Autologous stem cell therapy helpful in traumatic brain injury

The use of cell therapy after traumatic brain injury in children can reduce the amount of therapeutic interventions needed to treat the patient, as well as the amount of time the child spends in neurointensive care, according to research.

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Strokes steal eight years' worth of brain function, new study suggests

Having a stroke ages a person's brain function by almost eight years, new research finds -- robbing them of memory and thinking speed as measured on cognitive tests. In both black and white patients, having had a stroke meant that their score on a 27-item test of memory and thinking speed had dropped as much as it would have if they had aged 7.9 years overnight.

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Panel Recommends Improvements in Estrogen Testing Accuracy

Unreliable estrogen measurements have had a negative impact on the treatment of and research into many hormone-related cancers and chronic conditions. To improve patient care, a panel of medical experts has called for accurate, standardized estrogen testing methods in a new statement.

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Improve Your Lifestyle So You Can Keep Up

Your lifestyle says a lot about what you value. If you want better health, follow these tips.

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Preventive neuroradiology: Brain imaging bolsters efforts to lower Alzheimer's risk

Armed with new knowledge about how neurodegenerative diseases alter brain structures, increasing numbers of neurologists, psychiatrists and other clinicians are adopting quantitative brain imaging as a tool to measure and help manage cognitive declines in patients. These imaging findings can help spur beneficial lifestyle changes in patients to reduce risk for Alzheimer's disease.

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Researchers pilot predictive medicine by studying healthy people's DNA

Scientists have turned traditional genomics research on its head. Instead of trying to find a mutation in the genome of a person with a genetic disease, they sequenced the genomes of healthy participants, and then analyzed the data to find presumed mutations that would almost certainly lead to a genetic condition. Of nearly 1,000 volunteers whose genomes were examined, about 100 had variants predicting a rare disease. Almost half actually had the disease.

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Scientists patent a faster, more reliable technique for diagnosing oral cancer

Malignant tumours of the oral cavity are the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. As such, a fast and accurate diagnosis is key to maximising the probability of successful treatment and the hope and quality of life of patients.

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How You Get High: What Marijuana Does to Your Brain

You know the scene: It’s a Friday night, everyone’s hanging out, and someone pulls out a joint. Choosing to smoke two joints (or even just take a puff of one) is illegal in most states, but we’re not going to get into the medical marijuana debate here. We’re not even going to chat about if smoking marijuana is bad for you (hint: the results are mixed). Rather, we’re interested in how Mary Jane affects the brain. Read on for the lowdown on THC, cannabidiol, anandamide, and other hard-to-pronounce chemicals found in Jay and Silent Bob’s favorite plant.

How the Herb Works

Each little bud and leaf of the marijuana plant is composed of hundreds of chemicals, but scientists have mainly studied just two main compounds: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive compound, but it does contribute to making the smoker feel calm and relaxed. In fact, cannabidiol has so many rock-star qualities that scientists are trying to figure out how to turn it into a drug. Cannabidiol contains analgesic (aka pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, and antipsychotic properties that have the potential to treat patients with schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, and even cancer.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (try saying that 10 times fast!), a member of the cannabinoid chemical family, is specifically responsible for the psychological and physical side effects that occur as a result of lighting up. Smoking reefer can produce feelings of euphoria, relaxed inhibitions, fragmentary thoughts, lack of concentration, impaired memory, drowsiness, and even sudden panic or paranoia. Bud affects the bod, too: Marijuana smokers may experience physical effects like increased heart rate, red eyes, dry mouth, and increased appetite.

What Happens in the Short-Term?

THC gets movin’ quickly. Within seconds, the drug hits the brain and goes to town on the brain’s cells, called neurons. To understand how this works, let’s pause for a brief biology lesson. Neurons are long, dangly cells that don’t actually touch one another. The gap between brain cells is called a synapse, and the brain uses chemicals called neurotransmitters to pass messages across these gaps — think of these chemicals as an operator on a phone call. You’ve probably heard of a few neurotransmitters, like serotonin, epinephrine, and dopamine. While most neurotransmitters are made in the glands, some man-made drugs (both legal and illegal) can mimic the same effects as natural neurotransmitters. Natural or not so much, a neurotransmitter binds to a neuron, which signals the body to do (or not do) something. When a neurotransmitter fits into the correct receptor—like a key in a lock—it chemically turns that neuron off or on.

This is where our friend THC comes in. The active chemical in marijuana mimics a natural neurotransmitter called anandamide. Anandamide is often referred to as the “bliss molecule” because of its role in boosting memory and learning, dulling pain, and stimulating the appetite ¹ . Anandamide normally buddies up with dopamine, and together these neurotransmitters turn on and turn off different chemical pathways as needed.

THC may mimic anandamide, but they don't produce the exact same effects. After a person takes a hit of Mary Jane, THC binds to cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are located in several parts of the brain (namely, the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and basal ganglia)² . These brain areas are responsible for short-term memory, coordination, learning, problem solving, and unconscious muscle movements. When THC gets its groove on in the cannabinoid receptors, it gets in the way of natural neurotransmitters (like anandamide) that need to bind to those sites to make all of the functions listed above work properly.

When THC prevents anadamide from doing its job, the delicate balance between anadamide and dopamine is thrown off. The result: We’re suddenly euphoric, off-balance, ravenous, seemingly impervious to pain, and unable to retain information. Think about the classic stoner clichés for a minute…yep, all the signs and symptoms are there.

What Happens in the Long-Term?

How long THC affects the brain and stays in the body depends on many factors, including the potency of the marijuana, the smoker’s experience with the drug, how the drug is ingested (via joint, bowl, bong, vaporizer, etc), and if it’s used in conjunction with other drugs or alcohol ³ . Immediate effects of THC kick in after a few seconds and last for an hour or two, but the chemicals can stay in the body for much longer. THC is fat-soluble, so even though it doesn’t continue to affect the brain, it can hang out in body tissues for several weeks or, in the case of habitual smokers, even months⁴ .

So are those wild ‘n’ crazy nights going to ruin your brain forever? Some studies have shown that frequent adolescent marijuana use—especially when use begins at a younger age—can reduce IQ by middle age. Further research argues that smoking like a chimney causes overuse of the CB1 receptors, which can lead to a sloth-like brain. But more recently, a boatload of researchers have proven that puffing the magic dragon won’t actually zap your brain cells in the long-term. ⁵⁶⁷ .

But Then I Got High: The Takeaway

If you stuck through the chemistry lessons until this part, you’re probably expecting a thumbs-up or thumbs-down judgment. But, as with many biological processes, the overall effect of marijuana on brain chemistry isn’t crystal clear. For the most part, current research is disproving earlier studies that claimed that marijuana damaged the body long-term, but so far nothing’s really set in stone. Feel free to take this information on the brain’s reaction to marijuana and smoke it (or not).

Originally published April 2013. Updated June 2015.

Works Cited

1. Anandamide administration into the ventromedial hypothalamus stimulates appetite in rats. Jamshidi N, Taylor DA. Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Pharmacology, Victorian College of Pharmacy, Monash University, Victoria, Australia. British Journal of Pharmacology. 2001 November; 134(6):1151-4.
2. Regulation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the central nervous system by chronic cannabinoids. Sim-Selley LJ. Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Institute for Drug & Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA, USA. Critical Reviews in Neurobiology. 2003; 15(2)-91-119.
3. Acute and residual effects of alcohol and marijuana, alone and in combination, on mood and performance. Chait LD, Perry JL. Department of Psychiatry, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, IL, USA. Psychopharmacology. 1994 July; 115(3):340-9.
4. Urinary elimination of 11-Nor-9-carboxy-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in cannabis users during continuously monitored abstinence. Goodwin RS, Darwin WD, Chiang CN, Shih M, Li SH Huestis MA. Chemistry and Drug Metabolism Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA. Journal of Analytical Toxicology. 2008 October; 32(8):562-569.
5. Current and former marijuana use: preliminary findings of a longitudinal study of effects on IQ in young adults. Fried, P., Watkinson, B., James, D., et al. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2002 April 2; 166(7): 887–891
6. Neurocognitive consequences of marihuana—a comparison with pre-drug performance. Fried, PA, Watkinson, B., and Gray, R. Department of Psychology, Carleton University. Neurotoxicology and Teratology, 2005 Mar-Apr;27(2):231-9. Epub 2004 Dec 9
7. Neuropsychological performance in long-term cannabis users. Pope, HG Jr., Gruber, AJ, Hudson, JI, et al. McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School. Archives of General Psychiatry, 2001 Oct;58(10):909-15

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What are Medicare costs for patients with oral cavity, pharyngeal cancers?

Medicare costs for older patients with oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers increased based on demographics, co-existing illnesses and treatment selection, according to a report.

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Reflection in medical education can lead to less burn-out

With physician burnout on the rise it is all the more integral for students to learn ways to engage better with the challenges faced in the medical profession. Stritch faculty members believe reflection is a fundamental tool to help students process and cope with the tremendous physical, emotional and mental pressure that can accompany their vocation.

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Do You Want To Know Why Short People Want To Be Taller?

Being short is not a disability, it is just an unfortunate genetic trait. But why are so many short people looking to get taller? Let's explore some of those reasons today.

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All the Things You Need To Know About Height Surgery

Gaining height through surgery can be an expensive and very painful thing to do. Let me highlight some key points of getting surgery for height gain and then you can make your own opinion.

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The Secret Methods to Increase Your Height Starting Today

Learn about the secret, yet highly effective methods to increase your height today. Throughout this article I will highlight some tips, tricks and methods for gaining height safely.

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Teachers' health: Healthy heart, stressed psyche

As a result of their work, teachers suffer psychosomatic disorders such as exhaustion, fatigue, and headaches more frequently than other occupational groups, claims a new report.

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40 Things You Need to Stop Worrying About

Researchers targeting host rather than flu virus have success with new treatment in mice

People who die from the flu actually die from respiratory failure. A curious researcher wondered what would happen if someone developed a treatment that would prevent blood vessels from leaking into the lungs, and focused study on that.

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Some of the Easiest and Most Effective Ways to Lose Weight

Most of us are time and again concerned about being obese, or maybe gaining some extra inches around the waist at random times in a year. The culprit could be our lifestyles; long working hours, stress, pollution, irregular sleeping hours, little or no time for exercise, or even issues associated with making sure that we always consume a healthy diet.

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Choosing the Best Electric Shaver for You

If you've been an avid fan of wet shaving, but you're considering making the switch to electric shaving it is important to do your research. And to help, below is a detailed guide of what you'll need to know about switching from a manual to an electric shaver.

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Salmon Burgers With Mango and Avocado Salsa

When summer—and all of its barbecues, picnics, and burgers—arrives, this salmon recipe is a lighter, refreshing alternative to beef. It's full of heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, and using fresh salmon over canned and no flour or other fillers lets the flavor and texture of the fish take center stage. The mango and avocado salsa adds a punch of flavor, along with even more healthy fats and fiber. Serve the patties on top of a salad, on a bun, wrapped in lettuce or other greens, or alone. For more recipes like this, check out An Unprocessed Life.

1. Using a blender or food processor, purée 4 ounces salmon.
2. In a pan over medium-high heat, sauté 1/3 cup red onion in 1 teaspoon coconut oil until translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Transfer all salmon to a medium bowl and mix with egg, sautéed onion, mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
4. Form salmon mixture into five patties about 1/4-inch thick and place on a parchment-lined plate in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to allow some setting.
5. Heat remaining 1 teaspoon coconut oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Transfer salmon patties to pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until cooked through.
6. Combine remaining 3/4 cup onion, mango, avocado, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. (Note: You can make salsa at least a few hours ahead of time to allow the flavors to best meld and marinate.)
7. Serve burgers topped with salsa.

• 1 pound salmon, skin removed, chopped
• 1 red onion, finely chopped and divided into 1/3 cup and 3/4 cup
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil, divided
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon horseradish (or Dijon) mustard
• Salt
• 1 mango, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2-1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed, minced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

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Greatist Workout of the Day: Friday, June 5th

This series of GWODs was designed exclusively for Greatist by Bodeefit. For more information about the exercises in this workout, or to see video demos of each movement, follow the links below the graphic. Be sure to note the results of your workout so you can track your progress as you go.

Before you tackle this workout, try this quick and effective full-body warm-up. It's just five simple moves but hits every major muscle group and gets your heart pumping.

Tyson's Trainer

Complete 5 rounds of the following as fast as safely possible.

20 Lunges (10 per leg)
1-minute Handstand Hold
1-minute Forearm Plank Hold

Want to kick up the intensity? Hold lightweight dumbbells or kettlebells in both hands during the lunges. And don't forget to check back tomorrow for a totally new (but equally awesome) GWOD!

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Women's contribution to healthcare constitutes nearly 5% of global GDP, but nearly half is unpaid and unrecognized

A major new Commission on women and health has found that women are contributing around $3 trillion to global health care, but nearly half of this (2.35% of global GDP) is unpaid and unrecognized.

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Immune system marker for therapy-resistant prostate cancer

A research team shows how signaling by an immune system component called interleukin-6 (IL-6) appears to play an important role in driving aggressive, therapy-resistant prostate cancer.

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Programming DNA to reverse antibiotic resistance in bacteria

New research introduces a promising new tool to combat the rapid, extensive spread of antibiotic resistance around the world. It nukes antibiotic resistance in selected bacteria, and renders other bacteria more sensitive to antibiotics. The research, if ultimately applied to pathogens on hospital surfaces or medical personnel's hands, could turn the tide on untreatable, often lethal bacterial infections.

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Cancer overtakes cardiovascular disease as UK's number one killer, but only among men

Cancer has overtaken cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke, as the UK's number one killer -- but only among men, reveals research. Cardiovascular disease is still the most common cause of death among women, and kills more young women than breast cancer, the figures show.

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Emphysema patient has good result from experimental one-way valve procedure

An experimental procedure using one-way valves to achieve lung volume reduction shows promise for an emphysema patient. Emphysema, a lung disease usually caused by smoking, damages air sacs in the lung. The sacs fill with air that the body is unable to exhale, causing the lungs to expand. This in turn flattens the diaphragm, the primary muscle used for breathing. The flattened diaphragm is unable to function properly, making it extremely difficult for the individual to breathe.

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Early clinical trial success for new rheumatoid arthritis treatment

A world-first vaccine-style therapeutic approach to treat rheumatoid arthritis has been developed by researchers. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues, particularly in the joints, causing inflammation, pain and deformity.

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Benefit of surgery for ductal carcinoma in-situ investigated

Breast surgery performed at or shortly after a diagnosis of low-grade ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) did not significantly change patients' survival rate, investigators report. The team finds that the survival rate for those with intermediate- and high-grade DCIS does improve with surgery, but the work raises concerns about overtreatment and the necessity and benefit of surgery for all patients with low-grade DCIS.

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Benefit of surgery for ductal carcinoma in-situ investigated

Breast surgery performed at or shortly after a diagnosis of low-grade ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) did not significantly change patients' survival rate, investigators report. The team finds that the survival rate for those with intermediate- and high-grade DCIS does improve with surgery, but the work raises concerns about overtreatment and the necessity and benefit of surgery for all patients with low-grade DCIS.

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Re-inflating balloon after carotid stenting appears to double risk of stroke and death

After reviewing outcomes from thousands of cases, researchers report that patients with blocked neck arteries who undergo carotid stenting to prop open the narrowed blood vessels fare decidedly worse if their surgeons re-inflate a tiny balloon in the vessel after the mesh stent is in place.

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Withholding angiotensin receptor blockers after surgery increases risk of postoperative death

Withholding angiotensin receptor blockers for longer than two days after surgery is associated with a significantly increased risk of postoperative death, according to a study of more than 30,000 patients.

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Cancer screening increase may reflect Affordable Care Act provision

Screening for colorectal cancer increased in lower socioeconomic status individuals after 2008, perhaps reflecting the Affordable Care Act's removal of financial barriers to screening, according to a new analysis.

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Developing delirium in ICU linked to fatal outcomes

About one-third of patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) will develop delirium, a condition that lengthens hospital stays and substantially increases one’s risk of dying in the hospital, according to a new study.

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Hair Removal Options to Remove Hair Effectively

This article describes the different methods of removing hair. It describes methods to remove hair effectively.

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At Home Permanent Hair Removal Methods

This article gives the girls information about permanent hair removal methods at home. Laser treatment is a permanent method of hair removal.

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How to Lose Weight and Keep It That Way

People who want to lose weight in a short span of time go to extreme measures just to shed their extra pounds. Some go on a crash diet, skipping meals or starving themselves, or try every kind of diet available, from eating foods from a particular food group, to taking supplements in place of food. Others exercise excessively, attending cardio or aerobics classes one after another.

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Great Tips to Lose Weight

This article mention some simple tips to lose weight. These tips can be followed by each and every person.

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Tips To Help You Start A Healthier Diet

It can be really hard to start a new diet especially if you want to include your whole family in the program. As you learn more about nutrition and healthy living, you are probably interested in helping your immediate family members to enjoy this way of eating as well. Some people start on a low carb diet to improve their health and lose weight, and they find that they are preparing two meals every day: one for themselves, and one for the rest of the family.

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The Ridiculously Easy Way to Get Your Daily Dose of Veggies

Hungryroot

It turns out most of us didn’t listen to mom (or Popeye the Sailor Man) when we were told to eat our veggies. Only one in four Americans eats the recommended three or more servings of vegetables every day. We know how easy it is to fall off the bandwagon—we’re sick of the same old salads and mixed-veggie sides too.

Everything changed when we discovered vegetable noodles. (You mean we can enjoy amazing noodles covered in pesto, alfredo, or peanut sauce, all while getting our daily dose of veggies?!) So we bought a spiralizer and veggie noodles became one of our staple weeknight dinners. But there are still plenty of days when we get home late from work and we can’t be bothered to do all the prep work for cooking. We want food and we want it now.

Luckily, a friend introduced us to Hungryroot a few weeks ago. The new company loves veggie noodles as much as we do, but they've taken their love to a whole new level. They created six pre-packaged veggie noodle meals (priced at $10 each) that ship right to your door. Hungryroot uses fresh ingredients, and also uses special packaging so meals last up to 14 days in the fridge.

We’ve only made zucchini and carrot noodles on our own, but Hungryroot comes with so many other delicious veggie options, including beet noodles in a savory Thai sesame sauce, sweet potato noodles with creamy cashew alfredo, and celery root noodles with sweet basil gremolata. Even with the rich-tasting sauces, the meals are all under 500 calories. And the prep seriously couldn’t be easier: Just put a splash of olive oil in a skillet, add noodles, and then stir in various add-ons (including pre-cooked chicken, if you opt for it). It all takes fewer than 10 minutes. And prepare to be full—eating all of those veggies is surprisingly filling.

The best news of all: Hungryroot is offering Greatist readers 20 percent off their first purchase. All you have to do is click the button below and start shopping.

I Want 20% Off

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Rosé Gold

Summer means rosé, and when you want something a little fancier than plain wine, make this sparkling cocktail. With a hint of orange, it'll make any night feel special, and it takes almost no effort to make.

Combine first four ingredients in a wine glass over ice. Garnish with orange slice.

• 2 ounces rosé wine
• 2 ounces orange-flavored sparkling water (we used Perrier L'orange)
• 1 1/2 ounces Lillet
• Dash Angostura bitters
• 1 orange slice, for garnish

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Greatist Workout of the Day: Thursday, June 4th

This series of GWODs was designed exclusively for Greatist by Bodeefit. For more information about the exercises in this workout, or to see video demos of each movement, follow the links below the graphic. Be sure to note the results of your workout so you can track your progress as you go.

Before you tackle this workout, try this quick and effective full-body warm-up. It's just five simple moves but hits every major muscle group and gets your heart pumping.

The Cyclist

Complete as many rounds of the following as possible in 15 minutes:

15 Air Squats
30-second Push-Up Hold
15 Bicycle Sit-Ups (per side)

Want to kick up the intensity? Hold a light kettlebell or dumbbell in front of your chest during the air squats. And don't forget to check back tomorrow for a totally new (but equally awesome) GWOD!

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Years of good blood sugar control helps diabetic hearts, study finds

Day in and day out, millions of people with diabetes test their blood sugar levels. And many may wonder if all the careful eating, exercise and medication it takes to keep those levels under control is really worth it. A major new study should encourage them to keep going -- and prompt them to work with their doctors on reducing their cardiovascular risk.

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First Dates Won’t Be Awkward When You Have This At Your Table

Eleven Quick Ways to Improve Your Health

The path to greater health and well-being needn't be as grueling as many make it out to be. While rigorous exercise and healthy dieting are of course important, there are all sorts of small and simple things you can do daily to boost physical and mental wellness.

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Are commercial conflicts of interests justifiable in medical journals?

A group of former senior editors criticize a 'seriously flawed and inflammatory attack' by The New England Journal of Medicine on what that journal believes have become overly stringent policies on conflicts of interest.

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MRI technology reveals deep brain pathways in unprecedented detail

A 3-D map of the human brain stem has been produced at an unprecedented level of detail using MRI technology. In a new study, the researchers unveil an ultra high-resolution brain stem model that could better guide brain surgeons treating conditions such as tremors and Parkinson's disease with deep brain stimulation.

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Study supports IDH gene as prognostic marker in anaplastic astrocytoma

The mutation status of a gene called IDH1 might have prognostic value for anaplastic astrocytomas, and that it may be worth exploring further whether IDH1 status can predict the best chemotherapy for these patients, a new study suggests.

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The New Runner's High: Why More Athletes Are Turning to Weed

It’s a typical Wednesday evening. After a long run, Andrew*, who works in digital media in New York City, is following his standard post-run routine. Like most runners, he’ll quickly cool down, stretch, drink water, and maybe grab a post-workout snack. Unlike most runners, he’ll also smoke pot.

The avid runner and cyclist, whose racing résumé includes the Umstead 100 Ultra, typically lights up immediately before his athletic activities and usually within an hour or two post-sweat session.

Andrew isn’t alone in his habit of combining cannabis and sport—in fact, it's become an underground trend in distance-running culture. Ultra runners like Avery Collins and Jen Shelton have admitted to running under the influence of marijuana. And former professional runner Chris Barnicle, a cannabis advocate living in Los Angeles, calls himself the “world’s fastest stoner” on Twitter. Pro-cannabis running groups, like Run on Grass in Denver, are dedicated to staying fit and educating others about cannabis, while online communities like Cannafit and NORML Athletics also promote cannabis' association with healthy living.

Your Brain on Mary Jane

Andrew didn't used to toke up before a workout. “But as I started getting into longer distances like marathons, I noticed my mindset was very similar when I’m running and when I’m high,“ he says. “If I don’t smoke before a run, I’m constantly thinking about the miles and how much further I have to go, rather than just enjoying the experience.”

Science backs up this sensation. A quick refresher course on how weed works: When you ingest marijuana—whether via smoke, vape, or edibles—its chemical compounds, or cannabinoids, combine with your brain and body’s receptors that regulate pain, emotions, appetite, and memory. One compound, cannabidiol (CBD), is non-psychoactive and brings about that calm and relaxed feeling. The other main compound is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive chemical that generates feelings of euphoria, relaxed inhibitions, lack of focus, and sometimes drowsiness.

While weed may not sound like an ideal substance to ingest before lacing up your sneakers, it turns out our bodies naturally produce similar compounds after exercise. Research has shown high levels of anandamide, a cannabinoid naturally produced in the body, in the bloodstream of individuals after running and cycling¹ .

So, ingesting cannabis mimics the very natural process of increasing exercise-induced endocannabinoids, explains Gregory Gerdeman, an assistant professor of biology at Eckerd College. “That runner’s joy—whether natural or marijuana-induced—can minimize distraction and help exercise be not just a means to an end, but an enjoyment.”

The Perks of Pot

In a competitive world, it's not unusual for runners to go beyond the basics to enhance their performance, whether it’s wearing compression gear, plunging into ice baths, or downing pickle juice before a race. But can using cannabis really give them an edge?

Studies on the effects of cannabis on athletes are very limited—and the studies that are available tend to focus on the negative effects² . But plenty of pro-cannabis advocates, as well as some studies, point out potential benefits of pairing pot and running.

These positive effects are mostly indirectly related to the sport itself, like decreasing anxiety, explains Amanda Feilding, director of The Beckley Foundation, a non-profit in the U.K. devoted to psychedelic science and drug policy reform. Athletes seem motivated to use cannabis due to its effects on relaxation, well-being, and its promotion of better sleep before a race, research finds³ . This same relaxing effect may make it easier for muscles to recover as well, Feilding says.

Another perk for athletes: Cannabis can increase impulsive responses, leading to more risk-taking behavior—without affecting decision-making—which can be beneficial in competitions⁴ . Studies also suggest that cannabis can increase oxygenation of tissues, improve vision and concentration, help athletes forget previous traumatic experiences related to the activity (like falls or injuries), reduce muscle spasms, and aid in pain relief³ .

Still, researchers say much more scientific research is needed to determine the performance-enhancing effects. (Translation: Don't try this at home, kids.) Plus, inhaling smoke is not exactly an ideal delivery method, explains Dustin Sulak, a licensed osteopathic physician and advocate of integrative medicine. Instead, runners can turn to edibles, vaporizers, and oral medicine. These alternatives won't harm your lungs or expose you to toxic substances that are in smoke—"vaping" in particular has been touted as the healthiest way to ingest cannabis—but they can also hit your system harder and last longer (up to 10 hours!) than smoked THC. So, you should use caution and talk to a medical professional before consuming.

Though the verdict is still out on the benefits of weed for runners, there's plenty of anecdotal evidence from pro-ganja athletes. Tyler Hurst, a writer, runner, and cannabis enthusiast in Phoenix, has been using cannabis regularly for about five years. He typically ingests a Squib, a small, easily-stashable edible, before long weekend runs.

“It’s pretty great to run through a field, across a bridge, in a forest, or up a mountain while being hyper-aware of your environment,” Hurst says. “I’ve recovered faster in the past year than I ever have before, all while running longer and eating the same.” He says cannabis helps relax his muscles once they become fatigued, making it easier to foam roll and stretch post-run.

The Cons of Cannabis

But is it safe? Not exactly. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of cannabis on running and everyday life in general, so for starters, there’s the risk of the unknown, Feilding says. Cannabis also increases the heart rate, so runners might reach their limits more quickly after smoking or ingesting cannabis, she explains.

Then, there's what we’ll call “the stuff our parents warned us about.” Studies show that consistent cannabis use can impair short-term memory, decrease alertness, lower reaction time, accelerate muscle fatigue (leading to a shorter exercise sesh), or even cause cardiovascular disease⁵ . It's also been associated with a declining IQ. Plus, some people experience paranoia or extreme anxiety while high—not exactly a recipe for crushing your PR⁶ .

Finally, we’re all familiar with the fact that smoking can damage your lungs. Although smoking pot has lower risks of lung disease compared to tobacco, marijuana smoke does contain a number of carcinogens and has been associated with an increased likelihood of chronic bronchitis⁷ .

Oh, and there’s that little issue that it's likely against the law. Medical marijuana is only legal in 23 states (and Washington, D.C.) so far, and only four states (Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Alaska) allow legal use today. Cannabis is also banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency for all individuals competing in professional sports.

The Debate Continues

Some athletes disagree with that classification. “I don’t think cannabis should be considered a performance-enhancing drug,” Gerdeman says. “There are aspects of cannabis that improve athlete's focus during training, but it’s not the same as injecting hormones that increase your blood cells or stimulate muscle growth. Good nutrition is performance enhancing, but it’s natural—cannabis falls more closer to that end of the spectrum.”

Unfortunately, the strict laws around cannabis make it difficult to conduct research to learn more, Feilding says. And the cannabis that is available isn't regulated or consistent. "It has varying amounts of CBD and THC, the product’s two major chemicals, which can have different effects on individuals," she explais.

Gerdeman and Feilding believe more research is vital to understanding the pros and cons of cannabis. “Biomedical research points to a lot of potential benefits that are really too premature to go out broadcasting, but the medical marijuana industry, which is still federally illegal, is so highly unregulated that advocates cherry pick positive stories,” Gerdeman says. “We're just at the cusp of learning a lot more about it.”

Barnicle, the speedy stoner from L.A., just asks that everyone keep an open mind. The former track athlete kept his habit under wraps along with other teammates while competing for the University of Arkansas, but wishes more big-time athletes would announce their love for cannabis to help worldwide acceptance grow. He’s now developing a cannabis energy bar for athletes. “Unfortunately, athletes themselves seem to be really in a secret society about it,” Barnicle says. “The whole system just needs to be changed.”

*Last name has been withheld as cannabis is currently illegal in New York.

Works Cited

1. Exercise activates the endocannabinoid system. Sparling PB, Giuffrida A, Piomelli D. Neuroreport, 2004, May.;14(17):0959-4965.
2. Pharmacology and effects of cannabis: a brief review. Ashton CH. The British Journal of Psychiatry: The Journal of Mental Science, 2001, May.;178():0007-1250.
3. Cannabis in Sport. Marilyn A. Huestis, Irene Mazzoni, and Olivier Rabin. Sports Medicine. 2011 Nov 1; 41(11); 949-966.
4. Effects of THC on behavioral measures of impulsivity in humans. McDonald J, Schleifer L, Richards JB. Neuropsychopharmacology : Official Publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 2003, Apr.;28(7):0893-133X.
5. Cognitive and subjective dose-response effects of acute oral Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in infrequent cannabis users. Curran HV, Brignell C, Fletcher S. Psychopharmacology, 2002, Jul.;164(1):0033-3158.
   Pharmacology and effects of cannabis: a brief review. Ashton CH. The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science, 2001, May.;178():0007-1250.
6. Marijuana sensitivity and panic anxiety. Szuster RR, Pontius EB, Campos PE. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 1988, Dec.;49(11):0160-6689.
7. Effects of marijuana smoking on the lung. Tashkin DP. Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 2014, Feb.;10(3):2325-6621.

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Cardio Exercise For Weight Loss: Is It Best? What Is?

Cardio burns calories and is great for stamina but not for overall fitness. Strength training is the better exercise choice for weight loss because while it burns calories it creates muscle mass, which fundamentally improves metabolism, makes metabolism most efficient.

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Edamame and Cucumber Noodle Salad With Creamy Ginger Dressing

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• For dressing:
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• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium tamari
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh peeled ginger
• 1 lime, juiced
• For salad:
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• 1 small carrot, spiralized or julienned
• 1/3 cup very thinly shredded purple cabbage
• 3/4 cup defrosted shelled edamame
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Before you tackle this workout, try this quick and effective full-body warm-up. It's just five simple moves but hits every major muscle group and gets your heart pumping.

Quad Crush

Complete as many rounds of the following circuit as safely possible in 10 minutes.

1-minute Wall Sit
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Use of computerized clinical decision support tools leads to small reduction in inappropriate advanced imaging studies

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