MJ Biz has Roaring Start in CO, Dabbing, Genetic Testing for ADHD, E-Cigs on TV
Recreational marijuana business got off to a roaring starting in Colorado, with $5 million is sales reported for the first week. Dabbing is a general term for several ways to extract the THC from the marijuana and greatly increase the potency. Genetic testing and treatment for ADHD is being explored. Low levels of dopamine seems to be part of the condition. And e-cigarette companies are planning a major advertising effort for this year, including TV ads. Meanwhile the FDA is intending to adopt new regulations for e-cigarettes, and New York City and a few other areas are requiring tobacco and e-cigarette purchasers to be 21.
MJ Issues and Increases, Adderall, Doctors and Big Pharma, E-Cigs
The legalization of medical and recreational marijuana is bringing up many issues: DUIs, how to reliably test for it, increased use by adolescents, and various health issues. Adderall stories continue with a new study saying early use DOES lead to a greater likelihood of cocaine addiction, not the opposite. Doctors on the payrolls of big pharma companies, with some saying they will no longer pay doctors to promote their drugs, but will still engage them to do research. And new reports noting e-cigarettes and their connection to heart disease. PODCAST
Addiction Treatment under the Affordable Care Act, On-line Gambling, Zebrafish and the Stop Switch
More treatment under the Affordable Care Act is being envisioned, but it not may not be as easy as we might hope … also followup on online gambling, and research on the zebrafish is giving scientists a better understanding of the “stop- switch” and the “go-switch.” And more on e-cigarettes. PODCAST
New Brain Area and Addiction, Charlotte’s Web Medical MJ, Mental Health & Substance Abuse Most be Covered by Insurance
A new area of the brain has been correlated to addiction, especially nicotine, according to a study done at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Scientists say treatments aimed at reducing activity in this area could one day help people overcome tobacco addiction, especially drug cravings. A unique and fairly new strain of medical marijuana called Charlotte’s Web is extracted from Cannabidial, a cannabinoid without the Delta-9 THC which gets people high. It is particularly effective in treating childhood epilepsy. And in a statement from HHS Secetary Kathleen Sebelius, the administration has made it very clear that insurance companies must cover mental health and substance abuse treatment in the same way as they cover other chronic, persistent disorders like hypertension, diabetes, asthma, etc. PODCAST
Which is more toxic – MJ or Alcohol, Food and Sex Addictions, Pharmacies in the News
An Oregon pharmacist, with a glowing work record, is suing Wal-Mart Oregon for wrongful termination because he has had addiction issues … CVS Pharmacy chain is refusing to fill prescriptions for doctors which IT believes are over-prescribing … the continuing debate on whether marijuana is less harmful than alcohol, and more on whether food and sex addictions are really addictions. PODCAST.
MJ and Boomers, Driving and as a Teen Brain Stunter
Recent marijuana stories look at the increase in use (or return to use) of pot by the boomer generation. New laws regarding marijuana use and driving are considered. And a recent study shows that using marijuana as a teen can permanently damage the brain structure and lead to mental illness. PODCAST.