Keeping it Brief

From marijuana strains to blows on big pharma

Best Trains for productivity

We often hear about marijuan being great for increasing appetite, sex drive, and helping us sleep better. These things are amazing, but sometimes what is really need is a kick to make us more active and get more done. Here are a few marijuana strains that help people become more active and get more done during the day.

Jack Herer

This sativa is unique, as it combines a strong body high with a cerebral high. This means you can feel great and comfortable sitting at your desk, or going for that morning jog you've been meaning to take, while also producing a ton of great ideas. Your mind will be moving a mile a minute as you work, all while you maintain a relaxed demeanor. It also does wonders for boosting creativity.

Sour Diesel

This sativa-dominant hybrid can be a little intense for some, due to how strong it is, but if you can handle it, then you'll be rewarded with a delicious taste and a clear buzz that allows you to focus in detail on the task at hand. This is perfect for if you have more practical work to get done before you can focus on the creative.

Super Silver Haze

This cross between Skunk, Northern Lights, and Haze will give you a strong, earthy body buzz from the haze, but the Skunk and Lights will keep you energized for a full day of work. Try this one out if you have to power through a long work day and need an extra boost of energy.

Strawberry Diesel

This sativa tastes great, and will also provide you with a clear-headed focus and plenty of energy for your work day. Toke on this one before getting started for a calming and sustained high.

Durban Dream

Durban Poison and Blue Dream make a heck of a blend, and this hybrid will ensure a rush of creativity. Try this one out if you really need to get some painting, writing, music making, or general art done.

Contact your local dispensary to see if they currently carry any of these marijuana strains or similar strains.

—Sarah Parfitt, AZMarijuana.com

Another study finds MJ safer than alcohol

Researchers have been working on determining the differences in how the body responds to alcohol and marijuana. They found that alcohol is much more toxic to the human body and to society than marijuana.

Alcohol use is a leading cause of aggression and violent crimes in America, accounting for nearly 40-percent of the violent crimes committed nationwide, reports the Washington Post. Researchers found that marijuana use is more likely to relax individuals.

The medical journal Psychopharmacology recently published a random controlled trial. Recruited were 21 regular marijuana users and 20 regular alcohol users consuming at least 2 – 3 drinks per day depending on gender. The research also included 20 participants that did not consume either substance.

Once the marijuana users were medicated and alcohol users were intoxicated, tests were conducted. Some of the tests conducted included matching positive and negative photos depicting behavioral reactions (aggressive and/or violent behaviors). Another phase of testing required participants to play computer games where the adversary of the game was computer controlled.

Those using marijuana or alcohol were given the tests twice, to determine the difference between sober reactions and inebriated or stoned reactions. In the group where participants consumed alcohol, more aggression was noted during the inebriated phases than sober phases. Marijuana users were less aggressive when medicated.

Given that these results are self-assessments based upon personal opinions and feelings, the study provides information suggesting that alcohol increases feelings of anger or aggression while marijuana results in calmer approaches to situations.

The researchers concluded that, "The results in the present study support the hypothesis that acute alcohol intoxication increases feelings of aggression and that acute cannabis intoxication reduces feelings of aggression."

The conclusion of this study agrees with a study conducted in 2014 showing that domestic violence rates were lower in relationships where marijuana use is a factor.

—Dan Kingston, AZMarijuana.com

Medical marijuana hurting big pharma

A new study found that prescriptions for painkillers have declined in states where medical marijuana is legal. The number of painkiller-related overdoses in these states has also declined.