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How Working Out With Weed Can Help Ward Off Unwanted Holiday Weight

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Among the many resources that are available for helping people to overcome the inevitable weight that comes with the holiday season, cannabis probably isn’t an obvious choice.

For those of you who don’t consider yourselves gym junkies, working out can be a chore to be avoided at all costs. However, as the holidays inch closer, gaining unwanted holiday weight is inevitable without a plan for staying active.

Unbeknownst to many, cannabis could be the missing ingredient to a fulfilling holiday season with the perfect balance of activity and indulgence. Here’s how.

RELATED: Is Marijuana The Next Recovery Revolution For Pro Athletes?

exercise
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Weed Can Lead To Longer Workouts

One reason many people shy away from working out is because they’re dealing with nagging injuries and ailments. When those who are suffering from these types of conditions decide to make the leap and head to the gym for a workout, it’s not uncommon for them to have to conclude their workouts earlier than originally intended.

RELATED: 4 Benefits Of Incorporating Cannabis Into Your Fitness Routine

One key way cannabis helps us get rid of extra holiday pounds is by making it easier to overcome injuries due to the plant’s anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps enhance muscle relaxation and alters our perception of time.

Weed Can Help Motivate You To Work Out 

Another reason why working out is easier said than done is because, in many cases, people simply aren’t motivated to move. Although many don’t associate cannabis with motivation, some anecdotal research shows that cannabis is effective in helping to provide us with the necessary push to get to the gym.

RELATED: Study Shows How Marijuana Can Motivate You To Exercise

In a 2019 study published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, more than half of respondents surveyed claimed that working cannabis into their exercise regimen helped motivate them to work out. In addition, 70% of these same survey respondents also claimed that cannabis makes their workouts more enjoyable.

Weed Can Help You Recover After Workouts

Along with not being able to find the motivation to work out, another obstacle that keeps people from exercising is  how it makes people feel afterwards. Think about it. Why would anyone work out when it makes them feel horrible the next day? Fortunately, people who suffer from soreness after working out can rely on CBD products to help them recover. 

RELATED: How CBD Helps Seniors Exercise

According to scientists, the compound is so effective in helping people recover from workouts due to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative properties. So, the next time you’re dreading your workout because of how you’ll feel after, grab some CBD oil or gummies!

There’s no question that working out can be a daunting task, but staying active is key to keeping those holiday pounds at bay. Among the many resources that are available for helping people to overcome the inevitable weight that comes with the holiday season, cannabis probably isn’t an obvious choice. As the holidays approach, keeping this in mind can help you stay healthy while still enjoying your favorite holiday goodies.

Does It Matter If Your CBD Comes From Industrial Hemp Or Medicinal Cannabis?

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Both contain a lot of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, but with respect to their medicinal effect, the important factor is their CBD concentration.

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

With the recent bill signed in California to legalize industrial hemp and hemp-derived products, you will be shocked to realize that many do not know the difference between industrial hemp and cannabis.

This is naturally a very common mistake from many that are new to the cannabis industry, however, it is also possible for users that have been around for a while to fall under this category.

THC oil
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Differences

The major differences between hemp CBD and cannabis CBD can be found in the classification of the plant as well as the genetic makeup as both plants are different varieties of the cannabis sativa plant. Industrial hemp is known generally to contain more CBD while cannabis plants are known to contain more THC than CBD. Just to jog your memory, remember that THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis that causes the euphoric high experienced when the herb is smoked.

Industrial Hemp

Simply put, industrial hemp is a specific variety of cannabis sativa. The herb has been in use by humans for quite some time with most of its earlier applications being towards making rope, sails, and foods. This was until new and improved applications such as using the herb to extract cannabinoids for medicinal and recreational purposes began. The natural herb is also used in construction as the durable material known as hempcrete is gradually being used in different buildings in Europe.

Under the Farm Bill of 2018, hemp or industrial hemp is characterized as cannabis sativa plants that contain less than 0.3% of THC. These classes of cannabis plants are considered legal federally and can be grown by produces in a good number of states. These cultivation exercises are subject to strict regulations. Industrial hemp contains THC, though in low quantities, which is why it is defined as containing no more than 0.3%. It is, however, possible for some processed products derived from hemp to cause euphoria however most of the products are directed towards the medicinal use of CBD. Examples of products derived from processed hemp include topicals, tinctures, gummies, and capsules.

Medicinal Cannabis

Cannabis plants come in three different varieties which include indicasativa, and ruderalis. These three strains also come as hybrid plants when they are mixed in different proportions to give varying levels of cannabinoids. Cannabis plants contain cannabinoids such as CBD and THC that have a wide range of medicinal capacities which facilitated the establishment of a medicinal marijuana program. Cannabis is classified as a Schedule 1 narcotic drug by the FDA, but nonetheless, it is still legal in a number of states for recreational and medicinal purposes. CBD and THC derived from cannabis plants are actively used being used medicinally to deal with pain, seizures, mood disorders, and a host of other medical conditions. Examples of medicinal cannabis products include topicals, gummies, tinctures, and transdermal patches.

Industrial Hemp Vs. Medicinal Cannabis

Though both are varieties of the same plant, the major talking point of industrial hemp and medicinal cannabis lies with CBD. Both contain a lot of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, but with respect to their medicinal effect, the important factor is their CBD concentration. As stated earlier, industrial hemp contains more CBD compared to cannabis which has more THC than CBD. It is, however, important to state that that the CBD derived from both sources are the same in terms of effects and benefits. This is because the chemical composition of the compound does not change regardless of the source.

hemp CBD
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RELATED: FDA Rejects CBD As A Dietary Supplement — Are They Right Or Wrong?

One major difference is the legal status of both products in the eyes of the FDA as the 2018 Farm Bill helps the FDA to classify products from both sources differently. Products made from cannabis are expected to contain more than 0.3% of THC which makes them illegal.

Why Does Your CBD Source Matter?

You won’t be categorically wrong if you ask why the source of CBD should matter especially given the fact that it is clearly stated that the chemical makeup of the component does not matter. Firstly, you will remember that we stated that hemp contains more CBD and less THC compared to cannabis which has more THC and CBD. This means that if both are used as sources of CBD, hemp will have more CBD available for extraction compared to cannabis. This information is important as it makes industrial hemp a more lucrative option for manufacturers to source out CBD. The legal status of both products earlier mentioned also makes industrial hemp the option with the least possible legal drawbacks with respect to the FDA.

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

The source of CBD also matters because of the varying classes of CBD extracts that we have from different sources. The entourage effect is a special characteristic of phytochemical molecules like cannabinoids and terpenes. The more the molecules, the better the entourage effect as they work in synergy to give rise to a unique set of effects. CBD can be in broad or full spectrum depending on its source. CBD derived from cannabis, which contains more THC and other cannabinoids, is bound to have more entourage effect which is sure to have a positive affect on the effectiveness of the extract.

Bottom Line

While the source of CBD might be important in terms of the amount of CBD available for extraction and entourage effect, the place of proper consultation is also important. Users of both products for medicinal reasons are urged to inform their doctors to ensure the product is fit for whichever physical or mental health issue they wish to use it for. Both sources of CBD are sure to produce high-quality cannabinoids to meet your medicinal or recreational needs.

Why Police Should Be Held Liable For Destroying Legally Grown Cannabis

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Cops are not required to provide any special storage for the cannabis they seize, meaning that they can literally just drop it in an evidence locker and look the other way.

For those of us who have been smoking cannabis long enough, our relationship with the police is not the best. However, this distrust is not unwarranted. You can simply take a look at arrest records over the past 20 years to see how cannabis users were targeted and charged with simple possession

While cannabis may still be illegal on a federal level, many states have legalized it for recreational or medical purposes. This has changed the dynamics between the police and people who are legally sanctioned to grow weed. However, the cops still have plenty of benefits when it comes to harassing cannabis users and growers alike.

A recent Forbes article illustrated how the police can get away with destroying hundreds of thousands of dollars of goods and have no legal requirement to reimburse the people affected by a wrongful seizure.

Black Resident Make up 97% of All Marijuana Arrests In New York Capital
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The story deals with Chelsea Sutula, the CEO of cannabis retailer Sespe Creek, who in 2016 fell victim to a wrongful arrest by the Ventura County Sheriff deputies and who seized $350,000 worth of cannabis plus an additional $34,000 in cash from the Sespe Creek Collective.

After being arrested, over the next five years she has been battling criminal charges that were consequently dropped. The money was returned to her as well, however, she had to file a civil suit against the Sheriff’s department in order to have her cannabis returned.

For five years, the cannabis sat in an evidence locker and over time. After bugs, mold and natural degradation took place, the entire seizure was rendered “worthless”. The 25 pounds was delivered to Chelsea eventually, but at that point, there was no more monetary value to the crop.

The problem doesn’t come with the cops returning the weed — this is actually completely normal police procedure, especially if they have a wrongful accusation or conviction — it  comes with the nature of cannabis itself.

Cops are not required to provide any special storage for the cannabis they seize, meaning that they can literally just drop it in an evidence locker and look the other way. In the case of Chelsea, a whopping five years went by before they were ordered to return it to the rightful owner.

While many police departments argue that safely storing the cannabis inhibits their ability to investigate any criminal wrongdoing, places like Oregon do require the police to keep the cannabis in a “usable state” and to pay owners any compensation if the crop turns out to be legal. However, this only relates to medical cannabis.

RELATED: Marijuana Is Legal Almost Everywhere, Yet Weed-Related Busts Increase

More importantly, because of the illegality of cannabis on a federal level, there are serious issues with cops returning weed at all. According to Forbes:

Other states don’t even do that much. In 2017, in a decision penned by a judge believed to then be on former President Donald Trump’s short list for US Supreme Court nominees, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that law enforcement in that state “cannot” return cannabis seized “during the course of law enforcement duties.”

Returning legal cannabis to citizens from whom it should not have been confiscated in the first place is allowable only if “it complies with state and federal law.” Since cannabis is still illegal under federal law, the mere act of law enforcement returning it to a citizen is “similar to distribution of a controlled substance,” as the University of Colorado-Boulder reported in a news release. 

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Now, Chelsea Sutula is looking to sue the Ventura County sheriff’s office for rightful compensation and this is definitely something that could send ripples across the nation as more places begin to legalize. If Sutula is successful, it would incentivize the police to make sure that if they are to seize legal cannabis, they will have to store it adequately or be faced with paying the difference.

This has already happened once in 2010 where a medical cannabis patient in San Luis Obispo County won a case against the police and was allotted $20,000 in compensation for six pounds of cannabis. If Sutula wins, it would be the largest payout in the nation from a police department towards a wrongfully charged individual (collective).

Why this is important and why cannabis insurance will become a big thing

Once again, one of the main issues in this story is the illegality of cannabis on a federal level. We are seeing more states legalize, and as a result, many legal businesses might be targeted by the police. I’m not saying that the police are targeting these businesses to harass them, rather, we’re saying that when a mistake is made by the police department, they should be liable for the property.

RELATED: Here’s What Happened To The 100K Cannabis Plants Seized In Historic San Fran Area Bust

Think of it this way: If the cops seize a lambo and then return it all scratched up, a few tires missing and the door removed, they would be held responsible for the condition of the goods. Cannabis is also a good, and currently they can return it “all scratched up” and damaged without having to face any consequence to their actions.

This is something that we will have to take a closer look at as we continue to move forward with legalization all over the nation. We’re coming to a point where these kinds of rulings need to be addressed, especially since 1 in 2 Americans live in a place where cannabis is somewhat legal. If we’re taking a look at hemp cultivation, which at times can also be mistaken for illegal drugs, the entire nation is under some sort of cannabis-related law.

There needs to be some rules of engagement and compensation in place.

Raw Marijuana Won’t Get You Stoned, But It Does Have Some Interesting Benefits

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Raw marijuana doesn’t have THC, but it can be consumed for some extra benefits. Here are some examples.

Amateur cannabis users likely don’t know the inner workings of cannabis. They don’t know that a key element for the “high” experience is heat, which transforms the compound THCA into THC, which is why someone might try to add raw marijuana into their sweets and expect some sort of benefit.

While this doesn’t work, raw marijuana does have some interesting health benefits.

In recent years, people have taken an interest in other parts of the cannabis plant, removing THC from their focus. There are a variety of elements present in the plant that have benefits, at times mysterious, since they haven’t been all that studied. These compounds and terpenes are plentiful and vastly different, to a point where researchers don’t even know how many there are and what their effects are in full.

marijuana leaf
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While consuming raw cannabis won’t get you high and won’t be the most delicious experience, it’s something akin to eating leafy greens. While the plant won’t produce any psychoactive effects, it might help in providing vitamins, minerals and cannabinoids to your system.

RELATED: Why Cannabis Juicing Can Be Good For You

For the THC in the cannabis plant to become effective — providing the high and the sensation of relaxation or creativity — the plant needs to go through a decarboxylation process. This is the step many neophyte cannabis chefs skip before cooking edibles. Decarboxylation occurs when you apply heat to the plant, be that when smoking a joint or when preheating cannabis before adding it in to your edibles.

5 Predictions For The Cannabis Industry In 2020
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In its natural state, cannabis doesn’t have any THC. Instead it has a compound called THCA, which has been linked with anti-inflammatory properties, the promotion of brain health, the propagation of cells, and even slowing down the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Still, no matter how invested you are in cannabis research, there’s no scientific evidence out there that guarantees that consuming the raw plant will provide the anti-inflammatory properties and other benefits it’s been linked to. However, by eating cannabis raw, you’d get the same benefits of eating any other green and leafy plant.

RELATED: 3 Reasons Why Cannabis Is A Powerful Superfood

If you’re interested in eating cannabis and are finding it challenging, there are some options you can try. While some are interested in adding it to salads or as a garnish in their dishes (why?!), juicing might be the simplest way. This process takes advantage of the entire cannabis plant, including the leafs, stem and buds, and makes for a much better option than somehow finding a way to make raw marijuana taste good.

marijuana research
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RELATED: 5 Ways To Utilize Leftover Marijuana Pulp From Cannabutter

Cannabis juices contain all of the compounds and properties in the plant and can be molded according to your tastes. You can mix it with other fruits and veggies, add in some honey for sweetness and end up with something healthy and delicious.

Hopefully this approach can help you utilize cannabis in different ways. If you have access to cannabis leaves then you likely have access to the cannabis plant. Be sure to use it to your advantage; sticks, stems, leaves and the like can be used to infuse drinks, teas, and coffees, or to add a cool and aromatic twist to a cocktail and wow some dinner guests.

DEA Raises Production Levels For Psychedelics, Deschedules Cocaine-Derived Drug — Could Cannabis Be Next?

What about cannabis, which has been repeatedly listed as a substance with high abuse potential and low medical value?

By Nina Zdinjak

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) raised legal production quotas for illegal Schedule I drugs like psilocybin, MDMA and DMT…again. The agency first set its initial targets for psychedelics to be produced for research activities in the U.S. earlier this year, and then raised those numbered in September, opening a public comment period, writes Marijuana Moment.

Now, after the public comment period is over and the DEA reviewed the feedback, it has once again boosted legal production quotas for these substances. The new quota for psilocybin is 6kg by the end of the year, which is quadruple the previous figure.

MDMA And The FDA Approval Process
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When it comes to MDMA and DMT, its final quotas rose 6,300%, with the DEA aiming to have 3.2 kg produced by the end of the year.

“DEA acknowledges the expressions of appreciation to changes in the [Aggregate Production Quotas] for these controlled substances,” the notice states. “The adjustments to select hallucinogenic schedule I controlled substances occurred after DEA received additional schedule I researcher protocols from DEA registered researchers and quota applications from DEA registered manufacturers.”

Furthermore, DEA also aims to have 2000 kg of cannabis produced this year.

DEA To Deschedule Cocaine-Derived Drug 

The agency hit the headlines one more time this week, announcing it will deschedule a controlled substance that’s derived from cocaine, Marijuana Moment reported.

The move comes nearly three years after the DEA obtained a petition for the policy change. And all the while the agency was apparently planning to remove the cocaine derivative from Schedule II and completely remove criminal and associated penalties with the compound, while cannabis and psilocybin remain Schedule I drugs.

RELATED: Biden’s DEA Pick Anne Milgram & Cannabis Implications

The DEA published a notice in the Federal Register last week revealing that the drug [18 F]FP-CIT is “a diagnostic substance that is used in assisting the evaluation of adult patients with suspected Parkinsonian syndromes” and is used in the “visualization of striatal dopamine transporters (DAT) using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.”

The DEA publication further explained, “Based on FDA’s scientific and medical review…and findings related to the substance’s abuse potential, legitimate medical use, and dependence liability, HHS recommended that [18 F]FP-CIT be removed from all schedules of the CSA.”

RELATED: Court Dismisses Petition Requiring DEA To Reschedule Cannabis, But One Judge Says It Could Still Be Reclassified

What about cannabis, which has been repeatedly listed as a substance with high abuse potential and low medical value?

Well, when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in August against a petition to request that the DEA reschedule cannabis in all of its forms under the Controlled Substances Acts (CSA), a ray of light appeared in the form of Judge Paul Watford. Namely, Watford revealed in a concurring opinion that the agency may be obliged to reclassify cannabis considering the misinterpretation of the medical value of marijuana.

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

The Right Kind Of Fat Can Be Good For Your Heart Health

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A new study shows evidence that one type of fat is capable of reducing the odds of a stroke.

When we think of fat, we don’t tend to think about the healthy kind, the type that’s present in avocados and fatty fish. For the most part, we think about french fries and high cholesterol, fats that contribute to a large horde of illnesses and conditions. But a new study found another type of fat that’s good for our heart.

According to the study, presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2021, plant-based fats are capable of lowering the risk of strokes. Researchers found that people who consumed the most of these fats were 12% less likely to have strokes when compared to people who consumed the least of them.

RELATED: This Drinking Habit Could Be Good For Your Health

3 ways simple the vaping industry made cbd oil cooler
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These fats can be found in foods plant-based oils, like sunflower and corn, and are contrasted with fats that come from animals, like red meat, which have often increased the risk of strokes.

“Our findings indicate the type of fat and different food sources of fat are more important than the total amount of dietary fat in the prevention of cardiovascular disease including stroke,” said Fenglei Wang, PhD, lead author of the study.

Researchers were able to track the different types of fats people consumed by asking them to fill out a questionnaire. There were 27 years of follow-up, resulting in a long study made up of thousands of participants. Key findings of the study include participants who ate more animal fats were more likely to experience strokes, and fats belonging to dairy weren’t associated with an increased risk of strokes.

RELATED: Falling Asleep At This Specific Time Might Be Good For Your Heart Health

While fat should always be monitored, it shouldn’t be ignored, since it’s a very important part of our diets and helps us absorb nutrients and vitamins.

Studies like this are always interesting, helping us better understand our bodies and the ways they work. Still, we should always prioritize healthy eating, putting plant-based proteins first, and limiting the processed fats we consume.

National Industrial Hemp Council Lauds Pres. Biden’s Nomination To Lead FDA

If confirmed by the Senate, Robert Califf would oversee decisions that will impact the cannabis industry.

By Nicolas Jose Rodriguez

President Joe Biden is nominating former U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert M. Califf, to lead the agency, once again. Califf, 70, a  cardiologist and clinical trial specialist, served as FDA commissioner for the last 11 months of President Barack Obama’s second term. Before that, he spent more than 35 years as a researcher at Duke University, where he helped design studies for many of the world’s biggest drugmakers, reported AP.

“As the FDA considers many consequential decisions around vaccine approvals and more, it is mission-critical that we have a steady, independent hand to guide the FDA,” Biden said in a statement.

marijuana farm
Photo by Jeremy Poland/Getty Images

Califf was among the first FDA officials to publicly acknowledge missteps in the agency’s oversight of painkillers like OxyContin, which is widely blamed for sparking the ongoing opioid epidemic, now driven by heroin and fentanyl.

RELATED: FDA Rejects CBD As A Dietary Supplement — Are They Right Or Wrong?

The National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) lauded the nomination as a needed step toward new leadership at the agency given oversight of consumed hemp products.

“Senate-confirmed leadership at the FDA will enhance consumer safety for cannabidiol and prime the pump to grow a hemp economy that works for everyone,” NIHC spokesman Larry Farnsworth told Hemp Industry Daily.

RELATED: No, President Biden Cannot Legalize Weed Or Deschedule It, Even With An Executive Order

If confirmed by the Senate, Califf would oversee decisions that will impact the cannabis industry.

Califf has said nothing publicly about cannabinoids such as CBD.

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

How A ‘Dumb Scare’ About Heroin Could Lead To Legal Cannabis In Germany

The story of cannabis being laced with heroin or other hard drugs has been around for decades, but has never had strong evidence to indicate that it actually occurs on a large scale.

By Aaron Bry

Germany, Europe’s most populous country with more than 83 million people, may soon introduce legal cannabis. The push for legal weed in Germany is being helped by a “dumb scare” story about heroin-laced cannabis.

According to a report from Vice, Karl Lauterbach, a Social Democrat (SDP) politician, has said he believes that illegal weed in Germany is being laced with heroin in order to get users addicted.

What US Government Could Learn From Oregon’s New Drug Decriminalization Law
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Lauterbach, who is a professor of public health, has previously been against the legalization of cannabis. But, because he believes that street cannabis often contains heroin, he now thinks that legalizing weed and regulating it outweighs the harmful effects of laced cannabis.

“More and more often, the illegally sold street cannabis is being mixed with a new type of heroin that can be smoked,” Lauterbach said. “This quickly drives cannabis users into a heroin addiction.”

Does Illegal Cannabis in Germany Really Have Heroin In It? 

Here’s the problem with Lauterbach’s theory: there is no evidence to back it up. Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office said it had not found any weed laced with heroin.

Mindzone.info, a non-government organization, tracks drug trends in Germany. Sonia Nunes of Mindzone.info said that it’s possible Lauterbach mixed up heroin with synthetic cannabinoids, which have been found in some street cannabis in Germany.

RELATED: Germany Seeks To Decriminalize Minimum Possession Of Weed And Import Jamaican Bud

The story of cannabis being laced with heroin, or other hard drugs, has been around for decades, but has never had strong evidence to indicate that the drug-lacing actually occurs on a large scale. Either way, many Germans will be happy if legal marijuana does come to the country, even if it is by unconventional means.

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

THC & InflammationWhat It Means For Your Health

A variety of elements present in cannabis provide anti-inflammatory effects, including THC. Here’s what you should know.

Cannabis is an anti-inflammatory agent. The plant has long been associated with a variety of benefits related to the area of pain and inflammation, which is one of the first symptoms that cannabis treats. The compound’s effect on inflammation has helped people manage symptoms of chronic pain, injury recovery, and more.

The elements present in cannabis, like THC and CBD, have all been linked with anti-inflammatory properties, making them good options for a variety of illnesses. These findings have appeared in various studies, and have been reported by a significant number of pro athletes.

RELATED: This Is Why Cannabis Is So Effective At Easing Inflammation

3 Problems With Developing A High THC Tolerance
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Crohn’s disease and chronic pain, both heavily influenced by the patients’ degree of inflammation, are just some of the ailments that report the most benefits when paired with cannabis. A study conducted on patients with Crohn’s indicates that 10 out of 11 patients experienced some form of relief thanks to cannabis, without having to subject themselves to steroids or other types of medications.

When discussing chronic pain or injuries, cannabis provides a path to treat symptoms and pain without relying on opioids and medicines, along with their often dangerous and addictive side effects. While its effects on inflammation may be lesser than the ones provided by opioids or medications, the main perk cannabis offers is that it provides no significant side effects, except for perhaps getting a little bit too high.

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“For me, the major benefits of cannabis are as an anti-inflammatory and the relief from pain, headaches, and other concussion symptoms that I still have years after suffering a bunch of them,” football player Eugene Monroe told Playboy.  “I went from scheduling X amount of pills throughout each day to eliminating all of them. Now that I use cannabis, the only pills I take are vitamins and minerals. There’s no more pharmaceuticals.”

RELATED: This Is Why Cannabis Is So Effective At Easing Inflammation

Why do these results occur? There are only theories in place, but researchers believe that cannabinoids are able to create pathways in the brain that reduce or shut off the body’s anti-inflammatory response. And while THC and CBD have provided a large percentage of anti-inflammatory results when tested out on their own, cannabis’ entourage effect (the collaboration of all elements within the cannabis plant) might be the recipe that provides the best effect of all.

RELATED: Medical Cannabis For Chronic Pain: Global Task Force Develops New Protocols And Guidelines

Cannabis and its compounds THC and CBD are very promising elements when it comes to treating inflammation. While they likely won’t provide the same amount of relief as prescription medications when treating serious conditions, hopefully in the future we’ll be in a place where there’s more research and cannabis can be considered as another valuable option for people to have.

What Is HHC And Does It Get You High

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Presently, HHC products are treading the grey areas of legality between hemp and cannabis . Until definite legislation is announced, retailers and producers will continue to assume HHC to be legal.

Having a full grasp of HHC can be somewhat complicated given it just recently hit the market. Presently, just a few retailers have it for sale and mostly in the form of vape carts. HHC is said to offer plenty of potentials, so don’t be surprised when you begin to hear more about the cannabinoid.

As federal and state agencies continue to place a ban on delta-8 THC, HHC now provides more legal appeal and promise to canna-enthusiast. This is because it is not a THC compound and it’s said to also be able to elude drug tests. However, the evidence for this is simply anecdotal.

legal marijuana users have stopped buying vapes following illness epidemic
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HHC is chemically known as 11-Nor-9β-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol. It is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid and a hydrogenated form of THC. First manufactured in 1944 by an American chemist known as Roger Adams. To produce it, Adams added hydrogen molecules to delta-9 THC, converting THC to tetrahydrocannabinol (HHC). This process is known as a hydrogenation reaction. However, while Adams produced it from traditional cannabis-derived THC, a modern approach is used today. As a result of legislation and policies surrounding the possession and use of cannabis, low-THC cannabis plants and hemp are used to produce HHC.

How Is It Made?

Given HHC is a semi-synthetic compound, it is produced in the lab. Molecules of low -THC cannabis are isolated to give specific cannabinoids with the potential to compete with their family tree. HHC is produced when a specific amount of hydrogen is administered to a cannabis compound altering its chemical structure. After that, a metal catalyst is added to induce a reaction with the compound. This catalyst heightens the overall reaction without damaging the product. The overall chemical reaction produces HHC which wouldn’t otherwise occur in nature.

The catalysts usually used for the production of HHC include platinum, palladium, and nickel. These metal catalysts are removed once the reaction is complete.

Is It Safe?

Just like every of the recent hemp-derived cannabinoids, there’s little information on the long-term and immediate effects of HHC. In fact, there are no standard dosages for these cannabinoids including HHC. Since hemp-derived cannabinoids are not liable to cannabis laws in legal adult-use states, the retailers and makers fail to test their products. As a result, the safety, purity, and potency of hemp-derived cannabinoids (HHC inclusive) are not assured.

However, some retailers still go-ahead to test their HHC products using third-party laboratories. The tests do show a product that contains 99% HHC.

How Potent Is HHC?

Common ground is yet to be reached concerning the potency of HHC. This is because when cannabinoids are produced, the product is usually a mixture of two different types of HHC molecules. These molecules include the 9R HHC and 9S HHC. While the 9R HHC actively binds to the body’s endocannabinoid receptors, 9S HHC does not bind so well owing to the difference in its molecular structure. The 9R HHC molecules that fit into the receptor yield the same effects as delta-9 THC, but, with a higher dosage. Hence, with a significant amount of HHC dosage, THC-like effects can be identified. To simply put, HHC can have the same effect as THC on the mind and body but HHC has a lower potency than delta-9 THC.

RELATED: What Is THC-O And Is It Harmful?

Some HHC users have claimed that HHC gives a pleasant and average cerebral high. There are also claims of HHC serving as pain relief. Some claim they feel sharp, energetic, and strong after using HHC for recreational use.

Benefits And Effects

Among cannabinoids that have been introduced recently, HHC is the only one that shares very close similarities with Delta-9 THC. HHC is similar to Delta-9 THC in terms of a chemical structure and therapeutic effects. This is why many have reported effects such as pain relief, anxiety relief, cerebral and body, relaxation, and happiness after consuming HHC.

RELATED: Research Finds Multiple Benefits Of Rare Cannabinoids

Even though lots of studies are still running to a better understanding, some studies have so far linked it to helping cancer. Among other synthetic and natural cannabinoids, it has been discovered to possibly shrink tumors in cancer patients. This is great news a potential medicinal cannabinoid

vape pen
Photo by Dmitry_Tishchenko/Getty Images

Does HHC Show Up On A Drug Test?

A lot of people are starting to turn to HHC with the claim the cannabinoid can evade drug tests. However, all evidence supporting this claim is only anecdotal. Most of the claims are just hearsay. James Stephens, Vice President of Innovation at Creo, a natural cannabinoid ingredient company, also confirmed that these claims have not been proven in any capacity. Although he asserted that it’s possible that HHC doesn’t convert to 11-hydroxy-THC which is a popular drug test metabolite. If it doesn’t convert to 11-hydroxy-THC, then it can evade drug testing.

Presently, there’s no concrete evidence that backs up the claim it does not show on drug tests. Don’t bet your career and job on hearsays and anecdotal evidence.

Is It Legal?

This is perhaps the most complicated question is legality. The answer is roughly yes. This is because it is a hemp-derived and not produced from THC. Based on this fact, it should be in the clear. Gummies, edibles, and vapes containing it are all legal on the federal level and should also remain legal on state level. Other arguments that support legality claim it is found in the pollen and seeds of hemp plants. Hence, it is non-synthetic and therefore perfectly federally legal.

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Presently, HHC products are treading the grey areas of legality between hemp (which is legal) and cannabis (which is not). Until definite legislation is announced, retailers and producers will continue to assume it is legal.

Bottom Line

All HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) products are produced using chemically hydrogenated HHC from THC. Based on present research, itis not dangerous or harmful, but note that how it’s produced can be dangerous. Hence, the product you buy can have plenty of impurities and contaminants due to poor hydrogenation procedures. To this end, make sure you purchase your products from reputable and credible vendors that have third parties test their products.

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