What happened in US states after medical cannabis laws were established? Did opioid overdoses increase, remain the same, or go down?

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Any business owner can tell you that starting a company involves copious amounts of paperwork, fees, and taxes. Now, add marijuana legislature to the mix, and your efforts will have to increase tenfold.

Remember to leave room in your budget for legal consultation, because in all likelihood, it will save you a lot of trouble and headache later on if you’ve got a lawyer on your side.

2. Can You Handle the Stigma?

The fact of the matter is, even if marijuana is becoming more widespread, there’s still a huge stigma associated with cannabis usage.

The “stoner stereotype” is what many people envision when they picture someone smoking cannabis – never mind the countless individuals who rely on it for medicinal purposes. This prejudice can be found more often than you realize; for example, many banks or organization don’t acknowledge or recognize marijuana businesses because of the confusing legalities surrounding the industry.

On a more personal level, if you start a cannabis-based business, would your friends and family disapprove? If they criticize your business venture, will you be able to handle it?

Some individuals wouldn’t care, and follow through with their dreams even if others look down on it. But not everyone can handle the disapproving links or snide comments made by their peers or loved ones.

At the end of the day, it all depends on how tough your skin is.

3. Are You Willing to Hustle Hard Before You See Any ROI?

To a degree, this point can be said for anyone who wants to start a business: how hard are you willing to hustle? Many businesses don’t see a return on investment for the first several YEARS of starting and managing a company. Are you willing to see zero potential gains for an unforeseeable amount of time? It’s a risk that any entrepreneur must consider.

4. How Will You Differentiate Yourself?

Legal or not, the marijuana industry is getting quite oversaturated. Everyone’s jumping on that cannabis app-based delivery train or what have you. Can your business venture bring something different to the table?

Perhaps you are not entirely reinventing the wheel, but rather approaching something from a brand new angle or fresh perspective. Being able to differentiate yourself from your competitors in a way that appeals to customers and meets or excel their needs will greatly increase the likelihood of success and longevity.

Figure 3: Photo by Merelize

If You’re Still Interested – Then Go For It!

At the end of the day, I’m not trying to discourage one from joining the cannabis industry. In fact, I highly encourage it – it’s definitely exciting, and I earnestly believe that there’s still plenty of room for newcomers. But it’s hard work.

I personally hate the “stoner stereotype”, and it pushes me to work harder because I want to prove to others that people who enjoy cannabis and work in the marijuana industry aren’t necessarily lazy couch-potatoes.

To a certain degree, I also want to spread awareness to other cannabis enthusiasts that working in the pot niche isn’t ALWAYS fun and games. It’s WORK, just like every other “fun” niche. Many people assume if you work for the entertainment or recreational industry that your work is all play and no hustle, but nothing could be farther from the truth.

Do your research first and foremost, and if you still want to partake on your cannabis-related dreams – then more power to you!

What are your best tips for someone thinking about starting a marijuana business? Any budding entrepreneurs want to share their experience? Let us know in the comments below!

About The Author

Nicola Yap lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her two cats and works as an organic marketing strategist at Eminent SEO, a high-quality cannabis marketing agency that handles digital marketing plans, web design and development, and digital marketing strategies for marijuana brands.

The post 4 Points to Consider Before You Start Your Cannabis Business appeared first on Natural Revolution.

RELATED: How to Find High-Quality CBD Oil and Weed Out The Fakes

The post The Essential Cannabinoid Reference Chart appeared first on Natural Revolution.

Have a look at the video below to get a good idea of how the Pax 3 works.

The post PAX 3 – A True Dual-Use Vaporizer for Dry Herb and Extracts appeared first on Natural Revolution.

“There is now a Cannabis Caucus in DC… and if even an 83 year old Republican from Alaska has come around on this issue, then it is probably time for our laws to catch up”, said Oliver.

Since it’s launch in February, members of the Cannabis Caucus have lead the way in the fight for sensible marijuana policy by introducing a number of bills that would end federal prohibition and support states efforts to set up regulated markets for medical and responsible adult use.

Now, more than ever, it is time for Congress to take action. Jeff Sessions recently said, “I’m definitely not a fan of expanded use of marijuana. States, they can pass the laws they choose. I would just say it does remain a violation of federal law to distribute marijuana throughout any place in the United States, whether a state legalizes it or not.”

Well, Congress can change that.

Indicating to reporters that a federal crackdown is forthcoming, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said “I’m definitely not a fan of expanded use of marijuana,” he said. “States they can pass the laws they choose. I would just say it does remain a violation of federal law to distribute marijuana throughout any place in the United States, whether a state legalizes it or not.”

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer suggested that the Trump administration will step up enforcement of federal laws against marijuana. “I do believe that you’ll see greater enforcement,” Spicer said, and added that the exact policy is “a question for the Department of Justice.”

With public support for reforming marijuana laws at an all time high, Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Jared Polis (D-CO), and Don Young (R-AK) have formed the first-ever Congressional Cannabis Caucus to develop and promote sensible cannabis policy reform and work to ease the tension between federal and state cannabis laws.

The post Watch John Oliver’s Smackdown of US Failed Policy on Marijuana Prohibition appeared first on Natural Revolution.

Anyone who knows about our support of cannabis and the numerous studies, mostly from Israel whose ongoing research points to a myriad of health benefits from the use of cannabis, this article seeks to offer both sides of the debate on whether smoking versus vaporizing cannabis is the best choice, backed by information that is available from researchers, doctors, and heads of cannabis organizations and institutions that are experts in the field of cannabis.

There is research that shows vaporizing cannabis as a safer method for consuming it which studies claim can reduce respiratory toxins and carcinogens that can occur when it is smoked. When you factor in cannabis that is grown with pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and other byproducts that can be released in smoke from its combustion (fire), still organic cannabis has been found, when smoked, to contain some of the same carcinogenic compounds contained in tobacco smoke.

Conversely, vaporizing cannabis allows a person to receive all of the components such as THC, and other cannabinoids such as CBD that is available within a specific strain of cannabis, minus the combustion toxins, specifically polycyclic hydrocarbons such as benzopyrene which is highly carcinogenic that ordinarily takes place through combustion and during consumption of smoked products including cannabis.

Trending: Ultimate Guide to The Best Vaporizers for Cannabis

The main source of atmospheric benzopyrene is residential wood burning. It is also found in coal tar, in automobile exhaust fumes (especially from diesel engines), in all smoke resulting from the combustion of organic material (including cigarette smoke), and in charbroiled food. (Source) Think about that the next time you throw that shrimp on the barbie!

One side of the cannabis coin

Donald P. Tashkin, MD — Director of the Pulmonary Function Laboratories at the University of California, Los Angeles and has been studying the effects of cannabis for over thirty years states:

“With regard to the carcinogenic potential of marijuana, it is noteworthy that the tar phase of marijuana smoke contains many of the same carcinogenic compounds contained in tobacco smoke, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benz[a]pyrene, which was recently identified as a key factor promoting human lung cancer… Preliminary findings suggest that marijuana smoke activates cytochrome P4501A1, the enzyme that converts polycyclic hydrocarbons, such as benz[a]pyrene, into active carcinogens.

Although it is true that smoking marijuana carries no immediate risk of death, there may be serious adverse effects in the very patients for whom medicinal marijuana is most commonly considered.” (Source) – Mar. 1997 – Donald P. Tashkin, MD

Dr. Tashkin found that regular smoking of marijuana by itself causes visible and microscopic injury to the large airways that are consistently associated with an increased likelihood of symptoms of chronic bronchitis that subside after cessation of use.

However, it’s important to point out that he also found that the evidence does not indicate that frequent use of marijuana leads to significant abnormalities in lung function when assessed either cross-sectionally or longitudinally, except for possible increases in lung volumes and modest increases in airway resistance of unclear clinical significance.

Dr. Tashkin’s research also indicated no clear link between marijuana use and the development of COPD or lower respiratory tract infections.

In addition:

“…findings from a limited number of well-designed epidemiological studies do not suggest an increased risk for the development of either lung or upper airway cancer from light or moderate use, although evidence is mixed concerning possible carcinogenic risks of heavy, long-term use,” Dr. Tashkin notes. (Source)

More findings from smoking cannabis

Dale Gieringer, PhD, State Coordinator of the California National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), stated in his 2004 article “Cannabis Vaporizer Combines Efficient Delivery of THC with Effective Suppression of Pyrolytic Compounds,” published in the Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics, where he compared the chemical constituents of marijuana smoke (from a glass pipe) with marijuana vapor (from a vaporizer machine):

“Aside from the cannabinoids, only three other compounds were tentatively identified in the vapor gas, and one in the solvated condensate. THC accounted for a nominal 94.3% of the inferred estimated mass [of vaporized marijuana]…

Comparison runs using combusted [burned] cannabis presented a strikingly different picture… Review data from the gaseous headspace detected 111 tentatively identified compounds, including THC and CBN. Included were five known PAHs [polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons]. Cannabinoids represented only 12% of the inferred recovered mass; the remaining 88% consisted of extraneous products of combustion.” (Source)

The other side of the cannabis coin

On the other hand, while these carcinogens have been found from research in the smoke of combusted cannabis, researchers cannot conclusively to find the link between cannabis and lung diseases.

Though the cannabis and lung health debate persists, two pieces of recent research have undoubtedly shaken things up. The first came out in 2012, from researchers working on a long-term study on the risks of cardiovascular disease. During their 20-year study, the scientists tested the lungs of 5115 young adults.

Their findings were a quite astonishing. Tobacco use was associated with lung decline. But, moderate marijuana smokers had positive results on lung function. Specifically, those who smoked cannabis had increased lung capacity. The study authors conclude:

“Marijuana may have beneficial effects on pain control, appetite, mood, and management of other chronic symptoms. Our findings suggest that occasional use of marijuana for these or other purposes may not be associated with adverse consequences on pulmonary function.

It is more difficult to estimate the potential effects of regular heavy use, because this pattern of use is relatively rare in our study sample; however, our findings do suggest an accelerated decline in pulmonary function with heavy use and a resulting need for caution and moderation when marijuana use is considered.” – CARDIA (Source)

The next groundbreaking study was published in 2015 by Emory University. This study looked at cumulative lifetime cannabis use and lung health. The researchers tested the exhalation capacity of light, moderate, and heavy smokers. They found that cannabis smokers were able to smoke one joint a day for up to 20 years before they showed signs of lung decline.

“Lifetime marijuana use up to 20 joint-years is not associated with adverse changes in spirometric (exhalation strength) measures of lung health.” – Emory University, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Source)

There are obviously multiple conclusions as to whether smoking vs vaporizing cannabis is safe or not and you get to choose which study you find is more robust and holds weight as to its accuracy. And although there have never been any reports of deaths or lung disease from smoking cannabis, there reportedly are some risk factors associated with smoking.

While cannabis and lung cancer don’t go hand-in-hand, heavy smokers still have some risks to consider:

• Trouble Exhaling: Heavy smokers that crossed the joint-a-day for over 20 years threshold lost some of their capacity to make full, forced exhalations. (Source)
• Inflammation: Long-term, heavy smokers also had more inflammation in the small air pathways in the lungs. This can cause asthma-like symptoms later in life. (Source)
• Coughing: An increase in symptoms of bronchitis-like coughing, sore throat and shortness of breath. (Source)

Some other considerations

While it may seem obvious, it’s easy to forget that when you smoke cannabis, you’re breathing in hot, smoldering plant materials into your body. In stark contrast, some vaporizers that have temperature settings, use just enough heat to activate the cannabinoids in your flower or wax without combusting it, avoiding a scorched itching throat many times associated with smoking cannabis that’s been lit up with fire.

Rolling papers and the products you use to smoke may also be to blame for some of the lung irritation. Rolling papers may be processed with bleach or other chemicals, damaging your lung tissue. Switching to a vaporizer would avoid all of these risks as well.

Check out this infographic below to learn more about the effect of Smoking Vs Vaporizing cannabis.

Photo credit

Cannabis vaporizers allow smokers to inhale the many healthy active cannabinoids that are contained within the dry herb or wax, while at the same time avoiding any of the possible harmful elements that may exist if smoked.

To learn more about vaporizers and what types are best for cannabis and what forms of cannabis can be used in them, check out our Ultimate Guide to The Best Vaporizers for Cannabis.

Either way you look at it, there still needs to be more research that can shed light on both sides of the cannabis debate. But what is very clear, is that cannabis has incredible healing properties and anyway that you may choose to consume it, its benefits far outweigh any risks that some limited research has pointed to.

Did you enjoy this article? If so, kindly share it and let us know what you think in the comments below. We welcome your input!

The post Smoking Vs. Vaporizing Cannabis – Know The Facts appeared first on Natural Revolution.

Cancer has been a scourge on society for longer than most care to remember, with little to no positive outcomes in conventional chemotherapy treatment.

Though there are chemotherapy patients who use traditional chemical and radioactive therapies have survived their cancer, the overwhelming statistics that show chemo kills more than heals is something one must consider before attempting to go the western medicine route.

The findings of the many studies that show cannabidiol (CBD) can kill cancer cells is a promising therapy that may benefit from it by incorporating into their treatment plan.

BigPharma is trying to corner the market by capitalizing on CBD and turning a natural substance into a synthetic form so they can sell it at outrageous prices. That’s their motto. It’s important to not get trapped in BigPharma’s trap that will have you addicted to their drugs, which oftentimes do more harm than good.

CBD from cannabis, particularly Hemp which have a higher concentration of CBD than varieties with high THC in them, which is legal in all 50 states in the U.S.

CBD not only treats cancer but a host of other ailments and diseases as well. Multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury, neuropathic pain, cancer, atherosclerosis, stroke, myocardial infarction, hypertension, glaucoma, obesity/metabolic syndrome, depression, anxiety, and osteoporosis are a sample of some of the many diseases in which CBD has been demonstrated as a new therapeutic strategy aimed at fighting cannabis.

Watch this video which shows how CBD kills cancer.

General

The post Studies Show CBD Treats Many Forms of Cancer appeared first on Natural Revolution.

Alexis Bortell poses with Jason Cranford and Haleigh’s Hope plant

According to a press release on Alexis Bortell’s Facebook page, the 11-year-old is suing the U.S. federal government.

Alexis Bortell is a self-proclaimed medical marijuana advocate who was born and raised in North Texas before moving to Colorado to gain legal access to medical marijuana to treat her seizures. She has a following of over 22,000 fans on her Facebook page, which was formerly known as “Team Alexis” and is now simply called “Alexis Bortell.”

She has a following of over 22,000 fans on her Facebook page, which was formerly known as “Team Alexis” and is now simply called “Alexis Bortell.”

Since starting treatment there, she has gone over 800 days without a seizure, has been featured in numerous documentaries, and has spoken at conventions and even written a book on the benefits and uses of medical marijuana.

Alexis Bortell poses with Jason Cranford and the Haleigh’s Hope plant. This is the strain Alexis’s oil is made from, and Cranford is the man who makes it.

“Most Texas Legislators don’t seem to care enough to fight for patients, so I will do it,” Bortell said. “I am only asking to be treated like everyone else and no one is listening to patients like me. Maybe now they will.”

Her hope to have medical cannabis reclassified

According to the press release, the lawsuit states that “plaintiffs demonstrate that the Federal Government does not, and could not possibly, believe that cannabis meets the definition of a Schedule I drug, which is reserved for the most dangerous of substances, such as heroin, LSD and mescaline.  By way of comparison, cocaine and crystal meth are considered Schedule II drugs and are thus considered less addictive and less dangerous.”

Along with 11-year-old Alexis Bortell, those bringing the complaint forward include retired Super Bowl Champion Marvin Washington, who hopes to open a business that allows players to treat with medical cannabis.

Then there’s 6-year-old Jagger Cotte, who suffers from Leigh’s Disease; disabled military veteran Jose Belen, who uses marijuana to control his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Lauren Rudick is a member of the law firm representing Cannabis businesses and the Cannabis Culture Association.

The defendants in this case will be the United States federal government, the Drug Enforcement Agency, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and Administrator of the DEA Chuck Rosenberg.

The lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York District Court and await a response.

Learn more about Alexis’s journey from Texas to Colorado click here

This story first appeared on www.thedentonite.com

Did you enjoy this article? If so, kindly share it and let us know what you think in the comments below. We welcome your input!

The post 11-year-old Sues Federal Government to Legalize Medical Marijuana appeared first on Natural Revolution.

Every cannabinoid is different and has its own medical benefits. However, there are two “most famous” compounds which have captivated the public’s attention for years: THC and CBD.

Regardless of the fact that CBD has been extensively promoted in mainstream medicine, both of these compounds have various health benefits. As more and more patients are looking for “organic medication”, marijuana and its cannabinoids are becoming the preferred choice.

In general, both cannabinoids are present in almost all strains, but their ratios can vary. So, while one strain, rich in THC, is good for one medical condition, a strain with high CBD levels can treat something else.

Let’s explore each of these powerful cannabinoids in this detailed infographic by Greencamp.

Infographic by GreenCamp.com

THC in Recreational and Medicinal Use

Tetrahydrocannabinol, or commonly known as THC, is the main psychoactive compound of marijuana, meaning — it’s the one that makes users high by inducing euphoria.

This is what most recreational users are looking for in marijuana and hence often choose strains with higher THC levels.

But what is lesser known is that THC also has a wide variety of therapeutic benefits.

It has been proved that this chemical compound increases appetite, which is why it’s also used in treating eating disorders such as anorexia.

THC is a very popular painkiller, which is something that even clinical studies proved. There are a number of strains that are proven to relieve neuropathic and chronic pain, spasms, and inflammation.

More than that, cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy (as well as HIV/AIDS patients) are often advised to use marijuana rich in THC to relieve side effects of aggressive therapies.

All the Benefits of CBD As a Medicine

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most prominent cannabinoid in marijuana but is not psychoactive like THC. It does not make users feel high, but instead, it produces slight body buzz-inducing relaxation in all ways.

CBD has become very popular recently for its medical application. In fact, it has become a common unconventional treatment for anxiety, PTSD, and other psychological disorders. Furthermore, CBD is also known for being effective in killing bacteria and relieving insomnia symptoms.

CBD is often the main ingredient in many cannabis oil extracts and has gained this popularity in the past several years.

However, despite its wide range of medical purposes both THC and CBD are still illegal in most countries around the world.

THC and CBD Have a Lot in Common

Although it may seem at first that the two cannabinoids are completely opposite, CBD and THC do have a lot in common. In fact, marijuana strains are very often made so that the two cannabinoids complement each other.

The preclinical research has shown that CBD reduces the psychoactive effect of THC. That’s why medical (and recreational) strains are made with a different ratio of THC to CBD.

Author Bio:

Helena Miles is the content manager at Greencamp and has been writing and researching about health benefits of marijuana for several years. In her spare time, she is taking dance classes and reading as much as possible.

The post THC vs CBD Infographic — Effects, Differences, and Similarities appeared first on Natural Revolution.

Marijuana advocacy group Sensible Florida created the ’’Regulate Florida’’ campaign to support the 2016 version of the measure, Florida Cannabis Act #16-02 which may appear on the ballot in Florida in 2020 as an initiated constitutional amendment that will include, among other things, legalizing the recreational use of cannabis and growing your own cannabis plants, with limiting quantities.

“Regulate Marijuana in a Manner Similar to Alcohol to Establish Age, Licensing, and Other Restrictions” is the full name of the ballot initiative.

The amendment would legalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana by residents at least 21 years old. Residents would also be allowed to cultivate up to six plants per household, but only three or fewer plants could be mature or flowering. The plants would need to be grown in “an enclosed, locked space,” and users would not be permitted to sell the plants they grow.

Without your help in signing this petition, an estimated 400,000 patients in Florida, including children, will continue to suffer at the hands of corrupt politicians and state regulators by keeping this medicine from being accessed by all who need it to ease their pain and suffering.

The petition needs over 700k petitions to qualify to be considered to be on the 2020 ballot. This is why it’s so important for everyone who is a Cannabis Warrior to help in this much-needed effort.

The proposed ballot summary is as follows:

BALLOT SUMMARY: Regulates marijuana (hereinafter “cannabis”) for limited use and growing by persons twenty-one years of age or older. State shall adopt regulations to issue, renew, suspend, and revoke licenses for cannabis cultivation, product manufacturing, testing and retail facilities. Local governments may regulate facilities’ time, place and manner and, if state fails to timely act, may license facilities. Does not affect compassionate use of low-THC cannabis, nor immunize federal law violations.

Download the petition here: www.dos.elections.myflorida.com/initiatives/fulltext/pdf/64837-2.pdf

After you download and sign the petition, please mail to:

Sensible Florida, Inc.
PO Box 25850
Tamarac, FL 33320

If you’d like to learn more about the ballot, visit www.ballotpedia.org/Florida_Cannabis_Act_(2018)

You are encouraged to print as many petitions as you can, either by your own, or with a group of friends or acquaintances, gather signatures at shopping malls, grocery storefronts, large retailers like Walmart, Target and other places that have a high volume of people like concerts, parties, and other events.

By helping in this worthwhile endeavor, you will potentially be helping over 400,000 sick patients who are living with the challenges of their illness every single day in Florida, who will absolutely benefit from the use of this miraculous plant – let compassion and empathy for patients rule and reclaim the right to have what the creator gave to us all!

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends to get the word out.

The post Proposed Florida Ballot to Allow Growing Cannabis and Regulate Like Alcohol appeared first on Natural Revolution.