CHRONIC USE

HEALTH & SCIENCE

DAILY DOSAGE

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While some medical marijuana patients have found success with cannabis instead of pharmaceutical drugs, medical professionals provide caution of side effects.

Science unsure if chronic usage helps or harms

By Taryn Mickelson

EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

Cannabis is a popular substance that has been used – legally or illicitly – for thousands of years. Some like it because they believe it provides medical benefits, including chronic pain relief. Others use it simply for fun. There are some who need or want it daily, while others prefer to toke only on special occasions.

Daily use may offer benefits, but also could cause harm if used improperly or in excess.

Israeli researchers have been studying the effects of frequent use and recently presented clinical evidence that cannabis at microdose levels (using extremely low compounds for specific effects) can relieve pain, while avoiding other side effects.

This study published in the European Journal of Pain showed that the optimal and most effective dose to relieve pain is 500 milligrams of THC, the principal psychoactive constitute of cannabis.

Patients in the study would consume 3-4 inhalations of up to 500 mg per day. Researchers said the study indicated that human sensitivity to THC is much greater than previously presumed, resulting in fewer side effects and more effective treatment methods.

Spokane resident Tracy Sirrine, founder and CEO of Patients for Patients Medical and former sales representative at Naked Science CBD Infused Solution, has many years of experience within the medical cannabis field. She has witnessed many miracles of cannabis when used medically.

“I have seen many patients where cannabis had a major positive effect with chronic pain,” she said. “One that sticks in my mind is a women who was able to walk for the first time in years, as well as quit many medications due to the miraculous work microdosing gave her.”

Cannabis has been known to help cancer patients improve quality of life, especially stimulating appetite in chemotherapy patients. This is due to THC tricking the brain into making it think the body needs food by activating its pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, which signal fullness.

A 2019 study at Wayne State University showed that cannabis also affects the amygdala response of those dealing with symptoms of anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Those who took THC at a low dose showed a lower threat-related fear and anxiety response in situations designed to trigger these emotions.

Sirrine also has observed similar benefits.

“I witnessed 80% of patients with PTSD who did not need to do trial anti-depression medication due to cannabis use with the right strain and dose,” she said.

Andreas Zimmer, a longtime U.S. National Institutes of Health

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researcher and one of Germany’s most respected neuroscientists, has been studying whether regular cannabis use can help slow the process of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

His findings were presented in 2005 when he showed data indicating that THC does slow age-related degeneration.

Sirrine once received a wonderful written testimony from a nursing home where residents had tried a few cannabis products. One patient was able to move her head for the first time in a long time and also was able to remember more.

Possible down sides

Although these studies and observations are encouraging, medical professionals warn about possible side effects, especially when cannabis is used at a higher and longer daily dose.

Required warning labels say that cannabis can be habit-forming and create a strong need for more. Then again, other things can make you feel good and crave more of, including morning coffee or exercise.

“Everything can be used as an addiction, so if you are going to use cannabis and you know you can’t function – you can’t take care of yourself, or you’re not taking care of your kids and you continue to use cannabis – then that is all on you,” Sirrine said.

A 2021 YahooLife article by Emily Paluszek said other negatives of frequent cannabis use can include fatigue, anxiety or paranoia, Cannabis Use Disorder, respiratory or heart issues, functional and structural changes to the brain, changes in homeostasis, fertility issues, withdrawal and coordination issues with response. Behavioral issues in schizophrenic patients can occur when cannabis is used in large doses and frequently.

According to a 2013 joint study performed at Imperial College London, University College London, and King’s College London, long-term habitual use of marijuana can lead to severe dopaminergic dysfunction. The study found that subjects who partake in weekly or daily heavy usage produce far less dopamine than non-users or social smokers. The small amount could lead to decreased motivation and fatigue.

In March 2019, Lanset Psychiatry discovered that THC can temporarily induce psychiatric symptoms in healthy volunteers. This link isn’t, however, a new finding: a cannabis study made this observation over 150 years ago.

Sandpoint resident David Gunter has seen all sides of cannabis. The singer/songwriter/ multi-instrumentalist was a regular user for the past 50 years. But he felt like his relationship with the plant was coming to an end over the last few years. Even he thoroughly enjoyed cannabis throughout his lifetime, it was starting to become a little too much of a habit and there were things that needed to be done that he felt daily use was hindering.

“My experience is purely of my own and I will always stay a huge fan of the sacred herb,” he said. “Cannabis has high esteem for its magic and healing benefits; it just started to not do it for me anymore. It was a great time and I thoroughly enjoyed the ritual and feeling of acceptance in the nature of the cannabis subculture.

“I am all for advocating about the benefits, but you as a person have to be able to know when cannabis is no longer serving you, as with anything pay attention to how it affects you whether it be negative or positive.”

HEALTH & SCIENCE

TARYN MICKELSON/EVERCANNABIS

Although some cannabis users advocate regular, even daily use of pre-rolls and other cannabis items, medical experts say this generally isn’t the best idea. UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesdays

Webinar Wednesdays, weekly virtual gatherings provide info about various current topics including the proposed Cannabis Research Commission (March 10), Equity and Patient Needs (March 17), Expungement, Equity and More (March 24) and Beyond Regulation in Cannabis. thecannabisalliance.us/events/

Saturdays

Cannabis Cooking Classes, Soul Fresh in Boston offers live virtual cooking lessons Saturdays, 12:30-3:30 p.m. PST. Attendees learn salves and food, and receive a digital cookbook. www. soulfreshwellness.com.

March 10

Cannabinoids 101. HigherED webinar offered by Heylo Create offers information about the endocannabinoid system by CEO Lo Friesen. www.heylocreate.com/events

March 11

The Cannabis Alliance, Seattle. Monthly meeting of growers, retailers and other supporters of Washington’s cannabis system. The Alliance is also scheduling virtual happy hours for social interaction for members each Tuesday at 5 p.m., plus occasional virtual “Office Hours” to meet staff. thecannabisalliance.us

March 16-18

Emerge Virtual Cannabis Con-

ference and Expo. Quarterly event offers networking opportunities, 50 exhibitors and 30 sessions. www.emergecanna.com/get-tickets/

March 26-28

Real Cannabis Entrepreneur

Conference. Virtual event brings together more than 40 experts in cannabis and CBD products to discuss trends. www.realcannabisentrepreneur.com/

Due to health concerns, some events may be canceled, postponed or moved online. Please check with event organizers to verify prior to attending.

CANNABIS BRIEFS Green2Go offers discounts for COVID vaccination

RICHLAND – Shoppers at the Richland and Tekoa Green2Go locations who show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination can receive a one-time discount.

Steve Lee, owner of both cannabis stores, decided to make the offer to recognize people who have taken the effort to receive the vaccination. By presenting proof of an immunization, or either part of a two-part dosage, they will receive $10 off any purchase over $20.

Some shops in communities in other states have been offering small incentives, like a free pre-roll, for anyone who gets the vaccine.

Lee said he is unable to legally give anything free under Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board regulations. However, he worked with the LCB to come up with the discount, which is an acceptable incentive.

“We are doing this to celebrate those who are taking the single most impactful pro-active action they can to end this pandemic and fully reopen our economy,” he said. “We also want to promote the health and safety of our team through incentivizing vaccinated customers to shop at our location.”

The shops also plan to launch an employee vaccination program as soon as essential workers are allowed to begin receiving them.

Source: Evercannabis

BY JESSE TINSLEY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

Pre-filled with measured out doses of the Moderna vaccine Jan. 22 at a pop-up clinic at Holy Family Hospital in north Spokane.

Colorado posts high numbers for 2020

DENVER – Washington wasn’t the only state to see record cannabis profits in 2020.

Colorado’s Department of Revenue showed that its legal shops brought in about $200 million in October alone, which included $170 million in adult-use and $39 million for medical. This total helped the state push past a record of $1.8 billion for the year. It also earned $35 million in taxes from October alone.

Total profits for 2019 were $1.75 billion.

Although some data is still coming in from the end of the fourth quarter, the most profitable month for 2020 appears to have been July with $226 million in sales.

This was the first time any month saw a total higher than $200 million. June’s revenue, $158 million, was a record at the time, but that was quickly eclipsed.

Headset, which tracks sales across the country, said the average sized shopping basket/ cart was about $60 per person in September.

Cannabis retail experts say most customers don’t shop frequently but when they do visit a store, they buy more.

“While there has been a slight decrease in average basket size as we moved into autumn, baskets are still larger than they were this time last year,” said Cooper Ashley from Headset.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

The logo is shown on the front of jars of marijuana buds marketed by rapper Snopp Dogg in one of the LivWell marijuana chain’s outlets south of downtown Denver in December 2015.

LCB shuts down lab

CENTRALIA – The Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board suspended Praxis Laboratory in December, claiming the lab falsified data and then tried to destroy evidence.

According to information from the LCB, Praxis officials provided incorrect amounts of THC in 1,200 samples, often stating a higher number than the actual amount.

While THC, a common compound in adult-use cannabis, isn’t not necessarily a metric of overall cannabis quality or flavor, many consumers still equate a higher THC count with more potent cannabis. Many growers also use THC percentage from test results to distinguish their product from their competition.

“Labeling cannabis with falsely high THC potency levels is a form of deception and prohibited under Washington law,” the LCB wrote.

It further claimed that the lab’s owner tried to destroy evidence of alleged false data.

Praxis officials responded by saying all accusations were false. They called the LCB obscene, and alleged this decision gives a death sentence to a small business with 20 employees. They felt they had been upfront in assisting investigators, and accused a disgruntled former employee of stealing and manipulating data before giving it to the LCB.

The emergency suspension is effective for 180 days. After this, the LCB said it plans to seek permanent revocation of its certification.

Source: The Olympian