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What Is THCA In Cannabis And What Can It Do For You?

THCA is the acid form of THC that’s found in the raw cannabis plant. What does all this mean though, and how can THCA have a positive impact on one’s life?

The cannabis plant contains over 400 chemical entities and more than 60 of them are cannabinoid compounds. What is THCA and what can it do for you? It is one of  cannabinoid compounds which contains its own variety of medicinal properties and therapeutic effects.

THCA is a unique compound because it’s not only non-psychoactive and medically beneficial, but it’s the acid form of THC that’s found in the raw cannabis plant. What does all this mean though, and how can THCA have a positive impact on one’s life?

About THCA & Its Link To THC

As mentioned, THCA is the acid form of THC that’s found in the raw cannabis plant. In general, cannabis produces all cannabinoids in acid form. One of the most abundant of all cannabinoid acids is THCA, which is a precursor to THC. On its own, cannabinoid acids don’t make users high. Instead, these acids deliver a variety of health benefits minus changes in consciousness.

When one consumes THC, a decarboxylation process normally takes place first. Decarboxylation is the term that’s used to describe the heating of a compound via smoking or vaping. To convert THCA into THC, raw cannabis first needs to be dried, aged, and heated via smoking or vaping. Overall, THC is a breakdown of THCA, and it doesn’t deliver psychoactive effects until it’s heated through decarboxylation.

What Is THCA In Cannabis And What Can It Do For You
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Medicinal & Therapeutic Benefits Of THCA

Although research on THCA is in its infancy stage, a great deal of research findings has emerged regarding several of its medicinal benefits. After learning about THCA and its link to THC, let’s discuss the medicinal and therapeutic benefits of this compound. Different studies have been performed on THCA in recent years, which discovered the following potential benefits of the compound:

In addition, there’s also much promise in consuming THCA to treat epilepsy and seizures. In one particular study, two milligrams of THCA administered daily resulted in the subject experiencing a 90 percent seizure reduction. Similarly, when specific terpenes are combined with THCA in a cannabis strain, this combination can significantly contribute to the anti-seizure and anti-epileptic effect THCA has on patients.

RELATED: Marijuana’s THC-A As An Anti-Inflammatory And Neuro-Protectant

On the same note, recently, a publication was released by Dr. Dustin Sulak and Dr. Bonni Goldstein regarding the usage of THCA in the treatment of epilepsy. Dr. Sulak reported that a higher THCA dose (two milligrams) combined with THC can be effective in treating seizures, pain, and arthritis. Then, Dr. Goldstein reported that daily THCA consumption of 10-20 milligrams proved to be effective in pain reduction in some patients with arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

A Primer On The Science Of Cannabis Terpenes And Cannabinoids
Photo courtesy of Trail Blazin’

Additional Medicinal Benefits Of THCA

Furthermore, medical cannabis patients who have been diagnosed with seizures or epilepsy may benefit more from consuming multiple cannabinoids and whole plant compounds rather than just CBD on its own. However, each individual case is different. In addition to the medical benefits listed above, there are more uses for THCA. For example, it has been found that THCA has a significant impact on the endocannabinoid system. Thus, reports indicate THCA’s ability to deliver anti-spasmodic, anticonvulsant, and anti-insomnia effects to users while also being immune supportive.

Moreover, regarding THCA’s anti-proliferative properties, one study conducted in 2013 found that in animal models and cell structures, THCA inhibited the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. Additionally, a study that was conducted one-year prior (2012) discovered that THCA neutralized damage caused by oxidative neurotoxins. Although more research should be conducted to confirm this finding, this discovery represents the potential of consuming THCA to help treat neurodegenerative diseases caused by oxidative stress.

RELATED: How Marijuana’s THCA Can Effectively Treat Your Worst Pain

Lastly, at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, Erin Rock and other scientists found that extremely low doses of THCA were able to prevent nausea in rat subjects. It was also discovered that THCA successfully synergizes with CBDA, thus, acting as a strong antiemetic compound.

Overall, the medicinal and therapeutic effects of THCA should be researched and studied more. However, the effects and properties that have already been discovered point to the significant potential of this compound, which shouldn’t be dismissed. If you’d like to consume THCA, it’s suggested to look for high-THC strains that haven’t been decarboxylated yet. You could also juice or blend raw cannabis parts such as leftover fan leaves, buds, and/or stems to reap as many benefits of THCA as possible!

Cannabis Is Coming! The Latest On Colombia And Mexico

Columbia lawmakers say the regulated sales of cannabis could help counteract the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As many of our readers will know, the U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on nationwide decriminalization of marijuana this month under the MORE Act. If legislators in Colombia and Mexico have their way, the House’s counterparts in two important Latin American economies could be following its steps.

In Colombia, Reps. Juan Carlos Losada (Liberal – Bogota) and Juan Fernando Reyes (Liberal – Valle del Cauca) have introduced a bill to permit recreational cannabis use. Currently, Art. 49 of the Colombian Constitution prohibits the possession and consumption of narcotic or psychotropic substances. The bill would amend Art. 49 to exclude cannabis from its prohibitions.

The bill’s sponsors are bold, not mincing words in the way many U.S. politicians do, even when they support legalization efforts. According to Losada, cannabis “is not a dangerous drug,” citing the World Health Organization. By contrast, even Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee (who has “earned top marks—an ‘A’ grade—from NORML“), stresses the need to “talk to kids about why marijuana isn’t safe.”

RELATED: Mexico Just Legalized Marijuana In Historic Milestone

Losada and Reyes argue in favor of legalization drawing from a range of arguments. One is economic, noting that regulated sales of cannabis could help counteract the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DEA Doesn't Want You To Worry About Its New Hemp Rule—Don’t Take the Bait!
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In addition to tax proceeds, the country’s budget would benefit from savings on law enforcement activity relating to cannabis. They also point out that a legal market for cannabis would divert proceeds away from criminal syndicates, a consideration that is likely to resonate with many Colombians, given the country’s bloody struggles with drug cartels. In addition, legalization would facilitate research. The sponsors also highlight the implications for individual freedom of giving adult Colombians a choice when it comes to cannabis.

RELATED: Border Woes: Transporting CBD Into Canada Is Not OK

Meanwhile in Mexico, the Senate majority leader, Ricardo Monreal (MORENA – At-Large), announced cannabis legislation was “one of the priorities” of his parliamentary group once legislative sessions resume. His declarations came after his colleague Jesusa Rodríguez (MORENA – At-Large) brought a cannabis plant into the Senate chamber. The plant was a gift from members of the Mexican Cannabic Movement, who are engaged in an indefinite sit-in on Senate grounds in favor of cannabis legislation. According to Monreal, this was probably the first time a cannabis plant was brought into the Senate building.

For more on Mexico and cannabis, check out the following:

Fred Rocafort is an attorney at Harris Bricken. This article was originally published on the Canna Law Blog and has been reposted with permission.

Does Robert Pattinson Smoke Weed

Everybody’s favorite moody vampire is making headlines again for coming down with COVID. Is he smoking weed to help him heal?

Robert Pattinson, who many know as Edward Cullen in “Twilight”, is making a switch from pale vampire to dark knight in the latest Batman sequel. He’s also making a name for himself in another way: as the latest celebrity to be diagnosed with COVID-19. According to CNN, the actor tested positive for coronavirus, temporarily halting the production on “The Batman,” one of the most anticipated movies of 2021.

We all know Pattinson is considered a total smoke show to many fans, but does he smoke weed?

Pattinson is a prolific actor, one who’s made a name for himself while working in both independent and critically acclaimed films. After his involvement with the Harry Potter franchise and the Twilight movies, he’s steered clear of blockbuster films. Lately he’s been linked with bigger budget films, like “Tenet,” which is enjoying a limited release in theaters (if you can’t get to a theater, you can stream the score!), and, of course, “The Batman,” which is expected to be a huge hit.

RELATED: Does Katy Perry Smoke Weed?

Still, Pattinson appears to be private when it comes to his personal life, never discussing his relationships or habits, only making appearances for press junkets. There’s not a lot out there when it comes to his marijuana use (or lack thereof). 

The Discovery Of A Cannabinoid 30 Times Stronger Than THC Isn't All Good
Photo by Dimitris Meletis/Getty Images

In 2013, Pattinson was spotted at Coachella with his then girlfriend Kristen Stewart. According to a tweet, they were smoking weed together. While it could be a lie, the tweet gained some traction and everyone smokes weed at Coachella, so it would make sense.

While Pattinson and Stewart broke up a few years ago, Stewart has always been open about her marijuana use. In 2012, paparazzi took a photo of her smoking weed on her front porch. “The next day, it was like I was a delinquent, slimy idiot, whereas I’m kind of a weirdo, creative Valley Girl who smokes pot,” she said. “Big deal.” The more the years have passed, the more open and laid back she’s been about her drug use.

RELATED: Does Bella Thorne Smoke Weed?

But as far as whether or not Pattinson smokes marijuana regularly, we can only assume that he has smoked weed occasionally. So he may not be a pothead, but he’s definitely smoked weed.

Marijuana Use On The Rise Among Boomers

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Changing attitudes and public education around cannabis likely influenced the consumption habits of older Americans, study finds.

Older Americans rank as the newest growing demographic of cannabis users in the nation. A new survey reveals that about 1 in 20 Americans ages 55 and older have smoked marijuana in the past month.

The study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, analyzed three years of national survey data collected between 2016 to 2018 from over 170,000 adults over the age of 55. Researchers found cannabis use among men (6.7%) was almost double that of women (3.5%).

Study co-author and University of Massachusetts Medical School professor Bill Jesdale suggested that changing attitudes and new available education around cannabis use could explain the trend.

“It could be there are more people using marijuana for medical conditions,” Jesdale said. “It could be there are more using it for recreational uses. It could be more people acknowledging use, in an environment when it’s easier to say that you use products when talking to someone from the government.”

RELATED: New Studies Show Marijuana Effective At Treating COVID-19 Symptoms

A different study published last month found that cannabis users over the age of 60 self-reported improvements in their health-related quality of life (HRQL). Researchers collected data from medical marijuana use among older patients in Colorado and Illinois across a one-year period. There was a “strong positive association” connecting how often patients used cannabis and self-reporting upgrades in pain management, health-care utilization, and HRQL.

Here's What You Should Know About Seniors & CBD
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“Many seniors likely experimented first-hand with cannabis during their youth and are now returning to it as a potential therapy to mitigate many of the health-related symptoms that come with older age, including chronic pain,” NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said. “Many seniors are well aware of the litany of serious adverse side-effects associated with available prescription drugs, like opioids, and they perceive medical cannabis to be a viable alternative.”

RELATED: How Brett Favre Went From Vicodin Addict To CBD Advocate

Public attitudes about cannabis legalization among baby boomers, or those born between 1946 and 1964, have certainly changed in recent years. Recent polling by the Pew Research Center shows 63% of all boomers are in favor of legal marijuana.

Said Armentano, “As their attitudes continue to evolve on cannabis, expect to see many politicians at the state and federal level shift their views as well.”

Voting Is More Likely To Get You Laid Than Not, So Says OKCupid

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A survey conducted by OKCupid found that voting is an important issue for dating, making it more likely for users to get matches and messages.

Election years have a big impact on our daily lives, increasing our stress levels, tensions between political parties and even the amount of guns that are sold. Politics also play a role in dating.

According to a survey conducted by OKCupid, voting is a very important issue for its members. In fact, more than a half-million members said they wouldn’t date someone who didn’t vote.

OKCupid broke down the results by state, showing how members feel about prominent political issues. Results show that 91% of OKCupid female members were registered to vote compared to 89% of men. The site also broke down voters by generation, with Baby Boomers being the largest percentage of registered voters.

Fifty-percent of users said that the question “Are you registered to vote?” was important for them when finding a match. People who are registered to vote are 63% more likely to get a match and 83% more likely to receive a message. They’re also more likely to be seen as self confident, valuing intelligence over looks, enjoying discussions of politics, being more open with their feelings and, for some reason, enjoying the taste of beer.

RELATED: OKCupid Says Caring About The Environment Gets You More Dates

Should The Coronavirus Alter Our Dating Behavior?
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In order to encourage people to vote, OKCupid is launching a badge, asking users if they’re registered to vote. If users select Yes, a badge will be automatically be added to their profiles. If people select No, then OKCupid will open a link in their device that’ll allow people to register.

“Now more than ever, daters want to connect with people who share their values,” said OKCupid CEO Ariel Charytan. “Over the past few years, people on OkCupid have become more vocal about today’s leading issues — from climate change to voting rights.”

RELATED: OkCupid Says That People Are Prioritizing Politics Over Sex

OKCupid previously released some stats on politics and how important it is for their members, with many claiming that they’d be unable to date someone from their opposing political party. It’s 2020 and it’s impossible to sweep politics under the rug.

Drone Makes It Rain Marijuana To Protest Cannabis Laws In Israel

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The Green Drones group is a cannabis legalization advocacy group in Israel and promotes a “free love” slogan. Apparently, that includes free weed.

Imagine standing in a busy town square and suddenly it starts raining. But is isn’t water you feel. Instead, tiny bags of cannabis drop from the sky via drone. Would you take the freebie?

Tel Aviv pedestrians walking in Israel had to make that decision Thursday afternoon when more than 100 packets of weed fell in Rabin Square, where residents were seen rushing to scoop as many bags as they could. Two members from a group called “Green Drones” are suspected of operating the weed drop and have been arrested on drug trafficking charges.

RELATED: Israel: Cannabis Powerhouse

Hints of this upcoming stunt called “rain of cannabis” were sent over the secure messaging app Telegram, The Jerusalem Post reports.

“It’s time my dear brothers. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the green drone, handing out free cannabis from the sky… Enjoy my beloved brothers, this is your pilot brother, making sure we all get some free love,” a message sent over Telegram read.

“We’re launching the ‘rain of cannabis’ project, that will include a weekly delivery to different parts of the country of 1 kilo of cannabis divided into free 2 gram bags.”

israel
Photo by stinne24 via Pixabay

The Green Drones group is a cannabis legalization advocacy group in Israel and promotes a “free love” slogan. Cannabis possession is partially decriminalized currently in small amounts, but distribution is a criminal offense. But Green Drones reportedly plans to continue the “rain of cannabis” project, regardless of the potential penalty.

RELATED: COVID-19 And Cannabis: What’s The Latest In Treatment?

The weed drop comes ahead of the country’s upcoming plan to shut down 30 “red” cities to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Israel currently has one of the world’s highest COVID-19 infection rates. Green Drones said the lockdown partially inspired this project, as the pandemic “requires thinking outside the box and coming up with new ways of getting cannabis to consumers.”

Top 5 Fresh Toast Stories Sept. 4, 2020

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Here are the top 5 Fresh Toast stories Sept 4, 2020.

ICYMI: Here are the headlines making headlines this week on The Fresh Toast.

The Governor of Nebraska doesn’t believe medical marijuana is a thing (who’s going to tell him?); cannabis is showing promise as a treatment for COVID-19 symptoms; soft talkers may save us from the pandemic; Trump may be willing to lose the election over marijuana prohibition; and finally, a lady’s guide to discreet marijuana use.

Let’s dive into the top five news stories from The Fresh Toast this week.

Nebraska Gov. Claims There’s ‘No Such Thing As Medical Marijuana’

Nebraska Gov. Ricketts Claims 'No Such Thing As Medical Marijuana'
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A voter-approved initiative to legalize medical cannabis in Nebraska will appear on the November ballot, but marijuana shouldn’t even be labeled a medicine, according to Gov. Pete Ricketts.

“There is no such thing as medical marijuana,” Ricketts said at a press conference Monday. “This is not something that would be prescribed by a doctor. It’s not going to be distributed through a pharmacy. These are dispensaries that would be in your communities.”

Read the full article here.

New Studies Show Marijuana Effective At Treating COVID-19 Symptoms

New Studies Show Marijuana Effective At Treating COVID-19 Symptoms
Photo by JONGHO SHIN/Getty Images

University of South Carolina researchers now believe marijuana’s THC could be effective against battling symptoms caused by the coronavirus based on a trio of studies. In each study, THC helped prevent a deadly immune system response that causes acute respiratory syndrome (ARDS) and boosted healthy lung bacteria.

“We have been working on cannabinoids for over 20 years and found that cannabinoids such as THC are highly anti-inflammatory,” study co-author Prakash Nagarkatti said. “Thus, our studies raise the exciting suggestion to test THC against ARDS seen in COVID-19 patients.”

Read the full article here.

These Types Of People Are More Likely To Spread The Coronavirus

Loud People Are More Likely To Spread The Coronavirus
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Those who speak in low tones are capable of reducing the transmission risk of the coronavirus by 80%.

These findings were reported by The Atlantic, which spoke with several experts and concluded that silence in public spaces is an extremely efficient way of keeping the spread of the virus under control.

Since COVID seems to be transmitted primarily through droplets that come out of our nose and mouth when we sneeze or cough,  “Every route of viral transmission would go down if we talked less, or talked less loudly, in public spaces,” Jose L. Jimenez, a professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, who studies disease transmission, told The Atlantic. “This is just a very clear fact. It’s not controversial.”

Read the full article here.

Is Trump Willing To Lose the Election For Marijuana Prohibition?

Is Trump Willing To Lose the Election For Marijuana Prohibition?
Photo by Spencer Platt/Staff/Getty Images

On a campaign visit to Wisconsin, Trump “urged Republicans not to place marijuana legalization initiatives on state ballots out of concern that it will increase Democratic turnout in elections… and that he blames marijuana legalization efforts on former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s (R) defeat in the 2018 election.”  

“The next time you run please don’t put marijuana on the ballot at the same time you’re running,” Trump said, directing his advice to Walker, who was in the crowd. “You brought out like a million people that nobody ever knew were coming out.” 

Read the full article here.

A Women’s Guide To Tasteful Marijuana Use: Tincture, Vape, And Edibles

Women And Minorities Push To Maintain Presence In Cannabis Industry
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Some women would prefer a more discreet method for using marijuana. If we’re perfectly honest, the smell of smoking cannabis can feel like a little much for certain circumstances. Although there are many options out there, a trip to a dispensary can be downright overwhelming if you’re not certain what you’re looking to buy.

Looking for a more tasteful way to consume cannabis? Here’s what you need to know before making your next purchase. 

Read full article here.

How To Approach A Friend Who Refuses To Wear A Mask

Before you lose your cool on a loved one who thwarts face coverings during a raging pandemic, try to get your message of concern across by follow these simple tips.

At this point, most of us understand the importance of face masks and wearing them in public spaces. Still, as you walk down the street, you’re likely to stumble upon a few people with no masks on, or, inexplicably, with their masks around their wrists. It’s natural to feel annoyed by this type of behavior. When it comes to friends and family committing these kinds of acts, it’s a challenge to remain impartial and avoid a blowout.

The reasons why people are not wearing their masks vary from politics to laziness to not wanting to mess up their makeup. While it may feel great to rant to your face mask avoidant friend or relative, your efforts will likely not be effective if you let your emotions   control you.

RELATED: What Exactly Is A COVID Super Spreader?

“If you bully, threaten or guilt someone to change, at worst you will invoke primal defense mechanisms that will end in aggression,” Dr. Daryl Appleton  tells Men’s Health. “Fear will generally keep the mind closed. When we invest deeply in a feeling, we feel it with our whole body and mind, and to admit that we may be wrong or have to change can be an incredibly scary thing.”

Ask Mister Manners, Thomas P. Farley: 'Do I Give A Gift If It’s A Virtual Wedding?'
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If you feel like you should be doing more to educate others (or if people not wearing masks just really bugs you), it’s important to prepare for a discussion. Like most arguments regarding political ideologies and differences in morals, you’ll most likely be unable to sway them completely. But, if you approach these issues correctly, you might get to a place of understanding, a midpoint where both people get where the other is coming from.

RELATED: Skincare Tips When You’re Wearing A Face Mask

When discussing the issue with a loved one, try to come from a place of respect, remembering why you care about this person. Appeal to their core values and show them unbiased opinions on why masks work, scientific facts supporting social distancing and why it’s important to take care of yourself and others. Express how their behavior makes you feel, how you’d feel more confident socializing with them if they were more careful with their safety practices. Do your best to keep your judgement to yourself, even if it’s incredibly difficult.

What Exactly Is A COVID Super Spreader?

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 A super spreader event can be a small gathering, but that doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous. Here’s what you should know.

The term “super spreader” is pretty self-explanatory. It refers to instances where there’s a high likelihood of spreading bacteria or viruses. In regards to the coronavirus pandemic, it means an event or a person who transmits COVID-19 to large numbers of people.

Normally, one person infected with COVID-19 can transmit the virus to members of their household and a few others they come in close contact with. But during a super spreader event, they could transmit the virus to 10 or more people.

The Huffington Post spoke with Quentin Leclerc, a researcher in mathematical modeling of infectious disease. He said that by focusing on the events themselves and not the person responsible for the spread, people can shift their focus and prevent these instances from occurring.

RELATED: These Types Of People Are More Likely To Spread The Coronavirus

“A lot of people ask: what are the most high-risk settings or how do we rank them?” said Leclerc, “but it doesn’t make a lot of sense to talk about it this way. What’s interesting is to say this is where we see super-spreading events, these are the characteristics of the settings, [so] these are the factors that facilitate super-spreading events, not the settings.”

decoding the subtle cues of restaurants
Photo by Kevin Curtis via Unsplash

Laclerc explained that the coronavirus thrives in indoor spaces where it’s cold, ventilation is poor, and people can’t really practice social distancing. Choirs, where people sing and stand closely together, nursing homes, which contain people with weakened immune systems, and prisons, which pack people in closed spaces with poor sanitary measures, are some of the most common super spreaders.

RELATED: 5 Polite Ways To Tell Someone You Need Alone Time

Weddings can also be super spreader events, like the one in Maine that’s linked to 134 coronavirus cases and one death, even though it was only attended by 62 people. The takeaway? Just because an event is small, doesn’t mean it’s safe. Make sure to always wear your mask, avoid gatherings where social distancing is not possible, and if you think you’ve come into contact with an infected person, self-quarantine for 14 days.

Yes, Cannabis Fights Chronic Gut Problems — Here’s How

Because the endocannabinoid system acts as a regulatory system for your gut, it helps lower inflammation that would cause chronic issues.

A primary reason many patients turn to medicinal cannabis is to treat chronic pain. In fact, a 2019 study published in the journal Health Affairs found that more than 62% of medical marijuana patients were using the plant to relieve pain symptoms.

Those with chronic gut issues also experience intense pain, and patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, have begun using medicinal cannabis to treat their symptoms. Though cannabis provides therapeutic value for these people, its primary benefit doesn’t really have to do with their pain.

Until recently, we weren’t exactly sure why cannabis was so effective in treating chronic gut problems. But a 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation was able to show the physical manner in which cannabis attacks IBD. Researchers weren’t initially looking for marijuana’s effect on the microbiome, but rather stumbled upon the answer.

RELATED: The Impact Cannabis Has On Ulcerative Colitis

What cannabis was treating was their inflammation. Previous studies have shown how cannabis is a useful anti-inflammatory, but it works a little differently with IBD. First, a little anatomy lesson. A thin layer of cells, called epithelial cells, separates our gut from the rest of our bodies and are responsible for regulating different mechanisms, like controlling how many neutrophils enter.

Neutrophils are a kind of white blood cell that traverses the gut and eats up microbes. When too many neutrophils slip inside and kill peaceful microbes and the gut itself, it causes IBD in patients. But researchers discovered epithelial cells aren’t the only the gateway that controls what gets in our gut.

Cannabis And Gut Health Does It Boost Your Gut Bacteria?
Illustration by MEHAU KULYK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images

As Beth McCormick of the University of Massachusetts and others discovered, our endocannabinoid system also contributes. Think of the endocannabinoid system acting as a regulatory system for the gut. Not everyone produces enough cannabinoids to assist the gut in functioning properly, which helps explain why ingesting cannabinoids through cannabis has proven effective for patients.

“There’s been a lot of anecdotal evidence about the benefits of medical marijuana, but there hasn’t been a lot of science to back it up,” said McCormick, who served as co-author of the study.

“For the first time, we have an understanding of the molecules involved in the process and how endocannabinoids and cannabinoids control inflammation. This gives clinical researchers a new drug target to explore to treat patients that suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases, and perhaps other diseases, as well.”

RELATED: Cannabis And Gut Health: Does It Boost Your Gut Bacteria?

It’s worth mentioning that researchers have not conducted studies on using marijuana-derived cannabinoids to replace those missing in humans with IBD. But the team behind the study believes this could open the door to helping the 1.6 million Americans with IBD.

Randy Mrsny, a co-author of the study and professor at the University of Bath’s Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, said that “while this is a plausible explanation for why marijuana users have reported cannabis relieves symptoms of IBD, we have only worked in mice and have not proven this experimentally in humans.”

“However our results may provide a mechanistic explanation for anecdotal data that cannabinoid exposure benefits some colitis patients,” he added. “For the first time we have identified a counterbalance to the inflammation response in the intestine and we hope that these findings will help us develop new ways to treat bowel diseases.”

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