Sunday, May 31, 2015

The ACLU Supports Legalizing Marijuana


ACLU - American Civil Liberties Union Logo

The criminal act of possessing marijuana leads to more arrests in America than all violent crimes combined. Blacks are 4 times more likely to be arrested than whites for marijuana possession. White and black people consume marijuana at an equal rate. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) advocates for influencing public policy and defending citizens against unequal liberties. The prohibition of marijuana has resulted in a disparity of arrests and liberties against American citizens.

In 2013 the ACLU released a report called “Marijuana in Black and White”. The report shows that blacks in some regions of the United States are arrested up to fifteen times more than whites. The report also focused on the amount of money wasted on the arrests. A survey found that 9 out of 10 people believe that minor possession of marijuana should not face any jail time.

It is estimated that marijuana arrests cost the taxpayers ten billion dollars annually. In 2010 the minor marijuana possession arrests in New York City alone were $75 million. On an individual level a conviction can lead to a lost job, suspended license and ineligibility for public assistance.

The ACLU supports the legalization of medical marijuana including regulation and taxation. ACLU advocates for legislation like Colorado and Washington to decriminalize marijuana. They support citizens who pose no danger to public safety.

Source:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/17/marijuana-possession-arrests_n_2490340.html

Saturday, May 30, 2015

The Benefit of Flavonoids in Cannabis

Each cannabis plant has a unique profile of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. The combination gives different medicinal effects. Flavonoids give the smell, color and flavor to plants. The flavonoids that are common to cannabis are referred as cannaflavins.

Flavonoids are anti-inflammitory and regulate the effects of THC. Common cannaflavins are quercetin, kaempferol and luteolin. Cannaflavin A has been shown to reduce inflammation thirty times more than aspirin.(Source) THC is regulated by how flavonoids interact with estrogen receptors, enzymatic processes and for its antioxidant properties.(Source)

The aromatic molecules of flavonoids with terpenes and terpinoids account for 30% of the cannabis plant. They work in conjunction to provide an entourage effect medicinally.

Source:
http://www.zamnesia.com/blog-beyond-cannabinoids-flavonoids-terpenes-terpenoids-of-cannabis-n301

Friday, May 29, 2015

Sue Sisley


Suzanne “Sue” Sisley is at the forefront of medical marijuana research. In December 2014 Dr Sisley received a 2 million dollar grant from the Colorado Board of Health to study medical marijuana treatment for veterans with PTSD. Colorado approved $7.6 million in studies for medical marijuana becoming the largest amount granted for cannabis research from any state.

Colorado legislature created the Medical Marijuana Scientific Advisory Council to establish funds for research. This fund reserves money from marijuana sales for researching the effectiveness of marijuana for medical treatment.

Sue Sisley was previously a psychology professor at the University of Arizona. Sisley explained her study: "This is a triple-blind randomized control trial, where we're looking at 80 veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD, which means they have to have failed at least drug therapy or psychotherapy, or both."

Sue Sisley says her first problem for doing this research is procuring cannabidiol rich marijuana. Frustration from regulation has made this hard with cannabis for research only available from the University of Mississippi. Marijuana at this federally funded location does not match the high quality of medication found at local dispensaries.

Sue Sisley is dedicated to finding the benefits of medical marijuana. She states that the approval by the FDA of marijuana as medicine will allow insurance companies to pay for marijuana medications. Sisley goes on to say that grants funded by the government allows for the most unbiased research to show the benefits and risks.

Source:
http://www.thecannabist.co/2014/12/29/sue-sisley-op-ed/26029/

Thursday, May 28, 2015

The Benefits of the Terpene Borneol in Cannabis

The terpene borneol has been used traditionally in Chinese medicine for centuries. Borneol is found in cinnamon, thyme and the resin of cannabis. Borneol is a pleasing scent of camphor and earthiness which is a natural insect repellent.

The traditional use has been used with moxibustion, a form of acupuncture or burning directly on a patients skin. This approach has clinically shown help with breached babies.(Source) Used in Asia for cardiovascular disease it has been found to be an anticoagulant.(Source) Research has also shown that borneol helps with inflammation,(Source) elimination of odors and pain management.(Source)

One of the most beneficial uses of borneol is how it helps with wound healing. Borneol can reduce the blood brain barrier similar to the terpene myrcene. This allows other medications to penetrate and absorb more readily.(Source) This function allows for a profound increase in wound healing.(Source)

Fibrosis has been traditionally thought to be irreversible. It is the increase in tissue around wounds. Fibrosis can lead to benign tumors, Crohn's disease, cirrhosis and a precursor for cancer. New research has shown that borneol can reverse fibrosis.(Source)

Source:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19267840
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18274938
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23717952
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18711769
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moxibustion

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Cannabis Use in Veterinary Medicine


marijuana in cannabis medicine
Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine
Cannabis is becoming popular with animal medicine. Many pets suffer from chronic ailments that give them pain and lack of appetite. Dispensaries are mainstreaming medicine for animals to bring back their quality of life.

Marijuana is a safe, natural and effective medicine. Access to cannabis is difficult with current federal regulations. Current man-made drugs have been found to have adverse side-effects.

Dr. Kramer, a veterinarian in California conducted a survey of pet owners that administered cannabis to their pets. He discovered marijuana was given to pets to treat behavior disorders as well as health problems. Cannabis treatments among these pets included; separation anxiety, noise-phobia, immune deficiency, irritable bowels, pain management, nausea, appetite stimulant and control of seizures. Tinctures, capsules and topicals for tumors and skin rashes were the most popular administration methods of the medicine.(Source)

Research, regulation and consistent standards are in infancy stages for pet medicine. Narda Robinson, director for the Center of Comparative and Integrative Medicine is studying the safety and dosage for animals. They have set up an email for pet owners who have used cannabis to share their findings at AnimalMMJ@gmail.com. Veterinarians caution offering treatment to pets without consultation.

Source:
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/pot-pets-companies-make-hemp-laced-meds-fidos-n124826

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

The Benefits of the Terepene Isopulegol in Cannabis

Isopulegol in Cannabis gives a minty odor and flavor. Found in eucalyptus it is a chemical compound formed from cintronellal to make a monoterpene. It's menthol properties gives a soothing taste and sensation that is calming.

Health benefits are minimal as it is usually found in low concentrations. The menthol scent can overpower the other medicinal properties.(Source) Isopulegol along with other menthol oils have shown to give a cooling effect, be anti-inflammatory, an emollient, aid in breathing and ease from aches and pains. It has the ability to target the nerve receptor TRPV1 to extend sensory feelings.(Source)

Research shows promising benefits with isopulegol for the gastrointestinal tract as well as reducing seizures. Ulcers were found to be improved by prostaglandins, K(ATP) channel openings and antioxidant properties.(Source) Seizures were found to be reduced for isopulegols ability to affect the GABA system and it's antioxidants.(Source)

Source:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19559770


Monday, May 25, 2015

Testimonial - Pill Popping Be Gone

Medical Marijuana Testimonial After more than a decade on over 20 pills a day (that seemed to get me by) I have tried medical cannabis. This has changed my life. A feeling of happy, clear and calm with only a puff. Just get over the stigma of "doing drugs" and start to feel good!
Strains you Like Harlequin, Super Lemon Haze, Blue Moon
Conditions PTSD
Symptoms Anxiety
Depression
Pain: Neuropathic

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Testimonial - Insomnia and Joint Pain

Medical Marijuana Testimonial I use medical marijuana for sleep: I need it to take my mind off joint pain and calm my mind so I can sleep.  I want a tested product that I can always get and that is consistently the same.  I use a Vaporite unit and a vape pen.  
Strains you Like Indica
Conditions
Symptoms Inflammation
Insomnia
Pain: MuscleJoint

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Testimonial - Anxiety

Medical Marijuana Testimonial I dealt with anxiety for most of my adult life.  Most cannabis made that worse.  After trying  xanax, valium, alcohol, none of them were a palatable solution. Then I bought some ACDC at Outco and found nature's cure to anxiety disorders.  It is a high CBD strain (20:1) and they have others as well.  Also, now that my anxiety is dealt with, I also enjoy the other medicinal benefits of cannabis.  Thanks for making quality medicinal strains available to San Diego County all done within the confines of the law.  
Strains you Like ACDC, Mr. Nice, Skywalker OG, Donna OG, Cannatonic, Harlequin, Harle-Tsu, Jack Herer
Conditions
Symptoms Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia

Friday, May 15, 2015

The Benefits of Cannabis and Phantom Limb Pain


Amputation Phantom Limb Pain
Phantom Limb
Phantom Limb is the sensation of a limb that has been amputated. Nerve endings from the area of the amputation send signals to the brain. This can result in pain that is sharp or throbbing. Cannabis is unique in treating the perception of pain. (Source)

Phantom Limb Syndrome is a result of neuropathic pain. Cannabis has been shown to be a neuroprotectant and reduce nerve pain.(Source) Most phantom limb pain subsides six months after the amputation. Pain that prolongs can be more difficult to treat. Brain perception of pain has been shown to be improved with the use of cannabis.(Source)

Their is lack of substantial research to support treatment of phantom limb pain with marijuana. Research shows a variety of patient responses to different therapies. Veterans that self medicate with cannabis have been the leading advocates of the benefits of cannabis for phantom limb.

Source:
http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Catherine_Mercier/publication/23951085_Training_with_virtual_visual_feedback_to_alleviate_phantom_limb_pain/links/0912f50f7fc6372406000000.pdf

Thursday, May 14, 2015

The Benefits of Cannabis with Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a physical and emotional disruption in the body a few days before a females menstrual cycle begins. A hormone shift causes discomfort resulting in a variety of symptoms. Many of these conditions can be reduced with cannabis use.

Cannabis use has no effect on hormone levels that cause PMS. Marijuana is a natural alternative to prescribed medications. Conditions can become more severe with menopause and Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Many women that use marijuana for temporary relief do not use it long term.(Source)

Physical symptoms include migraines, gastrointestinal, cravings, insomnia, pain and fatigue. Emotional conditions include depression, anxiety, lack of concentration and mood swings. Marijuana has shown to have less side effects than other opiate medication in treating PMS.

Indica strains generally can help with pain management from PMS. Smoking can give immediate relief while in the edible form can be more long lasting. Many women work on finding the right combination of CBD for gastrointestinal issues and pain. We urge you to consider offering a testimonial describing how cannabis has helped you with treatment for PMS.

Source:
http://www.pmscomfort.com/blog/post/2014/02/04/Marijuana-for-PMS-PMDD-Relief-Reconsidered.aspx


Wednesday, May 13, 2015

The Benefits of the Terpene 1,8 Cineole in Cannabis

Cineole also known as eucalyptol is an essential oil found in rosemary, eucalyptus and cannabis. It is a monoterpene naturally found that is safe in low concentrations. Cineole contributes to an “Entourage Effect” to support other medicinal values of marijuana.

Cineole helps the blood-brain barrier to allow other cannabinoids to penetrate more readily into the bloodstream.(Source) This allows it to aid in topical applications for pain and inflammation.(Source) It has also shown to help with circulation.(Source) Cineole affects the GABA receptors of the brain creating a balance in mood.(Source)

Cineole is known to have a spicy, camphor scent that is refreshing like rosemary. It is generally found more in sativa strains being known to give energy and an uplifting effect. Strains like Super Silver Haze, ChemDawg, and Bubba Kush are known to be high in eucalyptol.

Source:
http://theida.com/ew/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Neuropathies-Essential-oils-show-promising-results-in-the-fight-against-symptoms.pdf

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Cannabis Use to Treat Eczema and Psoriasis

Many people that use cannabis to help with eczema and psoriasis. Marijuana helps with skin irritations by reducing inflammation. One third of the world population is thought to suffer from eczema.(Source)

Hemp seed, rich in linolenic acid (both α- and γ-), has shown benefits for reducing inflammation.(Source) Gastrointestinal problems have shown to increase skin problems. When the intestinal tract fails to absorb linolenic acid it is thought that skin abnormalities occur. Studies have shown that cannabis helps with gastrointestinal issues.

Auto immune deficiency can lead to skin abnormalities. Cannabis increases overall body immunity by being rich in globulin edestin. Immunity is increased by how it effects the endocannabinoid system, anandamide, and the 2-AG receptor.

Many dietary sources are rich in linolenic acid. Cannabis sets itself above the rest by the way it effects the endocannabinoid system. Abnormalities of cells attribute to skin problems. The endocannabinoid system regulates the cell proliferation, death and differentiation to maintain a homeostasis state.

http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09546630510035832

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Testimonial - Thought I would Never Try Marijuana

Medical Marijuana Testimonial After spending 24 years in the military I never thought I would ever use marijuana. I even voted against it. After being prescribed various medications for a number of my conditions I didn't see any improvements.I did research on all my medications and the side effects were disturbing. Read about medical marijuana, tried it and I am glad I did. It truly helps me.
Strains you Like green crack, blue dream, fruit loops, mango kush, cotton candy, sour diesel, girl scout cookies
Conditions Arthritis
Gastrointestinal
Migraine
Symptoms Inflammation
Muscle Spasms
Pain: MuscleJoint
Pain: Neuropathic
Pain: Phantom Limb

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Testimonial - Pain Management

I am extremely pleased with the results obtained by my use of prescribed Cannabis. Suffering from low back pain for years, I was always prescribed prescription pain killers like vicodin, percoset or to load up on Tylenol during bad episodes. Tylenol never was enough and the prescription meds helped a little with the pain but and had the opposite affect on me in terms of drowsiness...they actually kept me awake and caused anxiety. My Cannabis prescription worked much better once we found the right strain...an indica variety. No Anxiety at all...I could get to sleep just fine. It also had better pain relief qualities and relaxed me enough to be able to stretch which helps address the core problem itself.  I'm grateful our government is finally waking up to the fact this "medicine" has wonderful healing properties with less harsh side affects than many pharmaceuticals.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Testimonial - PMDD

Medical Marijuana Testimonial Just having the ability to acquire medicinal marijuana is worth as much as the relief it brings. My main complaint is pain, and since pain equals weakness, I prefer going to a controlled environment where my meds have been tested. This way I know for a fact what it is that I'm buying, no guess work required. Better yet, there's no middle-man, no stranger on the street, and violence is virtually unheard of among regular users such as myself. Now, if we could just get them tested for pesticides, mold and fungi, AND have Medicare pay for it...
Strains you Like Ringo's Gift, J-1, Candy Jack, ATF
Conditions ADD
ADHD
Bipolar Disorder
Migraine
PMS
Symptoms Anxiety
Cramps
Depression
Loss of Appetite
Pain: MuscleJoint
Pain: Neuropathic
Other PMDD is what I have, it just hasn't been able to be verified.