The special properties of the mushroom pulp of some species have been known since ancient times. In the Aztec Empire, in the cities-states of the Maya, in the Chukchi Chumas, in the ancient Greek polities and Viking settlements, they knew well what hallucinogenic mushrooms look like, which were traditionally used to achieve altered states of consciousness. Priests and shamans especially often used such psychedelic practices. At the present time, studies have been conducted on the components involved, the side effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms and the consequences of their use have been determined.

Types of magic mushrooms 

Magic mushroom dispensary includes representatives of the fly agaric family and a number of laminae species containing psilocin and psilocybin. They are grouped under the category “psilocybin mushrooms” on this basis.

Psilocybe. 115 species of this genus of mushrooms contain hallucinogenic substances. Under natural conditions, they grow primarily in Central America, in open grassy areas, especially in manured pastures. The most researched psilocybe Cuban grows well under greenhouse conditions, retaining a pronounced psychoactivity.

Fibers. Five species of these mushrooms, mostly deadly poisonous and difficult to identify, contain psilocybin. Only the blue-green fiber mushroom, which grows on the sandy soils of midland forests and parks from June through October, has not been found to be poisonous.

Gymnopilus. 14 species of inedible mushrooms with very bitter flesh contain, along with psilocybin, active substances with an intoxicating effect. Gymnopilus grow on stumps and deadwood of conifers. Fruits in the summer and fall.

Paneolus. These psilocybin mushrooms are inedible and mature from April to December in fertile manured soils, often directly in manure. The concentration of psilocybin and thus the hallucinogenic activity of these mushrooms ranges from low to medium.

Effects 

Psilocin and psilocybin shroom microdosing have a short delay after consumption, lasting from 15-20 minutes to 2 hours. There is a characteristic wave-like tingling sensation throughout the body, there is a feeling of dizziness, anxiety, heightened perception of sound, taste, color, and light, distorted sense of space, time, movement, changing the usual picture of the world, the phenomenon of “going out of the body” is noted.

The general emotional tone of the experiences that these hallucinogenic mushrooms cause strongly depends on personal qualities and preconceptions. In the positive version, euphoria, a feeling of liberation and flight, and erotic attraction develop. Colors gain brightness, and hallucinations become unprecedentedly colorful. The negative psychedelic experience is associated with fits of rage, unbearable craving for violence, aggression, including against oneself, up to and including murder and suicide, paranoid delirium, and loss of consciousness. This is a state of unbearably severe nightmare from which it is impossible to escape of one’s own will until the effect of the mushroom hallucinogen is over.

The researchers note that psilocybin mushrooms are “strikingly non-toxic,” but their active ingredients, as laboratory experiments on animals have shown, can destroy the membranes of neurons.

Consequences of use 

Consumption of fly agaric mushrooms, along with their hallucinogenic effects, causes severe poisoning with severe symptoms and long-term consequences, which are expressed in significantly reducing blood clotting and nervous system disorders. Neurotoxin is not only muscarinic but also active hallucinogens – ibotenic acid and muscimol.

Psilocybin mushrooms have unpredictable effects – one cannot guarantee in advance only a positive emotional experience. At the same time, careful and well-controlled clinical trials that began in the 1950s and 1970s have shown that psilocybin provides positive results in the complex treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and addiction and also provides relief in the final stages of cancer. At the same time, euphoric experiences can lead to “psilocybin” addiction, and in large quantities, the substance negatively affects brain function.

Watch Our Video About the Science of Magic Mushrooms

The following video was in Jamaica where Magic mushrooms and psilocybin retreats are legal. If you want more information on this site you can go to their website here: Blue Portal Psilocybin Assisted Psychotherapy

The pressure on any film set can be immense, with long working days, budget constraints, and the stress of making sure you don’t make any costly mistakes. You might know you’re on the path to success, but the mental and physical toll it can take can be a lot to handle. If you’re at breaking point but don’t want to give up on your life-long dreams of being in the film industry, you might like to take some of the following actions. 

Try Calming Products

There might not be any way to reduce your stress levels immediately or entirely, but products designed to help you manage stress might be worth considering. For example, you might like to explore CBD and THC products from leading manufacturers like Joy Organics. Many users say they feel more relaxed when they consume CBD products like gummies and tinctures. If you’re able to feel more relaxed in a high-pressure environment, you might even find that you’re able to perform better, something that might not have been possible before. 

Make Preparation Your Focus

It’s only natural to be nervous or stressed about being able to do something complicated on your film set, especially if you’ve never done it before. However, as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Set yourself up for success by practicing something in your spare time that you’ll need to be able to do with complete precision, focus, and success. How you practice might depend on what it is, such as studying filmmaking if you’re about to land a promotion or working on your fitness for stunt work.   

Fuel Your Body

A combination of stress and long working hours can take their toll, and you might not be giving your body and mind what they need to work at their best. It might not seem like you can manage film set pressure with your diet, but you might be surprised at how your food choices can impact your stress and anxiety levels. 

You might be able to reduce your cortisol levels by consuming plenty of foods with vitamin B, such as organ meats, nutritional yeast, chicken, and eggs. Even foods high in omega-3 fatty acids have some value in reducing inflammation, such as flax and chia seeds, avocados, and salmon. 

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a spiritual practice that involves tuning into your experiences, focusing on your breath, and observing your feelings without judgment. Not everyone sees the value of meditation as a helpful tool, but it’s now a scientifically proven one for influencing two stress pathways in the brain and potentially making you less likely to rely on unhelpful emotional reactions during stressful periods. 

When you feel the stress of your latest film project creeping up on you, take a moment to yourself to focus on your breathing. There are also plenty of helpful apps offering guided meditations of varying lengths to suit your hectic schedule. 

There might never be a way to entirely remove stress from your job in the film industry. However, there’s no shortage of ways to manage it. Take note of these tips above, and you might put yourself in the best physical and mental condition to take everything in your stride. 

Casinos have been part of human life since the middle ages. So, it is no surprise that gambling for money is one of the periodic recreational activities. Today, we can all play anytime and anywhere using only our internet-enabled smartphones!

Gambling has also made it onto the cinema screens as well as into literature due to its more or less normal presence. While James Bond was already playing roulette or punto banco years ago, numerous filmmakers seem to be convinced that gambling for money will continue in the distant future. Therefore, various games with cash prizes or the like are also organized in numerous science fiction film universes. Today’s article is about these gambling and NZ casino games in science fiction universes.

Star Wars

Sabacc is a card game played in the Star Wars universe. It was probably one of Han Solo’s and Lando Calrissian’s game night ideas since these two characters are particularly adept sabacc players. If you look at the rules of the game at Sabacc, parallels to our blackjack inevitably come to mind. For example, there are different versions of Sabacc, and the gameplay is similar to blackjack.

When playing Sabacc, just like playing blackjack, you have to reach a certain card value with your playing cards or come as close as possible to it. What’s more, if you reach this value exactly, then you win the game round. But poker also seems to have had an influence on the Sabacc played in the Star Wars universe because in this game, you can also win by bluffing.

Star Trek

Star Trek is probably one of the most successful science fiction films of all time. Decades ago, back in the days when James Kirk was in command of the bridge of the Enterprise, there was poker going on. At that time, it was the ship’s doctor Leonard McCoy who organized the poker club on the Enterprise and ultimately also taught the Vulcan Spock. Rumours even say that there was a weekly poker night on the Enterprise of the time.

These rumours persist, as the same is said about the poker club in Star Trek: The Next Century. This poker club included first officer William T. Riker, ship’s doctor Dr. Katherine Pulaski, Data, Geordi La Forge and Miles O’Brien. It is said that poker was so popular in the Star Trek universe that it was also played by Klingons, Romulans and other species.

Hunger Games

We can observe a slightly different kind of casino game in the science fiction universe of the Hunger Games. The first three volumes, first published as a book and later filmed, revolve around a bleak future. North America was largely destroyed by wars and catastrophes, and people lived in the newly created state of Panem. The Capitol is populated with wealthy residents, and the 12 districts are kept happy after a rebellion in the true Roman fashion of “bread and circuses.”

This hunger games consist of battles for pure survival. Randomly, the game chooses a boy and a girl from each area. However, before the fights begin, each participant must complete an individual demonstration. So, viewers can evaluate his chance of winning. Then wealthy Capitol residents bet on the winner, just like online sports bets!

In Time

The film In time is gripping and incredibly exciting. In this future, people will only live for a very limited time. People can extend their lifetime or even inherit it. Lifetime is the absolute currency in this movie. The poor try everything to buy themselves time, while the rich live almost indefinitely.

Lifetime also serves as a stake in gambling due to the money replacement. Will Salas finds out by playing poker in a casino. In doing so, he takes a whole 1,100 years from his opponent Phillipe Weis! This is where the adventurous journey of Will and Sylvia, Phillipe’s daughter, begins and together, they set out to change the rules of the world.

X-Men

Gambit is a very special hero of the X-Men universe. His real name is Remy LeBeau, and he is one of the mutants with very special superpowers. He can charge objects with kinetic energy, and his favourite items include playing cards.

In the movie Wolverine, Logan stumbles upon Gambit in a casino for a reason. Because playing is almost part of everyday life for Gambit, who hails from New Orleans. The two X-Men heroes even fight part of their fight on the roof of the casino.

Batman Forever

Starting from here, all of the following films are classics. The first great classic movie is Batman Forever. Although it is not primarily about casinos and gambling, in one scene, Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson visit a casino called Penguin’s Lair. The two don costumes and take on the Penguin’s goons. It’s a wonderful and fun scene, worth watching only for the magnificence of the costumes!

Total Recall

Total Recall is one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best films. This movie has an interesting plot where people can implant their own memories in their brains. In one interesting scene in this movie, Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger) visits the casino to test his implanted memories. In fact, it is a wonderful scene, and you will find yourself watching it more than once.

Although we mentioned earlier that this part is only for classic movies, this particular movie is suitable for all casino players s who love both old and new movies as it is fun to see your memories in the casino from the window of the future.

Blade Runner

Blade Runner is a 1982 movie starring Harrison Ford. The film takes place in the dystopian future of Los Angeles in the year 2019. At this time, synthetic humans “Replicants” work as in the space colonies! However, the master-slave pattern does not last long as a group of advanced clones led by Roy Bate (Hauer) escape to Earth. Then professional cop Rick Deckard (Ford) agrees to hunt down the rogue clones. In one of the movie scenes, Deckard meets a clone named Rachel at a casino and has a heated conversation. Although it was a quick scene, it is one of the most memorable scenes in the movie.

It’s no secret that playing video games is a popular pastime. What may be less known, however, is the effect that video gaming has on the brain. Recent studies have shown that video gaming can have positive and negative effects on the brain, depending on factors such as age, amount of gameplay, and type of game played. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at how video gaming affects the brain and discuss some of the gains and flaws of playing video games.

Gains

Playing video games has been shown to have several positive effects on the brain. In addition, video games have been shown to improve mood and reduce stress. Below are more positive effects of playing video games. 

Memory 

A study found that older adults who played video games were better able to recall information than those who did not. The games seem to exercise our brain in a way that helps to improve our memory and cognitive skills.

Another study found that people who played action-based video games had better short-term memory and attention span than those who played non-action games. The fast-paced nature of action games seems to help improve our ability to process information quickly and efficiently. 

So, next time you pick up a controller or play online roulette tables at Joe Fortune Casino, you may be doing more than just passing the time. You may be helping to improve your memory.

Spatial Awareness 

It is the ability to perceive and understand the relationship between objects in space. It’s an essential skill for activities like driving and navigation, and it can be improved with practice. 

Studies have shown that playing action-based video games can help to improve a person’s spatial awareness. This is likely because these games require quick thinking and split-second decisions, forcing players to be constantly aware of their surroundings. 

As a result, players who frequently play these types of games may have an easier time understanding and navigating complex environments.

Decision Making 

Decision-making is a complex cognitive process that requires the ability to weigh multiple options and make a choice based on the available information. This process is essential for everyday life and can be challenging to learn. 

Research suggests that playing video games may help improve decision-making skills. A research study found that participants who played action games were better able to make decisions under time pressure than those who did not play games.

A second study found that strategy game players were better able to find the best solutions to problems than non-players. 

These studies suggest that video games can positively impact decision-making skills, which may have implications for real-world applications. For example, people playing video games may be better equipped to handle emergencies. Ultimately, further research is needed to explore the potential benefits of video gaming for decision-making skills. 

Mood 

Games can help us to relax and forget about our troubles, providing a much-needed respite from the stresses of everyday life. What’s more, games can also help to improve our mood by increasing dopamine levels, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter in the brain. 

In fact, studies have shown that playing video games can be just as effective as taking antidepressants for treating depression. And it’s not just mental health benefits that games can provide; research has also shown that playing video games can help to improve physical health by increasing dexterity and coordination. So next time you’re feeling down, remember that firing up your favorite game could be just what the doctor ordered.

Flaws 

According to a growing body of research, playing video games can have a number of negative effects on your brain. While some of these effects may be temporary, others may be permanent, so it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks before picking up a controller. Let’s look at other negative effects video games have on our brains. 

Increase Risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Playing video games can be captivating and entertaining, but it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks they may pose to your health. A recent study found that people who play video games are more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome and other hand and wrist injuries. It is believed that the repetitive motion of using a game controller puts strain on the muscles and tendons in the hand and wrist, leading to inflammation and pain. If you enjoy playing video games, it’s essential to take breaks often and stretch your hands and wrists to reduce your risk of developing these injuries. 

You should also see a doctor if you experience pain or numbness in your hands or wrists while gaming, as this could be an early sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. Being mindful of the risks can help keep yourself safe while enjoying your favorite pastime.

Poor Sleep Hygiene

The blue light emitted by screens can suppress the production of melatonin – the hormone that helps us feel sleepy. This can result in feeling wide awake when we should be winding down for bed. In addition, the stimulating nature of many video games can make it hard to quiet our minds and relax enough to fall asleep. 

Conclusion 

Playing video games has both positive and negative effects on the brain. It’s up to you as a gamer to make sure that the positives outweigh the negatives by playing mindfully and making healthy choices regarding gaming habits.

Science has for long been among the most coveted career paths, and for many good reasons. Studying any of the several sciences not only cultivates critical and analytical thinking but also develops problem-solving skills, which are overly crucial in just about any job you can lay your hands on after college.

Besides being really fun if you have the passion for it, being a scientist grants you the opportunity to make discoveries, make a decent living, and even solve global challenges enough to make your name known to the world for eons to come.

If you’ve decided to become a scientist, it is important to know that the choices you make just before joining college can make or break your career path. With this having been said, let’s look at some tips you should have up your sleeves as a keen scientist going to college.

1. Make Sure Your Finances Are In Order 

Depending on the program you take in college and the kind of scientist you want to become, it might take four to seven or more years before you can finally and proudly call yourself a scientist. The first degree may take anywhere between 3 and 4 years, whereas a master’s and PhD. degree may take up to 2 years and 6 years respectively.

Now, college studies aren’t cheap, especially when it comes to science courses. To excel in your studies and get exemplary grades upon graduation, you will need a financial plan that caters to different types of expenses.

2. Think about Tuition Fees and Other Expenses 

Tuition and academic fees are among the most important costs you need to have a plan for when headed to college. Besides these, you will also need to put together funds for accommodation, food, books, and academic supplies. Your studies may also involve a lot of moving, especially during projects, which means that transportation will be among your biggest expenses as well.

As a keen, future scientist, it pays to have a plan for these and other costs, which may sometimes mean seeking funding and getting your personal finances together before joining college.  

Consider Alternative Funding 

If you are like most science students, many of your expenses would be funded by your parents or sponsors if not yourself. But that doesn’t mean you can’t pursue a science course just because you haven’t saved enough for the same.

Mostly offered based on merit, grants, scholarships, and student loans are also available from the government, corporate bodies, and lenders.

Student Loans: Consider the One That Would Work Best for You

Now, student loans are increasingly becoming common in today’s education industry. The best part is that you can even apply for a student loan online these days. While some will require you to only start paying once you’re done with your studies and start earning an income, others provide a short-term solution for when your tuition bill is due and you haven’t received a check from your parents, sponsors, or grants. With this in mind, a few crucial factors to consider when choosing a student loan include:

• Ease of access and application
• Qualification criteria
• Interest rate
• Repayment period (loan term)
• Other fees attached to the loan

3. Determine Your Passionate Specialization Beforehand 

Science is a broad discipline that some like to look at as infinite. Becoming a computer scientist may require an academic background (and performance) very different from becoming a biologist. The same case applies to becoming a geologist, chemist, physicist, or astronomer.

Determining what you want to become in advance will help you in various ways when preparing for college, including choosing the right college and planning financially. Picking a course in your area of interest is also important if you’re looking forward to a fun and satisfying job after college.

Online casinos in Canada are inspired by cinematic universes

Cinematography sets scientific knowledge in motion, allowing ordinary people to find many new things for themselves. Looking back to the past, most movie buffs went all in for the sake of carrying ideas to the masses, and it’s not for nothing that such risks are similar to gambling entertainment. We will tell how the movies impacted iGaming and where they found their application in the article on the most popular online casinos Canada. There’s nothing like being able to win real money in stories with long-loved movie characters.

The investigation of wildlife and nature through documentary filmmaking has led to the combination of the artistic and scientific side, forming the basis of much of the entertainment for the money. Canadian gamers with great interest bet on movie slot with themed stories based on popular movies. After all, winning real money along with the characters of invented adventurous stories is much more enjoyable. Online casinos in Canada have something to surprise fans of the movies and, at the same time, make good money.

The world of cinema on the screens of virtual movie slot online casinos in Canada

The impact of cinema on people’s lives is hard to overestimate, even more so when it comes to everyday concerns, virtual entertainment, or social networking. Plenty of stories showcase high social status on screen, backed by wealth obtained through a lucky bet at a casino. For example, The Gambler shows the viewer how experience and determination helped a guy reach heights playing Poker and come back a winner even after many failures.

How do you like the idea of earning money for watching your favorite movies? With virtual gambling, entertainment becomes possible. So let’s try to pick up some of the most attractive virtual slots inspired by famous movie franchises.

Jurassic Park

Spielberg’s film doesn’t need any special introduction because the fantastic adventure in the world of dinosaurs has made a splash all over the world. There are hardly any gamers of different ages who haven’t heard at least once about this incredible story. Now, nearly 30 years later, fans of betting for money can dive into the dark prehistory in the video movie slot of the same name. A licensed slot from Microgaming with great graphics and sound will help to taste the nostalgia for the old times and test your luck.

Man of Steel

The classic five-reel slot machine from Playtech will appeal to users who are fans of DC Comics. Wear your Superman costume in the DC Comics universe and win cash prizes in combinations of 25 lines with the possibility of doubling. A slot showcases many crucial characters from the film universe fighting for the mysterious progressive jackpot. Online casino users can combine watching their favorite picture with winning money based on it. The world of superheroes is not limited to comics and movies; slots can help you pass the time until the release of a new part and earn money.

The Matrix

Let the modern adaptation of the hit from the Wachowski sisters, and not everyone was to their taste, but fans of the classic trilogy can bring memories to life in the same name movie slot. Playtech carefully transferred the characters of Neo and Morpheus to the simulator screen, allowing the user to move into the dark world of gambling for real. The numerical code flowing in the background of the game screen dives into the atmosphere of the picture, and the Wild symbols in the form of Agent Smith give a chance for free spins. Gamers finally have the opportunity to get out of the Matrix and win real money.

Planet of the Apes

NetEnt is a two-reel video slot combining two parts of the saga. Falling combinations of characters on both reels give a chance for free spins, which allows you to win more money. A thematic execution will enable you to earn money while enjoying the quality picture and audio accompaniment. The machine demonstrates a memorable fragment from the movie, and the musical theme contributes to immersion in a lucrative adventure.

Real winnings in Canadian gambling entertainment based on movies

Having fun watching movies and winning money on the betting machine is much easier. It is enough to choose a licensed online casino site and register. Characters of popular movies not only come to life on the slots screen but also give numerous bonuses to start the game even without a starting deposit.

Bringing beloved characters from movies to life and raising money on bets is an attractive offer but requires responsibility. The opportunity to remember great movies in online casino slots is available to users 21 years and older. Place bets only on public funds that are not critical to lose.

If you’re a filmmaker looking for a career in digital marketing, you may be wondering where to start. With so many different digital marketing channels available today, it can be difficult to know which ones to focus on – or even if it’s the right path for you in the first place. In this post, we’ll outline the basics of a digital marketing career and provide some tips for getting started.

Is digital marketing the right career for me?

Digital marketing is a good fit for filmmakers who are:

• Creative and enjoy coming up with new ideas
• Analytical and enjoy using data to solve problems
• Organized and able to keep track of multiple projects at once
• Good at writing and communicating
• Comfortable working with computers and new technologies

If that sounds like you, then a career in digital marketing could be a good fit. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you get started:

1. There are many different digital marketing channels.
2. You don’t need to be an expert in all of them.
3. It’s important to be able to work with others and collaborate.
4. You’ll need to be comfortable with change and constantly learning new things.
5. Be prepared to work hard and hustle! 

What kinds of digital marketing jobs are there?

There are many different types of digital marketing jobs, including:

• Social media marketing
• Content marketing
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Search engine marketing (SEM)
• Email marketing
• Affiliate marketing
• Display advertising
• Analytics

Which channels you focus on will depend on your strengths and interests. For example, if you’re a great writer, you may want to focus on content marketing. Or, if you’re good at data analysis, you may want to focus on SEO or SEM. Or, if you’re the kind of person who always knows what’s trending on Twitter, you may want to focus on social media marketing. The possibilities are endless!

Where to begin 

Digital marketing is one of the most in-demand skills in today’s job market. It’s also a relatively new field, which can make it difficult to know how to get started. If you do not have any job offers yet it could be look at learnerships available to gain professional experience

If you’re interested in a career in digital marketing, here are five things you need to do:

1. Get a degree in marketing or a related field

While you don’t necessarily need a degree to work in digital marketing, it will give you a solid foundation on which to build your career. A degree in marketing or a related field will teach you the basics of advertising, public relations, and consumer behavior. However, if money or time is an issue, remember there are plenty of low-cost or even free digital marketing courses you can take online, including those offered by Google themselves.

2. Start building your personal brand

In the digital age, personal branding is more important than ever. Start building your personal brand by creating a strong online presence. Use social media to share your expert insights and connect with potential employers.

3. Develop your skill set

There are a variety of skills that are important in digital marketing, including SEO, content marketing, and web design. Take the time to develop these skills and you’ll be in high demand by employers.

4. Stay up-to-date on the latest trends

The digital marketing landscape is constantly changing. To be successful, you need to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments. Attend industry conferences, read trade publications, and follow thought leaders on social media.

5. Find a mentor

A mentor can be invaluable as you start your career in digital marketing. Find someone who is already successful in the field and pick their brain for advice. Many mentors are happy to help others get started in their careers.

If you’re interested in a career in digital marketing, follow these tips to get started. With hard work and dedication, and just a little bit of luck, you can build a successful and rewarding career in this exciting field.

Marijuana used for medical purposes has been increasingly popular recently, and for good reason. The benefits of cannabis for health and wellness are now coming to light. For those who favor medical marijuana, its psychoactive qualities are the main advantage.

The mystery surrounding cannabis is gradually fading into history while medical practitioners across the United States are growing more open to using cannabis for the treatment of a number of ailments and disorders. As of now, the use of medical marijuana is legal in more than two-thirds of the U.S. states after California effectively legalized it in 1996. 

How does medical marijuana work?

How does medical marijuana work and what are cannabinoids? Understanding the terms and processes is necessary to reap the numerous benefits of medical cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD), the therapeutic component of cannabis, is mostly located in the internal resin glands of the cannabis plant. CBD is a cannabinoid—a substance that functions as an agonist. Its primary purpose is to bind to certain cannabinoid receptors on human cells.

Cannabinoid receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system, while the others are scattered across the integumentary system, reproductive organs, digestive and urinary tracts, etc. 

Cannabinoids act as keys that are able to unlock cannabinoid receptors. Consuming cannabis is necessary for the cannabinoid receptors to function as they should. The cannabinoid receptors’ network is called the ‘endocannabinoid system’ which produces a number of key proteins in the body and is involved in numerous integral functions such as motor control, sleep patterns, mood, memory, immune system functioning, pain perception, fertility, and others. 

The four main functions of the cannabinoid receptors that release proteins are stress recovery, optimum energy balance, neuroprotective functions, and immune balance. 

What does science say about medical marijuana?

The potential medical benefits of marijuana and its constituent parts have long been the focus of intense study and discussion. The majority of researchers believe that purified chemicals derived from the marijuana plant are more therapeutically effective than the entire marijuana plant or its crude extracts in pharmaceuticals. 

Meanwhile, some scientists call into question the creation of drugs from botanicals like the marijuana plant. They argue that botanicals may contain hundreds of unknown chemicals, and it can be difficult to create a medication with accurate doses of these chemicals. The fact that little is known about the long-term effects of medical marijuana use by people with age and health-related vulnerabilities, such as older adults or those suffering from cancer, AIDS, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, or other neurodegenerative diseases, is another cause for concern. 

Further research is needed to clarify if the use of medical cannabis can have negative effects on people whose health has already been harmed by an illness or its treatment (such as chemotherapy).

FDA Regulation of Medical Marijuana

Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledges the potential opportunities that marijuana or marijuana-derived compounds may offer and the significant interest in these possibilities, it has not approved a marketing application for a drug product containing or derived from the marijuana plant and has not found any such product to be safe and effective for any indication. 

Despite this, the number of states that have legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes is growing. According to the State Medical Cannabis Laws, as of February 3, 2022, 37 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia allow the medical use of cannabis products. The use of medical marijuana in Pennsylvania is also legal.

With a significant interest in the development of treatment and consumer products derived from the marijuana plant, there is still much to learn before people have a better grasp of medical marijuana use to improve their health. 

What conditions can be treated with medical marijuana?

Medical marijuana is prescribed for the treatment and management of about two dozen conditions, including:

• Loss of appetite
• Anxiety disorder
• Tourette syndrome
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Pain relief in certain types of cancer
• Muscle spasms
• Multiple sclerosis
• Glaucoma

Numerous surveys are conducted to track the health changes in patients using medical marijuana. According to a recent study, 35.1 percent of primary care patients in Washington State reported using cannabis for their health-related needs, mostly pain, sleep, stress, anxiety, and depression. Only 10.0 percent of the patients who said they used medical cannabis had this information included in their Electronic Health records. 

Hence, asking patients about their use of cannabis may help identify and better record medical marijuana usage and the treatment of illnesses for which it is being used.