The Effects of Weed - How Five Different Strains of Medical Marijuana Affect the Mind and Body

 

Getting stoned, getting high, getting baked-all slang words for the same thing. Marijuana has the ability to relax the mind and (if used incorrectly) to cloud it. Weed can also relax the body and ease pain, but if used incorrectly, can seriously impair motor skills.

Different strains of medical cannabis have different effects on the body and mind-this is the main reason that "bud tenders" at medical MJ dispensaries recommend different strains for different MMJ patients. Marijuana Edibles

Here are five different strains of medical-grade marijuana and how they affect the mind and body. We chose strains of different varieties of marijuana, some indica, some sativa, some blends, to showcase the varied effects of marijuana strains on the mind and body.

1. Blue Dream

Details: Heavily sativa dominant with a trace of indica, Blue Dream gets its name from the dark green appearance of the leaves under heavy trichomes.

Medical uses: The best med of all for insomnia-also a good "baseline" med for pain patients, requiring very little additional breakthrough treatment.

Review: Blue Dream is always a popular choice at dispensaries for its unique looks. Definitely a nighttime med-most often recommended by budtenders for pain patients and people with sleeping trouble. Marijuana Effects

2. Green Crack

Details: Don't let the name put you off, this light green/orange/blueish indica/sativa med is sweet with an intense body effect.

Medical uses: The heavy blend of sativa in this strain makes it ideal for people dealing with chronic pain or patients using MMJ for depression or other mental health issues.

Review: A short-acting med, Green Crack is ideal for a "middle of the day" dose, particularly for pain patients who want a breakthrough pain treatment.

3. White Berry

Details: Intensely purple-colored, 90% indica 10% sativa. This is the hybrid to beat all hybrids, with a beautiful look to the plant that attracts patients directly to this strain.

Medical uses: Relieves muscle spasms and muscle pain. Perfect for patients with restless leg syndrome or other ailments of the muscular system. Marijuana Medical

Review: An easy "A" rating for this indica-dominant strain. Best as a nighttime medication, as it can have intense effects on both the mind and body, typical for a hybrid.

4. A-Train

Details: Pure powerful indica. A cross of the ever-popular Trainwreck and an Afghani plant. A spicy flavor with citrus undertones, you get everything that's great about indicas with A-Train.

Medical uses: Appetite enhancer, reduces ocular pressure. The perfect plant for people suffering from glaucoma or other eye problems, as well as for chronically ill patients with appetite problems. Marijuana Vaporizer

Review: A real award-winner, this indica is everything indica is supposed to be. Difficult for MMJ dispensaries to keep in stock. High Times Top Ten Strain of the Year winner, 2009.

5. Canna Sutra

Details: Sativa dominant. Incredibly sweet, citrusy smoke. Reported aphrodisiac qualities. High "marijuana" taste with heavy lemon undertone.

Medical uses: Sexual aid, mood elevator, bronchial dilator. Often prescribed to people suffering from asthma for use in a smokeless vaporizer.

Review: One of the favorite smokes of bud tenders everywhere, this sativa surprises patients who prefer indica meds. The hint of purple in the leaves makes this a quick sellout in most dispensaries.

Do You Qualify for California Medical Marijuana?

 

The use of medicinal marijuana or cannabis is not some modern, innovative concept. In fact, it was first used almost two thousand years ago in 2nd century China as surgical anesthesia by a physician named Hoa-Tho. Today, there are numerous experts and health professionals know that medicinal marijuana and its healing properties offer individuals relief from nausea, pain, and symptoms of a number of chronic health and medical conditions. This includes chemotherapy, chronic pain, glaucoma, and HIV/AIDS just to name a few. If you have been considering the use of cannabis do you know if you qualify for California medicinal marijuana? Cannabis Store

There are a number of ways to determine if you are a candidate for using marijuana for health reasons. Although opinions will vary from one expert or professional to the next, there is a consensus where the benefits of using this classification of cannabis is concerned. Medicinal marijuana from California can help to improve a person's overall quality of life. A report entitled "Marijuana and Medicine" (Institute of Medicine) states that marijuana's cannabinoids benefit individuals by increasing their appetites while relieving nausea, pain, and vomiting. There are 17 states and D.C. that have legalized medical marijuana and the qualifying ailments and conditions will vary from one state to the next. Marijuana

For the most part, the following health and medical conditions are fairly standard in every one of the states where medical marijuana has been legalized:

Cachexia

Cancer

Glaucoma

HIV/AIDS

Persistent muscle spasms

Seizures

Severe nausea

Severe pain

Although this seems like a rather brief list of qualifying conditions and health issues, a lot of this has to do with the fact that there are rigid restrictions in place for Medicinal marijuana in the state of California despite the fact that it is legal to purchase and use it. Marijuana Dispensary

Research that has been conducted in recent years has also shown medical marijuana to be effective for treating PMS and excessive weight loss. Additional studies and the findings that resulted from them have shown positive results when marijuana is used to relieve symptoms of the following: Marijuana Dispensary News

Crohn's disease

Fibromyalgia

Migraine headaches

MS

OCD

Tourette Syndrome

On a closing note, research regarding medical marijuana continues today and there may be proof that it will eventually be effective for the treatment of a number of other conditions and disease symptoms. Finally, you may soon see 7 states that legalize medical marijuana as they currently have legislation pending.

Ten Disease Problems That Respond Well to Medical Marijuana

 

Medical marijuana is now legal in 15 states. Overall, marijuana is federally illegal, so there must be a good reason for these states to have legalized it for medicinal use. In fact there are multiple diseases and symptoms for which medicinal marijuana helps substantially.

1. Crohns Disease - Various studies have shown promising results for medicinal marijuana alleviating the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's. Marijuana contains cannabinoids which activate a receptor known as CB2 - this is thought to decrease inflammation in the GI tract along with reducing pain and swelling. The Releaf Center

2. Chronic Pain - Chronic pain overall constitutes the single largest usage of medical marijuana. Marijuana blocks pain pathways in the central nervous system, but through a different neurochemical signaling system than opiates. Therefore opiates and marijuana may act together as complementary analgesic medications since they are acting in two different ways. Marijuana Near Me

3. Severe Nausea - The longest standing use for medical marijuana has been for nausea and vomiting prevention. Such as for cancer chemo or radiation therapy. Using marijuana for this wasting and nausea, can have dramatic results. The medical marijuana can allow patients to gain 40 to 50 pounds. Recreational Marijuana Near Me

4. Severe Muscle Spasms - There are conventional medications available by prescription for these symptoms, but at times those meds cause weakness or drowsiness. Muscle spasms are when patients tense reflexively and resist stretching. Patients utilizing medical marijuana for reducing muscle spasticity and pain have found substantial relief.

5. Cancer - Medical marijuana helps patients with cancer for five reasons. It suppresses nausea, suppresses vomiting, increases appetite, provides pain relief, and calms anxiety.

6. Glaucoma - Research has not shown us exactly how cannabinoids reduce Intraocular pressure. They work at reducing Intra-ocular pressure for about 4 hours.

7. Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome - Over fifty percent of cancer patients show a dramatic weight loss of lean body mass which can appear as wasting, or cachexia as it is called. AIDS patients may experience wasting as well. THC may allow patients to gain forty to fifty pounds and make patients over three times more likely to stick with their anti-retroviral medication regimen. Best Marijuana Dispensary

8. ALS - The cannabinoids in medical marijuana may protect against glutamate toxicity. This may be very helpfult because ALS involves excessive glutamate in the brain tissue, spinal fluid, and serum of those suffering. By lowering the chance of glutamate toxicity, there is a chance that marijuana may have a neuroprotective effect. In addition, patients describe alleviation of pain and spasms, improvement of appetite, and less drooling issues which is a common problem with ALS. Cannabis Marijuana Delivery

9. HIV and AIDS - It is known to stimulate the appetite which is critical to cancer patients who are having chemo as well as for AIDS patients.

10. Multiple Sclerosis - MS patients may find that marijuana relieves symptoms of spasticity, tremors, imbalance, depression, and fatigue.

Despite lingering social stigma regarding marijuana, the legitimate medical uses for it simply cannot be denied. Thankfully, there is a growing tend towards states' legitimizing its usage for debilitated and qualified patients in need.

Marijuana Lawyers That Can Defend The Accused Criminal

 

Being charged by malicious acts of cultivating and selling weed is a very serious crime. Government agents are very keen to these types of crimes and work day and night to catch drug lords wondering around the neighborhood. As a result, individuals caught because of such crime will face severe consequences and may face jail time. Yet, with a good marijuana lawyer in your defense, severe punishment and jail time can be decreased. Marijuana Near Me

Marijuana attorneys have the ability to prevent possible hampering of the constitutional Law. This is exactly what a pot defense lawyer aims resolve that is why the usual defense in a marijuana case initially requires a careful study of the arrest along with a full investigation of what took place. Also to determine whether the arrest suggests unreasonable searches or seizures on behalf or the accused. The Releaf Center

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures is a fundamental right of an accused individual. For example, a move on the part of the apprehending officer may have taken place during an arrest that did not conform to proper procedures. This may readily amount to the discharge of the person being arrested. In addition to eyeing the validity of the arrest, the accused individual can be pardoned from marijuana possession charges with the help of his or her attorney. A Drug defender can find other ways to save the accused from penal burden. A marijuana lawyer, with the attempt to legalize the use of these highly controlled substances, can now support your plea of not guilty by proving that the use of marijuana by the accused is for self-medication rather than personal use. This can also be done by proving that the accused has a legitimate medical problem which requires the use of such drug. Recreational Marijuana Near Me

In this chaotic world, where an act of wrongdoings may be bent to produce more criminal charges or free a criminal from an act he or she actually committed is an insult to our justice system. Yet, a marijuana lawyer is here to help individuals get a fair investigation and more importantly they can help detoxify an individual's reputation from a malicious drug charges. Best Marijuana Dispensary

Medicinal Cannabis - Sick of Your Prescription Medication? Medicinal Cannabis May Be Safer

 

Prescription medications can be dangerous. Even over-the-counter medications can sometimes cause negative reactions. These medications include chemicals that can cause allergic reactions, negatively react with other substances, and cause a wide range of other problems.

Every time a consumer turns on their television, they are bombarded with commercials for prescription drugs. However, half of these commercials are spent warning users of side effects, ranging from mild to sometimes fatal. It makes many people question what they are putting into their bodies. Marijuana Edibles

The Advantages of Medicinal Cannabis Over Traditional Medications:

One of the main reasons for medical marijuana is that it's safe. It is almost impossible to overdose and very few people report negative side effects. The people that do report side effects complain of things like warped time perception or short term memory loss. The side effects of marijuana are extremely mild when comparing them with the effects caused by other medications. The Releaf Center

Medical marijuana has been found to be even safer than aspirin. Aspirin, which was first introduced in 1899, has caused around 500 deaths every year. Aspirin can also cause stomach bleeding, stomach problems, liver damage, nausea, vomiting, and many other side effects. Marijuana Near Me

Cannabis, on the other hand, has been used for thousands of years without one reported overdose. Cannabis can cause fatigue, hunger, paranoia, forgetfulness, and euphoria. Fortunately, except in the case of euphoria, these effects will wear off in approximately two to four hours. Recreational Marijuana Near Me

The fact is, medical marijuana is safer than almost any prescription drug. For thousands of years it has been used by people all over the world for medical reasons. Until 1937, It was the leading medication for around 100 conditions in the United States. These are the marijuana facts that are rarely stated, but are true nonetheless. Best Marijuana Dispensary

The Disadvantages of Medical Marijuana, When Compared to Prescription Drugs:

Of course, there are also disadvantages to medical marijuana. The main disadvantage is that it is not a cure-all. However, neither is any synthetic drug. Cannabis Marijuana Delivery

Medicinal marijuana can usually not be used to cure medical conditions. Instead, it is used to manage the negative effects of these conditions. Obtaining a medical marijuana card will not save patients from requiring any other medication during their lifetime. Fortunately, patients that have difficulty with other medications or want to limit the amount of synthetic chemicals they put into their body, can use medical cannabis to successfully treat a wide range of symptoms.

Medical Marijuana and the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

 

Multiple Sclerosis is an inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system. The body essentially "tags" its own tissue and begins to destroy it. There are many who advocate the use of medical marijuana as opposed to traditional treatments in order to treat this debilitating disease.

Multiple Sclerosis causes the onset of sudden blindness, weakness in the legs and muscles, extreme fatigue, shock sensations in the face and hands, burning sensations in various parts of the body, muscle pain, poor word recall, bladder failure, sudden muscle jerking, sudden muscle collapse and organ dysfunction. Cannabis Marijuana Delivery

Immediately after smoking or ingesting marijuana, users describe feeling relaxed and mellow. Marijuana contains four hundred chemicals, the same found in cigarettes, sixty of which are cannabinoids. A cannabinoid is the major active ingredient, and THC is the chemical most often associated with marijuana's affect on the human brain. THC stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol, and is the plant's main psychoactive chemical. The concentration of THC and other cannabinoids varies and depends on genetics and processing after the marijuana is harvested. Cannabis Store

As a multiple sclerosis patient, it begs the question; Why would you want to use a substance that affects muscle coordination, short term memory, raises levels of anxiety and increases heart rate when the disease already does that? Marijuana

THC mimics, blocks, and interferes with normal brain function. There are three cannabinoid receptors in the brain; the basal ganglia, the hippocampus and the cerebellum. The basal ganglia is responsible for unconscious muscle movement, the cerebellum controls coordination, and the hippocampus is responsible for recollection of events and short term memory. Marijuana Dispensary

When marijuana is ingested or eaten, the stomach breaks it down, and the blood absorbs it carrying it to the liver, and the rest of the body. Although THC levels are lower, the effects last longer. Marijuana Dispensary News

Marijuana has been around for thousands of years and is believed to be a native plant of India where it originated in a region in the North Himalayan Mountains. The resin of the cannabis flower produces a much more potent product called Hashish and may be helpful in the treatment of pain caused by the onset of cancer and other debilitating diseases since Morphine is in fact the first line of defense in making the patient comfortable and the pain bearable. The bottom line is that, although medical marijuana has been proven effective in other medical arenas, it should not be considered an effective treatment or a reasonable drug to be used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

The Hemp Network - Can the Hemp Network Provide Infrastructure to the Medical Marijuana Industry?

 

The Hemp Network is a new company that is the MLM division of Medical Marijuana Inc, a company that focuses on delivering an efficient and secure infrastructure for the Medical Marijuana Industry.

This Hemp Network review will be my perspective on whether The Hemp Network is a scam or a legitimate opportunity to earn a solid income in the home based health product industry. To begin, I have been part of the health and wellness industry for the good part of 20 years and I have pretty much seen every product and heard every claim there is to make about a health product. That being said, this company is part of the medical marijuana health industry which still has as many questions as there are answers about whether there are legal issues still involved in the distribution of medical marijuana products. The Releaf Center

The Hemp Network has the potential to become extremely successful and lucrative. They are aiming to provide customers with hemp products on a multi-level marketing platform using a binary compensation plan and aims to provide a marketing vehicle for national and global distribution of these new products. Best Marijuana Dispensary The Company is currently in the pre-enrollment phase which is by invitation only, the official launch date is August 28, 2010. Don't worry, what that is telling me is that by making it by invitation only they feel that this opportunity is going to be extremely successful, so get in early. Marijuana Near Me

It is my opinion that this venture is going to work out very well for The Hemp Network and become a legitimate opportunity YOU to earn a solid income by getting involved. Set up your Microsoft Outlook calendar so that you are reminded of the August 28th launch date. Recreational Marijuana Near Me

Hemp Network Review - Is it Legitimate?

 

Hemp Network is a new network marketing company. The thing that really sets this company apart from all other network marketing companies, is that their product is marijuana. The Hemp Network is a division of Medical Marijuana Inc. and is set to launch on June 1, 2010.

The cost to pre-enroll is $100 for which you will receive your first order of marijuana. At this time you must have a sponsor in order to pre-enroll. Cannabis Store

The Hemp Network will use a binary compensation plan. In a binary pay plan distributors build two legs or teams. The binary pay plan, like all pay plans, has pros and cons. One positive aspect is distributors above you will place new distributors below you in your team. This helps build your business volume, which is a great motivator. On the negative side, bonuses are paid out on the distributors week leg. Balancing two legs can at times be challenging. Marijuana

It is a sad fact that 65% of new start up companies fail and that 95% of start up network marketing companies fail. This fact should hold considerable weight in your decision to join The Hemp Network. Many would say simply do not partner up with a new company. However, the uniqueness of a product, such as marijuana, would be reason for serious consideration. Marijuana Dispensary

I would say that in states where medical Marijuana is legal, which is not many by the way, this would be a legitimate opportunity. There is of course a great deal of investigating to be done on your part in regard to the legality of marketing this product. Do not by any means jump into this company without doing you investigative homework. You will find a complete listing of states and their legal standing on medical marijuana at the web site of Medical Marijuana Inc. Marijuana Dispensary News

Controversial as it may be, the use of marijuana for medical reasons has many proponents. Getting involved to make this product available to those who have a medical need may make sense. On the other hand, getting involved for the business opportunity, may not. Marijuana Edibles

The reason for this, is that 98% of all network marketers fail to ever make any money. They are either unable or unwilling to solicit family and friends. However, if you are able to effectively use the Internet to have customers and prospects that are looking for your product and opportunity find you, then the opportunity side of this business would make sense as well.

Miraculous Medical Effects of Marijuana

 

Marijuana, clinically termed as cannabis is a drug preparation from the flowering five-leaf plant, cannabis. It has long been associated as an illegal drug and is classified as a schedule I drug which means that physicians cannot prescribe it. The ground for its classification is rooted from medical marijuana collective effects in the body as a psychoactive agent with a stimulant, hallucinogenic, and depressant effect or a combination of the three. Because of that, the drug causes a euphoria which is a high feeling of ecstasy. This may be the lone reason why people resort to its usage. Medical marijuana has a very high tendency for physiologic and psychological dependence and abuse. The Releaf Center

Despite its disadvantage, countless research is proving that the drug's benefits can outweigh its bad effects. Medical marijuana collective use most aids patients with chronic conditions according to studies. These conditions include the following: Marijuana Near Me

• A research showed that an active ingredient of marijuana slows down the formation of plaques and prevents the advancement of the disease. It has also been shown that it can prevent formation of proteins that is responsible for memory impairment associated with the disease. Recreational Marijuana Near Me

• It is surprising to note that smoking cannabis alone (without tobacco smoking) does not increase the risk for lung cancer instead it can create a shielding effect and this result is well established. There are however evidences that claims a synergistic effect of cannabis and tobacco smoking in the increased risk of lung cancer. Best Marijuana Dispensary

• A study in California was done and showed that cannabinol, a chemical found in marijuana can prevent the spread of breast cancer in the body.

• Patients with HIV/AIDS greatly benefits from medical marijuana. A study conducted that smoking marijuana among these patients significantly reduced the occurrence and severity of neuropathic pain and have increasing appetite effects. Cannabis Marijuana Delivery

Medical marijuana has a whole lot to offer only that research to prove its greatest advantage is only that financing is not enough. It may be the wonder drug that we all have been waiting for.

How To Find Medical Marijuana In Tucson

 

It was welcome news to many residents in Arizona when proposition 203 was passed in Nov. of 2011. Arizona joined California, Colorado and several other states when it passed a law giving qualified patients the right to consume, cultivate and utilize medicinal marijuana. In order to become qualified, you need to get a marijuana program certification from a Doctor.

You can find several certification centers open for business in Tucson. Just be on-guard of the costs. I paid $100 Dr.'s fee and $150 to the State of Arizona for program registration but have heard of places that are gouging new patients with high service prices. Don't bite. It should not cost more than what I've already written about. The Releaf Center

You will have to submit a photo for your card (my Dr. took my picture and emailed it to me with her !), then proceed with the registration process.

My acceptance email notification from Arizona's Department of Health Medical Marijuana Program came within a couple of hours. Once you have confirmation, you're good to go. Just keep your paperwork handy until your card arrives in the mail. Marijuana Near Me

OPTIONS FOR OBTAINING MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Now that you have a card, you definitely want to use another source of meds other than your old black market street-dealer. As a card holder in Tucson you have a couple of options, but staying legal and avoiding legal problems is in and of itself a good way to go. Recreational Marijuana Near Me

Nowadays (May 2012), you can tap into the growing patient-to-patient networks that exist in Tucson. The best and most reliable networks for sharing medicinal marijuana, edibles, cookies and candies are Med-Link Mobile and A.B.C. Arizona's Best Caregivers. You can find links at the bottom of this article. Cannabis Marijuana Delivery

Craigslist is also another source for making patient-to-patient connections so that you can potentially open the door for better selection and variety from the various patient-to-patient medical marijuana networks in Tucson. Cannabis Store

Another option is to cultivate the medical marijuana in Tucson yourself. You can grow up to 12 plants somewhere in your house if it's locked and it's away from kids. If you don't have the room, time or interest to cultivate and grow your own medical marijuana, then you can exercise your option to have an Arizona Medical Marijuana Program Registered Caregiver grow it for you. This is usually somebody you know who is also a patient. This opens the door for some nice patient-to-patient strain growing sharing and variety in meds. Marijuana

ELIMINATING YOUR DEPENDENCY ON TUCSON'S BLACK MARKET

Other than utilizing a patient-to-patient network like Med-Link Mobile to find medical marijuana in Tucson or growing cannabis yourself, your options are limited. The good news is that you can obtain medical marijuana safely and without worry of getting into legal trouble. You can call Med-Link Mobile/A.B.C. Arizona's Best Caregivers in Tucson and join a conscientious and caring group of growers, caregivers and patients.

The Federal Government As Jabba the Hutt - Too Big and Too Slow to Get Anything Right

 

It occurred to be recently while watching television that the U.S. Federal government is really nothing more than the political incarnation of Jabba The Hutt from the Star Wars movies. As you may recall, Jabba was a formless, slow moving, overweight entity that ruled with an iron fist while devouring resources brought to him. He did not pay for anything, he just took them, and he was not there to help anyone but himself. Those he ruled over had no say in how their resources and wealth were used and had no chance in dislodging Jabba from his position of power. Kind of sounds like our political class currently sitting in DC. The Releaf Center

Jabba came to mind today as I thought about some recent occurrences in which the Federal government has gotten so big that it is doubling back on itself and putting itself in some very weird situations and conflicts with the reality of the world around us: Marijuana Near Me

- According to an article in the July 23, 2010 issue of The Week magazine, a Boston Federal judge has ruled parts of the Federal Defense of Marriage Act to be unconstitutional. This act forbids the Federal government from recognizing gay marriages and granting Federal benefits. The judge ruled that the Federal law forces Massachusetts to discriminate against it own citizens. Now for the weird part. the Obama administration is now forced to appeal the ruling, even though his administration and the Democrats in charge of Congress oppose the Defense of Marriage Act and want it repealed. The Federal government has gotten so big that it is expending legal resources for something that it does not want to exist in the first place. Recreational Marijuana Near Me

- This weird situation is similar to the current illegal alien situation. A recent Associated press article reported that the latest statistics relative to illegal border crossers shows that the Federal government recently had the highest levels of prosecutions for illegal aliens and the highest deportation levels of illegals since they started keeping track of such statistics but at the same time this same Federal government was in court fighting the new Arizona state law that was trying to stem the flow of illegal aliens into that state. Best Marijuana Dispensary

- Getting back to gay marriages, according to a July 15, 2010 Associated Press article, the country of Argentina recently became the first Latin American country to legalize gay marriage. The article reported that Chile and several other South American countries are likely to try and follow suit. Do we think that our Jabba, parading as the American political class, has any chance of making that happen in this country when it finds itself in court defending against gay rights? Cannabis Marijuana Delivery

- According to an article in the August issue of Reason magazine, since 1996 fourteen states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana use for medical purposes and several other states are considering doing the same. This is in direct conflict with Federal law which has sometimes resulted in Federal raids of medical marijuana providers which are illegal under Federal law but legal under state law. This is also in conflict with Obama the campaigner who wanted to decriminalize the drug when he ran for President but now defends the outlawing of it at the Federal level. Again, government has gotten so big that we have entered the weird zone regarding medical marijuana where it is legal at the same time as being illegal. Cannabis Store

- Speaking of drug conflicts, a recent Associated Press article reported that the Federal Veterans Affairs organization would allow its patients to use medical marijuana if those patients resided in the fourteen states where medical marijuana is legal. Thus, one arm of the Federal government (Veterans Affairs) is perfectly fine with medical marijuana use while other arms of the Federal government (FBI, DEA, Federal statue) wants to wipe it out.

- If you think the Federal government has a drug problem now, wait until the Oakland City Council votes on whether to allow industrial farming of marijuana to be established in city limits, industrial farms which would produce marijuana for medical use as well as for use in products ranging from baked goods to body oil. Winning applicants who would operate these farms would have to pay annual permit fees and eight percent of their sales to taxes as well as carry $2 million in liability insurance. Similar efforts are being pushed in other cities throughout the state along with a November ballot issue to legalize non-medical use of marijuana, according to the article. Now consider the contents of a short blurb in the July 23, 2010 issue of The Week magazine that reported on a Rand Study that concluded from their analysis that the legalization of marijuana would reduce the street price by up to 90%. Thus, the efforts in California may help reduce the street price of the drug which in turn would significantly reduce the power, wealth and influence of the Mexican drug cartels which would be a good thing. However, in the face of this good set of outcomes (more revenue for the local governments, less of a stigma of marijuana users, less law enforcement resources spent on busting marijuana users, the weakening of the Mexican drug cartels) do we think that the Jabba the Hutt beast in DC is nimble enough to understand what the benefits are or will it continue down its path of conflict at the Federal drug enforcement level?

- Consider a Washington Post article from May, 2007, entitled "Federal Loans Fuel Push For Coal Power Plants." The article discusses a leftover Depression era Federal program that provides low cost loans to build coal fired, high pollution power plants using taxpayer money. According to the article, "the [loan] support is a major force behind the rush to coal plants, which spew carbon dioxide that scientists blame for global warming." Thus, while the Obama administration is pushing a climate control bill in order to fight against global warming, the same government is funding power plants that do just the opposite. Makes no sense.

- A recent Associate Press article reported how the Feds had busted 94 people for defrauding the Medicare program. This was a good development but why was our Jabba so slow in getting these arrests done? Medicare fraud has been going on since the day Medicare started several decades ago, why did it take such a painfully slow time to start arresting the cheats? One of those arrested had filed over 3,700 fraudulent claims under her name before she was arrested, how slow can you get?

We could go on and on. The U.S. government has gotten so big and so slow, just like Jabba the Hutt, that its many folds of skin hide waste, stupidity and the doubling back on itself, i.e. government laws and actions in conflict with itself or the desires of those running the government. We could go on and on about how slow, ineffective, and wasteful our Jabba is, about how our Jabba never solves a problem whether it is insecure borders, failing public schools, escalating health care costs, etc., how our Jabba wastes untold billions of dollars on earmarks, useless initiatives, and fraud-infested programs, or how our Jabba does not know how to regulate the economy, resulting in sky high national debt levels and a very creaky economic situation with low growth and high unemployment.

Jabba is very bad for all of us but he is difficult to dislodge. Through the earmark process, the gerrymandering of Congressional districts, do-nothing campaign finance laws, and other methods, Jabba has many defenses against defeat in an election, defenses that even a Jedi light saber could not easily pierce. Long term, it is critical we begin to impose term limits on politicians so that they never again get as fat, slow, wasteful, and ineffective as Jabba The Hutt. Short term, this November is critical since it begins the process of voting out the Jabba incumbents and finally getting in some sleek, effective, and courageous Jedi warriors who will make the difficult decisions to get the size of government under control and make that downsized government more effective and less weird and less conflicted.

What Are Marijuana Medical Cards and What Do They Do?

 

With all of this news streaming around mainstream media about medical marijuana and marijuana medical cards, it can be tough to actually disseminate just what they are about, what they do, and how they may actually apply to you. Some people think that a marijuana medical card is just an easy ticket for people who are looking to use the drug recreational, when they are, in fact, a very strictly regulated part of a legitimate medical industry. Let's explore just what they are, what basic rights and legal protections that they afford to card holders and how you can get one if you qualify. Marijuana

Defining Marijuana Medical Cards

Think of these cards as state issued IDs that are very closely monitored and regulated by the Health Department in all 15 states and in DC where medical marijuana cards have been legally approved by voters. States have a need to closely track the patients, doctors and dispensaries that are a part of these "medical marijuana programs." In order to effectively do so, they have created an ID card system, where patients who have been approved by doctors for the programs are issued state IDs that allow them to legally use the medicine and access dispensaries where they can purchase it. This helps to regulate the industry. Marijuana Dispensary

What Legal Protections Do Marijuana Medical Cards Offer Holders?

Provided that the card holder is holding a valid card and abiding by the medical marijuana laws in their state - which vary from state to state slightly - they are afforded protection from legal prosecution for possessing medical marijuana. Most states have even created an electronic system for law enforcement to verify that a card is valid, so that they don't arrest a lawfully biding patient who is within their legal rights to use this natural medicine. Patients who are marijuana medical card holders can possess, transport and use - and in many cases also grow - medical cannabis for personal usage; or their caregivers who possess a card are afforded similar legal rights and protections, too. Marijuana Dispensary News

Getting a Marijuana Medical Card & Why It's Important

How can I get a medical marijuana card-If you are suffering from an illness that has associated chronic symptoms, medical cannabis may offer the relief that you seek. The only way to know for sure if it is an option is by seeing a qualified doctor and being evaluated today. Only a doctor who is licensed in your state can recommend you for marijuana medical cards. The only way to legally use this medicine is by holding a valid card in your state. Marijuana Edibles

Are Most Patients Who Get A Medical Card Faking?

 

Prior to marijuana experiencing prohibition in 1937, it was a significant part of the US pharmaceutical market. It was commonly prescribed in the early 1900's, because at that time it wasn't on a controlled substance list.

After the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, marijuana was not technically illegal but heavily taxed. Within 4 years, the US pharmaceutical market grew tired or paying the hefty taxes, so cannabis was removed from the market altogether. In the 1970's, it officially became a Schedule 1 narcotic, and illegal to prescribe. The Releaf Center

Sixteen states have legalized marijuana medicinally, and for various conditions. California, for instance, has the most lax rules with what medicinal marijuana can be recommended and ID cards received. Forty six percent of CA voters actually said yes recently to outright legalization. Medical marijuana has been legal in CA since 1996. Marijuana Near Me

In a recent survey of close to 2000 patients at multiple CA marijuana evaluation clinics, there was an interesting array of conditions patients maintained. Thirty one percent had chronic pain in the back, spine, or neck, with sixteen percent having a sleep disorder. Anxiety and depression amounted to thirteen percent. Eighty percent of these patients reported trying traditional medications (typically opioids) prior to marijuana. Recreational Marijuana Near Me

The fact they were trying regular prescription medications could argue against faking, but even people faking can often bilk the system to get narcotic prescriptions. The patients were asked if they had used marijuana recreationally prior to receiving patient cards, with 40% saying yes. Interestingly, studies have shown that approximately 30% of narcotic patients divert their prescriptions (selling or trading them), with the percentage spanning all socioeconomic classes. Best Marijuana Dispensary

Most states now require evaluation of a patient's medical records and an in-person physical exam for the debilitating qualifying condition. For instance, if a patient has Crohn's disease in a state that has legalized cannabis for Crohn's, there should be some medical records for it. If not, a workup should commence for it to make sure the disease is present prior to approving for medical marijuana. Cannabis Marijuana Delivery

So it is not exactly clear how many medical marijuana patients are faking. Based on the CA survey, we do not have a clear number. Considering the sheer number of patients in the US who doctor shop for narcotics and become illegitimate patients, if it's any way equivalent the number may be over 20%. This is speculation. Cannabis Store

One thing is certain though. Despite the illegitimate patients receiving ID cards, it is also apparent that medical marijuana represents a valid treatment than some of the more conventional existing treatments for numerous conditions. There are less side effects and often an ability to decrease the more harsh side effects of traditional medications by decreasing dosages.

Colorado Pre-Employment Drug Testing - Pot Users Prohibited

 

Many companies in Colorado have drug free policies in place at their businesses. It only makes sense that they should also require pre-employment drug testing as well if they want to keep drug users away from their companies. Colorado is the marijuana capital of the United States, with more dispensaries for medical marijuana than any other state. According to a survey printed in The Denver Post, Colorado has "twice the number of medical marijuana patients per capita as California." There are 20 medical use patients for every 1,000 residents of the state. Recreational Marijuana Near Me

Although this doesn't prove that anyone but those with documentation from their doctors stating that their medical conditions could benefit from the use of marijuana are getting pot from dispensaries, chances are pretty good that others besides medical-reason users are getting some of the goods. Even if they are not, millions of illegal marijuana plants have been removed from public lands in the state. Colorado's elimination of plants on public lands "has more than tripled in the past five years," according to the survey in The Denver Post. Between illegally grown pot and the possibility of getting it from medical users, caregivers, or others from dispensaries, it is an easy thing to get marijuana in Colorado. Best Marijuana Dispensary

Employers who do pre-employment drug screening are required to have their drug-free policy printed on their application or to inform job applicants of the policy at their first interview. This is good for both employers and pot smokers. Employers win by making their drug policy clear to the applicant and by letting the candidate know that drugs are not tolerated in the company. Job applicants win as well because they have the choice to withdraw their applications and search for a company to work for that is more lenient or even accepting of marijuana use. Cannabis Marijuana Delivery

Most employers who want to be sure that their employees are drug free probably do not think that a marijuana smoker is going to come into their business and cause a major disruption or shoot other employees. It is still within their rights to ban pot and all other drugs from use by their employees. After all, employment is by will and either party has the right to terminate it at any time. The employer has the right to keep the business free from drug users, even pot smokers, if that is his or her prerogative. Except for medical users, marijuana is still an illegal drug in Colorado. Cannabis Store

Is Medical Marijuana Really Medicine Or Just a New Taxable Commodity?

 

Even if you live in one of the states that hasn't yet looked into, or already legalized, the use of medical marijuana, there's no doubt, you've probably been hearing some of the talk about it on your nightly news. Currently, fourteen U.S. states have legalized some form of medical marijuana. Thirteen more have legislation pending which could soon make it legal within their boarders. So what's behind this shift in government policy and public opinion? Why are new signs of acceptance to the legalization of medical marijuana sprouting up almost daily? Can marijuana really be considered medicine and does this budding industry represent new and legitimate money making business opportunities for those looking outside the box for new sources of wealth? Or, is it simply another commodity our state governments can start taxing? Cannabis Store

If you take a quick look around, there are many signs that marijuana is slowly creeping into many of the radar screens of the financially strapped States throughout the country who seek new sources of revenue. With so many of our States struggling to balance their books, it appears as if many are looking to the legalization of medical marijuana as a means to generate new tax dollars to help alleviate budget wows. Marijuana

Just recently, The American Medical Association softened its stance on the drug, recommending that some federal controls on it be relaxed. In addition, the Obama administration has also recently reversed a long standing, Bush era policy and has said it would stop federally prosecuting medical marijuana users and suppliers who comply with their state laws. Is the value of this weed quickly growing? Marijuana Dispensary

Now, it seems as if many entrepreneurs are looking at this new industry as a business whose now ready for its' own "", and the numbers seem to back this up. Legal or not, marijuana is a huge cash crop. In California alone, marijuana generates annual sales estimated at $14 billion. Now, thanks to the state's increasingly liberal medical marijuana laws, more of that money, than ever before, is being spent legally. This is creating a demand for many new administrative, legal support and book-keeping businesses, to name a few, which are rapidly stepping up to cash in on this new and growing industry. There is already demand for more education and training in many states that have recently passed medical marijuana laws and entrepreneurs are coming forward with answers. Marijuana Dispensary News

Despite what your personal thoughts are regarding the legalization of medical marijuana, it is becoming clear that many who were once against it have now changed their views. You may be surprised to find out just who all is supporting this legislation. One of the nations top consumer advocates, along with many other prominent politicians, professors and business moguls, have all recently made statements, not only condoning the legalization of medical marijuana, but advocating it. With them, however, there are just as many and more, who still strongly oppose the use of this drug for anything. Legal or not. The Releaf Center

At this point, it appears the issue is not if, but when, the use of marijuana as medicine, will become widely accepted across the United States. Just like the Lottery, sweeping across the Nation over the past couple decades, the real question may not be how many States want to legalize medical marijuana, it may be, how many can afford not to? With so many of our States now suffering financially, perhaps what we should really be focussed on is whether or not marijuana is really an effective medicine or if it is just becoming another taxable commodity? Marijuana Near Me