Now, I know on a Friday night when the week has wained a good plenty enjoy a little sip. I also know that folks are going to keep “smoking”, (a term I use to speak about consuming cannabis) regardless. There are a lot a studies out showing results, let’s get into them. This is not recommended by Keeper’s though I can’t stop you from doing as you please, what I can do is educate.

There are many studies that have been done on this topic, all coming to interesting conclusions (references included). There was a study (1) done 1992 that stated cannabis may reduce alcohols bioavailability (amount of a substance entering the bloodstream, after being introduced into the body, that is active) “slowing absorption”. The same experiment (2) was done shortly after publishing by a different lab showing the flaws in the experiments design so, the initial results were deemed inconclusive. No matter how controlled the experiment is, one cannot control the rate of an individual’s gastrointestinal absorption for ANY substance, including water. Alcohol is no exception. In 2010 a study (3) was done to test the effects of coupled alcohol and THC consumption showed no significant results in the bloodstream. On another hand, a study (4) in 2015 showed in participants who drank alcohol then vaped a low or high dose of THC there was an increase in peak THC levels in the bloodstream.

IF you are going to drink and consume cannabis be aware of the methods you use. Let’s start with the obvious, consuming cannabis and alcohol together has been shown to reduce cognitive performance (i.e. motor function, speech flow) lower than that of those who drink or consume cannabis alone (5). This may also result in reduced cognitive function (i.e. perception and memory) though no conclusive studies have shown such. Eating cannabis will effect you more heavily over time as alcohol takes time to set in, this could mean a very bad time… Smoking a strain high in focused and exciting terpenes while drinking may give you the perception that you haven’t had that much to drink and you can handle more, until you hit the proverbial “wall”. The rule of thumb is to always assume you will be effected as if you drank double the amount of alcohol when consuming cannabis in any form. Unless you are eating edibles and drinking, the explanation is further up the post and much more visceral, not a good idea.

WHAT DOES ALL OF THIS MEAN!?!? It means all of these things are plausible when someone is drinking and consuming cannabis. Your body will always tell you the truth but it takes time to communicate. Start low and go as slow as you can so you don’t bottom yourself out. There are many different experimental designs, not all are sound and even those that are still may not account for other bits of information needed to make firm conclusions. Personally, I drink and smoke occasionally though I don’t recommend it for first timers or infrequent consumers. Be careful and don’t be the person out, trying to do more than you can handle. None of us want that. I know you don’t

Thank you for reading my Keys! Stay solid and be sure to medicate carefully.

INFORMATION FOR THOSE 18+NONE OF WHAT IS CONTAINED WITHIN THIS SITE OR IN SERVICE IS TO BE TAKEN AS OR IN REPLACEMENT OF MEDICAL CARE FROM A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PHYSICIAN

I AM NOT A DOCTOR, I DO NOT HAVE A LICENSE TO PRACTICE MEDICINE.

KEEPER’S DOES NOT SELL ANY PRODUCTS CONTAINING ANY FORM OF D9THC. KEEPER’S DOES NOT GIFT ANY PRODUCTS CONTAINING ANY FORM OF D9THC.

There is a rare ailment that effects long term cannabis consumers that’s gotten more attention as cannabis programs open throughout the United States. This condition is called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. This effects a small percentage of long term cannabis users. All of a sudden you may feel extreme nausea, disorientation, sweating, and begin vomiting. This could persist for up to 3 days, no breaks. Now you don’t need to get paranoid about this happening as this is a rare condition that only effects a small amount of consumers but it would be helpful to know the symptoms, stages, and how to control the symptoms should this ever happen to you.

Most of us use cannabis to ebb a myriad of symptoms such as nausea, headaches, light sensitivities. CHS is the antithetical villain causing a cascade of symptoms cannabis is supposed to assist with not egg on. There are three stages to CHS, let’s get into them. The first stage is called the “Prodromal Phase” and is characterized by consistent early morning nausea accompanying abdominal pain. You would think that consuming cannabis would help but that’s the exact opposite of what it’ll do. Having such pain with nausea may instigate vomiting so you may develop a fear of vomiting during this phase. This phase can last for months or even years prior to escalating. Why does it take so long, how? There is still ongoing research studying CHS and most information comes from personal account from people who have experienced this and been diagnosed. CHS is a newly understood/diagnosable condition, we’re learning as we go.

The second stage is the “Hyperemetic Phase” and is characterized by episodic vomiting, belly pain/bloating, extreme nausea and weight loss. The weight loss is due to being unable to hold down food. This phase lasts up to 3 days. There are a few things someone suffering stage two could do to slow down the symptoms, hot showers and drinking hot tea or room temp water.

The third stage is the recovery stage where symptoms stop, every case is unique so things may not be as sudden a stop for you as others. During this stage people who have had CHS think it is ok to return to cannabis use as the worst of it is over…that would be the beginning of another round with stage 1 & 2.

I hope this finds you well my keys! Consume safely.

Now this is a question I get quite a lot. To be more encompassing with my answer, I’ll say this. The answer is subjective. This means your limit is YOUR limit. Quite like one’s tolerance level, it’s different with each person.

There are some hallmark signs that you may have done too much and not all are based on the amount of cannabis you’ve consumed but internal/external environmental factors surrounding your experience as well. Also, the type of experience you want prior to consumption plays a large roll in your results. So, really, the question is did you meet, underachieve therapy, or over meet your needs.

Now, there are such things as “adverse reactions”. Those reactions are occurrences of unfavorable mental or physiological results from consuming cannabis like severe paranoia, ataxia, severe vomiting, nausea and several others. These reactions can come from consuming cannabis on top of other prescription/OTC medications. This is one of many reasons why you always consult with your primary care physician, if you are on any medications, whether or not cannabis consumption is a viable option.

Overall, your body will tell you what it needs, doesn’t need, what it wants, and what it can handle. If you are taking any prescribed medications like, but not limited to, opioids or BP medication consult with your physician before consuming cannabis. Cannabis is great but there is such a thing as too much.

Keep your senses open and consume carefully. Stay solid my Keys!

**THIS SITE IS FOR ADULTS 18+ NONE OF WHAT IS CONTAINED WITHIN THIS SITE** **OR IN SERVICE IS TO BE TAKEN AS OR IN REPLACEMENT OF MEDICAL CARE** **FROM A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PHYSICIAN**

***I AM NOT A DOCTOR, I DO NOT HAVE A LICENSE TO PRACTICE MEDICINE***

***KEEPER’S DOES NOT SELL ANY PRODUCT CONTAINING ANY FORM OF D9THC*** ***KEEPER’S DOES NOT GIFT ANY PRODUCT CONTAINING ANY FORM OF D9THC***

With cancer being the second leading cause of death in the US, this deserves a look. More than not, I hear conversations surrounding cannabis ranging from how “smacked” someone got off of a particular strain or how much symptom relief was achieved by way of cannabis consumption. In my experience, most of those suffering from a chronic illness are dealing with some type of cancer or autoimmune disease. Now, many people think that cannabis is a cancer cure-all. That it stops cancer from happening and kills cancer cells on contact. While this sounds nice, it isn’t true. Cannabis is in the game of altering the way our body does business so that certain reactions will be more difficult like cancer cell proliferation (formation). There is nuance in all things, especially when it comes to the human body. Just as all people have unique voices and interests, cancer has similar characteristics. It is unique to each person and no two cancers are the same. Therein lies the problem with “broad stroke” language used when discussing cannabis and cancer.

Cancer is a series of unchecked mutations, over time, that cause changes to cells stripping them of their differentiated duties all while dividing out of control. When those cells divide, fleshy masses form. These are called tumors. Now, just like our body’s organs, tumors need a blood supply to receive nutrients and oxygen. When a tumor grows, it needs its blood supply to grow as well so it grows blood vessels. This is where cannabis comes into play. CBD notably has shown promise in lab conditions to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and halt blood vessel growth in tumors (angiogenesis). When a tumor and its cells have no available way to receive blood and oxygen it can’t survive. Cancer is tricky in that it will exploit most every option it can to stay out of the line of sight but these studies continue to show greater promise.

There are certain chain reactions that occur that stop cells from maturing and becoming specialized for use in the body. Some of these changes are caused by carcinogens in the environment others are inherited from family. There are a host of factors that play into whether or not someone will get cancer, keep it or get rid of it. Cannabis, however, shows very interesting promise in inhibiting (stopping) some cancer causing chain reactions from taking place. Efficacy with cannabis in cancer is seen more in halting or slowing tumor formation. In experimental studies the activation of CB receptors (CB1 & CB2) by cannabinoids is antitumorigenic in most cancers (stops tumor cells from forming) and induces apoptosis or “cell death”. Much has been seen in cannabinoids halting the survival of cells in the lining of arteries and from migrating. Which could mean that these cells won’t survive long enough to migrate and be changed into capillaries & blood vessels by cancer to feed tumors. Cannabis shows promise in changing the environment in the body that disallow certain reactions, along a chain, from happening. When you disrupt the assembly line, something gets missed and the product isn’t as effective.

**THIS SITE IS FOR ADULTS 18+ NONE OF WHAT IS CONTAINED WITHIN THIS SITE** **OR IN SERVICE IS TO BE TAKEN AS OR IN REPLACEMENT OF MEDICAL CARE** **FROM A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PHYSICIAN**

***I AM NOT A DOCTOR, I DO NOT HAVE A LICENSE TO PRACTICE MEDICINE***

***KEEPER’S DOES NOT SELL ANY PRODUCT CONTAINING ANY FORM OF D9THC*** ***KEEPER’S DOES NOT GIFT ANY PRODUCT CONTAINING ANY FORM OF D9THC***

There is always more to learn and more people hungry for the information. Prior to starting this service my experience as a Cannabis Patient Care Specialist showed many aspects of the industry that I enjoy and others I do not. Clearly, there is a need for growth. Patients were confused and often overwhelmed by the amount of products and their diversity. Not only that, wait till they see the label! A Keeper is one who “manages or looks after another”. I am here to not only do that but, to steward a community of successfully educated and medicated consumers.

I’ve had the pleasure and privilege to serve a great number of patients. Kindness and compassion are cornerstone to my work understanding you, the patient, and your needs. Whether that be as simple as elevated mood and attentiveness or as much RSO regiments to manage side-effects of cancer treatment, Ive made it my mission to listen so as to know what you need and how you need to experience it.

Keeper’s Cannabis Coaching provides patients with the care and education needed to make the most effective decisions possible. Whether you are a new consumer or a seasoned Vet, I am here to get/keep you on the right track.

**THIS SITE IS FOR ADULTS 18+ NONE OF WHAT IS CONTAINED WITHIN THIS SITE** **OR IN SERVICE IS TO BE TAKEN AS OR IN REPLACEMENT OF MEDICAL CARE** **FROM A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PHYSICIAN**

***I AM NOT A DOCTOR, I DO NOT HAVE A LICENSE TO PRACTICE MEDICINE***

***KEEPER’S DOES NOT SELL ANY PRODUCT CONTAINING ANY FORM OF D9THC*** ***KEEPER’S DOES NOT GIFT ANY PRODUCT CONTAINING ANY FORM OF D9THC***

Before understanding what you need from the label you need to understand what you want out of your product before you start reading. First, understand how you want to feel before you start making any decision on product selection.  Once that has been deduced, ask your dispensary agent for a look at the label. 

On one side of the label you’ll find things such as THCA, THC, CBC, CBGA, CGB. These are your CANNABINOIDS, components unique to and present in Cannabis.  THC & CBD are the most well known and researched of these molecules.  These components interact with your ENDOGENOUS CANNABINOID SYSTEM (ECS) to monitor & assist every system in the human body. 

The the other side you’ll find my favorite aspects of the plant, TERPENES!  These are the scented oils each cultivar (plant) possesses.  These offer specific benefits to the plants during its life cycle and, when ingested, to humans as well.  These are going to accentuate the psychoactive experience with feelings either mentally stimulating, giddy, energetic & focused to dreamy, heavy, sluggish, sleepy, relaxed and almost trance-like.

These Terpenes have wonderful flavor and applications when smelled and consumed.  To potentiate the effects of terpenes on cannabis psychoactivity is a stretch though they can accent how your mind & body processes this psychoactive experience in a way that increases or decreases their desired experience.  I.e. if I enjoy higher focus and creativity as a result of my consumption I look for THCA 19-23% with d-limonene, b-Caryophyllene & Terpinolene all around or above .5%.  This way, I can always ensure I’m getting what I hope for.  Applying this method you can too.

Knowing your CANNABINOIDS & TERPENES are essential to understand how the plant will effect you.

**THIS SITE IS FOR ADULTS 18+ NONE OF WHAT IS CONTAINED WITHIN THIS SITE** **OR IN SERVICE IS TO BE TAKEN AS OR IN REPLACEMENT OF MEDICAL CARE** **FROM A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PHYSICIAN**

***I AM NOT A DOCTOR, I DO NOT HAVE A LICENSE TO PRACTICE MEDICINE***

***KEEPER’S DOES NOT SELL ANY PRODUCT CONTAINING ANY FORM OF D9THC*** ***KEEPER’S DOES NOT GIFT ANY PRODUCT CONTAINING ANY FORM OF D9THC***