Beware – Be Smart – Be Informed-Scams

An Update from the California Department of Business Oversight

 

Do Your Homework
In light of recent events, the Department of Business Oversight (DBO) urges consumers and investors to be alert to scams and unlawful activities in the investment and other financial services industries. The DBO encourages investors to carefully investigate any potential investment opportunities at a time when unscrupulous actors will likely try to exploit heightened economic anxieties. Consumers and investors can submit complaints to the DBO at https://dbo.ca.gov/file-a-complaint/.

Loan Modification and Foreclosure Scams 

Homeowners facing foreclosure should be aware of these common scams:

Deed-Transferring to Third Party – Scammers have told homeowners that by transferring the deed to their home to a third party, they will no longer be responsible for their mortgage payments. This is NOT true. Transferring a title does not relieve a borrower from their mortgage payments. Scam artists often ask for up-front fees to make the deed transfer and promise to rent the house back to the homeowner until the homeowner can afford to buy the house back. If you are facing foreclosure, investigate payment options with your mortgage servicer and do NOT sign your property away.

Intentional Default – Scam artists urge homeowners to not pay their mortgage in order to get a loan modification. While there is no right to a loan modification, the terms and standards for a loan modification are always determined by the mortgage loan servicer – no one else. If you are having difficulty making mortgage payments, you should contact your mortgage servicer directly or contact a HUD certified counselor (888-995-4673) for help.

Banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders and servicers also have agreed to allow homeowners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to delay or reduce their mortgage payments for up to three months. See the DBO’s COVID-19 Updates page at https://dbo.ca.gov/2020/03/25/covid19/

Lending Scams

Advance Fee Scams – The DBO encourages consumers in need of cash to avoid advance fee scams in which fraudulent companies promise loans if a consumer pays a substantial up-front fee first. Do NOT pay anyone asking for upfront/advance fees for loan modification services or mortgage forbearance services. Contact the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) immediately at 877-373-4542 or at Ask.DBO@dbo.ca.gov. Advance fees for loan modifications are NOT legal in California. In addition, collecting late fees is prohibited while a loan modification application is under review, a denial is being appealed, or a borrower is making timely payments.

Potential Investment Related Scams

The DBO encourages investors to be wary of investment schemes promoting cures in connection with the current public health emergency, or other investment opportunities related to the economic downturn. Schemes may attempt to convince investors to liquidate their savings or sell their current holdings to purchase overvalued assets, assets that come with very high fees or assets of uncertain or questionable value, such as cryptocurrencies or precious metals.

Pension Advances – The scam involves investors who provide funds to make cash advances and pensioners who are willing to turn over future pension payments in exchange for an immediate lump sum cash payment.

Opportunity Zones – An Opportunity Zone is an economically distressed community where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment. These types of investments are available only through a Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF). A QOF may invest in property or a business located in an opportunity zone. Investors considering these investments should consult with their qualified tax adviser because of the complex tax implications. Just because the property is located within an opportunity zone does not automatically make it a good investment. To the contrary, opportunity zones are economically distressed areas which pose additional risks.

Check Before You Invest

The Department of Business Oversight encourages consumers to check the licensing status of companies prior to transacting business. California consumers should contact the Department to check on the licensing of companies offering loans, investments, or other financial services. This can be done by visiting the Licensee listing on the DBO website or calling the Department’s toll-free Consumer Services Office at (866) 275-2677.

How to Protect Yourself:

·         Before investing in any investment, ask questions about the risks and fees involved. Conduct your own independent research or seek the opinion of a financial professional who is registered with your local securities regulator.

·         Never invest in something you don’t fully understand. Do not agree to participate in a general partnership or joint venture if you have no specific experience, knowledge or education in the type of business and would have to rely on others’ expertise.

·         Beware of sales techniques that include repeated phone calls, cold calls, or high-pressure sales pitches hyping the profitability of the deal or promising a sure thing.

·         Do not be fooled by professional-looking websites boasting current productivity levels and profits and featuring photos of new production sites.

Https://lendingcapital.net

SBA PPP Program

Visit our website: https://lendingcapital.net For more information & submit your application & upload required documentation and requirements.

We have several SBA approved lenders who are participating in the new SBA PPP Program. Fill out the application below along with the required documentation . Keep in mind that banks are presently only processing PPP loans for those who have an existing deposit or lending relationship with them (we do not have that rule). Banks also have certain statutory lending limits that our non-bank lenders do not – Many banks are not participating in the program

When do I Apply for the Loan?

  • Starting on April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorship’s can apply to receive loans to cover payroll and other certain expenses.
  • Starting on April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses.

Applying for Loan Forgiveness

To obtain loan forgiveness through the PPP, you will need to provide verification to your lender for the number of full-time equivalent employees and pay rates, payments on eligible mortgage, lease, and utility obligations. You must certify that these documents are true and that you used the forgiveness amount to retain employees and made eligible mortgage interest, rent, and utility payments. The lender must make a decision on forgiveness within 60 days.

Important Things to Note About the PPP:

  • Loans will be made by lenders who are participants in the SBA’s Section 7(a) program and those lenders will also decide whether to accept a borrower’s application for forgiveness.
  • Detailed accounting and complete record keeping will be vital to taking advantage of these provisions.
  • The loan period for this program began on February 15, 2020 and will end on December 31, 2020.

Documents that will be required:

  • IRS Form – 940 (Annual Payroll) If you use a PEO instead, please request the payroll annual statement
  • IRS Form – 941 (Quarterly Payroll) We need all 4 quarters from 2019
  • IRS Form – W9 (For any 1099 employees)
  • Driver’s License Color Copy (For anyone with more than 20% ownership)
  • Voided Check for the business account.

In addition the following information must be provided

  1. Number of Employees as of December 31st, 2019
  2. Number of Employees as of February 15th, 2020
  3. 2019 Annual Gross Revenue for the Business
  4. 2019 Payroll Cost
  5. Date started business
  6. Monthly Rent or Mortgage

Don’t wait-it costs you nothing to apply…https://lendingcapital.net

 

 

Are you on the Merchant TMF-Matched File?

We can help get you back in business! https://lendingcapital.net

Chances are, you’re reading this article because you’ve just found out that you’ve been added to the Terminated Merchant File (TMF) or MATCH list. And now you’re scrambling to figure out what this “list” or “file” actually is, and how you can get yourself off of it. Am I right?

Well, don’t feel too bad, because you’re not the only merchant who’s been caught off guard. The truth is that most merchants don’t know that they are TMF’d or MATCH’d until they submit an application for a new account elsewhere and find that they are declined. At which point, the reason for the decline is revealed to them.

MATCH is a system created and managed by MasterCard. It is essentially a database that houses information about businesses (and their owners) whose credit card processing privileges have been terminated for reasons which I’ll discuss later.

It is used by acquiring banks (aka merchant processing banks) to screen potential applicants to see if that applicant has been terminated in the past. Acquiring banks also have the ability to add or remove merchants to or from the MATCH database, given they have justification.

In a nutshell, the MATCH file is like a “blacklist” that banks can cross-check when they take on new business. That way, they won’t get stuck with any bad apples.

When a merchant is placed on the MATCH list, the business name, principal, and any business partners are all recorded on file and basically blackballed (for the most part) from opening any new merchant accounts elsewhere. Once on the MATCH, it is extremely difficult to obtain a new merchant account by any other bank.

The reasons for being added to the MATCH database can vary. Having too many chargebacks, participating in fraudulent activity, or money laundering are all activities that can get you listed.

In the past, MasterCard made it really easy for acquiring banks to add merchant’s to the list, but in recent years, they’ve become more strict with their guidelines.

Here’s a quick table I pulled from the MasterCard website (see table 11.3). The numbers before each category are “reason codes,” so if somehow you only have a reason code, you can look for it in the table to find out what it means.

Code Description
01 Account Data Compromise
The Merchant unknowingly or unintentionally facilitated, by any means, the unauthorized disclosure or use of account information.
02 Common Point of Purchase (CPP)
The Merchant knowingly caused or facilitated, by any means, the unauthorized disclosure or use of account information.
03 Laundering
The Merchant was engaged in laundering activity. Laundering means that a Merchant presented to its Acquirer Transaction records that were not valid Transactions for sales of goods or services between that Merchant and a bona fide Cardholder.
04 Excessive Chargebacks
With respect to a Merchant reported by a Mastercard Acquirer, the Merchant’s chargebacks in any single month exceeded 1% of its Mastercard sales Transactions in that month, and those chargebacks totaled USD 5,000 or more. With respect to a merchant reported by an American Express acquirer (ICA numbers 102 through 125), the merchant exceeded the chargeback thresholds of American Express, as determined by American Express.
05 Excessive Fraud
The Merchant effected fraudulent Transactions of any type (counterfeit or otherwise) meeting or exceeding the following minimum reporting Standard: the Merchant’s fraud-to-sales dollar volume ratio was 8% or greater in a calendar month, and the Merchant effected 10 or more fraudulent Transactions totaling USD 5,000 or more in that calendar month.
07 Fraud Conviction
There was a criminal fraud conviction of a principal owner or partner of the Merchant.
09 Bankruptcy/Liquidation/Insolvency
The Merchant was unable or is likely to become unable to discharge its financial obligations.
10 Violation of Standards
With respect to a Merchant reported by a Mastercard Acquirer, the Merchant was in violation of one or more Standards that describe procedures to be employed by the Merchant in Transactions in which Cards are used, including, by way of example and not limitation, the Standards for honoring all Cards, displaying the Marks, charges to Cardholders, minimum/maximum Transaction amount restrictions, and prohibited Transactions set forth in Chapter 5 of the Mastercard Rules manual. With respect to a merchant reported by an American Express acquirer (ICA numbers 102 through 125), the merchant was in violation of one or more American Express bylaws, rules, operating regulations, and policies that set forth procedures to be employed by the merchant in transactions in which American Express cards are used.
11 Merchant Collusion
The Merchant participated in fraudulent collusive activity.
12 PCI Data Security Standard Noncompliance
The Merchant failed to comply with Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard requirements.
13 Illegal Transactions
The Merchant was engaged in illegal Transactions.
14 Identity Theft
The Acquirer has determined that the identity of the listed Merchant or its principal owner(s) was unlawfully assumed for the purpose of unlawfully entering into a Merchant Agreement.

How Long Are You On the List?

According to this Mastercard PDF (see section 11.2.6), you’ll remain in the system for 5-years

We can help…TMF or Matched file: CBD-High Risk-Kratom-Flower-Pre-Roll-Hemp-Vape-Loans-Equipment Leasing and other high risk merchants

Go to our website fill out our no cost no obligation website and see how we can help you get back to business: https://lendingcapital.net

 

eCommerce for CBD-Flower-SEED

CBD merchants tired of not being able to process credit cards to you site?

The banking and processing industry  has a stigma against cbd merchants in general-BUT ESPECIALLY FOR FLOWER merchants.

Well, we are happy to say that we can end your misery in that department…with great rates, terms, very few conditions, and NO LOOKING OVER YOUR SHOULDER waiting to be cancelled.

Check this out:

WE CAN ACCEPT PRE-ROLL + FLOWER +  SEED HEMP/CBD MERCHANTS

FLOWER MERCHANTS MUST BE PRODUCING MINIMUM $100,000 PER MONTH 

All rates are determined by underwriting…no applications will be processed until all information is complete – including any additional information we may request

* rate of 4.95- 6.95                                                                                                                                    (6.95 for start ups)  Reviewed every 90 days                                                                                  * $.35 transaction
* 10% reserve for 180 days under 50K Monthly volume
* 5% reserve for 180 days over 50k Monthly    Volume

* No reserves over 100K Monthly Volume
* Interchange plus pricing over $200k Monthly Volume
* Visa/MasterCard
* 7 day approval time to go live

Our program has  a 90% plus approval rate and 90% plus no cancellations except for excessive chargebacks

 

CBD for ADHD?

I speak from first hand experience as one of my kids has ADHD-we took her off ADDERAL (horrible drug) and put her on CBD gummies & Oils-WOW! what a a difference!

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects millions of Americans and it disrupts the quality of life with an inability to focus on even the most mundane daily tasks. Anyone diagnosed with ADHD knows how much it can be a struggle at school, at work, and in relationships with family and friends. Prescription medications intended to treat ADHD can have unwanted side effects and can also be cost-prohibitive for many.

But, CBD for ADHD? Does it work?

CBD oil and similar CBD products present a safe and all-natural alternative that may provide much-needed relief and a better quality of life for those with ADHD.

There’s so much information out there and a lot of this information can be inaccurate. It’s so easy to be misinformed, especially when talking about the real benefits that CBD cannabidiol can bring to those who are diagnosed with ADHD. We’re here to keep things simple for you. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about the correlation between ADHD and CBD, as well as some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get regarding this topic.

What is CBD?

CBD, a cannabidiol, is just one of the 113 chemical compounds that are cannabinoids and found in cannabis.  You’ve probably heard of THC, the compound that brings psychedelic effects and brings a high to those who smoke, ingest, or consume it in whatever way. CBD is not this. In fact, CBD is nowhere associated with THC and doesn’t get you high or “stoned” in any way. You can use something like CBD oil and be clear-headed 100% of the time.

Because CBD and CBD oil does not get you high, you won’t have to worry about feeling the “couch lock” feeling or any of the other negative effects that THC can bring you. Once more with feeling: CBD is not THC.

In fact, CBD is legal and can be bought anywhere. Have you seen those hemp ingredient skincare lines or supplements at your local health foods store? More than likely, those have CBD in them in some capacity. Because it doesn’t get you high, it’s legal!

What Is CBD Oil?

Derived from cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound touted as a “miracle cure” for its many healing and therapeutic effects. CBD products offer a natural anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, and it has been used effectively to treat everything from arthritis to depression and even epileptic seizures. While we still don’t have long-term studies supporting CBD treatment evidence, early and anecdotal evidence shows it to be an incredible natural healer. Researchers and scientists continue to devote studies to CBD to better understand how it works within our bodies and to discover new and innovative ways to use it in health care.

Our body produces its own cannabinoids (we have an “endocannabinoid system”) and CBD interacts with those in a way to lessen pain and address many other concerns. CBD acts on our bodies’ own receptors to create changes in bodily functions, which can ease the symptoms of many illnesses. CBD regulates our homeostasis and can enhance the quality of sleep, reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and contribute to overall health and well being. It is important to note that CBD differs from another cannabis compound, THC, in that is has no psychoactive effects: it does not produce a high when ingested, inhaled, or applied topically.

What Is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is most often associated with children, though many adults have undiagnosed ADHD. In the brain of someone with ADHD, chemical differences affect the way signals are sent, especially when it comes to attention and focus. These differences are likely linked to genetics and research is ongoing to understand this syndrome that affects millions of people.

The brain functions that regulate everything from memory to concentration are disrupted by ADHD and typical treatment usually involves both therapy and medication. While significant advancements have been made in

prescription medications intended to address ADHD, they are still associated with some troubling side effects. Users may experience decreased appetites and weight loss, difficulty sleeping, irritability, headaches, and stomachaches. Problems can occur when the medicine wears off or is used in incorrect dosages and the use of these medications can lead to stunted growth and circulatory issues as well. And as is often the case with prescription medications, addiction can be a danger for users. Plus, the cost of these medications can be prohibitive for some, along with the costs of therapy.

ADHD is a complex diagnosis and is, in fact, often misdiagnosed. Researchers have found differences in the way ADHD presents in males and females, adding to the complexity and challenges associated with addressing it. Before considering any medication—be it prescription or natural—it is best to seek out a clear and thorough diagnosis, which may require second or even third medical opinions.

How can CBD help with ADHD?

Those who have ADHD have a hard time of both dealing with anxiety and staying focused or concentrated on a certain task. Simply put, CBD oil can help with both of these common issues.  Not only does it decrease some of those negative symptoms that those diagnosed with ADHD experience, but it also helps increase one’s ability to focus and concentrate on a specific task at hand.

However, for those who are dreaming of big things, CBD cannot cure ADHD. Can it relieve negative symptoms associated with those who are diagnosed with ADHD? Yep. It just can’t cure it.

Because this “cure” factor is nonexistent, that means the oil or CBD will eventually wear off and you’ll begin to feel those negative symptoms again. Much like a medication (like aspirin when you have a headache), you’re going to need to use that CBD oil again if you’re experiencing horrible anxiety or need more focus.

The primary role of CBD when it enters our bloodstream is to restore homeostasis—basically getting our body back into normal order. This effect is certainly promising as it relates to ADHD, as well as a variety of other syndromes and disorders.

However, because it helps to level out your brain, you’ll soon be wishing you discovered CBD a long time ago.

Q: Are there other benefits to CBD or using CBD oil? Any others related to those who are diagnosed with ADHD?

A: There are literally a ton of benefits associated with CBD. Obviously, if you are diagnosed with ADHD, the ones you’re probably concerned with are concentration and anxiety (and CBD, as we discussed above, helps with both). However, that doesn’t mean that is all the benefits associated with CBD. In fact, just by using CBD oil, you can experience pain relief and a reduction of inflammation. CBD is also used for those who have a hard time sleeping and it can also help with reducing nausea!

CBD has also been known to help with acne, ADHD (as we discussed), bipolar disorder, stress, anxiety, depression, OCD, severe pain, chronic pain, cancer symptoms, and arthritis.

There are a ton of benefits that CBD can bring to your lifestyle; these are only a few. It can also treat many other symptoms and situations!

Q: What’s the best way to administer or ingest the CBD oil for my ADHD?

A: The best way to get the oil and CBD into your system is to use the dropper to place a few drops on your tongue—but don’t swallow! Instead, let the drops settle into your tongue, where it will very quickly reach your brain. This happens quite fast and you may feel the effects almost immediately. If you’re a first-time user, we highly recommend only using about one or two drops to find out what you need. The worst thing you can do is to use too many drops and then have horrible symptoms. Start small and see what your body needs! Everyone is different!

Q: Are there other ways and methods to use CBD without using the oil?

A: Yes! If you live in a state where smoking marijuana is legal, you can find certain strains that are high in CBD and smoke them in that format. And smoking in this capacity also brings about new methods, such as smoking a joint or using a bong (among others).

You can also use CBD in its pure (or isolate) form and put it in food. Because you can use CBD in this format that also means you can DIY your own little recipes if you’re feeling creative and more comfortable with CBD down the line. Whether it’s making your own tea, your own bath bomb, your own lotion, or your own skincare, CBD can be put in many different recipes to some really great results.

You can also find CBD patches, which are great for those who want that constant stream of pain relief flowing through their systems at all times. This is a great method for those who do have that chronic pain yet live quite busy lifestyles. It’s also great to use patches if you find yourself constantly forgetting to take your supplements or using your oil until the pain is back. Patches mean longer dosages (sometimes up to 96 hours), meaning it can be easier to function for some.

Q: What Kind of CBD Product Should I Try to Treat ADHD?

Again, let’s emphasize the most important point: you should discuss the use of CBD oil with a physician first, especially if it will be used by children or adolescents.

CBD oil derived from the hemp plant has minimal amounts of THC, though users may still test positive for THC without getting any kind of “high” from a product.

CBD oil can come in a variety of forms, from tinctures to capsules to edibles and “gummies.” CBD oil can be added to foods or beverages you consume daily. It can also be smoked using a vaporizer, or even applied as a topical cream.

Some of the CBD hemp oils reviewed for the use of ADHD treatment can be found here.

Final Tips

  • ADHD is a complex diagnosis that requires the consultation of a physician. There is no one-size-fits-all cure and some may benefit from prescription medication despite its side effects.
  • Before taking any medication, whether a prescription or a natural alternative, discuss with a doctor first!
  • Therapy may also play a significant role in retraining our brains to function with anyone diagnosed with ADHD.
  • CBD oil is a safe and natural treatment some may wish to consider for ADHD and other conditions. It has minimal side effects and may be cheaper than other treatment plans.
  • The benefits of CBD oil will extend beyond the treatment of ADHD as it functions in many other positive ways to promote overall health.

Mmjloans.net

Hemp Oil Is Not Mary Jane

The family name “Cannabis” is not known for its wide array of compounds. Instead, it is known for its most popular compound called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the well-known substance found in marijuana which is psychoactive and causes the “high” feeling in people who partake in marijuana.

On the other side of this coin there is CBD (Cannabidiol). This is a natural substance which has been obtained from hemp plants. There are over 104 compounds in cannabidiol, but unlike the THC found in marijuana, CBD is not psychoactive.

Scientifically, the compounds look almost identical when you place them together. Organically, they couldn’t be more different to the user. CBD hemp oil contains little to no THC, which does not cause a “high” in the user. At most, CBD contains 0.3% of THC, which is still not enough to produce any effects, and is also the legal limit for this type of product.

In fact, Ernest Small wrote The Species Problem in Cannabis which determined a very controversial topic within the community when he said,

“There is not any natural point at which the cannabinoid content can be used to distinguish strains of hemp and marijuana”.

Essentially, he scientifically proclaimed the 0.3% THC in hemp was the main difference which separated hemp oil from marijuana.

The reason this oil has become so effective is how the cannabinoids found in CBD oil mimic the endocannabinoids our body naturally produces. This oil communicates with the receptors in the brain (the liquid precursors and neurotransmitters) which tell our brain there’s endocannabinoids in the body. This communication between the postsynaptic and presynaptic triggers allow the CBD to travel backwards, doing what it needs to do to complete its task.

Pretty neat huh?

Hemp contains all kinds of great things like omega 3, omega 6, and they are very high in fatty acids which can prove beneficial to the user.

When you think of hemp and/or marijuana, you always lean towards the idea that these are mostly used in human consumption. While this is the major truth for marijuana, it’s not true for hemp.

Hemp is used in all kinds of different things that isn’t meant to be consumed by a human. For instance, hemp can be grown as a renewable source for raw materials which can be incorporated into thousands of products people use every day.

The Main Differences of Hemp Oil

When you begin to understand the overall picture between hemp and marijuana, you can start to see smaller characteristics stand out more which make them different.

Some of these which stand out are the fact that hemp and marijuana are not the same plant. They are separate plants within the cannabis genus, and have very different characteristics.

Hemp has a low volume of THC and a high volume of cannabidiol. On the other end of this spectrum, marijuana has high volumes of THC and low volumes of CBD. Due to this high volume of THC, the marijuana plant offers psychotropic effects.

Finally, one of the most important aspects is marijuana and marijuana oil is regulated by different laws in each state, and in some, completely illegal to consume.

It’s important to stay updated on the legality of CBD oil, and I found a very informative article which shares the most recent laws in the United States. Remember, not all states have the same ideas as others. We can only hope that at some point in the near future, all CBD related products will be made available for those who need it or want to try alternatives to what they’re doing already.

In Conclusion

In short, CBD isn’t marijuana. While it may be directly related, there are specific differences which make the two stand out.

The CBD/Hemp oil movement is consistently growing and becoming more popular. As the growth of this plant becomes more prevalent in the lives of wellness-minded individuals, more knowledge is needed to ensure you are consuming the best quality derived hemp oil on the market.

 

Opioids vs. Medical Cannabis — Which Is Better for Chronic Pain? 

Opioids vs. Medical Cannabis — Which Is Better for Chronic Pain?

With his recent announcement that opioid abuse amounted to a public health emergency, President Trump acknowledged a fact already sadly apparent to millions of Americans. In 2016, 64,000 people died from drug overdoses (with prescription and illicit opioids responsible for the majority of drug overdoses). For Americans under 50, drug overdose is the leading cause of death.

With some 140 Americans dying each day from opioids — and the powerful dependency patterns long-term users develop — finding a solution is no simple task. (Notably, while opioid-induced fatal drug overdoses are skyrocketing, the Drug Enforcement Agency notes that no death from cannabis overdose has ever been reported.)

Given the comparative low toxicity and low potential for abuse of cannabis, is cannabis superior to opioids to treat chronic pain?

Medical Cannabis May Save Lives Lost to Opioid Addiction

From a public health perspective — given the relative safety of cannabis compared to opioid medications — it seems clear: With a much lower risk of dependence than opioids and virtually no risk of fatal overdose, cannabis trumps opioids. Hands down.

To underscore the point, earlier in 2017, WeedMaps, a California company that publishes an online dispensary rating guide, launched a creative billboard marketing campaign. On a simple black background on the billboards, the text read:

“States that legalized marijuana had 25% fewer opioid-related deaths.”

The message was stark and unforgettable, and it sparked heated controversy in some neighborhoods hard hit by the opioid crisis.

The WeedMaps data was based on a 2014 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Dr. Mark S. Brown and Marie J. Hayes, opioid abuse researchers and authors of the study, commented: “The striking implication is that medical marijuana laws, when implemented, may represent a promising approach for stemming runaway rates of unintentional opioid-analgesic-related deaths.”

Cannabis in History: A Long Track Record as Safe Medicine

Neither cannabis nor opium—the plant from which synthetic opioids are derived—are new additions to the medicine cabinet. Cannabis has been used to treat chronic pain, stomach ailments, anxiety and a host of other conditions for at least 4,000 years.

Opium’s medical use dates back even further, to at least 3400 BCE. If it was recognized early for its powerful pain-killing properties, it was also understood to be habit-forming by at least the 18th century, if not long before.

By comparison, cannabis remained in the American pharmacopoeia as an accepted folk remedy until the early 20th century, when the rising tides of both the Temperance movement and anti-immigrant sentiment—marijuana was widely linked with an influx of Mexican migrant workers—led to its being banned in most states, and eventually on the federal level in 1937.

Marijuana Medicine: Is it “Strong Enough” to Stop Pain Compared to Opioids?

While cannabis has a long and historical track record of being used to treat a variety of ailments, and the evidence clearly suggests cannabis is far safer, less addictive, and less potentially destructive than opioids, the question remains:

Can cannabis actually treat chronic pain more effectively than opioids?

With the wave of medical cannabis legalization showing no signs of stopping, a flood of research is uncovering cannabis’ potential as a treatment for chronic pain. And it turns out the physicians of millennia past were on to something.

Let’s look at the science:

Patients seem to prefer using cannabis in place of opioids, many claiming it works better for them than opioids. A paper published in the Journal of Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research used data from a group of 2,897 medical cannabis patients.

  • 34 percent reported having used opioid pain medication in the previous six months. A majority of patients reported that cannabis was just as effective or more effective than opioids — but without undesirable side effects.
  • Of the patients reporting having used opioids, 97 percent reported having been able to reduce or eliminate opioids.
  • And, 81 percent reported using cannabis alone was more effective opioids.

The authors of the study concluded: “Cannabis can be an effective treatment for pain, greatly reduces the chance of dependence, and eliminates the risk of fatal overdose compared to opioid-based medications. Medical cannabis patients report that cannabis is just as effective, if not more, than opioid-based medications for pain.”

A 2015 Harvard-led review (a meta-analysis) of 28 studies examining the efficacy of cannabinoids to treat various pain and medical issues, drew similar conclusions. The authors concluded, “Use of marijuana for chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and spasticity due to multiple sclerosis is supported by high-quality evidence.”

The following year, a study by the University of Michigan found that cannabis, among other things:

  • Decreased the side effects from other medications
  • Improved subjects’ overall quality of life
  • Reduced use of opioids, on average, by 64%

Findings from recent research validate the vast amount of anecdotal evidence strongly supporting cannabis’ efficacy in treating chronic pain.

Cannabis Can Take a Little Trial and Error

While cannabis may seem like a godsend — and for many patients it is — for some it takes a little bit of trial and error to find the right cannabinoid ratio and intake method. Cannabis is not a single drug; it’s a highly complex plant with hundreds of cannabinoids and terpenes working together synergistically to influence its effects.

For chronic pain, we find most patients opt for products higher in THC. I caught up with Dr. Stephen Dahmer, Vireo’s chief medical officer, and asked him what most chronic pain patients experiences were like:

What we’ve seen in chronic pain is that a patient will gravitate a little bit more towards a higher THC product. They’ll move in that direction if they’re not responding to the treatment that’s given. So, generally, in terms of dosing, we’ll slide them towards higher THC, but also increase the amount of CBD. That could potentiate [extend the duration of] the THC while offsetting potential side effects.

In pain, most of the scientific research is going to back this up. If you look at the randomized double-blind control studies done specifically with neuropathic pain, it’s higher THC strains that have the best evidence behind them. But we will also find in practicality if a patient is not responding to increasing levels of THC, sometimes we’ll flip things upside down and give them a high CBD, and particularly in inflammatory disorders, patients might respond well to that, where they may not respond well to a higher THC.

So, a combination of science and trial and error, and a lot of feedback. Very close feedback with the patient, making sure they’re getting the most optimal effects with the fewest side effects.

So while most patients seem to respond better to products with higher THC levels, others find a 1:1 (THC:CBD) or a high CBD product works great. Likewise, some people prefer inhalation (finding vaporizing delivers the fast relief). Others find inhalation can exacerbate their pain and prefer oral administration (e.g. capsules or tinctures).

“There’s no “one size fits all,”

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