All posts by James Johnstone

Will Our Future Be Built From Hemp?

Meet Mary, the toast of the town…

With pop starlets lighting up joints at awards ceremonies, politicians pushing for more  Marijuanarelaxed laws relating to cannabis, doctors reporting promising new findings as a result of their medical marijuana trials and everyone from athletes to actors stepping up to share their weed-imbued experiences with the press, there is no doubt that ‘Mary Jane’ is well and truly getting her share of the limelight in the news;

Whilst the bulk of cannabis reportage centres around the medicinal and recreational use of this natural resource, another movement is stirring, which looks set to change our world on an industrial scale…

The hemp revolution has begun

The incredibly useful, but less glamorous side of the cannabis plant: Hemp – is making headlines of its own, particularly given the range of amazing breakthroughs that have been made in recent years regarding the effectiveness and economic viability of this eco-friendly resource.future_hemp_manufacture

Some commentators have speculated that we are currently living in a renaissance age, where breakthroughs in manufacturing techniques and innovations in building materials point toward hemp playing a leading role in creating a cleaner, greener world for future generations.

Thanks to the efforts of environmentally-friendly, carbon-neutral companies like Europe’s leading industrial hemp firm, HempFlax, Hemp is now the go-to material for responsible manufacturers looking to make their products and business practices greener and friendlier to the planet than ever before.

A world of possibilities

Hemp is now not only a viable alternative to more conventional materials – in many cases it can be even more effective than the original resources that it is replacing:

  • Hemp-based bedding for animals absorbs moisture and odours, resists mould and produces far less dust than more conventional alternatives, such as sawdust.
  • Some of the world’s biggest automotive manufacturers already embrace hemp plastics as a green way of building their interior car components: These plastics possess an extremely high energy absorption level, which means that they are surprisingly strong for their weight.  Given the successful use of hemp in this capacity, manufacturers are now designing concept cars which make much more extensive use of this natural resource.
  • In the construction sector, natural hemp-based insulation materials are revolutionising our built environment, with their effective blend of heat, noise and cold insulating, moisture-regulating and health-protecting properties.
  • Hemp oil can be refined into a multitude of products, such as leather treatments and substances for protecting animal horns and hooves, where it’s nourishing and anti-bacterial properties are a huge boon.
  • Aside from finding its way into our built world, hemp could end up becoming the fuel of future industry: Literally – Biofuels which use hemp as a main constituent are becoming ever more efficient sources of power, so not only will future vehicles be made from the stuff: They could end up being fuelled by it!

The future is green

Many consider hemp to be nature’s perfect plant: A gift which has a multitude of uses, with none of the harmful side-effects of less eco-friendly materials.

As attitudes and industrial practices change, it is looking increasingly likely that hemp may hold the keys to a cleaner future for everyone on the planet.

Disclaimer

This topical blog post has been prepared for educational purposes: We ask all of our readers to respect and obey the laws of their country.

Which Cannabis Strains Are Best For Medicinal Purposes?

All across the world, a movement is sirring…

Whilst the medical benefits of cannabis have been known and documented for thousands of years, some of the biggest advances have only just been made, over the course of the past few decades.

Today, thanks to the efforts of a select few breeders, doctors, researchers, patients,

Jack Here - The champagne of strains

Jack Here – The champagne of strains

campaigners and the medical marijuana community as a whole, we now posses a much greater understanding of the herb and its potential for treating a myriad of illnesses and their symptoms: From multiple sclerosis to brain cancer, epilepsy to glaucoma.

Sadly, there is no such thing as a ‘silver-bullet’ medicine which will treat all ails: However, there are a number of top-quality strains available today which have been specially bred for medicinal use…

Isn’t all cannabis useful for medicinal purposes?

In order for any cannabis strain to be considered effective for medicinal use, it needs to possess an adequate percentage of active cannabinoids.

Sensi Skunk - A superior strain

Sensi Skunk – A superior strain

As with all medicines, the potency, chemical composition and dosage of a prescribed course of cannabis will differ from person to person: However, as long as the herb being used isn’t industrial hemp, it could potentially be used for medicinal purposes, given that the healthcare professional prescribing the medicine has deemed it to be a suitable strain for the individual being treated.

That being said, some strains have been specifically bred for different kinds of medicinal applications – these will typically fall into one of three main categories:

  • Indica Strains: Strains with Indica genetics will typically possess high concentrations of CBD and THC, making them useful for treating muscular spasms, pain, insomnia and anxiety: They are known to produce a relaxed set of body-focussed, sedative effects.
  • Sativa Strains: Sativa plants are known to possess high concentrations of THC,
    Jamaican Pearl - A caribbean treasure

    Jamaican Pearl – A caribbean treasure

    which makes them useful for producing energising, stimulating effects on the mind. They are typically used to treat depression, nausea and chronic pain.

  • Hybrid Strains: A number of the most effective medical marijuana strains are hybrids: Their effects differ from strain to strain, but they are often balanced to accentuate the best features of both sets of parent plants.

Three of the best medical strains known to mankind

The world’s top medical marijuana breeders have created plenty of classics over the years, but these three heavy-hitters are revered by experts across the world as being some of the finest medical strains around…

Jack HererÂŽ

This 55% Sativa / 45% Indica cross is a cup-winning legend that is known by many as ‘the champagne of strains’ – More than this, it is recognised and prescribed by pharmacies throughout The Netherlands as a certified medicinal-grade strain.

Sensi SkunkÂŽ

As an 80% Indica variety, this superior strain from the legendary Sensi Seeds is a potent cross whose easy-growing characteristics and low cost combine to put high-grade medicine within the reach of the masses.

Jamaican PearlÂŽ

As an 85% Sativa strain, this strain possesses a high concentration of THC, making it perfect for treating a number of diverse medical conditions: It is known for its potency, consistency and mouth-watering tropical flavour.

Disclaimer: When it comes to any form of medical treatment, we urge all of our readers to seek and follow advice from a qualified healthcare professional and to adhere to all of their local laws.

Uruguay: Paving the Way for the Rest of the World?

This year, a green revolution is stirring in South Americas’s 2nd smallest nation…

Uruguay's Motto: Liberty or death

Uruguay’s Motto: Liberty or death

 Uruguay: A modern Utopia?

Despite taking up a fairly modest amount of space on the map and having a relatively small population (just over 3.3million, as of 2011), the country of Uruguay has some stats which would shame many larger, wealthier nations around the world:

  • In 1997, Uruguay was the first country in the Americas to provide complete digital telephone coverage from border to border.
  • In 2009, Uruguay became the first country in the Americas to provide a laptop computer for each and every one of its primary school pupils as part of the ‘One Laptop per Child’
    An enlightened approach to cannabis

    An enlightened approach to cannabis

    project

  • Today, Uruguay contributes more on a per-capita basis to the UN peacekeeping forces than any other nation on earth.

Statistics like these paint a picture of a liberal, progressive, peace-loving and forward-looking nation that looks set to grow from strength to strength as the 21st Century progresses.

More recently, a controversial bill has allowed Uruguay to go down in the history books as the first country in the world to allow cannabis to be cultivated, sold and consumed legally: But will this prove to be a crowning achievement, or a failed experiment?

An englighted approach to cannabis

Uruguay is a country on the cusp of a revolution: But far from being a violent movement,

paradise on earth?

paradise on earth?

this uprising looks set to be a pretty mellow affair…

By re-thinking its laws when it comes to regulating the cultivation, trade and consumption of cannabis, officials in Uruguay hope to clamp down on illegal drug trafficking and narcotic-related violence.

The first steps towards a state-controlled marijuana market are already in effect:

  • Following the approval of the new bill, a special board will be set up in order to regulate the quality, quantity and pricing structure of the newly legalised herb.
  • Cannabis seeds breeders, growers and traders will have to apply for special licences in order to legally cultivate and sell marijuana.
  • Uruguayans over the age of 18 will be allowed to purchase a controlled-quantity of cannabis (up to 40g per month) frm licenced outlets, once they register their details on a national database.

This innovative approach is already inspiring lawmakers across Latin America, who are looking for bold new ways to re-think their policies, with the aim of lowering drug-related crime and violence.

$1 per gram for legalised cannabis – is this the price of freedom?

Uruguay’s motto: ‘Freedom or Death’ might give you some clues as to this nation’s mind-set when it comes to protecting its citizens’ liberty: But, given the bargain-basement prices being suggested for legal weed, has this country gone too far with its drugs laws?

  • By keeping the prices of state-controlled legal cannabis fixed at extremely reasonable rates, the Uruguayan government plans to cut illegal drug traffickers out of the picture together, meaning that higher-quality, afer produce can be readily purchased by its citizens.
  • Licensed cannabis purchasers are limited to a monthly cap, with registered citizens being allowed to grow uup to six plants in their homes annually: It is hoped that this will encourage responsible use.
  • It has been argued that controlled, safe use of legalised cannabis is less of a threat to public safety than the spectre of drug cartels and the low-grade produce and violence which these criminals deal in equal measures.

Whichever way you slice it, there is no doubt that Uruguay will be under the spotlight in coming months: Whether it will prove to be a cautionary tale or a runaway success is anyone’s guess, but for now, many are hopeful that by changing a few laws, a safer, more tolerant world could be forged for everyone: In this respect, it seems, Uruguay could be setting an example for other countries to follow.

Disclaimer

The views and information contained in this post are presented for entertainment and educational purposes only: We do not endorse any illegal activities and urge you to obey the laws of the country which you are resident in.

Three Cup-Winners That No Collection Should Be Without

cup_winnersCannabis Seed collectors are well and truly spoilt for choice when it comes to unique cannabis strains: But with so many seed-banks out there offering a virtually limitless number of high-quality strains, it can often prove to be very difficult to know where to start and, unless you have the resources of a mega-corporation at your disposal, impossible to collect them all: So what’s a seed-collector supposed to do?

Take your seed-game to the next level

One very quick way to boost your seed library into a more formidable force is to add a few heavy-hitting cup-winners to your line-up…This will instantly make your collection the envy of all your peers and allow you to enjoy an even greater sense of pride when admiring your new additions.

‘Cup-winners’ are prized among the most discerning collectors as some of the most noteworthy specimens on the planet, having beaten off stiff competition and successfully wooing the judges of prestigious events like the High Times Cannabis Cup with their outstanding genetics, superb quality and unique properties.

In short, if you don’t have any cup-winners in your collection, it is time to start today: Without any further ado, let’s take a look at three of the best strains which you can get your hands on today…

Super Skunk

As an outright winner of one of the most-hotly contested competitions (the mostly-Indica class Cannabis Cup), Super Skunk blew away the judges with its impeccable Skunk-Afghani characteristics: The genetics locked within each seed of this impressive 80% Indica strain hold the key to creating supremely potent, robust and intensely fragrant results, with a remarkable amount of ease.

Marley’s Collie

This heavy-yielding Caribbean beauty was especially developed over the course of two years by the genetic-wizards at Sensi Seeds to celebrate the life and lasting legacy of Bob Marley: a task which was taken very seriously, given the legendary status of this most iconic and celebrated of artists.

The resulting strain which emerged from Sensi’s research lab combined top-grade Jamaican genetics with a gorgeous Afghani cultivar to produce a 60/40 Sativa/Indica blend that was truly worthy of the Marley moniker.

Marley’s Collie is prized among collectors for its superb genetics which have the potential to produce huge buds, massive amounts of resin and spectacular structures when in full bloom.

Judges went positively gaga over the deliciously sweet, spicy flavour profile and rich aroma of this strain, which was also noteworthy for its remarkably warming, enlightening effects.

Jack Herer

As the second strain in our list to be named in honour of an important cultural icon, Jack Herer deserves its reputation as the crème-de-la-crème of cannabis cup winners: In fact, as the most awarded variety of cannabis seed to ever hit the festival scene, this is one legendary strain that no collection would be complete without!

Jack Herer is a masterful blend of exotic, tropical Sativa genetics (55%), with a resinous, Indica twist (45%) – The results which judges were able to sample were simply mind-blowing: Thanks to its diverse heritage, this versatile strain displays enriched features from both sides of its family-tree, which include the potential to create sparkling, crystal laden coverage and fat, swollen buds.

The effects which this strain is reported to possess include the ability to create a highly potent, cerebral high which is supercharged by a potent body-buzz.

Disclaimer

This blog post has been brought to you for information and entertainment purposes only: We urge all of our readers to strictly adhere to the laws of their country.

Three Uses for Hemp Which Might Surprise You

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAs one of the oldest crops grown by mankind, hemp features heavily in the history books of many nations: In fact, some of the oldest historical texts and important manuscripts in museums across the globe are written on paper which has been made from this most versatile of natural resources…

Whilst this most distinguished crop is associated with rope, paper and textiles, there are a number of ingenious uses for hemp which you might not have heard of before…

uses_for_hemp_B_Dec13Jewellery

When it comes time to pick out a gift for that special someone, or even to treat yourself to a new item of jewellery – images of gold, diamonds and pearls might come to mind: But if you’d like to choose an item which is environmentally friendly, uniquely designed and which projects a different image from the normal formulaic bracelets, rings and necklaces out there, you need look no further than hemp!

Car HornHemp is an extremely forgiving material to work with: It’s strong, easy to work into a myriad of shapes and durable enough to make artefacts which will survive the test of time.

By weaving hemp fibres into geometric patterns, carefully joining various knot segments together and applying a touch of creativity to their art, it is possible for skilled craftsmen to produce masterful pieces which will make the perfect addition to any jewellery box!

Fuel

There is no doubt that fossil fuels have played a big part in shaping the world we live in today: They have powered heavy industry, made the planet a smaller place and now assist us in our day to day lives: But they have also helped to make the world a much more polluted, unhealthy place to live – and for all the ways these unsustainable fuels have helped us, they’ve also generated many problems for our beautiful green planet, which look set to plague future generations unless we make a change today.

Things might have been different if oil companies hadn’t seized a stranglehold on the world’s fuel industry: In fact, advances in fuel technology back in the 1890s made it possible for hemp biofuel to be used as a renewable source of energy, even when the automobile industry was still in it’s infancy: By the 1940s, pioneers like Henry Ford even planned for their new automobiles to run on this green bio-fuel: Just imagine how our planet might look today if oil refineries were replaced by hemp fields!

Automobile construction

Whilst Henry Ford deserves a mention for his promotion of hemp biofuel, he also spent a lot of time and money trying to develop a new breed of car, which was intended to be manufactured from hemp and soybean derived body-panels: Such a car would be lighter, stronger and more fuel efficient than the all-steel cars of the day: Sadly, this development was not to be, thanks to war, politics and the technology of the day, but the dream of being able to ‘grow automobiles from the soil’ lives on today, in the form of hemp bio-plastic components.

Big-name manufacturers now use hemp fibre, flax and a number of other materials to produce low-cost, environmentally-friendly, light and strong bio-plastic components for every kind of vehicle imaginable, from luxury executive saloons to small family hatchbacks.

Is The World Ready For The Return Of Medical Cannabis?

Medical marijuana prescriptionAs one of the oldest medicines known to mankind, Cannabis has been used by many diverse cultures throughout history in order to treat everything from headaches to rheumatism: Indeed, it was once the go-to herb for pioneering physicians of days gone by, who praised the plant for its efficacy and relative lack of harmful side-effects.

Today, cannabis is no longer as widely used in medicine as it was in the ancient world, but is this more to do with the herb’s misleading reputation than it is to do with how safe and suitable it is as a medical resource?

The demonization of cannabis: Holding medical progress back since 1906

Devil figurineFor the past century, most countries have made it illegal to cultivate or possess cannabis, with no real distinctions being made between plants grown for medicinal reasons and recreational produce.

The first half of the 20th Century brought with it a change in how the general public were led to perceive cannabis: Propaganda films like ‘Reefer Madness’ (1936) and the efforts of most western governments helped to demonise the use of this most valuable of man’s resources, temporarily extinguishing thousands of years of medical progress and making marijuana a taboo subject for most physicians to even discuss.

Looking back at the 20th Century, it is clear that past governments (and their citizens) would have benefitted from our current perspective on medical marijuana: After all, those were the days when qualified medical professionals were famous for making public announcement films about the supposed health benefits of smoking tobacco and for performing unethical experiments which involved exposing human subjects to high doses of radiation, electrical shocks and toxic chemicals.

A medical marijuana renaissance

Medical-grade cannabis has been going through a recent resurgence in popularity, given the successful implementation of legalised medical dispensaries in certain US states and in locations throughout Europe.

Whilst there is still a long way to go before GPs in every territory start prescribing cannabis to their patients, the medicine is no longer a taboo subject, meaning that the first steps towards real progress have already been taken.

As time goes by and perceptions continue to shift, expect to see governments across the globe devoting more of their resources into researching, refining and improving the medical community’s understanding and application of cannabis as a medicine.

‘Big P’ is running scared: Medical marijuana may be back for good

When it comes to some big pharmaceutical companies and the drugs they push, cannabis is often seen as a threat: After all, what company wouldn’t be scared if a naturally occurring, easy-to-grow and relatively cheap resource could produce similar (or better) results to some of its most profitable man-made drugs without as many adverse side effects?

From cancer to AIDS, multiple-sclerosis to chronic pain, cannabis has proven to be a real alternative to a number of the current legal offerings that doctors are forced to dish out in most territories.

Some unethically-operating pharmaceutical companies might not like the idea of doctors actually having the option to choose an alternative to their products: After all, the only people who would benefit would be the patients themselves…To such companies – cannabis is the slumbering giant that haunts their worst nightmares!

Trust them: They’re professionals!

medical_marijuana_professionalsSince doctors can only prescribe substances from a carefully-controlled list to their patients, they are limited by whatever medications the pharmaceutical industry has to offer: Which means, in most territories, Cannabis is not even an option, even if it might be the best medicine available!

Anyone familiar with The Hippocratic Oath will recognise these two passages:

  • ‘I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone’
  • ‘I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel’

Whilst there is no legal requirement in place for doctors to swear this ancient oath, most physicians will live by these rules as a natural part of doing their job (they’ll also be obliged to follow an extensive, strict set of guidelines)…

Therefore, if medical cannabis was to be legalised in your territory, you can bet with some certainty that any doctor worth their salt would only prescribe it if it would help their patients without causing them harm: Just take a look at the successful medical marijuana programmes in place throughout the globe today for a slice of reality: Doctors involved in those programmes are still bound by rules and regulations – they just have more tools at their disposal – and a bit more respect from their government to make their own judgement calls.

Cannabis: A more affordable medicine?

Some commentators are saddened by the fact that pharmaceutical corporations have free reign to charge whatever price they feel like in order to hold the medical community to ransom: What kind of society are we living in when doctors are not able to get their hands on medicines that they deem fit for the consumption of their patients?

Does the future look green?

It’s been a long time coming, but a glimmer of hope now twinkles on the horizon: Medical professionals, activists, researchers and politicians are now debating the future of cannabis as a viable, cost-effective alternative to many man-made drugs.

With enough research and pressure from the public, laws may end up being relaxed in the near future to make way for a new wave of effective cannabis-based treatments: Finally, doctors will have the power to pick a natural alternative to what they currently have to work with: It’s taken a few thousand years, but that’s progress for you!

Disclaimer

The views contained in this blog post are presented for educational and entertainment purposes only: We urge all of our readers to obey the laws of their country to the letter and to seek all of their medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Over Medicated America

infographic header‘Don’t do drugs’ is the last message that large pharmaceutical companies would ever wish to promote – after all, they are the world’s biggest pushers!  In recent years, some truly worrying statistics have come to light regarding the increasing dependence of the US population on ineffective, yet incredibly profitable drugs; Is America becoming an over-medicated nation? Let’s take a look at some of the facts…

Three of History’s Most Influential Weed Icons

Queen_VictoriaAs one of the first plants known to be cultivated by mankind, it should come as no surprise that many famous, well-respected historical figures might have had a few run-ins with cannabis over the years…

With everyone from presidents to playwrights taking a puff through the pages of history, let’s take a look at three of history’s biggest weed icons…

 “The important thing is not what they think of me, but what I think of them” – Queen Victoria

With a reign of 63 years, this monarch defined an era: Literally!

George_WashingtonGiven the record-breaking duration of her time on the throne, it is not unexpected that Queen Victoria had a fairly eventful life:

  • During her time on the throne, she helped to expand the British Commonwealth into the most powerful and far-reaching empire that the world had ever seen, making her one of, if not the most influential person on earth at the time.
  • By carefully arranging the marriages of her descendants, she united many royal bloodlines throughout Europe.
  • She survived an assassination attempt in 1840 and later went on to become a well-loved and respected figure, with extravaganzas like The Great Exhibition and her Diamond Jubilee going down in history as extremely popular events.

Despite these achievements, Queen Victoria was not invulnerable to pain and illness: William ShakespeareLuckily, the Royal physician of the day, Sir Russell Reynolds, had an effective treatment for the queen’s ails, which would help him to go down in history as a medical pioneer: Marijuana…

Yes, even royalty once approved of the herb!

 “Observe good faith and justice toward all nations.  Cultivate peace and harmony with all”- George Washington

For many Americans, few historical figures are held in such high regard as their first president: But did you know that ‘the man who never told a lie’ was a pioneering figure in the world of cannabis cultivation?

  • As a major player in the American Revolutionary War, Washington successfully brought about a massive change on an international scale, essentially becoming the father of a new country, which would go on to become the most powerful nation on the planet.
  • Along with his military and political achievements, Washington was a successful tobacco plantation owner, who later turned his hand to a crop of a different kind…
  • By focussing his efforts on hemp, Washington worked hard to advance and promote the plant as a valuable resource, which could be used for many diverse purposes: This involved working with farmers to develop new strains, equipment and processing methods.

So, aside from being one of America’s best-loved presidents, Washington may have been a founding father of modern hemp production!

 “We are such stuff as dreams are made on” – William Shakespeare

In the world of literature, William Shakespeare will forever be listed as a pre-eminent figure and a genius of epic proportions: Modern evidence now hints that the Bard himself may have enjoyed a touch of herbal inspiration from time to time…

  • Shakespeare was incredibly prolific: Over the course of his career, he wrote 38 iconic plays, 154 sonnets and 2 narratives which would all go down in history as masterpieces.
  • He was also very versatile: He covered everything from comedies to tragedies, histories to romantic poems.
  • Aside from his lasting literary legacy, speculation is rife that his creative spark may have been helped along by marijuana…

Traces of substances which could be derived from cannabis were found on clay pipe fragments which look likely to have been used by Shakespeare himself…

Summary

It just goes to show: Whether it was used as a medicine, a cash-crop or as a mind expander, cannabis has played a vital part in the lives of many successful, well-respected and highly influential historical figures.

Disclaimer

The information and views contained within this post are presented for educational and entertainment purposes: We urge all of our readers to adhere to their local laws.

Is Cannabis A Safe Medicine?

Marijuana: A traditional herbal remedy… or a dangerous drug?

Medical Marijuana - Cannabis Leaf and StethoscopeFor thousands of years, Cannabis has been used as a medicine by mankind: From physicians in ancient China to the medical marijuana dispensaries that are becoming an increasingly popular sight in more liberal territories across the planet, the herb has proven to be a vital tool in the treatment of a myriad of conditions: From loss of appetite, to brain cancer, multiple sclerosis to Alzheimer’s.

Whilst some more enlightened parts of the planet might allow medical marijuana to be used and studied, the sad truth is that this natural medicine is still heavily suppressed throughout most of the world…

This global cannabis embargo is enforced by hard-hitting anti-drug laws which severely limit themedical_marijuana_B_dec13 chances of marijuana ever becoming a threat to the current breed of highly-profitable man-made pharmaceuticals which dominate the medical industry: Despite the fact that it may have the potential to be a lower-risk alternative in many cases!

Before anyone can make their mind up about the safety of marijuana, the risks must first be assessed…

As with all medicines, there may be some side-effects…

Whilst marijuana is often described as a relatively safe medicine, it can end up triggering somemedical_marijuana_C_dec13 adverse reactions, including:

  • Paranoia
  • Raised blood pressure
  • Impaired co-ordination and reflexes
  • If smoked, it can carry similar risks to consuming tobacco
  • It has been linked to an increased chance of developing schizophrenia

This list tells us something that any medical professional could: No medicine is without its risks – it’s just that some substances are more dangerous than others…

In order to put the dangers of cannabis into perspective, some of the risks involved in consuming the (legal pretty much anywhere) painkiller, Ibuprofen, can include:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Raised blood pressure
  • Diarrhoea
  • Fluid retention
  • Headache
  • Stomach inflammation
  • Gastric ulcers
  • Blood in the stool or vomit
  • Allergic reactions
  • Narrowing of airways
  • An increased risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack, with higher doses

So, given the series of risks listed above, how come Ibuprofen is so widely accepted around the world, whilst cannabis is, save for a few exceptions, regarded as an illegal substance?

The schizophrenia connection: is there really a link?

Out of the potential side-effects that cannabis has been linked to, schizophrenia is one of the most serious on the list: But new studies are unveiling evidence which might mean that the relationship between this particular form of mental illness and marijuana is not as close as researchers have previously thought…

A study which was recently conducted at the prestigious Harvard Medical School suggests that cannabis use alone is not a major factor in increasing the risk of an individual developing schizophrenia: Instead, the researchers found that the answer came down to genetics…

Whereas previous studies didn’t really separate cannabis users with a family history of schizophrenia and those without, the recent study did: And, as the results illustrated, it was this genetic disposition which was the major contributing factor – and not marijuana use alone.

Whilst no one is saying that there isn’t a link between cannabis use and schizophrenia, it is clear that more research needs to be conducted, especially given the findings of this recent study.

Cannabis: Is it safe or not?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer which will apply to everyone, regarding the safety of cannabis: The real question should be: How does cannabis compare to existing, legal medications, on the sliding scale of efficacy versus adverse effects?

Disclaimer

The information and views expressed within this post are presented for educational and entertainment purposes only: We urge all readers to consult an approved medical professional before seeking any form of treatment and to strictly obey the laws of their country of residence.