Wednesday, April 19th: 1 pm – 3 pm
5 Myths Debunked About Celebrating 420
The term 420 refers to cannabis culture and the consumption of cannabis, signifying either the time (4:20 pm) and/or the date (4/20) to celebrate the plant. 420 is also a widely known term that implies social acceptance of cannabis use or lifestyle. Since its inception, 420 has become a widely celebrated holiday on April 20th. In the days of counterculture protests, the celebration hoped to inspire many to advocate for legalization and reform, educate, normalize use, and celebrate cannabis culture. However, over the years, there have been quite a few myths about the celebration of 420. With the annual cannabis celebration coming up, here are 5 myths that have been debunked about celebrating 420. Myth: 420 Was Established to Honor Adolf Hitler’s Birthday Debunked: There is no connection between Adolf Hitler and 4/20 other than it’s the day of his birth. Hitler was born on April 20th, 1889, but other than an unfortunate coincidence of date, Hitler had no involvement whatsoever with the creation of the phrase or cannabis holiday it came to represent. Myth: April 20th is the Best Day to Plant Cannabis Debunked: Many cannabis growers choose to plant their crop in the spring for an autumn harvest, there is absolutely no evidence that suggests that planting crops on this particular date will have any effect on the potency or health of the plants. Myth: There are 420 Chemicals in Cannabis Debunked: Another common myth is that 420 refers to the number of active chemicals found in cannabis, including CBD and THC. However, this theory is incorrect as more than 500 chemicals and counting thus far have been discovered in cannabis. Myth: 420 is the Day Bob Marley Died Debunked: It is completely unclear where this myth came from but it holds absolutely no truth. Bob Marley, the legendary reggae singer, actually died on May 11, 1981. Myth: Bob Dylan Invented 420 in a Song A lesser-known theory about 420 refers to the Bob Dylan song “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35″. The song contains the lyrics “Everybody must get stoned,” referring to smoking marijuana. Another theory points out that the numbers 12 and 35 multiplied together equals 420. Again, these theories have zero evidence to suggest they are true but it’s entertaining to think about. Celebrating 420 in Maryland With Dispensary Works Create your own 420 stories with a medical card and visit our location. Dispensary Works is a Southern Maryland medical marijuana provider committed to providing the best cannabis product to patients as part of their overall health program. Our highly trained staff is here to help you select the best cannabis for your particular needs. If you would like to learn more about who we are and what we do, contact us today!
Can Medical Marijuana Help Treat Tourette’s Syndrome?
Tourette’s syndrome affects millions of people around the world. While few treatment options are available, there isn’t much optimism for symptom improvement. With new research emerging, though, many believe medical marijuana could help treat Tourette’s syndrome. Medical marijuana has been increasingly used over the last decade to help with physical and mental ailments. The list of benefits of medical cannabis is forever increasing. It is still too early in the research to be sure, but symptoms of Tourette’s may be next on the list. What is Tourette’s Syndrome? Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes unwanted muscle sensations, leading to motor and vocal tics. There isn’t an exact cause established yet, however, researchers believe it is both genetic and environmental factors involved. Most cases of Tourette’s have been genetically inherited. With TS, there are issues with the basal ganglia, along with the thalamus and frontal cortex. Since there’s a dense presence of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors in the basal ganglia, it’s understood that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is heavily involved in its function. Since it modulates this system, along with many others, it’s suspected that ECS dysfunction is in part to blame for TS. Can Medical Marijuana Help Treat Tourette’s? Researchers have suspected that medical marijuana could help with the symptoms of TS for decades. Back in 1998, a team of German researchers found that out of 17 patients who reported smoking marijuana in a 64-person TS study, 14 reported either partial or total relief[4] from their tics. Follow-up studies performed by the same team showed results consistent with this trend. Verbal and physical tics aren’t where the relief stops though. Many patients with TS suffer from sleep issues. As we all know, medical cannabis can be a wonder to help people fall asleep. While tics get more frequent during REM sleep, cannabis cuts down REM sleep altogether. Medical Marijuana and Treating Tourette’s Syndrome in the Future Even with the research that’s already been done, only the future knows what’s in store for the relationship between Tourette’s syndrome and medical cannabis. Clinical trials are still ongoing but there is reason to believe we can be optimistic about the outcomes. At the end of the day, we just hope that those with TS are soon able to access a truly effective treatment. Best Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Maryland Dispensary Works is a Southern Maryland medical marijuana provider committed to providing the best cannabis product to patients as part of their overall health program. Our highly trained staff is here to help you select the best cannabis for your particular needs. We are here to guide you as you uncover the world of marijuana. If you would like to learn more about who we are and what we do, contact us today!
Questions to Ask When Visiting a Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Maryland.
With so many different options for treatment, finding the right medical marijuana regimen for your needs can be a little overwhelming. Most of the hassle in finding the right strand is all about knowing the right questions to ask. Here we explore the various questions to ask when visiting a medical marijuana dispensary in Maryland. What Are My Symptoms? This may seem like a common sense question but it’s important that you know exactly what you are getting treated for so. That way, we can help you in as specialized a way as possible. There are a wide array of different cannabis strains that are each designed to relieve distinct symptoms so we want to ensure that we are matching you with a strand that will best serve you. What Benefits Am I Looking For? With so many different strands, you have an offering of different benefits. It can be helpful to think about this question in terms of what activities you’re looking to do while high. Strains in the Indica category help to de-stress while Sativa lends an energy boost. Best Way(s) to Consume? Between tinctures, edibles, vaporizers, and traditional smoking, there are many different ways to consume medical cannabis. Don’t be afraid to try a few options to find your favorite. Our employees are equipped with the knowledge and are happy to help answer any questions you may have about the process of each. Ask about flavors too! Some cannabis strands can have a fruity flavor, while some have a stronger odor. Whichever you prefer, we’ll help you find a good fit. How Do I Know What Dose Is Right For Me? Doses vary from one person to the next, but our employees are trained to offer support on all levels. We recommend starting with a small amount of product and increasing (or decreasing) until you’re satisfied. Should I Be Worried About Side Effects? It is completely normal to be nervous, there really isn’t anything to worry about. Our employees are very knowledgeable and are here to assist you in any way. Best Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Maryland Dispensary Works is a Southern Maryland medical marijuana provider committed to providing the best cannabis product to patients as part of their overall health program. Our highly trained staff is here to help you select the best cannabis for your particular needs and to guide you as you uncover the world of marijuana. If you would like to learn more about who we are and what we do, contact us today!
Can Medical Marijuana Help Treat Sickle Cell Disease Pain?
In recent studies, medical marijuana has appeared to be effective in helping with the pain associated with Sickle Cell Disease. According to a fairly new clinical trial’s results, co-led by University of California, Irvine (UCI) researcher Kalpna Gupta and Dr. Donald Abrams of UC San Francisco, cannabis could have wide-reaching effects. Opioids are currently the primary treatment to ease the chronic and acute pain suffered by those afflicted with sickle cell disease. Because of the increasing opioid epidemic, many doctors are looking to explore other options when it comes to pain management. What is Sickle Cell Disease? Sickle Cell Disease, or SCD, is a common inherited blood disorder that effects the shape of the red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout the body. In sickle cell anemia, some red blood cells are shaped like sickles or crescent moons. These sickle cells also become rigid and sticky, which can slow or block blood flow. An estimated 70,000 to 100,000 Americans are effected by this disease. There is no cure for sickle cell disease except for a bone marrow or sickle cell transplant. Medical Marijuana and Sickle Cell Disease “These trial results show that vaporized cannabis appears to be generally safe,” researcher Kalpna Gupt, a professor of medicine on the faculty of University of California Irvine’s Center for the Study of Cannabis. The trials also suggest that sickle cell patients may be able to mitigate their pain with cannabis. It also suggests that cannabis might help society address the public health crisis related to opioids. Researchers evaluated the participants’ pain levels throughout the treatment period and found that the effectiveness of cannabis, which contained equal parts THC and CBD, appeared to increase over time. The study period lasted five days. In that five-day period, the participants reported that pain interfered less and less with their activities. These activities included walking and sleeping. There was also a significant drop in how much pain affected their mood. While there are more tests and research that needs to be done, medical marijuana seems to show signs that help decrease chronic pain. Best Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Maryland Dispensary Works is a Southern Maryland medical marijuana provider committed to providing the best cannabis product to patients as part of their overall health program. Our highly trained staff is here to help you select the best cannabis for your particular needs and to guide you as you uncover the world of marijuana. If you would like to learn more about who we are and what we do, contact us today!
Cannabis and Crohn’s Disease in Maryland
Many aspects of cannabis have displayed potential usefulness in treating Crohn’s disease, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Some of the benefits of using medical marijuana to help with Crohn’s disease are the following: Because the benefits of using cannabis for Crohn’s disease symptoms vary, in this article, we will go over some of the most frequently asked questions about cannabis and Crohn’s disease. How Does Cannabis Affect Crohn’s Disease? Some of the main effects that may occur when using cannabis for Crohn’s disease are improvements in pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. A study in 2011 reported that all 30 patients with Crohn’s disease who consumed marijuana reported an experiential decrease in their disease activity, and about 60% showed a significant reduction of symptoms. Is CBD good for Crohn’s disease? There haven’t been many studies done on CBD and its effectiveness as a treatment for Crohn’s disease. One small study found that CBD oil taken in pill form may also help relieve Crohn’s symptoms. More research is needed, but many patients have claimed CBD provides relief. Can THC help Crohn’s disease? The marijuana plant has been shown to help relieve pain, nausea, anxiety, and chronic inflammation symptoms related to Crohn’s disease. However, much more research is needed to support these findings. Best Dispensary for Medical Marijuana in Maryland At Dispensary Works, we are a Southern Maryland medical marijuana provider committed to providing the best cannabis product to patients as part of their overall health program. Our highly trained staff is here to help you select the best cannabis for your particular needs and to guide you as you uncover the world of marijuana. If you would like to learn more about who we are and what we do, contact us today!
Medical Cannabis and Opioid Use For Chronic Pain
Over the past couple of years, medical cannabis has become a topic of conversation when discussing treatments for chronic pain. More and more patients are turning to medical marijuana instead of long-term prescription opioids to relieve chronic pain and for a good reason. According to data published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open, medical marijuana consumption helped patients decrease their daily use of prescription opioids. Medical marijuana can be an effective alternative to addictive opioid pain medications. Opioids can come with unpleasant side effects and withdrawal symptoms. The relationship between medical cannabis and prescription opioids might not be as complex as researchers originally thought. Medical Cannabis and Opioid Use Relationship “The relationship between cannabis and opioid use is among the best-documented aspects of marijuana policy,” NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said. “In short, the science demonstrates that marijuana is a relatively safe and effective pain reliever. The science also shows that patients with legal access to it consistently reduce their use of prescription opioid medications.” Research published earlier this month in the same journal reported that nearly one in three patients with chronic pain use cannabis as a pain reliever and many of those who do substitute in place of opioids. In clinical trials, researchers with the State of New York University at Albany discovered that vaporized medical marijuana was shown to increase the pain-relieving agents of morphine and oxycodone in patients with chronic pain. This information opens the door to the possibility of using lower dosages of prescription opioids. Not to mention, lowering the dosages of prescription opioids could also mean fewer side effects. Treating Chronic Pain in Maryland Suppose you suffer from chronic pain, and you’re looking away from pain management that depends on prescription medications, including opioids. Medical marijuana may help you decrease your dependence or completely eliminate the need for these addictive painkillers. At Dispensary Works, our highly trained staff is here to help you select the best cannabis for your particular needs. We are here to guide you as you uncover the world of marijuana. If you would like to learn more about who we are and what we do, contact us today!
“Wake and Bake” | Benefits of Smoking in the Morning
“Wake and bake” refers to the consumption of cannabis shortly after waking up. Although it’s not for everyone, incorporating marijuana into a morning routine isn’t uncommon. According to the 2017 Global Drug Survey, over 20% of American cannabis enthusiasts partake within one hour of waking up. “Wake” means waking up and “Bake” is slang for the feeling of being high. While some people might not find smoking in the morning to be useful, there are some benefits to using marijuana in the morning. Effects of Using Marijuana in the Morning Consuming marijuana in the morning can feel much more intense. A lot of the information around “wake and bake” practices isn’t scientifically proven, people speculate that the increased intensity could be due to fasting during the sleep period. When the body has been without nutrients for hours, cannabinoids have no other processes or chemicals to compete with. Another logical explanation is that the high just feels more intense. Many of us tend to be groggy or lethargic when we first get up in the morning. Combining our natural drowsiness with the sometimes-sedative effects of marijuana might intensify that effect. Emerging research does point to a potential chemical reason for why the effects of an early morning joint might feel much more potent than one smoked in the evening. Every individual has an endocannabinoid system composed of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. One study found that the levels of anandamide, a major endocannabinoid in this system, are three times higher when waking than at the end of the day. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. It makes sense that if three times more of these neurotransmitters are in action, the effects of cannabis may be more powerful. How to “Wake and Bake” the Right Way Here are a few tips to help medical marijuana users to have an enjoyable experience. Benefits of Smoking in the Morning Positive effects of consuming medical cannabis in the morning include: Best Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Maryland If you’re considering “waking and baking,” we recommend starting slowly. Select a strain you’re familiar with that has given you a stimulated or energetic feeling in the past. At Dispensary Works, we are a Southern Maryland medical marijuana provider committed to providing the best cannabis product to patients as part of their overall health program. Our highly trained staff is here to help you select the best cannabis for your particular needs and to guide you as you uncover the world of marijuana. If you would like to learn more about who we are and what we do, contact us today!
Can You Donate Plasma If You Smoke Medical Marijuana?
While recent cannabis use can disqualify you from donating plasma, possessing a medical marijuana card does not. Medical marijuana can be detected on drug tests for up to 90 days depending on the testing method. If the organization requires a cannabis-free drug test and the results are negative, you may still qualify to be a plasma donate. Medical Marijuana and Plasma Donation You can donate plasma if you use medical marijuana but not if you’ve consumed it recently. With that being said, not all organizations test for the presence of THC and cannabis prior to your donation. The American Red Cross, for example, does not test for the psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, the organization asks that you adhere to an honor system and not present yourself for blood donation if you have recently consumed marijuana. In addition, the American Red Cross discourages people who have used synthetic marijuana from donating plasma. According to the American Red Cross, synthetic weed may contain anticoagulants that contaminate plasma and make it unsafe for recipients. What About Donating Blood? Yes, you can donate blood. Just like alcohol, or any other controlled substance, you can not donate blood while under the influence of cannabis. What Can Disqualify You From Donating Plasma? Medical marijuana isn’t the only thing that could disqualify you from donating plasma. Below is a list of reasons that could disqualify you from donating plasma. Medical Marijuana and Donating Plasma in Maryland Marijuana users in good health may be qualified to donate plasma and blood if cannabis is not detectable on a drug test. Blood banks may disqualify you from plasma donation if you have certain medical conditions or have recently used cannabis. Dispensary Works is a Southern Maryland medical marijuana provider committed to providing the best cannabis product as part of our patient’s overall health program. Our staff includes experts in the science and production of cannabis as medicine and are here to help you select the best cannabis for your particular needs. To learn more about who we are and our services, please contact us today!
gLeaf Pop-Up Event
Wednesday, February 22, 2023. 2:00 – 4:00 pm
