Medical Marijuana

All about Cooking with CBD 

by Deborah

CBD like other cannabis products is soluble in fat, which means that you can use this in cooking, and it’s very simple to use. You can infuse it with olive oil, ghee, and other products in order to create the most savory of dishes. You can also use neutral fats like coconut oil too in order to make these treats. 

First, only use Quality Oil 

When you’re cooking with CBD oil, you want to always make sure that you’re using a product that’s high quality and made by a manufacturer that’s reputable. The oils with bad ingredients and terrible processes can make it not as effective, and some of them contain traces of other chemicals too, including pollutants, pesticides, and fungi, along with other contaminants to ingest too. 

With the flower itself, you do need to decarb them in order to release the chemicals and convert it to both CBD and THC and let them live there correctly. Once decarbed you then extract these compounds within a carrier oil to use in the cooking. 

Some people like to use olive or canola oil, but the key here is any cooking fat that you like and prefer. Take it, and put it in low heat for a few hours, strain it, and then make sure it cools. You have to decarb because otherwise, it won’t be able to be pure CBD or pure THC, and it’s something that must be done. 

Infuse it 

Once you’ve done this, you simply infuse it into different types of foods that you enjoy. Some people like to start off with a couple drops of CBD in the tea that you have, or maybe in your morning coffee. This is good if you prefer to have it in the morning, or at night with a nice herbal blend of tea. 

Smoothies are another since well, they taste good and cannabis works with this. You can drop some CBD in there, and even just a few drops of the oil itself, to truly get the benefits f this and infuse it correctly. Soups are another popular one, since you do use oils for this, and you can put the CBD in a fun carrier oil. It is good too since you can use this in a variety of different soup types. 

Like to dip veggies or other fun treats not your favorite dips and sauces? Well, you can add CBD to this to infuse it, and it’s simple to do. This is because there’s a lot of fat in this, so it’s vee as to infuse this with the canna oil or the butter itself. 

You can use this as both an appetizer dip, or even as a sauce that you put on top of your favorite foods and desserts too. 

Finally, we’ve got brownies and cookies. This is probably the most common way to do it, since well, it uses cooking fats and oils and it’s very easy for you to put it in there.You can infuse pretty much any baked good with CBD, and it also works for cannabis products too. 

Make sure to dose it correctly. 

When you do this, just like with THC, you want to dose it correctly.  If you’re serving something and you normally take a certain amount of CBD oil every day, multiply that by the servings of the recipe before you eat it. Be smart with it, since while it isn’t psychoactive, it offers a more familiar way to properly dose and get the effects of CBD, no matter what you choose to do with it.

Medical Marijuana

Other Plants and Fungi that Contain Cannabinoids 

by Deborah

While cannabis is known for the cannabinoids that are in there, with over 100 of them being in there, you might wonder what other plants may incorporate this. Here, we’ll go over some of the other popular plants that do have this, and why it’s worth mentioning period. 

Why do they make these cannabinoids? 

These plants do this to protect themselves. For the most part, it’s used for production and growth, but also for chemical warfare too. The molecules get churned out so that the pests go away, and it also puts off herbivores that are trying to munch on this and also protects these organisms against the harmful UV rays that can destroy them. 

This is pretty cool, and the thing is, not all plant sand fungi product the same cannabinoids, so it’s good to try different ones and see what you can get from them. With that said, let’s go over a few of the top plants with cannabinoids in them. 

Coneflowers or echinacea 

These are plants commonly native in the North American region. Coneflowers are already used in a variety of holistic medicine, including teas, capsules, and tinctures, and for a lot of researchers, they start to understand the components of this, and also the different aklomides that are in this family. 

This plant does have endocannabinoids that work with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, and it also activates the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, which are part of your “expanded endocannabinoid system” 

Electric Daisy 

They’re called this because when you chew them, it actually causes a tingle in the tongue. 

This plant is native to Argentina and Brazil and was used in the past to help tackle different problems including toothaches.  This plant produces what’s called spilanthol, which is a binding element to the CB2 receptor area. 

While it’s not the most effective in terms of blinding, there is some affinity there, and it plays a huge role in immune response. We might see more studies on this, and the different benefits of this plant. 

Wooly Umbrella 

Let’s look at this one, which is a plant that has sulfur-yellow colored flowers. This is native to Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe and also along the eastern part of the cape. This one doesn’t have THC or CBD, but instead there some CBG in this plant, and while we’re still looking at the benefits of this, there were some studies that did find CBG in this as well. 

The research is still early though, and some scientists are struggling to get samples, but there is a chance that this may product cannabinoids that are psychoactive as well. 

Turkey Tail 

This is a very common fungus that is on wood that’s rotting, and it has a formation that looks like a shelf, with concentric circles and white pores that you’ll be able to easily spot. 

This fungi actually contains complex carbs that can be used for the treatment of cancer, and it has been used in that way in Japan. One of the polysaccharides that is out there is the polysaccharopeptide, which binds to your CB2 receptors. Researchers are still exploring the way this mechanism works, and whether or not it will truly alleviate pain, and also help to curb inflammation. 

Right now, there is still a lot of studies being done on this, and we’re still learning a lot about each of these plants. Hopefully down the line, we do learn more, and we can find out new and innovative ways to truly use these cannabinoids in the treatment of many different problems in the body.

Medical Marijuana

Is hemp biofuel the Answer to the Environmental Crisis 

by Deborah

For years, with global warming and climate change wrecking the world, we’ve wondered about different fuels we can use, such as biofuel. Biofuel is made from living material, including animal fat, vegetable oil, and also other plant material, and it’s basically mixed to make a fuel that’s not going to harm the environment. One that we’ve looked at so far is hemp. Is it worth using? Can it be used as a biofuel? The answers to all of these questions here. 

Can Biofuel really change things? 

Well, yes it can. It can help with the reduction of fossil fuels, and also get rid of the undesirables in the air. 

Due to the organic material in this, it takes the carbon dioxide, and when properly combusted, this is then re-released. This pattern doesn’t cause a CO2 buildup, and from there doesn’t contribute to the global warming crisis. It also helps get farmers more income, which is good to keep them in business. 

It also will reduce the disruptions in the supply chain, making it more affordable for people. It is controversial though, since there is a study that says it may actually increase the emissions, and there is also the emissions that come from mailing the biofuel. 

Another thing is that it may emit the same amount of CO2 that normal petrol does, and it actually may also cause crop displacement. But does hemp offer the answer? 

Is Hemp the biofuel that we need? 

Hemp is actually a possible poetical biofuel. There are big car brands that are using this already for some of the components. But is it a viable option for fuel? Hemp ethanol is basically an alternative to using ethanol that doesn’t use the food sources like how wheat and corn due. This may offer more of a possible chance for production while also reducing the disruption too. 

Hemp is also a whole lot easier to grow than these crops, and they are hardier than corn and wheat. This also has a much clearer sort of output compared to grapeseed and soybean biofuels. This does have a higher flash point too, so it’s easier to store and handle as well. 

Hemp doesn’t also require a ton of fertilizer compared to other plant sources. This means that you’re not messing with the ecosystem or killing other plants, animals, and the water either. This means that you can have it in bad soil, and you’ll still get some great yields too. 

It also is returned directly to the soil. Well, the nutrients that is. About 70% of the nutrients go back to this, and it doesn’t require a bunch of water either to grow.  You only need about 12 inches for it to grow, whereas the others need almost double that. Finally, it can use every single part of the plant, and it could possibly be used to also grow better, more abundantly, and also is a much more solid fuel source too. 

Any downsides? 

The biggest downside is the economic side o things. It tends to have more expensive startups. But it also  is not hard to farm in some cases, and it might be hard for mass processing distribution. It also may cause a rise in emissions too. 

It’s also not as efficient compared to petrol, since it won’t have more fuel economy than that and less power. So do we need it? Possibly.  With the beating that mother nature’s been taking, we do need to look at other options, and hemp may be the biofuel of the future for many. 

Medical Marijuana

Common Reasons Why Medical Marijuana Cards are Not Accepted

by Deborah

The push for the legalization of medical marijuana in the United States has been a slow going one. Over the last decade, we have taken numerous strides in creating compassionate care from state to state in the form of medical marijuana as an alternative medication. The progress has felt really slow, but when I look back to a time even 5 years ago, it seems we have really begun to pave a way and make space for the cannabis plant in the medical world. Finally, we are getting to a point in our society that recognizes the benefits and effectiveness of using medical marijuana to treat a variety of chronic health conditions, ranging from cancer to anxiety. 

Each year, we look forward to seeing more states declare their own medical marijuana programs and begin to accept patients into the program. If you have a health condition and rely on prescription medications, medical marijuana could be right for you. If you live in a state that has a medical marijuana program, it is definitely worth applying for. However, it is important to keep in mind that, at this time in the United States, the use of medical cannabis is a privilege and not a right. This means that no one is necessarily entitled to using medical marijuana as a treatment option.

However, many people all over the country are beginning to use cannabis as opposed to less natural and more dangerous prescription medications. If you are thinking about applying for a medical marijuana card in your state, the first thing that you’ll want to do is check to see if you have one of the qualifying conditions for use of an MMJ in your state. The process for applying for a medical marijuana card is not overly difficult or complicated, but it can leave a few people confused as to why they were rejected from the program in the case that they were not approved. Today, I am writing this article to talk about some of the common reasons for being denied a medical marijuana card after you have applied for one in your state.

One of the steps that one needs to take in the process of applying for a medical marijuana card is to have a doctor referral for your current health condition. You must first schedule a doctor’s appointment before applying, in order for the doctor to analyze your medical situation and needs and make a decision about what he or she thinks would be right for you. The doctor will take a lot of factors into consideration, including your past medical records, any history of drug use or overdose, and current health symptoms and conditions. This allows the practitioner to check for any risks that the patient may have for using medical marijuana.

After this assessment, the doctor will then decide whether to refer you to the medical marijuana program or not. In some cases, doctors may not approve a patient. If this is the case, one might consider simply moving on to a different doctor to try and get referred to the medical marijuana program. While that is completely legal and your choice, I recommend first considering the advice of the first doctor that declined you. While cannabis is very safe and generally risk-free, it does have risks for certain medical patients that may have underlying health conditions. 

Another reason that a patient may be denied from the medical marijuana program is if your chronic health symptoms are undiagnosed. As I mentioned earlier, each state has a list of qualifying health conditions for its medical marijuana program. 

Medical Marijuana

What to Expect When You Go to a Dispensary 

by Deborah

We are finally seeing a time in the United States where more and more people have access to using medical marijuana on a regular basis. There are currently about 39 states in the nation that have legalized the use of medical cannabis in varying degrees, and I am sure we will see at least one or two more states make similar programs this year. It is safe to say that more people in the United States have access to cannabis than ever before, and they can all do it without the threat of being charged with misdemeanors or federal offenses.

However, there can be some confusion among medical patients when they are first starting out in the medical marijuana program. When a specific state begins to legalize a medical marijuana program, it does not take long for dispensaries to begin popping up all over the place. For some people who have never set foot in a dispensary before, this can be a little bit disorienting. However, I am writing this post today to help all of those new medical marijuana patients who are just trying to get the swing of things while trying cannabis for themselves. You may not really know what to expect when you find yourself at a cannabis dispensary, and that is okay. Follow what I have to say in this article and you will be just fine!

One of the first things that you can expect on your first visit to a dispensary is to get carded. Even though some states allow cannabis to be purchased for recreational purposes by all adults over the age of 21, this is not necessarily the case in every state. In states that have only legalized medical marijuana, you can expect to be asked for your medical marijuana card and probably an ID like your driver’s license. This is just necessary for the dispensary to do in order to be sure you are who you say you are.

There is no need to be nervous about handing over your ID and MMJ as long as you have nothing to hide. Another thing that might catch you by surprise is noticing armed guards outside of or within the dispensary. While this might be startling, it is not uncommon and is something that many dispensaries do to ensure that their products and customers remain safe and protected. After all, the resale value of cannabis is extremely high, making it a potential target for thieves. Pay no attention to the guards if you notice them!

Another thing you should expect when you make your way over to a dispensary for the first time is that you may have to wait to be served. Medical marijuana facilities are very clinical and can be compared in some ways to a doctor’s office. Oftentimes, the medical providers and staff at the facility can only speak with and serve one patient at a time. With that being said, you should not have to wait for more than 15 minutes or so, but you may have to sit in a lobby for a little bit.

At recreational dispensaries, you will experience something different, but you still might have to wait because of all the people buying weed at that time. Another thing you need to know before going to the dispensary for the first time is that you should do a little bit of research into your health condition and the type of strains that you might want to try. While the budtender working there will be happy to help you find the right type of strain and product, it still might be a good idea to know a little bit about what is offered before you show up.

Medical Marijuana

Using Cannabis for Any Health Need in The State of New York 

by Deborah

If you are living in the great state of New York at the time of reading this, then I have some great news for you. While the progress to legalize medical marijuana has been slow going in most states across America, it is safe to say that there has been steady progress made throughout the country. There are currently about 39 states that have legalized medical marijuana, and about 18 of those that have legalized recreational marijuana for all adults over the age of 21. The truth about the medical marijuana industry in the United States today is that there is a great disparity in the quality of treatment that a patient can receive from state to state.

What I mean is that some states are very accepting of medical marijuana patients and offer cannabis treatment for a whole host of chronic diseases, mental disorders, and other conditions. Other states, in contrast, are much more restrictive about the type of condition that one can have to receive medical marijuana treatment. Usually, these patients need to have some sort of life ending diseases like cancer or MS.

New York’s medical marijuana program has been in action for several years now, and the program stacks up relatively well to other programs in different states throughout the United States. Doctors in New York can usually prescribe the use of medical marijuana for issues like HIV, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, Huntington’s disease, PTSD, seizures, and many more. However, what about those people in New York that have a physical or mental health condition that does not qualify them for the use of medical marijuana?

Are they just supposed to use synthetic prescriptions that could potentially harm them? Well, thankfully, if you are someone who is trying to use medical marijuana in the State of New York, you should be able to get your hands on an MMJ. This is because doctors in the state of New York can now refer a patient to the medical marijuana program for any health condition, even if it was not previously stated on the qualifying condition’s list of the cannabis medical program. 

This is a huge lifesaver for some people that are living with some serious chronic conditions but are not able to get the help that they need. Now keep in mind that the doctor that you visit must be a certified medical professional with the power to approve you for a medical marijuana card. Applying for your medical marijuana card is not necessarily a difficult or complicated process, but it can take some time to complete all the paperwork and provide the necessary documentation. Another thing to keep in mind is that you will have to see a doctor prior to being approved for using cannabis.

This doctor will have access to your medical records and events from the past three to five years, and it is important that you are very honest with your doctor about your health and your current conditions. It is true that medical marijuana can be a great alternative for many people suffering from a variety of chronic health conditions.

However, it is also true that not everyone is able to use medical marijuana safely, especially if you have any other underlying health conditions. Your doctor will most likely approve you for the use of cannabis, but in the rare event that he or she does not approve you, try to take some of their advice to heart before going out and finding another doctor to approve you. After all, they are licensed to treat and have your best interest at heart.