Legalization Vs. Decriminalization

You've seen and heard the good news: Marijuana is very close to being legalized. The Powers that be decided to make the announcement on 4/20. Most cannabis users in Canada rejoiced. But before we can break out the champagne: How close are we really to Cannabis being legal and will the Conservatives try to impede this positive step? The Liberals want to legalize it, the New Democrats want to decriminalize it and the Conservatives want everybody in jail! With so many great options, where does it leave the average Canadian who is not familiar with all the double-talk? To our very informative blog, of course. We wouldn't be your friendly neighborhood dispensary if we didn't keep you "in the know" with all things relating to Cannabis.

Legalization

We've seen the gold rush that's been happening in the United States. Colorado reached over $100 million dollars in tax revenue in 2015. Nothing to sneer at, but all that was possible with the legalization of Cannabis. Which means for the very fortunate people of Colorado, better infrastructures such as hospital and schools and more revenue for their state to spend on its citizens. What this could mean to us; possibly a lowering of the astronomical cost of life in BC, especially since most of the dispensaries in Canada are found in our beautiful province.

Decriminalization

We all have a friend who has been arrested for possession of Marijuana and we know a few that have actually been convicted of it. Decriminalization does not need as much planning and preparedness as legalization. It's something that could be done right away and would not require a "special council" of any kind. But the trouble with decriminalization is that it could be become a cash grab for many provincial governments since they would 'regulate' by issuing fines. Another issue, is that once you've been given a citation or fine, there will still be a record entered in the system associating your name and Marijuana. These are records that can be found during a background check, if say, Customs decides to verify your identity.

We could debate the pros and cons of this highly contentious subject, but at the end of the day it is up to us Cannabis consumers to let our politicians know that the time has come to let adults make their own decisions when it comes to their own health and that the time for action is now.

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Women and the Cannabis Industry

It's a new day, a new dawn...and a new industry. Cannabis has now been on the world stage as a global health and personal freedom issue for quite a while now. Whether you believe in its medicinal properties known to treat a litany of ailments or you use it for more recreational purposes, Cannabis has now become the hot new industry in North America. While dispensaries are opening everywhere it seems, and legalization is closely looming, it seems that one group of individuals are ready to take it by storm. Who might that group be, you ask? Well, women of course.

According to Statistics Canada, in 2013, 47% of all small and medium business enterprises were entirely or partially owned by women. Women in Canada are far more likely to pursue higher education than their male counterparts; women are not only taking and not asking for a piece of the pie but they also tend to stay in business longer than men. The Cannabis industry could be the first one to not be dominated by men. It would be the first time in history that women would outnumber men in ANY industry.

From growers to brokers, to dispensary owners, more and more women are taking part in this new "gold rush". With shows like Broad City and Sex and the City, the world is finally noticing that all consumers of Cannabis are not teenagers or male. In an industry that seem to cater to only men; it's time that we take our place and make this market as equal and as accessible to women and men.


For More Information:

http://www.owit-ottawa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Facts-and-figures-on-women-entrepreneurs.pdf

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Thinking in the Long Term

Many people who advocate against cannabis often use the argument stating its negative short-term memory effects. However, many scientific studies have proven cannabis to generate new neuronal connections within the brain that improve long-term memory. This discovery is starting to prove useful in regards to treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. 

"Debunking the Gunk"

Alzheimer's is a form of dementia that is caused by build up of beta-amyloid proteins

within the brain. Low doses of THC have been shown to block beta-amyloids from building plaque within neurons. Therefore, THC slows the progression of Alzheimer's, and may inhibit the onset for those predisposed, as well as forming new connections. For some, cannabis has the added bonus of minimizing aggressive and neurotic behviours sometimes displayed in Alzheimer's patients. CBD is also said to aid in memory function and, in some cases, reserve memory loss. Cannabis can ease the symptoms that some patients experience with pharmaceuticals prescribed for Alzheimer's such as nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. When weighing out the pros and cons, cannabis takes the cake!

Suggested products: Bubble Hash, Purple Trainwreck, ChemFire, God's Green Crack, CBD Caps, Sour Diesel Caps, Meltdown Honey Oil.

For More Information:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17140265

http://www.alzheimers.net/6-15-15-effects-of-medical-marijuana-on-alzheimers/

http://www.medicaljane.com/2014/11/17/alzheimers-disease-and-medical-marijuana/

It's Friday- and that's FABULOUS

UEM has our Fabulous Friday promo all day to day!!

420-The History

Why are we celebrating today? What is the point of this whole thing, why do cannabis users unite as one to enjoy Cannabis at the same time everyday-then really turn up on April 20th? Well, it all starts with the Waldo's! Read on to learn the interesting tidbits associated with 420 since the Waldo's penned the term.

The history of 420 as explained by High Times:

420 is not so much a time or place as it is a state of mind. A stoned state of mind, to be specific. In the past, HIGH TIMES has reported on various competing theories surrounding the appearance of this unique bit of smoker slang, but as the following timeline clearly shows, the controversy has been resolved. The original story of 420 begins with five fellow students -- all of whom assumed the nom de pot Waldo -- who met after school at the appointed hour to smoke some of California's finest, and occasionally searched for a hidden pot field they'd heard about in the hills outside town.

1971 - Five San Rafael High School students christen the term "4:20," meeting daily at that hour to share a smoke under the school's statue of Louis Pasteur. The original password: "420 Louis."

1973-1989 - 420 languishes in obscurity, passed along from stoner to stoner as a completely underground "grassroots" phenomenon.

1990 - A mysterious flyer promoting 420 circulates at Grateful Dead shows, especially in Northern California. A copy of the flyer finds its way from a show in Oakland to HIGH TIMES' offices in New York. San Rafael was the home of Grateful Dead Productions, supporting a link back to the original Waldos, who are not mentioned in the flyer.

1991 - HIGH TIMES publishes the text of the mysterious flyer, which claims that 420 started in San Rafael, CA, "as a police code for marijuana smoking in progress." It also promotes "the grandmaster of all holidays: 4/20, or April 20th."

1994 - Clocks in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction are set at 4:20.

1995 - The Cannabis Action Network stages its first annual 4/20 Ball in San Francisco at Maritime Hall. The event begins and ends at 4:20.

1997 - HIGH TIMES launches 420.com, taking 420 into the digital world.

1998 - HIGH TIMES debunks the "marijuana smoking in progress" theory and declares the Waldos the true originators of 420 after the group produces letters and posters to prove this claim.

2002 - The original Waldos reunite at the HIGH TIMES Doobie Awards in New York City to present a lifetime achievement award to their favorite band, the New Riders of the Purple Sage, who reunite for one night only and perform their classic marijuana anthem "Panama Red."

2004 - Clocks in Sophia Coppola's Lost in Translation are set at 4:20. Coppola and Tarantino become an item.

2005 - HIGH TIMES suggests moving 4:20 to 5:20: "When you're working a 9-to-5 job, sometimes it's worth waiting the extra hour."

PRESENT - You finished reading this 420 timeline, and are now on your way to UEM for our 420 Sale!

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Cannabis: Heart and Brain Go Hand-in-Hand

Though cannabis is typically well touted for its medicinal qualities, it can sometimes trigger anxiety and paranoia in others. Ironic, considering in some patients it treats these very symptoms. So what causes cannabis to give some people 'the fear?'

Heart Vs. Brain

It seems that when cannabis is activated in the body (through ingestion or smoking), it initially increases the users heart rate. This is known as a sympathetic response within the central nervous system which will automatically trigger the user to breathe more rapidly. For novice users, those with low tolerance, those with heart conditions, or those who are already in a bad head-space, this can trigger a fear response. This physical response can lead to a bad head-space or worsen negative thoughts, and the user could experience a 'bad trip.' We can't forget that cannabis is still a psychoactive substance, and that the psychoactive properties of THC will exert itself to different magnitudes within each person, (there are non-psychoactive alternatives for those seeking the medicinal effects from cannabis!)

However, this increase in heart rate only lasts for about 30-60 minutes - that is - if the cannabis was smoked. Effects will last a lot longer when ingested. After 60 minutes of the initial spike, heart rate slows down below the users average resting heart rate. These effects are not detrimental to young and healthy users, but it is because of the effect on the cardiovascular system that cannabis isn't recommended as treatment for those with heart problems. With continuous use, the initial effect of increased heart rate will wear off, and cannabis will actually induce a slowing, calming, healing effect on the body. 

Until these symptoms decrease, what should one do to cope with cannabis-induced paranoia? 

1. Realize that you are under the influence of a substance. These effects will wear off within a couple of hours. Do a grounding exercise: focus on five things around you that you can sense. What's the colour of the wall? What do you feel beneath your feet? Etc. This will allow you to feel that everything is still real - your senses are only heightened.

2. Focus on breathing. Increased heart rate will make you want to breathe heavier. Instead of breathing rapidly (hyperventilating) take long, slow, deep breaths. Do not exert yourself physically. That being said, going on a low-impact walk (no incline or decline) can help to regulate breathing, and put the user in a better head-space. 

3. Embrace any negatives thoughts that might be triggered. Many people use cannabis as a way to spark creativity - and though it is cliche - contemplate life's questions. There's a reason many great philosophers, scientists, and artists use/d cannabis as a tool to aid their works. Take this as an opportunity to be vulnerable with yourself.

4. Embrace free flowing/illogical thoughts. You may feel frustrated because you can't remember what you thought or said a minute ago. No worries, man. Don't overthink it.

5. Use under supervision of someone you trust. Some people will feel anxiety if they are having negative thoughts. This may lead them to feel like others are judging them. For some, it is better to smoke alone. For others, it is best to smoke with trusted people. Regardless, if you know you're prone to anxiety, it might be best to stay away from public places and strangers when under the influence.

6. Put on some upbeat music and close your eyes. Let your mind wander, and let your body rest.



For More Information on Coping with Cannabis-Paranoia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JDpE5L4N74

For More Information on Cannabis and the Cardiovascular System:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12412837

http://www.idmu.co.uk/canncardio.htm

Fabulous Friday

Good morning, Victoria! It's Fabulous Friday today, which means you save $10 on all concentrates $50+!



We have a variety of concentrates at Urban Earth Med to cater to anyone's needs. Check out our selection of Hash and Shatter.

Music and Medicine

It’s not news that cannabis and music pair well: both stimulate creativity and generate feelings of relaxation, but what is it that causes cannabis to enhance our perception of sound?

Cannabis puts the “dope” in Dopamine:
Dopamine is one of the main neurotransmitters responsible for controlling motor movements and feelings of pleasure. When we listen to music, dopamine floods the temporal lobes of the brain that are primarily responsible for perception of sound. This explains why people feel pleasure when they listen to music: dopamine is flooding these brain regions and rewarding the brain for doing as such. 

Interestingly, those who suffer from seizures and epilepsy often have damage and/or overly active neurons in their temporal lobes. They are also likely to experience lapses in consciousness due to sporadic activity. Since cannabis produces anticonvulsant effects that essentially 'reboot' the brain, allowing for normal neuronal connections, cannabis can be an effective treatment for many seizure patients.

Since cannabis allows the brain to rewire connections, it can lead to seemingly bizarre associations, which then creates abstract concepts and an openness for new experiences. People who use cannabis are more likely to tolerate and even enjoy novel ideas, concepts, and genres they weren't open to before.

However, Cannabis does heighten our sensory perception, and slows our perception of time. This can explain why cannabis users notice subtleties in music. Depending on the strain used, the individual will feel unique effects native to that strain. This is due to the kind of strain used (sativa vs. indica), and differing ratios of cannabinoids in every strain, most importantly the ratio of CBD and THC. CBD (cannbidiol) is known for its pain relieving effects, while THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is renown for its psychoactive properties that spark creativity. It's no wonder why many artists are cannabis enthusiasts!



For More Information:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-articles/0315/040315-drugs-live-results-cannabis-brain

https://massroots.com/blog/marijuana-and-music-how-are-they-related

http://mic.com/articles/87315/does-marijuana-actually-make-for-a-better-musician-here-s-what-the-science-shows#.ZwO6LRl10

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-articles/0315/040315-drugs-live-results-cannabis-brain#sthash.lRUQOkIu.dpuf

Doctor's Consultations Have Just Gotten Easier!

     UEM Victoria is now offering FREE doctor's consults from now until the 21st!

 UEM Victoria offre maintenant des consultations gratuites jusqu'au 21 Avril!

Chocolate has CANNABINOIDS!!

Although there isn't record of anyone getting 'high' from chocolate, the treat loved by many does in fact contain properties most frequently correlated with cannabis: cannabinoids! 
For one to feel a 'high' from chocolate they'd have to consume an overwhelming 25 pounds of dark chocolate at once!!!!!! 

Fortunately, Urban Earth Med-Victoria has Green Goddess Chocolate Bites made with cannabis oil. Just one little bite has 35mg of THC! All the effects, a fraction of the calories!

Toonie Two-Bite Tuesday!

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Rastafarians, Rush to Italy...like, Now!!

There are ‪Fun Facts and then there 

are ‪Awesome FACTS, this fact is of the 

latter.

Cannabis, a ‪Religious Sacrament.

‪Marijuana use may be illegal in ‪Italy, but that law doesn't apply to everyone. Members of the ‪Rastafari religion are permitted to carry small amounts of marijuana for personal use, as it is considered a sacrament. The amount a Rastafarian can carry for "personal use" is relatively vague. A court case in 2008 deemed an amount equivalent to approximately seventy ‪joints to be permissible!

Italy, a great place to be a Rastafarian.

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FABULOUS FRIDAY!

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