2 oil. This allows the user to have a smaller dose of medicine to achieve relief.

OUTCO offers a wide assortment of Platinum Vape strains. These include AK-47, Blue Dream, Bruce Banner, Chocolope, Girl Scout Cookie, Godfather OG, Headband, J1, LSD, Maui Waui, and NYC Diesel.


Source:
http://www.platinumvapepen.com

Monday, April 27, 2015

The Benefits of the Terpene p-Cymene in Cannabis

p-Cymene is a terpene found in cannabis at a low dosage. It is a volatile monoterpene that an essential oil found in coriander, cumin, oregano, eucalyptus, thyme and cannabis. High concentrations of p-Cymene can cause nausea, headaches, agitation and even loss of consciousness.
Used in its natural form in low concentrations it benefits as an antimicrobial and fragrance.(Source)

Cannabis has a low concentration of p-Cymene allowing it to be safe for consumption. The terpene can give a carrot or orange odor. It has antimicrobial, antifungal and AchE inhibiting properties.(Source) The inhibition of AchE prolongs the duration of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter can lower blood pressure by inhibiting cardiac muscle to contract.(Source) It also is used during eye surgery to make the eye muscles contract and constrict the pupil.(Source)

Source:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0008808/

Sunday, April 26, 2015

The Benefits of Nerolidol in Cannabis

Nerolidol is a naturally occurring terpene in Cannabis as well as ginger, jasmine, lavender and tea tree. The aroma smells like a woody bark and is used as an essential oil in many products. Nerolidol is useful in transdermal delivery of other cannabinoids in the cells.(Source) Nerolidol contributes to the complete medicine of the cannabis plant in the entourage effect.

Nerolidol is a sequiterpene which means it is a more stable chemical structure than other terepenes. It gives sedative properties that treats insomnia. Its absorption through the skin helps facilitate topical applications for skin conditions or pain.(Source) Nerolidol in studies has also shown to have anti-fungal properties and reduce infection of Malaria.(Source)

Source:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC434199/

Saturday, April 25, 2015

The First Recorded History of Medical Marijuana

Cannabis was first used for rope, textiles and food. Hemp cord pottery was found in modern day Taiwan dating back to 8,000 BC. Humans have existed for 250,000 years. Signs of cultivation has only been dated back to 8,000 BC. In 1977 Carl Sagan stated that marijuana could have possibly been the first agricultural crop of modern civilization. Cannabis used as food dates back to 6,000 BC. Seeds and oil were found in the region of China during this period.(Source)

In 2900BC the legend stated that the first record of marijuana used for medicinal purposes was from Chinese Emperor Fu Hsi. In 2727BC Chinese Emporer Shen Nung (also known as Shennong) recognized marijuana for its healing benefits. China did not have a written system until the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046BC). Any written record of Fu Hsi or Shennong was past down from oral stories and mythology hundreds of years later.

Fu Hsi was the first mythical Chinese Emporer that stated cannabis was a popular medicine that possessed both yin and yang. According to written accounts, Shennong was a mythological figure also known as the Emperor of Five Grains. He is a deity that is accredited discovering agriculture including the invention of the plow, ax and digging wells. Shennong was said to have ingested herbs and record how they reacted to his body including cannabis.(Source)

The first recorded use of cannabis for medicinal use dates back to 1500 BC. The pharmacology book called the Rh-Ya is the first writing that affirms the medicinal properties of cannabis. Fifty years later the Book of Exodus in the Bible was thought to have been written. The scripture (Exodus 30:20-23) describes a holy anointing oil recipe that has Kaneh-bosem. Many historians believe the written term Kaneh-bosem refers to modern day cannabis. This anointed oil had healing properties.(Source)

Source:
http://www.advancedholistichealth.org/history.html
http://www.advancedholistichealth.org/history.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_China
http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000026

Friday, April 24, 2015

The Benefits of Cannabis and Hemophilia A

Hemophilia A is the lack of the blood to clot. This can lead to prolonged bleeding with wounds as well as internal bleeding problems. People with Hemophilia experience conditions that can be relieved with medical marijuana. These include:

  • Bruising and swelling in soft tissue and muscle
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Inflammation
  • Swollen Joints
  • Pain
  • Nausea
  • Stiff and Tight Joints

Traditionally opiate drugs are prescribed for treatment to treat swelling. Side-effects of NSAID are nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite and constipation. Long-term effects of these narcotics can be addiction and damage to the liver and kidneys.

Cannabis can treat the symptoms of Hemophilia but it does not cure. Marijuana has clinical proof to treat inflammation, increase appetite, pain, nausea, headaches and joint pain. Marijuana is a safe alternative to opiate medication for its lower addiction rate and less side-effects.

Source:
https://www.marijuanadoctors.com/content/ailments/view/34?ailment=hemophilia-a

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Treatment of Migraine Headaches with Cannabis

Marijuana use for treatment with migraines
Cannabis Use with Migraines

People have been using cannabis to treat migraines for thousands of years. Clinical studies have not been conducted to give support to marijuana as treatment. Many people who suffer from headaches are trying cannabis for treatment in migraines from other patients recommendations and the low side-effects. Some doctors recommend Marinol (cannabis pill) for treating the symptoms of headaches.(Source)

Sufferers of migraines can experience sensitivity to light, nausea, and pain. Clinical studies have shown that marijuana helps with nausea and pain. Their is not conclusive research on marijuana helping with light sensitivity. A study found that with 1085 users of marijuana, only 6 reported that it increased sensitivity to light. All 6 patients had been using marijuana for over five years before reporting this problem.(Source)

Notable Doctors and marijuana activists endorsed marijuana for treatment of migraines. Activist Jack Herer's book “The Emperor Wears No Clothes” stated:

"Because migraine headaches are the result of artery spasms combined with over-relaxation of veins, the vascular changes cannabis causes in the covering of the brain (the meninges) usually make migraines disappear."

Philip Denney MD who is Co-founder of a medical cannabis evaluation practice stated in June 2, 2005 Whittier Daily News :

"Cannabis is one of the best medicines for migraines. It's so effective - it works rapidly, and it has limited toxicity, although lung damage from smoking is a concern."
Ethan Russo MD who is the Senior Medical Advisor at the Cannabinoid Research Institute stated in the Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics:

"In closing, a unique dance of medical science and politics is occurring that will soon decide whether herbal cannabis (a derivative, or synthetic analogue) will rise like the legendary phoenix to resume an ancient role as a remedy for migraine and neuropathic pain."
And finally David L. Bearman MD stated in a letter to the Los Angeles City Beat,:
"Not only are there thousands of migraine patients who benefit from cannabis, but cannabis has been cited by such historical medical luminaries as Sir William Osler, M.D. (considered the father of modern medicine) and Dr. Morris Fishbein (long-time editor of JAMA) as the best treatment for migraines (back in the days before the Congress ignored the AMA and over the AMA’s objection, passed the Marijuana Tax Act)."

Source:
http://www.ehealthme.com/ds/marijuana/light+sensitivity


Wednesday, April 22, 2015

The Country of Bhutan and Cannabis

The Cannabis plant is so prolific in Bhutan it grows like a weed in the countryside. Nestled in the Himalaya mountains Bhutan flourishes in a sativa type of cannabis called Thimphu. This variation of cannabis is rich in cannabinoids. Traditionally the country people saw no benefit in the plant medicinally and used it as feed for their pigs. They liked the use of cannabis for pigs because it allowed the swine to feed without rapidly getting fat.

The introduction of television was the first sign to the Bhutan people that cannabis was used as an intoxicant. This led to a large increase in youth to start using it as a drug. The new fascination with cannabis did not flourish and usage today is very rare. Historically Bhutan used cannabis minimally while the neighbor countries used it more widely. There is evidence they used hemp cord to make bow strings and a small amount of textiles. The Bhutanese preferred other sources for their paper and textiles.

There have been no references to medicinal Cannabis use in Bhutan. This is unique because the neighboring countries of China, Tibet, and Arurvedic medicine use it widely. Some medicinal treatments are secret to the ingredients. Their is speculation that cannabis is hidden in the medicine to avoid public scrutiny.(Source)

The Bhutanese practice Vajrayana Buddhism prohibits any intoxicant. The religion dates back in Bhutan to the 17th century and is thought to be the main reason cannabis isn't consumed. Today the religion is less predominant leading to signs of cultivation of cannabis and smuggling.

Source:
sensiseeds.com/en/blog/cannabis-bhutan/

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

The Aromatic Use of Cannabis


Marijuana used for aromatics
Cannabis used for Aromatics in Pillows

Cannabis is known for it wide variety of scents from it's terpenes. Aromatics play a role in the popularity of the strain as well as the medicinal benefits. The sense of smell can play a major role in someone's daily well being.

Studies have shown that aromatherapy can reduce anxiety, depression, and improve quality of life. The use has also shown to help with pain and help improve sleep. The calming effect of aromatherapy has lead to the popularity of essential oils, including cannabis.(Source)

The use of cannabis for aromatherapy was found in Switzerland during the 1990's and early turn of the century. Switzerland grew hectares of cannabis purely for the aromatic purpose of pillows and bath scents. Cannabis aromatherapy use in Switzerland is regulated and these products are no longer found.(Source)

Source:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/consumer-health/expert-answers/aromatherapy/faq-20058566

Monday, April 20, 2015

Synthetic Marijuana is NOT the Real Deal

The inaccessibility to cannabis has led to synthetic marijuana. These man-made drugs try to mimic THC. Synthetic marijuana is also known K2, Spice or Synthetic cannabinoids. This new recreational drug is increasingly becoming a public health problem for its side effects and unpredictable nature.

Demand for the high that marijuana gives has led to a demand for synthetic marijuana. Cannabis can be inaccessible due to the price and regulation of the medicine. Synthetic marijuana can be made far cheaper than growing the cannabis plant. The product is disguised as “herbal incense” or “potpourri” with labels that read “Not for Human Consumption” to evade regulation by the FDA.

Synthetic marijuana has harmful side effects. It can cause anxiety, elevated blood pressure, agitation, vomiting, racing heart, hallucinations, tremors, seizures, and suicidal thoughts. It is usually sprayed on plants to make it look like marijuana. Though it binds to the CB1 receptor like cannabis, it can be 100 or more times more potent leading to a dangerous outcome. An example is like drinking a glass of water vs. drinking 10 gallons. A glass is healthy, where as too much can be deadly.(Source)

In 2010 there were 11,000 emergency room visits due to synthetic marijuana.(Source) Two years later the ER visits jumped to 17,000 and continue rising exponentially. Marijuana in the natural form has caused no deaths.(Source) Synthetic marijuana has caused heart attacks, suicide and aggressive behavior.(Source) The legalization for marijuana in it's natural form can give a safe alternative to dangerous synthetic designer drugs.

Source:
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2011/11/18/what-is-synthetic-pot-and-whys-it-causing-heart-attacks-in-teenagers/#.VTPIRpODCM8

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Outliers Collective Customer Appreciation Day

On April 20th, 2015 Outliers Collective is having a Customer Appreciation Day in El Cajon, California. Medical marijuana patients are welcome to come enjoy the event at one of the only legal dispensaries in San Diego. A raffle for prizes including free medicine for a year will be offered only on this day. A food truck, massages and special donation prices will be available to all members.

OUTCO has been open since July 1st, 2014 with a fully legal license for medical marijuana in San Diego County. Patients say the quality, accessibility, safe, legal and clean environment make Outliers Collective their choice in dispensaries. A knowledgeable staff allows members to receive medicine that is specific to their needs.

420 Customer Appreciation Day

Sunday, April 5, 2015

The Benefits of the Terpene Linalool

The terpene Linalool is a primary scent in many cleaning and hygene products. Linalool is naturally found in cannabis, lavender, coriander, and other fragrant herbs and citrus. The scent gives a sweet floral and spicy scent.

Studies have shown that inhaling the linalool fragrance can reduce stress, pain, convulsions and treat skin burns. The effects are from the ability of Linalool to moderate glutamate and the GABA neurotransmitters in the body. This results in the bodies ability to bring itself back to a pre-stress stability.(Source)

Linalool breaks down with oxidation. When the terpene breaks down the oxidation can sometimes cause an allergic skin reaction to about 5% of people. It is also a chemical intermediate that can create Vitamin E. Cannabis strains that are high in Linalool are Lavender, L.A. Confidential and Grand Daddy Purple.

Source:
http://www.demeter.org.es/pdf/investi_a/Taming_THC-_potential_cannabis_synergy_and_phytocannabinoid-terpenoid_entourage_effects.pdf

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Why the New York Times Editorial Board Agrees to Stop the Prohibition of Marijuana

NY Times Editors Endorse Legalizing Marijuana

The NY Times wrote an opinion piece on why marijuana should be legalized. The culture of America is leading to be in favor of cannabis. Solid reasons for why the editorial board of the NY Times are in favor are the following:

  1. Alcohol and tobacco's health effects, impact to society and law and order are no different than the concerns of Marijuana.
  2. Legalizing at a Federal level allows for citizens to not be vulnerable to policy shifts when there is a new president.
  3. There were 658,000 arrests for marijuana in 2012. The arrests show a racist tendency for incarceration. The costs of litigation and ruining careers of the incarcerated would be alleviated.
  4. Health and addiction seems to be not a concern like it is with alcohol and tobacco for adults.

The editors did acknowledge the reports that marijuana can effect the development of adolescent brains. Just like alcohol and tobacco they saw a reason to prohibit sales to people under the age of 21.

The 6 part series had 15,000 comments published within 2 weeks which 12,658 were in favor of marijuana legalization. The comments ranged from being in favor because of having a right to choose what you put into your body to seeing the perils of how the criminal cost of it is ruining our society. Health care workers also commented on how they do not see the same adverse effects in the ER for marijuana like they do for alcohol.

Source:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/06/opinion/high-time-times-readers-online-make-their-own-cases-for-legalizing-marijuana.html

Friday, April 3, 2015

The Benefits of Cannabis with Tuberculosis

For thousands of years cannabis has been used as a folk medicine to treat tuberculosis.
Cannabis is a powerful medicine for its anti-microbial properties. Marijuana can treat infections that have shown drug resistance such as TB, pneumonia and MRSA.(Source)

Tuberculosis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that is transmitted through airborne particles. TB needs oxygen and therefore proliferates in the lungs. It causes a chronic cough, weakness, fever, weight loss and sometimes death. It is common to become a carrier of the disease without showing symptoms. A weak immune system increases susceptibility to the disease.

TB is second only to HIV/AIDS as the greatest killer worldwide. In 2013, there were 9 million new cases of tuberculosis worldwide with only 9,582 cases of TB in the US. This same year 1.5 million died from the disease.(Source)

Cannabis has been used as a folk medicine for TB worldwide. In India, cannabis is grown in the location where a cobra snake was killed. They believe this gives the plant stronger medicinal properties.(Source) The Zulu's of South Africa use cannabis with hot water infusions as medicine to treat TB and other respiratory ailments. It is still commonplace in Mexico to smoke cannabis to treat TB.

Dating back to pre-WWII in Czechoslovakia, it is often produced as a recipe of ground hemp seed steeped in warm milk. A 30-year study for this remedy shows significant improvement in symptoms and cures for TB. It is believed that the high protein content of edestin in hemp seed helps in the treatment as well as immunity. The high content of linoleic acid in cannabis has shown to destroy TB bacteria.(Source)


Source:

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Explaining the “Entourage Effect” in Cannabis

The Whole Cannabis Plant works Synergisticly to Provide Medicine

In 1998 Shimon Ben-Shabatt and Raphael Mechoulam coined the term the “Entourage Effect”. This term explains how cannabis medicinally works with terpenes and cannabinoids. They show the importance of all active ingredients of cannabis for maximum effectivness.

The Entourage Effect is directing a new thinking in cannabis medicine. In 1985 Marinol singled out THC as the only active ingredient. Better results have been shown by adding CBD with THC in the medicine Sativex. GW Pharmeceuticals has incorporated the Entourage Effect in their further research to make new cannabis medicine.

The cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis work together to maximize treatments. Raphael Mechoulam said while introducing the Entourage Effect, “Very seldom is the biological activity of the active constituent assayed together with inactive 'entourage' compounds.” The variety of terpene and cannabinoids profiles create the distinctive effects and strains of the cannabis plant.

Source:
http://www.hightimes.com/read/understanding-effects-indica-vs-sativa

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

The Terpene β-Caryophyllene in Cannabis

The Terpene β-Caryophyllene is the Only Approved Cannabinoid


The terpene caryophyllene gives a spicy peppery scent to some cannabis strains. It is also found in black pepper, cloves, cotton, hops, oregano and rosemary. β-Caryophyllene is a unique terpene categorized as a cannabinoid (BCP). This classification is from the way it effects the CB2 receptor. The relation with the receptor helps with anxiety, perception of pain and depression.(Source) Studies have also shown it to act as a neuroprotectant and reduce alcohol consumption.(Source)

Caryophyllene has been shown to help anxiety, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, inflammation, multiple sclerosis symptoms and gastrointestinal problems. Studies with β-Caryophyllene are promising for how it works as a cannabinoid without any psychotic effects. This is due to how it effects the CB2 receptors without effecting the CB1 receptors which give the marijuana high.(Source)

Strains that are high in caryophyllene include Super Silver Haze, Nevilles Haze and Hash Plant. Marijuana sniffing dogs are trained to look for the smell of Caryophyllene.(Source) Β-Caryophyllene is the first FDA approved cannabinoid.

Source:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091305714001956