It’s important to remember that Mexico has very strong laws against gun ownership and a massive problem with guns, and Texas arrested 60,000 people for weed possession last year.
Disclaimer:The views expressed in this article solely belong to the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Fresh Toast.
August 13 was the 500th anniversary of the Spanish Conquest of Mexico, and things are as bloody and absurd as ever.
Well, as the Post headline suggests, American, especially Californian, marijuana has a cachet, like “French Champagne.” Mexican growers have to worry about the violence of the gangs more than the quality of the weed. On the other hand, smuggling weed south is relatively low risk, with excellent profits.
(It is important to note that this story is about LEGAL weed, bought at retail, not from the huge illegal market that is much cheaper, and exists because of high taxes and excessive regulations.)
Of course, while they are not likely to have a major impact on the Mexican market, they may embarrass the Mexican government into complying with their Supreme Court ruling and finally legalize it.
It is important to remember that Mexico has very strong laws against gun ownership and a massive problem with guns, and Texas arrested 60,000 people for marijuana possession last year.
It is also important to remember that Mexico isn’t going anywhere. While the insurrectionists like to talk about “chaos at the border” to distract us from their role in the chaos at the Capitol, the chaos really starts far to the south, and not even in the Americas.
On the other hand, the United States has over 330 million people and over 3,796,742 square miles. We are not being swamped by illegal immigration, but we and the rest of the world are being swamped by the Drug War.
President Biden’s long history of prohibitionism has left him incapable of dealing with the global problems he helped create, while too many Senate Republicans just love talking about freedom, while supporting tens of millions of arrests for marijuana possession.
Some companies that sell their products at ridiculously low prices often use cheap methods to extract CBD oil. Their processes might involve toxic solvents that are harmful to health.
If you are looking to buy CBD (cannabidiol) oils, it is extremely important that you dig deep to find the latest and accurate information about oils. This is because CBD oils now are an industry in themselves and there are always bad apples who look to profit off of customers by scamming or misleading them into buying inferior products. Here is how to find high-quality CBD oil.
The worst part is that it is not always easy for interested CBD oil buyers to find out which CBD products and brands are supported by trustworthy claims. New merchants and brands are flooding the market with the growth in popularity of CBD oil. It is no surprise that each one of them claims to be dealing in the best CBD oils and of the highest quality. However, along with the CBD industry, online selling became very popular in short time. The good thing is that you can blindly trust authority CBD oil review websites and choose your best oil from the list.
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How To Identify High-Quality CBD Oils?
CBD oil is an extract taken from cannabis plants. It is important to note here that CBD, though present in marijuana too, is primarily extracted from agricultural hemp for medicinal purposes. The simple fact that these cannabis varieties contain minimum tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the substance that makes people feel high) makes CBD less controversial and more versatile for the general public.
How is CBD Oil Manufactured?
Unfortunately, there are not many regulations that control the manufacturing process of CBD. In other words, different CBD brands make use of different extraction methods for processing CBD oil from hemp.
Some companies that sell their products at ridiculously low prices often use cheap methods to extract CBD oil. Their processes might involve toxic solvents (such as pentane, butane, propane, and hexane) that are harmful to health.
On the other hand, good companies make use of organic and pharmaceutical-grade ethanol (essentially grain alcohol) for processing CBD. This is done to remove unwanted residues and toxins from the base hemp plant. This method is considered to be the safest method of extracting CBD for human consumption as it yields the highest amount of cannabinoids when compared to other refinement processes.
CBD oil can also be extracted and manufactured through the supercritical CO2 extraction method. Under this method, carbon dioxide is used in extremely cold and high-pressure conditions to ensure that Cannabidiol oil maintains its purity throughout the process.
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Place Where Hemp Is Grown
The source of CBD matters big time! Remember, hemp plants easily absorbs everything that is present in the ground where it was farmed and cultivated. A hemp plant that grew in rich soil will be of high quality, and the CBD extracted from it will be high-quality as well.
Similarly, a hemp plant that is grown in a land that is heavy with metals like lead and mercury is best avoided, as the CBD extracted from it will be unsafe for regular consumption.
You can find information about the land (on which the hemp plants are grown) on the manufacturer/retailer’s website or in their support center. If you are buying CBD oil in the United States, you can be assured of quality as farmers in the country are required to become certified by the State Departments of Agriculture before their product is sold.
Amount of THC Present In CBD Oil
Tetrahydrocannabinol is one of the primary cannabinoids present in both agricultural hemp and marijuana. The original amount of THC (although low in quantity) should not exceed more than 0.3%. For this, you should always ask for laboratory results or check the labels before making a purchase.
Check for a “Full Spectrum” or “Whole-Plant” Label
One of the most impressive characteristics of good CBD oil is that it is manufactured by making use of a whole plant. Although cannabidiol isolates are becoming popular these days, they are cheaper compared to whole plant extracts. The use of whole plants ensures that the CBD oil includes not just cannabidiols but also the full range of hemp plant’s primary and secondary constituents (such as flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids) that work synergistically with cannabidiol.
A large majority of authentic and legitimate CBD oil brands will be ready to share third-party lab results with customers. These results ensure that the CBD oil is everything that it claims to be with low THC levels, high CBD levels and free of impurities.
Conclusion
The market of CBD oils is growing at a steady pace with every passing day and it is here to stay and prosper in the times to come.
While most CBD oil brands deliver high-quality CBD oils, the same cannot be said for all brands. The full legalization of hemp will surely improve CBD enforcement and regulations in the near future but until this really happens, consumers must be extra cautious about what CBD oil brands to trust. Remember, you can make the right CBD oil purchases with a little knowledge at your side. The more, the better the purchase!
Don’t worry about what your scale says. Here are some other ways to know if your weight loss journey is paying off.
Tracking weight loss varies, but the majority of people rely on their scale. While this is clearly an effective way of monitoring weight gain or loss, the scale is a stressful measure, one that doesn’t work for a lot of people and that makes them feel even more pressured to lose the weight they want.
Weight loss can be monitored through a variety of measures, from the way you look to the way you feel. Here are 3 signs you might be losing weight, despite what your scale says.
If you’ve been working out more intensely, and randomly choose to do a low-key exercise, this will likely feel difficult. While it sounds counterintuitive, new workouts and routines — whether your capacity for working out is high or not — are likely to feel more difficult the first time. This doesn’t mean that you’ve gone off track with your health goals.
You feel more hungry
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Since your body is going through some changes, your metabolism might pick up, making your appetite skyrocket. This is a good thing, as your body is becoming more efficient at burning calories that your body greatly needs when you’re putting it through a regular workout.
Sometimes, eating more healthy foods and working out more can result in some weight gain, which can be due to building up muscle, which is heavier than fat. Focus on the feel of your clothes; if they feel more comfortable even though you weigh more, it’s likely those extra pounds are due to new muscle mass.
While names like marijuana and weed carry a certain stigma, the truth is that the plant is natural and overwhelmingly safe.
Just a decade ago, cannabis wasn’t openly discussed in most circles. It was widely used, but was only sold, purchased, and discussed in hushed tones. Today, it’s legal in many parts of the country. And within a matter of years, it’ll be legal throughout the entire United States. And if you think it’s only for getting high, you’d be mistaken. Cannabis is a powerful compound with many applications. Let’s explore in further detail.
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a term that refers to a group of three different plants that have psychoactive properties: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The flowers of these plants can be harvested and dried to produce marijuana/weed.
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While names like marijuana and weed carry a certain stigma, the truth is that the plant is natural and overwhelmingly safe. It has relaxing and calming effects and is known to treat a variety of medical conditions.
“Cannabis is made up of more than 120 components, which are known as cannabinoids,” Healthline explains. “Experts still aren’t sure what each cannabinoid does, but they have a pretty good understanding of two of them, known as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).”
CBD is a compound within the cannabis plant that provides numerous benefits without any euphoric sensation. It’s often used to treat medical issues and conditions.
THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It’s the part that’s responsible for getting “high.” It’s the element that’s still illegal in some parts of the country. (Though this is rapidly changing.)
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5 Ways Cannabis Can be Used
Most people think about cannabis as a recreational drug that people smoke for the purpose of getting high, but this isn’t always the case. Most cannabis users have a good reason for using it. Here are some powerful uses:
Pain Relief
Research studies show that cannabis is an effective treatment option in a variety of painful conditions — ranging from headaches to childbirth. It’s also seen as a much safer alternative to opioids, which are often prescribed to treat acute pain.
Stress Reduction
While cannabis can treat physical pain, it also has an effect on certain mental health issues. This includes stress reduction.
“Cannabis is not always beneficial for people who are susceptible to anxiety, but very low doses can help to ease feelings of nervousness and restlessness and make people feel calmer and more relaxed,” Las Vegas ReLeaf explains. “Some people find that cannabis can help them to calm nerves associated with social anxiety.”
This is an aspect of cannabis use that has the potential to explode. Used in small doses, it can help with chronic stress and potentially prevent full-blown cases of anxiety that stem from chronic stress.
Epilepsy Treatment
According to Epilepsy.com, “Early evidence from laboratory studies, anecdotal reports, and small clinical studies over a number of years suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) could potentially help control seizures.”
As more studies are done on the relationship between cannabis and CBD usage in epilepsy patients, it’ll be interesting to contrast the health benefits and risks. At this point, the benefits column has far more check marks.
Fighting Addiction
For years, politicians, lawmakers, and even medical doctors have lamented over the addictive nature of cannabis. But as time has passed, it’s become clear that it’s not nearly as addictive as once thought. In fact, it might be a viable treatment option for other addictions.
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In certain cases, cannabis is being used to wean people off of other substances like opioids, alcohol, or hard drugs. In this sense, it’s able to fight addiction and provide healing.
Alternative to Less Desirable Habits
Per the previous point, cannabis is seen as a healthy alternative to less desirable habits like smoking cigarettes and heavy drinking. All in all, the science suggests that it’s much safer and has less harmful effects than either of the alternatives.
Is Cannabis an Option for You?
By no means are we advocating cannabis use for everyone. The hope is that this article has opened your eyes to some of the potential uses and benefits so that you can make an informed decision on whether it’s right for you. If you do decide to try cannabis, make sure you do your research and only shop with companies that are reliable.
At the moment, the cannabis industry is still fairly new. So it’s wise to ask around, read reviews, and search for a company that you believe in. For best results, look for businesses that track their products from seed to sale.
These are just some of the basic ways that you can benefit from taking a toke before going out for the evening.
There are a lot of great ways to make a date special. While some people want to go out to the bar and tie one on for a fun evening, others have something different in mind. With all the changes that are happening regarding the views of marijuana usage, it’s not unusual for people who are romantically involved to smoke cannabis instead of using alcohol. Is that a good idea? Absolutely, and we’re going to show you why!
Improves appetite and metabolism
There is nothing worse than having someone over for dinner and they’re too worried or nervous to want to eat. Fortunately, a quick hit off a dab pen or a joint will help people get some of their appetites back. That means you can start off the date with a quick smoke and by the time dinner rolls around, you’ll be ready to have a good meal and dessert with each other!
Like we’ve said before, every kind of cannabis affects a person differently, so make sure that your partner has some experience with marijuana if they’re looking to get hungry instead of worrying about any adverse effects. Best of all, you can combine the two by getting your hands on some tasty edibles, allowing you to sate your hunger and get into a much better frame of mind.
Improves the mood
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The worst thing that occurs when people go on a date is nervousness. It can spoil your otherwise great personality and make you into a nervous wreck instead of a person that knows how to handle themselves. Yet, when you smoke a bowl before a date or on your date, you can ensure that your mood is going to improve drastically.
Instead of focusing solely on the negative aspects of the romantic encounter and thinking about everything that could go wrong, you’ll instead spend time indulging in other aspects of your mentality. This can result in you being more open and outgoing compared to how you would act alone. Just make sure you pick a good strain that promotes relaxation instead of picking one that is going to make you too hyper!
Increases creativity
Another benefit of cannabis use is that it can vastly increase your creativity. Why would you want that on a night when you’re with someone? Well, a lot of relationships are truly solidified when people get together and talk about their hopes and dreams. How can you get in touch with that part of yourself when you’re too worried about your looks or the way your voice sounds? It’s difficult but having some cannabis on hand can make that better for you. You can boost your creativity and tap into the side of you that thinks about the deep questions in life. That way, you can talk about deep topics, learn about your partner, and really test the depths of your connection without having to spend multiple dates getting to know each other. It’s like hitting the fast forward button on your relationship!
You can do it together with a partner
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Last but not least, in case you haven’t noticed, you can smoke cannabis with a willing partner. While you can use it on your own to prepare for a date, it’s a good idea to get your partner involved too. That way, each of you can spend some time getting a good buzz going and determining the best way to go about the evening. You will find that you’re hungry, talkative, relaxed, and pleasant to be around!
By failing to implement meaningful reforms surrounding CBD products, the FDA has created the very problem it’s pointing to: the proliferation of improperly labeled and unsafe products.
Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) maintained its strict and narrow position on the legality of cannabidiol (“CBD”) by rejecting two new dietary ingredient (“NDI”) notifications submitted by Charlotte’s Web and Irwin Naturals. Both companies sought agency clearance to market their full-spectrum hemp extract as “dietary supplements.”
In its letters to these two major brands, the FDA pointed to two main reasons for its rejection:
Drug Exclusion Rule: Because CBD is an active ingredient in an approved pharmaceutical drug (e., Epidiolex), CBD is excluded from the definition of “dietary supplement” under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (the “FDCA”); and thus, cannot also be marketed as a dietary supplement.
Insufficient Data: The FDA raised safety concerns about the sufficiency of the evidence provided by both companies. The agency specifically pointed out to: (a) the “vagueness” of the preclinical and clinical studies provided, which it deemed failed to adequately compare the history of use to the proposed conditions of use for the companies’ hemp extracts; and (b) the failure to sufficiently address certain toxicity endpoints, including reproductive toxicity.
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The FDA’s conclusions are disappointing because both companies:
Addressed the distinction between a full-spectrum products like their extracts from CBD isolate, which is the substance contained in Epidiolex.
Provided ample evidence, including published peer-reviewed toxicology studies and years’ worth of real-world safety evidence, that their products can be marketed in a manner that is reasonably expected to be safe.
The FDA’s objections seem to suggest that the agency is holding hemp-derived CBD companies to a higher standard for NDIs. This dynamic reinforces the need for Congress’ involvement in clearing a legal path for the sale and marketing of hemp-derived CBD products. Legislation like H.R. 841, which would exempt hemp-derived CBD from the Drug Exclusion Rule, would also play a critical role in advancing the body of data needed to support a successful NDI for these products.
As was suggested by several stakeholders, the FDA’s objection to Charlotte’s Web and Irwin Naturals’ NDI notifications reveals, once again, that the agency is not intending to create a regulated market for CBD products. Moreover, in rejecting these two reputable companies’ NDI notifications, the FDA is disincentivizing the industry from seeking compliance and submitting their own NDI notifications.
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Ironically, by delaying its rule-making process and by failing to implement meaningful reforms surrounding CBD products, the FDA has created the very problem it is pointing to when justifying its position: the proliferation of improperly labeled and unsafe products.
The FDA’s continued reluctance to carving a legitimate legal pathway for CBD products is not tenable. By failing to expeditiously serve its administrative functions, the FDA is further denying the CBD industry the ability to succeed and is jeopardizing the very task with which the agency is responsible: to protect public health and safety.
Current law states that marijuana products cannot be advertised unless the business advertising them has evidence that 70% of the audience is made up of adults.
Cannabis billboards are appearing along the highways and byways in Michigan, most likely to the delight of the state’s several million adults who voted to legalize the plant in Nov. 2018 by an indisputable 56-44 margin.
That being said, some state lawmakers are trying to pull them down, although the billboards are regulated and have all been approved by theMarijuana Regulatory Agency(MRA), which makes sure their content does not come across too, well, stoned. In fact, no photos of cannabis products can be displayed on the billboards across Michigan, home state of Benzinga.
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Dispensary owners are miffed. They say they need the publicity more than ever and are willing to pay for it.
“I would say probably 50-60% of our budget right now is on billboards. That’s probably one of the biggest and easiest ways for us to advertise right now,” declared Tom Farrell, founder of Kalamazoo-based dispensary, The Refinery.
Farrell told a local CBS News channel that Michigan pot shops have been forced into advertising on billboards because of tough regulation for ads on nearly every other platform, including social media.
“It would affect us quite a bit,” Farrell said. “I mean, it would take away probably one of our biggest forms of communications to our customers.”
Current law states that marijuana products cannot be advertised unless the business advertising them has evidence that 70% of the audience for the advertisement is made up of adults.
No one is quite sure how that would work, though MRA executive director Andrew Brisbo tried. “They have to get trusted data and be able to demonstrate that to us, so they have to supply their demographic studies to show that the target audience will be who’s viewing this advertising,” Brisbo said.
History Repeats Itself? Not Quite
In April 1970, President Richard Nixon signed legislation banning cigarette ads on television and radio after alarming health studies emerged (as far back as 1939) linking tobacco to cancer. No such studies exist today regarding cannabis.
And it’s not for lack of trying. Government agencies, backed by myriad, sometimes hysterical, media reports over the years have published all manner of anti-cannabis, non-scientifically supported claims, starting with Reefer Madness, up to the most current misinformation that cannabis is a “gateway drug,” which even the National Institute on Drug Abuse refutes.
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Super Majority Have Access To Cannabis Dispensaries In Michigan
Billboards notwithstanding, Michigan residents’ access to cannabis dispensaries is far greater than the rest of the country, according to a new report.
“Over 80% of Michiganders now live within a 20-minute drive of an adult-use retail store,” said Brian Peterson, director of public policy and economic analysis of Michigan-based Anderson Economic Group (AEG), which undertook the study.
“Our analysis shows that the retailers have established themselves across the state in order to meet consumer demand for cannabis.”
Although the report also found that 70% of marijuana consumed in Michigan still comes from sources other than retail stores. “Many consumers are still choosing non-retail options,” Peterson said, “but we expect that the growth in retail stores could convert some consumers into retail customers.”
Despite the illicit weed sales, Michigan still managed to generate quite a haul in cannabis revenue: In 2020, Michigan cannabis sales reached record highs ($3.2 billion, according to AEG) and are on track to possibly double that amount this year.
CBD oil can be used to improve your sleep cycle, inflammation, and digestive system and reduce your chances of getting anxiety.
Suffering from anxiety is natural, especially in times like these where a global pandemic has taken the world by storm
The constant and ongoing stressful atmosphere causes serious damage to your body. Apart from that, it destroys your ability to think, focus, and stay calm. Stress also causes sleep deprivation, loss of energy, and high blood pressure.
For people dealing with all these, CBD oil can work as an absolute miracle. With the help of this product, you can now have the opportunity to a healthy mental condition without any harmful side effects.
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What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol(CBD) can be extracted from cannabis plants, marijuana leaves, and hemp flowers. CBD products act as a natural remedy.
By consuming or using this product you will not get high or have any psychotic reaction. Numerous studies have been carried out on different products of CBD and a quality check has also been approved by the FDA.
Reports say that CBD has less than 0.3 % THC, which is very safe than a lot of other drugs and pills that are taken for mental health.
CBD products are now legally consumed and distributed in many states and countries. The list includes countries like German, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, The USA & The UK.
Just like different brands of marijuana, there are also various brands of CBD oils available.
In the USA you can only use CBD products for medical purposes. It has to be prescribed by a licensed doctor for you to buy and consume it.
If your state has legalized the sale and consumption of cannabis products then it will be easier to find CBD oils in some particular cannabis clinics, shops, and online stores like CBD Oil Uk.
The Difference Between Stress And Anxiety
Stress is a short-term ailment that can happen regularly or once in a while and does not cause any serious damages. Besides, it can be managed easily.
If you face problems like frustration, exhaustion, muscle pain, digestive issues, and difficulty sleeping frequently then it is likely you are dealing with stress.
Anxiety is more severe than stress. It can not be alleviated easily. Instead, it is considered as non-stop excessive worry and fear even when everything is perfectly fine in your life.
Anxiety leads to a set of symptoms that are almost identical to stress but very serious. These include insomnia, difficulty in concentration, fatigue, and muscle tension.
It is important to differentiate the signs of stress and anxiety. Stress is a common cause of anxiety and to avoid anxiety symptoms, it is important to catch them early.
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How CBD Products Can Help
Here are 4 ways CBD products can help reduce anxiety and depression-
1.CBD Improves Your Sleep Cycle
People suffering from anxiety often complain about the lack of sleep.
Excessive anxiety often interrupts your sleep cycle and lack of sleep can, in turn, result in more anxiety.
CBD has claimed to reduce anxiety levels. It has even shown positive results in clinical trials that is why the FDA has approved CBD in the first place.
CBD helps calm our minds and increases the chances of falling asleep naturally and without any disruption.
Also, studies have proven that little extra dosage of CBD creates a sedative effect on your body and helps to sleep and lets your brain rest. CBD products are now used to treat people with insomnia as well.
2.CBD Reduces Pain & Inflammation
Earlier we have discussed that stress and anxiety can cause muscle pain, headaches, and chronic inflammation.
CBD products are completely natural. The products have been proven to be a muscle relaxant and work better than any standard painkillers since it has no side effects.
CBD also works as anti-inflammatory drugs. It controls cytokine production which is generally responsible for various inflammatory diseases in our body.
This increased inflammation is also connected to higher levels of anxiety. Just like sleep and anxiety, this one is also a chain reaction.
Inflammatory diseases like psoriasis and arthritis can cause depression and anxiety in the long run. CBD oil helps to reduce inflammation and pain by reducing cytokine and affecting CB-2 receptors. This reduces pain and decreases the chance of getting an anxiety attack.
3. CBD improves mood
CBD is considered as a “Neuroprotective” material. “Neuroprotective” actually means it will protect nerve cells by keeping a safe functioning state of the nervous system.
Moreover, it decreases the oxidative stress of your brain.
By keeping your negative emotions in check, CBD helps you to improve your mood and keeps your brain calm and relaxed. It reduces unnecessary stress and anxiety.
4. CBD Helps Enhance Metabolism
If you have a poor digestive and metabolism system, it will affect your quality of life.
It will make you feel bloated and lethargic. Illness disrupts the natural functioning of your body and if it becomes more serious it causes stress and ultimately, leads to anxiety.
If you start consuming CBD regularly, it will improve your metabolism, burn unnecessary fat, and make you feel better.
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How To Choose CBD Products
CBD has various types of products in the market including oil, tablets, edibles, beverages, creams, and vape. Although the overall vape sales slowed down during this year. Things are starting to look better.
But still, the CBD oils are the most popular ones by a large margin.
Each of the types provides almost the same benefits with some unique advantages of their own.
CBD oils have to be consumed daily and provide the most health benefits. They are also the most concentrated ones.
CBD gummies are sweet and take a long time to take effect. CBD lotions are best for exterior physical discomfort.
Depending on your medical condition, you should consult with a healthcare professional who has experience with CBD to choose the right product.
Final Thoughts
The coronavirus has spread all around the world and claimed the lives of many. This pandemic is taking its toll on everyone. So it is natural to have anxiety attacks. CBD products may not be able to directly battle the coronavirus but it certainly can help reduce your stress and anxiety.
Other studies have supported the evidence we have today that CBD and other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant can improve quality of life and slow the onset of Alzheimer’s, especially when it comes to targeting inflammation.
Senior citizens are the fastest-growing demographic among cannabis users, and there’s good reason for that.
The elderly population can benefit greatly from cannabis use, because it can help make their golden years more comfortable and pain-free. So it’s no surprise to see that this demographic continues to grow today while in the past they though that the use of cannabis was a bad thing.
The media has helped significantly in spreading awareness of cannabis use among the elderly. In fact, a 2020 poll by CBS revealed that there has been a 250% increase among cannabis use for people ages 65 and up, while those aged 50-65 have also increased use by 58%. And with 5.8 million of the American population living with Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions such as dementia, this almost inevitable stage in their life can use some help.
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Alzheimer’s is a common progressive disease among the elderly, which starts out with slight memory loss. Over time, patients end up struggling with carrying on a conversation, and face difficulties with everyday life. If you have parents, it’s one of the things surely no one looks forward to dealing with.
How CBD Helps
Thankfully, there’s more new research supporting how cannabidiol (CBD) can help slow the onset of Alzheimer’s and make managing it simpler.
In March 2021, researchers from the Augusta Georgia Dental College of Georgia conducted a 2-week study with positive results. For the first time in history, they were able to demonstrate that CBD is beneficial in normalizing the level and function of the TREM2 and IL-33 proteins, which are vital in helping the immune systems of the brain eat off dead cells as well as other plaque that builds up in patients with Alzheimer’s. In addition, they found that CBD reduces IL-6 levels, an immune protein that has been linked to high inflammation among patients with this condition, says Dr. Babak Baban, a corresponding author of the study and an immunologist as well as an associate dean for research.
“Right now we have two classes of drugs to treat Alzheimer’s,” explains Dr. John Morgan, a study co-author, a neurologist and director for the Movement and Memory Disorder Programs of the MCG Department of Neurology. He says that one classes focuses on increasing acetylcholine, which is also reduced in Alzheimer’s, while another works by improving the NMDA receptors that assist with communication among neurons, and is necessary for memory. “But we have nothing that gets to the pathophysiology of the disease,” he adds.
In their animal study, the mice treatments revealed improved a 7 and 10-fold improvement among IL-33 and TREM2 respectively after they were given high doses every other day for 2 weeks. Aside from that, the mice who were given CBD also had better results in cognitive assessments and movement tests.
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Dr. Hesam Khodadadi also says that individuals with Alzheimer’s are prone to movement issues such as an impaired gait or stiffness. But in the mice subjects, movement disorders stopped after they were given CBD.
“There is a dire need for due innovative therapeutic modalities to improve outcomes of AD patients… Our findings suggest that CBD treatment enhanced IL-33 and TREM2 expression, ameliorated the symptoms of AD, and retarded cognitive decline,” says the study.
How Else Cannabis Helps With Alzheimer’s
Other studies have supported the evidence we have today that CBD and other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant can improve quality of life and slow the onset of Alzheimer’s, especially when it comes to targeting inflammation.
In 2016, a study by Salk Institute researchers in California found that CBD among other cannabinoids was beneficial in improving the connection among brain cells in people with dementia. Their findings were validated in the lab too. “Although other studies have offered evidence that cannabinoids might be neuroprotective against the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, we believe our study is the first to demonstrate that cannabinoids affect both inflammation and amyloid beta accumulation in nerve cells,” explains Professor David Schubert of Salk Institute, the paper’s senior author.
The research discovered that high amounts of amyloid beta was linked to inflammation on the cellular level, and neuron death. When the cells were exposed to THC, they found that amyloid beta protein levels were reduced and it also brought down the inflammatory response it caused, improving the survival rates of nerve cells.
“Inflammation within the brain is a major component of the damage associated with Alzheimer’s disease, but it has always been assumed that this response was coming from immune-like cells in the brain, not the nerve cells themselves,” explains first author Antonio Currais, who is also a postdoctoral researcher for Schubert. “When we were able to identify the molecular basis of the inflammatory response to amyloid beta, it became clear that THC-like compounds that the nerve cells make themselves may be involved in protecting the cells from dying.”
Other studies also found that when the body produces our own endocannabinoids, as well as exercise, can be beneficial in slowing the onset of Alzheimer’s.
On top of that, studies indicate that CBD works by reversing the brain’s aging process, which speeds up with Alzheimer’s. They specifically found that CBD has the potential in reversing dementia, though THC may be beneficial too though it can be challenging to treat seniors with THC due to their age.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the research proving how cannabis can help with Alzheimer’s. When compared to all the pharmaceutical medications with side effects, it’s clear that cannabis is the way to go.
The sale of THC-O opens up all parties involved to criminal risks associated with drug trafficking. Here’s why.
For years, the only cannabinoid that anyone seemed to care about was delta-9 THC. Cannabinoids are compounds found in or derived from cannabis (or in some cases, other organic materials). Delta-9 is the component in marijuana that gets users high. However, it is not the only compound in the cannabis plant.
Starting in 2016, CBD emerged as a wildly popular, non-psychoactive cannabinoid that could be derived from hemp, which is cannabis with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis. Then came delta-8 THC, which has exploded in popularity as the next big thing in cannabis.
In light of this, we at the Green Light Law Blog want to inform our readers about other, up-and-coming cannabinoids. Today we will focus on THC-O’s legality and more.
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What is THC-O?
THC-O-acetate (THC-O) is a minor cannabinoid that is converted from delta-8 THC (which is usually first converted from CBD) or from delta-9 THC. THC-O is not naturally occurring in the cannabis plant, distinguishing it from many other naturally occurring cannabinoids such as CBD and delta-9 THC. Even delta-8 can be found in trace amounts in the cannabis plant though most delta-8 products contain delta-8 converted from CBD.
For more on this, check out this MJBizDaily article. At least one patent has been granted for the process of converting cannabis oil into THC-O: US Patent No. 10,792,584. THC-O is potent. It is described as having three-times the psychoactive effect of delta-9 THC and lasts much longer.
What is the legal status of THC-O derived from hemp?
THC-O derived from hemp is most likely going to be considered an illegal product by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The 2018 Farm Bill amended the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to exempt “tetrahydrocannabinols in hemp” from the CSA. THC-O is not specifically listed as a controlled substance. One would think that this Farm Bill reference would cover THC-O, making it fall outside the confines of the CSA. But the analysis is more complicated because THC-O is not naturally occurring in cannabis, including hemp. Therefore an argument can be made that THC-O is not a tetrahydrocannabinol in hemp despite being derived from cannabinoids in hemp.
The process by which THC-O is manufactured also has legal significance. The DEA has made its position clear when it comes to synthetically-derived cannabinoids in its Hemp Rule, issued in August 2020:
The [2018 Farm Bill] does not impact the control status of synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinols (for Controlled Substance Code Number 7370) because the statutory definition of “hemp” is limited to materials that are derived from the plant Cannabis sativa L. For synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinols, the concentration of Δ9-THC is not a determining factor in whether the material is a controlled substance. All synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinols remain schedule I controlled substances.
Because THC-O is produced in a laboratory, it is likely that it would be considered a “synthetic cannabinoid” by the DEA. The term “synthetic” is not clearly defined in DEA regulations or the CSA. According to a DEA Resource guide from 2017, “Synthetic cannabinoids are not organic, but are chemical compounds created in a laboratory.” Black’s Law Dictionary defines “synthetic” as “[a] product not naturally produced but fabricated through synthesis.” In turn, “synthesis” means the “[p]rocess of combining substances to create a new substance.” Based on these definitions, and the DEA rule, it seems likely that the DEA does or will consider THC-O derived from hemp as a controlled substance.
In addition, there is the Federal Analogue Act. 21 USC 813. The Analogue Act essentially expands the CSA to products that are analogues of a controlled substance. For example, in the mid 2000s, the Analogue Act was used to classify synthetic THC (aka Spice) as a controlled substance. Usually, the DEA must go through a procedure to classify a new controlled substance that requires public comment but if a substance is an analogue then this is not required.
The Analogue Act defines a “controlled substance analogue” as a substance— (i) the chemical structure of which is substantially similar to the chemical structure of a controlled substance in schedule I or II; (ii) which has a stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system that is substantially similar to or greater than the stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system of a controlled substance in schedule I or II.” 21 USC 802(32). Delta-9 THC is a Schedule I substance and THC-O is chemically similar to delta-9 THC and results in a high that is likely stronger than delta-9. Under the Analogue Act, THC-O would very likely be considered an analogue.
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State law may also factor into the question of THC-O legality. I recently wrote about HB 3000’s impact on Delta-8 products in Oregon and the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission’s (OLCC) role in regulating hemp products. HB 3000 defined a new class of products called “Adult Use Cannabis Products” which may not be sold to anyone under the age of 21. The presence of “Artificially derived cannabinoids” makes a product an Adult Use Cannabis Product. According to HB 3000, “Artificially derived cannabinoid” means a “chemical substance that is created by a chemical reaction that changes the molecular structure of any chemical substance derived from the plant Cannabis family Cannabaceae.” In Oregon, THC-O derived from hemp may not be explicitly prohibited, but they would be restricted. Other states may ban all forms of THC from hemp, so it is important to consider how state law plays into the question of legality.
Bottomline
Because THC-O is not naturally occurring in hemp, its legality is highly questionable considering the DEA’s position on synthesized cannabinoids and the Analogue Act. The sale of THC-O opens up all parties involved to criminal risks associated with drug trafficking. While it is unlikely that the DEA will allocate limited resources to THC-O, it is not outside of the realm of possibilities. Be careful out there and feel free to reach out with any questions about THC-O. We will also be writing about other minor cannabinoids so stay tuned to the Green Light Law Blog.
Daniel Shortt is a corporate and regulatory attorney based in Seattle, Washington who works extensively with entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. You can contact him at info@gl-lg.com or (206) 430-1336.
