A new study shows that cannabis is highly effective in diminishing the emotional pain that comes with social rejection and loneliness.
“Those who smoked marijuana relatively frequently felt less threatened than those who smoked it less frequently, or not at all…’Humans have a fundamental need to belong,” the researchers note. ‘Hurt feelings motivate us to fix our relationships and re-establish social connection.’”
The components of the study were simple. The researchers evaluated the emotional wellbeing of 5,631 Americans – a mixture of cannabis users and nonusers. Participants’ feelings of self-worth were assessed. The results: cannabis users felt less lonely and more emotionally secure than nonusers.
Humans innately need to connect and feel accepted by others. This study highlights how those with social anxiety may use cannabis to heal and reestablish relationships.
Read the full study published in SAGE’s Social Psychology & Personal Science entitled “Can Marijuana Reduce Social Pain?”
An international study suggests that daily cannabis use over a span of 20 years is associated with poor gum health, but not responsible for any other early to mid-life health problems.
“Across several domains of health (periodontal health, lung function, systemic inflammation, and metabolic health), clear evidence of an adverse association with cannabis use was apparent for only one domain, namely, periodontal health.”
Researchers studied cannabis users living in New Zealand at ages 18, 21, 26, 32, and 38. They found that 38-year-olds who are regular users suffer from weak gums, and that those 26-years-old and up have declining gum health.
“Cannabis use was unrelated to other physical health problems. Unlike cannabis use, tobacco use was associated with worse lung function, systemic inflammation, and metabolic health at age 38 years, as well as within-individual decline in health from ages 26 to 38 years.”
This study serves as a reminder for cannabis consumers and patients to give oral health a little extra care and to schedule regular dentist appointments.
Read the full study published in JAMA Psychiatry entitled “Associations Between Cannabis Use and Physical Health Problems in Early Midlife”.
In a 2014 article, “The Dangers and Consequences of Marijuana Abuse,” the DEA linked depression to marijuana use among teens, adults, and even dogs. Because studies like this inform policies created at the federal level, it’s important that they reflect the most accurate, up-to-date information. Which raises the question: does cannabis really cause depression and other mental health issues?
New research published by JAMA Psychiatry shares opposing results. The study
“found that using marijuana as an adult is not associated with a variety of mood and anxiety disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder.”
Researchers examined the prevalence of cannabis use among study participants, and did not report an increased risk for developing mood or anxiety disorders. While this is in stark contrast with previous findings, “prior evidence of links between marijuana and psychiatric disorders could be due more to confounding factors than anything else.”
With the ever-changing medicinal cannabis landscape, this study (and others of its kind) could positively influence pro-cannabis legislation.
Learn more about healing yourself and your clients with medical marijuana! Check out the cannabis education certification program and modules at the Holistic Cannabis Academy.
Read the full study published in JAMA Psychiatry entitled “Cannabis Use and Risk of Psychiatric Disorders Prospective Evidence from a US National Longitudinal Study.”
Salads are generally unfairly criticized, the usual assoations to rabbit food and being bland are commonplace. However, this thought process is outdated – salads can be nutritionally rich and tasty, packed with proteins and fibers to satisfy you for hours. In the following article, Laura Lagano, contributes some smart prep tips to elucidate, on how to get out of the salad food rut, we often find ourselves in.
Massachusetts is considered one of the most forward-thinking states in the healthcare arena – including medical cannabis. True to form, the Massachusetts Dietetic Association was the first state level nutrition organization to feature Laura as a presenter at the annual nutrition conference and exposition.
Patients Out of Time
April 14-16, 2016
The Patients Out of Time 10thNational Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics entitled Cannabis: a Botanical Medicine selected Laura Lagano as the first-ever dietitian/nutritionist presenter. Laura’s talk Cannabis: Why Nutrition Matters will provide a timely review of the nutritional benefits of cannabis and hemp, as well as the synergetic power of nutrition with cannabis therapy.
Lagano Wows High NY Meet-Up
Infused with a passion for holistic health, integrative clinical nutritionist Laura Lagano chatted about how cannabis fits into a holistic lifestyle at the May 2016 meet-up. High NY meet-up members were introduced to the wonders of nutrition, aromatherapy, massage, meditation, and herbal medicine as part of a holistic cannabis health and wellness plan.
New Jersey Dietetic Association
May 6, 2016
The New Jersey Dietetic Association former spokesperson Laura Lagano is presenting “Cannabis Comes Out of the Closet: Dietitians, Get Up to Speed on This Healing Herb or Get Left Behind!” at the annual meeting. This is a landmark decision by a formerly-conservative group.
New York State Nutritionists Are Hungry for Cannabis
May 19th-21st, 2016Lagano’s nutrition colleagues are interested in learning more about cannabis – big time! The New York State Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics was Laura’s third presentation to state associations in Spring 2016. Just so you know, Laura was thrilled to be back in her birth state!
