Dispensary Works, Author at Dispensary Works

Surprise! Genetics Influence Marijuana’s Impact on Your Body

Medical Marijuana and Genetics Have you ever wondered why the same cannabis strains or products can produce different effects in different people? You may be surprised to learn that genetics play a major role in individual responses to marijuana. Continue reading to find out exactly how genetics influence marijuana’s impact on your body. Here’s what you need to know. Why Does Cannabis Affect People Differently? In order to understand why cannabis effects can vary from person to person, it’s important to discuss how cannabis acts on the brain and body. Cannabis compounds, such as CBD and THC, interact with receptors within each person’s endocannabinoid system. By binding to and activating CB1 and CB2 receptors, cannabinoids can produce certain responses, including sleepiness, feelings of euphoria, hunger, pain reduction, and a number of other therapeutic effects. How Genetics Influence Marijuana’s Impact on Your Body Cannabinoid Receptors DNA-produced proteins are the foundation of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain. Accordingly, genetic mutations in DNA not only lead to inherited diseases, they can also impact how our bodies react to cannabis. In fact, researchers have identified 9 different variations of CB1 receptor proteins, and 4 mutations in CB2 receptor proteins. These differences have the potential to alter sensitivity to molecules like THC. Genetics Influence Outside of the Endocannabinoid System Our response to cannabis isn’t just based on how our genetics impact cannabinoid receptors. For example, a mutation in the Akt gene can also modify cannabis effects and make certain people more susceptible to impaired judgement and slow motor response after using marijuana. Additionally, variations in liver enzymes can impact how an individual processes and experiences cannabis that has been consumed orally, through edibles or tinctures. To learn more about effects of genetics and cannabis and which product and consumption method is right for you, please contact or visit Dispensary Works today.

Fired for Medical Marijuana Use? Think Again

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Medical Marijuana Use Bill Filed Many federal workers who benefit from the legal medical marijuana use fear repercussions and job loss. Some have even been fired for marijuana consumption. However, a new bill filed with Congress in March 2019 hopes to offer employment protection to these federal employees. Here’s what you need to know about the proposed the Fairness in Federal Drug Testing Under State Laws Act. What is the Fairness in Federal Drug Testing Under State Laws Act? The Fairness in Federal Drug Testing Under State Laws Act is a bill filed by Reps. Charlie Crist (D-FL) and Don Young (R-AK), along with eight other cosponsors. The act aims to protect employment and prevent adverse actions against federal workers who utilize medical marijuana use in accordance with state laws. How Can this Proposed Legislation Protect Employment and Medical Marijuana Use? Under current law, employees can be terminated or rendered ineligible for employment if they test positive for cannabis. With this proposed legislation, women and men who legally consume marijuana would no longer have to choose between receiving an effective form of medical care and remaining gainfully employed. This conflict is especially prevalent among military veterans who make up approximately 1/3 of the federal workforce. For many of these servicemen and women, medical marijuana offers relief from chronic pain and PTSD and serves as a much safer alternative to dangerous and addictive opioids. How is This Bill Different from Previous Version? The Fairness in Federal Drug Testing Under State Laws Act is different from legislation introduced by Crist during the 115th Congress in several ways. To start, this bill offers employment protection to workers that use marijuana in compliance with state laws as well as policies of Indian tribes and lands under free association with the U.S. However, it does not preclude probable cause drug testing if an employee is believed to be impaired on the job or nor does it apply to individuals seeking or in positions with top secret security clearance. Finally, this version of the bill states that individuals testing positive for THC metabolites would be safe from adverse personnel action. This language was added to clarify that workers aren’t necessarily protected from criminal punishments, as marijuana remains illegal according to federal law. To learn more about the benefits of legally consuming marijuana, please contact or visit Dispensary Works today.

Workers’ Comp Bill to Cover Medical Marijuana in Maryland

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Medical Marijuana News Maryland Medical marijuana experienced another win last month. A comp bill to cover medical marijuana in Maryland was passed by the state senate and could go into effect by October 2019. Find out how this legislation helps protect an injured worker’s right to include medical cannabis in his/her treatment plan as well as the bill’s restrictions. Here’s what you need to know about workers compensation and medical marijuana in Maryland. Is Medical Marijuana Covered Under Workers Compensation in Maryland? S.B. 854, sponsored by Sen. Robert Zirkin, D-Baltimore County, is a bill that was recently passed by the Maryland Senate to require employers and insurers to cover medical marijuana for workers compensation. This means that workers who are injured on the job or those with occupational illnesses or diseases would be eligible to continue receiving treatment with medical cannabis through workers compensation benefits. However, this coverage is contingent upon employees using medical cannabis in compliance with Maryland laws and written instructions from a physician who is authorized to prescribe medical marijuana. Does the Comp Bill Exclude Any Types of Accidents or Injuries? The comp bill also includes language stating that injuries, compensable hernias, or other work-related illnesses that are the direct result of an employee’s misuse of medical marijuana preclude an individual from workers compensation benefits. Accordingly, if an individual sustains a workplace injury after taking medical marijuana illegally or inappropriately, employers will not be held responsible for damages. When Does the Comp Bill to Cover Medical Marijuana in Maryland Take Effect? The comp bill to cover medical marijuana in Maryland was passed by the Maryland Senate on March 18, 2019. The legislation now needs to be passed in the Maryland House and signed by the governor. If these two steps are successfully completed, the bill would go into effect October 1, 2019. To learn more about the benefits of medical marijuana in Maryland, please contact or visit Dispensary Works today!

The Therapeutic Effects of CBD for Psychiatric Disorders

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Medical Marijuana Benefits Maryland Interest in the therapeutic effects of cannabis continues to grow, with much attention focused on CBD. In addition to being a safe and effective approach to chronic pain, medical marijuana in Maryland has also been recognized as a viable option for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Continue reading to learn all about CBD for psychiatric disorders, including the conditions CBD can treat, how it improves mental status, and its key clinical benefits. What Psychiatric Disorders Can CBD Treat? Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabis compound that interacts with receptors in the brain to improve mental health status, without producing psychoactive effects commonly referred to as a high. Accordingly, CBD is gaining acceptance as a non-pharmacologic approach to psychiatric disorders, with the ability to treat conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADD, ADHD, and PTSD. How Does CBD Help Alleviate Mental Illness? To start, CBD has been shown to positively act on parts of the brain that are adversely affected by THC – the cannabis compound associated with feelings of euphoria. Researchers also believe that CBD consumption helps improve mental health by increasing the availability of Anandamide, which is the body’s premiere endocannabinoid and produces positive effects on functioning and well-being. Benefits of CBD for Psychiatric Disorders One of the key advantages of CBD is that it’s said to have a similar pharmacologic profile as antipsychotic agents, but without the associated side effects. It can also serve a safer alternative to SSRI’s, which can contribute to a host of adverse events including suicidal ideation. Additionally, those within the scientific and medical community, who support the use of CBD for psychiatric disorders, contend that it is especially helpful for women and men suffering from PTSD. They point out that this issue is not just limited to military veterans, and it can affect those who’ve experience other types of trauma such as car accidents, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. To learn more about CBD for psychiatric disorders, please contact or visit Dispensary Works today!

Hot Button Topic: Medical Marijuana for Kids with Autism

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Medical Marijuana Benefits Maryland According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 59 children are living with autism spectrum disorder. While medication, therapy, and other forms of behavior modification have been effective for some of these children, others have not responded as well. Consequently, some parents are considering medical marijuana for kids with autism. Continue reading as we discuss this hot button topic. Is Medical Marijuana Legal for Kids with Autism? Autism is a developmental disorder that impairs ability to communicate and interact. It’s often referred to as autism spectrum disorder, as symptoms can vary widely from individual to individual. In severe cases, autism is not curable. Accordingly, 7 states have classified it as debilitating condition that’s eligible for treatment with medical marijuana. This legalization applies to both children and adults. Why Some Parents Are Seeking Medical Marijuana for Their Kids Some parents are turning to medical marijuana to treat their children’s autism. This is only after FDA-approved medications, dietary changes, and care of a psychiatrist and/or neurologist have been unable to alleviate their son or daughter’s symptoms. Although they acknowledge that the use of medical marijuana (in the form of cannabis-infused oil) is experimental and a last resort, a number report that the drug has notably improved their child’s behavior and mood, while reducing anxiety at the same time. Despite this positive anecdotal evidence, further research is needed to determine the benefits and risks of medical marijuana in these children. Future of Medical Marijuana for Kids With Autism After receiving a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense, the first large-scale clinical study on the use of medical marijuana for kids with autism will soon begin at The Montefiore Medical Center in New York. Researchers will evaluate the effects of cannabidivarin (CBDV) compound on irritability and repetitive behavior. Want to Learn More About Medical Marijuana? Contact us online or visit Dispensary Works today, and our knowledgeable budtenders will help you find the cannabis product that best meets your needs.

How Cannabis Can Help Treat Your Cancer Pain

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Medical Marijuana Southern Maryland Medical marijuana can help alleviate symptoms associated with a variety of physical and psychological conditions. In fact, cannabis has been proven to be especially therapeutic for individuals with cancer. Continue reading to learn all about cannabis for cancer, including medical marijuana’s effect on the body as well as research supporting its tumor-shrinking capabilities. Cannabis and Cancer Cannabis contains active compounds known as cannabinoids, which include THC and CBD. They are able to activate receptors throughout the body in much the same way as naturally occurring chemical in our endocannabinoid system. These capabilities enable cannabis products to affect physiological functioning, alleviating many symptoms, and decreasing tumor activity. Research Demonstrating the Effects of Cannabis on Cancer There have been numerous studies demonstrating the positive effects cannabis has. In fact, a 1974 article published in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute, was the first study to show cannabis’ anti-tumor properties. Researchers found that 20 days of THC treatment reduced primary tumor size in mice. Additionally, in 2000, Nature Medicine published findings supporting cannabinoids ability to shrink tumors in mice, without harming surrounding tissue. Finally, a 2017 report in International Journal of Oncology demonstrated cannabinoids’ anti-cancer activity when used alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy. What Symptoms Can Cannabis Treat? Although the therapeutic effects of cannabis for cancer are wide-reaching, it most notably helps reduce pain and inflammation and elevate mood. Medical marijuana has also been shown to have anti-nausea benefits, while also increasing appetite. Finally, cannabis products, particularly those containing THC, may assist patients in overcoming the psychological hurdles of cancer and offer an escape from their physical and mental discomfort. Want to Learn More About Cannabis as a Treatment Option? Contact us online or visit Dispensary Works in Southern Maryland today and our knowledgeable budtenders will help you find the cannabis product that best meets your needs.

Medical Marijuana Use Skyrocketing in Popularity Among Women

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Medical Marijuana Use and Women A new report has revealed that cannabis use skyrocketed among women in 2018. In fact, the number of women buying marijuana-based products in California increased by 92%, doubling their market presence. So, why are more women turning to marijuana? What products are trending? What are the perceived benefits of cannabis for women? Continue reading as we answer these questions and discuss the rise of cannabis use in popularity among women. Cannabis Use Trends Among Women Over the past year, the number of women using marijuana doubled, and they now make up 38% of all cannabis users. Of this group, baby boomers seem particularly attracted to CBD products, including face and body creams and bath bombs. Therefore, it’s not surprising that this demographic represents 8.4% of all CBD buyers and has been identified as the fastest growing group of marijuana consumers. The survey also found a strong preference for edibles among women, and that women were more likely to seek this method of marijuana consumption than men. Why Are More Women Using Cannabis? Improved health and wellness appears to be a significant factor in the rise of cannabis use in popularity among women. In fact, many women are now using marijuana as a routine part of their self-care. What’s more, social media influencers and celebrities’ promotion of marijuana has helped normalize use and educate women on its numerous advantages. Benefits of Marijuana for Women More women are turning to marijuana to help soothe aches and pains following a workout, alleviate depression and anxiety, and improve sleep quality. These benefits also made women less likely to use pills for symptom-relief. 71% of female cannabis users said that they’ve decreased purchasing of over-the-counter medication and 35% revealed a decline in prescription drug use. Want to Learn More About the Rise of Cannabis in Popularity Among Women? Visit or contact Dispensary Works today, and our knowledgeable budtenders will help you find the marijuana product that best meets your needs.

How Medical Marijuana Can Effect Your Security Clearance

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Medical Marijuana Maryland Despite its therapeutic effects, marijuana use, of any kind, is not allowed when applying for a security clearance. As many people know, medical marijuana has been linked to a number of health benefits, including its ability to alleviate pain and symptoms of Crohn’s disease, cancer, fibromyalgia, and epilepsy. But despite those benefits, it can still effect your security status. Continue reading to learn more about the conflict between prescribed use of medical marijuana and security clearance. Will Medical Marijuana Use Affect Security Clearance? Marijuana is considered an illicit drug, and its use is strictly prohibited to those applying for a cleared security status. This is true even for individuals that reside in states where medical marijuana is legal, and those that have medical marijuana certifications. What’s more, this ban on medical marijuana even extends to CBD oil, which doesn’t have psychoactive properties or produce a high, like THC. Nevertheless, the DEA recognizes any form of CBD as a derivative of marijuana, and illegal at a federal level. Federal Government vs. States Confusion surrounding medical marijuana and security clearance has a lot to do with federal law vs. state law. Since marijuana, medical or recreational, is still illegal in the eyes of the federal government, its use is problematic for your status. However, despite this stance, the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment passed in 2014, prohibits the Justice Department from targeting states in which medical marijuana is legal. This means that state-approved medical marijuana dispensaries cannot be subjected to federal raids. Future of Medical Marijuana and Security Clearance As a Schedule 1 drug, marijuana is characterized as having “no currently accepted medical use” and “high potential for abuse.” Nevertheless, ongoing research on the therapeutic benefits of cannabis has the potential to change the way that the federal government approaches medical marijuana and security status in the future. Want to Learn More About Medical Marijuana Use? Visit or contact Dispensary Works today, and our knowledgeable budtenders will help you find the cannabis product that best meets your needs.