CU Boulder’s CHANGE Lab has been working over the past several years to finally observe the potential benefits and risks to marijuana consumption, something that has previously been studied very little. Kent Hutchison, a psychology professor and cannabis researcher in CU Boulder’s CHANGE Lab, became frustrated with how little was known about the effects of marijuana when his elderly mother attempted to use marijuana to ease her chronic pain and consistently was given conflicting advice depending on what dispensary she went to. The same thing also occurred when Hutchison’s wife tried to... Read More

We are always looking for ways to take care of our physical health, whether it’s with a new supplement or exercise routine, or simply living a better lifestyle. But we don’t always give the same care and attention to our mental health, which is just as – if not more – important. Without being at peace mentally, the mind can play tricks to make life more difficult or even unbearable. With the World Health Organization now estimating that depression affects 300 million people around the globe, and National Institute of Mental Health figures showing that about 40 million American adults (around... Read More

With CBD known for helping to reduce pain and inflammation, many seniors are wondering whether this non-psychoactive compound could help to relieve symptoms of arthritis. And there are now a few scientific studies which suggests that it can. But just what is CBD, how can be it used to manage arthritis, and are there any side effects to be wary of? We’ll answer all of that and more in this post. Hemp-based CBD products are sold all over the United States, and because of the low THC content, they aren’t subjected to prohibition like cannabis. While CBD is just one compound of more than 400 in... Read More

Recently, a show aired on Viceland called “Bong Appetite.” It is all about cooking with weed and all the amazing recipes weed can be incorporated into. In order for weed to have it’s psychoactive effects, the THC needs to be prepared certain ways, but I am curious about the non psychoactive benefits of eating raw cannabis and if ingesting raw cannabis has medicinal benefits as many other raw herbal medicines. According to an article by Delilah Butterfield in Feb, 2016, there are many nutrients in raw cannabis such as vitamins, essential oils and cannabinoid acids. The cannabinoid acids, THCa... Read More

Evidence is pointing towards weed being great for easing chronic pain, however, it can be overwhelming selecting the most effective strain. My research this week began with the question in mind, “ What are the best strains for pain, and is there scientific evidence to make a determination?” As of today, there’s no official database on the thousands of new strains being created when it comes to cannabis, but scientist, Mowgli Holmes is currently undertaking the huge task of marijuana DNA sequencing. According to an article in Newsweek, Holmes has collected close to 2000 different specimens... Read More

THC and paranoia Paranoia. It is that term you often heard associated with smoking weed all your life, and perhaps have even experienced it. A study in 2014 set out to find out if THC is the cause of paranoia, as well as if THC could help identify the mechanisms that contribute to paranoia. 121 participants ages 21 to 50, with paranoid ideation received a placebo, THC, or THC preceded by a cognitive awareness explanation, in which participants were educated about possible effects prior to administration (Antley et al., 2014). Paranoia in this study was defined as the individual experiencing an... Read More

As most of us know, the Endocannabinoid system is the reason cannabis does its magic in our systems. It consists of fat Endocannabinoids and their receptors, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), and the enzymes that regulate Endocannabinoid levels. There are multiple systems that the ECS engages with, but researchers are witnessing huge contributions within the gut. The ECS has a much greater impact on our daily lives than previously imagined. When cannabinoids such as cannabis, and others reach the cannabinoid receptors, their functioning changes and a study by Acharya et... Read More

In August of 2016, the DEA made an announcement that they would be rescheduling the herb Kratom as a schedule I narcotic right along with Cannabis. I had discovered Kratom shortly before this happened, and could not understand why they would demonize this herb in the midst of an opioid epidemic where people are dying from pharmaceutical drugs prescribed by Doctors. Many people use Kratom to stay off deadly prescription medicines, but there are many who use it for it’s many health properties. Kratom and Cannabis are completely different substances, but share many similarities. Kratom is actually... Read More

There are thousands of herbs being utilized for various medical ailments and these are not going anywhere soon. In fact, tradition is finally being examined scientifically, and the discoveries of herbal combinations for ultimate health benefits are being revealed. Cannabis and Chili Peppers: In April 2017, researchers featured in the journal of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that both capsaicin and marijuana are both interactive with the same gut receptor. This receptor is TRPV1, and both capsaicin and marijuana cause the cells to produce Anandamide, which was found to have... Read More

Ode to Gorilla Glue #4 Even in the medically legal, decriminalized state of Illinois where we still have to go underground unless suffering from a debilitating medical condition, many varieties are still available. While there are always decent choices around, the pickings are not nearly as vast as the recreational states I’ve visited. So while I have access to decent weed, it is extremely rare that a strain will affect me so much that I feel compelled to write about it to a large audience. Gorilla Glue #4 is hands down one of the most potent, beautiful, and interesting strains I have ever come... Read More