.png)
The holidays are here and most of us can’t wait to celebrate with our friends and family. However, sometimes when we visit our families, some uncomfortable conversations might arise. Now, we can’t give you advise on everything that might be spoken about, but we can talk about cannabis. If you need some tips on how to comfortably speak bout cannabis with people who may have negative views on it, don’t worry; it will be easier than you think.
Let’s start with if you want to be the one to bring up the conversation. It’s possible to begin with something as simple as, “What do you think about the new cannabis laws?” or “What’re your thoughts on [your local cannabis news]?” If they bring it up, that makes this much easier. With how many states are legalized now, it’s likely that they will have already heard some positive points about cannabis. Regardless of how the conversation starts, be sure to still be open to their opinion, even if they’re fully or partially wrong. There will be time to correct them without making them potentially feel stupid. It’s never a good idea to talk-down to someone or overcorrect them when the topic can be uncomfortable. During moments like these, keeping a level head and speaking clearly can make or break it. Nothing will ever be solved with shouting or outright arguing. These people are your family and, while yes, family sometimes can make you angrier than ever before, they are still your family. Most of the time they are in your corner, supporting you and loving you.
Once the conversation begins and they seem ready to speak about some of the good that cannabis can do. If they have any questions, you don’t know the answer to, it’s completely fine to use the internet. We have a wealth of knowledge in our pocket that should be used anytime we have a question that needs answered. Although you can look up anything you need, here are a few positive talking points about cannabis. Quick cheat sheet if you will:
Anxiety and Mental Health – Cannabis is used extremely often to treat many mental health symptoms. Both THC and CBD, the active ingredients in cannabis, have a relaxing effect of the body. Indica, typically thought of as a nighttime strain, and Sativa, typically thought of as a daytime strain, can help reduce anxiety and depression in their own ways, choosing which one to use is still up to the users’ personal feelings. Inexperienced users can get these effects just by one dose, either 5mgs of an edible or a few puffs from a joint or pipe.
Pain Management – Cannabis can be used for all distinct types of pain management. Most doctors recommend it for chronic pain as a replacement for opioids, and while this is a great alternative that works well, it can also be used for common pains like sore muscles and headaches. Cannabis creams and topical ointments are great for treating pain, especially when paired with things like menthols. However, when using cannabis as a replacement for opioids, it is helpful to use CBD forward strains and edibles. That way if you need more pain suppressant you won’t end up overusing THC.
Anti-Cancer Effects – It is well known that cannabis is used by cancer patients and has been for many years for pain and appetite increase. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that researchers found that cannabis can help slow the growth of tumors! An incredible discovery that might lead to even the potential reduction of tumor size, but that has not been proven.
Epilepsy and Other Disorder/Disease Treatments – Cannabis can also help people with things like epilepsy and Parkinson’s. When using cannabis to treat epilepsy, researchers found that when cannabis is used to treat certain types of epilepsy by reducing flares by over 30%.
While we might avoid this part of cannabis conversations, it’s important to be informed on the negative side as well so you aren’t blindsided by a comment they make. Knowing the bad can help inform on caution, not reasons for cannabis to be banned or considered illegal. With that, here are some negative talking points about cannabis:
Side Effects of Overindulgence – When people use cannabis there are moments when the THC can affect you negatively, symptoms can include dry mouth, dry eyes, stomachache, dizziness, increased heart rate, paranoia, forgetfulness, and anxiety. These symptoms will likely not happen all at once, but they are all possible. This is why when using cannabis, you must be cautious and ease into it. Taking too much can cause what the kids call ‘greening out.’ This is like ‘blacking out’ when drinking too much, and it carries the same symptoms, vomiting and dizziness.
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome – Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is not unlike greening out, but it is something that is persistent. It happens every time someone ingests THC after prolonged, heavy use. Essentially, this is a syndrome that can develop at any time to anyone, but it is not very common. There has been an increase in reports but that is due to more people using marijuana than before, it has not increased significantly. Symptoms of CHS are abdominal pain, vomiting, and persistent nausea.
Increased Strain on Heart and Lungs – When smoking anything there is a risk of strain on the heart and lungs. Cannabis is no different, while yes, cigarettes are man made and not naturally grown, inhaling smoke is not good for the body. However, when not eating or drinking cannabis the risk is still there as THC can sometimes raise your blood pressure and lessen blood’s ability to carry oxygen around the body. Risk can include an increased possibility for arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and cardiomyopathy. These are also not incredible common but as THC has increased in potency and availability, it is the same as CHS.
Overall, whether the conversation goes positively or negatively, just speaking on potentially controversial subjects is a good thing. Cannabis, while more commonly legalized than not, still has a negative connotation to it. Luckily, the viewpoint is constantly moving in the positive direction, so hopefully we won’t need to be uncomfortable around cannabis too much longer.
.png)
.png)
Commenti