After the 2016 elections, it seems as if everyone has been living more on edge than ever before. Even on Facebook, among friends and family, many are still battling against all odds because of the political upheaval stemming from the policies of the new president. There’s a trickling down to the daily onslaught of negative news.
Today, more than ever, people are seeking solace, searching for peace, tranquility and a sense of overall wellbeing. There is so much stress compounding with the instability of the government, the economy, the weather and life in general is overwhelming for most of us. The quest is always to find that natural high, whether from mindful meditation, yoga, hiking in nature or running, anything that gets the oxygen flowing.
Getting high on life can be a peak experience for most of us, but for many it is achieved through the use of psychoactive drugs. Ever since the 2016 election, there is a buzz going around the states that have passed the use of Marijuana, since the legalization of it is becoming widespread. Among the cannabinoids in cannabis, the main psychoactive compound, THC, often outshines the other one, CBD that provides a natural anti-anxiety, anti-epileptic and antipsychotic effect.
Cannabidiol is claimed to help stabilize moods and ease depression, according to recent research spearheaded by Samir Haj-Dahmane at Buffalo University, the senior research scientist in UB’s Research Institute on Addictions. “Chronic stress is one of the major causes of depression,” he said. “Using compounds derived from cannabis – marijuana – to restore normal endocannabinoid function could potentially help stabilize moods and ease depression.” He says the research is really just beginning to ramp up on these compounds derived from cannabis.
According to a study by the NIH,“The endocannabinoid system is believed to be centrally involved in the regulation of mood and the extinction of aversive memories.”
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is used alone, without the high, but when combined with THC, the relaxing effect is claimed to combat any feelings of paranoia or panic that can sometimes be felt under the influence.
There are a few digital portals that “explore the evolving world of cannabis products and services” with a focus on the culture of cannabis. Many others are cropping up for consumers seeking more in-depth information pertaining to the rapidly growing medical and recreational cannabis industry.
Even mainstream media, such as CNN is reporting on the use of CBD oil, “there’s been shown, for some time now – decades – that it can have a medicinal effect, specifically… on convulsive disorders, or seizure disorders.” -Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN
“Instead of taking five or six of the prescriptions, I decided to go a natural route and smoke marijuana.” Melissa Etheridge
According to the Guardianlv.com “Pain specialists… solution for treating patients is typically steroids and incredibly strong opiates.” Now chronic pain sufferers have more options, since medical marijuana is becoming legalized in some states, patients are seeking new options for more natural ways to relieve their symptoms.
“I have found in my study of these patients that cannabis is really a safe, effective and non-toxic alternative to many standard medications.” Philip Denney, MD
The most common method of ingestion is smoking, which allows the medicine to enter the body and offers the “quickest onset.” The fastest delivery is through smoking, but now Vaporizing, or vaping, has become more popular since a vaporizer creates vapor, there is apparently a reduced risk of choking on the medication upon inhaling. It creates a smoother delivery.
The most palatable and pleasing for many are the edibles or “Medibles.” The creative delivery of marijuana-infused food, (especially chocolate) candies, as well as beverages claim to provide a longer lasting source of relief.
Whilst I wouldn’t want to comment on the exact medical side effects as I’m no physician, there is no denying that as more and more states legalize for medicinal consumption the industry becomes more mainstream and more studies will appear to prove/disprove once and for all how safe the products are.
Note: The DEA currently considers CBD a schedule 1 substance and to check with their State laws before ordering.