Love Begins Within

by Nurse Lauren

 Love is a word with a significance and essence unlike other words. While it may be one of the most commonly used words of human utterance, to define it in any certain way is a challenge. Most frequently we see it used as a noun, as if it is something to be bought, sold, or won. People toss this word around like an overused towel, to be given haphazardly to one only to be taken away and given to the next. This is not love, this outward verbiage couldn’t be further away from what love is.

True love cannot be given and taken away due to the fickle fancies of the mind. Love is a constant state of awareness and depth that once realized, has no end. Love does not begin in the mind, nor does it begin in rationalities of thought. Love is a deep awakening of the soul to the current of life that runs through all beings, indeed, love is an act of remembrance of how precious and necessary each and every part of this deeply connected universe is. 

True selfless nurturing love is the gateway to paradise on this earth. It is an act of courage and rebellion in a society that has convinced us all that love is everything that it is not. True love is not self-serving, nor a product of attachment. It is not to be contrived, or even defined accurately with easily misconstrued words. It most certainly is not for the faint of heart. It includes all the grisly bits that most would rather avoid.

True love is a verb, a perpetual series of actions and expressions. It is a willingness to be continually observant and receptive to the ever changing dynamics of life, in real-time. True love is to forever plunge into the depths of oneself, intent on discovering the prima materia of the soul of all souls. It is a commitment to self-study and self-mastery, which is imperative for surviving and thriving in this life. Just as you would study any course to bring about clarity and comprehension, time spent studying oneself is essential beyond measure. Giving ourselves graceful attention is how we learn to nurture ourselves. Nurturing is a sacred act. Nurturing oneself deeply is the ultimate embodiment of love in this life, for it gives us the tools required to nurture one another. Only to the depths that you have met yourself can you meet another. To put it bluntly, experiencing true love comes entirely from a change within you. 

The act of observing and sitting with your own pain and discomfort brings with it the gifts of wisdom and empathy. Suffering knows no one race, creed, sex, or religion. Suffering is universal in its nature. It is in our sufferings that our humanity lies. Bringing oneself back into alignment with this fact brings with it the clarity required to walk the path of love and truth. Knowing thyself is the ultimate act of love and freedom. Tending your own internal garden is the only effective way to change the world. In tending your garden, you allow others to enjoy the fruits of your labor, it is the way to inspire others to do the same by virtue of the beauty they experience in your presence. Love is healing yourself for the collective, because we truly are all interconnected. If you want to learn how to tend your garden, it is wise to take some cues from the plants.

Slowing down is the key to gaining the perspective needed to take care of yourself, and thus, each other. Cannabis is essential at assisting with slowing down in this hectic day and age. Cannabis allows our nervous systems to relax and in so doing, assists the body to function effectively. Healing, digestion, organ maintenance, disease suppression, and so many other processes can not happen when we are in a constant state of fight or flight. Cannabis takes the body and places it into a space of calm safety and allows these processes to continue undeterred. Meditation, exercise, healthy diet, fresh water, and plant medicine are all crucial parts of self love in the rushed state we find ourselves in. Plants always remind us to slow down, as Mother Nature never rushes yet everything is always accomplished. 

Take time to show yourself some nurturing love this Valentine’s Day, and everyday. 

Doing so is how you can do your part to demonstrate this wisdom for the collective, and heal the world.

The Magic of Gratitude - by Nurse Lauren

What is a life without gratitude? It is like a ship without a sea, darkness without light, endless cold without warmth. Gratitude is the difference between a life celebrated and a life merely tolerated, it is what makes our struggles have meaning at the end of the day. As human beings we have brains that are highly programmable, so much so that there are endless ways that our attention is preyed upon to the detriment of our mental and physical health. This endless distraction is the cause of much suffering, as the baseline misalignment that so many of us live in causes stress that can take a huge toll on our health and well being. If our minds are distracted and confused our bodies follow suit, as above so below. It is a law of the universe that we cannot avoid. A distracted mind will lead to a confused nervous system, a confused immune system, and so forth. Endless dis-ease ensues. Health and feeling good is a process of slowing down and reprogramming the human mind to focus attention on what is actually happening internally, rather than looping through endless external distractions that are provided for us so that we never access our true power.

There are many scientific studies that have shown how our thoughts make our reality, how we literally think ourselves into health and prosperity or into dis-ease and lack. Our thoughts are actual neural pathways in our brain that we pass through electrically when we think. These neural pathways are formed with repetition over time. The good news is we have full control over our thoughts when we decide to become self aware enough to pay attention to them. With dedicated practice and focus we can overhaul our thoughts entirely and refocus on our free will in this life. A simple daily gratitude practice will quite literally re-wire the brain to experience joy, and when done long enough the brain begins to remain in that state at baseline. What a magical phenomenon, we write the story in which we live! There are many studies as well that highlight the healing that takes place while the body is in a relaxed state. The immune system struggles to work effectively when we are in a consistent state of fight or flight, which unfortunately has become where most of the modern populous has found themselves. The use of THC and various forms of CBD will assist the body out of fight or flight, enhancing the ability of the immune system to do its work efficiently. Finding a calm sense of gratitude daily is the difference between being stressed, sick, and controlled by your thoughts and programming, or being healthy, at ease and filled with joy. It’s really quite simple.

During this time of year we are inundated with even more distractions, consumption, and potential exhaustion and burnout. We must remember to take care of ourselves if we wish to be of service to others, as we are all a facet of the same beautiful stone. To care for and walk in alignment with oneself is the ultimate show of love for humanity. We are the parts that make up the whole, we are but spirit masquerading as flesh. Developing a reliable gratitude practice is one way to do your part in this world, as bringing joy to yourself means bringing joy to the collective, as we are one and the same. Bringing cannabis into your practice can enhance the feelings of calm and wellbeing required to facilitate healing in your body. Meditation and cannabis have been used for millennia by the sages as a means to access the divine and dance in ecstatic bliss. It’s time for us to observe these practices as an integral means to heal this world via healing each one of ourselves. Living in our power is like taking the reins of our own well-being, it is an indispensable part of a life well lived. May you all find the power of spirit that burns so brightly within every human soul. May we all learn to live in love and gratitude every day of our lives.

Everything you need to know about suppositories by Billee Sharp

The efficient delivery of medication is a crucial step in the healing process, but just taking a dose doesn’t ensure that your body absorbs all the medicine. Often taking medication orally can create digestive problems, sensitivity to medication is common and when medication is taken long-term the gut can lose the capacity to process it effectively. It comes as a  surprise to learn that suppository delivery scores high in terms of of effective dosing without side effects.

It is a common assumption that suppositories are used mainly for localized issues. i.e. laxatives and yeast infection treatments are often prescribed in suppository form. However research into efficient delivery systems show that suppositories allow for direct entry into the bloodstream and this yields greater absorption rates than oral ingestion. This direct bloodstream path is particularly valuable for those taking high doses of THC as the liver is bypassed and THC’s psychoactive component is not metabolized..

Cannabis suppositories are first mentioned circa 3000 BC in Egyptian medicinal texts, recommended for pain relief, menstrual problems, migraines and hemorrhoids. Nowadays cannabis-rich suppositories are recommended for a wider range of health issues which we’ll discuss here. 

There is a decided shortage of research into vaginal suppository use but women are using cannabis vaginally for a variety of reasons. Menstrual cramping can be severely debilitating and women are often advised to take oral contraceptives to reduce pain and blood flow. Many women are turning to cannabis suppositories to relieve menstrual pain, by using 1:1 CBD:THC suppositories, cramping is relieved by reducing local inflammation with CBD and pain relief with THC. Synergy suppositories are made with broad spectrum CBD:THC oil which adds the benefits of the entourage effect of CBG, CBN and other minor cannabinoids.

Abnormal PAP smears indicating abnormal cervical cells can also be treated with 1:1 CBD:THC suppositories, the presence of CBD and THC is known to cause cell apoptosis (destruction) of abnormal cells.

For women, during perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause, systemic hormonal changes create many health issues. The loss of estrogen often manifests in dry skin conditions for the vulva and vagina. This can lead to inflamed vulva, itching and flaking surface skin and thinning of the vaginal walls making intercourse painful.

There is a growing awareness in mainstream womens’ health discourse about cannabis suppositories for enhanced pleasure, restorative value and pain relief. Our member testimonial describes how using 1:1 CBD:THC suppositories alleviated her internal discomfort making intercourse the fun that it should be! Read it here.

Research into the EndoCannabinoid System (ECS) and female reproductive system shows receptors influencing ovarian function and present throughout the sexual organs. The ECS also plays an active role in sexual desire this explain’s the popularity of  cannabis suppositories  as a relaxant and an aphrodisiac both here and in Europe.

For men, suppositories are a rectal proposition and one which allows high doses of medication to be taken without psychoactive effects. Often oral ingestion can cause digestive problems and absorption through the gut can reduce the dosage delivery over time. High cannabis content in suppositories are used for chronic conditions particularly pain management and anti-cancer protocols as a single suppository can deliver up to twenty times more medicine per dose than is possible through oral delivery. Synergy founder, Leonard Leinow, writes about his suppository protocol for treating an aggressive form of prostate cancer here.

High cannabis dosages are recommended for an anti-cancer protocol and may also be needed to treat chronic pain conditions. These high doses would not be tolerable for most people to take orally but suppository delivery bypasses the liver preventing the psychoactive cannabinoid from activation.

Cannabis suppositories are also useful in delivering directly to localized inflammation, relieving hemorrhoids, anal fissures and acting on enlarged prostate conditions. Many other pain issues including sciatica, restless leg syndrome, lower back pain and post-operative pain respond well to suppository delivery.

Despite the many advantages of suppository delivery there is still the hurdle of insertion to overcome! This tends to be an issue for many men and women but ultimately it's an easy maneuver to master! Most people use suppositories at night, laying down reduces the chance of any leakage as the body absorbs the oil.

Suppositories are commonplace in Europe. At Synergy part of our mission is to share information on how to use cannabis medication successfully, we recommend suppositories as a highly effective delivery system with no side effects.

Further Reading:

“The role of of the Endocannabinoid System in Female Reproductive Tissues” https://ovarianresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13048-018-0478-9

“Do Cannabis Suppositories work?” https://projectcbd.org/health/cannabis-suppositories/

“Circulating Endocannabinoids Concentrations And Sexual Arousal In Women”  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22462722/