More and more people are turning to cannabis to lose weight or in their quest for a good night’s sleep. With its legal status evolving and its popularity growing, the question begs: does cannabis help with sleep?
(more…)Tag: medical marijuana
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Cannabis Can Help You Lose Weight
Stoned Citizens who regularly consume cannabis, despite experiencing increased appetite known as the munchies, tend to have lower body weight and a reduced risk of diabetes compared to non-users. However, researchers from the University of California, Irvine have recently discovered a potential explanation for this seemingly contradictory phenomenon, and unfortunately, it is not good news.
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Patients With Chronic Pain Are Swapping Opioids For Medical Cannabis
Almost one third of patients with chronic pain report using medical cannabis to manage that pain, with more than half of them decreasing use of other pain medications, including opioids, new research shows.
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Can CBD Prevent A Hangover And Perhaps Even Cure It?
If you are reading this, you are probably hungover, looking for a cure and wondering what to do to prevent a hangover in the future. Can CBD prevent a hangover or cure one? Certainly not! But there are certain areas in which CBD may be able to help with hangovers and make them less painful and agonizing.
Is CBD good for hangovers?
There are certain areas in which CBD may be able to help with hangovers and others where it will not. It’s therefore important to understand how various alcohol-related effects can be related to CBD and the human body.
Headaches, nausea, aches and pains are among the most common symptoms of a hangover.
What causes the hangover?
At first, alcohol consumption causes a spike in your blood sugar and glucose, a simple sugar (or carbohydrate) that is the main form of energy for your body, circulates through our blood – hence the term, “blood sugar” – and it is regulated by two different hormones known as insulin and glucagon. When your blood sugar levels become too high under normal life circumstances, the pancreas can secrete insulin to lower glucose levels in the body. When you drink alcohol, however, it can inhibit glucose once the body begins to process and break down the alcohol you have consumed.
This could also be compounded in a couple of ways: one of the primary means of obtaining glucose is through the foods we eat, and it is common to either not eat while drinking, or eat foods that are lacking in actual sustenance. Alcohol may also affect your body’s normal secretion of insulin, further impacting its relationship with glucose and its ability to regulate itself.
How CBD helps the body
While it does not have direct properties that will regulate your blood sugar, CBD can help regulate your endocannabinoid system. A better-regulated endocannabinoid system could facilitate conditions that help the body recover, bringing with it the potential to help with those awful hangover symptoms.
Dehydration and CBD
If you are eliminating water and not replenishing it at an equal rate, what happens? Dehydration, that’s what. Alcohol dehydrates you on its own but neglecting to drink water while consuming alcohol can only increase the problem. You see, that guy that says he is “hydrating” with a light beer in between his other beverages is not really hydrating. Surely, you know this? If not, well, now you do.
CBD cannot counteract symptoms of dehydration, but just knowing that dehydration is one of the main causes of a hangover can enable you to take the steps necessary to either mitigate or downright prevent one by consuming as much, if not more, water than you do alcohol while drinking.
Can CBD prevent hangovers?
Taking CBD as a one-off cannot directly prevent hangovers. But just because taking CBD oil is not going to make you immune from a hangover, or make one go away, doesn’t mean CBD is completely useless in this instance. Taking CBD regularly may contribute to a more balanced endocannabinoid system.
Does CBD cure hangovers?
There are countless remedies claiming to cure a hangover, like this Bloody Mary Jane, but are any of them worthwhile? Just like with hangover prevention, CBD should not be relied upon as a spot treatment for hangovers. Yet, taking CBD regularly may help maintain the balancing properties of the body when its receptors are activated.
Final thoughts
If you are looking into taking CBD for hangovers, or literally any other reason, make sure you are buying organic, third-party lab-tested CBD oil. The CBD market is unregulated, and a lot of products may not contain their advertised amount of CBD. Even worse, these products may contain harmful toxins that could actually cause headaches. Always make sure your CBD company can provide lab results from an independent source so that you can give your body what you intend to.
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Cannabis Compounds Prevent Infection By Covid-19 Virus, Study Finds
Cannabis compounds can prevent infection from the virus that causes Covid-19 by blocking its entry into cells, according to a study published this week by researchers affiliated with Oregon State University.
Forbes reports that the researchers found that two cannabinoid acids commonly found in hemp varietals of cannabis, cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiolic acid, also known as CBDA, can bind to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. By binding to the spike protein, the compounds can prevent the virus from entering cells and causing infection, potentially offering new avenues to prevent and treat the disease.
“Orally bioavailable and with a long history of safe human use, these cannabinoids, isolated or in hemp extracts, have the potential to prevent as well as treat infection by SARS-CoV-2,” the researchers wrote in an abstract of the study.
The study was led by Richard van Breemen, a researcher with Oregon State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center in the College of Pharmacy and Linus Pauling Institute, in collaboration with scientists at the Oregon Health & Science University. Van Breeman said that the cannabinoids studied are common and readily available.
“These cannabinoid acids are abundant in hemp and in many hemp extracts,” van Breemen said, as quoted by Forbes. “They are not controlled substances like THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and have a good safety profile in humans.”
Cannabinoids Effective Against New Variants
Van Breemen added that CBDA and CBGA blocked the action of emerging variants of the virus that causes Covid-19, saying that “our research showed the hemp compounds were equally effective against variants of SARS-CoV-2, including variant B.1.1.7, which was first detected in the United Kingdom, and variant B.1.351, first detected in South Africa.”
Cannabis brings hope to the Covid-19 pandemic
The effect that the coronavirus had on the world came with a couple of positives. For starters, COVID-19 fuelled the homegrown cannabis boom across the globe, which had a massive impact on the black market trade. On top of that, researchers revealed that THC in cannabis could assist in the treatment of serious complications caused by the Coronavirus.
There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. All you have to do is light one up!!
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How Hemp Oil Works: Benefits And Side Risks
Hemp oil is also known as hemp seed oil. This is made from hemp, or a cannabis plant, that looks like marijuana, but it contains less THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, a kind of chemical that makes people get high. Hemp contains CBD or cannabidiol, not THC (read more). This CBD is a chemical that is commonly used to treat many things, from epilepsy to anxiety.
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How CBD Oil And Pilates Combat Pain, Reduce Inflammation, And Speed Up Muscle Recovery
Gearing up for a work out is not the same for everybody, some athletes train for hours every day – others, like me, rely on an hour long Pilates session to tone our bodies. Regardless of how much (or is it many?) you can “lift”; everybody has experienced the discomfort and pain that sets in shortly after. We investigate just how CBD can help mitigate the pain associated with muscle recovery.
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Cheeba Cannabis Academy – A Training Solution For A Developing Cannabis Industry
There sure has never been a more exciting time to be alive! The legalization of cannabis, the destigmatization of the cliche stoned citizen persona and the establishment of a Cannabis Academy has paved the way for the impending Green Rush. South Africa has a very favourable climate for cannabis cultivation. That paired with the unique landrace strains that are indigenous to our country and the years of experience local growers have obtained has us well-positioned to be a major contender on the global stage.
Legal cannabis cultivation is not just necessary to boost a struggling economy, it is pivotal to address our burdensome unemployment woes. It has been estimated that the local cannabis market will fetch a staggering 7.1 billion USD by 2023, creating a massive demand for skilled and semi-skilled labourers. Training and educating individuals is an essential step in establishing a functional cannabis ecosystem where entrepreneurs, labourers, medical professionals and wellness practitioners can thrive.
COVID
The global Coronavirus pandemic has halted entire economies, crippled already strained health systems and forced citizens into hiding. Some industries were hit harder than others, displacing many people and forcing millions of people around the world to seek new ways to earn a living. If you are considering a career in cannabis, now is the time to learn the skills and get the qualification on your resume.
At the vanguard of educating South Africans is the newly established Cheeba Cannabis Academy, the first of its kind on the African continent. Whether you are starting to grow at home, want to hone your existing skillset or aspire to cultivate on a commercial level; Cheeba offers a whole range of courses that cover everything you need to know to give you a head start in a new and exciting career. The courses are designed by leading local and international industry experts and their medical content is brought to you in partnership with their US partner Medical Marijuana 411, the global leader in medical marijuana education.
The Cheeba Cannabis Academy formed strategic partnerships with local industry leaders like Marijuana SA, Grow More Compliance and Qure Labs to ensure top quality cannabis content.
CANNABIS INDUSTRY 101
The Cannabis Industry 101 course is a full-time course that Cheeba offers at their Gauteng campus, it is designed for people from all walks of life. The students in attendance range from people who want to formalise their already existing cannabis knowledge, to people who are cannabis novices. During the three-month course, which is followed by a one-month internship, students are exposed to a hybrid learning model that combines in-class theoretical tutelage with hands-on practical training. The course material covers all aspects of ganja growing from seed to harvest, the business of cannabis, the medical benefits of cannabis and how it interacts with the human body; as well as sustainability and wellness. Graduates are rewarded with a certificate of completion which is endorsed by the University of Limpopo and Edupark.
CANNA CAMPUS
The Cheeba Cannabis Academy, located outside Johannesburg, opened its doors earlier this year, 14 students have already completed the three-month course and are about to start their internships. The state of the art facility has established cannabis grow tunnels and boasts a 120-seater auditorium, eight lecture halls and onsite accommodation for up to 190 full-time students. Other amenities include two social dining venues, recreation facilities and 24-hour security.
As part of the course, students join the Onder Die Boom private members club which exposes individuals to a working cannabis environment. Participating members are immersed in a vibrant and supportive environment and have the opportunity to rub shoulders with industry legends and stakeholders.
ONLINE COURSES
Cheeba Cannabis Academy has a range of specialized yet comprehensive courses available, allowing students to complete the course in their own time and at their own pace. This was great news for me as it would allow me the opportunity to take on a course without having to adjust my daily routine too much. I have a full-time job and would not be happy to leave The Mother City behind, even if it only for a few months.
The Cannabis 101 course covers the history of cannabis, the plant’s anatomy, the different products available and the various ways to medicate with them. Students will also touch on the legal landscape and delve into the science behind why cannabis helps for so many ailments.
If you are serious about becoming an employable ganja grower or thinking of starting your own grow, the Cannabis Grow 101 course is for you! The course material will empower you with the knowledge, techniques and skills to grow premium quality marijuana. You will learn about the plant, its cultivation and what happens after you harvest your plant.
Perhaps you would like to become a budtender, dispensary technician or cannabis consultant? Cheeba offers the most comprehensive course that teaches individuals about medical cannabis and the patients that rely on the healing properties of pot. The course aims to ready individuals with the knowledge and insight to manage patient conversations in a medical marijuana dispensary. Including the legality around dispensing cannabis, how it works in the endocannabinoid system, how to make strain-specific recommendations and advice on responsible dosage. The course is certified in numerous US states including Washington and New York, opening up the opportunity to travel and work abroad.
CHEEBA CANNABIS ACADEMY BUNDLE COURSE
I decided the best online course for me would be a Cheeba Cannabis Academy Bundle course, which is a hybrid option. It includes both self-study and lectured teaching methods via an online virtual classroom. This will allow me to study in my own time, have the opportunity to ask questions during class sessions and network with like-minded people; I would call Pot piers. The once-a-week classes are scheduled from eight and ten PM, meaning I do not need to slack on other responsibilities. Because the classes are limited to 20 students per session, every student can receive personalized attention to guarantee their success. The best part? At R3150 all-inclusive, this course is extremely good value for money!
I am excited to announce that I am enrolled for the July 1 intake of the Cheeba Cannabis Academy Grow 101 Bundle course. I have received a breakdown of the course material and the location URL for the first virtual classroom session. According to Trenton Birch, co-founder and CEO of Cheeba Cannabis Academy, the response to their online courses has been great. Selling around ~500 courses to South Africans from all over the country, a majority of who are interested in gaining cultivation knowledge.
I will be documenting my experience, report back with my thoughts and showcase what I have learnt. Wish me luck!
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Autism Awareness Month And Why Medical Marijuana Matters!
On the second day of the fourth month, the globe celebrates World Autism Awareness Day. A day to acknowledging the existence of autism and the roughly four million extraordinary individuals around the world living with the symptoms associated with an impacted nervous system. A day where universal landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the White House are emblazoned in blue lights in support of awareness and fairness for those with this lifelong developmental disability. A day to embrace autistic people and celebrate their unique qualities. We take a look at ASD and how medical marijuana matters!
WHAT IS AUTISM
Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is a lifelong developmental disorder that impairs social interactions and communication. ASD also covers the enormous scope of challenges associated with social skills, repetitive behaviour, speech and non-verbal communication. Autism currently affects one in every 54 children in the United States, which has increased by 10% from 2014.
Individuals with ASD have a one-of-a-kind operating system, enabling them to process life and experiences in a unique way. Although researchers are still dumbfounded by ASD, they have concluded that the average autistic brain is larger than that of a person living without ASD. The scientist knows ASD affects the linkages between areas of the brain responsible for emotions, sensory input and executive functions. Another interesting finding is that boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls.
AUTISM AWARENESS
World Autism Awareness Day is observed annually on 2 April. The global observance was declared in 2007 during the United Nations General Assembly after the motion was tabled by the State of Qatar. WAAD shines a light on Autism Awareness and the growing global health crisis surrounding autism, increase the development of world knowledge and stress the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Moreso to celebrate the unique talents and skills of persons with autism.
UNITED NATIONS
The UN hosted a virtual event on April 8 2021, with the goal to build a more inclusive and accessible world that recognises the contributions of all people, including those with disabilities like ASD. The global Covid-19 pandemic has created new challenges and obstacles for those initiatives lobbying for inclusivity for autistic persons. Creating a greater need for Autism Awareness! The silver lining is that we have been given the opportunity to completely reimagine the workplace, to create an environment that tolerable and strives for diversity, inclusion and equity.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Cannabis has been used for its medicinal properties for millennia, with the earliest evidence dating as far back as 10 000 years. The emperor of China; Shen-Nung, who was also a pharmacologist, wrote a book containing the medical benefits of cannabis in 2737 BC. An ancient Egyptian medical papyrus, dating back to circa 1550 BC, is one of the oldest preserved medical documents. The 20-meter long scroll is filled with remedies and elixirs made from the cannabis plant.
By the end of the 19th-century cannabis was regulated as an illicit substance. The 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs scheduled cannabis as a schedule 1 substance, which means it was believed to have no accepted medical use.
The slow, yet ever-developing, re-legalization of cannabis for medicinal use has created opportunities for scientists and pharmacologists to conduct valuable and meaningful research. Which intern has led to the remarkable discoveries of cannabinoids, the human endocannabinoid system and how they work in relation to each other. The health and wellbeing benefits of medical marijuana are now available to more humans than 25-years ago.
RESEARCH
We have made a list of research that has been published on the efficacy of medical marijuana to alleviate the symptoms associated with ASD.
#1 Brief Report: Cannabidiol Rich Cannabis in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Severe Behavioural Problems
In October 2018 a retrospective feasibility study was published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, supporting the feasibility of CBD based cannabis trials in children with ASD. The study assessed the tolerability and efficacy of CBD rich medical cannabis in children with ASD, using the Caregiver Global Impression of Change (CGIC). Of the 60 patients who experienced adverse behaviours like sleep disturbances, irritability and loss of appetite; 61% reported greatly improved symptoms.
#2 Real-life Experience of Medical Cannabis Treatments on Autism: Analysis of Safety and Efficacy
This study was published in January 2019 in the US National Library Medicine. It was aimed at characterizing the epidemiology of ASD patients receiving medical cannabis treatment and describing its safety and efficacy. Data was collected, over two years, from 188 patients medicating with cannabis oil that had a CBD concentration of 30% and 1.5% THC. The study concluded that medical marijuana was well tolerated, safe and effective at relieving symptoms associated with ASD.
#3 Oral CBD Use in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder to Treat Related Symptoms and Co-Morbidities
This study was published in the US National Library of Medicine in January 2019. The aim was to report on the experiences of parents who administer oral cannabinoids to their children with ASD. Under supervision, 53 children with a mean age of 11 received CBD treatment over an average of 66 days. Self-injury and rage attack improved by 68%, sleep-related issues improved by 71% and anxiety improved by 47%. This study did however have some negative feedback, with a small percentage reporting their symptoms had worsened.
#4 Effects of CBD Enriched Cannabis Sativa Extract on Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms
This observational study was published in October 2019 in the Frontiers in Neurology. The compassionate use of medical marijuana, with a CBD to THC ratio of 75:1, was observed in 18 patients with ASD. The patients reported ameliorated symptoms like seizures, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, sleep disorders, communication and social interaction skills. The results reported that CBD enriched extracts greatly improved ASD symptoms and substantially increase the quality of life for ASD patients and caretakers.
#5 Autism Spectrum Disorder and Medical Cannabis: Review and Clinical Experience
The results were published in the 35th volume of the Seminars in Pediatric Neurology in October 2020. It concluded that medical marijuana is well-tolerated and effective in easing the symptoms associated with ASD. Amongst the group, 91% of patients reported improved epilepsy and 60% had experienced less aggression and self-injury behaviour.
#6 Cannabinoid Treatment For Autism: A Proof-Of-Concept Randomized Trial
The latest research around cannabis and ASD was published on 3 February 2021 in the US National Library of Medicine. It was found that orally administered plant-derived cannabis extract is well tolerated and reduces disruptive behaviour in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Israeli researchers assessed the safety and efficacy of CBD dominant whole-plant extract and CBD dominant pure cannabinoids. The test was a randomized and placebo-controlled trial of 150 young people with ASD. The patients received one of the two extracts and the placebo at different stages during the trial. Disruptive behaviours, measured on the CGI-I scale, improved 48% in patients on whole plant extract and 38% in patients on pure cannabinoid.
Medical Marijuana Matters
CBD rich cannabis treatments show great potential in decreasing disruptive behaviour associated with ASD. Researchers also observed weight loss amongst patients who had previously experienced excessive weight gain due to antipsychotic medication.
Cannabis has shown great potential in treating the life-altering symptoms associated with ASD. Researchers have the opportunity to study the effects of cannabis and how it can be utilized as a medicine for a wide range of ailments, disorders and generally increase the quality of life for those living with these conditions.
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EPM301 – A Synthetic Cannabinoid Acid More Potent Than THC Or CBD Is Discovered By The Godfather of Cannabis Research
Professor Raphael Mechoulam is known as the ‘godfather of cannabis research’, he effectively created the foundation for modern medical marijuana. His latest discovery was announced with the introduction of a new patented compound; a cannabidiolic acid methyl ester, or EPM301. The synthetic, fully stable acid-based cannabinoid molecule has created quite the stir in the world of medical cannabis.
The newest findings resulted from a partnership between Prof Mechoulam and EPM, a global patient-focused pharmaceutical company that is addressing unmet patient needs. EPM is on a mission to develop safe, effective and accessible treatments for a wide range of ailments. There is a global demand to develop treatments for ailments and diseases that have previously been medicated with steroid or opioid-based drugs.
EPM
EPM was founded in 2017 by Reshef Swisa and Asaf Ohana in collaboration with Prof Mechoulam to unlock the true potential of cannabinoid acids. The trio envisioned uncovering the hidden potential of cannabinoids and offer an alternative to current medicine without having to use or consume the plant itself.
The team has created a platform that has led to the discovery of 14 patented synthetic molecules and their production processes, one of which is EPM301. There are currently three of EPM’s treatments that have been advanced to human trials with the guidance of the FDA, Psoriasis, IBD and ARDS. These treatments are focused on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Psoriasis and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. All of the synthetic cannabinoid acid-based products are protected, potent and industrially reproducible to resolve any pharmaceutical challenges.
FATHER OF CANNABIS RESEARCH
Prof Raphael Mechoulam has been the driving force behind cannabis research and bringing cannabis to the forefront of the medical community. His life mission has been to push humanity forward with his work with cannabis and cannabinoid acids.
Prof Mechoulam was born on 5 November 1930 in Bulgaria. His father was a celebrated physician who later worked as the Surgeon General at the local hospital. The Mechoulam family immigrated to Isreal in 1949, where Raphael studied chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
The professor received a Ph. D from the Weizmann Institute in 1958. His thesis on the chemistry of steroids led him to pursue his research interest in the chemistry and biological effects of natural products. In 1963 the prof received his first batch of cannabis, which he sourced from the local police station. It was during the same year he made a huge breakthrough in cannabis research by elucidating the structure and stereochemistry of CBD. He also then isolated and synthesised THC the following year.
Mechoulam discovered the endocannabinoid system by identifying cannabis brain receptors, anandamide and 2-AG, in the 1990s. His discoveries, coupled with a passion for advancing science, have been honoured with more than 25 prestigious awards and three honorary doctorate degrees.
WHAT IS EPM301
EPM301 is a synthetic cannabinoid acid used to produce prescription medicines that are cost-effective, easily reproduced and treat a range of inflammatory conditions.
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are secondary substances that only appear after their primary acids are decarboxylated. These mysterious acid compounds are much more potent than cannabinoids but are naturally unstable, therefor it was previously rendered useless in pharmaceutical drug development. EPM has developed a method to work with structurally volatile cannabis compounds by modifying the acids to allow for large scale use.
The prof used a simple chemical process called esterification to stabilize the compounds. This allowed the team to spend time monitoring the compound’s activities, which included reducing inflammation, suppressing anxiety and nausea. The result was a cannabidiolic acid that is a more potent compound than CBD or THC and has no negative side effects. In fact, EPM has proven the use of cannabidiolic acid can essentially substitute steroid and opioid drugs without compromising their efficiency.
We owe a great deal of our current understanding of cannabis, cannabinoids and their effects on humans to Professor Raphael Mechoulam. His ambition and passion have led to discoveries that have changed perceptions and contributed to medical advancements. We are optimistic about these and similar discoveries and how new cannabinoids like EPM301 will shape the future of medical marijuana!