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Tag: thc

  • Can Cannabis Help With Dr. Oz’s Holiday Advice

    Explore can cannabis help with Dr. Oz’s holiday advice, especially when his annual food lectures feel harder to swallow than the cookies.

    Holiday celebrations are famously filled with  with people indulging in Christmas treats, lavish anticipated feasts, yummy cookies and nostalgic dishes denied the rest of the year. But in a Grinch move, Dr. Oz’s advice and direction to his staff at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is to eat less cookies and use smaller plates for meals. The former TV host has been pushing his direction since before Thanksgiving, yet putting his into practice can be easier said than done. Can cannabis help with Dr. Oz’s holiday advice?

    RELATED: How Marijuana Can Heighten Intimacy With Your Partner

    While cannabis is often stereotyped as a direct path to the munchies, the relationship between cannabis and appetite is far more nuanced. Different cannabinoids affect the body differently, and in controlled, thoughtful use, cannabis can help some people feel calmer, more focused, and less prone to stress-eating—one of the biggest drivers of holiday overindulgence.

    Microdosing—taking very small amounts of THC, often 1–3 mg—has gained popularity for its ability to take the edge off without creating the intense appetite spikes associated with higher doses. For many adults, a light microdose before a holiday gathering can ease social anxiety, reduce end-of-year stress, and help them make more deliberate decisions about what and how much they eat. When people feel calmer, they often default to moderation rather than mindless grazing.

    Another benefit is cannabis’s potential to reduce stress building up over the season. Many adults experience heightened workplace tension in December as deadlines stack up, calendars collide, and demanding bosses or unpredictable leaders increase pressure. Especially when you have a leader who can micromanage. This kind of stress commonly leads to “anxiety consumption”—mindless snacking, extra cookies, or overeating as a coping mechanism. Low-dose cannabis or CBD-dominant products may help relax the nervous system and ease tension, which can translate into fewer emotional calories consumed and more intentional choices around food. When people feel less overwhelmed, they’re less likely to reach for sugar as a soothing shortcut.

    CBD-dominant products also play a role. CBD does not stimulate appetite the way THC can, and early research suggests it may help regulate stress and promote a sense of balance. Pairing CBD with Dr. Oz’s “smaller plate” strategy can make mindful eating feel less like a chore and more like a grounded choice.

    RELATED: Marijuana Use And Guy’s Member

    Strain selection also matters. While some THC-heavy indica strains are known for enhancing appetite, many sativa-leaning or hybrid strains are reported by consumers to boost energy and focus rather than hunger. Choosing strains with higher CBD or THCV content may also support appetite control; THCV, in particular, has been studied for its potential to curb hunger signals.

    Cannabis is not a diet hack, nor should it replace healthy habits. But for adults who already use it responsibly, integrating thoughtful, low-dose cannabis into the holiday season may help them stay aligned with Dr. Oz’s advice: fewer cookies, smaller plates, and a calmer approach to celebration. With intention—and the right products—cannabis can support a holiday mindset which is joyful, balanced, and far less stressed.

    Anthony Washington

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  • Can Cannabis Help Your Holidays Anxiety

    Can cannabis help your holidays anxiety by adding calm cheer to chaotic shopping, family time, end-of-year stress, and winter gatherings?

    The holiday season is often painted in warm lights and festive cheer — yet for many people, it’s also a time of mounting pressure: looming end-of-year work deadlines, scrambling for gifts, hosting or visiting family, juggling social obligations — and, not least, wrestling with unmet expectations or emotional baggage. All of it can build into a quiet, nagging anxiety. In such a fraught moment, the idea of using cannabis to take the edge off — to calm nerves before a big gathering or unwind after a hectic day — can feel tempting. But what does the science say? Can cannabis help your holidays anxiety and is it safe?

    RELATED: Life Lessons From Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

    Cannabis is far from monolithic. Its two most studied compounds — Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which produces the “high,” and Cannabidiol (CBD), which does not — affect mood and anxiety in different (and often opposite) ways. A growing body of research has focused on how each may influence stress, anxiety, and mood.

    A 2024 trial involving 300 people found legal, commercially available cannabis products dominated by CBD were linked with immediate reductions in tension and anxiety — and, importantly, did so without the psychoactive impairment or paranoia THC-heavy options sometimes bring. Complementing the information, a 2025 systematic review of 57 studies on “medicinal cannabis” for anxiety-related disorders reported many (though not all) of the higher-quality studies found improvement in symptoms such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or post-trauma anxiety after use of cannabis-based preparations.

    Still, scientists remain cautious. A more recent review concluded data remains inconsistent, especially when considering long-term use, different diagnoses, varied dosing, and mixed types of cannabis products. For some people — especially those using high-THC strains — cannabis may worsen anxiety or trigger negative reactions.

    Because the effects of THC are strongly dose-dependent, many users and researchers are now curious about what’s often called “microdosing”: consuming very small amounts of THC (sometimes combined with CBD) with the goal of achieving gentle relaxation and stress relief — without the full-blown intoxication, lethargy, or paranoia high doses can bring. In theory, microdosing may offer a “sweet spot”: enough effect to calm nerves but not enough to impair or overshoot into anxiety.

    There is also emerging lab-based evidence certain compounds found naturally in cannabis — beyond THC and CBD — may influence how the brain reacts. For example, a 2024 study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found a terpene (a plant-derived chemical also present in cannabis) called d-limonene significantly reduced self-reported anxiety and paranoia when inhaled alongside THC, compared with THC alone.

    Still — and this is key — microdosing remains a largely anecdotal strategy. There aren’t yet enough large, rigorous, long-term clinical trials to confirm microdosing is safe or reliably effective for anxiety relief.

    RELATED: 5 Morning Activities To Help You Feel Happier

    If you choose to use it to help this holiday season, you should consider –

    • Understand what you’re using: Prefer CBD-dominant or low-dose THC products; avoid high-THC “potency bombs,” especially in social or unpredictable settings.
    • Go slow and minimal: If trying THC, start with a very low dose; if using CBD, know that clinical studies typically involve defined doses and controlled conditions — OTC products can vary widely.
    • Keep expectations realistic: For many, cannabis may offer short-term, situational relief — not a cure for chronic anxiety.
    • Use as a tool — not a crutch: Combine with proven stress-management strategies (sleep hygiene, therapy, exercise, mindfulness) rather than relying solely on cannabinoids.
    • Talk to a clinician if you have a history of mental health issues, are taking other medications, or are pregnant / breastfeeding.

    There’s reason to believe that cannabis — especially CBD, or very low doses of THC (microdosing) — can help some people manage situational anxiety during the stress of the holidays. But the science remains tentative, evidence is mixed, and risks remain real. For now, experts do not recommend cannabis as a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders. If you’re curious about trying it, treat it as a provisional, carefully monitored option — not a guaranteed relief.

    Amy Hansen

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  • It’s high time to close the synthesized THC hemp legal loophole | Opinion

    The industry is loaded with bad actors selling intoxicating, largely unregulated products.

    The industry is loaded with bad actors selling intoxicating, largely unregulated products.

    AFP via Getty Images

    End run

    The U.S. hemp industry brought the federal ban on itself by repeatedly fighting attempts at regulation. Thirty-nine state and territorial attorneys general recently submitted a letter to the Justice Department in support of the ban, including some from states where cannabis is legal. That should tell us something.

    The industry is loaded with bad actors selling highly intoxicating THC synthesized from hemp. Makers of hemp products thought they could circumvent decades of established law with a loophole and a chemistry set. It doesn’t work that way, as they’re finding out.

    – Michael Moreland, Arlington

    Editor’s note: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton did not sign the letter.

    Meet needs

    The Star-Telegram’s reporting shows how close to the edge many Fort Worth single mothers live. When more than one-third of single mothers with young children in Tarrant County are in poverty — and some neighborhoods approach 70% — every bit of support matters. (Nov. 16, 1A, “Report looks at how to help Tarrant County’s single mothers”) Rent takes more than half their income, child care is scarce and many lack health insurance.

    Cuts and tighter eligibility rules for Medicaid and SNAP in the One Big Beautiful Bill threaten the families highlighted in this report. Losing Medicaid means more mothers and children without basic care. Losing SNAP means less money for groceries in a city where food banks are already stretched thin. And as we saw during the federal government shutdown, even brief SNAP delays push families into crisis.

    Fort Worth single mothers work hard to keep their families afloat. Congress should strengthen Medicaid, SNAP and housing programs — not weaken them.

    – Craig C. Roshaven, Fort Worth

    Look at Houston

    In his Nov. 16 column “Weak arguments against state’s Fort Worth ISD takeover ignore a crisis” (6C), Ryan Rusak offers zero reasons that a state takeover of Fort Worth ISD would be effective. He calls for trust in a process overseen by a governor unabashedly hell-bent on supporting private and charter schools over public ones.

    Parents resisting the Texas Education Agency takeover care deeply about students in the Fort Worth district, where my own kids attend . We know a takeover is not the solution. It has already caused uncertainty and chaos , distracting from the marked progress under Superintendent Karen Molinar.

    We’ve seen what happened when the state took over the Houston ISD, and we know that test scores do not paint the full picture. Students and teachers are leaving that district at a significantly higher rate than they did before the takeover. If it was so effective, why?

    – Zach Leonard, Fort Worth

    Editor’s note: The writer is president of Families Organized and Resisting Takeover and wrote this on behalf of the group’s board.

    Tough love

    The state was right to take over the Fort Worth school district. Houston ISD appears to be an example of getting it done. I fear elected school board members eventually will return that district to personal fiefdoms and make it awful again.

    My parents divorced when I was 10, and I frequently switched schools. While my math skills were above average, my reading and writing skills were not. By the time I was 13 and back with my mom, they lagged so badly that I never caught up.

    Today, I’m a certified public accountant. Fort Worth, Houston and other struggling school districts have many students like me. Schools need tough love, and some students need to repeat grades until they can read and write at grade level.

    – Harvey Nelson, Katy

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  • Craft Brewers Are About to Get Hit Hard by a New Law in the Shutdown Bill

    The government is back open, but it may come at the cost of putting more than one industry on the brink of collapse. Hemp products are being banned after one provision in the shutdown deal essentially rewrote the 2018 Farm Bill that made them legal. 

    Now, hemp-derived THC products, including drinks and edibles, will become illegal again. Companies who have been selling related products will be prohibited from doing so, and they won’t be able to use the federal banking system.

    It will take a toll on the breweries that entered into the THC space as the demand for craft beer fell because of wellness trends and a decline in adults drinking alcohol.

    How Craft Brewers Embraced THC

    The list of breweries that now produce THC beverages is long and spans the country. To name a few: California’s Lagunitas, Indeed in Minnesota, Ohio’s Rhinegeist, Massachusetts’s Harpoon, and Hopewell in Chicago.

    According to the Sun-Times, Hopewell Brewing’s THC seltzers and drinks make up 30 percent of its business. 

    “We would like to keep morale up, but it will mean that we will need to let people go,” said Samantha Lee, co-founder of Hopewell, “and reduce our business in some fashion that will be painful.”

    Under the new legislation, breweries selling THC products won’t be able to deposit money, pay off investments, or pay mortgages. Companies that may have invested millions to grow their businesses will now lose that money, according to Illinois Representative LaShawn Ford.

    Ed Marszewski of Marz Brewing told Axios he was frustrated by the lack of conversation that took place around the new legislation. 

    “It was shitty to implement a ban without a transparent debate and discussion to address all arguments pro and con about the use of hemp-derived THC,” he said.

    “Slipping the ban into this legislation demonstrates why so many people in our country don’t trust our politicians.”

    But hope isn’t completely lost. Because the ban doesn’t go into effect for another year, there’s a chance Congress will determine a solution for regulation. 

    “This isn’t a ban—it’s a one-year shot clock to finally get the rules we’ve always wanted,” THC beverage company CANN co-founder Jake Bullock told Axios. 

    Ava Levinson

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  • Mexican Food And Marijuana

    From fiery tacos to creamy guacamole here how marijuana enhances Mexican cuisine and tips on the perfect strain for your meal.

    Cannabis enthusiasts and food lovers alike have long known marijuana can heighten the senses, making ordinary meals feel extraordinary. And when it comes to pairing cannabis with cuisine, what is better than Mexican food and marijuana.  Few options excite the palate quite like rich, spicy and occasionally heat. From flavor-bursting tacos to creamy guacamole, the vibrant flavors of Mexican dishes interact uniquely with marijuana, creating a culinary experience both satisfying and unforgettable.

    RELATED: Does Comfort Food Actually Help

    The combination of cannabis and Mexican food isn’t just about indulgence—it’s about the science of flavor. Spicy foods, like jalapeño-studded salsas or chipotle-infused tacos, can intensify the effects of marijuana. Capsaicin, the compound giving chili peppers their heat, triggers endorphins in the body, which can enhance the euphoric and relaxing sensations of cannabis. Meanwhile, fatty ingredients common in Mexican cooking, such as cheese, avocado, and sour cream, can help THC—the active compound in marijuana—bind more efficiently in the body, potentially creating a deeper, longer-lasting experience.

    For those experiencing the classic “munchies,” Mexican cuisine is an ideal choice. The combination of textures—crispy tortillas, tender meats, and fresh, crunchy vegetables—satisfies cravings on multiple sensory levels. Dishes like loaded nachos, enchiladas, and street-style tacos offer both comfort and excitement, ensuring every bite keeps the taste buds engaged while complementing the heightened senses cannabis brings.

    Some cannabis enthusiasts even select strains to pair specifically with their Mexican meal. Fruity, uplifting strains like Blue Dream or Pineapple Express can enhance lighter dishes such as ceviche or fish tacos, accentuating citrus and fresh flavors. On the other hand, earthy, relaxing strains like Northern Lights or OG Kush may pair better with heartier, spice-heavy foods like chiles rellenos or carne asada, allowing the warmth and depth of the dish to meld with the mellowing effects of the strain.

    RELATED: Certain Foods And Drinks Can Trigger A Bad Mood

    Beyond flavor, the cultural synergy between Mexican cuisine and cannabis is intriguing. Both have histories of social enjoyment and communal sharing. Tacos, tamales, and margaritas can turn any cannabis session into a lively gathering, encouraging conversation and celebration.

    Whether it’s the tangy zest of salsa, the creamy richness of guacamole, or the fiery kick of a habanero, Mexican food provides the perfect canvas for cannabis enthusiasts to explore taste, aroma, and sensation. The next time you’re planning a night of culinary indulgence, consider pairing your favorite strain with a plate of authentic Mexican cuisine—it’s a combination promising both satisfaction and delight.

    Sarah Johns

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  • Ohio’s Hemp Bills Saw No Movement Last Week Despite DeWine’s Blocked Executive Order – Cleveland Scene

    Ohio Republican and Democratic leaders in the House and Senate agree there needs to be regulations that prevent children from buying intoxicating hemp products, but there was no movement last week on legislation that would regulate those products. 

    DeWine recently announced a 90-day executive order that bans the sale of intoxicating hemp products that started on Oct.14. 

    Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Carl Aveni granted a 14-day temporary restraining order on DeWine’s executive order. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for Oct. 28.

    Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman, R-Lima, said the 14-day pause on DeWine’s hemp ban does not give legislators urgency to pass legislation that would regulate these products. 

    “I think that the governor issuing the order may have jumpstarted trying to get some resolution of the whole thing,” he said, speaking to reporters on Oct. 15. “I think that perhaps a 14-day TRO only muddies the water worse than it was before.” 

    The temporary pause causes uncertainty, Huffman said. 

    “With uncertainty, in one sense, uncertainty isn’t good, but it is also when things are uncertain, that’s when people are more likely to try to resolve something,” he said. “We don’t want Delta-8 products being sold to children in stores. Everybody agrees on that. There’s a lot of other details that need to be worked out.”

    Ohio Senate Bill 56 is up for a possible vote out of the Ohio House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday afternoon. The bill would only allow a licensed marijuana dispensary to sell intoxicating hemp products that have been tested and complied with packaging, labeling and advertising requirements. The bill, which passed in the Senate earlier this year, would also change parts of the state’s marijuana law. 

    Ohio House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn, D-Cincinnati, said there is opportunity for bipartisan compromise when it comes to regulating intoxicating hemp products and preventing children from buying these products at a convenience store or gas station. 

    “Our role is to keep communities safe by finding common sense regulations and laws around intoxicating substances,” he said. “… We should be able to do a number of good, reasonable, middle-of-the-road things with any bill that deals with intoxicating hemp. We should be able to focus on keeping kids safe.” 

    There are a handful of bills in the Ohio legislature that would regulate intoxicating hemp products in various ways. The Ohio Senate passed a couple of bills related to regulating intoxicating hemp products earlier this year that are now in the Ohio House.

    “We’re really trying to just wait and see what the House is willing to pass,” Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, R-Napoleon, said. “A lot of these hemp products, my concern is, there’s really no regulatory scheme around them. We don’t have any way of determining the point of origin if we get a bad batch. There’s no age limit to a lot of the stuff.” 

    The Ohio lawmakers should have done something regarding hemp a long time ago, he said.  

    “We need to make sure that we put some very basic protections in place to make sure that if we’re going to allow this to be sold, it’s only adults that are purchasing this and it’s not in containers the children can get into,” McColley said.  

    Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, said she hopes there is a sense of urgency around passing a bill to regulate intoxicating hemp products. 

    “We should set an age limit for this,” she said. “I think that’s the biggest concern that Democrats and Republicans have, is we do not want stuff like this in the hands of children.”

    At least 32 states have some regulations on intoxicating hemp products.

    Originally published by the Ohio Capital Journal. Republished here with permission.

    Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal

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  • Target Follows Customers Trends But Will The Government Follow

    Is the retailer recognizing the future while taking a gamble on the government

    Target follows customers trends but will the government follow? The company has quietly moved into the intoxicating-beverage market, testing THC-infused, hemp-derived drinks at a small number of Minnesota stores — a pilot, if expanded, would mark one of the first times a major U.S. big-box chain has put psychoactive cannabis beverages on its shelves.

    The move fits a familiar Target playbook: for decades the Minneapolis retailer has leaned into cultural trends appeal to younger shoppers – from designer collaborations to small-format urban stores and digitally savvy merchandising. A move and instinct which helped it punch above its weight in fashion and lifestyle categories. Those strategic bets — promoted over years in corporate announcements and trade coverage — helped turn Target into a go-to brand for millennials and Gen Z consumers.

    RELATED: The VFW Stands Up For Marijuana

    But the rollout also comes at a fragile moment for Target. Industry coverage and analysts have argued the chain’s momentum with younger, more affluent shoppers has slipped in recent years as competition from discounters and changing shopper habits accelerated. Critics say testing hemp-derived THC beverages may be an attempt to reclaim cultural relevance and traffic, even as the brand recalibrates its core value proposition.

    Target’s pilot highlights how mainstream commerce is normalizing cannabis-adjacent products while policymaking remains fractured. On the one hand, retailers are responding to consumer demand for low-alcohol, experiential and wellness alternatives — categories  which appeal to younger buyers and dovetail with Target’s historic strengths. On the other, some political currents push a very different agenda.

    While Target’s move reflects where the market and the culture are heading, the federal government remains stuck in neutral. Despite overwhelming public support for legalization and the endorsement of more access from major medical organizations — including the American Medical Association and the American Public Health Association — there is still no clear national pathway for cannabis regulation or commerce.

    RELATED: TikTok Is Changing the Cannabis Industry

    This regulatory limbo has left states to craft their own patchwork laws while companies like Target cautiously experiment in compliant markets. The disconnect is stark: public opinion has moved on, the private sector is innovating, and yet Washington continues to debate how (or if) cannabis should be treated like alcohol.

    Target’s test isn’t just about drinks — it’s about the mainstreaming of cannabis culture in everyday retail. As consumers sip low-dose THC seltzers instead of cocktails, big retailers are quietly normalizing what federal law still treats as a gray zone. The question now isn’t whether cannabis will become part of mainstream commerce — it’s how long the government can afford to ignore the will of hte public.

    Sarah Johns

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  • The Exotic, International History of Hash

    Seen as vintage cool with an international air of mystery – hash has been making smiles for centuries

    Cannabis is becoming mainstream with over 88% of the public believing it should be legal in some fun.  Used for medicine, anxiety or in weight loss, it becoming the norm.  But it still has a hint of forbidden allure – and here is hte exotic, international history of hash. From smoky Middle Eastern dens to European cafés and California lounges, this concentrated form of cannabis resin has been whispered about, smuggled, and celebrated for centuries. Its story is part adventure tale, part counterculture chronicle — and fully global.

    RELATED: New Data About Cancer And Cannabis

    The earliest traces of hashish stretch back more than a thousand years to Persia, India, and the Arab world. Traders along the Silk Road carried it from mountain villages to major cities, spreading not just a product but a ritual. In medieval Islamic culture, where alcohol was forbidden, hashish became the alternative indulgence — a smoky, mystical way to reach euphoria. Stories of 11th-century assassins supposedly fueled by hashish gave rise to the word “hashashin,” the rumored origin of “assassin.”

    By the 18th and 19th centuries, hashish was captivating Europe’s artists and intellectuals. In Paris, literary figures like Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, and Charles Baudelaire gathered at the Club des Hashischins — the “Hashish Eaters Club” — where they experimented with exotic pastes imported from Egypt and Morocco. These elite salons turned hash into a cultural symbol of rebellion, creativity, and mystery.

    The 20th century transformed hash from a colonial curiosity into a countercultural icon. Soldiers and travelers returning from North Africa and the Middle East after World War II brought stories — and sometimes samples — of the potent resin. By the 1960s and ’70s, Western youth chasing spiritual freedom along the “Hippie Trail” discovered Afghan and Nepalese hashish, pressed by hand into fragrant golden slabs.

    Its cinematic debut followed soon after. Films like Midnight Express (1978), Cheech & Chong’s Up in Smoke (1978), and later Traffic (2000) and Pineapple Express (2008) captured its allure, danger, and enduring cool. Whether as contraband or cultural commentary, hash became the stuff of film legend — equal parts outlaw and mystic.

    RELATED: Forget Ozempic Cannabis Can Help You Get a Summer Body

    Today, hash is making a refined comeback. Legal markets from California to Amsterdam are celebrating it once again — now reimagined as a boutique, artisanal product. Cold-water hash, rosin, and traditional pressed styles offer connoisseurs an international passport of flavor and craft.

    From ancient rituals to modern lounges, hash remains one of cannabis’s most exotic ambassadors — proof that adventure, art, and indulgence can all share the same spark.

    Anthony Washington

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  • Cannabis Initiation Associated With Significant Reductions in Anxiety, Depression

    The consumption of THC-dominant cannabis products is associated with sustained reductions in anxiety and depression, according to newly published data in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

    Investigators affiliated with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore assessed the use of state-authorized medical cannabis products in a cohort of 33 participants with clinically significant anxiety or depression. Subjects in the study were naïve to cannabis. Study participants used a variety of cannabis products, including botanical and edible preparations, as needed for six months.

    “Initiation of THC-dominant medicinal cannabis was associated with acute reductions in anxiety and depression, and sustained reductions in overall symptom severity over a 6-month period,” researchers reported. Improvements in patients’ quality of life and overall health satisfaction were also observed. Medicinal cannabis use was not associated with the development of physical or psychological problems.

    “Collectively these data offer insights into the therapeutic effects of medicinal cannabis when it is used by a population with clinically significant anxiety and depression,” the study’s authors concluded. “The positive response, reflected by reductions in anxiety and/or depression by most participants, support the need for continued investigation of medicinal cannabis or related cannabinoid therapeutics as pharmacological treatments for anxiety and depression symptom relief, ideally with randomized, placebo-controlled trials.”

    NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said that the study’s findings are “consistent with those of prior assessments concluding that cannabis provides patients with sustained ‘statistically significant improvements’ on validated measurements of anxiety and depression.” Armentano also acknowledged that the adoption of cannabis legalization laws is associated with declines in prescriptions of anxiolytic drugs like benzodiazepines, as well as anti-depressants.

    According to survey data, those who acknowledge consuming cannabis for purposes of self-medication are most likely to report doing so to alleviate pain, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and/or depression.

    An abstract of the study, “Acute and chronic effects of medicinal cannabis use on anxiety and depression in a prospective cohort of patients new to cannabis,” appears in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

    NORML

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  • The Best Fall Activities To Do While High

    The Best Fall Activities To Do While High

    Just because there is a change in the weather during autumn, doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun time – and if you add in a little marijuana, it can get even better!

    Autumn is great time of year, it is not to hot and there is a wide assortment of things to do inside and out. While the swim suits and sunscreen are packed away, there is a wide variety of things to engage the mind and body. Here are the best fall activities to do while high.

    Movie marathon

    As the days get shorter, cozying up with a movie marathon becomes increasingly appealing. Choose classic horror films or feel-good comedies, and pair them with some cannabis-infused snacks for an elevated viewing experience. This is perfect for those chilly fall evenings when staying in feels just right

    Board games

    Photo by Flickr user John Morgan

    Board games can always be made better with the help of a little weed, and you can add to all of this enjoyment by scheduling your board game play sessions among friends during this time of the year, which is perfect for staying in and cozying up. The list of board games you can play while high is endless, from something chill and easy-going like Monopoly, to something more in-depth, like a Dungeons and Dragons session that can be made all the more real and entertaining with marijuana. Plus, most games allow you to snack while engaging your competitor.

    Apple Picking

    How To Smoke Marijuana Without Rolling A Joint
    Photo by Suzy Hazelwood via Pexels

    RELATED: Need Relief From Stress & Anxiety? Try Watching A Horror Movie

    Apple picking is a quintessential fall activity that becomes even more enjoyable while high. The crisp air and vibrant colors of the orchards create a beautiful backdrop for a leisurely day. Plus, you can savor the fruits of your labor by making delicious edibles or cider at home

    Hiking

    https://unsplash.com/photos/JOoOPt8tTPY
    Photo by Eddy Billard via Unsplash

    Hiking is one of the best fall activities in the world, lending itself perfectly to the fall weather. By adding weed into the mix, you’ll be contributing a deeper appreciation for your surroundings and nature. You’ll enjoy the exercise more, as well as the colors and the smells. Just make sure to choose a hike that’s not too crazy; you don’t want to get high and then get lost.

    Crafting and DIY Projects

    Engaging in crafting or DIY projects can be incredibly satisfying while stoned. Consider making fall-themed decorations or creating your own cannabis-infused products. This not only sparks creativity but also results in tangible items to enjoy throughout the season.

    Attend Local Festivals

    Many towns host harvest festivals during the fall, featuring local produce, crafts, and entertainment. Attending these events while high can enhance your enjoyment of live music, food tastings, and community spirit. It’s an excellent way to connect with others who share similar interests

    RELATED: High Vs. Stoned: Is There A Difference?

    Stargazing

    Finally, as nights grow longer, stargazing becomes an enchanting activity. Find a quiet spot away from city lights, lay back, and enjoy the cosmos while sharing stories with friends. Cannabis can deepen your appreciation for the universe’s beauty, making this a peaceful way to end a day of fall adventures

    Anthony Washington

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  • How Marijuana Effects Dreams

    How Marijuana Effects Dreams

    They are good for your mental health and most occasionally remember them, here is how marijuana effects dreams.  

    Dreaming is a universal human experience involving a state of consciousness during sleep characterized by sensory, cognitive and emotional occurrences. Dreams are stories the brain creates during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Time spent in dream sleep is healthy. REM-sleep dreaming appears to take the painful sting out of difficult, even traumatic, emotional episodes experienced during the day, offering emotional resolution when you awake the next morning. Nearly 11% of people remember their dreams every night. Only 6% of people report never remembering their dreams. About 29% of people report remembering dreaming a few times a week. Not all is happy though, 80–90% of adults have had a nightmare at some point in their lives. Considering how cannabis helps with sleep, here is how marijuana effects dreams.

    Marijuana has a complex relationship with sleep and dreaming, affecting various aspects of our nightly rest. Understanding these effects is crucial for both recreational users and those considering cannabis for medical purposes.

    Cannabis, particularly strains high in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), can significantly alter sleep architecture. THC is known to decrease the duration of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, the stage where most vivid dreaming occurs. This reduction in REM sleep often leads to fewer and less memorable dreams for regular cannabis users.Conversely, marijuana tends to increase the time spent in deep, slow-wave sleep. While this might sound beneficial, it’s important to note that a balance between all sleep stages is crucial for optimal rest and cognitive function.

    One of the most intriguing phenomena related to marijuana and dreaming is the “REM rebound” effect. When heavy cannabis users stop consuming, they often experience a surge in REM sleep, leading to more vivid and intense dreams. This effect is typically temporary, lasting for a few weeks as the brain adjusts to the absence of THC.

    While THC is primarily responsible for suppressing REM sleep, CBD (cannabidiol), another major component of marijuana, may have different effects. Some research suggests that CBD might actually increase dream vividness. This highlights the complexity of cannabis’s impact on sleep and dreams, as different strains and consumption methods can yield varying results.

    The dream-suppressing effects of marijuana have sparked interest in its potential therapeutic use for certain sleep disorders. For instance, it may help manage nightmares associated with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).

    It’s crucial to note altering  the natural sleep cycles can have long-term consequences on cognitive function and emotional regulation. While marijuana can significantly impact dreaming by suppressing REM sleep, its effects are not uniform and can vary based on usage patterns, individual physiology, and the specific cannabis strains used. As research in this area continues to evolve, it’s essential for users to be aware of these potential effects and consult healthcare professionals when considering cannabis for sleep-related issues.

    Amy Hansen

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  • What to do if your dog eats pot – The Cannabist

    What to do if your dog eats pot – The Cannabist

    Dogs are naturally curious animals, notorious for exploring the world by way of their mouths. So if you’re a cannabis user, it’s possible – even likely – that one day your dog will sample your stash.

    Take it from Dr. Kate Smith, medical director for Animal Urgent Care in Arvada, which gets calls about pets that have consumed pot almost every time she’s in the office.

    Sometimes, the owners aren’t aware that’s what happened. They call and report the dog seems wobbly or out of it, like a human that’s had one too many drinks. Other times, there’s evidence like an empty edibles container or a ripped baggie.

    Read the rest of this story on DenverPost.com.

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  • Why vets recommend CBD to treat dogs with chronic pain and anxiety – The Cannabist

    Why vets recommend CBD to treat dogs with chronic pain and anxiety – The Cannabist

    Kristy Rosenberger swears by cannabidiol – more commonly known as CBD – not for herself, but for her dogs.

    Rosenberger was first introduced to CBD more than a decade ago when searching for something to help her dog, Punkie, who was anxious and epileptic. When thunderstorms rolled through, the Yorkie would whimper and shake. Rosenberger was afraid her behavior might trigger a seizure.

    Punkie’s neurologist recommended giving her CBD in combination with the dog’s seizure medication to sooth her symptoms. Rosenberger thought it couldn’t hurt to try, but was genuinely surprised when she noticed behavioral changes.

    Read the rest of this story on DenverPost.com.

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  • The Best Marijuana Strains For Cuffing Season

    The Best Marijuana Strains For Cuffing Season

    Fall is in the air and cuffing season is right around the season. Here are some great cannabis strains to help you relax and enjoy the hunt!

    Autumn is arriving along with pumpkin spice, harvest festivals, daylight saving times and cuffing season. Not familiar with cuffing season, it is the annual ritual where people find a partner to settle into the winter season. People all over are looking for someone to snuggle with during dark months. Cuffing season participants look for short (winter) or longer time partners to enjoy life.

    RELATED: People Who Use Weed Also Do More Of Another Fun Thing

    It is thought the term “cuff” originated from the African-American vernacular as a verb meaning to “hook up”. Urban Dictionary defined the term “cuffing season” in 2011. It has been going strong ever since.  But some people have a little anxiety around dating, and cannabis can help.  Proven to treat anxiety, low dose THC can reduce the jitters and make it a little easier when swimming in the dating pool. Gen Z tends to go for real life encounters, while others still do a mix bag of hunting online. it is a whole lot easier when are at ease and open to meeting new people for friends or more when you are a little relaxed. Here are the best marijuana strains for cuffing season.

    Photo by Gades Photography via Unsplash

    Star Tonic

    Star tonic is a high-CBD hybrid developed from cannatonic and death star strains. The 2:1 CBD: THC strain has less than 9% THC levels and a CBD level of 17%. A few minutes after consuming, the user experiences a mellow onset. Novice users may feel a mild psychoactive reaction.

    In the Pines

    This strain is another hybrid developed from Master Kush, Pineapple Thai, and Pineapple genetics. It is high in CBD with about 6% THC content. This strain is renowned for its magical buzz and stimulating high. Consumers who prefer this strain say that it helps relieve their anxieties and chronic pains.  It is an invigorating strain with a combo of piney and citrusy notes.

    RELATED: How Many People Can You Date At One Time

    Red Pop

    Another low-THC hybrid. The developers of this strain are based in Detroit, Michigan. The strain was rightly named after the state’s famous red soda pop. These strings deliver an effect that’s somewhere between euphoric and relaxing. Tt is generally a strain known to put you a good mood.  Lab tests show that the Red Pop has a profile that’s rich in terpenes and low in THC. This explains why the strain has a sweet flavor akin to the region’s precious red fizzy soda.

    Pennywise

    Pennywise is referred to as a therapeutic cannabis strain. Plants in this strain have varying cannabinoid profiles that fall between the range of 5 to 10% THC. The ratio of THC to CBD is often 1:1 or 1:2. It is well-suited for smokers with low tolerance levels and newcomers. Heavy smokers can use this strain to ease back from high-THC strains.

    Photo by Felix Russell-Saw via Unsplash

    CBD Blue Shark

    The blue shark was developed from a cross of Blueberry, Shark Shock, Skunk # 1, and CBD Shark. The most potent varieties found in this strain have up to 15% THC, but most have less than 10% THC. Regular consumer claim this strain delivers a focused and relaxing high that gradually results in a mild euphoric buzz. The Blue Shark strain is indica-dominant and is recommended for day or evening use.

    Blue Dynamite

    The Blue Dynamite strain is lauded for its calming effects. The flowers have between 6 and 10% THC depending on the cultivation practices used. Its cannabinoid profile shows a 2:1 CBD to THC level. Experienced users reported that this strain helped relieve body pains while also providing a euphoric high.

    May these strains help you in on a romantic journey.

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  • Is CBN Right For You

    Is CBN Right For You

    Sitting at the crossroads of THC and CBD – CBD helps with sleep and pain. Could it be right for you?

    Marijuana is been proven a benefit to the medical world and the American Medical Association, Health and Human Services, the American College of Physicians and the Food and Drug administration all support increasing it’s reach and for more research.  It has been shown to be particularly helpful with chronic pain, nausea, and sleep. The cannabis plant provide a variety of cannabinols, including CBD, marijuana and CBN. But the medical question is CBN right for you? It sits at the crossroads between CBD and THC can be useful with health issues.

    RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

    Like CBD and THC, CBN is among the 100+ molecules in the cannabis plant. When THC is heated and exposed to CO2 (oxygen), it converts to CBN. The compound is said to have a mild psychoactive effect, slightly more so than CBD but much less than THC. Specifically, it is said to have a sedating effect on most users and to have promising sleep aid applications, similar to melatonin (among other potential uses).

    Photo by Bacsica/Getty Images

    The marketing of CBN as a dietary supplement may be viable, provided that no unapproved health claims are made and could be nationally legal as long as they have a THC concentration of 0.3% or less. Unlike CBN and like THC, CBN is legal in some states, but not federally. The FDA likes to point out that the 2018 Farm Bill explicitly preserved FDA’s authority to regulate products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds under the Food Drug & Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”) and section 351 of the Public Health Service Act. But the marketing of CBN as a dietary supplement may be viable nonetheless, provided that no unapproved health claims are made.

    RELATED: What Is CBG And Is It Legal?

    Unlike CBD, CBN not been approved as a drug, and FDA itself has acknowledged “parts of the cannabis plant that do not contain THC or CBD might fall outside the scope of the [drug exclusion rule].” As with CBG, if CBN is approved as a drug at some point down the line, it also seems likely that the drug exclusion rule would not apply: this is because the rule contains an exception for substances marketed as foods or dietary supplements prior to any FDA clinical investigation. People are already marketing CBN products as foods and dietary supplements.

    Photo by Adrianna Calvo via Pexels

    But the question is still, is CBN right for you? With regards to sleep, it is can be a bit stronger than CBD alone. While melatonin is a known as a good over the counter sleep aid, it doesn’t work for everyone.

    A clinical study looked into sleep improvements from 15 mg of CBD with or without 15 mg of CBN compared with 5 mg of melatonin. In the study, all groups reported improved sleep quality, and there were no significant differences between products. Since this study didn’t look at CBN alone, it isn’t a direct comparison. But it seems to indicate that products containing an equal amount of CBD and CBN are similarly effective to melatonin for sleep. And adding a CBD/CBN product to melatonin didn’t provide any added benefit.

    RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

    CBN use showed relief in muscle and joint pain conditions with inflammation. Limited studies show The study also noted that pain relief was better when CBD and CBN were used together.

    So CBN can be helpful if you need a little extra in over the counter help.

    Amy Hansen

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  • Denver’s first canna-spa, opening soon, brings marijuana and massages under one roof – The Cannabist

    Denver’s first canna-spa, opening soon, brings marijuana and massages under one roof – The Cannabist

    Denver’s first cannabis spa is almost ready to start serving locals R&R – as in reefer and relaxation.

    When it opens on Sept. 14, Pure Elevations Canna-Spa & Salon (185 S. Santa Fe Drive) will be among the city’s first public consumption spaces, where guests who book a massage or pedicure will be able to smoke weed onsite before or after their appointment. The business will sell marijuana products from a small dispensary counter in its salon for guests to consume on the outdoor patio, and it will also integrate topicals into its services and treatments. That means THC- and CBD-infused massages for anyone who wants to get extra chill.

    Owner Rebecca Marroquin’s unique concept was inspired by her own experience using cannabis lotions to help with pain. In 2011, Marroquin was preparing to finish school and become a massage therapist when she was involved in a car crash that broke her neck. Four months of using infused topicals had her back on track to graduate.

    Read the rest of this story on DenverPost.com.

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  • Mike Tyson debuts special cannabis gummies in Colorado because he can’t sell edible ears – The Cannabist

    Mike Tyson debuts special cannabis gummies in Colorado because he can’t sell edible ears – The Cannabist

    Mike Tyson is releasing a new cannabis product exclusively for Colorado consumers, and the reason why might come as a surprise.

    Mike’s Knockout Gummies, launched Aug. 20, are THC-infused edibles shaped like little boxing gloves. They’re the first gummies the boxer has been able to sell here even if he’s had others available throughout the U.S.

    In 2022, Tyson released his first line of edibles, Mike Bites, featuring gummies shaped like ears with a missing piece of cartilage at the top – a nod to Tyson’s infamous 1997 fight against Evander Holyfield. Clever, right? Well, not according to state law.

    Read the rest of this story on DenverPost.com.

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  • How To Pick The Right CBD Or Weed Tincture

    How To Pick The Right CBD Or Weed Tincture

    While not the most popular form of ingestion, tinctures can be an easy and fun way to absorb weed or CBD…here is how to find the right one.

    Flower, vapes and gummies are the most popular way to consume cannabis. But there are other ways to consume which fits the situation. A marijuana tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of the plant. There can be THC or CBD oil tinctures. They can be used by placing the liquid directly on the tongue/in the mouth or it can be added to food. They can be fast acting and another way to consume without smoking. This can be especially beneficial for medical marijuana patients who have nausea and/or can not smoke.

    Tinctures are made by soaking the bark, berries, leaves (dried or fresh), or roots from one or more plants in alcohol or vinegar. The alcohol or vinegar pulls out the active ingredients in the plant parts, concentrating them as a liquid.  Selecting and buying an oil tincture depends on many factors like how are you consuming. Other ones include:

    • THC or CBD?
    • 1:1 ratio or different ratio?
    • Terpene enriched or not?
    • With flavor or without?
    • How many milligrams per dose?
    • Does the extraction method matter?
    • Do added ingredients matter?

    Here are things to consider.

    THC Tincture VS CBD Tincture

    Generally, if shopping online, the CBD options will be CBD from hemp. THC in amounts more than 0.3%, are not allowed to be sold online because of legality. Hemp CBD is legal if THC is tested and is less than 0.3%.

    RELATED: A Beginner’s Guide To CBD

    If you are looking for a THC tincture, even the best CBD tincture may not be right if a THC high is the goal. THC and CBD are both great but are very different. If in a legal cannabis state and looking for THC, you’ll find the best oil tincture selection at a cannabis dispensary.

    The same is true for someone who wants a CBD tincture. When shopping for THC free CBD, a full spectrum product will not be best. What’s best may be a broad-spectrum and/or isolate CBD tincture.

    Cannabis Ratio’s

    Photo by IRA_EVVA/Getty Images

    Cannabis ratios for oil tinctures look like: 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, and so on. These ratios generally tell how much CBD to THC is in the product. Here are examples of ratios you may find on oil tinctures:

    1:1 — a balanced half and half of CBD and THC. Still psychoactive.

    4:1 — More CBD than THC and considered a middle/mid. Less psychoactive.

    8:1 — High CBD, low THC and considered the ratio for wanting virtually no high.

    Someone may recommend a 1:1 product; however, if you want zero THC, that 1:1 will not be a good choice for you.

    RELATED: Everything You Need To Know About Cannabis Oil

    Cannabis Spectrums

    Generally, tinctures are available in different spectrums when CBD is the focus: full, broad, isolate, and nano. These spectrums determine the range of cannabinoids in the tincture:

    Full Spectrum: Contain all of the compounds that the plant carries: the terpenes, essential oils, and cannabinoids- including THC.

    Broad Spectrum: The “in between” option of isolate and full spectrums- Broad spectrum will have most of the plant’s compounds but in this spectrum, THC is removed.

    Isolate: Known as the purest form it extracts a single compound and “isolates it” from the others. Isolate removes all other compounds leaving just the CBD cannabinoid.

    Nano: The water-soluble option- meaning, it dissolves in water.

    Terpene Enriched Oil Tinctures

    CBD
    Photo by HighGradeRoots/Getty Images

    Terpenes are the oil compounds responsible for the fragrance of the cannabis plant (and many other plants) as well as the flavors, effects, and colors. There are over 20,000 terpenes in existence. The cannabis plant produces about 100 of them.

    RELATED: Why That CBD Oil You Just Bought Might Be Bogus

    Terpenes are important since they contribute to the impact each cannabinoid has on the body. Knowing the terpene profile within the cannabis oil tincture is an important consideration.

    Here are a few popular terpenes and their said effects:

    • Myrcene: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibiotic, sedative, anti-mutagenic
    • Limonene: elevated mood, stress relief, anti-fungal, antibacterial
    • Linalool: pain reducer, anti-microbial, reduces anxiety, and lowers depression
    • Humulene: fights tumors, helps terminate cancer cells, antibacterial, anti-fungal

    Oil Tinctures with Added Ingredients

    Some cannabis oil tinctures are flavored, contain essential oils, and have added carrier agents. CBD in tincture is less potent than CBD oil. This is generally because of the other ingredients being added to enhance the flavor. Some of those ingredients include: herbs, sweeteners, vitamins, and carrier agent like MCT or coconut oil.

    A little research will makes a huge difference when it comes to tinctures.

    Terry Hacienda

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  • Key Differences Between Gummies And Joints

    Key Differences Between Gummies And Joints

    With the mainstreaming of marijuana, alcohol is taking a dip in use.  Gen Z are embracing the trend of California sober and all generations are taking a second look at cannabis. The American Medical Association and the College of Physicians have recognized cannabis has medical benefits, and a significant portion of users are using it for anxiety and sleep. Microdosing has become a thing to help people manage stress, focus, and more.

    RELATED: The Most Popular Marijuana Flavors

    But how people consume has evolved, so has how they have consumed.  Traditionally, people smoke a joint, or a bong or bowl.  Homemade edibles were popular, but not nearly as used as inhaling.  With with legal marijuana, come reliable, flavorful products which have captured the public’s eye – and wallet.  And gummies and vapes are discreet, on-the-go ways to consume with the added benefit of discretion.  In data collected from BDSA, a leading analytical firm who covers cannabis, shared 49% of those who have used marijuana have used a gummy.

    While both edibles and flower contain THC, the highs they produce are not exactly the same. Here are the key differences between gummies and joints.

    Photo by SageElyse/Getty Images

    THC

    THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects. It is one of many compounds found in the resin secreted by glands of the marijuana plant.  It acts much like the cannabinoid chemicals made naturally by the body, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).  Cannabinoid receptors are concentrated in certain areas of the brain associated with thinking, memory, pleasure, coordination and time perception. THC attaches to these receptors and activates them and affects a person’s memory, pleasure, movements, thinking, concentration, coordination, and sensory and time perception, according to NIDA.

    Terry Hacienda

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  • Are Women More Sensitive To THC

    Are Women More Sensitive To THC

    It does does with alcohol, but does marijuana effect women differently?

    While we can put together people in general categories – men, women, Indian, left-handed, each person is slightly  different…and some categories are different than others.  So are women more sensitive to THC in cannabis?  Reactions to alcohol is different between women and men, some South Asians are effected differently than North Americans with alcohol….so what about with cannabis?

    RELATED: Can You Smoke Marijuana While Taking Antibiotics

    Science shows biological differences in body structure and chemistry lead most women to absorb more alcohol and take longer to metabolize it. After drinking the same amount of alcohol, women tend to have higher blood alcohol levels than men, and the immediate effects of alcohol usually occur more quickly and last longer in women than men.

    While more studies need to be done, current ones trend toward women being more sensitive to THC than men.  Meaning they tend to have a bigger reaction to less. Very similar to alcohol.

    Photo by Elle Hughes via Pexels

    One study, published in the journal Psychopharmacology found women who had consumed less of a cannabis, had lower levels of THC in blood, yet experienced the same acute effects as men.  The key take-away is that women may need a lower dose of THC to get to the same degree of intoxication as men. Females tend to progress to tolerance and dependence faster than males after initiation of regular cannabis use.

    One theory researchers posed is estrogen, a primarily female hormone, could influence the metabolism of THC. Levels of estrogen could account for the differences spotted in the study and for the reactions that women experience when consuming THC.

    RELATED: How Marijuana Affects Men And Women Differently

    Most studies are based on male participants, so the data may not hold true in females.” Historically, subjects in animal and human studies. across all of science have been male. Researchers have claimed that it is too difficult to control for the fluctuating hormones in the female body. It is important for physicians and scientists to recognize past studies have excluded females, leaving our understanding of medicine with a bias towards men. With women representing 50% of the population, it is a critical data point.

    Amy Hansen

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