Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) statistics show more than 50,000 medical marijuana cards have been issued in Arizona since April 2011.

As of June 30, 2014, the number of active medical marijuana cardholders has seen a 9% increase since March 2014. A spokesperson for the Department of Health Services said the number of medical marijuana cardholders has steadily increased over the the past three years, and is expected to keep increasing.

The increasing demand for medical marijuana cards in Arizona is due to more dispensaries opening and scientific studies publishing new pro-marijuana findings; such as marijuana’s many health benefits (from THC and CBD) and lack of side effects, especially when compared to prescription drugs.

More operating dispensaries means that medical marijuana patients will have ease of access to marijuana and many more options for medicating (e.g. marijuana strains, oils, tinctures, edibles, etc).

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How to get an Arizona medical marijuana card

In general, people know exercise is good for the mind and body. But contrary to popular belief, it’s not just endorphins (the chemical which makes you feel good after an activity such as exercise) that make physical activity so great.

The medical community already knows the human body stores tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, in fat. However, a study by Drug and Alcohol Dependence shows that the THC-to-fat storage process can give exercisers an added boost, even up to 28 days after the consumption of marijuana.

As the body begins to burn fat, traces of THC are released back into the bloodstream, producing a mild effect similar to consuming a small amount of marijuana. THC blood levels increase by approximately 15% immediately after moderate exercise, but the increase is no longer present two hours after exercising.

Studies have also found that exercising actually activates the endocannabinoid system in the same way marijuana does. The endocannabinoid system is a group of lipids (types of fats) and cell receptors that cannabinoids (compounds like THC and CBD) bind to inside the body and is responsible for reducing pain, controlling appetite, and influencing mood and memory. Furthermore, researchers have found that human-produced cannabinoids increase as you exercise, causing you to feel a little “high.”

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Colorado registered voters who responded to a poll by Quinnipiac University Polling Institute revealed they are in support of Colorado’s new recreational marijuana industry, but would prefer marijuana be kept to private residences and members-only clubs.

54% of poll respondents said that they are still in support of the overall passage of Amendment 64, which legalized the possession, use and sale of marijuana in January 2014. Over 60% of respondents said that marijuana should not be allowed in bars and clubs where alcohol is served or at entertainment events where admission is charged.

“Coloradans are still good to go on marijuana for recreational use in private settings, but as far as letting the good times roll in bars and clubs where alcohol is served, voters don’t say ‘smoke ‘em if you got ‘em,’” stated Tim Malloy of the Quinnipiac University poll.

61% of respondents said that alcohol is more harmful to a person’s health, while 19% said that marijuana is more harmful. 59% said that alcohol is more harmful to society, while 22% said marijuana is more harmful; 14% said the two substances are equally harmful.

Marijuana’s legalization in Colorado hasn’t produced many new users, according to the poll. 51% of respondents said they have tried marijuana, but only 16% said they have tried it since marijuana was legalized in January 2014.

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Click image to enlarge

Illinois will be expanding its medical marijuana pilot program to allow medical marijuana for patients with epilepsy, which will include children. Governor Pat Quinn just signed the new bill.

Governor Quinn stated “This new law will help alleviate the suffering of many adults and children across the state. Epilepsy is a debilitating condition, and this much needed relief will help to reduce some of its symptoms for those who endure seizures. The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act is now designed to help our fellow citizens of all ages by allowing its strictly controlled use for specific medical conditions.”

The new bill will allow patients suffering from seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy, get access to medical marijuana under the Illinois Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program, which was approved in 2013 but has yet to be fully implemented. The first dispensaries are expected to open in late 2014 or early 2015.

The bill also allows minors, 18 and under, to have access to medical marijuana for epilepsy, or any of the other qualifying conditions for medical marijuana. Minors will be limited to marijuana extracts, such as oils and infused edibles. In addition to a doctor recommendation, minors will also need parental consent to enroll in the medical marijuana program.

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1 Year Anniversary Specials

Celebrate Nature’s AZ Medicines’ 1 year anniversary on Tuesday, July 22nd, at their Phoenix and/or Fountain Hills locations.

• Receive a high-quality, one gram pre-roll with every purchase of an 1/8th or more
• Special selections of $10.00 Grams!

View Nature’s AZ Medicines’ menu and location.

A new poll (July 2014) reveals that a majority of the the US political parties support marijuana legalization. View more infographics.