New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu (R) recently signed into law a significant expansion of the state’s medical marijuana program, a move that broadens access to cannabis for patients with a wide range of conditions.
This new legislation, HB 1278, marks a major shift from previous restrictions, which limited eligibility to specific, enumerated conditions, reported Marijuana Moment.
Broadening Access: What New Law Means For Medical Marijuana Patients
The new law significantly alters the landscape of medical marijuana use in New Hampshire. Under HB 1278, doctors can now recommend cannabis for “any debilitating or terminal medical condition or symptom for which the potential benefits of using therapeutic cannabis would, in the provider’s clinical opinion, likely outweigh the potential health risks for the patient.”
This provision is set to replace the previous, more restrictive list of qualifying conditions, allowing for greater flexibility in patient care.
This broader eligibility could potentially address a range of conditions previously overlooked, such as severe menstrual cramps, symptoms of long COVID and anxiety related to dental procedures or post-surgical pain control.
Recent Legislative Changes In NH
The enactment of HB 1278 follows two other recent legislative changes signed by Sununu that also expand the medical marijuana program.
One of these bills adds generalized anxiety disorder as a qualifying condition, while another broadens the pool of healthcare providers who can certify patients for the program.
However, not all of Sununu’s recent decisions regarding medical marijuana have been supportive. Last month, he vetoed a bill that would have allowed medical marijuana businesses to open additional cultivation locations, including greenhouses. Sununu’s veto statement criticized the bill for lacking sufficient detail on safety, security, and location requirements.
I hope this information was helpful and informative. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask me. 😊
Inspirational Technologies – IT is Time
We, at Inspirational Technologies are at the forefront of Inspirational and Frontrunners on the frontier of current technology.
We are often faced with our own personal conflicts which directly influence our interactions with our peers and family.
When Inspirational Technologies is an endorsement of the “Cannabis” approach to the medical condition, we say, let’s let the look at the data and the people who say that they benefit for cannabis alternatives.
Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.
Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds made by the cannabis plant that unlock its many healing secrets.
There are over 100 known cannabinoids and these chemicals imitate the endocannabinoids naturally produced in the human body.
The shiny little crystals you see on cannabis buds are called trichomes where cannabinoids are stored.
Human bodies (and many animals) have endocannabinoid systems (ECS), meaning that cannabinoids are naturally made so they can bind to endocannabinoid receptors creating changes in our physiology.
To understand the master gland and immune system of the human body it is crucial to have a basic understanding of the endogenous cannabinoid system, otherwise known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The endocannabinoid system is essential to human health because it maintains homeostasis in the body.
Research into the endocannabinoid system has increased in recent years as scientists begin to reveal how complex and important this system is to our bodies.
The legal cannabis movement started in San Francisco in the early 1990’s when it was discovered that cannabis treated many symptoms that AIDS patients suffered from, including pain.
It was medical marijuana laws that changed the legal status of cannabis nationwide, opening the doors for research and an adult-use market and creating a path towards full legalization.
Cannabis patients across the country have used the plant to treat a growing number of medical conditions.
In Colorado alone, there are nine different qualifying conditions for a medical card: cancer, glaucoma, HIV or AIDS, cachexia (wasting syndrome), persistent muscle spasms, seizures, severe nausea, severe pain, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
What Do CBD’s Do?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body. Homeostasis is defined as: “any self-regulating process by which biological systems tend to maintain stability while adjusting to conditions that are optimal for survival.”
If homeostasis is successful, life continues; if unsuccessful, disaster and ill health ensues.
The endocannabinoid system is made up of three parts:
cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes.
• Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body on the surface of cells in the brain, organs, tissues, and glands. These receptors are embedded in cell membranes and produce varying reactions when stimulated by cannabinoids.
• Cannabinoids come from two distinct places — the body, which produces naturally occurring endocannabinoids, and foods like the cannabis plant, which produces phytocannabinoids.
• Metabolic enzymes act like a natural referee in that they destroy endocannabinoids once they are used up by the body. The two main metabolic enzymes are fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL).
This self-regulating system ensures the interaction of CBDs with the ECS only happens when needed and therefore keeps the workings of the endocannabinoid system relatively quiet to the conscious brain.
Because homeostasis is so important to health, all vertebrates and invertebrates are known to have an endocannabinoid system.
Cannabinoids can also be produced synthetically. Marinol (dronabinol) and Cesamet (nabilone) are synthetic versions of THC that have FDA approval to be marketed and sold as a prescription drug.
Synthetic cannabinoids do unlock the endocannabinoid system to produce effects, but they often fail to incorporate the entourage effect which states that the sum of the different cannabinoids works better as a whole unit than any cannabinoid individually.
With an understanding of the endocannabinoid system and its role in ensuring homeostasis in the body, it may be easier to see how this could be true.
The Endocannabinoid System
Despite its critical importance, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) was only discovered in the early 1990s when Lisa Matsuda, a researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health, and her colleagues discovered a DNA sequence that defines a THC-sensitive receptor in a rat’s brain.
This discovery was quickly followed up with further evidence by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, the famous chemist who discovered THC.
With less than 30 years of research, the endocannabinoid system is one of the least studied systems in the body.
Currently, restrictions on cannabis research limit what scientists can examine in terms of furthering the understanding of how cannabis and hemp interact with the endocannabinoid system.
Two cannabinoid receptors have been discovered by researchers: CB1 and CB2.
CB1 is found in the central and peripheral nervous system. It’s also found in the brain and is the receptor that THC interacts with, giving the user a “high.”
CB2 receptors are predominantly found in the immune system and the gastrointestinal system where they regulate inflammatory responses in the bowels.
CB2 receptors are also found in the brain, although not as densely as CB1 receptors.
These receptors, a large part of the endocannabinoid system, play roles in regulating cardiovascular activity, appetite, mood, memory, and pain in the body.
CBD does not fit exactly into either CB1 or CB2 receptors.
CBD stimulates both receptors and causes a reaction without binding directly, creating changes in cells that contain them.
CBD also binds to a protein-receptor couple, TRPV-1, responsible for regulating body temperature, pain, and inflammation.
CBD is also known for counteracting the effects of THC, activating serotonin receptors, and inhibiting a gene attributed to several cancers.
CBD has grown in popularity recently as research and anecdotal evidence increasingly demonstrates the impact it can have on the body.
The body’s endocannabinoid system reacts to CB1 and CB2 based upon the organ or bodily system that is sensitive to one or both.
The brain is especially sensitive to CB1, the lungs to CB1, the spleen to CB2, the vascular system CB1, the pancreas to CB1 & CB2, the liver to CB1 & CB2, reproductive organs to CB1, the colon to CB2, the muscles to CB1, the immune system to CB2, and the bones to CB2.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is also involved in regulating a variety of physiological and cognitive processes including fertility, pregnancy (during pre- and postnatal development) appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory, and in mediating the pharmacological effects of cannabis.
The ECS is also involved in mediating some of the physiological and cognitive effects of voluntary physical exercise in humans and other animals, such as contributing to exercise-induced euphoria as well as modulating locomotor activity and motivational salience for rewards.
In humans, the plasma concentration of certain endocannabinoids (i.e., anandamide) have been found to rise during physical activity;
since endocannabinoids can effectively penetrate the blood–brain barrier, it has been suggested that anandamide,
along with other euphoriant neurochemicals,
contributes to the development of exercise-induced euphoria in humans, a state colloquially referred to as a runner’s high.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are broadly known for their anti-seizure, anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, anti-fungal, and anti-cancer effects — and science has just scratched the surface.
How much these effects are expressed is a result of the entourage effect is not fully known.
The entourage effect states that the cannabinoids work better in tandem than they do alone.
THC and CBD produce stronger healing properties together that are shown differently based on their concentrations and the presence of other cannabinoids. In addition, terpenes, the oils that give cannabis its fragrance, contribute to the therapeutic effects of the plant on the body when paired with cannabinoids.
The powerful combination of these naturally occurring chemicals produces the medical effects that have given cannabis its reputation as a wondrous medical agent.
In California, there are twelve qualifying conditions for a medical cannabis card, including one described as, “any other chronic or persistent medical symptom that substantially limits the ability of the person to conduct one or more major life activities (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) or, if not alleviated, may cause serious harm to the patient’s safety or physical or mental health.”
There are over 100 known cannabinoids and we’ve only briefly described a few.
There is a lot more research to be done to understand the intricacies of each cannabinoid and how they interact with each other.
Cannabinoids can bind to receptor sites in either the brain (CB-1) or the body (CB-2).
Cannabinoids will produce different effects on the body depending on which type of receptor site they bind to.
Cannabis strains are filled with multiple cannabinoids that when consumed, bind to these sites, creating a symphony of effects on the body and thus corresponding to the wide variety of healing properties.
This is why one plant can treat many different conditions.
Cannabinoids begin as cannabinoid acids that are activated when heated.
This heat-based activation, also known as decarboxylation, removes the acid from the molecule, turning it into a bioavailable compound that the body can register.
The decarboxylated molecule is often more powerful and produces a different effect on the body than the acidic version. This is why you see both “THCA” and “THC” when looking at the contents of a cannabis strain.
Here is a list of a few of the well-known types of cannabinoids and their effects:
THCA
Delta 9 THC is arguably the most widely known cannabinoid. When people refer to “getting high” they are referring to the experience of the psychoactive effects of THC.
THC begins as THCA, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, which is one of the most abundant cannabinoids found in cannabis.
When THCA is heated and turned into THC, it binds to CB1 receptors in the brain producing psychoactive effects.
THC is the only known cannabinoid to produce a psychoactive response, a high, and strong therapeutic benefits.
CBDA
Cannabidolic acid is very abundant in the cannabis plant and turns into CBD when heated.
Preclinical studies demonstrate that CBDA is a strong antiemetic used to treat vomiting and nausea and is often given to mitigate the side effects of opioid use or chemotherapy.
CBD
Cannabidiol has exploded in popularity in recent years.
CBD has been the subject of much scientific interest after it hit the mainstream in 2014, following a CNN documentary in which a non-psychoactive, CBD rich cannabis strain, helped a five-year-old girl with severe epilepsy drastically reduce her daily seizure count.
The FDA has approved the first ever CBD-based drug for seizures. CBD is making waves in its ability to treat pain, nausea, anxiety, sleep disorders, and more.
CBGA
Cannabigerolic acid is a precursor to one of the three main cannabinoid lines: THCA, CBDA, and CBCA.
CBGA is the chemical parent to THC and CBD. Enzymes direct it down one of these lines before heat can change it into different forms. CBGA can help reduce inflammation and relieves pain.
CBG
Cannabigerolic is considered a minor cannabinoid because it is present in very low levels. It’s also powerful in treating glaucoma because it is a strong vasodilator meaning that it widens blood vessels. This helps increase blood flow and provide oxygen to the tissues that need it.
CBG is showing promise as an effective antibacterial, anticancer, and neuroprotectant.
CBCA
Cannabichromenic acid is one of the three main cannabinoid lines. It is used to treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm.
CBC
Cannabichromenic, binds poorly to CB1 receptors in the brain, but it binds well with other pain-related receptors, helping to increase the body’s levels of natural endocannabinoids. CBC may be impactful against cancer because of this. CBC has also been shown to be an inhibitor of acne.
In conjunction with the THC and CBD, CBD also appears to have antidepressant effects.
CBN
Cannabinol is the result of THCA over time breaking down and turning into CBN. CBN has been shown to delay symptom onset of Lou Gehrig’s disease in mice indicating that it may help with motor neural diseases. CBN is also known for its anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties.
THCV
Tetrahydrocannabivarin is similar to THC, but with a few less carbon atoms. THCV has been shown to be an anticonvulsant, has neuroprotective properties and may be an appetite suppressant.
CBDV
Cannabidivarin is a less potent version of CBD. The CBDV molecule is similar to CBD but has been changed in some ways. CBDV is an anti-nausea and anti-epileptic. CBDV is a powerful anticonvulsant. A 2012 study shows that CBDV stopped seizures in mice and rats.
In general, CBDs, cannabidiols, can be taken into the body in different ways – from smoking cannabis to eating CBD-rich food substances, as a drink, as an aerosol spray into the cheek, or transdermally.
CBD oil, containing only CBD derived from hemp as the active ingredient, is legal in all 50 States and has no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the oil. Some types of CBD oil may contain THC or one of many other CBD-like compounds that can be refined into a distillate and then made into oils, pills, foods, candies, drinks, many forms of hash, salves, creams, and many other substances used as medicine.
Other Foods that Contain CBDs
You may be surprised to know that cannabinoids aren’t limited to their presence within cannabis and hemp plants and feature in many household foodstuffs that you probably already have in your kitchen.
The cannabinoids that are produced in plants are called phytocannabinoids.
So, if you want to enhance your body’s own endocannabinoid system, look at the following list of foods and consider adding them to your diet.
Black Pepper contains the terpene beta-caryophyllene (BCP) that will bind to the same cannabinoid receptors that THC does and produces a calming, relaxing effect and is also known for its anti-inflammatory action. Current research is going on into BCP’s effects within cancer treatment and for conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis. To achieve instant and natural calming effects, it is recommended to eat 3 or 4 cloves (high in BCPs) or use them in cooking or teas.
Dark Chocolate that contains cacao as its main ingredient is high in anandamide. Cacao or its full name Theobroma Cacao (translates as “food of the gods”) has been known to be a superfood for millennia. It contains a high concentration of a cannabinoid called anandamide, which is also naturally produced in the body. Anandamide is known as the body’s own natural antidepressant and is often referred to as the human body’s natural version of THC.
Rosemary, Cloves, Basil, Oregano, Lavender & Cinnamon all contain cannabinoids, most commonly beta-caryophyllene (BCP). The terpene’s present in these herbs help contribute to the specific aroma that each one has. These terpenes are also present in marijuana plants and contribute to their aromas.
Hops – humulus lupulus – share a common ancestor with the cannabis family of plants if you follow the history back to the Order Urticales and the Family Cannabinaceae — they share similar properties genetically.
Flax Seed has many compounds within it that are very similar to the cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) as well as containing CBD itself. The CBD within flax has anti-inflammatory properties and develops autoimmune response.
In the United States, CBD’s legal status depends on the source from which it is derived. When derived from marijuana it is a Schedule I controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). When CBD is derived from hemp or some other lawful source it is not a controlled substance. Hemp is excluded from the definition of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). CBD is not specifically scheduled in the CSA and is therefore lawful when derived from hemp, which is not a controlled substance and the definition of which includes cannabinoids.
In 2013, a CNN program brought increased attention to the use of CBDs in the treatment of seizure disorders. Since then, 16 states have passed laws to allow the use of CBD products with a doctor’s recommendation (instead of a prescription) for treatment of certain medical conditions. This is in addition to the 30 states that have passed comprehensive medical cannabis laws, which allow for the use of cannabis products with no restrictions on THC content. Of these 30 states, eight have legalized the use and sale of cannabis products without requirement of a doctor’s recommendation.
The 2014 Farm Bill legalized the sale of “non-viable hemp material” grown within states participating in the Hemp Pilot Program. This legislation defined hemp as cannabis containing less than 0.3% of THC delta-9, grown within the regulatory framework of the Hemp Pilot Program.
The 2018 Farm Bill allowed for interstate commerce of hemp derived products (CBD oil), though these products still fall under the purview of the FDA.
Legal CBD Oil and Your Health
The body’s endocannabinoid system is vital for the overall balance of the immune system, sleep, the digestive tract, cognitive functioning, and the health of the nervous system.
Hemp extract, which is legal in all 50 States (CBD oil) has been shown to provide incredible support to the human endocannabinoid system.
Numerous studies have proven CBD oil to relieve chronic pain, reduce anxiety and depression, as well as benefit heart health and many other ailments.
Also, hemp extracted CBD oil has been used to treat patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and even cancer with positive effects.
According to an article published in Forbes in 2018, the CBD market was looking to grow by 700% by the year 2020 because of positive health benefits experienced by a growing number of individuals.
According to a new estimate from cannabis industry analysts The Brightfield Group, the hemp CBD market alone could hit $22 billion by 2022.
Skeptics who assume CBD is just 21st-century snake oil, may be surprised to learn that the substance is being studied as a potential treatment for maladies as diverse as schizophrenia, insomnia and cancer.
“CBD is the most promising drug that has come out for neuropsychiatric diseases in the last 50 years,” said Dr. Esther Blessing, an assistant professor at New York University School of Medicine, who is coordinating a study of CBD as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder.
“The reason it is so promising is that it has a unique combination of safety and effectiveness across of very broad range of conditions.”
The National Institutes of Health database lists about 150 studies involving CBD as a treatment for conditions as varied as infantile spasms and Parkinson’s disease. And the research has led to medical treatments.
The Food and Drug Administration approved a cannabidiol-based drug called Epidiolex as a treatment for severe forms of epilepsy, representing the first government-sanctioned medical use for CBD.
Preliminary research also indicates that CBD may be effective as an antipsychotic in reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia, with fewer side effects compared with current antipsychotic drugs.
CBD has also shown promise to reduce cravings among people addicted to opioids, according to a study published in Neurotherapeutics in 2015.
It may fight cancer, too. The authors of a review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in 2012 wrote: “evidence is emerging to suggest that CBD is a potent inhibitor of both cancer growth and spread.”
CBDs and Evolution
What is the evolutionary impetus for the creation of cannabinoids? Even single-cellular organisms like cyanobacteria – the descendant of the original photosynthetic bacteria – produce chemicals that act on cannabinoid receptors. But the cannabinoid receptors evolved much later, first appearing in the ancient Hydra (not the god) around 500 million years ago.
It is still unclear why plants produce cannabinoids without corresponding receptors to bind with. Some insects do the same. There may be an undiscovered mechanism by which plants regulate themselves with phytocannabinoids that has yet to be found – like so many other aspects of the ECS.
In humans, the ECS has developed into a homeostatic system – a fundamental adaptive mechanism that enables our bodies to maintain health through the stresses of life.
CBDs are all the rage these days and has become a wellness craze.
Unfortunately, it is fashionable to fixate on a single cannabis component. But we should not lose sight of the fact that well-known herbal medicine provides countless remedies relevant to modern disease.
Ultimately, purified pharmaceuticals are not inherently superior to multicomponent, whole plant formulations.
These whole plant remedies have been used for millennia and we would be well-advised to not forget the wisdom of the ancients.
At this point in time, single-molecule CBD and single-molecule THC are both FDA-approved medications.
The medical development of cannabinoids should build upon traditional knowledge and herbal folk-wisdom, which often involved a mixture of various CBD herbs and foods, including CBD-rich cannabis, which has been part of the human pharmacopeia for thousands of years.
At least with herbs we have a long, successful history, while novel pharmaceutical development is experimental without many longitudinal studies.
History, on the other hand, has proven that hemp and other CBD rich foods, herbs, drinks and spices have been at the heart of the human diet since our first ancestors discovered CBD-rich nourishment which is crucial for human health.
As we welcome hemp and cannabis back into the pantheon of medicinal herbs, let’s honor the “crude” plants that have sustained humankind since time immemorial.
I hope this information was helpful and informative. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask me. 😊
Inspirational Technologies – IT is Time
We, at Inspirational Technologies are at the forefront of Inspirational and Frontrunners on the frontier of current technology.
We are often faced with our own personal conflicts which directly influence our interactions with our peers and family.
When Inspirational Technologies is an endorsement of the “Cannabis” approach to the medical condition, we say, let’s let the look at the data and the people who say that they benefit for cannabis alternatives.
Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.
The global cannabidiol, or CBD, market is exploding, with analysts projecting it will hit 22.05 billion by the year 2030. That’s nearly 20% of the size of the global soft drinks market even though CBD was only legalized in the U.S. in 2018 while the soda market has existed here for nearly 200 years.
In a few short years, CBD products have sprouted up everywhere and are available for purchase in the form of oils absorbed on one’s tongue, edibles such as gummies, candies, foods, pills or beverages, topical applications of ointments, creams or lotions absorbed on one’s skin, and inhalation by vaping or smoking.
What is CBD?
CBD is a chemical compound largely derived from hemp in the cannabis (marijuana) sativa plant. The plant has over 85 chemicals that are identified as cannabinoids, but cannabidiol is the most frequently used one for medical purposes due to its lack of psychoactive effect.
There are three main types of CBD:
full-spectrum CBD, which contains all beneficial compounds naturally found in the cannabis plant;
broad-spectrum CBD, which contains only some such compounds;
and CBD Isolate or “pure CBD,” which doesn’t contain any delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, nor any other compound from the hemp plant.
Legally, no CBD products can contain more than 0.3% (by dry weight) of THC, the mind-altering substance in marijuana known for its psychoactive effects.
Because of this, “CBD is not intoxicating and will not make you high” as some people believe, explains Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RDN, FAND, holistic cannabis practitioner at Jannabis Wellness. Instead, “CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system,” she says. One’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a widespread neuromodulatory system that “plays a role in regulating pain, mood, immune function and inflammation,” says Josh Redd, NMD, the founder of RedRiver Health and Wellness and author of “The Truth About Low Thyroid.”
What does CBD do?
In this interaction with one’s endocannabinoid system, the chemical compound works to calm one’s nervous system, reduce inflammation and alleviate some chronic pain symptoms. Harvard Medical School says “there is moderate evidence that CBD can improve sleep disorders, fibromyalgia pain, muscle spasticity related to multiple sclerosis and anxiety.”
Bissex adds that some people find that CBD can also be a helpful treatment for traumatic brain injuries or seizures. Redd says the chemical compound has properties that can alleviate some epilepsy symptoms and provide autoimmune management as well.
Is CBD considered a drug?
Though CBD does affect the structure or function of the body, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines a drug, CBD is not classified as a narcotic drug. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that CBD is not impairing, and the World Health Organization‘s Commision in Narcotic Drugs found that the chemical “has no potential for abuse and no potential to produce dependence.” Bissex adds that CBD has a good safety profile and is “generally well tolerated.”
Redd agrees that the chemical is well received by most users but says we still “lack long-term studies.” He adds that “the biggest concern with CBD is that the market is not fully regulated, and the quality and purity of CBD products can vary.” The CDC similarly notes a lack of regulation and says that because scientists are still learning about how CBD affects the body, it strongly suggests keeping CBD products “in childproof containers and out of the reach of children.”
The agency also warns adult users of potential harms and side effects associated with taking CBD products. These include liver damage, upset stomach, changes in one’s appetite, irritability and interference with other drugs one is taking that may cause more serious problems. Bissex says other side effects of using CBD products may also include “vivid dreams, fatigue and low blood pressure.”
I hope this information was helpful and informative. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask me. 😊
Inspirational Technologies – IT is Time
We, at Inspirational Technologies are at the forefront of Inspirational and Frontrunners on the frontier of current technology.
We are often faced with our own personal conflicts which directly influence our interactions with our peers and family.
When Inspirational Technologies is an endorsement of the “Cannabis” approach to the medical condition, we say, let’s let the look at the data and the people who say that they benefit for cannabis alternatives.
Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.
CBD has been taking the health and wellness industries by storm. From oils and tinctures to gummies and lotions, the numerous varieties of CBD products available today are remarkable. The incremental growth of the CBD oil market alone is estimated to be $3.52 billion between 2019 and 2024. But what actually is CBD and how does it work? Read on for a beginner’s breakdown to what CBD is, why it works in the human body and who can use CBD for what.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, often abbreviated to CBD, is a naturally occurring compound found in the Cannabis sativa plants, hemp and cannabis. Manufacturers extract and process the CBD to isolate it for various uses; besides the oils, there are edibles and topicals.
How is CBD different from THC?
THC, or tetrahydro-cannabidiol, is the main psychoactive component in the cannabis plant that creates a “high” sensation. THC is primarily consumed through inhalation of smoke or through edibles, oils or capsules. Both THC and CBD interact with bodily systems, but according to research, THC interacts primarily with CB1 receptors which are linked to the high or euphoric feeling. Hemp plants contain a higher percentage of CBD while maintaining very low levels of THC.
How Does CBD Work in the Body?
CBD works directly with the human body’s endocannabinoid system, or ECS. CBD intercepts both the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ESC, which are primarily responsible for transmitting messages to the brain. The ECS regulates a broad spectrum of biological and physiological processes including pain management, inflammation, sleep, mood, digestion and more.
What Are the Health Benefits?
The health benefits of CBD are being recognized. In June 2018, the FDA approved the first prescription medication containing CBD, Epidiolex. It is used to treat rare and difficult-to-control forms of epilepsy. Because CBD regulates receptors, researchers hope that early research showing promise for certain autoimmune diseases will show the same results in humans. Proprietary research indicates CBD could help:
-inflammation
-chronic pain
-anxiety
-depression
Though CBD is rapidly gaining in popularity, there are more clinical trials and studies needed to confirm its full impact and effectiveness. There has been some evidence of side effects accompanying CBD, but if you are a first time user consulting your doctor, or a medical professional is always a good place to start.
Is CBD Legal?
December 2018 – The Farm Bill Legalized Hemp
Cannabis- and hemp-related laws in the United States are evolving and changing rapidly. Hemp, when produced at levels below 0.3% delta-9 THC, is not considered a controlled substance at the federal level. Hemp-derived CBD is accessible in most of the 50 states. A Drug Enforcement Administration registration is not required to grow or research it.
Industrial hemp, given in its legal definition in the 2018 Farm Bill, is legitimate if companies are transparent in their manufacturing process and label claims. But each state has its own laws and regulations, so check with your state’s protocols before purchasing CBD.
CBD Takeaways
The hype surrounding CBD is real and does seem relevant. Though there is still more research needed surrounding the impact and potential side effects of CBD, anecdotal evidence and early-stage studies have shed some positive light. If you are curious about using CBD and aren’t sure where to start, begin with a reliable source. Always turn to third-party lab test results to ensure the quality, potency and purity of your CBD product. Choose independent companies with labs like Real Tested CBD to explore which CBD products have tested accurately to label claims and serve best for you.
CBD seems to be popping up everywhere claiming to cure every illness under the sun, but does it really work and if so how? Sometimes it can feel like a modern version of the snake oil salesman and I must admit I was skeptical. After many recommendations from friends and a big interest from my community, I decided to give it a try and I am excited to share my experience after 8 weeks of consistent use
What Is CBD & How Does it Work?
CBD (short for Cannabidiol) is one of more than a hundred phytocannabinoids, which is unique to cannabis and provides benefits to the body through the endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with your biological processes to produce a desired effect.
So how does CBD work in your body? Your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) works to balance all your body’s functions and the phytocannabinoid CBD can help to replenish deficiencies due to stress and inflammation. Learn more about CBD Basics
A common misconception is that taking CBD can lead to being “high”. Hemp derived CBD products only contain trace amount of THC, which help amplify the therapeutic benefits.
Want to learn more about CBD? Check out this article from the WHO showing that CBD is non-habit forming and safe for consumption.
Just like the food you eat, CBD quality is key! I highly suggest you do your research and talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.
When looking for high-quality CBD you want to ensure the product is third-party lab tested, to ensure it is free from heavy metals and harmful pesticides and you want a full spectrum CBD with a tiny amount of THC, which makes it more effective.
What Did I Hope to Gain with CBD?
I started taking the CBD in mid-May and like many of you my anxiety had been at an all-time high. While I am on low-dose anxiety medication and have been for many years, I was excited to see if the CBD could help regulate my moods. I knew very well that CBD could not eliminate my anxiety, but I was curious to see if it could help with the peaks and valleys of tension and stress that at the time were consuming me daily!
My CBD Dosing
Keep in mind that your dosage will be customized to your body, and your needs and can take up to 3 months to see the full effects. It took me about 2 weeks to find a good routine/dose that worked best for me.
8:30am: 1 – 25mg full spectrum soft gel with my coffee. The gel is a slow release and meant to slowly balance you throughout the day. * I started on the 10mg and worked up to the 25mg
Side Note: They did suggest taking the capsules with a fatty food for better absorption, which I was doing until I recently switch back to intermittent fasting.
5:00pm – 1/2 dropper (5mg/0.5ml) Daily Drops, pre witching hour, or as needed to manage peaks and valleys of stress. I find the time when I transition from my day job to #momlife + blog life can be most stressful
Bedtime: 3/4 dropper (7mg/0.75ml) daily Drops before bed split into two doses to more easily absorb under my tongue. Letting it absorb vs. swallowing right away helps it absorb into your bloodstream quicker AND it tastes a little less gross. Cannabis has a distinct taste that reminds me of a medicinal herb, but it’s nothing awful.
Episodic Dose: You can also use your drops episodically as needed. So, if I find myself feeling particularly overwhelmed or anxious, or I know I’m headed into a stressful situation, I will do a 1/2 dropper (5mg/0.5ml) of the Daily Drops.
Science Tip: The drops under the tongue are absorbed and take effect faster but are quicker to leave your body so that is why they work for episodic stress. The capsules on the other hand have a slower onset but have a lasting effect throughout the day.
Did CBD Work for Me?
YES! Despite my skepticism, the consistent addition of CBD to my routine has made a big difference in both my anxiety levels and how quickly I am able to wind down for bed at night.
In order to share more than just my anecdotal experience, I decided to track my stress factors for the first 7 days of my CBD experience.
Stress manifests for me as:
So many to-do lists/post-its
Uncontrolled screen-time
Throwing myself into work (particularly the blog)
Excessive multi-tasking
Racing heart rate
Here are my results for the first 7 days of CBD use
Day 1: 5/5 predictors present
Day 2: 5/5 predictors present
Day 3: 4/5 predictors present
Day 4: 1/5 predictors present
Day 5: 0/5 predictors present
Day 6: 0/5 predictors present
Day 7: 0/5 predictors present
Do I still have rough days? Absolutely! But the way I know the CBD is working is that if I miss a day, I immediately notice I am more irritable, more controlled by my anxiety and quicker to snap at family and friends. It’s such a gradual balancing that leaves me feeling like the best version of myself!
Each person’s experience will be unique. Like any supplement you should consult with your doctor before use and keep in mind that results may take up to 3 months to be evident.
We, at Inspirational Technologies are at the forefront of Inspirational and Frontrunners on the frontier of current technology.
We are often faced with our own personal conflicts which directly influence our interactions with our peers and family.
When Inspirational Technologies is an endorsement of the “Cannabis” approach to the medical condition, we say, let’s let the look at the data and the people who say that they benefit for cannabis alternatives.
Everyone is trying to get better sleep today, and there is no shortage of products that promise to help ease you into deeper slumber, from weighted blankets to fancy sound machines. But more and more people are adding CBD to their sleep checklist as well.
city and different bed each night, the drummer started to look for more “natural ways to wind down.” That’s when he discovered CBD.
“I used to have trouble with sleep,” Barker tells Rolling Stone, “And I would take a ton of melatonin, valerian tea, Tylenol PM, or Nyquil,” he admits, “but CBD was like the best kind of result that I got.”
The immediate benefits that Barker found with CBD led him to create Barker Wellness, a new line of cannabinoid-infused products that includes a unique CBD tincture for sleep. While CBD is not a medically approved solution for sleep, experts say a little CBD could go a long towards promoting more soothing, stress-free slumber.
How Does CBD Work for Sleep?
“CBD is a compound that supports a powerful, yet widespread network of receptors in the body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is known to help regulate energy, mood, sleep, and more,” explains Dr. Jason Wersland, Founder and Chief Wellness Officer of Therabody, the newly rebranded company that now includes the popular Theragun percussion devices. “Researchers have found that CBD, found naturally in the hemp plant, interacts with ECS receptors throughout the body much like molecules the body naturally produces.”
Experts say the best CBD products for sleep also help you wind down by addressing some of the root causes of restlessness and stress.
“Most people don’t realize the quality of sleep is closely related to stress and maintaining a strong immune system, and you need both systems properly in check if you want an optimal immune response to anything,” adds Jay Hartenbach, CEO of CBD brand Medterra. “If your cortisol levels are elevated, it can keep you awake. CBD is thought to decrease this and keep your body in a homeostasis state.”
If you’re just easing into CBD, Hartenbach suggests finding CBD products that also contain other ingredients that work together to help you feel more restful and relaxed. “CBD, amino acids, L-theanine and 5-HTP, and relaxing herbs like passion flower, chamomile, and lemon balm have each individually been shown to help with providing a full restful night and have been expertly formulated to work together for desired results to address the most common issues,” Hartenbach says. “Proper sleep and circadian control are absolutely essential to an optimally functioning immune system. If your body lacks restful sleep, so does your immunity.”
Will CBD for Sleep Make You Drowsy or High?
The best CBD for sleep is designed to help you ease into slumber – not knock you out. And unlike THC, which may have some psychoactive effects, Wersland says “CBD is non-intoxicating and will not make you feel high.”
If you’re new to CBD, trying a CBD gummy for sleep is an easy way to test out its effects in an easy-to-take format (basically like a gummy bear or gummy vitamin). Many brands also have flavorless CBD oils (or “CBD tinctures”), which come out of a dropper, letting you control exactly how much you want to take. Wersland’s suggestion: start small and then see how the tincture affects you. “If you’d like to take one full dropper that’s 33mg of full-spectrum CBD you can,” he says, “or you can take a ¼ of a dropper which is about 8mg of CBD.”
Of course, CBD is primarily meant for therapeutic benefits and is not meant to replace any doctor-recommended prescriptions if you suffer from serious insomnia. You should also see a doctor if you have a severe sleep disorder, restlessness or anxiety, as CBD is not meant to treat those issues.
A recent clinical trial has identified potential therapeutic benefits of cannabigerol (CBG), a cannabinoid that has not been as widely studied as THC or CBD.
The study, conducted by researchers at Washington State University (WSU) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), indicates that CBG may significantly reduce anxiety and stress, and could also improve memory.
Published in the journal Scientific Reports, the research involved a double-blind, placebo-controlled field trial with 34 healthy adults.
Participants received either 20mg of hemp-derived CBG or a placebo tincture over two sessions. They completed online assessments before and after taking the cannabinoid, including surveys on anxiety and stress, as well as verbal memory tests.
The study found that CBG led to “significant overall reductions in anxiety as well as reductions in stress” compared to the placebo. Additionally, participants who took CBG showed enhanced verbal memory, which the researchers noted was “completely, entirely unexpected.”
“The finding that it significantly enhanced [memory] was kind of shocking to me and completely, entirely unexpected, which was why I triple-checked the direction and the result,” Cuttler added.
Future Research Directions: What’s Next for CBG?
Cuttler stressed that while the results are promising, further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore CBG’s full range of effects. “Replication and further research are crucial,” she said.
The trial’s results were informed by a prior survey in which 51% of CBG users reported using CBG to alleviate anxiety, with nearly 80% finding it more effective than traditional anxiety medications.
Cuttler is seeking approval for a follow-up clinical trial to be conducted in a laboratory setting to verify these findings and assess CBG’s physiological impacts. She is also exploring potential research on CBG’s effects on menopause symptoms.
I hope this information was helpful and informative. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask me. 😊
Inspirational Technologies – IT is Time
We, at Inspirational Technologies are at the forefront of Inspirational and Frontrunners on the frontier of current technology.
We are often faced with our own personal conflicts which directly influence our interactions with our peers and family.
When Inspirational Technologies is an endorsement of the “Cannabis” approach to the medical condition, we say, let’s let the look at the data and the people who say that they benefit for cannabis alternatives.
Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.
The legalization of marijuana varies drastically between states, with some lawmakers approving its use entirely, others allowing its use only for medical conditions, and some still punishing possession of the drug by a prison sentence.
Thirty-eight states currently have it legalized for medical use, with 24 permitting recreational use, allowing many Americans to have access to marijuana, also known as weed, in one way or another if they are over the age of 21
While it is still illegal on a federal level, President Joe Biden has made it clear that his administration intends to pursue decriminalization during his time in office. Whether this is likely ahead of the looming election, however, appears questionable.
Since Colorado and Washington’s legalization of recreational marijuana in 2012, 22 other states, and Washington, D.C., have slowly amended their laws in favor of decriminalizing the substance.
Five more states could amend their laws soon: Wisconsin, Florida, Hawaii, South Dakota, and South Carolina.
Amid the arrival of “4/20” day—a celebration for cannabis smokers each year, on April 20—Newsweek looks at some of the states that could push ahead with legalizing use of marijuana in some way.
Florida
Florida voters will be able to decide if recreational use of marijuana should be legal in the state at the ballot in November.
Users will need to be 21 years or older to legally consume it. Medical marijuana is currently permitted.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has been one of the proposal’s most vocal critics, saying he believes recreational use of the drug should not be legal in the state
The law change will require a 60 percent approval for the amendment to pass when voters head to the polls in November.
Hawaii
A bill to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults in Hawaii was approved by the House Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee in March, raising hopes that laws could be extended from granting medical use.
The bill was earlier passed by the Hawaii Senate, and Gov. Josh Green, a Democrat, has indicated he would sign the bill into law once the House passes the second version.
The law would specifically allow anyone aged 21 and older to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana and up to 5 grams of cannabis concentrates. Hawaiians would also be able to possess their own produce—up to six plants and up to 2 pounds of harvested marijuana.
It would also expunge the criminal record of past convictions related to cannabis possession.
South Dakota
South Dakotan law changes are less advanced down the legislative path than other states on this list but campaigning to legalize recreational use—as well as the already legal medical use—remains vocal.
The state has tried several times in the past to achieve this, including a 2020 election ballot from voters approving the law change. But the South Dakota Supreme Court shut down the approval as unconstitutional a year later.
Voters then rejected another initiative in 2022. Now campaigners are working again to put the question to the electorate in November, requiring almost 18,000 signatures by May.
Wisconsin
At the start of the year Wisconsin appeared the most likely of any state to decriminalize medical marijuana, but a Republican bill fell flat ahead of an official vote.
The state bill was being considered to legalize use of the substance, but this would have been limited to severely ill people and would only be dispensed from five locations around the state. It would have also ruled out the legalization of smokable marijuana.
Leaders of the Republican-controlled Senate and state Assembly have largely supported the legalization, while Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has also previously voiced support to permit medical marijuana.
Currently possession of the drug is illegal in Wisconsin. Depending on the quantity of the substance you are caught with, it is possible to go to prison or incur heavy fines.
Despite the bill failing, conversation of reform has still grown steadily—and, while the state may fall short of legalization this year, Wisconsin remains one of the most likely areas of the country to proceed with medical marijuana laws.
Announcing the bill was effectively dead earlier this year, however, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos did give legalization supporters hope when he announced a public hearing to build support for passage next session would ensue later this year.
South Carolina
The South Carolina Senate passed a bill in February to allow the use of marijuana and related products for medical needs. But the bill has now sat in the state’s House of Representatives for two months with little hope of being debated on the floor.
State lawmakers will need to get a move on, with just weeks left before the House adjourns. Anything that does not make it to the House will have to be proposed again next year.
This has been the case for several years, with an almost identical bill dying in the House in 2022. Many state senators have been working for almost a decade to change the law.
It would still be illegal to smoke the drug or use it recreationally under the new law. Patients could instead use vaporizers or patches to gain the medical benefits.
Any use of cannabis is currently illegal in the state and can carry a fine of up to $1,000 and even 30 days to six months in jail.
The recreational use of marijuana is legal in 24 states, and Washington, D.C., as of April 2024. While jurisdictions differ on the legal quantity allowed for legal possession, almost half of U.S. states have now approved its use.
These include Alaska; Arizona; California; Colorado; Connecticut; Delaware; Illinois; Maine; Maryland; Massachusetts; Michigan; Minnesota; Missouri; Montana; Nevada; New Jersey; New Mexico; New York; Ohio; Oregon; Rhode Island; Vermont; Virginia; and Washington.
Other states have pushed ahead with legislation approving the substance’s use for medical conditions. While the laws vary, these states include Alabama; Arkansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; Mississippi; New Hampshire; North Dakota; Oklahoma; Pennsylvania; South Dakota; Utah; and West Virginia.
Marijuana is effectively illegal in the remaining 11 states: Georgia; Idaho; Indiana; Iowa; Kansas; Nebraska; North Carolina; South Carolina; Tennessee; Texas; and Wyoming.
AllRightsReserved-InspirationalTechnologies2024
I hope this information was helpful and informative. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask me. 😊
Inspirational Technologies – IT is Time
We, at Inspirational Technologies are at the forefront of Inspirational and Frontrunners on the frontier of current technology.
We are often faced with our own personal conflicts which directly influence our interactions with our peers and family.
When Inspirational Technologies is an endorsement of the “Cannabis” approach to the medical condition, we say, let’s let the look at the data and the people who say that they benefit for cannabis alternatives.
Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.
Inspirational Technologies – IT is Time for Cannabis in Florida
Thank you for your interest in Inspirational Technologies, a health and wellness company that focuses on your Health, Wellness and Inspiration. We address many of these issues by highlighting hemp and cannabis products industry. Here is some information about the company and its CEO, Steven Smith, as well as some statistics on marijuana legalization in Florida.
Inspirational Technologies was founded in 2013 by Steven Smith, who is also the CEO and owner of the company. The company’s mission is to inspire collective minds to foster health, wellness, beauty, and inspiration through hemp and cannabis products. The company used to operate as a subsidiary of Marijuana Company of America, Inc., a publicly traded company that invests in the legal cannabis and hemp industries. The company also provides educational and documented research services to promote the benefits of hemp and cannabis12
Florida Hemp
Steven Smith is a veteran entrepreneur and innovator who has been involved in the hemp and cannabis industry for over a decade. He has a background in technology, media, and entertainment, and has worked as a producer, director, and writer for various projects. He is also a passionate advocate for hemp and cannabis legalization and reform and has participated in several initiatives and campaigns to support the cause. He is a member of the Florida Hemp Council, a nonprofit organization that represents the interests of the hemp industry in Florida. He is also a frequent speaker and guest at various events and podcasts related to hemp and cannabis34
However, recreational marijuana remains prohibited in Florida, and the penalties for possession vary by the amount, from financial fines to jail time. The state has not yet passed any laws to decriminalize or legalize recreational marijuana, despite several attempts by activists and lawmakers. In 2020, a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana failed to gather enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. In 2021, another proposed amendment, backed by Trulieve, one of the largest medical marijuana providers in Florida, received enough signatures to qualify for the 2024 ballot. However, the amendment is facing legal challenges from the Florida Attorney General, who argues that the amendment is misleading and violates the single-subject rule.
The initiative would legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 years old and older. Individuals would be allowed to possess up to three ounces of marijuana (about 85 grams), with up to five grams in the form of concentrate. Existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers would be authorized under the initiative to sell marijuana to adults for personal use. The Florida State Legislature could provide by state law for the licensure of entities other than existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers to cultivate and sell marijuana products.[1]
Smart and Safe Florida is sponsoring the initiative. The campaign reported $61.28 million in contributions. Trulieve, a marijuana dispensary company that owns medical marijuana dispensaries in Florida, is the main contributor.[2] Smart & Safe Florida said, “The industry is sustainable and growing. In 2020, when the state lost more than 400,000 jobs, Florida’s cannabis industry added 15,000 employees. … Tax revenues from the legal cannabis industry for federal and state governments are projected to reach $4.06 billion in 2025, according to New Frontier data. … There is no evidence that legalizing marijuana for medical or recreational use at the state level, as 37 states already have done, has boosted underage consumption from the regulated marketplace. The continued black market sale of marijuana perpetuates a culture of criminality. … If adult-use cannabis is legalized, Florida users will have accountability, transparency, and regulations in place to ensure products are not laced with or contain potentially deadly chemicals.”[3]
Vote No on 3, Floridians Against Recreational Marijuana, and the Florida Freedom Fund registered to oppose the initiative. Together, the committees reported $125,200 in contributions. The Florida Freedom Fund was created by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) to oppose the marijuana initiative as well as the abortion initiative. DeSantis said, “[The initiatives] are very, very extreme. Once voters figure out how radical both of those are, they’re going to fail. It’s basically a license to have it anywhere you want. So no time, place and manner restrictions. This state will start to smell like marijuana in our cities and towns.”[4]
I hope this information was helpful and informative. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask me. 😊
Inspirational Technologies – IT is Time
We, at Inspirational Technologies are at the forefront of Inspirational and Frontrunners on the frontier of current technology.
We are often faced with our own personal conflicts which directly influence our interactions with our peers and family.
When Inspirational Technologies is an endorsement of the “Cannabis” approach to the medical condition, we say, let’s let the look at the data and the people who say that they benefit for cannabis alternatives.
Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.
Steven M Smith InspirationalTech.org CEO since 2013.
InspirationalTech.org for your Health Wellness Beauty and Inspirational Goals
1st Hemp USA News is a resource of Inspirational Technologies (2024)
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