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Kratom Vs. Cannabis: What You Should Know

Terry Hacienda
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Kratom Vs. Cannabis: What You Should Know

Even though kratom and cannabis come from natural plants, both have a long history of prohibition primarily driven by misinformation.

Kratom and cannabis are two substances that have been used for centuries by indigenous cultures as herbal allies. Although they both come from plants, there are many differences between these two products.

There are the active ingredients and the locations where the plants are grown. Another significant difference is the legality of these products throughout the United States.

Learning the similarities and differences between kratom and cannabis is vital. It will help you understand the benefits of both products and which one you should consider adding to your daily wellness routine.

The Kratom and Cannabis Active Ingredients

Despite coming from plants, the active ingredients of kratom and cannabis are significantly different.

Alkaloids are the primary active ingredients in kratom. The two you might be aware of are 7-hydroxy mitragynine and mitragynine. But it’s important to note that alkaloids occur in tiny concentrations compared to CBD and THC. Mitragynine is below 2%, and 7-hydroxy mitragynine is even lower.

As for cannabis, its active ingredient is cannabinoids. It is a natural chemical that can affect the body in multiple ways. The most prominent cannabinoid Is THC which is intoxicating, and CBD, which is non-intoxicating.

Where Are Kratom and Cannabis Legal?

Cannabis and kratom have different federal, state, and city legal statuses. For example, kratom is legal at a federal level, and cannabis isn’t. However, cannabis is legal for medicinal and recreational purposes in 38 states, whereas kratom products are banned in six states.

Due to these conflicting legal statuses, certain stigmas have formed around both products. As such, some prohibitionists are making it their mission to reduce access to kratom and cannabis. Thankfully, advocacy groups and movements, such as the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, are doing their part to ensure safe and legal access for adults across the country.

legal illegal marijuana
Photo by Prostock-Studio/Getty Images

Where Are Kratom and Cannabis Prohibited?

Even though kratom and cannabis come from natural plants, both have a long history of prohibition primarily driven by misinformation.

Detractors of cannabis would often exaggerate the potential side effects, much like kratom. Due to unscientific arguments and misconceptions, users of these products have faced discrimination.

RELATED: Wait, Can You Smoke Magic Mushrooms? What Happens If You Do?

The lack of regulation hasn’t helped the situation. For decades, both products were largely unregulated. It made it difficult for the average person to know what kratom and cannabis products were safe to use and of a high quality. Thankfully, change is occurring, and it’s become easier to understand where to purchase items.

Comparing the Two Industries

Kratom doesn’t quite have the same following as cannabis, but it has begun to grow. Thanks to the legalization of both substances being supported by underground movements, the benefits of using the plants beyond ritual and recreation are coming to light. As such, it’s leading to more products getting created, such as:

  • Gummies
  • Capsules
  • Chewable Tablets
  • Powder
  • Soft gels
  • Leaf
  • Tinctures

The good news is that studies into kratom are ongoing. While it’s known that the plant is safe to consume, as further advantages are made available, it’s expected to grow the industry even further.

Where Are Cannabis and Kratom Grown?

Cannabis is known to be cultivated in countries around the world. Within the US, it’s primarily grown in highly sophisticated indoor operations.

As for kratom, the plant is native to Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Malaysia. But most of the world’s supply comes from ancient-growth forests within Southeast Asia.

RELATED: What Are Heirloom Marijuana Strains, Exactly?

House Approves Bill To Enhance Medical Marijuana Research
Photo by CasarsaGuru/Getty Images

What the Research Says About Cannabis and Kratom

Due to decades of prohibition, research into cannabis and kratom is still in its infancy. Studies are getting funded and conducted thanks to the interest in both plants and the growing industries.

Some of the research targets how kratom and cannabis could be used, the risks of consuming the products, and the safest way to utilize both ingredients. The hope is that it will continue to empower users to make informed decisions on how kratom and cannabis can support wellbeing.

How to Choose Between Kratom and Cannabis?

Understanding the similarities and differences between kratom and cannabis is just the first step. Much like using any herbal ingredients, it’s vital to know how to use them safely and responsibly. That means speaking to a medical professional, especially if you’re taking prescription medication.

You should also consider where you purchase your products from. Choose businesses that are doing their part to legitimize the industry. Look at where they source their products and how they test them. This will ensure you’re getting high-quality and safe items.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.

Why Do Medical Cannabis And Gun Ownership Rights Conflict So Often?

Benzinga Staff Writer
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0
Why Do Medical Cannabis And Gun Ownership Rights Conflict So Often?

Federal regulations say individuals violate the law when combining medical cannabis with gun ownership. But like cannabis laws, several states are not adhering to ongoing national policy.

By Andrew Ward

Roughly 33% of US adults report owning a gun, according to a 2021 Georgetown University firearms survey. By the end of 2022, New Frontier Data expects 4.7 million Americans to be registered medical cannabis cardholders.

How those two figures impact one another remains uncertain. But with federal laws preventing individuals from legally owning firearms while consuming Schedule I drugs, individuals using both could run into legal trouble.

Like much of U.S. cannabis law, state and federal rules don’t always align.

The ban on gun ownership for medical marijuana users stems from the Gun Control Act of 1968. The law intends to regulate interstate and international firearm commerce while preventing specific individuals from legally participating in the marketplace. Banned individuals include anyone using or addicted to a Schedule I substance.

Under current laws, if a person admits to using medical cannabis on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives background check form, they will not receive their gun license. If they lie, they face up to half a decade in prison and thousands in fines.

Karen O’Keefe, director of state policies for the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), opposes the ban. She questioned why the status quo exists, calling alcohol more of a concern to public safety.

“There is no similar prohibition on alcohol consumers owning firearms even though more than a quarter of violent crimes are attributable to alcohol, while cannabis rarely — if ever — is linked to violence,” she said.

cannabis gun
Photo by jirkaejc/Getty Images

O’Keefe didn’t cite a specific study, but a 2016 University of Pennsylvania research paper analyzed 40 years of firearm violence-related literature between 1975 and 2014. The analysis concluded that over 33% of US suicide and homicide victims had consumed acute levels of alcohol before their deadly incident. The report added that study limitations make it difficult to offer guidance on the relationship between the two.

Efforts To Revise The Law

Steps have been taken in recent years to revise the medical cannabis-gun owner ban. Notably, in 2020, late-U.S. Representative Don Young sponsored legislation to end the rule. The bill did not advance.

O’Keefe noted that the House-passed MORE Act could offer an end to the current rule via descheduling. She said a MORE passage would “remove the incredibly harsh penalty for otherwise law-abiding Americans possessing and owning guns.”

RELATED: Florida Lawsuit Around Marijuana & Guns Heats Up: DOJ Compares Weed Users To Domestic Abusers

In April 2022, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried sued the Biden Administration over a federal rule that puts medical cannabis-using gun owners at risk of a five-year jail sentence.

In August, the Department of Justice sought to dismiss the case, citing federal cannabis prohibition and the plant’s Schedule I status. The DOJ noted that Congress has not deemed cannabis to have any medical use and claimed that gun-owning cannabis consumers posed a public danger.

In a September response, plaintiffs claimed the DOJ failed to demonstrate why the case should be dismissed. That month, Fried called the DOJ’s reaction “insulting, illogical, and ahistorical.”

Nico Pento, an attorney and senior policy advisor at Bianchi & Brandt, feels the DOJ “proposes some sound legal arguments” but said those points highlight where the federal rules are “outdated and wrong.”

Pento says the DOJ’s reasoning opens the door for similar claims about individuals combining guns with alcohol, coffee or opioids.

RELATED: Marijuana Use And Gun Ownership: What You Need To Know

“While the position of the DOJ may not be unconstitutional, which will be left to the Supreme Court to decide, it is morally wrong,” Pento said.

Scott Solomon, CEO of Operational Security Solutions (OSS), said he understands the desire for gun ownership and the DOJ’s perspective.

“While we support the right to own guns, we understand why there are still restrictions on the places and times the guns may be used,” he said, noting cannabis’ potential to alter judgment and reaction times as concerns.

If Gun Laws Were Enforced Like Marijuana Laws
Cannabis leaf with gun and ammunition on grey background. 3d illustration

Patients Impacted By The State

Federal regulations say individuals violate the law when combining medical cannabis with gun ownership. But like cannabis laws, several states are not adhering to ongoing national policy.

Justin Bedford, a regulatory analyst for cannabis compliance firm Simplifya, feels the DOJ rules limit patient access and encourage people to obtain guns through illegal methods. Working in the Colorado market, Bedford reports hearing concerns from numerous patients.

“I know people with medical cannabis cards that have told me they lied about their cannabis use on their federal ATF background check form when purchasing a firearm out of fear for federal punishment,” he said.

OSS’s Solomon highlighted California’s recently passed worker protection laws for cannabis consumers. However, the rule excludes certain professions, including law enforcement, security personnel, commercial vehicle drivers, hazmat response personnel and others subjected to federal drug tests.

“While our state has instituted some protective measures, it’s clear that those employee groups that are required to carry – and potentially use – firearms in the course of their duties cannot be active cannabis users,” Solomon said.

Pento called Arizona a “strong Second Amendment state,” allowing cannabis patients to own guns. He’d like to see the rules change due to the “chilling effect” on usage among certain groups. He reported seeing the impact among veterans.

“There are veterans suffering from serious PTSD who can be treated with medical cannabis but refuse because they do not want to relinquish their Second Amendment rights,” Pento said.

Benzinga’s take: With gun and cannabis laws varying by state, users of both should exercise caution. If wanting to adhere to federal law, choose one or the other–or at least understand how your home state views the laws.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Using These Products Increase The Risk Of Uterine Cancer

Maria Loreto
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Using These Products Increase The Risk Of Uterine Cancer

A new study found links between a common hair product and uterine cancer, one of the most common cancers for women.

A new study found using these products increase the risk of uterine cancer. The research, published in The Journal of National Cancer Institute, found an indirect link between hair straighteners and uterine cancer. This type of cancer is more common among Black women, making this link all the more curious.

3 Ways Cannabis Can Make The Lives Of Women Better
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez via Unsplash

The study tracked over 34,000 women for more than a decade and found that women who frequently used hair straighteners had 4% more risk of developing uterine cancer. The study defined frequent users as women who used these products over four times in the previous year.

In previous years, hair straighteners have been linked with other types of cancer, such as ovarian and breast cancer. Hair products like bleach, perms, dyes, and more, didn’t report this link.

While all demographics were impacted by the use of straighteners, this statistic is more concerning for Black women, since 60% of them reported the use of these types of products.

“We don’t want to panic people,” said the study’s lead author Alexandra White to the New York Times. “One could make a decision to reduce this chemical exposure, but we also want to acknowledge that there is a lot of pressure on women, especially Black women, to have straight hair. It’s not an easy decision to not do this.”

Hair straighteners contain a variety of dangerous elements, among them metals, parabens, and formaldehyde, which may be absorbed via the scalp. The heat of the straightening procedure and the damage that this process can do to the scalp might make these risks greater.

Uterine cancer more likely to be diagnosed in women over the age of 45, but younger women are getting more and more diagnoses per generation. According to cancer.org, about 65,950 new cases of uterine cancer will be diagnosed by the year 2022.

Did Marijuana Cause My Arrhythmia? New Study Provides Answers

Benzinga Staff Writer
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0
Did Marijuana Cause My Arrhythmia? New Study Provides Answers

The condition can be serious as it can lead to blood clots in the heart. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

By Nina Zdinjak

According to a new UCSF study published in the European Heart Journal, substances such as cocaine, opiates, methamphetamine and even marijuana are linked to the most common type of heart arrhythmia — atrial fibrillation, often called AF or AFib.

Scientists examined data from diagnostic codes from hospital admissions, emergency room visits, and medical procedures in California over 10 years (from 2005 to 2015), revealing that cannabis users had a 35% higher chance of developing AF, reported KRON4 News.

“To my knowledge, this is the first study to look at marijuana use as a predictor of future atrial fibrillation risk,” said principal investigator Gregory Marcus, MD, MAS and professor of medicine with UCSF’s Division of Cardiology.

What is AF exactly?

AF is a heart arrhythmia condition when the heart beats too slowly, too fast or in an irregular way, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “When a person has AFib, the normal beating in the upper chambers of the heart (the two atria) is irregular, and blood doesn’t flow as well as it should from the atria to the lower chambers of the heart (the two ventricles).” This could be a permanent condition or can happen from time to time.

The condition can be serious as it can lead to blood clots in the heart. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

More than 150,000 people die annually in the U.S. from AF-related strokes.

Is Marijuana Use Risky For Your Heart?
Photo by Khwanchai Phanthong/EyeEm/Getty Images

Study Highlights

In this research, around one million people who had no pre-existing AF but later developed it were identified. Among the patients examined in the database:

  • 132,834 used marijuana
  • 98,271 used methamphetamine
  • 48,700 used cocaine
  • 10,032 used opiates

“Despite exhibiting a weaker association with incident AF than the other substances, cannabis use still exhibited an association of similar or greater magnitude to risk factors like dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. Furthermore, those with cannabis use exhibited similar relative risk of incident AF as those with traditional tobacco use,” the study authors reported.

It is important to note that the research also confirmed that while cocaine or methamphetamine are known to cause sudden cardiac deaths due to disruptions in orderly electrical signaling and pumping within the heart, the same has not been confirmed for cannabis.

The study concluded that of all the drugs it examined, methamphetamine posed the greatest risk for AF.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Bernie Sanders Says He’s Worried About Teen Enthusiasm For Marijuana

Maria Loreto
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0
Bernie Sanders Says He’s Worried About Teen Enthusiasm For Marijuana

During a recent town meeting, Sanders expressed his concern over teens and their love for weed. Still, he had some encouraging words for cannabis legalization.

Bernie Sanders is pro-marijuana, yet he is still concerned over some of the harms of the drug, especially in reference to teens.

The senator recently stopped by Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington, Vermont, for a town hall where he spoke about a wide range of topics from climate change and health care to teens smoking marijuana.

“It’s terribly important for me to hear what’s on the minds of young people. They are the future of the country,” said Sanders.

Bernie Sanders
Photo by Joe Raedle/Staff/Getty Images

A member of the audience asked Sanders’ opinion regarding Biden’s marijuana pardons, and the effect that that would have on marijuana charges. Per the Bennington Banner, the question was met with an excited reaction from the audience, which made Sanders frown.

RELATED: Cannabis Use Does Not Result In Lazy Teens Or Young Adults, According To Studies

Sanders said that the topic of marijuana is one that often is brought up in high school events. “That worries me, to tell you the truth,” he said. Still, Sanders said that while he’s not a fan of drugs and alcohol, he believes marijuana should be legal in every state in the U.S.

Sanders also made sure to differentiate between marijuana and other drugs that have more serious and dangerous side effects. “Heroin is a killer drug,” he said. “Fentanyl is even worse, and fentanyl sometimes gets mixed in with the heroin. … Marijuana is not heroin, it is not fentanyl, it should be not lumped together.”

RELATED: Sanders Claps Back At Ted Cruz For Telling ‘Slackers To Get Off The Bong’ And Vote

Sanders has long been a proponent for the decriminalization of marijuana, and its legalization. When Biden’s pardon was issued, Sanders supported his decision, sharing his approval on Twitter.

“I have long believed that marijuana should be legalized and those arrested for possession should be pardoned and have their records expunged. The President’s executive action today is an important step forward, but much more needs to be done,” he wrote.

What Is Autoflower Marijuana?

Sam Anderson
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What Is Autoflower Marijuana?

The main advantage of autoflowers is that you don’t have to worry about the changing seasons, which is excellent for beginner growers.

Autoflowering marijuana is a type of cannabis that doesn’t rely on the change in light cycles to start flowering. Instead, it flowers automatically after a certain time has passed since it’s been germinated.

For growers, this means that you can get two crops in one year, making autoflower marijuana a big business opportunity. For consumers, it means you can get high-quality cannabis with less waiting time.

But that’s not all autoflowers are good for as some strains are resistant to pests and mold, making them an ideal choice for growers who live in humid climates.

What does autoflowering mean?

As a result of its harsh environment and limited sunlight, a type of cannabis often called Cannabis ruderalis emerged centuries ago in very cold northern areas. We say “often called” as there is genetic evidence that suggests these taxonomic classifications are inaccurate. (Want to know more? Check out Cannabis sativa Vs. “Sativa”) Cannabis in this region began flowering after a period of time, thus acquiring the name “autoflower.”

So, what does the autoflowering feature actually do?

Essentially, this type of cannabis automatically flowers under virtually any light condition, which means they don’t need to follow the 12 hour day/night cycle in order to bloom, as they can thrive in 24 hours of light from seedling to harvest. In contrast, this process is not the same in traditional strains, which rely on a consistent pattern of darkness alternating with light.

Cannabis plants reach the flowering stage when fully mature.

In outdoor cultivation, marijuana plants from traditional seeds begin flowering or growing buds as fall approaches and the sun sets earlier and earlier. As a result of this light reduction, cannabis plants trigger their flowering phase and produce buds. When plants are grown indoors, the flowering cycle can be controlled by reducing the amount of light they receive from 18 hours a day to 12 hours.

Growing Marijuana
Photo by DaveLongMedia/Getty Images

The evolution of autoflowering cannabis plants

The autoflowers that initially hit the marketplace at the beginning of the 2000s weren’t that impressive. They lacked potency, the aroma was weak, and yield was disappointing.

While wild cannabis plants tend to have a low level of THC, breeders worldwide have created some spectacular autoflower strains by crossing them with popular commercial strains. Those breeders perfected the process, resulting in an explosion in the number of autoflowering seeds. These strains are ready to harvest within 60 days from seed, stay between 30 and 100 cm high, and produce between 20 to 30% THC.

What are autoflower pros and cons?

Autoflowers have a number of distinctive features:

  • Flowering occurs naturally between two and four weeks after planting.
  • Typically, it takes ten weeks from planting to harvest.
  • Autoflowering seeds are usually feminized. This means there are typically few male plants.
  • Plants remain short (30–100cm).

Many popular strains are available in autoflower form. For example, “Blue Dream Auto” combines features of Blue Dream and autoflowering strains, so the plant retains a lot of Blue Dream attributes but makes grows faster.

RELATED: What Is Kief And How Do You Use It?

The main advantage of autoflowers is that you don’t have to worry about the changing seasons, which is excellent for beginner growers. Additionally, autoflowers grow rapidly, so you can usually get two harvests in the same period of time it would take you to get one harvest.

cannabis testing
Photo by CasarsaGuru/Getty Images

What are autoflower seeds?

For beginners, autoflowering cannabis seeds are the most suitable seeds because of their small size and ability to grow in small areas. They are also very resilient and strong, so beginner mistakes won’t damage them.

Growing autoflower seeds

Choose an environment indoors or outdoors for growing autoflower seeds. Providing seeds have at least 18 hours of direct sunlight per day in an indoor environment, you can cultivate the seeds any time of the year. However, the ideal time to grow seeds outdoors is in the spring, when daylight hours are plentiful.

RELATED: Are Orange Hairs On Cannabis Related To Potency?

In any growing environment, autoflowering seeds don’t require a high level of nutrients as they work independently. Autoflower seeds also have the advantage of being able to survive in extreme weather conditions, including freezing temperatures.

Plants grown in pots indoors must have drainage holes to ensure adequate oxygen flow. In addition, it’s a good idea to allow your seeds plenty of room for flowering because some autoflowering strains can grow up to four feet tall.

Where to buy autoflower seeds

Autoflower seeds are available for purchase online from cannabis seed retailers.

Get Started on Your Cannabis Wellness Journey

Have you started your cannabis wellness journey? Jointly is a new cannabis wellness app that helps you discover purposeful cannabis consumption so you can achieve your wellness goals with cannabis and CBD. On the Jointly app, you can find new cannabis products, rate products based on how well they helped you achieve your goals, and track and optimize 15 factors that can impact your cannabis experience. These 15 factors include your dose, the environment in which you consume cannabis, who you are with when you ingest, how hydrated you are, the quality of your diet, how much sleep you got last night, and more. Download the Jointly app on the App Store or the Google Play Store to get started on your cannabis wellness journey.

Sam Anderson is the content Director at Jointly, a cannabis wellness company powered by a proprietary data platform to help people reach their full potential. The company was created on the premise that purposeful cannabis consumption is the key to unlocking a better you. This article originally appeared on Jointly and has been reposted with permission.

Cory Booker Is Optimistic Cannabis Reform Can Pass During Lame-Duck Session — Here’s Why

Benzinga Staff Writer
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Cory Booker Is Optimistic Cannabis Reform Can Pass During Lame-Duck Session — Here’s Why

“I think it has a good chance because our Republican allies also understand that if one of the houses of Congress shifts to Republican, it will be very hard to do anything about marijuana,” said Booker.

By Joana Scopel

In a recent interview, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) told NJ.com’s Dave D’Alessandro that cannabis reforms are on the right path and that Congress has a “good shot” of passing them during the lame-duck session after the midterm elections.

An Optimistic Perspective

Booker, along with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced a marijuana bill in July that would decriminalize and deschedule cannabis on the federal level, said that he recently discussed the legislation with Schumer and he felt they’d made progress.

“It’s very likely that during the lame duck — before the new Congress — we’re going to see a really good bipartisan attempt to move it. Maybe it’s not the bill I wrote with Schumer and (Ron) Wyden, but an effort to tie in restorative justice and some fair banking provisions,” Booker said.

“I think it has a good chance because our Republican allies also understand that if one of the houses of Congress shifts to Republican, it will be very hard to do anything about marijuana. We’ve got a good shot. I wouldn’t say it’s a great shot, but it’s on a good path.”

cory booker
Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Social Justice: A Priority 

The bill that passes the Senate must address areas such as restorative justice, making the banking industry equally available, investing tax revenues (to help with addiction and create economic opportunities), and deal with “the sins of the past,” Booker said.

RELATED: Here’s What Sen. Cory Booker Had To Say About Biden’s Marijuana Pardons

With legalization, “the communities most impacted will benefit in three ways,” Booker said. “One is the criminal justice way, which Biden has started to move towards. The second is reinvesting the tax revenue from legal businesses into the communities that were disproportionately impacted (…) And the third area is in business opportunity: I thought it would be equally shared, but there were dramatically fewer minorities with licenses.”

More Steps To Be Taken

Regarding the measure recently announced by Biden, pardoning people convicted for federal cannabis possession and calling on federal agencies to reclassify marijuana, Booker said that the impact of the president’s action “is stunning.”

However, there’s more to be done. “The fact that we are deporting parents of American children for marijuana possession should outrage every American,” he added, referencing one group that was left out of the president’s clemency action. “And obviously, the folks who have been making these low-level sales, we should look as we move closer to a majority of states moving toward legalization.”

RELATED: Sen. Cory Booker Says He’s Optimistic About Federal Marijuana Decriminalization After Signaling Possible Compromise

Nevertheless, Booker hailed Biden’s action. “He and I had conversations during those debates — off stage — that were meaningful to me. Because he committed to me to do the things he did [last] week. I just think that’s a powerful thing for your elected leader to say he’s gonna do something and then follow through,” Booker said.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

Study Says CBD Slows Aging

Terry Hacienda
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0
Study Says CBD Slows Aging

Whether you’re 20, 25, 30, or 40, it’s never too early to start using CBD to prevent the detrimental effects of aging. Here’s why.

Realizing that you’re getting old can be a tough process. For some, it comes with cracks and pains with even the slightest movements. For others, it’s the sign of wrinkles where taut skin once was, and the lack of energy. We all want to age as gracefully as possible, but it’s harder than it sounds. After all, how do we fight gravity and time?

While there’s no way to prevent getting old completely, there are certain things we can improve within our lifestyle to ensure that getting older is somewhat less painful on our bodies, minds, and overall appearance. Integrating cannabidiol (CBD) is one of them.

CBD is one of the hundreds of compounds within the cannabis plant which has powerful health benefits. It doesn’t give you any kind of a high or a buzz, making it safe to consume any time of the day even when you need to drive or get things done. Cannabidiol products are everywhere these days: it can be taken in pill, oil, topical, tincture, and edible form to enjoy its health and anti-aging benefits. CBN is also a cannabinoid that has shown anti-aging properties in humans as well!

Whether you’re 20, 25, 30, or even 40, it’s never too early to start using CBD to prevent the detrimental effects of aging. Here’s why.

CBD
Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis via Unsplash

CBD Protects the Brain From Neurodegenerative Disease

Mental neurodegenerative disorders that cause gradual death of neurons and other parts of the brain over time. As a result, this causes memory loss, agitation, anxiety, and depression. Some of the most common neurodegenerative disorders include dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s Disease.

Millions of aging people worldwide struggle with neurodegenerative disease as they get older. According to experts, 1 in every 10 people around the age of 65 will develop neurodegenerative disease. However, cannabidiol has been shown to help.

The most common neurodegenerative disease is Alzheimer’s; its symptoms are memory loss, aggression, and agitation. This is why it isn’t just the people with the disease that struggle — their loved ones do, too. A 2019 study shows promise for CBD’s ability to suppress the causes of Alzheimer’s disease, though this study showed that it was more effective when paired with THC.

RELATED: Is Dark CBD The Newest Trend In Cannabis Products?

There are also studies demonstrating the efficacy of CBD in treating the aggression caused by dementia. The researchers said that using CBD oil was “mostly safe, with no significant differences in the occurrence of adverse events.”

In addition, studies show that CBD has neuroprotective properties in the brain; it has been found to help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which contribute to the risk of neurodegenerative disease. Taking CBD early on can help slow down the effects of aging in the brain.

CBD Combats Free Radicals

We are exposed to free radicals in our daily lives. The most notorious sources of free radicals are industrial chemicals, pollutants, the ozone, x-rays, and cigarette smoke among others. Chronic exposure to these unstable atoms contribute to premature aging, sickness, and several diseases.

The best way to combat the side effects of free radical exposure is through antioxidants. These substances prevent oxidation, which is a chemical reaction that occurs within the body, producing more free radicals. Antioxidants also promote electron production within free radicals to stabilize these unstable molecules and prevent their detrimental effects within the human body.

RELATED: The #1 Difference Between Cannabis Oil And CBD Oil

Chemically speaking, the cannabidiol structure contains free oxygen atoms which are then donated to free radicals. In doing so, it neutralizes them. Furthermore, studies show that CBD works in the same way as other antioxidants: by interrupting free radical chain reactions.

Given the many other health benefits of CBD, this is definitely one of the best antioxidants out there.

Not All CBD Topicals Are Treated Equal
Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels

CBD Fights Inflammation In the Skin

Exposure to free radicals, the sun, inflammatory compounds in our diet, pollutants, and chemicals combined with aging can all promote premature aging in the skin. This results in wrinkles as well as skin disorders including rashes, red patches, psoriasis, eczema, and so much more.

A study from 2017 demonstrates how CBD protects the skin because of its antioxidant properties which speed up the aging process. In addition, another study revealed that CBD reduces the inflammatory action of sebocytes, ensuring healthy skin texture while another study demonstrates how CBD helps reduce redness, pain, and swelling to minimize irritation from psoriasis and eczema. It can also help reduce dryness experienced by dehydrated skin.

It’s no wonder why so many cannabis companies are creating CBD-infused skincare and anti-aging products and they’re flying off the shelves!

CBD Provides Natural Relief From Stress

Constantly being stressed is one of the quickest ways to age — and it will show in your skin, health, and mental well-being. Whether it’s stress from work, parenthood, or life in general, all kinds of stress is bad for your health and contributes to premature aging.

Instead of coping with stress in unhealthy ways, you can already supplement with CBD, which works in different ways to help the body cope with the stress response. Studies show that CBD engages with the 5-HT1A receptor to decrease symptoms of stress such as increased heart rate, anxiety, heightened blood pressure, and fear expression. It can also help you get deeper, longer sleep — one of the best ways to help your body recover through deep healing.

This article was created in partnership with Cannabis.net

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee’s Bizarre & Factually Incorrect Video Blasting Legal Weed

Benzinga Staff Writer
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Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee’s Bizarre & Factually Incorrect Video Blasting Legal Weed

“If you are one of those people that can sell the drug, maybe you’ll make a buck off of the gullible people who will somehow convince themselves this is absolutely harmless,” said Huckabee.

By Joana Scopel

Arkansas’ former Gov. Mike Huckabee, a former Baptist preacher, laid out the negative aspects of cannabis via a series of videos posted on the Family Council Action Committee website.

Huckabee said that legalizing adult-use cannabis in the state will help drug cartels and make money off “gullible people.”

“Unfortunately, you aren’t the one who is going to be making the money, drug cartels will,” Huckabee said. “And if you are one of those people that can sell the drug, maybe you’ll make a buck off of the gullible people who will somehow convince themselves this is absolutely harmless.”

According to the Arkansas Times, Huckabee said the state Supreme Court may have approved the ballot title but that doesn’t mean the justices agree with the substance of the amendment.

The justices “surely are intelligent people and they know the only people to really benefit from this, other than those who are going to be selling it at a high price and making a lot of money, are going to be the people who maybe sell snack foods to satisfy the munchies for people who are engaged in the use of recreational marijuana,” he continued.

In a second video against Issue 4, AKA the Arkansas Adult Use Cannabis Amendment shows images of homeless people, drug addicts, syringes and statistics on marijuana-legal states.

Huckabee happens to be the father of Arkansas Republican gubernatorial candidate Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who also opposes Issue 4.

Responsible Growth Arkansas, the group behind the ballot initiative to legalize adult-use cannabis has filed an appeal with the Arkansas Supreme Court to overturn a decision by the Arkansas Board of Election Commissioners that prohibits the proposed amendment from getting on the November ballot.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.</strong

Is Cannabis THC-O Legal

Lydia Kariuki
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Is Cannabis THC-O Legal

Like heroin, THC-O is several times more potent than THC and the risks associated with it are by no means moderate.

By

THC-O acetate (THC-O, ATHC) is becoming a popular option among cannabis consumers. According to Google trends, interest in this compound peaked around mid-2021.

Consumers are turning to THC-O for two likely reasons. The first is that delta-8 THC acetate is hemp-derived and therefore legal and accessible in states where marijuana is illegal.

The more exciting reason is that THC-O is supposedly a psychedelic cannabinoid. In other words, you will be taking a trip on cannabis and achieving the highest spiritual experiences and probably even ego death. Some sources claim that THC-O acetate is up to 300 times more potent than THC. More realistic sources claim that THC-O acetate is up to three times more potent, but we are not sure.

But for recreational users craving that “elusive high,” this sounds unimaginable. Is that not the same reason why the naturally occurring opium was ditched on the streets in preference for heroin?

drugs
Photo by MART PRODUCTION via Pexels

Opium Versus Heroin

Opium, like cannabis, is a naturally occurring compound that’s derived from the poppy plant. Heroin on the other hand is a semi-synthetic compound that’s made from morphine, which comes from the poppy plant. Because heroin is an enhanced form of opium, the effects are stronger.

Heroin was originally created to be a medical analgesic. However, it was soon discovered that it triggered several adverse effects including dependence, addiction, and overdose-related deaths. Its clinical use was hence stopped but the drug found its way to the illicit market where its use is still rampant. Like marijuana, heroin is classified by the DEA under Schedule I compounds that according to the DEA have no known medical use and a high potential for abuse.

THC-O Acetate Is a Synthetic Cannabinoid

THC-O like heroin is a synthetic cannabinoid that is made through the acetylation of THC (could be D8, D9, or D10) in the lab. Because it’s not a natural product don’t expect to find it in shops that sell natural cannabis products.

How Is THC-O Made?

THC is heated and mixed with acetic anhydride in a lab setting. A chemical reaction occurs that converts the THC to THC-O. This chemical reaction is dangerous and hence should only be carried out by a qualified chemist and only in the right setting.

THC-O Acetate Is a Pro Drug

A prodrug can be defined as any drug that is biologically inactive when ingested but once metabolized it releases a biologically active compound. THC-O acts in this way.

medical marijuana research
Photo by Esther Kelleter / EyeEm/Getty Images

RELATED: What Is THC-O And Why Is This Psychedelic Cannabinoid 3x Stronger Than THC?

When acetic acid is added to THC it forms a barrier that prevents the breakdown of the THC by enzymes until it gets to the liver where it is deacetylatedated and releases the biologically active THC. Like other pro-drugs, the effects of THC-O take a longer time to kick in (lag time) because of the extra step involved in “activating” the drug. This can be anywhere around 30 minutes for inhaled THC-O or up to 1.5 hours for ingested THC-O.

Is THC-O a Psychedelic?

It is believed that THC-O provides THC that has higher bioavailability. This also means that the body has higher circulating levels of THC and 11-Hydroxy-THC. Though the effects take a longer time to kick in, once they do they are likely to come crashing in and it will be a long while before the effects subside. Higher levels of circulating 11-hydroxy-THC might be responsible for the psychedelic effects that have been reported after the consumption of THC-O.

Is THC-O Legal?

Most of the THC-O Acetate that’s being sold online and in smoke shops is actually the acetate of delta-8-THC and not delta-9-THC. Delta 8 is usually made from hemp-derived CBD and consequently, it can be argued that THC-O made in this way is also legal. However, it should be noted that THC-O is a synthetic cannabinoid. Here’s what the law says about synthetic THC.

RELATED: What Is It Like To Smoke THC-O Dominant Flower?

“For synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinols, the concentration of D9 -THC is not a determining factor in whether the material is a controlled substance. All synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinols remain Schedule I controlled substances.”

cannabis research
Photo by boonchai wedmakawand/Getty Images

THC-O, Ketene Formation, and EVALI

Most THC-O products in the market currently are in the form of vapes. The process of vaping THC-O is likely to produce harmful byproducts such as ketenes. Ketenes are highly reactive and will easily form acetic acid when they react with water in the nasal and oral mucosa.

A study by the Portland State University (PSU) found a link between vaping cannabinoid acetates with the production of the toxic gas Ketene. An earlier study linked ketene production with EVALI as the causative agent.

Safety of THC-O: Dr. Ethan Russo Opines

Dr. Ethan Russo is a notable medical cannabis thought leader and founder and CEO of a medical cannabis research company CReDO science. In an interview with Hemp Grower, Dr. Russo expressed reservations with the safety of THC-O. In his opinion, we don’t need a compound that is three times more potent (putatively) than THC. Known side effects of THC include extreme paranoia and anxiety that may land you in the ER. Vasovagal syncope, which may cause sudden falls and fractures, is also a possibility. THC-O may amplify these adverse effects or trigger off-target effects that we’re not aware of. In his words, as far as THC-O goes, “don’t go there.”

Synthetic Cannabinoids Are a Sham!

Like heroin, THC-O is several times more potent than THC and the risks associated with it are by no means moderate. In addition, there’s the risk of ketene formation when THC-O is vaped. Ketene has been linked to serious and sometimes even fatal lung injuries.

Are synthetics worth the risk?

Maybe not.

As Dr. Russo opines, synthetic cannabinoids and the risks they present are a “byproduct of cannabis prohibition.” And as he goes further to state, they should probably be avoided at all costs.

This article originally appeared on MyCannabis.com and has been reposted with permission.
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