Tag cannabis

Can Medical Cannabis Treatment Cure Psoriasis?

By in Mental Health Tag , , ,
Can Medical Cannabis Treatment Cure Psoriasis?

The number of people who use cannabis for medical purposes is growing rapidly. There’s mounting proof that it might help cure a wide range of medical issues, including psoriasis.

Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, and chemotherapy-induced nausea are just few of the ailments for which cannabis has been shown to be effective in the medical field. Growing research suggests that medical cannabis may be useful in treating a wide range of conditions, from schizophrenia and PTSD to multiple sclerosis.

Understanding What Psoriasis is?

The fast accumulation of skin cells is a hallmark symptom of psoriasis, a persistent autoimmune condition. Since new skin cells are generated so rapidly, they often reach the skin’s surface before they have fully matured. This immature accumulation on the skin’s surface causes raised, scaling spots that are extremely irritating.

Conditions like psoriasis can manifest in a variety of ways, some of which are influenced by the skin type of the affected individual.

Psoriatic scales tend to be a silvery white and appear as raised, red spots on those with lighter skin tones. Sometimes they take on a salmon hue with white scales when viewed on medium skin tones. In contrast, psoriasis on darker skin tones sometimes takes on a violet or dark brown color with grey scales. Cracks and bleeding are common occurrences in these areas. Your body may become inflamed, causing redness, swelling, and pain in various areas.

The prevalence of psoriasis in Australia is estimated to be 2.5%, or over 450,000 persons. Psoriatic arthritis occurs in around 30% of psoriasis sufferers. Painful joint swelling and stiffness are hallmark symptoms of this illness. Joint injury, if addressed, is another possible outcome.

Influence of psoriasis on emotional well-being

Psoriasis is associated with discomfort, exhaustion, and inability to rest comfortably. The emotional toll of psoriasis can be just as significant. People with psoriasis are more likely to experience emotional distress.

It has been shown that as many as 84% of persons with psoriasis also experience a psychological condition. Psoriasis is a skin condition that, if left untreated, can lead to feelings of shame and isolation, both of which increase the risk of victimization. This, in turn, can play a role in the onset of emotional distress.

Depression is common among those who live with psoriasis; estimates range from 20-30% to as high as 62%. Psoriasis vulgaris sufferers, likewise, are more likely to experience worry.

Can psoriasis be treated with medical cannabis oil?

In addition to being tough to manage, psoriasis cannot be cured. There are several drugs and light treatments available to treat the disorder, but some have major adverse effects, and others lose their efficacy when your body develops a tolerance to them.

Considering the mental and emotional toll psoriasis takes, it’s clear that better treatment alternatives are needed. It is possible that medical cannabis might be used as a therapy option. Different facets of the illness have been studied in relation to medical cannabis’ efficacy.

Growth inhibition

Inhibiting keratinocyte proliferation is a potential benefit of medical cannabis, according to some research. People with psoriasis have skin that is still in its developmental stages.

Cannabinoids and their receptors have shown promise in studies looking at their ability to regulate and restrict the proliferation of pre-mature skin cells. Medical cannabis has shown promise in treating a variety of illnesses affecting keratinocytes, including psoriasis and wound healing, according to researchers.

Tackling the Issue of Pain Control

Pain relief is a major reason why many people turn to medical marijuana. Some research suggests that medical cannabis may be more effective than opioids in reducing both acute and neuropathic pain. A report published recently suggests it may also help in relieving chronic pain.

Controlling the immune system

Existing data suggest that medical cannabis helps alleviate the inflammation that accompanies some ailments, such as autoimmune diseases like psoriasis. Medical cannabis has been shown to have immunosuppressive properties, according to the available research. Much attention has been paid to orally administered types of medical cannabis. Cannabis oil can be used for medical purposes.

Some persons with psoriasis apply this oil topically in the hopes that it slows down the skin’s natural cell turnover rate and calms the condition’s irritation. There should be more studies done to back up these assertions.

Management of Stress

Stress exacerbates psoriasis symptoms, while THC has been demonstrated to do the opposite. Despite the fact that THC at low dosages might have a calming impact, studies have shown that greater amounts may have the opposite effect on mood.

The cannabinoids are the Potent Constituent.

Cannabinoids are the active ingredients in medical marijuana. Natural cannabinoids are produced by your body as well. Endocannabinoids are the name given to these chemical mediators. Functions in your body that they influence include inflammation, immunity, hunger, ocular pressure, mood, and reproduction.

Is it worth using cannabis oil to treat psoriasis?

There is hope that psoriasis symptoms can be alleviated with the use of medical cannabis. It’s been proven that medical cannabis helps with pain management. However, additional study is required to determine its safety and efficacy.

More research is required not only into the efficacy of medical cannabis, but also into the best practises for using it. There are many different ways to consume medical cannabis, such as: tablets, inhalants, vaporizers, and tinctures.

Is Medical Cannabis Legal in Australia?

In lieu of a prescription, doctors can recommend or send patients to brands where they can obtain medical cannabis. Medical cannabis is currently legal within Australian jurisdiction.

Talk to your physician.

Where you live will determine if medical cannabis resource is a viable option for treating psoriasis. Medical Cannabis for psoriasis treatment is legal in Australian jurisdictions. Talk with your doctor to explore if medical cannabis might be effective for treating your psoriasis, given your general health and country legislation.

To know more about where to buy medical cannabis in Australia and other medical marijuana resources, you should book a consultation session with a professional from Chronic Therapy today.

How to Use Mindfulness with Cannabis for Mental Health

By in Mental Health Tag ,
How to Use Mindfulness with Cannabis for Mental Health

These days trends indicate that both cannabis and mindfulness interventions are readily being embraced. A mind-body approach is being embraced by every variety of healthcare. Cannabis is taking the forefront in this new age of mindfulness as part of a greater push toward healthfulness and peace. What was once a considered shameful and additive habit is now being promoted as a healthier way of managing with mental health.

What is Mindfulness?

Multitasking is considered a positive in our society. However, our brains are not designed for multitasking. Dividing your attention takes away the experience and ultimately makes it impossible to complete tasks to the best of your ability.

Be here now. You seen it on t-shirts, bummer stickers and maybe even tattooed on a friend. The mindfulness therapeutic technique aims help create focus on the present moment, slowing down, not multitasking and being more conscious. It’s about creating a calm consciousness to recognize one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Mindfulness is about accepting the quality of your state of being. By tuning into the present and acknowledging the moment, you can increase self-control and emotion regulation. Mindfulness helps decrease stress and psychological distress. It has also been attributed as a way to build concentration and increasing happiness.

See Also: How long does it take to recovery from laser eye surgery?

There are many ways to practice mindfulness. Meditation and yoga are commonly practiced exercises.

The practice of Mindfulness Based Therapy (MBT) has been embraced by mental health professionals treating depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Psychotherapist use mindfulness techniques in treatment such as visualization, breathing exercises, and the use of mantras.

Mindfulness & Cannabis

When combining cannabis with mindfulness, we increase awareness and expand our consciousness. A deeper connection with your high means a deeper connection with yourself.

When using cannabis, not being fully present does not help the user to immerse in the experience and consciously connect with its effects. Being present can create a stronger connection with the effects of cannabis both physical and mentally. If passive and disconnected, the user is only getting high and not necessarily magnified your mood.

This awareness helps to maintain a healthy relationship with cannabis while bringing enjoyment to being present rather than falling into the stress of mindlessly multitasking. It is easier to feel the variety of effects a strain provides the body when your attention is focused on experiencing the high. Being engaged in the experience, you may notice that you feel intricate sensations more consciously. For example, if using an Indica strain, couchlock may give you the sensation of comfort and safety.

Mindful cannabis use helps users learn how they react to certain strains. As different strains and dosage varies, it’s important for individuals to whether a certain strain is yielding the effect needed. Users need to know how they react mentally, emotionally, physically to monitor and responsibly continue to benefit from cannabis use. Ultimately this awareness can help a user who’s less preoccupied with other thoughts or task target their use, manage their symptoms and lessen their use.

Mindful cannabis use includes being aware of the kind of cannabis you’re consuming- both the strain and its terpenes. Knowing more about what you are using helps to identify its best use, how much you should consume, and what you’ll experience.

See Also: Risks and rewards of lasik eye surgery

How to Use Cannabis Mindfully

It’s a proven fact that planning and create habits around cannabis use can further your understanding of its process. If you are aiming to manage your anxiety or depression, approaching cannabis with mindfulness will help you best achieve relief. So let’s get planning.

Each individual needs to find their our practice that provides you best experience. Here are some suggestion that will help you find you mindful cannabis practice:

  1. Set an intention. Before using it’s best to set an intention to guide your experience in the right direction. Ask yourself if there’s something you want to feel or accomplish. Well consuming cannabis, visualize your intention and act on it.
  2. Stick to your nose. Smell the strain and see what you most respond to. Notice what it smells like and if that smell reminds you of anything. Be aware of your bodily reactions- mouthwatering, wincing, smiling, etc… The flavors of the terpene combination with provide your body with intuitive knowledge of not only what’s appealing to you but also what your body craves.
  3. Listen to your body. Budtenders and other consumers alike can be valuable sources of information. Both have varied education and experiences. Neither are you. Your body will tell you what feels good. Pay attention to what your body is telling you.
  4. Savor the taste. Different strains yield various flavors. Some are more pungent and others are citrusy. Notice what you taste- any bitterness, sweetness, etc…
  5. Take notes. Writing down what you notice about your experience will help you to recreate or improve upon your next experience. Note what, where, when and how you used. It will help you identify your best strains, methods and dosages.
  6. Journal your thoughts & feelings. Writing down the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing before, during, and after your use can help you understand your needs and manage your symptoms. Cannabis can help surface and reveal thoughts and feelings. Buried resentments and sublimated desires may come up. Writing about your experience helps to acknowledge what materializes and process what it means to your wellbeing.

18 Cannabis Myths Explained

By in Mental Health Tag , ,
18 Cannabis Myths Explained

If you know anyone diagnosed with cancer, have a dog or cat and/or struggle with anxiety or depression (uh, I think that covers everyone, right?), you can’t afford to be afraid of cannabis anymore. While there are so many more conditions and diseases cannabis can treat. It’s also not to say that the medical or mental health condition, disorder or disease you struggle with can’t also be treated by cannabis.

Currently there are over 100 tests being done on cannabidiol/CBD which is just one of the compounds in the cannabis sativa plant. But some can’t wait for testing to be complete. I urge you to reconsider your preconceived thoughts and ideas about cannabis. In order to help you, it’s time to set the record straight! Here’s a list of cannabis myths and the information that negates them!

Myths About Cannabis:

All cannabis products produce a high or psychoactive effect

Not true at all. There are two main compounds in cannabis- THC and CBD. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effect in connecting with the CB1 receptors in the brain. CBD doesn’t act on the same receptors and therefore does not produce a high effect. CBD can also be used to mute the psychoactive effects of THC.

Marijuana is the preferred term for the drug

Nope. Nope. Nope. There are all kinds of synonyms for what some have called “marijuana” like weed, ganja, 420, pot and many, many more. If you read through some history about the plant, you’ll find that the term marijuana holds a whole racist history. Originally spelled “marihuana,” recreational use was originally associated with “those crazy Mexicans.” 

The rough Spanish translation is Mary’s stuff- noting a certain Catholic-friendly term. It was brought to the west coast by Punjabi immigrants. Eventually it was considered the “opium of the ghetto” as young African-Americans were accused to using it and becoming violent. While many terms have been used interchangeably, the medical term is cannabis and the preferred choice of this writer. (SOURCE)

Cannabis kills brain cells

This idea has been around for awhile but it’s been tested and proven to be wrong. Both the University of Louisville and the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society published research refuting this myth. In fact the compounds in cannabis are now thought to help the growth of new brain cells.

Cannabis is addictive

This is still being widely debated and disagreed upon. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH) reported that cannabis use is not harmless and nearly six million people experience marijuana use disorder. So just like some people maybe addicted to sugar or chocolate other develop the same kind of relationship with cannabis. It can be a hard habit to break. That’s different than addiction or dependence. Ultimately you want to be a conscious consumer using ethically grown cannabis and for meaningful use.

The Declaration of Independence was written on cannabis hemp paper

While every activists wishes this was really true, it’s only kind of half true. The Declaration of Independence was DRAFTED on hemp. The final copy housed in the National Archives with written on animal skin as it was thought to last longer. It is, however, worth noting our forefathers used hemp for many, many thing- the sails of their boats, paper, ropes, etc…

18 Cannabis Myths Explained

Smoking cannabis is worse for your lung than cigarettes

Scientists at the University fo California San Francisco are going to shock you because this is surprisingly just not true. They created a large-scale study comparing cannabis and nicotine use. They concluded, “the more you use, the more loss you have.” Essentially because more nicotine tends to be use more frequently, there’s a great risk involved in using nicotine.

Cannabis does not have any medicinal qualities

There is more and more evidence of the medical use of cannabis being brought to light everyday. There are currently hundreds of studies worldwide about how cannabis can treat many different physical and mental health ailments including cancer, lupus, autism, PTSD and more. 

Eating and smoking get the same results

There are many different ways to use cannabis these days. Smoking and eating edibles aren’t the only options. To discover other applications, take a looking at my blog post Don’t Want to Smoke Cannabis? Other Ways to Benefit from Marijuana.

Eating raw cannabis can get you high

You’ve probably seen cannabis oil, butter and/or brownies around, and debates about smoking versus vaping. The reason for that is cannabis needs to be heated and combined with a fatty substance to be effective. Therefore you can’t just chew on a leaf or nugg.

Drinking bong water will get you high

I have to admit I know the answer to this one from personal experience. When playing truth or dare in your college dorm room, never accept this as a dare. Stick with truth or you’ll get sick but you definitely won’t get high. 

Most people that smoke pot are “potheads”

So let me just start by saying that calling everyone who uses cannabis a “pothead,” is a bizarre stereotype. If that were true, then 30 million people who reportedly used cannabis in the past year in the United States would be “potheads.” Please note only 6 million of the 30 million reported daily or almost daily use. So no.

You can fatally overdose on cannabis

Nope. There are no reports of any cannabis overdoses. None. Overuse can certainly send you to the hospital though when you think you are dying from using too much. Some people have reported hallucinations and delusions when they’ve used too much but no one has ever overdose on cannabis. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) also confirms there has never been a single documented case of death due to overdosing on cannabis in the United States.

Cannabis is a gateway drug

And again- not true. The majority of people who use cannabis don’t go on to use harder drugs. Other factors like biological mechanisms, personal risk for addiction and social environment are more determinate than cannabis . A recent study conducted by the Institute of Medicine found no conclusive evidence linking cannabis to the use of other drugs.

Cannabis leads to violent crimes and turn you into a criminal

A recent study proved that cannabis “is not predictive of higher crime rates” and might even decrease the rates of assault and homicide. 

Cannabis can make you sterile

Hey you don’t be silly put a rubber on your willy. Cannabis won’t make you sterile though if used too frequently it can cause abnormal sperm. This effect is only short-term. So you still need condoms.

Cannabis can turn straight people gay

Sexuality cannot be determined by any kind of substance use. Substances like cannabis and alcohol have been credited with lowering your inhibitions, and therefore one more easily pursue their desires. Cannabis isn’t the problem or your high sexual.

Cannabis users are lazy and unsuccessful

If this is true then I don’t understand how the cannabis industry has already become a $10 billion industry. All the people who make cannabis must not being using it, right? I think not.

Legalizing cannabis is bad for the country

Yes if you look back at the last myth, you’ll see billion. Not million. Billion. With that comes tax dollars, jobs, public programs, etc… Not sure how that’s bad.

Well that’s all folks! If there are other myths you still would like to know the true about, please be sure to add them in the comments and we’ll take a look! 

More to read:
11 Misconceptions About CBD
The different types of laser eye surgeries

11 Misconceptions About CBD

By in Mental Health Tag , ,
11 Misconceptions About CBD

There has been a huge serge of interest in CBD over the past year. It’s showing up everywhere- in your coffee, skincare products, and more. Everyone seems to be jumping on the CBD bandwagon. Recognizing CBD as the non-intoxicant compound in cannabis, many are its finding therapeutic properties. There are also lots of misconceptions and fail beliefs about CBD. Let’s clear them up!

1. CBD is not psychoactive.

I hear this everywhere. It’s like nail on a chalkboard. Awful. So let’s set the record straight. It’s very misleading to describe CBD as non-psychoactive. It’s non-psychoactive like THC but there are still psychoactive effects to CBD. While CBD won’t make its user feel “stoned,” it can effect provide a psychoactive energizing, calming or sedative effect depending on its dose and terpene profile.

2. Psychoactivity is an adverse side effect.

Many are reaching for CBD because it doesn’t get you “high.” In truth, the euphoric nature of the plants provides relief of symptoms for numerous health conditions. CBD and other cannabis medicines often provide a mild euphoric effect. And it’s way better than big pharma’s drowsy medications.

3. CBD is the good cannabinoid / THC is the bad cannabinoid.

This may seem to be true as many a gravitating toward CBD because it is not an intoxicant. However there are many benefits to be gained from the whole plant.

4. CBD is most effective without THC.

What’s peanut butter without jelly? Some may prefer it but really they are best together. That’s the same with CBD and THC. They provide a synergetic effect that works best together. to manage into-inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

5. Isolate CBD is better than whole plant medicinals.

Cannabis contains several hundred compounds. Cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes all provide specific healing qualities. Their therapeutic impact combined creates the entourage effect for optimal whole plant use.

11 Misconceptions About CBD

6. CBD is medical. THC is recreational.

Nope. This is just wrong. It’s been proven that CBD and THC have medicinal qualities. Both of them. I think because because cannabis still carries a stigma from its long history of carefully orchestrated propaganda against its use and it’s known to create a “high” effect, some fear what they think they know about THC. However THC is proving to have any medicinal qualities as well as CBD.

7. High doses of CBD work better than low doses.

Dosing can be very confusing at first. So lemme help you out… It’s important to know that cannabis has biphasic properties; low and high doses can produce opposite effects. Therefore you maybe better off with a moderate dose as an excessive amount maybe less therapeutically effective. Both clinicians and patients have reported a low dose that works for them is 2.5 mg CBD or 2.5 mg THC. Please remember: Cannabis effects everyone differently. So take your time and find your dose.

8. CBD stops working.

My doctor recently told me this is she she hears most about CBD. However it’s simply not true. Most people experimenting with CBD aren’t aware of how to dose their use and likely aren’t benefiting from the entourage effect. If CBD hasn’t stopped working for you, make sure you have the best product for your use and that you’re using it effectively.

9. Marijuana prohibition doesn’t include CBD.

Many CBD creators claim their products are legal as long it contains less than 0.3 percent THC. Unfortunately it’s not that simple. While cannabis legalization laws vary from state-to-state, federal law prohibits growing hemp as a commercial crop in the US. However US federally law permits the sale of imported low-THC hemp product as long as they are derived from the seed or stalk of the plant, and not the leaves or flowers. Cannabidiol cannot be extracted from the seed or stalk of the plant. Well maybe a minor bit from the stalk but not the dose your liking looking for. Check out the laws in your state and know what you’re buying.

10. It doesn’t matter where CBD comes from.

Yes, it does. Hemp typically yields less cannabidoil than cannabis. While many believe that the flower-tops and leaves of hemp to be the the most viable source of CBD, it take huge amount of hemp to extract a small amount of CBD. That raises the level of toxic contaminants. It also then lacks medicinal terpenes and secondary cannabinoid found in cannabis strains.

11. Legalizing CBD but not cannabis is a better option.

Little by little. One day at a time. One step before the other. Progress is progress. So we’ll take it. But the best option is whole plant wellness. Be sure to support legalization efforts and #smokethevote.

More to read:
The Three Types of Cannabis Strains: Indica, Sativa & Hybrid
Risks and rewards of lasik eye surgery