Tag mindfulness

Can Medical Cannabis Treatment Cure Psoriasis?

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

The Three Types of Cannabis Strains: Indica, Sativa & Hybrid

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The Three Types of Cannabis Strains: Indica, Sativa & Hybrid

There’s so much to know about modern cannabis. Let’s explore what these different types of cannabis can do for you!

Different combination of cannabinoid compounds yield different cannabis strains. Each of the strain provides different experiences. Their are two main types of traditional cannabis strains- Indica and Sativa. Hybrid strains are also commonly found these days, too. Let’s talk about the different properties and attributes of each…

CANNABIS INDICA

Okay, ready? Here’s your first tip… In-da-couch! Indica yields a heavy, full body high that creates a relaxing effect. Many users find this strain has them “couch-locked.” Nighttime use is preferred with these strains as they aid pain reduction and sleep. There is are also some evidence these strains are effective in fighting nausea, depression, migraines / headaches. Mostly they provide a Netflix and chill kinda vibe.

Cannabis Indica plants are typically short, bushy plants with wide leaves. Indica plants typically grow faster and have a higher yield than the sativa variety. Medicine produced from cannabis Indica plants have higher CBD and lower THC counts.

The Three Types of Cannabis Strains: Indica, Sativa & Hybrid

CANNABIS SATIVA

If you are looking for cannabis to help you create some energy, the use of sativa strains should be your choice. Sativa provide a “head high” or “cerebral high.” 

Sativa is known as a daytime strain creating enhanced focus, and stimulating feelings of well-being and ease. 

These strains tend to have a higher THC than CDB content. Users of sativa find their high promotes with creativity and imagination. However, strong sativas may sometimes cause anxiety or paranoia. Those with high anxiety should be mindful of this. (High-CBD strains help reduce anxiety.) Sativas mix well with socializing, physical activity, and creative projects.

Cannabis Sativa plants grow tall and thin with narrow leaves. Sativa plants are also generally a lighter shade of green than other strains. Sativa strains take longer to grow, mature, and require more light.

CANNABIS HYBRID

These strain aren’t like a hybrid car but kinda the same idea. They are actually more like a crossover. Hybrid strains mix the properties of both Indica and Sativa plants to create a new experience altogether. They are thought to give you a experience somewhere between what’s typical of Indicas and Sativas. Ideally hybrids aim to give you the best of both worlds.

Hybrids are known to have varied flowering times but are high-yield like indicas while retaining cerebral highs like sativas. This blended strain provides various symptom relief and makes up the largest majority of the cannabis market.

SUMMARY

Each strain has unique genetics resulting in different levels of THC and CBD. Cannabis indica, sativa and hybrids can benefit each individual in various ways. Examining cannabinoid levels is advised in choosing the best strain for you!

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11 Misconceptions About CBD

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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
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