Sweet Relief Blog

U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer Says Cannabis May Be De-Regulated Nationwide Within Four Years

Mon, 28 May 2018 20:07:23 GMT

“If we do our job, it’s game over in 2 years.”

U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) believes the end of the battle to legalize marijuana across the United States is fewer than four years away.

"I made a bet that within five years, every state will be able to treat cannabis like alcohol and there will be universal access to medical marijuana," he told a crowd of cannabis business owners at Cultivation Classic in Revolution Hall Saturday afternoon. "If we do our job, it's game over in 2 years."

Blumenauer, a longtime champion of legal weed, said the 2018 elections could be pivotal to removing cannabis from the federal list of Schedule 1 narcotics, like heroin and methamphetamine.

"If Democrats control the House of Representatives in the first months of the next Congress in 2019," said Blumenauer, "we will be having hearings on de-scheduling."

The Oregon congressman says he's happy to see some of his colleagues coming around in favor of legalization, like Republican and longtime cannabis-opponent John Boehner, who is now investing in the industry.

Blumenauer says he offered Boehner a pair of "cannabis-themed" socks to welcome him to the club.

"I don't second-guess people's motives if they're wiling to evolve," Blumenauer says, "whether its for political expediency, whether it's that they've seen the light, whether they're fed up with the racial injustice seen in drug laws or if its a commercial opportunity."

With growing support across the states on both sides of the political aisle, Blumenauer says he sees cannabis being de-regulated very soon.

"It will be a sea change and it is within our grasp," he says.

By Katie Shepherd

Can You Treat Bipolar Disorder With Medical Marijuana?

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 02:18:08 GMT

Can You Treat Bipolar Disorder With Medical Marijuana?

Treating a psychiatric or personality disorder can be isolating and frustrating. The commonly prescribed medications on the market claim to level mood and help with impulse control. In the case of bipolar disorder, these mood-stabilizing medications aim to target the extreme highs of mania or the severe lows of depressions. Without medication, managing bipolar disorder can seem impossible— like navigating a storm in a dense fog. But research on cannabis might offer brighter news for those dealing with it. Since medical weed has gained acceptance, it has played a critical role in managing other disorders, like borderline personality disorder. But what about when dealing with the teeter-totter of mania and depression seen in bipolar disorder? It’s an important question for both doctors and bipolar patients when they decide on treatment. Can you treat bipolar disorder with medical marijuana?

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition that affects many. In fact, almost 2.6% of all Americans have bipolar disorder. And according to the National Institute of Health, that number keeps on getting higher.

To put it simply, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by intense depressive lows and manic highs. These mood changes can be disabling, often manifesting at unpredictable times. Not only that, but patients with this disorder can suffer from forms of psychosis, like hallucinations or delusions.

The options to treat this disorder continue to expand for those riding these emotional waves. Alongside talk therapy, doctors prescribe antidepressants, mood stabilizers and anti-anxiety drugs as treatment.

But these drugs can cause an array of bummer side effects that would change anyone’s mood, whether they have bipolar or not. Few people want to deal with weight gain from lithium or reduced sex drive from anti-depressants.

So the question remains. Can you treat bipolar disorder with medical marijuana? Research still needs some agreement on the subject. Like the disorder itself, the medical community swings between two answers: yes and no.

The Dark Side of Medical Marijuana for Bipolar Disorder

Let’s face it. Even those who don’t have to deal with bipolar disorder can experience a bad high. Pair that with the feelings and thoughts that those with bipolar disorder deal with, and you’ve got a dangerous combination.

Unfortunately for many, the risk of treating with weed may outweigh the good it can do.

In a 2015 study, scientists found that mania and depression symptoms could actually worsen if weed became part of a treatment plan. Moreover, the study found smoking a J or munching on an edible could actually bring on a manic episode that may not have been present before treating with weed.

While exacerbation of symptoms definitely might deter many from toking to treat bipolar, the reaction could be dependent on the individual and his/her tolerance.

Nevertheless, other studies have found a major side effects of treating bipolar with green. This 2015 study discovered an increased rate of attempted suicide in those with bipolar who consumed pot. The threat of these negative thoughts may be enough for anyone to lay down the pipe and seek other medications.

But even more so, studies have linked early onset bipolar disorder in younger people who use weed. And this news is alarming. Doctors have found that the earlier someone is diagnosed, the symptoms one experiences can be worse than in those who are diagnosed later.

Despite this, the research isn’t exactly conclusive. Though those diagnosed earlier on may own up to weed use, this may not be the reason for their earlier diagnosis.

Additionally, research keeps finding medical green works to treat the effects bipolar disorder for many, showing that answer may be yes to the question can you treat bipolar disorder with medical marijuana.

The Light Side of Medical Marijuana for Bipolar Disorder

Weed has been used to treat many psychiatric issues, like eating disorders. But for others, the answer is unclear both medically and with the law.

Addressing an child’s anxiety with medical weed may not yet be legally advised.

But for an informed and safe adult, weed might be just the miracle to handle the rollercoaster of bipolar disorder.

In one study, research concluded that pot could help the general demeanor of a bipolar patient. The study did not look at if the user used weed when experiencing the swings of bipolar.

Because it did not focus on the how, when and why the person treated with weed, it is impossible to know when weed was doing the medical work.

Often the subjects treat with other drugs. This factor can cloud the data. Also, this study was carried out on a small group of 24 people. A higher population might give a more impressive result, depending on the group that is studied.

But still, other research may show the positive effect of the plant. In one, those with bipolar disorder reported their mood swings and symptoms cleared up short-term when they regularly enjoyed ganja. And despite the dark side of the research, the study actually concluded that medical weed didn’t cause other negative effects.

In another study, users of medical green actually reported a more positive outlook and more favorable attitude.

As you can see, the scientific community swings from one conclusion to another when it comes to treating bipolar disorder with weed. But with more research, treating with medical green for other disorders may become common.

Only then will we know for sure if medical weed can help a bipolar patient handle emotional highs and lows.

Final Hit: Can You Treat Bipolar Disorder with Medical Marijuana?

Finding the right treatment plan for any illness requires an open and honest discussion with your doctor. Involving them will help make sure whatever you choose for treatment will work for you and not have any other consequences.

Even still, research on the question can you treat bipolar disorder with medical marijuana continues to grow. Though the world is itself bipolar on the topic, it shows promise.

And though it can be hard to see the brighter side when dealing with this illness, that’s certainly something to be positive about.

Indica Vs Sativa, What’s The Difference?

7016712949 — Sat, 24 Feb 2018 03:04:27 GMT

Have you found yourself asking indica or sativa? Which one do I get? What’s the difference? Weed is weed, right? Not quite. Each plant has a different set of characteristics and effects, understanding the difference between the two will help you find that perfect strain.

Many users report that the flower of sativa and indica cannabis plants each have their own distinct effects on the mind and body; sativas tend to give you a more energizing experience, while indicas tend to make you more relaxed.

While these broad classifications do have some validity, this is not entirely correct. The words “sativa” and “indica” refer to the physical and geographic characteristics of the cannabis plant, rather than the effects the flower provides.

In this post we will explore what makes a cannabis plant an indica or a sativa, and what is actually making you fall in love with a certain strain.

Geographic Origin

Cannabis sativa was discovered by Western society before indica, and was thought to be the only species of cannabis. Sativa originates from areas between the 0° and 30° latitudes specifically Mexico, Columbia, Thailand and Southeast Asia. Because of the warmer temperature in these regions, cannabis sativa evolved to be tall and lanky to conserve water. Sativa plants can now be found all over the world, but tend to grow in warmer environments that mimic their original home.

In 1785 Western explorers encountered the cannabis indica plant and named the plant after the location the plants were found – India. Cannabis indica evolved in the Kush Mountains of northern India and grew in the 30° and 50° latitudes. Like sativa, indica can now be found in most corners of the world.

Growth and Physical Characteristics

Indica plants tend to grow to about 3-6 feet tall and are ideal for growing indoors. The flowering time for indica is much faster than sativa at 6-8 weeks, making it a more popular plant among hobby growers.

Sativa plants can grow up to 20 feet tall. Many growers like to mix the plants, creating hybrids to tame the height. They are also the longest flowering species, taking 10-16 weeks to flower.

You can easily tell the difference between indica and sativa by the shape of their leaves. Indica leaves are deep in color and broad, while sativa leaves are lighter in color with slender leaves.

Effects

As we mentioned above, many users associate indicas and sativas with their own unique effects. The classic school of thought is that indicas tends to be more relaxing and used at night, while sativas are energizing and are usually recommended for daytime use.

The reason why a strain makes you feel a certain way, however, has more to do with the strain’s terpene profile than its indica or sativa classification. Terpenes are botanical compounds that are found in everything from pepper to lavender to hops.

Terpenes are the reason why lavender is soothing, why spicy scents can wake you up, and why that IPA beer that’s full of hops makes you sleepy. The same principles apply to cannabis!

Next time you’re shopping for cannabis don’t fall into the indica or sativa trap. Try something new! Tell your budtender why you want to use cannabis, and then ask what terpene profile would be best for your desired effects. You might just find your new favorite strain!

Finding the Unchangeable

Sat, 30 Dec 2017 04:21:29 GMT

By: Oscar Nelson

StartWithin.org

After having a deep experience in a Float tank a few years ago I really started to look for answers to what I saw and what it meant. Among others, Nisargadatta Maharaj was one of the key voices to explain and guide me back to that expansive space. I want to take one of his quotes and consider it, talk about it, dissect it and see what comes out. Please add any thoughts to the Comment area, I would love for you to join the conversation. Here is the quote;

“Of the unknowable only silence talks. The mind can talk only of what it knows. If you diligently investigate the knowable, it dissolves and only the unknowable remains. But with the first flicker of imagination and interest the unknowable is obscured and the known comes to the forefront. The known, the changeable, is what you live with – the unchangeable is of no use to you. It is only when you are satiated with the changeable and long for the unchangeable, that you are ready for the turning round and stepping into what can be described, when seen from the level of the mind, as emptiness and darkness.” (Nisargadatta Maharaj)

This starts off with, ‘Of the unknowable only Silence talks.’ This can seem like a paradoxical statement but there is a depth here that has been hinted at by other Masters. Thomas Keating is quoted saying ‘Gods Language is Silence, and all the translations are bad.’ Even the Bible encourages us to ‘Be Still, and Know that I am God.’ So in Deep Silence there can be found wisdom.

‘The mind can talk only of what it knows.’ The old, the know, can be digested by the mind and projected out to the future or related to the past. The New, the unique and freshly emerging, has no basis in history. It is a Unique Unfolding from Nothingness. The mind can only regurgitate what it has digested, it cannot create from Nothing. This means the mind is no help to us in finding the Unknowable (or ‘God’, etc ).

‘If you diligently investigate the knowable, it dissolves and only the unknowable remains.’ Question and Doubt everything you know. Your name was gifted to you by someone else and your body taught to respond to the sound. You are not your name. You are not your body. If you are not your name, or your body; Who Are You? What is left is a Vast Unknowable, a ‘Cloud of Unknowing’ as it were between ‘You’ and ‘God’. But this Unknowable or ‘Don’t Know Mind’ is a space that can bring massive wisdom and regeneration to this quest of the Unchanging.

‘But with the first flicker of imagination and interest the unknowable is obscured and the known comes to the forefront.’ The mind is only limitation, it cannot hold the ‘All’ of everything. We must step past the mind to move into the Unchanging and Eternal. Even a whisper of movement of the mind distorts. It takes allowing and relaxation for the chatter to subside again, but resting and relinquishing are key steps to keep that Peace the Unchanging give us.

‘The known, the changeable, is what you live with – the unchangeable is of no use to you.’ In our day to day life we are on the surface of things, doing what we feel we must to get through life. We read the words but forget the blank page underneath so-to-speak. The body we find ourselves in will die someday, only meant to grow and then decay. The changeable is what life seems to give, but we came from the Unchangeable and will return there eventually. If we can find the Unchangeable and rest there, we are able to transcend death.

‘It is only when you are satiated with the changeable and long for the unchangeable that you are ready for the turning round and stepping into what can be described, when seen from the level of the mind, as emptiness and darkness.’ There comes a time when it is possible to see everything as bullshit in a way. I remember it popping to mind that everything I was taught or told had been given to the person telling me these things, by someone else who was told it by someone else. It dawned on my there was little original thought in what the World was telling me. It was all regurgitation of something on a human level. To transcend where we are we have to change our perspective. When you see that what will fade and go away is Illusion; that the ONLY thing worth finding and keeping is the Perception of Unity that can be found only by resting in the Unchangeable. That turning point, where there is a rejection of what Society has fed us to make us happy, is a shedding of obligation, of expectations of others and ourselves. That sense and knowing of being utterly ‘Full’ with nothing needed, but rest in the Infinite, is seen as lazy and unproductive from the level of the mind. That space of clarity and completion with a satisfaction of a strong desire can give a momentary feeling of this ‘Fullness’ or ‘Completion’ in the gap between thoughts. When the mind subsides after being satisfied (and endless task) the satisfaction that comes is from the enjoyment of just Being Alive, of ‘Awareness’ just resting. And as Nisargadatta says, ‘when seen from the level of the mind, as emptiness and darkness.’ This emptiness and darkness is a Vast Alive Nothingness behind everything. When we take the radical position that we are after what is Eternal, our whole life changes course. We can find Home Within.

I often feel Spirituality is akin to those Magic Eye art pieces that were popular in the ’90’s. At the surface level it is a blob of chaotic color and visual ‘noise’ (the mind); but when deeply seen, in a way outside of our day to day perception, a picture emerges where only chaos once was. This picture came from within the chaos with nothing other than an intention and change in perspective. And that is what I propose is needed, and intention to befriend the Unchangeable and an openness to seeing life from a new perspective.

To shift your perspective, spend time in the Unchangeable. For me, that is most easily done by trying to stay in ‘Don’t Know Mind’ or the ‘Cloud of Unknowing’ as much as I can. Formal Meditation for 10 minutes, twice a day is excellent; but know this can be done anytime during the day or work by just dropping out of the known and resting in the Unknown for a moment.

Question Everything,

Oscar

P.S. Please comment below on what you can do to get out of your mind and into the Unchangeable today.

Toke Talk With Oscar Nelson

7016712949 — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 23:25:27 GMT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3IL4MnTIT8&t=4s

Marijuana Strains That Can Help You Stay Active

7016712949 — Sat, 11 Nov 2017 04:20:10 GMT

Most people associate cannabis with the feeling of being relaxed, calm and even spaced out. Not many people think of hitting the pipe and then hitting the gym but there are several marijuana strains that are good for precisely this. Several strains have been found to assist with insomnia, stress and anxiety, helping to calm the body and mind and ensure relaxation. For this reason, those of us who are a little more prone to getting tired, fatigued and sleepy during the day will avoid cannabis like the plague although this thinking isn’t exactly correct. There are actually several marijuana strains that have gained popularity for their ability to increase energy.

The Traits of Sativa and Indica

Most marijuana strains fall somewhere between a blend of the two cannabis species, sativa and indica, although one variety is usually dominant. Sativa strains are known to be a lot more vibrant and energizing. They’re also regularly noted as cerebral, lively, creative, euphoric, uplifting, social and invigorating. Indica on the other hand gives you a strong body high, relaxing and calming the senses. These strains are perfect for sedating the body and the mind. Hybrids lie somewhere in between, taking aspects from each parent strain. When looking for marijuana strains that have the ability to give you a boost, sativa dominant strains are the way to go.

Understanding Cannabinoids in Your Favorite Marijuana Strains

Another key aspect to look for in the various strains are what cannabinoids are present. Sativa strains tend to have more THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana that creates the high feeling of euphoria. On the other hand, indica strains are higher in CBD, the compound that works as a powerful anti-inflammatory that reduces pain and works to calm the body. There is yet another cannabinoid compound that is essential to consider when investigating strains that will boost energy. This is THCV. This compound has psychoactive effects but they last half the duration of THC’s psychoactive influence. It is very energizing, providing a sense of clarity and a stimulating buzz. Strains that are high in THCV will give you an instant energy boost. It also tends to reduce panic and anxiety without numbing emotions.

Strains Noted for High THCV Content

Higher doses of THCV are necessary to produce the psychoactive effects of the compound and with the reduced duration of the high, it may not be the best compound to use for these results. It does have many other medicinal uses though, including helping with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, stimulating bone growth, and helping to stabilize blood sugar levels. It is also an appetite suppressant. Many African strains are high in THCV. Durban Poison is probably the most popular of these although there are more on the market.

Common strains with a high THCV content include:

Durban Poison
Doug’s Varin
Pineapple Purps
Power Plant
Willie Nelson
Red Congolese
Jack the Ripper
Durban Cheese
Skunk No.1

Other strains, known for their ability to energize and awaken include:

Jillybean

This is an extremely upbeat, happy strain, excellent for generating inspiration and creativity. It’s lively, euphoric influence inspires socialization too. It is bred from Orange Velvet and Space Queen and has a tangy orange and mango flavor.

Chocolope

Depression and stress are often battled to stunning effect using this strain. It’s strong, euphoric influence creates a powerful mental shift. The sativa heavy strain produces a dreamy cerebral effect. Chocolope is also known to have an earthy, sweet coffee flavor and is bred from Chocolate Thai and Cannalope Haze.

Ghost Train Haze

This strain is extremely high in THC, which is very uplifting and valuable for shifting depression as well as alleviating pain. For those prone to anxiety however, it is good to keep the dosage low or perhaps avoid this strain altogether. Ghost Train Haze is an earthy floral strain with citrus tones that is a cross between Ghost OG and Neville’s Wreck.

Green Crack

A sharp energy and focus is easily attained through this truly energizing strain. Its invigorating qualities gives you a mental buzz that is perfect for helping those struggling with fatigue and depression. Green Crack is descended from Skunk #1 and has a tangy, fruity flavor.

Jack Herer

A popular sativa heavy strain, Jack Herer is known to produce blissful, clear headed creativity. It is energizing and uplifting and produces a pleasant focus that is excellent for getting your day going. Not many strains are as valuable for starting the day on the right foot as this one. The Jack Herer strain is named after the marijuana activist who wrote The Emperor Wears No Clothes . It combines a Haze hybrid with a Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk cross and produces an earthy, woody, pine flavor.

Sour Diesel

This sativa dominant strain produces an uplifting, energizing, dreamy cerebral effect. The popular Sour Diesel strain is useful for combating depression, stress and pain. Its long lasting effects are able to inspire creativity and joy. Sour Diesel is thought to have descended from Chemdawg 91 and Super Skunk during the ‘90s. It has an earthy, diesel flavor.

Super Silver Haze

This sativa heavy, award winning strain delivers a powerful energizing effect that is uplifting and excellent for combating depression and stress. It also produces a body high. Super Silver Haze has the power to both calm and relax without making you feel tired. It is an excellent pain killer. This strain is a genetic cross between Skunk, Northern Lights and Haze and has a sweet, earthy, citrus flavor.

As you can see there are a variety of marijuana strains that are commonly used to energize the body and mind. Each strain will work differently with an individual’s biochemistry. The truth is that understanding which strains have these affects is only a guide for what might potentially work for you. The best process for uncovering which marijuana strains will energize you is to try several varieties and see what works for you. There is no exact science to this as every individual body is different and will have its own way of reacting to the various marijuana strains. So experiment, try out a few and see what works for you!

(@All copy rights go to Jessica Leone; marijuanaresources.com)

WHAT IS OUR PURPOSE?

7016712949 — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 22:59:38 GMT

By Jasmine Sleutel

I ask myself this every day. Why am I here? What do I plan on doing with myself? How do I make a difference for as many people as possible before I die? Most people always say “well you work in the cannabis industry! You’re changing lives every time you work!” But it goes deeper than that. There is much more to this than just selling cannabis, weed, ganja, smoke whatever you want to call it.

Most when they think of purpose they imagine an end game “goal”. This industry does not have an end game. Unfortunately there will always be more we must fight for. More rights and more freedom, and most of all-more purpose for those seeking it. But for me, I don’t ever want my purpose (end game goal) to be finished. The fight for better health and natural alternatives is something I crave. I want to feel wanted, I want to feel important, and I will always want others to know we will be their answer.

Our purpose as humans for many can be to just simply survive in today’s society. Get through your 9-5 job and make a paycheck, pay your bills, put food on the table. Purpose is a cognitive process that defines life goals and provides personal meaning. To me this industry has that personal meaning, and I don’t ever want to stop. I guess you can say an authentic purpose is what I want for my end game. Brings a deep sense of self-worth, and will provide a significant contribution to the common good. It involves more than just understanding something- it requires doing.

Promoting Freedom Through Cannabis

7016712949 — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 22:52:16 GMT

By Oscar Nelson

Sweet Relief- Promoting Freedom through Cannabis. You may have seen it on our business card, or possibly have heard it at some point from one of us at Sweet Relief.

What does it mean?

I feel everyone is meant to be who they are. Individually we have work that we are suited for and a function that serves the Whole. But most of the time others can't see what is best for us, and often we don't see it either. That is why I feel Freedom is key. There has to be an allowance of a trial and error period of exploration to find where you best fit. To find how to become more "you". Sweet Relief promotes Freedom. And it is not just the freedom for responsible adults to enjoy cannabis medically or recreationally, it is a freedom to be, do and have what is in your nature to be, do and have as long as you don't limit or take someone else's Freedom.

Promoting Freedom means treating others as Family. And sometimes that means having the hard conversations that need to be had, but with a loving heart.

Promoting Freedom means talking to our State and Federal legislators. It means spending money and time to fight for Freedom.

Promoting Freedom means having the guts to go after YOUR own dreams. Have faith and push yourself in the direction you feel is Natural to go.

Promoting Freedom means forgiveness, realizing we are all trying our best, and we are all fighting a battle no one else sees.

Cannabis is a great tool for personal freedom, a cleanser for the mind and soul. But there are basic Freedoms we must fight for, and no one can fight for them but ourselves. Because most of the limitations are self-imposed. When we can forgive ourselves and let our-self be just who we are then there is a space for others around you to do the same. People react to you more than you think, and when you radiate Freedom, people feel it and open.

Going after whats in your Heart is key. Most don't really know what that is. I recommend writing out 100 goals and dreams (Jack Canfield's Process) by hand and on paper. This process alone has Power. It helps set a subconscious intention for how you live your life. After you have you list it helps to read it often and change it as your life and desires change. This is your first step to Freedom. Follow where the days take you with that star in the sky of where you want to do. And Promote Freedom by being Free yourself.

Be Free,

Oscar