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CBD (cannabidiol)

Is CBD An Antioxidant?

Is CBD An Antioxidant?

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May 6, 2021 By John Reed

CBD Tincture Bottle

The pursuit of antioxidants is more than a trend. In a world where pollution, junk food, and unhealthy habits such as smoking reign, we need to arm our bodies with antioxidants to protect us from chronic diseases such as cancer. The list of antioxidant-rich foods is significant. It’s easy to incorporate antioxidants into our diet when the list includes food like dark chocolate, Goji berries, pecans, and strawberries. Now, there’s a natural compound on the market that is proving to be the most potent antioxidant of them all, and its name is CBD.

What is CBD?

CBD is a cannabinoid found in the Cannabis Sativa plant species. The latter contains hundreds of cannabinoids, some of which are intoxicating. For example, THC, the cannabinoid found primarily in marijuana, causes users to become high. CBD has psychoactive effects as well, but they’re not intoxicating. This means that you can enjoy hemp-derived CBD that contains less than 0.3 percent THC without the risk of becoming high, paranoid, or overdosing from it.

The science on CBD is limited as researchers have merely scratched the surface on its potential benefits, but the first data released is encouraging. Early research shows CBD’s potential to help with a list of chronic and mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, PTSD, and so much more.

Researchers have learned that CBD works by signaling to the endocannabinoid system’s (ECS) receptors. The ECS is a molecular system that manages critical bodily functions such as temperature, mood, appetite, and pain. It uses its receptors to promote change when necessary, so the body is in a continual state of homeostasis. CBD triggers change by signaling, rather than binding, to the receptors and promoting change. For example, researchers note how this cannabinoid can trigger the release of serotonin in the body. Thanks to this release, users experience low anxiety symptoms as serotonin acts as a natural mood stabilizer.

Thanks to these benefits, the rise of the CBD industry is evident, and we are now flooded with high-quality products ranging from oil tinctures to bath bombs, vape liquids, skincare products, edibles, and more. While CBD gummies generally are more expensive than oils, there are some affordable options that are in the same price range as oils and tinctures.

Why do we need antioxidants?

Our body can naturally produce antioxidants, but they aren’t enough to combat the pollutants that make their way into our body because of the level of pollution we are surrounded with and the unhealthy foods many of us opt for rather than the unprocessed kind.

Antioxidants are essential to fight the free radicals in the body that make their way through the former pollutants to prevent oxidation. If oxidation occurs, we would incur more damaged cells and have a higher risk of suffering from chronic diseases and certain illnesses.

Antioxidants prevent oxidation by neutralizing the free radicals in the body. In simpler terms, they pair up with unpaired electrons to neutralize them and stabilize the molecule. Stabilization is essential to prevent the degradation of the cell.

CBD as an antioxidant

Early studies have placed CBD in the antioxidant realm. Indeed, researchers have deemed it a more potent antioxidant than vitamin C and E. With such a classification, CBD could be the daily supplement that could revolutionize our health by lowering our risk of chronic diseases such as certain cancer forms.

Scientists note the significant antioxidant level in this cannabinoid. They observe how CBD can affect the redox balance by changing the activity and the level of oxidants and antioxidants in the body. In promoting the balance of redox, this cannabinoid prevents oxidation. This leads to the body holding fewer free radicals. In neutralizing them, CBD prevents the harmful radicals from changing into more damaging forms and causing certain types of cancer.

Its thanks to its free oxygen atom, which helps in the neutralization of the free radicals that researchers have deemed CBD as a neuro-protector with the potential to lower the risk of some neurodegenerative diseases. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, CBD can reduce damage in the nervous system and the brain while encouraging new neurons’ growth.

CBD might even protect people from oxidative trauma caused by genetic and autoimmune disorders—damage that can be temporary or permanent. When there’s already damage present, CBD can still benefit by helping with the recovery process. As a neuroprotective agent, CBD can also contribute to spinal cord or brain injuries and a stroke’s aftermath. Studies show how this cannabinoid can benefit those with neurological disorders such as epilepsy, ALS, and Parkinson’s disease.

CBD as an everyday antioxidant

Besides its neurological benefits, CBD’s antioxidant properties can help with everyday issues as well. As an antioxidant, CBD can prevent dull skin and lower wrinkles’ visibility while promoting healthy and younger-looking skin. For this reason, the beauty industry is now onboard the CBD train, promoting high-quality CBD skincare products, including serums and moisturizers.

Its work on skin issues goes beyond common challenges. CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can prevent the waxy oil’s overproduction on the skin known as sebum. The latter is important to protect the skin from dirt and other pollutants. However, occasions, where the skin’s pores become clogged as dirt, gets stuck to the sebum. This can result in acne—a skin issue that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all cure. Although more research is required to determine how effective CBD is for acne issues, researchers believe this cannabinoid can help people with this skin problem.

References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6319597/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5938896/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6514832/
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6858175/
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7115444/
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151231/

Filed Under: CBD (cannabidiol)

Does Cannabis Make You Age Better?

Does Cannabis Make You Age Better?

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April 29, 2021 By John Reed Leave a Comment

Old age is something many people across multiple cultures dread. The aches and pains, the societal stigmatization, and the lack of energy associated with old age aren’t things anyone looks forward to. More importantly, old age is commonly associated with biological degradation. Some of them are visible changes to appearances, such as wrinkling of the face and skin. However, some of them are due to the development of several medical conditions, which may or may not be life-threatening.

That said, keeping your body in good health should be one of your priorities. Many products can help to achieve that, but few compare to cannabis. Cannabis is a medicinal herb that people have been using for a long time. Ancient civilizations used this herb to solve so many of their medical issues. Although governments worldwide previously banned the use and production of this herb, they have recently approved it. This means that people can now produce, consume, and distribute cannabis.

Cannabis contains so many medicinal properties that can help you slow the aging process. That said, this article will help to explain how cannabis helps you to age better.

How Cannabis Helps You Age Better

As mentioned previously, cannabis helps you age better. What’s more, you can now find it for sale and use in many countries worldwide. For instance, you can buy CBD gummies online.

Cannabis can help you age better by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. Many scientists have conducted studies that have proven the effects of cannabis on the endocannabinoid system. In fact, without these studies, humanity would have remained in the dark about the endocannabinoid system. By interacting with this system, it helps provide the following benefits:

●     May improves skin health

Skin is the most noticeable sign of old age. As someone ages, their skin becomes wrinkled because of the loss of elasticity and fragility. The body’s ability to produce natural oils sharply decreases, contributing to the skin’s wrinkled appearance. That said, many people are beginning to turn to cannabis to improve their skin health. This is because it contains many antioxidants which help to fight free radicals.

Ultimately, this helps to protect your skin and keep it staying healthy and fresh. Although you can find it in vitamins A and E, cannabis remains an excellent source of antioxidants. Additionally, cannabis can help maintain flawless skin by reducing all forms of skin inflammation. Skin inflammation is a skin condition that is easy to get. It makes your skin itchy and can also cause it to age faster than usual. CBD may also curb inflammation due to its high quantity of anti-inflammatory substances.

●     Can improve cardiovascular health

A healthy heart and cardiovascular system are necessary for the preservation of your health. Sadly, many people tend to neglect the health of their hearts and cardiovascular system, which can lead you to develop severe health issues.

More often than not, it can even lead you to develop life-threatening diseases. CBD is very effective in improving heart health. This is possible due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties it possesses. Moreover, unlike many artificially made drugs, it does not have any side effects.

●     May help maintain your brain’s health.

Without a healthy brain, all the efforts you make on your physical appearance to keep it looking young would be futile. This is because the brain is the control center of the human body. Without it functioning correctly, it would inhibit your ability to perform and even speed up the aging process. It would also make you more susceptible to diseases and death.

Many older people understand this and have begun to take CBD to help maintain their brain’s health. One study shows that CBD, a significant constituent of cannabis, can help to increase the brain’s cognition and mood. You can also use it to treat and manage multiple diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis.

●     Can suppress pain

Pain is something every human feels at several points in time. Sometimes, it’s mild enough to ignore. However, on many occasions, pain can be pretty unbearable. There are many pains related to aging, but they are all equally capable of making humans feel unimaginable pain. This is a significant contributor towards aging badly.

The endocannabinoid system is primarily responsible for regulating pain and maintaining homeostasis. Cannabis contains two substances in particular that interact with the endocannabinoid system, helping to improve efficiency. These chemicals are CBD and THC.

The interaction between cannabis and the endocannabinoid system would help to suppress pain in any area of your body. Ultimately, it would help you age better with significantly reduced pain.

The Bottom Line

Aging is something that comes with many side effects, such as aches and pains. Luckily, cannabis can help you cope with the aging process, helping you to age better. That said, this article has helped to explain how cannabis does this.

Filed Under: CBD (cannabidiol)

5 Cannabis-Infused Energy Drinks To Try This In 2021

5 Cannabis-Infused Energy Drinks To Try This In 2021

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April 26, 2021 By John Reed

Hectic workload and increasing metabolic demands call for a nutritious and energizing diet. If you’re prone to constant weakness or drowsiness, you might want to rethink your nutritional routine. One of the best ways to accelerate stamina and boost your energy levels is through cannabis-infused drinks. Instead of smoking your pot, you can choose delicious and appetizing cannabis drinks. Some options to try are Cannabis Sparkling Water, Cannabis tea, and Lagunitas Hi-Fi Hops. Such drink options are suitable to quench your mid-day thirst and provide that extra shot of energy.

Here are the top cannabis-infused energy drinks that recharge your body and mind.

1.   Lagunitas Hi-Fi Hops

Here’s the top American IPA drink that is likely to boost your energy levels within seconds. Lagunitas Hi-Fi Hops is a non-alcoholic beverage that contains significant quantities of hops. Also, the drink is available in diverse varieties according to the amount of THC present in it. You choose a drink based upon the THC levels that you desire. Along with this, the types available on the market are reverb, tuner, and unplugged. While the unplugged variant has an 18:1 THC to CBD ratio, the tuner provides you with an equal blend of both constituents.

On the other hand, the reverb variant possesses THC solely and offers around 10 mg of the constituent per drink. Every drink incorporates stimulating effects and might boost your energy levels. You can fetch the CBD candy to accompany your drink sessions.

2.   Recess CBD Sparkling Water

There are times when you feel low and don’t feel like working much. You can boost the energy levels and get your work done during those times with the Recess CBD sparkling water. The drink is rich in therapeutic herbal blends and hemp extracts that rejuvenate your mind. Also, it enhances your mood, calms your nerves down, and might relieve stress levels. What adds to the benefits is the availability of diverse flavors according to the ingredients in the drink. You can try the flavors like Pomegranate Hibiscus, Blackberry Chai, Blood Orange, Peach Ginger, Coconut Lime, and Black Cherry. Every can of the calming sparkling water contains around 25 calories and 5 grams of sugar.

With the adaptogenic herbs, the drink may strengthen your memory and prevent anxiety issues. Try it out for calm, productive, and relaxing effects throughout the day.

3.   Kikoko Herbal Tea

One of the best ways to start your morning is with a cup of warm herbal tea. You can consider the Kikoko Herbal Tea to fight off lethargy and kickstart your metabolism. The tea possesses the perfect mixture of cannabinoids, terpenes, and effective herbal extracts. You may choose the tea variant according to the desired effect. Some variants available on the market are Tranquilli-tea, Sympa-tea, Sensuali-tea, and Positivi-tea. In case you wish to achieve a calm and rejuvenating sleep, you can consume the tranquilli-tea variety before hitting the bed.

Out of all the variants, the most energizing one is the positivi-tea. It contains the highest THC level of 10 mg and incorporates top-notch stamina. Get your hands on the herbal tea to limit stress, boost energy levels, and enhance productivity levels.

4.   Jolly Giant

Another top-notch cannabis-infused drink that energizes your body within seconds is Jolly Giant. The drink is rich in potent therapeutic herbs and might help you ward off lethargy. It contains around 2-ounces of herbal shots that stimulate your nerves. You may choose amongst the available variants according to the ingredients you prefer. Some options to consider are Waking giant, Jolly Giant, and Gentle Giant types. For an energizing effect, you might want to get your hands on the Jolly Giant variant rich in an equal amount of THC & CBD. Other herbs present in the drink are  Passion Flower, Siberian Ginseng, and Beta-Caryophyllene.

You can replace the pot-smoking sessions or calorie-laden edibles with the cannabis drink. Not only will it keep you energized for longer durations, but it also contains negligible calories. The ingredients lead to proper functions of the vital organs as well as mental pathways. Make sure to include the drink in your daily routine for long-term tranquility and enhanced stamina.

5.   Artet Cannabis Aperitif

Here’s the cannabis-infused drink that blends the essence of cocktails with herbal beverages. You must try the Artet cannabis aperitif drink for a calm yet mind-boosting effect. The drink contains the perfect combination of around seven botanicals and cannabis extracts. Every 50 ml drink offers not more than 2.5 mg of THC and diverse flavors on your palate. You get to experience the floral, herbal, and dry tasting notes in the same drink. Not to forget, it pairs pretty well with your favorite alcoholic beverages as a cannabis-infused cocktail.

Bottom Line

Herbal therapy is the new trend due to its efficacy in maintaining adequate vital functions. But have you ever thought of consuming herb-infused drinks? One of the best alternatives to your alcoholic drinks is cannabis-infused beverages. You may choose cannabis energy drinks to ward off lethargy and stimulate your mind. Some options to consider are Recess CBD sparkling water, Lagunitas Hi-Fi Hops, and Jolly Giant herbal drink. Most of the drinks are available in different THC to CBD ratios, and you can choose the desired variants. Try out the Cannabis energy drinks to energize your body and prevent excessive drowsiness during the daytime.

Filed Under: CBD (cannabidiol)

Kratom Vs CBD: What Works Best for you?

Kratom Vs CBD: What Works Best for you?

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January 4, 2021 By John Reed Leave a Comment

Kratom vs. CBD

Kratom and CBD are two natural remedies trending as a safer alternative for the treatment of numerous different ailments and medical conditions. This article will take a closer look at the two to find out which may be the best herbal substitute.

Similarly, both substances are reported to manage an extensive list of symptoms ranging from chronic pain and insomnia, lowering high blood pressure and maintaining healthy glucose levels, to managing the withdrawals of alcohol and opiates. Although both are highly sought-after alternatives for the treatment of some similar ailments, they differ quite drastically in their molecular compounds. These specific compounds are what give each plant its unique healing properties, which in turn can be a safer choice over pharmaceuticals.

What is Kratom?

Kratom is scientifically known as mitragyna speciosa, which is a deciduous tree native to the tropical landscapes of Southeastern Asia. Kratom is also referred to as biak-biak, ketum, or Maeng Da in different locations depending upon the methods used for harvesting and the extracts and preparations derived from it. The tree itself is a close relative to the Rubiaceae family of evergreens, which is akin to the coffee family. The abundant leaves from this tree contain specific alkaloids and other molecular compounds which are harvested in countries such as Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand for numerous infirmities. 

The native peoples of these areas have been using kratom for decades for the relief of chronic pain, to boost energy, relieve anxiety and stress, as well as for sleep aides. In larger quantities, it can be used as a mild sedative to promote healthy sleep. The trees produce an abundance of alkaloid rich leaves which are harvested and chewed or brewed into a kratom tea. The leaves are also ground into a fine powder and can be encapsulated for easier digestion.

picture of a bowl with tea leaves

What is Kratom Used For?

In the sweltering tropical farmlands of Southeast Asia, the natives have been reported to chew the leaves to produce energy for working long, grueling days in the fields. Reports have indicated that the peoples of the area have ingested kratom leaves for the slight stimulant effect to enhance energy and stamina and to alleviate pain. Other reports show that kratom has been used for relieving the debilitating effects from the withdrawals of opiates and alcohol.

In Western Culture, kratom has become a staple for many individuals who are unable to relieve their symptoms with traditional medications. Reports indicate the majority of kratom users are middle-aged, have at least middle income, possess some type of private health insurance, and have indicated they have completed some college history. Although the FDA has yet to release any statement on whether the FDA will ever truly recognize kratom as a useful resource for holistic health, for now it is still legal in most states in the US and in the UK. 

How Does Kratom Work?

The alkaloid rich leaves of the kratom tree are classified as either red, white, or green depending upon the location of harvest and have varying levels of alkaloids. The chief active compounds of mitragyna speciosa are indole alkaloids, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which act as partial agonists on opioid receptors. Typically, kratom products contain approximately 2% mitragynine and either zero or between 0.01% and 0.02% 7-hydroxymitragynine, respectively.  Among other mitragyna

indole alkaloids, mitragynine presents with a unique mechanism of action and has a pharmacology distinct from most classical opioids, such as morphine, heroin, or even fentanyl. 

Binding to the μ-opioid receptor causes recruitment and activation of the G-protein-coupled signaling cascade but does not lead to recruitment of β-arrestin 2, which has been attributed to a multitude of the undesired effects of opioid receptor activation, including constipation, respiratory depression, and dependence. To read more about Kratom effects click here.

Is Kratom Legal?

Under the current Poison Act of 1952, kratom is banned in Malaysia but remains in use due to the wealth of native, free-growing trees located throughout the region. In 2018, Thailand lifted its ban on the possession and use of kratom as a natural home remedy. Vietnam still has kratom listed as banned in the region. 

In Western culture, the rise of kratom sales has led to the inquiry as to the safety and efficacy of kratom use by governing officials.  Because the Food and Drug Administration in the United States has not classified kratom as a recognized supplement, the legality rests upon the individual state and should be investigated thoroughly before purchase. For an updated list on the legal status of Kratom in the United States on a state by state, be sure to check out our [updated] Kratom Legal page.

The FDA has, in turn, designated mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine as opioids and recommended the placement of these compounds into the Controlled Substances Act Schedule I by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Before purchasing Kratom bo find out which states A number of states have classified Kratom

Side Effects and Risks of Kratom Consumption

From July 2016 through December 2019 there were a total of 91 deaths attributed to kratom overdose in the United States, according to a recent report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of the 91 total deaths known to the agency, only 7 cases were declared as accidental overdoses caused by kratom alone. The remaining cases could not be confirmed because the deceased also showed trace amounts of other substances and kratom could not be ruled out as the attributing factor of death. Calls to the Poison Control Centers also showed an increase in calls relating to kratom consumption 50-fold from 13 in 2011 to 682 in 2017.

Side effects vary from individual to individual because the alkaloids within the herb act differently based upon the unique chemical make-up. For this reason, beginners to kratom should seek out information on side effects and risks prior to consumption and should start with smaller doses until they are sure how it will affect them. Known side effects vary as well in doses. Some known side effects of kratom use include euphoria, increased energy and excitability, sweating, nausea and vomiting, nervousness, constipation, confusion, increased heart rate and irritability.

What is CBD?

CBD, scientifically known as cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found within the Cannabis sativa plant. Unlike its closest relative delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD does not possess the chemicals that make you feel high or disoriented. The plant Cannabis sativa has two primary species, hemp and marijuana. Both species of plants contain CBD, but there is a much higher percentage found in hemp, which also has very low (less than 0.3%) levels of THC compared to marijuana.

What is CBD Used For?

CBD is harvested from the sativa plant and used to make edibles, tinctures and creams, but many people prefer to smoke the flower or vape the oil in a pen. CBD is commonly used for relaxation and for reducing anxiety. CBD is also used to treat epilepsy and seizure disorders, chronic pain, muscle disorders known as dystonia, Parkinson’s Disease, and Crohn’s Disease. Elixinol is a medication containing CBD which is designed specifically to treat the symptoms of epilepsy and seizure disorders.

How Does CBD Work?

Although it is still unclear exactly how the chemicals in CBD work on the brain, research shows it prevents the breakdown of chemicals in the brain that affect mood, pain, and anxiety. By reducing these chemicals in the brain, the blood levels are increased, which reduces the symptoms of schizophrenia.  

Although CBD has a small amount of binding affinity for either of the two cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), cannabidiol modulates several non-cannabinoid receptors and ion channels. CBD also acts through various receptor-independent pathways by delaying the “reuptake” of endogenous neurotransmitters (such as anandamide and adenosine) and by enhancing or inhibiting the binding action of certain G-protein coupled receptors.

Is CBD Legal?

The United States is increasingly legalizing the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana, but the legality varies from state to state. Legislature surrounding hemp products is in a constant state of unrest and is constantly being changed. As of now, eleven states have legalized the sale and use of both medical and recreational marijuana for adults over 21, and over half the states have some sort of medical marijuana program. Some states, however, still retain prosecution for some forms of hemp and cannabis products. 

As of 2018, CBD was legalized nationwide at the federal level by passing the 2018 Farm Bill, but that differs dramatically at the state level. Specific legislation regarding marijuana, hemp, and cannabis vary from state to state so be sure to research your local area prior to purchasing CBD from a retailer. 

Side Effects and Risks of CBD Consumption

CBD is often regarded as a much safer option than its cousin THC, as CBD has fewer side effects. The compound THC found within the marijuana plant is known to produce feelings of disorientation and creates the feeling of being high. CBD, on the other hand, has a greater affinity to the CB2 receptor, which interacts differently with the nervous system without eliciting any of the uncomfortable psychoactive results. Because of this reason, the advantages of using CBD are numerous. 

There are numerous studies which demonstrate the outcomes of cannabidiol as a modality for various conditions, but many of these studies conclude that this cannabinoid is safe and virtually free of side effects. The most common side effects reported are dry mouth, drowsiness, lightheadedness, low blood pressure, tremors in high doses, and inhibition of hepatic drug metabolism. CBD is also reported to counteract the effects of THC if consumed simultaneously with a THC product.

How Does Kratom Compare Next to CBD?

Although both herbal remedies possess traits which are ideal for replacing pharmaceutical therapies, they vary enough to make an impact on knowing which to use for what ailment. Kratom’s chemical composition is ideal for boosting energy and reducing pain and inflammation, whereas CBD is more commonly used for the treatment of anxiety and for relaxation. In other words, kratom is more of an “upper” and CBD is more of a “downer.” Depending upon method of consumption, onset of kratom can be anywhere from ten minutes to one hour. CBD, however, has an immediate onset after smoking, and anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour after ingestion orally. 

Head-to-head, both compounds are ideal for treating pain and for reducing stress and anxiety. Be sure to research the legality in your state before making any decision on which to purchase.

How Does Kratom Compare Next to Marijuana?

Kratom leaves contain at least 43 compounds, including the key indole alkaloids mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, raubasine and mitraphylline. These alkaloids produce kratom’s health benefits, such as analgesia, anxiety relief, stimulation and sedation. Like marijuana, kratom can produce a multitude of effects at varying dosages. Kratom’s alkaloid profile possesses a vast array of healing properties with some acting as muscle relaxants and others serving as stimulants. Of the 43 + compounds in kratom leaves, some are anti-inflammatory while others are antimalarial and/or antitussive.

Marijuana, a.k.a. cannabis, is classified as a psychoactive substance due to the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. THC is a crystalline compound which induces euphoria upon consumption, either by smoking the flower or ingesting it in edibles or tinctures. The effects of both are largely dependent upon quantity of intake, but both are generally considered to be viable options for managing pain, reducing anxiety and improving overall mood. 

Filed Under: CBD (cannabidiol), Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)

10 Best CBD for Sale Online (2019 Reviewed)

10 Best CBD for Sale Online (2019 Reviewed)

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December 3, 2019 By John Reed Leave a Comment

The sudden explosion of CBD products in today’s online marketplace can make searching for high-quality brands an overwhelming experience. As with all burgeoning industries, there are some companies who have our best interests at heart, and others who are cutting corners just to make a buck. So, how do you distinguish the good from the bad?

Our Salvia Extract team did some research to help take the guesswork out of choosing a brand to trust. Initially, we decided to investigate today’s key CBD players using three criteria: quality, innovation and value. Then we threw in a fourth factor that we know is important to the CBD community: sustainable practices. We discovered that having a concern for ethics and the environment was a good metric for measuring whether a company is in this business for the right reasons.

Each brand on this list scored highly in all four of our categories and really distinguished themselves in at least one. The phrase “trusted brand” is hard to earn in an industry that’s so new, but these ten companies are all working hard to get there – producing high-quality, innovative products at the lowest costs to consumers and the environment.

Ten Brands We Trust

Endoca CBD

Endoca

Who They Are: Endoca is a family-run company founded by a Danish scientist who was one of the first people to make CBD available online. Today, they grow over 2000 acres of hemp on organic land. Their stated mission is to lead by example, showing that it’s possible to maintain good health for ourselves and for the planet at the same time.

Why We Trust Them: Endoca has a strong track record of quality and transparency and is one of the original players in the CBD business. They built a factory that complies with pharmaceutical standards, and they prioritize consumer safety via third-party testing.

Our Favourite Endoca Products:

  • Endoca Hemp Oil Capsules 300 Mg
  • Endoca Raw Hemp Oil Capsules 300Mg
  • Endoca Hemp Oil Drops 300Mg

Explore all Endoca products

NuLeaf Naturals CBD Logo

Nuleaf

Who They Are: Nuleaf Naturals, located in Colorado, wasestablished in 2014 by a group of health-conscious plant medicine experts. They’re one of America’s pioneering hemp companies. Nuleaf Naturals’ mandate is to help people and their loved ones live happier, healthier lives by producing all natural and 100% organic cannabinoid wellness products.

Why We Trust Them: NuLeaf wellness products are derived from specially bred therapeutic hemp plants that are grown using organic and sustainable farming practices on licensed farms. NuLeaf is continually enhancing their natural genetic strains to ensure a regulated product with excellent potency and consistency.

Our Favourite Nuleaf Products:

  • NuLeaf Full Spectrum CBD Oil 240 Mg

  • NuLeaf Full Spectrum Pet CBD Oil 240 Mg

Explore all Nuleaf products

Social CBD Logo

Select CBD

Who They Are:  Select CBD is an industry-leader out of Portland, Oregon who has been featured in Rolling Stone, New York Magazine and Forbes. They were awarded both Leafly’s “Best High-CBD Product in Oregon” and the 2017 Dope Industry Award for “Best Concentrate Company.”

Why We Trust Them: Select CBD prides themselves on being at the forefront of cannabis science, partnering with top scientists to help innovate and improve extraction and processing techniques. Their independently tested products are expertly designed to capture the synergy between the beneficial effects of plants and herbs and the power of CBD.

Our Favourite Select CBD Products:

  • Select CBD Drops Peppermint
  • Select CBD Gel Capsules Rest
  • Select CBD Muscle Rub

Explore all Select CBD products

Ananda Hemp CBD Logo

Ananda Hemp

Who They Are: Led by Brian Furnish, an eighth-generation farmer, the team at Ananda Hemp has introduced valuable legislation, sponsored observational research studies, and been listed among the first hemp farms licensed under 7606 of the 2014 Farm Bill. Ananda Hemp was the first company to be granted a license to grow hemp in the United States.

Why We Trust Them: The mission of Ananda Hemp is to set the standards for quality, transparency and compliance in the hemp industry. The fact that they control every aspect of their supply chain allows for complete transparency in their operation. Their 500-acre farm is built to cGMP standards and is registered with the FDA. All product batches from Ananda Hemp are third-party tested in ISO-certified labs.

Our Favourite Ananda Hemp Products:

  • Ananda Hemp Bliss Intimate Oil
  • Ananda Hemp Full Spectrum Tincture 300Mg
  • Ananda Hemp Spectrum Salve 125Mg

Explore all Ananda Hemp products

Dr Kerklaan CBD

Dr. Kerklaan 

Who They Are: Dr. Andrew Kerklaan developed Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics in 2013 specifically to assist his patients by using the power of topically applied cannabinoid extracts. Dr. Kerklaan’s line of hemp CBD-based topicals for pain relief, sleep support, PMS and skincare have been featured in Forbes, goop, Rolling Stone, Men’s Health and the Huffington Post.

Why We Trust Them: Dr. Kerklaan works alongside leading biochemists to develop products that deliver natural, non-psychotropic relief. All Dr. Kerklaan’s CBD topicals are rigorously tested by top labs in both Canada and California. Dr. Kerklaan has over 20 years of expertise in the field and his team includes innovators and wellness activists who are all committed to advancing natural healthcare.

Our Favourite Dr. Kerklaan Products:

  • Dr. Kerklaan Natural CBD Pain Stick
  • Dr. Kerklaan Natural CBD Skin Cream
  • Dr. Kerklaan Natural CBD Sleep Cream

Explore all Dr. Kerklaan products

PlantPeople CBD Logo

Plant People

Who They Are: Founded by Gabe Kennedy and Hudson Gaines-Ross, who both share the experience of having undergone surgery for spinal cord injuries, Plant People was created to develop wellness support products that combine CBD with other beneficial plants and herbs. The company’s goal is to empower people to make alternative and positive choices when it comes to healing the body and mind.

Why We Trust Them: Plant People employs a team of scientists and alternative medicine doctors to create effective and innovative plant-based formulas. This environmentally conscientious company partnered with non-profit American Forests, whose mission is to create healthy and resilient forests that deliver critical benefits to the environment, people, water and wildlife. A portion of all proceeds is donated back into the organization.

Our Favourite Plant People Products:

  • Plant People Olive Oil
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  • Plant People Stay Sharp Capsules

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Elixinol 

Who They Are: Elixinol is a “For Benefit” business that strives to actively contribute to the world in positive ways by supporting organizations who are working to create better human health and an environmentally sustainable world. Elixinol’s vision is to educate, inspire and empower people to live naturally healthy and happy lives.

Why We Trust Them: Through relationships with industrial hemp farmers in Europe, the U.S. and Australia, Elixinol sources locally grown hemp from the finest growing regions in the world, and from farmers who are committed to a shared set of quality-control standards. Elixinol products are made from high-quality hemp that’s organically grown and naturally processed.

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  • Elixinol Hemp Oil Capsules 450Mg
  • Elixinol Hemp Oil Drops 300 Mg
  • Elixinol Liposome Hemp Oil

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Shanti Wellness

Who They Are: Launched in 2018, Shanti Wellness strives to enhance the daily routines of individuals by elevating mind, body and soul through plant-sourced offerings. The company was established by founders who were looking for natural ways to help themselves and others deal with some of the unwanted consequences of busy modern life, such as stress and trouble sleeping.

Why We Trust Them: Shanti Wellness CBD products are made with organically grown non-GMO hemp from Colorado that is extracted and purified using nanoemulsion technology. This unique process helps to maximize the CBD absorption and bioavailability of their products.

Our Favourite Shanti Wellness Products:

  • Shanti Balance Premium Hemp CBD Tincture
  • Shanti Relief Hemp CBD Softgels
  • Shanti Soothe Balm 800Mg

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The Good Patch

Who They Are: La Mend, the company behind the Good Patch, was founded by three passionate professionals: two owners of award-winning organic day spas, and an accomplished hemp advocate. The three founders were drawn together by their shared belief in the health and wellness benefits of phytocannabinoids.

Why We Trust Them: La Mend’s CBD comes from industrial hemp and is sourced from the highest quality, organically farmed, non-GMO plants. Their extraction methods adhere to the strictest operating procedures, and each batch of CBD products is third-party tested for purity and quality.

Our Favourite Good Patch Products:

  • The Good Patch Be Calm Patch
  • The Good Patch Nite Nite Patch
  • The Good Patch Period Patch

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Sträva Coffee 

Who They Are: Sträva Craft Coffee was founded in 2015 by two friends who share a love of great coffee, a passion for travel and adventure, and respect for all things Colorado. Their CBD-infused specialty coffees come from top growers and regions, and their beans are small-batch roasted. Sträva’s products have been featured in Forbes’ Holiday Gift Guide and Men’s Health Magazine.

Why We Trust Them: Sträva Craft Coffee strives to support local, independent cafes and businesses. They’re also passionate about building relationships with coffee farmers and their communities, and they take pride in always sourcing the highest quality beans in a responsible, sustainable manner.

Our Favourite Strava Coffee Products:

  • Sträva Elevate
  • Sträva Escape Decaf
  • Sträva Restore Dark Roast

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Filed Under: CBD (cannabidiol)

A Case for Cannabidiol

A Case for Cannabidiol

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October 1, 2017 By John Reed Leave a Comment

The emergence of high cannabidiol (CBD)-marijuana strains and CBD-rich medicinal products over the last 20 years has led to an explosion in the medicinal use of cannabis. CBD is an abundant non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid in cannabis that is thought to convey many of its medicinal benefits. While medicinal use of cannabis has been reported for centuries, it’s only recently been appreciated that CBD is responsible for many of its medicinal benefits. Pre-clinical and human clinical trials have demonstrated CBD’s ability to successfully treat a spectrum of disorders, lending credibility to amassing anecdotal reports . Importantly, CBD carries no addiction risk and has a low-side effect profile. This substantially enhances CBD’s medicinal utility and is helping CBD forge its way into modern medicine. Emerging evidence even identifies CBD as a tool to combat addiction and the opioid epidemic. These are exciting times for those seeking more efficacious and safe treatment options.

CBD has a high-safety profile

Until the late 90’s, CBD was largely disregarded by cultivators who sought to increase the concentration of Δ9-THC (i.e., the most abundant psychoactive phytocannabinoid) to meet the demands of recreational users looking to get stoned. A study of nearly 39,000 cannabis samples found that the average Δ9-THC potency jumped from 4% in 1995 to 12% in 20141. Four strains in the 2016 Cannabis Cup even topped the 30% Δ9-THC mark. People can now get higher than ever.
But with the increase in Δ9-THC potency, CBD levels in recreational strains have decreased to record lows. Since CBD can counteract Δ9-THC’s effects on brain function, the rapid escalation in the Δ9-THC:CBD ratio from 14 in 1995 to 80 in 2014 has led us to uncharted territory for understanding recreational cannabis’ acute and long-term safety profile.

Cannabis’ medicinal utility hinges on its safety profile, known as the therapeutic index (TI). The TI is the range between the effective dose (the dose used to treat a particular ailment) and the toxic dose (the dose that causes harm). Therefore, drugs that have a high TI are deemed “safe”. The TI for cannabis ranges depending on several factors including age of the user and chemical composition of the product/strain. The TI increases with age and a higher CBD: Δ9-THC ratio.
Δ9-THC exposure early in development is associated with numerous deleterious outcomes. Rodent studies have revealed that Δ9-THC is a developmental neurotoxin, and just a single exposure to Δ9-THC can induce long-term behavioral abnormalities2. Late adolescent exposure to Δ9-THC can also potentiate the development of schizophrenia-like symptoms in mice3. These animal studies support decades of human research showing that adolescent cannabis exposure increases risk of developing psychiatric illnesses including anxiety, depression and schizophrenia4.

Scientists are just beginning to reveal the cross-generational effects of Δ9-THC exposure. They are finding that your consumption of high- Δ9-THC strains doesn’t just affect you, but will affect your unborn children5. For instance, Δ9-THC exposure in adolescent rats increases addiction-like behavior in their offspring by altering genetic expression in the brain’s reward circuitry6. These studies highlight the relatively low-TI of Δ9-THC, especially in children and young adults.
In adults, Δ9-THC has a higher TI. Δ9-THC may be used to reduce nausea, provide pain relief, and as an appetite stimulant for patients on chemotherapy. But a single moderate dose of 10mg THC can induce anxiety and psychosis7, and long-term use is associated impaired executive function and memory8. So despite positive recreational effects of Δ9-THC, there is risk for adverse consequences.

CBD, on the other hand, has a higher TI in both children and adults. Several recent studies investigated CBD’s treatment potential in children with epilepsy and failed to detect significant side-effects9,10. While greater frequency of diarrhea, drowsiness, and fatigue was observed in the CBD-treated group, it’s important to note that these patients remained on their anti-epileptic medications for the extent of the trial. Because CBD is known to impact the metabolism of these other drugs, it’s unclear if CBD produced those side effects or if they resulted from an interaction with their additional medications.

CBD’s safety profile in adults has been more extensively tested, and these studies reveal a particularly high TI (summarized in 11). A single 600mg dose of CBD was not associated with any of the adverse effects of Δ9-THC described above7. In fact, even doses up to 1500mg/kg failed to induce significant adverse effects. For those seeking a long-term treatment strategy, chronic administration of 300mg CBD for over 4 months is well-tolerated and not associated with any toxic effects12.
Despite the increased side-effect risk of Δ9-THC consumption, many users still seek its medicinal benefits. Notably, CBD can increase Δ9-THC’s TI by counteracting its adverse effects. For instance, CBD reduces Δ9-THC’s anxiety-provoking effects in rodents13 and humans14,15, and strongly attenuates psychotic symptoms induced by Δ9-THC14,16. These studies reflect CBD impedance of Δ9-THC action at CB1 receptors, the target by which Δ9-THC exerts its psychoactive effects, either by reducing CB1 receptor activity17 or through direct antagonism18. Therefore, the addition of CBD to a Δ9-THC preparation reduces risk of adverse effects.

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CBD treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders

Medicinal cannabis use has roots in ancient Chinese medical texts, in which writings discuss the use of hemp in medical practice and its use in “painless surgery”. The mention of hemp in ancient Chinese texts and lore suggests that CBD, which has higher potency in hemp than Δ9-THC, was responsible for many of the observed benefits associated with hemp. Today, we recognize the vast scope of CBD’s medicinal potential.

To date, there are 131 listed human clinical trials investigating CBD on various disorders (clinicaltrials.gov). For instance, studies are currently underway to assess CBD’s efficacy in treating autism, anxiety, schizophrenia, irritable bowel syndrome, over-eating, and opioid abuse (among many others). The broad scope of these CBD clinical trials highlights the escalating recognition that CBD has medicinal value in treating disorders that are otherwise poorly controlled by available medications. Furthermore, CBD’s low side-effect profile, as discussed above, makes CBD a promising therapeutic tool for treating these disorders and maintaining long-term compliance, especially in children. A subset of disorders in which CBD has positive medicinal indications are discussed below.

Epilepsy

Perhaps the most well-studied medicinal use of CBD is in treatment-resistant forms of epilepsy. According to the World Health Organization, there are 50 million people currently living with epilepsy, and 1 out of every 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. 20% of epilepsies cannot be controlled with traditional anti-epileptic medications. These “treatment-resistant” forms of epilepsy are usually caused by genetic mutations and seizures that begin in childhood and are often characterized by frequent seizures, and cognitive and behavioral deficits.

For reasons relating to cannabis’ Schedule I status under the Controlled Substance Act, cannabis, and particularly CBD, is not considered a first-line treatment. Children first exhaust an extensive regiment of anti-epileptic medications before their caregivers attempt cannabis. Only recently have physicians began to appreciate the anti-epileptic utility of cannabis. Recent clinical trials have revealed that twice daily oral doses of CBD (Epidolex, GW Pharmaceuticals), totaling 20mg/kg to 50mg/kg CBD, reduces seizure frequency in children with treatment-resistant epilepsies9,10. Children treated with CBD had a 39% median reduction in seizure frequency compared to 13% among the placebo-control group. Further, 62% of parents responded that CBD improved their child’s overall well-being compared to 35% in the placebo group10. CBD’s anti-epileptic effect, confirmed in these clinical trials, provide some relief for patients and their caregivers, but also legitimizes CBD’s use in the medical community.

Anxiety disorders

CBD is commonly used to treat anxiety. Pre-clinical studies in rats illustrate CBD’s ability to reduce anxiety in acutely stressful events. For example, rats given the option to explore an environment with both protected or exposed areas spend the majority of their time in the protected areas and sacrifice their desire to explore the exposed areas. CBD, however, increases the amount of time rats spend in the exposed areas19. This is a common example of a pre-clinical assessment that models anxiety-like behavior in humans, and consistently, CBD is found to reduce anxiety.

As an example in humans, those with generalized social anxiety disorder have difficulty interacting in daily life away from their home and engaging in public speaking. In a study of patients with social anxiety disorder, oral consumption of CBD (600mg, dissolved in corn oil) reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment, and overall discomfort associated with public speaking compared to a control group20. CBD’s anxiolytic effect on social anxiety illustrates its effectiveness in additional forms of anxiety including generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder21 (note: PTSD and OCD are no longer classified as anxiety disorders in the recent DSM-V, but excessive anxiety underlies symptoms of these disorders).

Importantly, CBD’s anxiolytic effects follow an inverted-U response19, in which there’s an optimal dose range for treating anxiety. CBD doses above this range lose their anxiolytic quality. So when using CBD to treat anxiety, if it initially fails to have an effect, the best strategy would be to first reduce the CBD dose. If after that point it is still ineffective, then try a higher dose.

Psychosis

Heavy cannabis use during adolescence is a risk factor for developing schizophrenia4. However in adulthood, CBD may be the best treatment22. While positive symptoms in schizophrenia (e.g., hallucinations, delusions) are usually responsive to traditional antipsychotic medications, negative symptoms (e.g., apathy, low affect, impaired cognition) are more difficult to treat. In one clinical trial comparing the effect of oral CBD (600mg/day) to amisulpride, a traditional antipsychotic, both drugs improved negative symptoms, but CBD (3x daily 200mg CBD capsules) had a superior side-effect profile than amisulpride23. CBD has also been demonstrated to enhance the ability of antipsychotic medication to reduce positive symptoms when used as an adjunctive therapy, and there’s evidence from case studies that CBD effectively reduces symptoms in treatment-resistant forms of schizophrenia24.
Psychosis is also common in Parkinson’s disease. A small open-label clinical trial found that CBD reduced psychosis without negatively impacting the disease’s motor impairments25. A subsequent investigation found that CBD, in oral capsules of 300mg/day but not 75mg/day, increased the quality of life in Parkinson’s patients. It’s unclear, however, if this is due to a reduction in psychotic symptoms or through CBD’s anxiolytic/antidepressant effects26. Together, these results highlight CBD’s potential as an effective treatment of psychosis with a lower side-effect profile than traditional antipsychotic medications.
The wide range of CBD’s medicinal effects reflects its multiple brain and body targets27. CBD’s antiepileptic, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic effects may stem from its ability to enhance inhibitory GABAergic signaling and serotonergic signaling. These neural mechanisms are similar to the actions of benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), respectively, which are commonly prescribed pharmacological treatment for anxiety, depression, and epilepsy. CBD’s enhancement of the brain’s endogenous cannabinoid, 2-AG23, and partial agonism of dopamine D2 receptors28, the target of antipsychotic medications, likely contribute to its antipsychotic effects.

Pain

CBD has long been known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory action29. Compared to the abundant phytocannabinoids Δ9-THC and cannabinol, CBD is the most effective at reducing peripherally-induced pain and inflammation30. There’s evidence for CBD’s analgesic (i.e., pain-reducing) effects on both inflammation-induced pain and neuropathic pain. For instance, arthritis is a form of chronic inflammatory-derived pain that affects over 20% of Americans older than 18. Arthritis-like pain can be created in the laboratory with exposure to a topical solution known as Freund’s adjuvant which enhances local inflammation and induces pain. Researchers found that topical CBD gel (i.e., applied to the skin) reduces pain by inhibiting the inflammation and swelling induced by Freund’s adjuvant31. In addition to topical CBD, oral consumption of CBD (2.5-20mg/kg) has also been shown to reduce inflammatory pain caused by Freund’s adjuvant32. There are therefore multiple administration routes by which CBD can reduce inflammation-derived pain.

CBD also has promise for treating neuropathic pain, which may be caused by a host of factors including nerve constriction, diabetes, and chemotherapy. In rats, CBD (20mg/kg) reduced pain caused by sciatica32, a form of neuropathic pain resulting from constriction of the sciatic nerve that causes radiating pain down the legs and back. Neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy drugs is a common challenge in cancer treatment that further diminishes quality of life for cancer patients. Intriguingly, CBD (10-20mg/kg) reduced chronic pain caused by chemotherapy drugs in mice33,34. Further, the combination of CBD and the chemotherapy drug, Paclitaxel, reduced the viability of breast cancer tumor cells more than either drug alone34. These studies highlight CBD’s analgesic qualities in addition to its anticancer effects35,36.

Emerging potential for CBD in combating opioid addiction

The scope of CBD’s treatment potential is vast. Because of its low side-effect profile, CBD may be the optimal therapeutic strategy for many patients regardless if they’re on traditional medications or are trying to combat treatment-resistant disorders. Still, an increasing number of potentially promising CBD indications are being revealed. One promising future direction is its ability to combat opioid addiction.

The current opioid epidemic is killing us. Of the 55,000 lethal drug overdoses each year, 33,000 are from opioids. 20,000 of these overdoses result from prescription opioids, and most of the remaining are from heroin. Over 60% of these lethal overdoses are deemed “accidental”, highlighting the loss-of-control associated with opioid use. One of the best tools to combat the opioid epidemic may be cannabis and CBD.

Addiction is characterized not just by intoxication from drug use, but long-lasting disturbances in cognitive performance and emotional states that lead to craving and relapse. Thus, reducing craving and propensity for relapse would substantially aid an addict’s ability to overcome addiction. Anxiety is enhanced in addiction and peaked during periods of withdrawal, leading to further drug taking and relapse. Reducing anxiety in addiction would be a powerful step in curbing drug seeking. Fortunately, one of the most consistent and reproducible effects of CBD is its ability to reduce anxiety21, thus highlighting its potential to reduce risk of drug relapse.

Indeed, there’s evidence from pre-clinical studies that CBD can reduce the risk of heroin relapse. In one study37, rats were trained to press a lever for heroin. The rats learned that they would receive an IV infusion of heroin (via an implanted catheter) only when they pressed the lever in the presence of a cage light. In this case, the cage light served as a cue for heroin availability. As you can imagine, when the light was on, they’d press away. It’s similar to an addict approaching an alley where they’re used to shooting up, and if a light is on above the door, they know that someone has heroin inside. When the light is on, they approach the door and receive heroin.

Two weeks later, the researchers put the rats back in the same chamber in which they received heroin. When the light would turn on, the rats would, again, press away to receive heroin. One group of rats, however, received CBD (5mg/kg) the day before being placed back in the chamber. When the light went on, the rats that received CBD made far fewer lever press attempts to get heroin than those in the control group. It’s as if a heroin user who consumed CBD would be more likely to pass by the alleyway without getting heroin, even if the light was on above the door. The authors conclude that this reduction in cue-induced heroin seeking stemmed from CBD’s ability to normalize changes in the brain’s reward circuitry that result from repeated heroin use. This study suggests that CBD may protect against opioid relapse following a period of abstinence.

Another recent report found that CBD (10mg/kg) reduced the conditioned place preference for morphine in mice38. To conceptualize the significance of this finding, imagine coming out of surgery and being given morphine to combat the pain. Not only does the morphine combat the pain, but it activates the brain’s reward center. Over time you crave the morphine, both for its pain-relieving effects and the pleasure it induces. You eventually leave the hospital but continue to crave the opioid kick. Instead of morphine, you take prescription pain meds like Oxycontin or Percocet. The pain from the surgery should have largely subsided, but you feel crummy if you don’t take your pain meds. So you seek more. Maybe your doctor prescribes another round, maybe they don’t. It turns out that heroin is cheaper, and stronger anyway. As tolerance to the drugs sets in, you find yourself needing to take increasing amounts of the pain medications just to feel normal. With increased consumption, your risk of overdose increases, especially as you seek stronger drugs and new environments to consume them.
Now imagine that instead of receiving just morphine in the hospital after your surgery, you received morphine in addition to CBD. What the pre-clinical studies suggest is that the combination of two will make you less motivated to seek opioids once you leave the hospital because you didn’t find its use as rewarding as if you would have taken morphine alone (note: because of morphine’s Schedule II status under the Controlled Substance Act, it’s logistically easier and more accessible to study than heroin or cannabis. Because of morphine’s similarity to heroin, it’s effects are often generalized to most opioid drugs). Since CBD alone also has pain-relieving effects, the combination can also have synergistic effects to strongly reduce pain39 while reducing the drive to continue future opioid use.

Concluding remarks

While many of CBD’s medicinal benefits are well-accepted in the cannabis community, there is still skepticism among the medical professionals. The accumulation of positive clinical trials is helping, but progress remains sluggish. CBD and other cannabinoids are rarely considered first-line treatment options, in part due to the relative dearth of clinical evidence. This reflects the research burdens imposed by cannabis’ Schedule I status, which makes it excessively burdensome to conduct cannabis research (and yes, that includes CBD-only research). By definition, a Schedule I drug has no medicinal benefit. This makes it especially challenging to convince a funding agency to award money to study the medicinal value of CBD. However, the tides may be turning. In 2015 the National Institute of Health allotted $21.2 million towards medicinal cannabis research. As more research funding is allocated towards pre-clinical and clinical trials of CBD and other cannabinoids, a more comprehensive understanding of their medicinal value will be recognized and appreciated. Slowly, CBD may be included in routine clinical practice, but this will likely require the removal of cannabis’ Schedule I status. Until the shift in public policy (and federal law), many patients who are unaware of CBD’s medicinal utility, or do not have access, may unfortunately sacrifice their most efficacious and safe treatment option. But for those in-the-know, your local dispensary may be the optimal pharmacy.

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2 Philippot, G., Nyberg, F., Gordh, T., Fredriksson, A. & Viberg, H. Short-term exposure and long-term consequences of neonatal exposure to Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and ibuprofen in mice. Behav Brain Res 307, 137-144, doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2016.04.001 (2016).
3 Rodriguez, G. et al. Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC) administration after neonatal exposure to phencyclidine potentiates schizophrenia-related behavioral phenotypes in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 159, 6-11, doi:10.1016/j.pbb.2017.06.010 (2017).
4 Chadwick, B., Miller, M. L. & Hurd, Y. L. Cannabis Use during Adolescent Development: Susceptibility to Psychiatric Illness. Front Psychiatry 4, 129, doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00129 (2013).
5 Szutorisz, H., Egervari, G., Sperry, J., Carter, J. M. & Hurd, Y. L. Cross-generational THC exposure alters the developmental sensitivity of ventral and dorsal striatal gene expression in male and female offspring. Neurotoxicol Teratol 58, 107-114, doi:10.1016/j.ntt.2016.05.005 (2016).
6 Szutorisz, H. et al. Parental THC exposure leads to compulsive heroin-seeking and altered striatal synaptic plasticity in the subsequent generation. Neuropsychopharmacology 39, 1315-1323, doi:10.1038/npp.2013.352 (2014).
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8 Crean, R. D., Crane, N. A. & Mason, B. J. An evidence based review of acute and long-term effects of cannabis use on executive cognitive functions. J Addict Med 5, 1-8, doi:10.1097/ADM.0b013e31820c23fa (2011).
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14 Morgan, C. J. et al. Sub-chronic impact of cannabinoids in street cannabis on cognition, psychotic-like symptoms and psychological well-being. Psychol Med 42, 391-400, doi:10.1017/S0033291711001322 (2012).
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16 Bhattacharyya, S. et al. Opposite effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on human brain function and psychopathology. Neuropsychopharmacology 35, 764-774, doi:10.1038/npp.2009.184 (2010).
17 Laprairie, R. B., Bagher, A. M., Kelly, M. E. & Denovan-Wright, E. M. Cannabidiol is a negative allosteric modulator of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. Br J Pharmacol 172, 4790-4805, doi:10.1111/bph.13250 (2015).
18 Thomas, A. et al. Cannabidiol displays unexpectedly high potency as an antagonist of CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists in vitro. Br J Pharmacol 150, 613-623, doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707133 (2007).
19 Guimarães, F. S., Chiaretti, T. M., Graeff, F. G. & Zuardi, A. W. Antianxiety effect of cannabidiol in the elevated plus-maze. Psychopharmacology 100, 558-559, doi:10.1007/bf02244012 (1990).
20 Bergamaschi, M. M. et al. Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naive social phobia patients. Neuropsychopharmacology 36, 1219-1226, doi:10.1038/npp.2011.6 (2011).
21 Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M.M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C.R. Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics 12, 825-836, doi:10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1 (2015).
22 Ruggiero, R. N. et al. Cannabinoids and Vanilloids in Schizophrenia: Neurophysiological Evidence and Directions for Basic Research. Front Pharmacol 8, 399, doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00399 (2017).
23 Leweke, F. M. et al. Cannabidiol enhances anandamide signaling and alleviates psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia. Transl Psychiatry 2, e94, doi:10.1038/tp.2012.15 (2012).
24 Fasinu, P. S., Phillips, S., ElSohly, M. A. & Walker, L. A. Current Status and Prospects for Cannabidiol Preparations as New Therapeutic Agents. Pharmacotherapy 36, 781-796, doi:10.1002/phar.1780 (2016).
25 Zuardi, A. W., Crippa, J.A.S., Hallak, J.E.C., Pinto, J.P., Chagas, M.H.N, Rodrigues, G.G.R., Dursun, S.M., & Tumas, V. Cannabidiol for the treatment of psychosis in Parkinson’s disease Journal of Psychopharmacology 23, 979-983 (2009).
26 Chagas, M. H. et al. Effects of cannabidiol in the treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease: an exploratory double-blind trial. J Psychopharmacol 28, 1088-1098, doi:10.1177/0269881114550355 (2014).
27 Pertwee, R. G. The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol and delta9-tetrahydrocannabivarin. Br J Pharmacol 153, 199-215, doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707442 (2008).
28 Seeman, P. Cannabidiol is a partial agonist at dopamine D2High receptors, predicting its antipsychotic clinical dose. Transl Psychiatry 6, e920, doi:10.1038/tp.2016.195 (2016).
29 Brand, E. J. & Zhao, Z. Cannabis in Chinese Medicine: Are Some Traditional Indications Referenced in Ancient Literature Related to Cannabinoids? Front Pharmacol 8, 108, doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00108 (2017).
30 Formukong, E. A., Evans, A.T., & Evans, F.J. Analgesic and antiinflammatory activity of constituents of Cannabis sativa L. Inflammation 12, 361-371 (1988).
31 Hammell, D. C. et al. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. Eur J Pain 20, 936-948, doi:10.1002/ejp.818 (2016).
32 Costa, B., Trovato, A. E., Comelli, F., Giagnoni, G. & Colleoni, M. The non-psychoactive cannabis constituent cannabidiol is an orally effective therapeutic agent in rat chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Eur J Pharmacol 556, 75-83, doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2006.11.006 (2007).
33 King, K. M. et al. Single and combined effects of Delta9 -tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Br J Pharmacol 174, 2832-2841, doi:10.1111/bph.13887 (2017).
34 Ward, S. J. et al. Cannabidiol inhibits paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain through 5-HT(1A) receptors without diminishing nervous system function or chemotherapy efficacy. Br J Pharmacol 171, 636-645, doi:10.1111/bph.12439 (2014).
35 Sarfaraz, S., Adhami, V. M., Syed, D. N., Afaq, F. & Mukhtar, H. Cannabinoids for cancer treatment: progress and promise. Cancer Res 68, 339-342, doi:10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-07-2785 (2008).
36 Elbaz, M. et al. Modulation of the tumor microenvironment and inhibition of EGF/EGFR pathway: novel anti-tumor mechanisms of Cannabidiol in breast cancer. Mol Oncol 9, 906-919, doi:10.1016/j.molonc.2014.12.010 (2015).
37 Ren, Y., Whittard, J., Higuera-Matas, A., Morris, C. V. & Hurd, Y. L. Cannabidiol, a nonpsychotropic component of cannabis, inhibits cue-induced heroin seeking and normalizes discrete mesolimbic neuronal disturbances. J Neurosci 29, 14764-14769, doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4291-09.2009 (2009).
38 Markos, J. R., Harris, H. M., Gul, W., ElSohly, M. A. & Sufka, K. J. Effects of Cannabidiol on Morphine Conditioned Place Preference in Mice. Planta Med, doi:10.1055/s-0043-117838 (2017).
39 Neelakantan, H. et al. Distinct interactions of cannabidiol and morphine in three nociceptive behavioral models in mice. Behav Pharmacol 26, 304-314, doi:10.1097/FBP.0000000000000119 (2015).

Filed Under: CBD (cannabidiol) Tagged With: Cannabidiol, CBD, CBD Oil, CBD vs THC

CBD VS THC: Which product is the best and for what?

CBD VS THC: Which product is the best and for what?

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August 24, 2017 By John Reed Leave a Comment

Medical cannabis may scare those who want to use this plant. Furthermore, with all these emerging scientific studies and news around, there are so many different products available. How can someone choose the best one? Here you will find a condense review about the history of this plant, as well as a comparison of CBD and THC products and a short guide for their use.

THC and CBD: a synergistic relationship

Although cannabis is being used for almost two centuries, it was only in the few past decades that science has started taking important steps towards the understanding of the properties of one of the oldest medicinal plants used by humans. While investigating the different varieties of the cannabis plant, specialists were able to find almost 500 compounds in it, with around 113 of these belonging to a family called cannabinoids.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) are the two most known and studied of this group of compounds and they present certain therapeutic properties which must be emphasized so that, not only the investigators and patients but also the regulators and investors could better understand their therapeutic effects.

THC is the responsible Cannabinoid for the psychoactive ‘trip” that a user experiences while using cannabis casually and therefore is also the cause for the most conflicts around the plant’s medical use. On the other hand, its buddy CBD is the second in abundance substance of the cannabis chemical composition but, in contrast to THC, it shows very low psychoactive properties, thus not being considered as a narcotic. Due to its calming and uplifting properties, this cannabinoid has the power to fight pain and inflammation while neutralizing THC’s psychoactive effects just above zero. Indeed, we can claim that CBD and THC naturally balance one another: the more CBD you have in your body, the less THC effects you will experience.

In a nutshell, the biggest question from a cannabinoid scope is “which is the best to relieve pain: THC or CBD?

The best answer to this question is … both. It is common to hear that both high-THC and high-CBD strains successfully ease away pain but the best pain management might come from strains with large amounts of both of these two cannabinoids.

This contradiction between the two cannabinoids has emerged as the most significant difference – and constitutes also the biggest argument! While THC is a generally uplifting substance, CBD has a calming effect on patients, suggesting that both are highly valuable for medicine.

Below you will find a guide about the benefits of both THC and CBD.

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A short guide through CBD and THC components

Many of us have in mind the following question: is CBD used more than THC for medical purposes? The answer is yes. As THC has substantial instant and long term cognitive side effects, this component is classified as an illegal drug in many countries. Some of the most characteristic effects are: impaired thinking and reasoning; reduced ability to plan and organize; altered decision-making and reduced control over impulses.

Despite the fact that THC has been considered the ugly duck in this relationship, several medical studies have started pointing out some very important benefits of this compound that should also be taken into account. Here you are some of them:

  1. Pain Relief: This is one of the most common reasons that medical cannabis is used and as it turns out, THC is the responsible cannabinoid for this effect.
  2. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): New studies confirm that oral doses of THC can help relieve some PTSD symptoms including flashbacks, agitation and nightmares. Interestingly, the psychoactive properties are also associated with temporary impairments of memory.
  3. Nausea and Vomiting: Since the 1980s THC has been available in the form of pills for treating nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. In fact, the first THC-based medication approved by the FDA for this purpose was a pill that contains a synthetic THC called Marinol.
  4. Appetite Stimulant: Together with its potential to reduce nausea, THC can also work as a potent appetite stimulant both in healthy and sick individuals. Some researches show that THC can also stimulate weight gain in patients diagnosed with anorexia.
  5. Asthma: A scientific study dated back into the 70s confirmed THC’s ability to improve breathing in asthmatics.
  6. Glaucoma: Another recognized benefit of THC is related to its potential to reduce eye pressure in patients with glaucoma. Indeed scientists tried to develop a way to administer THC in eye drops but this idea was quickly rejected due to the fact that THC is not soluble in water. However, the American Glaucoma Society maintains the position that the effects of cannabis plant are too short (only 3-4 hours) which makes the option of this treatment not worth-following.
  7. Sleep Aid: Some people are aware about the sleep-inducing effect of cannabis and the experiments show that THC is mostly responsible for that. It has been noticed that it can contribute to the reduction of sleep interruptions in those who suffer from a common sleep disorder, known as apnea.

Overall, consuming THC could be useful not only to treat pain, nausea, sleep apnea and stress disorders but also to combat the symptoms or the side effects of chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, AIDS, or spinal injuries. Of course, it would be wiser to use it carefully, in controlled doses or even better after consulting our physician, so as to avoid the unpleasant side-effects.

On the other hand, CBD’s action is making strong CBD strains a common choice for the patients who have cancer, epilepsy, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, migraines and arthritis. Plus, this component is also considered:

  1. Anti-inflammatory: Commonly used against inflammation and pain.
  2. Anticonvulsant: Suppresses seizure activity.
  3. Antiemetic: Reduces nausea and vomiting.
  4. Antipsychotic: Helps in several forms of psychosis.
  5. 5. Anti-oxidant: Protects against neurodegenerative diseases.
  6. Anti-depressant: Helps in fighting anxiety and depression.
  7. Anti-tumoral: Combats tumor and cancer cells.
  8. Neuro-protective: May protect neurons in the brain

 

Some of most common THC and CBD products

As you may have noticed, there are plenty certified cannabinoid products that are not associated with the black market. Cannabis producers and many companies are trying to create unique products that correspond to the needs of either patients or common users. Below you can get an insight about some of the cannabis best-sellers:

  1. Medical Cannabis Oil: This is probably one of the most therapeutic cannabis products in the market and basically it is the essential oil of the cannabis plant. The medicinal components of the herb are concentrated in resin glands on the outside of the plant. Medical cannabis oil is produced by using some type of solvent in order to extract the oils from the plant material creating a highly concentrated product. There are several types of medical cannabis oils available:
    • Full-extract oils made from high content THC plants: These oils will produce a psychoactive effect and are often used by patients with severe medical conditions like cancer, fibromyalgia or Parkinson’s disease.
    • Full-extract oils made from high-content CBD plants: They are considered non-psychoactive and an excellent product for daytime pain or even stress management. Full extract CBD oils can be used by a wide variety of patients with depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease or head trauma.
    • One-to-one extracts: These extracts are made from strains with a fairly equal ratio of THC:CBD and they are a good choice for some diseases like: multiple sclerosis gastrointestinal disorder, migraines, cramps and spasms.
    • Raw cannabis oil: Raw cannabis oil is extracted without using heat and is not considered psychoactive. Rather, the active compounds of the herb exist in their acidic form. This product is used for those who want to get some of the anti-inflammatory benefits of the herb without getting high.
  2. Patches: They come in a variety of cannabinoid profiles and concentrations, including CBD and THC, and allow patients to feel the cannabinoid effect for up to 12 hours. The users must be aware of the fact that these patches enhance an already existing situation. For example, if they are very active they will get even more active. This is due to the fact that these patches are topical products which contain carrier agents that help beneficial cannabinoids pass through the blood brain barrier easier. People tend to like patches because they feel a continuous high accompanied by a mild sense of euphoria.
  3. Lotions: Lotions, balms and oils are a simple way to administer topical cannabis. They are quickly absorbed through the skin, thus relieving pain, soreness, and inflammation. These products are not considered psychoactive, which make them one choice for the patients who want the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the cerebral euphoria associated with these substances.
  4. Bath Salts: These products are especially used for relaxation or for treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Normally they are infused with extracted THC strains, thus they are also used to relieve muscle pain and tension.
  5. Acne Treatment: Acne is one of the most common skin conditions over the world. Research has shown that THC can increase the oil levels in the skin therefore, contributing to acne treatment in certain individuals. On the other hand CBD has a different effect, reducing the size of skin imperfections while improving skin elasticity. High-quality CBD oil can also help patients balance their immune system, reduce quelling redness, and alleviate skin irritation.
  6. Vapor oil pens: Vapor pens are very popular within medical cannabis’ patients or other users, because they are easily portable and convenient. Furthermore, according to studies vape oil pens cause less respiratory problems comparing to marijuana joints. However, for those with some serious diseases, a vapor pen might not give as much relief as full extract cannabis oil.
  7. Lubricants: THC-infused lubricants can easily penetrate the vulva due to their sensibility. Thanks to that, female users can expect to feel a warm, relaxed sensation in the area.
  8. Toothpaste: A New York-based company, AXIM Biotechnologies, has developed a line of cannabis-infused toothpaste and mouthwash. This is really promising for those who suffer from chronic tooth pain or other dental problems because of CBD’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties. CBD is also a bone stimulant which means that it could potentially help restore damage caused by cavities.

Filed Under: CBD (cannabidiol) Tagged With: CBD, CBD Health Benefits, CBD vs THC

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