Cannabis and Diabetes - What You Need to Know

Diabetes is a chronic disease that millions of Americans are currently struggling with. For some individuals, genetics can play a factor in the likelihood of developing the disease at some point in their lifetime. In 2020, the CDC estimated that there are approximately 34.2 million people in the United States that are currently diagnosed with diabetes. That is a lot of people! There is also a difference between the types of diabetes that people deal with. Type 1 diabetes means that the patient is insulin dependent and not able to produce their own insulin like a normal human body can. There are a variety of disease and physical ailments that are constantly affecting people in their daily lives, and it is really sad how diabetes can control people’s lives on a daily basis.

For people who have just been diagnosed with diabetes, the hardest part can be adjusting their lifestyle and habits to try to accomodate for the disease. If diabetes is not properly managed, it can create some serious health risks like heart failure, stroke, and other conditions that can result in death. So if you are worried about developing diabetes at some point in your life, you are not alone. Many new cases of diabetes are emerging regularly, and the number of adult cases in the United States has more than doubled in the last 20 years. So what are some signs that you may be developing diabetes?

Like most physical conditions and disease, diabetes has early signs that it may be becoming a problem. The signs become more severe overtime, and a lot of people do not even know that they are developing the disease until it’s already too late. There are lots of long-term health risks associated with diabetes. While high blood sugar does not necessarily sound like a huge problem on its own, it can create a whole host of other problems in the body that are a real issue for people with the diabetes diagnosis.

One of the health effects of diabetes is the cutting off of nerve endings, particular in the hands and feet. This explains why people with diabetes can sometimes experience numbness in their fingers and toes, which means they are not taking care of themselves in the right ways because they cannot feel pain. While some people think that this might be a really cool thing to not feel pain at all, it’s actually a huge issue. Another issue with diabetes is that it can block arteries in veins and arteries, which can actually be fatal.

So we always talk about how cannabis is great for managing a whole host of conditions and physical ailments. Certain diseases and chronic pains can be treated very effectively with the use of medical marijuana. Is that the case for people with diabetes? Can they use medical marijuana to treat some of their symptoms? Well, recent studies are being done more regularly about the effects of cannabis for people with diabetes. It is true that, since marijuana is just now becoming legal, there have not always been great studies done until now.

Since we have not had enough time to do proper research into the cannabis plant, we are still in the discovery period as far as what it is capable of. However, it is important to note that studies have shown cannabis may be able to help the body make cells that are more sensitive to insulin. This means that it takes less insulin to actually reach an acceptable level for the body to stay healthy. I hope this article helps!

Why the 1:1 THC and CBD ratios are the best.

Is 1:1 for THC and CBD the best way to consume cannabis? There is some anecdotal evidence that says that this ratio is best for the benefits of cannabis. It’s known as the golden ratio for cannabis, but why is that? They’re considered two of the most powerful anti-inflammatory types of ways to work together, and it helps to cultivate that entourage effect. Sativex for example is something that uses a pure 1:1 for a reason, and it actually is one of the best ways to beat muscle spasms from MS and other conditions. 

What is It? 

This literally means that the product has equal amounts of THC and CBD, and this is two of the best compounds that are there. Why people like this is simple: it’s tolerable, and it’s good for those who are sensitive to psychoactivity, and it dampens those effects. You should always pay attention to the THC content since it does impact the high feeling that you have. If a product for example has only 3 mg of THC and no CBD, it might be more psychoactive than something that has an even 100mg of both of these as well. You should definitely talk to your doctor and see how much you should be taking before you use these of course, and to get the best results that you can. 

Health Benefits 

This  is the best way to treat pain, especially neuropathic pain, but there are other benefits that come with this too. 

Some of these include: 

• Relieving stress 

• Insomnia 

• Reduction of spasms 

• Has some neurogenic properties possibly 

Whenever you consume any sort of THC though, you’re going to have a psychoactive experience. This risk can be controlled through the dosage and the right products, and also getting the right treatment. But if you go with a 1:1 type of product, you are at risk for the same potential effects that you may get with other ratios, although it may be a bit less for a few people: 

• Anxiety 

• Paranoia 

• Red eyes 

• Cottonmouth 

• Racing heart 

• Hallucinations or weird dreams 

• Headaches 

• Trouble sleeping in some cases 

This is something that’s more for those who take too much THC. Even though the CBD does help with mellowing out the effects, it does happen. 

Other Ratios? 

While 1: 1 is the best kind of ratio for this, here are other ones for you to consider. It’s not for everyone, and for some people, they may do better with products focused on THC, others may benefit from CBD focused products, and there is no specific dosage for medical cannabis at the present time. 1: 0 with THC only is good for those who have nausea and vomiting. Marinol for example is synthetic pure THC that’s for those who have nausea due to chemotherapy. Most of the THC only products are also good for relieving pain and reducing the presence of muscle spasms too in most cases. It is very psychoactive though, so keep that in mind. 

CBD only is pretty much just CBD, which is good for those with anxiety, reducing it and improving the sleep patterns. Some people just want CBD because they don’t want the THC psychoactivity that comes with this. Then there is 10:1 CBD and THC. This one is very high CBD, which does dampen the effects of the psychoactive effects of THC, but this can be very sedative in some cases, so keep that in mind if you’re someone who needs it. 

Can Cannabis Help With Type 2 Diabetes?

It’s no secret that many people are beginning to turn to medical marijuana to treat various health conditions when other options have run out. For some people dealing with chronic pain every day, they may not have effective medications to treat their pain and can no longer safely raise the dosage of their medication. Other people with chronic diseases may be having no success in trying many different treatment options and are beginning to feel like their options are running out.

In any of these cases, medical marijuana can be an extremely effective and natural way of treating pain or disease, and many patients find great relief of their symptoms in the first few days of using medical cannabis. So let’s talk about diabetes. Why is diabetes referred to as the “silent killer”? It’s because diabetes is normally impossible to detect in the body until it’s in its very latest stages.

What makes this worse is that Type 2 Diabetes is often easily diagnosed as other diseases that it mimics. This means that the disease can be doing lots of bad things to the body without a patient even knowing. Some states in the United States have added diabetes to their list of qualifying conditions to be accepted into the state medical marijuana program. This is because more and more research is coming out that shows the effectiveness of cannabis being able to treat diabetes in a variety of ways. Some states even allow doctors to personally decide if a patient is eligible for medical marijauna, simply by judging if it would benefit their physical or mental health. I think that this is a great way to allow patients to receive medical marijuana if they are in great need of it. So let’s talk about how medical cannabis can be helpful for patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

There are a lot of Americans who struggle with diabetes in their everyday lives. According to a recent study done by the CDC in the United States, there are currently over 34.2 million Americans who have received a diabetes diagnosis. To make things worse, 26.9 million of these people have the chronic disease. And if that’s not bad enough, it is also likely that as many as 7.3 million Americans have diabetes and may not even know and have not gotten treatment for it.

So how can medical marijuana treat diabetes? Well, there was a clinical study done by the Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience at the University of Milano-Bicocca. In this study, researchers wanted to see the potential effectiveness of cannabis on diabetes patients, specifically those who have Type 2 Diabetes. Research suggests that certain sativa strains with high cannabinoid content may be effective for treating diabetes. This is because most sativa strains have more than 60 unique cannabinoids and are also rich in phytocannabinoids content.

In our bodies, we have both CB1 and CB2 receptors that are responsible for feelings of pain and discomfort. In this study, researchers found that higher levels of cannabinoids in the body helped to increase levels of antioxidants in the body, which in turn helped to repair damaged tissues, optimize cell function and efficiency, and even ease some of the nerve receptors responsible for sensing pain. 

Not to mention, medical marijuana can also be extremely helpful for diabetes patients who are having problems regulating their mood and emotional health. If you did not know, many people who are hyperglycemic can experience increased levels of fatigue, stress, and anxiety that can make getting through the day hard. Using medical marijuana can help these people feel more relaxed and at peace throughout the day, as well as help them manage their pain and other uncomfortable symptoms of Diabetes. 

Can Marijuana Help With Anxiety

Anxiety is no rare occurrence in our world today. In fact, it is said that millions of people in the United States suffer from some debilitating anxiety disorders that make it hard to get through everyday life. Interestingly, there has been a lot of research that has been done to see the effects of cannabis on patients who suffer from stress and anxiety. There was a study done by the Washing State University that explored the impact of medical marijuana on stress, anxiety, and depression.

When the publication came out, the study concluded that inhaling marijuana in the short term can be an effective way to treat stress and anxiety, but that it can also be a potential risk of increasing depression in the long term. Where this research falls short is that it is done in a lab by a THC pill. The problem with this is that many people are used to smoking marijuana in their own homes on their own time, which is something that we can all agree sounds much more appealing than doing THC in a lab. In addition to this, other research has begun to show that smoking cannabis that is high in CBD and low in THC can actually lower the rate of depression among adults.

It is also important to note that marijuana is not a miracle drug. While it has amazing benefits and is a great alternative to modern medication and other treatment options, it also has its drawbacks, and depression caused by long-term use could be one of them. However, it is also important to note that there are so many other variables and factors at play that lead to depression, and marijuana is not necessarily the bad guy here. So what about stress and anxiety? Can medical marijuana be a solution to those conditions?

The answer is yes. In fact, the research is almost indisputable now. Numerous studies have shown that patients who inhale or consume cannabis experience a significant reduction in their feelings of stress and anxiety. And when you think about it, it just makes sense. After all, marijuana is a very natural and generally risk free drug that can allow people to properly relax and just take a load off. It is important to note, however, that some people seem to have increased feelings of anxiety when they are actively using marijuana.

This can be attributed to a variety of factors, and most people would agree that it also has a lot to do with the certain types of strains you use, how much of the cannabis has THC versus CBD, how much you consume, and many other factors. The environment that you are in also plays a big part in your levels of anxiety. If you are at home hanging out by yourself or with some close friends, you are more likely to experience a pleasant high than compared to if you are smoking at a party with a bunch of people you don’t even know.

Personally, I always have the best and most pleasing highs when I am sitting on my enclosed porch with some good buddies and a pizza. Either way, it is very evident that medical marijuana is an effective means of treating anxiety and stress if you know what you are doing. As for depression, there is not a significant correlation  between increased marijuana usage and increased depression. However, I would still argue that if you are going to use a substance to treat your depression, cannabis is a much better alternative than something like alcohol. Hope this helps!

Tricyclic Antidepressants and Weed

Tricyclic antidepressants are a type of antidepressants that are used to help with anxiety and depression, especially when Lexapro and Zoloft aren’t able to work. They are sedative, and some people may worry if they should be mixed with cannabis. There are a few concerns that do possibly come with this, including tachycardia, your blood pressure hiring, and increased anxiety, heart attack, and panic attack risk. But let’s look further at the different aspects of taking tricyclic antidepressants. 

What are they Exactly. 

These are basically the second line of these antidepressant medications which are used when the first set of this doesn’t perform. 

These include the following: 

• Asendin 

• Elavil 

• Norpramin 

• Tofranil 

• Vivactil 

• Sumontil 

• Sinequan 

• Quitaxon 

Should they be mixed? 

The simple answer is now.  It’s not advised to mix it, as it can possibly create some negative side effects. That’s also because THC and CBD also do desensitize your liver enzymes called P2C19, which is something that can cause major problems in the future, and it can impact how the antidepressant medications are metabolized, which is something that causes some pretty adverse side effects as a result of this. 

Are there benefits though? 

Well, for some people, cannabis may be the solution needed to get off TCAs completely, and there are a lot of compounds in it which are good for stress, including terpenes, cannabinoids, and your flavonoids, which play a major role in this. CBD is also a natural antipsychotic, and it can actually help with the psychoactive properties of this. However, there are some major things to be mindful of if you do combine this. 

They include the following: 

•  dry mouth 

• Constipation 

• Blurred vision 

• Urine passing issues 

• Dizziness 

• Drowsiness 

• Gaining weight 

• Too much sweating, especially night sweats 

These are but a few of the issues that can happen. 

One major thing that you should be mindful of, is your heart rate and the blood pressure you have. these can increase to levels that are so bad that it may cause you to have to go to the ER, and it does put you at risk for a heart attack. 

TCAs are also something that does contraindicate for a bipolar disorder condition, and it can actually trigger bipolar episodes a lot more, especially if you have rapid cycling as well, especially when compared to other kinds of drugs that you have as well. 

What to do if you have to use both? 

If you do need to use both, the first thing that you should do is talk to your doctor because it’ll help ensure that you get the right dosage for each of these conditions, and if there are problems, you want to make sure that you talk to your doctor right away. 

You should try to consider one over the other though. While you might need both, the problem with this is that it can cause a lot of negative results from this, including drowsiness, blurring of your vision, weight gain, sedation, sweating at night, and constipation. You should not mix TCAs with other kinds of antidepressants, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or even SSSRIs. 

You should try to avoid mixing both of these together period, as it can cause some major issues. You definitely will want to consider a few options as well. While you may need the TCAs, you also may want to look at alternative options for treatment, especially in the case of if you want to use marijuana instead, as it may be a better option for those who need it. 

Cannabis and Anxiety

It is no secret that we are experiencing more and more mental health crises in our nation today. A big part of this is related to anxiety. Trying to get through life with anxiety can be a really difficult thing to do, especially when one does not have the proper treatment options or coping mechanisms to work with. The other thing about anxiety is that it looks different for everybody. Some people struggle with anxiety depending on various situations going on in their life, and the anxiety will eventually go away once certain stressors are worked out or minimized.

Other people, however, struggle with anxiety on a more chronic scale. Anxiety disorders are becoming more and more common in the United States. Many states are now including anxiety as an accepted condition for receiving a medical marijuana card. If you are having a hard time getting through the day dealing with anxiety, it may be time to go see a doctor about getting your medical marijauana card. Anxiety disorders also have a way of manifesting themselves physically, and some people even experience awful physical side effects as a part of their chronic anxiety.

With all that being said, some states do not list anxiety as one of the qualifying conditions for applying for a medical marijauna card. In those states, people with mental health problems are petitioning and lobbying for a change of legislature that allows for more cannabis related anxiety treatment. More than 40 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with some clinical form of anxiety, and that is a huge increase in the last few decades. Anothe report also shows that there have been as many as 5 million suicide deaths worldwide caused by unmanaged anxiety dissorders. So where does cannabis come into the conversation? Well, I firmly believe that cannabis can be used as an effective means of treating and managing chronic stress and anxiety disorders. 

Cannabis strains fall into two categories: sativa and indica. Indica is the strain of marijuana that is most commonly used to treat symptoms of stress and anxiety disorders, because it has a natural calming effect and helps people relax and be able to sleep at night. Have you ever been so worried about something that you have not been able to sleep? Some cases of anxiety can even lead to chronic insomnia, since people are dealing with so much mental unrest that they are not able to stay asleep at night. Cannabis can be a great option for dealing with this. The indica strain of marijuana is great for helping people fall asleep and relax at night when dealing with chronic anxiety disorders. After all, we all know that not getting enough sleep at night is a great way to find yourself dealing with more stress and anxiety the next day.

The other thing that I will say is that generic prescription medications for treating anxiety and stress can be dangerous and have harmful side effects. Some of the most common medications used to treat mental health conditions are harmful in the way that they affect the brain and body in the long term. Not to mention, we are dealing with a serious opioid and prescription medication crisis in our country today. Why not turn to a more natural approach like marijuana? Especially because it is not addictive and does not have near the same amount of side effects as other commonly used prescriptions. 

Anxiety is becoming a problem for many adults in America. It is also found in several studies that women are almost twice as likely to develop some sort of clinical anxiety as men are. Cannabis may be a great solution for treating and managing anxiety.

Best Strains of Cannabis for Treating Migraines

Migraines are no fun for anyone, especially if you are someone who deals with them chronically. Chronic migraines can occur monthly or weekly, and for the unluckiest of individuals, daily. Migraines are very hard to deal with because there are not a ton of options for treating them. 

Most people who get migraines regularly will attest to the fac that over the counter medications will barely touch the pain. People like to try a plethora of home remedies in order to stop migraines, but treating a migraine is not an exact silence. Plus, the things that can trigger migraine are different for everyone. Some people get them from certain smells or foods, while other people can get them from certain lighting, whether, or hormonal factors. 

Personally, I get migraines when I do not eat or drink enough, combined with a lack of sleep or stress. But again, each person has a different set of triggers. There is not a lot known about what actually happens in the brain to trigger a migraine, but we do know that they are extremely painful and hard to get rid of. When I was younger, I often found the best way to get rid of migraines was to simply lay in a dark room and try to take a nap. 

However, as I have begun to use medical marijuana more often, I feel that cannabis is actually the most effective way to get rid of migraines. Have you ever used marijuana to get rid of pain? Tons of people rely on cannabis for dealing with chronic pain and diseases. It honestly makes sense when you think about it. 

Cannabis is a naturally beneficial plant when it comes to lowering inflammation and treating pain at the source, so taking it for migraines does not sound that far fetched at all. Have you been struggling with migraines recently? Migraines can make it hard to get through the day and just perform simple tasks at work or around the house. Maybe it is time that you consider using marijuana to treat your migraines. Today, we are going to be talking about some of the best cannabis strains that you can use for dealing with your migraines.

So is there any scientific evidence that supports the use of marijuana for treating migraines? Well, there is not much, but there is some. It can be hard to come across scientific studies and peer reviewed research about cannabis, given that it was an illegal drug for so long. However, there have been studies done into the effectiveness of using cannabis to manage and prevent migraines that suggests it can be really useful. These studies were done in 201 and 2017 and show signs of adults experiencing less severe migraines and less migraines overall after using cannabis for an extended period of time.The great thing about using medical marijuana is that you do not have to be boxed into using one product or one strain. 

In fact, there are over 700 strains of cannabis available in a plethora of products - edibles, whole flower, tinctures, oils, topicals, and more. You can use any of these products for treating migraines. So what are the best marijuana strains to use? The first one that we are going to be talking about is called Pineapple Express. You may have heard of this strain due to the popular movie with the same title. This strain is absolutely amazing for getting rid of pain and discomfort, especially migraines. It has a strong THC content that can be great for relaxing and relieving those painful migraines.