Colorado Medical Marijuana Blog

Medicinal marijuana in Colorado has plenty of medical benefit; mostly in the form of pain relief. Although the medicinal properties are legitimate, one cannot deny that all treatment comes with side effects. Compared to other, harsher pharmaceutical drugs, medical cannabis actually has acceptable effects. Most people know about the common short term effects like dry mouth, sort term memory loss, red eye, and drowsiness. It should be known, however, that medical marijuana does have effects that are longer lasting and less well known. Many users experience paranoia, this effect can become inflated for the common user, sometimes leading to social withdrawal and anxiety. Although drowsiness is a common short term effect, cannabis can actually cause heightened blood pressure and brain activity, leading to sleep deprivation effects. Effects such as euphoria can be a positive experience, but some chronic medicinal marijuana users may experience a dulled sense of time and space; causing tardiness and other unsavory social effects. Colorado medical marijuana has a plethora of positive uses and medical benefits. In contrast, it is not without side effect and consequence. A potential medicinal cannabis patient should weigh the risk with a qualified physician when choosing the proper treatment.

When analyzing the growing industry of medicinal cannabis, one must consider its background and genetic makeup. Indica, the strain known for its heavy, numbing effects mentally and physically, was originally bred from Afghani plants. Prior to the introduction of Afghani strains in the 70’s, most strains were sativa plants. Currently, most plants carry both traits, but one must credit the Afghani strain for the introduction of the indica strain. Any connoisseur should be aware that all strains originated in Afghanistan are indica plants; nearly every other strain is sativa. Due to its abundant release of resin, many Afghani plants are use to make hashish and other products using a resin base; candy-like edibles, for example. Colorado medical marijuana is much more than selling and distributing “pot”. The science and genetics used to create strains is a legitimate and fascinating construct of medical marijuana.

Medical marijuana in Colorado is a current hot topic. Arguments are made revolving mostly the legal and moral intricacies of the blooming medicinal marijuana industry. Lost in the raging debate is the precise and intricate science behind cannabis. For decades, breeders and growers have been perfecting the science of marijuana growing, thus providing the patient and connoisseur quality product. Those who are old enough to remember slang from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s may recall terms such as “Acapulco Gold” and “Colombian Wacky”. These terms obviously referenced the breeding ground for a specific plant. Commonly, however, most plants were contaminated by seeds, providing a lower quality product. Then came the term “Sensemilla”, which commonly meant quality, but many do not know the true meaning behind the term. Sensemilla is Spanish for “seedless”. Modern product is commonly seedless, lush, and full, thanks to early pioneers of marijuana breeding. In order to understand the common form of cannabis (and subsequently medical marijuana), one must first understand the history and science behind the plant. Breeding history is just the first step in realizing the nature and science involved in medical marijuana. Stay tuned as cannabis breeding has a long history of scientific breeding culminating in a wide variety of product.

Currently, most Colorado medicinal marijuana dispensaries sell more than just the green buds one would expect. Edibles are becoming more popular among dispensary clients. Most dispensaries sell edible products ranging from scones to lollipops. Edibles are becoming popular for a myriad of reasons; taste, convenience and discretion being a few. After all, a lollipop is much easier to conceal and less offensive in the public eye than a giant cloud of smoke. Some users claim that the medicine is “time released” when eaten. Some particular dispensaries, more like “connoisseur shops,” carry gourmet items such as chocolate mousse and paella. Others have incorporated it into our favorite comfort foods such as pizza. As the business grows, diversity will be a large part of survival. The connoisseur type client will grow to expect creative flavors and edibles to enhance their experience. In time, more edibles will be available as their popularity grows and medicinal marijuana becomes a more accepted part of the daily culture.

For many patients in Colorado, medical marijuana use can be the most effective treatment for nausea available. Medical marijuana can help reduce nausea and actually stimulate the appetite, reducing the risk of weight loss in patients with such diseases as AIDS and cancer. In a study in 2007 where scientists surveyed HIV-positive marijuana smokers, the drug was shown to actually increase caloric intake and assist with weight gain. For those patients who do not respond to traditional forms of nausea medication, the use of medical marijuana has been shown to be not only a cost effective alternative, but symptoms actually improved to a greater degree as opposed to the use of clinical medicals. In a study by the New York State Journal of Medicine, 56 patients who did not respond to traditional medicine showed improvement when the use of medical marijuana was introduced.