People's Pharmacy

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Would Boyfriend's Marijuana Cause Her Grief?

Posting Date: 03/21/2005

Q. Can semen transmit drugs? If my boyfriend smokes marijuana and ejaculates inside of me could I fail a drug test?

A. Semen can carry certain drugs. For example, a woman who is allergic to penicillin may experience a reaction after intercourse if her partner is taking the drug.

It is possible that some compounds from marijuana could show up in your blood and urine, but they would probably be under the cutoff limits for a positive drug test.

Q. Over the years, I've had issues with constipation and recently discovered a wonderful aid. In an attempt to increase the number of fresh vegetables I eat each day, I have been roasting various veggies--eggplant, squash, zucchini, carrots and thick slices of onions. I toss the cut up veggies with garlic/pepper seasoning and olive oil and roast them in a 425-degree oven for about 30 minutes. This solved my problem.

A. Thanks for the suggestion on a tasty way to get more fiber into the diet. Eating lots of vegetables is likely to be good for anyone, whether or not it banishes constipation. Fluid and fiber are the first line against this common problem.

Q. I was on Celebrex but had side effects. A friend recommended that I try Brownwood Acres tart cherry juice. It took four weeks to kick in, but at the ripe old age of 79 I'm tap dancing again. It worked for me.

A. We?ve heard from others that tart or sour cherries or cherry juice might ease joint pain from gout. Your testimonial is terrific, and we suspect others will want to try cherry juice for arthritis as well. The brand you mention is available at www.brownwoodacres.com or (877) 591-3101.

For others who?ve had trouble with prescription drugs, we have collected many other home remedies in our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. AA-2, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.