How Cannabis Increasing Ceramide Helps Cancer Patients

A ceramide is a waxy lipid molecule found in cell membranes. It is found throughout the body, especially on the outer layer of skin. Ceramides help with cell differentiation, proliferation, and also aid in cell death. Marijuana, which increases ceramide, can be used to reduce cancer tumors.(Source)

Cannabis has been found to increase the messenger molecule anandamide, which induces the creation of ceramide. Using topical creams and ingesting marijuana has been shown to increase ceramide levels in the cells. Research has shown that an increase in ceramide allows cells with mitochondrial dysfunction or dysregulation to die. (Source) The ceramide disrupts the mitrochondria which releases cytochrome c and reactive oxygen into the cytosol, leading to cell death. The ceramide increase does not cause an apoptosis reaction in normal, healthy cells.(Source)

Our skin (or epidermis) has the highest concentration of ceramide. It maintains a barrier for the skin which slows environmental damage and retains moisture. Ceramide levels in the skin drop as we age. Signs of low ceramide include dry skin, wrinkles, and eczema.

Source:

http://www.cureyourowncancer.org/how-cannabis-oil-works.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceramide

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15958274

http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/v6/n3/full/nm0300_313.html

https://patients4medicalmarijuana.wordpress.com/how-cannabinoids-kill-cancer-dennis-hill/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19228959

A Connection between Fish Oil and Cannabis

Scientists have long since established that fish oil is very beneficial to your diet. Being rich in Omega-3, fish oil is similar to cannabis. (Source) Omega-3 comes in the form of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). (Source) New research shows that DHA effects the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. (Source)

When DHA is ingested, it is converted into docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide (DHEA) using the same pathways as anandamide. (Source) Researchers believe that this conversion creates the DHA’s beneficial qualities. This relationship allows Omega 3 to affect the sCB2 receptors, which can help decrease inflammation in the body. This new research is groundbreaking; it shows that fish can affect the endocannabinoid system. (Source)

Omega 3 is used to repair both the body and the cardiovascular system. The conversion of Omega 3 to (DHEA) has been proven to help with strokes, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Platelet-leukocyte aggregate formations at higher levels are precursors to heart attacks, as well as other cardiovascular problems. Introducing DHEA into the body reduces the platelet-leukocyte count in the blood. (Source)

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp_oil

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/51493529_Decoding_functional_metabolomics_with_docosahexaenoyl_ethanolamide_%28DHEA%29_identifies_novel_bioactive_signals

http://www.life-enhancement.com/magazine/article/2513-remarkable-new-findings-when-fish-oils-meet-cannabis-receptors-a-result-is-powerful-protection-of

Yang et al. Decoding functional metabolomics with docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide (DHEA) identifies novel bioactive signals. J Biol Chem 286(36):31532-41 (2011).

New York State Gearing Up to Offer Medical Marijuana to Hospital Patients

On June 5^th of this year, New York state created a deadline for applications to produce and distribute medical marijuana. The State Health Department can only approve of five applicants. Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA Ventures) has reported that they have applied for one such license. North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System announced their application as well.

North Shore-LIJHS has partnered up with Silverpeak Apothecary (a medical marijuana company in Colorado) for their license. Michael Dowling, CEO of North Shore, stated that “the importance of our patients having access to every legal option to manage the symptoms of their illness, if there is clinical evidence to support marijuana’s use for the condition.”

Other academic medical facilities have showed interest in partnerships with license holders. The University of Rochester Medical Center and Mount Sinai Health System in Manhattan both expressed interest in working with medical marijuana. Health insurance does not currently cover medical marijuana. Having access to the production and distribution of medical marijuana allows medial facilities to research the drug for treatments while providing access to their patients. Medical marijuana could be available to New York hospital patients as early as January 2016.

Source:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/06/nyregion/hospitals-back-providers-applying-for-new-york-state-marijuana-licenses.html?_r=0

Cannabis Increases Melatonin

In 1986, an Italian study found that marijuana dramatically increases melatonin. Research has shown a link between cancer prevention and melatonin therapies. (Source) Recently melatonin was discovered in bone marrow. As such, it has an additional benefit of increasing immunity.(Source)

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates bodily functions for timed events. For example, feeling sleepy at night and naturally waking up in the morning is regulated by melatonin. A decreased amount of melatonin can disrupt sleep and lead to insomnia. Melatonin also regulates blood pressure and influences the reproduction cycle.(Source)

When cannabis increases the prostaglandin PGE2 levels, it also increases your melatonin. The production of PGE2 stimulates a rise in melatonin levels in the body. The aforementioned Italian study found that the cannabinoid THC increased melatonin levels 20 minutes after consumption. After two hours of smoking cannabis, the melatonin levels were 4,000% higher than the baseline. (Source)

Source:

http://members.iowatelecom.net/sharkhaus/marijuana_melatonin.html

http://www.canceractive.com/cancer-active-page-link.aspx?n=1242

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melatonin

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3645767/

Fibromyalgia and Cannabis

An estimated five million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia. It is a chronic pain affecting the muscles and soft tissue.The National Pain Foundation conducted a study of 1,300 fibromyalgia patients who treated their symptoms with medical marijuana. Results of the research found that cannabis was more effective than the other three FDA approved medications to treat fibromyalgia.

Currently the FDA has approved the medications Cymbalta, Lyrica, and Savella to treat fibromyalgia. Over 60% of patients reported that these three drugs did not work for their fibromyalgia. 62% of the patients who tried medical marijuana saw improvements with their symptoms. (Source)

Similar results were found in a Canada-based study where Nabilone, a marijuana-based drug, was tested on fibromyalgia patients. Forty sufferers of the disease reported a significant reduction in pain and anxiety when using the cannabinoid drug. (Source) Currently Nabilone is offered for Americans under the name ‘Cesamet.’

Fibromyalgia sufferers report that their condition is often misunderstood. The lack of understanding about the pain, fatigue, and feeling isolated makes fibromyalgia a debilitating disease. About 80 to 90% of fibromyalgia sufferers are women. (Source) People with fibromyalgia feel that 30-40% of their physicians and loved ones do not take their condition seriously. Only 11% of sufferers are diagnosed correctly the first year. (Source)

Source:

http://nationalpainreport.com/marijuana-rated-most-effective-for-treating-fibromyalgia-8823638.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17974490

Muscle Spasms and Cannabis

Muscle spasms occur for a myraid of reasons. Dehydration, medications, and/or electrolyte abnormalities can cause short term spasms. Long term, serious conditions can relate to multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, fibromyalgia, muscular dystrophy, or myopathy. Many patients who suffer from muscle spasms report that cannabis helps with muscle spasms.

Muscle spasm pain can increase over time. One spasm can produce another, creating a continual cycle that self-perpetuates. Muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety, pain, and anti-seizure medications are used to treat spasms but they can have adverse side effects. Cannabis, acupuncture, and massage are more natural ways of reducing the pain and spasms with fewer side effects. (Source)

Muscle spasm research with cannabis is ongoing and slow due to regulations. A research study from the San Diego School of Medicine tested thirty multiple sclerosis patients with muscle spasms. One third of patients felt relief from muscle spasms and a 50% reduction in pain perception. (Source) A 2004 study with Parkinson's disease patients found that 45.9% of those who used cannabis saw benefits; most saw improvement after two months of use. (Source) GW Pharmaceuticals’ researchers discovered that multiple sclerosis patients found relief with 2-3 puffs of a cigarette, allowing for the marijuana to treat symptoms in seconds rather than minutes. (Source)

Research with the cannabis prescription drug Sativex has shown substantial confirmation of the benefits of marijuana in regards to muscle spasms. (Source) Other studies on cannabis reveal that other spasm-related events, like menstrual cramps and Tourette's Syndrome, can be positively affected through cannabis use. (Source)

Source:

http://www.medicann.com/muscle-spasms/

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/study-smoking-pot-may-ease-pain-muscle-spasms-in-people-with-multiple-sclerosis/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20307378

What to Expect with the First Time using Marijuana

Many patients who turn to marijuana for conditions such as cancer are generally novices at using marijuana. Trying marijuana for the first time can lead to emotions like fear and anxiety, along with feeling alone. Luckily, our society has a high acceptance for the use of medical marijuana.

Getting a doctor’s recommendation is the first step to your treatment. Find a legally compliant medical marijuana dispensary by asking your doctor in your area or searching online. For example, OUTCO is the first legally compliant dispensary in San Diego, California. You will need to bring your medical recommendation and valid a California ID with you to the dispensary. Set aside some time for your first visit so you can talk to the dispensary staff about your conditions.

Marijuana comes in many different forms as well as different potencies. Different marijuana flowers will give various treatment results. They will explain the differences between Sativa and Indica strains, the delivery methods to use cannabis (smoking, concentrate, tincture, raw, or in edible form) should also be considered. 

Your first time with marijuana may yield different results than a frequent user.  As you practice and gain experience, your body will build endocannabinoid receptors that accept the medicine more readily.(Source) Use in small doses and increase slowly to get the desired treatment. This process is especially important with edibles as it may take longer to feel the effects of this method.

The Link between Cannabis and Breast Milk

Babies with their pacifiers and munchies after marijuana may go hand in hand. Cannabis and breast milk both effect the endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids aid the body in creating a stable internal environment. The cannabinoids in breast milk provide health benefits that help babies grow and thrive.

A human embryo at 14 weeks of gestation starts forming cannabinoid receptors. By twenty weeks, the receptors grow at a rapid rate and start to function. Research suggests that the early formation helps to mature the nervous system.(Source)

The 2004 European Journal of Pharmacology article stated that "endocannabinoids have been detected in maternal milk and activation of CB1 (cannabinoid receptor type 1) receptors appears to be critical for milk sucking.”(Source) The desire to suck is integral to the life-affirming need for nourishment.

Some of the same active cannabinoids found in marijuana are in high concentration in breast milk. The endocannabinoid system boosts immunity, reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and increases appetite by regulating the internal systems of the body.

Source:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014299904007423

http://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/content/58/3/389.full#title49

http://www.naturalnews.com/036526_cannabinoids_breast_milk_THC.html

http://www.cannabiscure.info/files/cannabis_breastmilk.htm

A New DEA Lead Holds Promise for Marijuana

Chuck Rosenberg was appointed as the new DEA’s administrator this month. He is quoted as saying that he will spend less time and money restricting marijuana access. His efforts are reported to focus more on heroin and harder drugs. (Source)

A public scandal has led to a change in leadership of the Drug Enforcement Agency. Former DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart stepped down after DEA was found hiring prostitutes and leaving a man in jail without food or water for five days. The Obama administration chose Chuck Rosenberg, former chief of staff to FBI Director James B. Comey.

Many advocates for marijuana are cautiously optimistic of the DEA power shift. The past administrator, Leonhart, enforced the restriction of marijuana. President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder have played a hands-off role in regards to marijuana enforcement. Chuck Rosenberg shows promise on working together with the Obama administration in order to allow the states to regulate marijuana.

Source:

https://www.leafly.com/news/headlines/new-chief-of-the-dea-vows-to-focus-less-on-cannabis

The NIDA has Changed to a Pro-Pot Position

In the last 6 months the National Institute of Drug Abuse has changed their position on medical marijuana. On December 16^th, 2014 a report was released by the NIDA that led to their change in opinion. The results showed that acceptance and use of marijuana has gone up dramatically while illicit drugs and alcohol abuse has been reduced.(Source)

In July 2012 NIDA stated:

“The use of marijuana to treat various medical conditions—or “medical marijuana”—is a controversial topic and has been for some time. Some people have argued that marijuana’s reported beneficial effects on a variety of symptoms justify its legalization as a medicine for certain patients. Often the potential harm of marijuana use is not considered in these arguments, although risk is part of what the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assesses when deciding whether to approve a medicine.”

A dramatic shift on how NIDA views marijuana was revised in December 2014:

“The marijuana plant contains several chemicals that may prove useful for treating a range of illnesses or symptoms, leading many people to argue that it should be made legally available for medical purposes. In fact, a growing number of states (20 as of March 2014) have legalized marijuana’s use for certain medical conditions.

The term “medical marijuana” is generally used to refer to the whole unprocessed marijuana plant or its crude extracts, which are not recognized or approved as medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But scientific study of the active chemicals in marijuana, called cannabinoids, has led to the development of two FDA-approved medications already, and is leading to the development of new pharmaceuticals that harness the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids while minimizing or eliminating the harmful side effects (including the “high”) produced by eating or smoking marijuana leaves.”(Source)

This ideology shift has led to recent movements by the government for research and public access to marijuana. On March 10, 2015 the CARERS Act was introduced to downgrade marijuana to a schedule II drug. This bill would remove cannabidiol from the Controlled Substance Act allowing for intrastate sales.

Source:

http://www.collective-evolution.com/2015/04/15/the-us-finally-admits-cannabis-kills-cancer-cells/

http://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/monitoring-future

http://animalnewyork.com/2015/federal-health-agency-greenlights-medical-weed/

Who is NORML?

NORML

Did you know there is a NORML chapter near you? In 1970 National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law (NORML) established as a non-profit organization in Washington DC. They are an advocacy group that supports the legalization of marijuana. They aid people that have been arrested for possession.

NORML has been effective in reducing penalties for marijuana offenses. Currently they are helping legislatures write bills to give public access to cannabis. Through education, lobbying, and grass-root activists they help to make marijuana accepted by the public. Working on close to a million dollar annual budget they have 135 chapters nationwide. Other countries have started their own NORML organizations for the acceptance of cannabis as well.

NORML has formed a Political Action Committee (PAC) to help change national laws for legalization. They started a new mission in 2014 to set standards in quality business practices in the marijuana industry. They offer a “NORML Preferred Business Partner” badge that dispensaries can display for meeting guidelines to a safe and quality driven establishment.

For many patients the access to quality medical marijuana is crucial for their treatment. NORML allows patients to make a positive contribution to cannabis reform. You can represent NORML and find a chapter by you to volunteer, go to meetings and donate to their cause.

Source:

http://norml.org/about/intro

http://www.cnbc.com/id/36179727

http://norml.org/business

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://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/2/4/top-us-doctor-says-medical-marijuana-may-help-some-conditions.html

http://naturalsociety.com/marijuana-backed-studies-fda-approved-pharma-drugs/

http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2008/feb/21/top_doctors_association_says_yes

http://norml.org/component/zoo/item/quick-reference?category_id=734

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

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

Outliers Collective Proudly Carries 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

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://beneforce.com/Constituent/Constituent-pages/p-cymene.htm

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2180/5/36

https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=295057

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetylcholine

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

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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerolidol

https://www.thcfarmer.com/community/threads/the-terpenes-of-cannabis-their-aromas-and-effects.68222/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17202684

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

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

Treatment of Migraine Headaches with Cannabis

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://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=000218

http://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-cannabis-as-treatment-of-migraine-headaches-n54

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

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 17^th 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/

The Aromatic Use of Cannabis

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://sensiseeds.com/en/blog/switzerland-and-copenhagen-beyond-cannabis-tolerance-part-one/

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