WeedLife News Network

It can reduce anxiety, promote healing, and relax the body and mind. Here are some other ways athletes use cannabis to enhance performance.

Anna Symonds, Education and Partnership Manager for East Fork Cultivars, has been a  rugby player for 18 years and attributes a lot of her longevity as a professional athlete to cannabis. 

While she experimented with cannabis as a teenager, she discontinued this practice when she got more serious about sports. After she smoked with some teammates after a game, she experienced immediate healing and muscle relaxation. “I started to have this mental shift of seeing cannabis as medicine.” About five years ago after she got a back injury, cannabis proved to be the only thing that would provide her with pain relief and muscle relaxation, while increasing her functionality without the side effects from other medications.

Some time ago, Symonds observed how she would play better if she smoked the night before. “In addition, it  helped with the anxiety that comes before a competition, as well as relaxing the mind and body.” Also, the munchies enabled her to take in enough good calories so she could power up for the next day.

By microdosing before practice with a 1:1 full spectrum chocolate edible containing 1 mg THC, Symonds found the sweet spot where her pain would reduce and her mind would get into flow state where she was fully present and performing fully optimally. 

Mixing CBD and coffee is a fast-growing trend among CBD oil users — and for a good reason.

It’s more than just a commercial trend; there are real benefits to mixing CBD with coffee. The calming effects of CBD help reduce the unwanted side-effects of caffeine, such as anxiety and jitteriness. At the same time, CBD is able to enhance the mental alertness provided by your cup of morning coffee.

Would you try this win-win combo yourself?

Then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about mixing CBD and caffeine. We’ll cover the potential benefits, go over proper dosing, and share a few tips and tricks for using this combination to the fullest.

A Primer on Coffee, the Most Popular Stimulant on Earth

Coffee is by far the most popular stimulant brewed in the world. According to various estimates, people consume over 2.2 billion cups of coffee every day.

Despite Government’s declared intention to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana for personal use, the state’s main mental health institution is insisting on abstention except for medically prescribed purposes.

Director of the Psychiatric Hospital David Leacock said today his institution is firm in its position that no one should be using any type of narcotic drug whatsoever the amount.

“The hospital’s policy has been for the most part that we only believe marijuana should be used for medicinal reasons and prescribed by a medical practitioner. That still remains the case,” Leacock told Barbados TODAY this afternoon.

In fact, he warned Barbadians that marijuana poses a risk to the health of those who use it.

“We are not going to get into that discussion whether we think it is fair or unfair for those persons…whether it is within their rights to do or not to do. We deal from the medical side of things as far as how we see it, it does present a risk to persons if they are using marijuana,” the Psychiatric Hospital director stated.

It is recommended that people receive 8 hours of sleep every night.

Proper sleep plays a huge role in people’s overall health and wellness.

If someone gets the proper amount of sleep it means that they spend literally one-third of their life sleeping, which further highlights how important sleep is to humans.

Unfortunately, not everyone gets the proper amount of sleep each night. 

Poor sleep can significantly lower a person’s life expectancy via an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Cannabis strains aren’t as important as people think they are. Still, some key effects have been associated with sativas separate from others.

As two primary cannabis forms, sativas and indicas become associated with certain behaviors and effects. However, the value of these definitions has lost weight over time. Their effects are not as clear cut as the names sativas and indicas make it out to be, with experts now understanding the multiple variations inherent in cannabis plants, as well as how these variations impact people differently.

Even though sativa strains can change depending on the user, there’s a few effects that are associated with them. To have more certainty over these effects, your safest bet is to visit a dispensary and have an open talk with your budtender. That way you can discuss the effects you’re looking for and your level of experience with the plant.

Here are 5 of the most popular benefits associated with cannabis sativa strains:

Creativity

While indicas are associated with body highs, sativas are associated with head highs, which at times can translate to bursts of creativity and thinking outside the box. These strains tend to avoid any sleepy feelings, meaning that if you feel creative and high, you also won’t feel like falling asleep when trying to get something creative done. These strains are a good idea for when you want to do something expressive, whether that’s writing, painting or making a sculpture.

Connecticut could collect nearly $1 billion in taxes over five years if the state were to legalize recreational marijuana, according to a new University of Connecticut report.

A study by UConn’s Center for Economic Analysis estimated that in five years of recreational sales Connecticut could collect anywhere from $784 million to $952 million in new taxes, according to the Hartford Courant.

Since the COVID-19-fueled recession has hit the U.S., many states are looking at new ways to raise tax revenue.

Lead study author Fred Carstensen said that in addition to raising taxes, welcoming the recreational marijuana industry to Connecticut would also add 16,000 jobs to the local economy in five years.

If you haven’t heard, this weekend was big for football. Not only did it mark the first football season since the pandemic, but also the first season since the National Football League amended its labor agreement to cease the suspension of players who test positive for marijuana.

For a historically conservative league, the decision (made this spring) was a surprise, but one that made a lot of sense. Former players Nate Newton, Shaun Smith, and Mark Stenoski of the Dallas Cowboys, along Martavis Bryant of the Pittsburgh Stealers, Josh Gordon of the Cleveland Browns, and many others associated with the league admit to using cannabis before and after games, and former Denver Broncos star Nate Jackson has taken an outspoken stance against the NFL’s dismissal of the drug, writing an op-ed on the subject in the New York Times and working with the Gridiron Cannabis Coalition. In a 2018 interview with the Bleacher Report podcast, “The Lefkoe Show,” former tight end Martellus Bennett estimated as many as 89 percent of current NFL players use cannabis to decrease pre-game anxiety, ease the effects of concussion, and alleviate pain as an alternative to opioids.

“There are times of the year where your body just hurts so bad,” Bennett told Bleacher Report. “You don’t want to be popping pills all the time. There are anti-inflammatory drugs you take so long that they start to eat at your liver, kidneys and things like that. A human made that. God made weed.”

And it’s not just NFL athletes who have gone green. In 2014, snowboarding company executive Jim Alpine founded the 420 Games, an annual series of athletic events for those who use cannabis to reach their fitness goals, and at San Francisco’s Power Plant Fitness, gym trainers are working cannabis into their recommended fitness regimens. In his early career as a bodybuilder, Arnold Schwarzenegger had a habit of smoking before pumping iron, a part of his past that likely influenced his progressive marijuana policy as Governor of California.

The benefits of weed on athletic performance are little researched, but would make a lot of sense to anyone who’s tried cannabis before. Dr. Leigh Vinocur, Board-Certified Emergency Room Physician and Member of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, says there are several well-known effects of cannabis that some believe benefit a workout: 1) inflammation reduction, 2) anxiety reduction, and 3) protection of the brain (though, until further research is conducted on the subject, she does not recommend exercising or participating in sports high.)

(WWJ) A new University of Michigan study shows more young adults are vaping marijuana now than any time in the past four decades.

The annual Monitoring The Future (MTF) Panel Study shows the percentage of young adults (19 to 22 years old) who vaped marijuana at least once in a month’s time has jumped from 5% in 2017 to 14% in 2019 among full-time college students.

It has more than doubled from 8% in 2017 to 17% in 2019 among young adults not in college, according to the study.

The study revealed marijuana use among both groups is currently at 43%, the highest it has been since the early eighties.

Principal investigator of the study, John Schulenberg, said this is an extremely “worrisome” trend, considering the health risks that come with vaping and smoking, such as severe complications from COVID-19 and the addictive properties of the substances.

High-end cannabis has made its way to Jamaica's west coast, although that's not new news to anyone familiar with the destination.

Hedonism II, the iconic adults-only playground -- a clothing-optional, lifestyle-friendly, party-hardy resort in Negril -- opened its newest guest amenity earlier this summer.

HedoWeedo is its medicinal marijuana dispensary located within the resort although is independently owned and operated and not part of Hedonism's all-inclusive experience.

Hedonism II joins several other ganja-friendly resorts in Jamaica offering access to weed, including six properties near Negril and one near Port Antonio, under the GanjaVacations umbrella.

In the case of GanjaVacations, the marketing positions it thusly: "Looking for a cool holiday destination to chill, soak in some sun, get a little sand between your toes and score some righteous legal weed?"

One subject on which the generations definitely agree, however, is their mutual appreciation for and enthusiastic use of cannabis, according to a new study by U.K.-based Verilife, which hosts dispensaries n six U.S. states.

Even that appreciation, however, dissolves into generational differences, Mehul Patel, COO of Verilife’s parent company PharmCann, told LeafReport. “Cannabis bridges the generational divide,” Patel said. “Our recently commissioned Verilife study shows baby boomers are twice as likely as millennials to look to cannabis for medical purposes; and relaxation is the top reason for consuming recreationally for both generations.”

The study surveyed 1,000 millennials ages 24 to 39 and 1,000 boomers ages 56 to 74, from late May through early June. Among its more findings:

In terms of the differences in uses cited, medical use broke down to 22 percent for millennials, versus 50 percent for boomers.

Percentages of use by the two groups included: millennials and chronic pain, 27 percent, as well as migraines, 13 percent; and boomers and arthritis, 15 percent, and chronic pain, 13 percent. Boomers (60 percent) were much more likely than millennials (46 percent) to talk to a doctor before embarking on usage.

Numerous studies have revealed the many health benefits of incorporating CBD into your life.

In fact, even healthcare professionals are finally starting to acknowledge the healing properties that come with the drug.

Due to recent popularity, CBD is easily accessible and comes in a variety of forms.

There are coffees, teas, capsules, candies, creams, shampoos, and a stunning variety of products to suit every taste.

Whether you’re a newbie or an enthusiast, if you’re looking to incorporate some healthy CBD into your diet through innovative and creative products, you’ve come to the right place.

Including CBD in your skincare is so hot right now. It’s estimated to be a $580 million global market. But it may not just be a fashionable fad – research is indicating cannabidiol may be effective in treating a number of skin problems.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural chemical compound found in hemp and marijuana. The cannabinoid isn’t intoxicating, it won’t get you high and it is seriously gaining traction in the world of medicine for its potential to reduce the effects of anxiety, insomnia, pain, inflammation and some forms of epilepsy. Skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis may be next on the list of conditions treated or managed by CBD.

While many skincare treatments focus on the wellness angle, boasting CBD as a natural ingredient that soothes and calms skin, it’s likely that there’s a lot more to the use of serums or oils containing CBD. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD lend to its use in topical treatments that relieve inflammation or dryness, as well as being a option worth investigating for those with sensitive skin.

Promising for acne sufferers, research has shown CBD reduces the production of sebum; sebum being the oil secreted from glands present in skin. So, incorporating a CBD topical treatment in your skincare regime has potential to unclog your pores, while calming the redness and oiliness of your skin.

Studies looking into cannabinoids’ role in the management of the body’s response to injury and infection indicate that the use of CBD could treat and permanently fix skin problems while simultaneously reducing skin sensitivity. Unlike many other topical treatments that just temporarily soothe your skin, CBD might not just reduce your symptoms; it may get rid of them altogether.

Currently, there are 11 states that allow legal recreational use.

While this is a huge win, many cultivators and customers know that this victory comes with a price.

According to the Tax Policy Center, nine of the legal states are required under federal law to administer taxes based on percentage of retail or wholesale price, weight, and the drug’s potency.

If you live in Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, or Washington, these are the types of taxes that you’ll be seeing.

Check out the graphic here, courtesy of Certified Public Accountant and author of Cost Accounting for Dummies Ken Boyd, discusses why cannabis is being taxed and highlights the biggest contenders for the highest revenue.

There’s a lot of anecdotal evidence on marijuana use and studying. Does this practice provide any benefits?

Marijuana is the average co-ed’s drug of choice. While a lot of people encounter cannabis when they’re younger, it’s not until college that their stoner persona solidifies. New college students are entering a stage where they’re able to smoke to their heart’s content without worrying about their parents or teachers. It’s natural for them to want to smoke all the time.

Now that colleges and universities are back in session all over the country, it’s natural for the topic of marijuana and its effects on studying to surface. Like most things marijuana, your collegiate performance under the influence is mostly up to the choices you make and the way in which your body responds to the drug.

While a lot of people use marijuana to enhance TV and food consumption, people have started to enjoy other benefits of cannabis, such as enhancing creativity and minimizing anxiety. Depending on the dosage and strain you’re consuming, marijuana could either help you narrow your focus or provide you with ideas you wouldn’t have had while sober. If you’re studying with others, it might also encourage you to engage in deeper conversations, something that works if you’re the kind of person who learns by listening to others and talking through topics.

Photo by Caio via Pexels

There’s only one reason anyone would really care how long pot remains in the body (unless they’re a researcher or they’re writing an article like this one).

People wonder how long marijuana stays in their system because they’re concerned about having to take a drug test. And as you undoubtedly know, employers can use several different types of tests.

That’s why the question should really be phrased differently: how long can pot be detected in the blood, in the urine, in the saliva, and in hair?

The answer still isn’t easy, because there are so many variables to consider. How much has someone smoked or consumed, and how strong was the weed? How often do they smoke, and how much do they weigh?

And are you really concerned about how long cannabis stays in the body – or about the length of time that signs of cannabis can be detected?

Cannabis containing THC may not yet be legal in Hong Kong, or in most of Asia, but there is already a CBD cafe up and running in the Sheung Wan district. Currently in the soft-opening phase, the cafe will be fully open next month with a complete menu of CBD offerings.

Chic and stylish, Found, the region’s first CBD cafe, sells a full range of CBD-based cannabis products, including vials of CBD oil for personal use, powders to be added to foods such as oil and butters, and other products, including products for pets who need pain relief. They even sell CBD-infused beer and coffee for those who want to stay awhile in the cafe. 

The staff are said to be caring and compassionate, happy to help everyone from the seasoned CBD user looking for a specific product to tourists and folks who have no idea what CBD is or what it can be used for. 

“Most people are seeking help with sleep; we also have parents with children with epilepsy or cerebral palsy here who are using our products,” says Fiachra Mullen, co-owner of Altum International, the cannabinoids supplier in the Asia Pacific area that owns and operates Found.

Wellness Trends

Like many parts of the world, CBD has become trendy in Hong Kong with groups who practice yoga, mindfulness, and other self-care. Mullen also feels that CBD has become helpful for dealing with all the issues that come along with 2020. 

Cannabis rained down on Rabin Square in Tel Aviv earlier this week.

Hundreds of bags of cannabis were dropped by the “green drone” telegram group, reports The Jerusalem Post. The group advocates for the legalization of cannabis.

The group, which uses the slogan ‘free love,’ hinted at the operation in a post on the Telegram messaging app.

“It’s time my dear brothers. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the green drone, handing out free cannabis from the sky … Enjoy my beloved brothers, this is your pilot brother, making sure we all get some free love,” they noted.

With the threat of another COVID-19 lockdown looming, the group reported that the situation “requires thinking outside the box and coming up with new ways of getting cannabis to consumers.”

A senior’s body isn’t as strong as it once was, which can make exercise painful. CBD topicals can help them get past some of these barriers.

The magnificent mountains of the Pacific Northwest attracted Sylvia Cate to Portland, Oregon. She spent years scaling mountains and hiking for miles through the wilderness. Although the retired urban planner has hung up her mountaineering gear, she credits CBD topicals with keeping her on the hiking trails.

“Tendonitis. Arthritis. Metatarsal problems.” She ticks off the pain issues that were slowing her down before she discovered CBD topicals. “Now I just slather my feet in CBD lotion and into the hiking boots. My last hike was eight miles!” 

Cate’s experience with using CBD to keep in shape is not unique. As Ellyn Ford, president of CBD Revolution, observes, “We started making cannabis topicals for our own pain.” In her estimation, “The Baby Boom is a generation of aging weekend warriors, and we’re all looking for relief so that we can stay in the game.” 

Exercise is a key to longevity. However, a senior’s body isn’t as strong as it once was, which can make exercise painful. But Steven Phan, co-founder of Come Back Daily CBD, notes that using cannabidiol (CBD) as a topical can help them get past some of these barriers. “By interacting with our endocannabinoid system, CBD can be effective as an option to relieve pain.”