Author: Damian Dark

The things you need to know CBD oil and anxiety

Anxiety is a disease that affects hundreds of millions of adults. While anxiety is treatable, many people do not get the right kind of help, and worse, many do not seek advice at all. Fortunately, recent studies have shown that using CBD oil for anxiety can be an effective solution, with few or no side effects.

Keep in mind that the information presented on this page is intended to serve as an information guide only. Always discuss with your doctor before trying any new type of treatment.

The scientific aspect of how CBD oil works

Two types of cannabinoid receptors are present in the human body: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found primarily in the brain, while CB2 receptors cover the whole body.

The cannabinoid called CBD is found in the cannabis plant that indirectly stimulates the activity of CB1 and CB2 receptors. THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that produces the “high” usually associated with marijuana use. Unlike THC, CBD oil does not have the same intoxicating effects and will not get you high.

Thus, the interactions of CBD oil with the endocannabinoid system can produce a wide range of positive results in the body, from pain relief to anxiety reduction without affecting your mental or physical abilities.

Effectiveness of using CBD oil for anxiety

The cannabidiol molecule inhibits the reuptake of adenosine in the body, increasing the amount of this neurotransmitter in the brain. The increase in adenosine available in the brain leads to changes in the adenosine A1A and A2A receptors. These receptors play a role in the expression of depression and anxiety. Taking CBD oil can lead to clarity and a high mood because CBD acts as an A2A inhibitor.

Advantages of the CBD oil used for relieving anxiety

Anxiety and depression are conditions associated with deficient levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps the brain regulate mood. By activating a serotonin receptor called 5-HT1A, CBD oil can help, which increases serotonin levels in the brain.

Traditionally, anxiety and depression have been treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac or Zoloft. Unfortunately, these conventional drugs can produce unwanted side effects such as sleep loss, dry mouth, decreased libido, and diarrhea. It can also be challenging to stop taking SSRIs because you may experience disagreeable withdrawal symptoms.

Without any of these adverse side effects, CBD oil can have a positive impact on serotonin levels.

Cannabis: 10 proven or studied therapeutic uses

Many studies have examined the efficacy of therapeutic cannabis and its compounds, including THC. Here are 10 benefits of cannabis often mentioned in the scientific literature; we should note that not all of them have been formally demonstrated in humans.

Cannabis would be useful for glaucoma

Cannabis is believed to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma. In a small clinical trial, two hours after the oral administration of cannabis compounds, intraocular pressure decreased.

Cannabis can be useful for depression

The University of Buffalo led a study stating that compounds in cannabis could help stabilize mood and fight depression. But work is needed to confirm these results in humans.

Cannabis is said to have anti-cancer properties

Cannabidiol (CBD) is believed to limit cancer progression by inhibiting the expression of the Id-1 gene in breast cancer cells. After cannabidiol treatment, these cancer cells appeared less aggressive (research published in 2007).

Cannabis is thought to limit the progression of Alzheimer’s disease

A study by the Scripps Research Institute suggested that cannabis reduces the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Indeed, THC, present in cannabis, is believed to inhibit an enzyme creating amyloid plaques in the brain. These amyloid plaques are related to patients’ symptoms and the destruction of neurons.

Cannabis, effective against multiple sclerosis pain?

Cannabis is believed to relieve pain associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Research published in 2012 studied 30 patients who suffered from painful muscle contractions related to MS. While these people did not respond to other treatments, their pain was relieved with cannabis. Cannabis is believed to reduce muscle spasticity in MS.

Cannabis is believed to prevent epileptic seizures

A 2003 study in rats showed that cannabis could prevent epileptic seizures. Cannabis compounds are found to be anti-convulsant.

Cannabis for chronic pain

In January 2017, the United States National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine published a report on the therapeutic uses of marijuana. For the authors, there is substantial evidence of the effectiveness of medical cannabis in treating chronic pain in adults.

Cannabis for Parkinson’s disease tremors

Israeli research has shown that cannabis reduces pain and tremor in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Ruth Djaldetti, from Tel Aviv University, explained in Medpage Today that she recommend marijuana use as a last resort, if nothing else worked for them or if they had pain.

Cannabis against the side effects of chemotherapy

Dronabinol is prescribed to limit the side effects of cancer treatments, namely nausea, and vomiting related to chemotherapy. THC reduces vomiting by binding to cannabinoid CB1 receptors.

Cannabis stimulates appetite

Dronabinol is a drug for the treatment of AIDS-related anorexia. Dronabinol contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a cannabis psychotropic. The molecule binds to a cannabinoid receptor, which increases appetite.

The Kingdom of Lesotho, African pioneer in therapeutic cannabis

Based in Lesotho, Medigrow (in partnership with Canadian Supreme Cannabis) has invested €17.4 million at its site near the capital Maseru and is building a heliport to transport its “green gold” more quickly and safely, says its chief operating officer, Relebohile Liphoto.

A significant investment, in line with the colossal prospects for the development of the global market for cannabis for medical use. Today estimated at 150 billion dollars (135 billion euros), it could reach 272 billion dollars (248 billion euros) by 2028, according to Barclays Bank’s calculations.

Canna-kingdom since the 16th century

The small African country is called “the Kingdom of Heaven”: it is the only one in the world whose entire land is at an altitude of more than 1400 meters. Also, it benefits from a significant amount of sunshine spread throughout the year and fertile soil. All these are ideal conditions for cannabis cultivation.

In the countryside, the inhabitants did not wait for legalization: for centuries, they have been growing “matekoane,” cannabis in the Sesotho language. “The first historical trace of the presence of’matekoane’ dates back to the 16th century, according to researcher Laurent Laniel of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. “The Koenas would have settled in Lesotho around 1550 by buying land for marijuana.” Even today, this crop still provides a significant part of the income of many small farmers.

Shasha owns a maize plantation in the center of the country. Between the cobs, he has been illegally cultivating cannabis for about 20 years. “Vegetables feed my family. Cannabis money is a bonus, it allows me to survive, to pay my children to go to school,” says this farmer, under cover of anonymity. He can count on many smugglers to sell his goods. “Every month, I can go up to 80 kilos across the border with South Africa. It pays between 400 and 500 euros,” he adds.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that 70% of cannabis in South Africa comes from the mountains of the “Kingdom of Heaven.” “Marijuana is the third-largest source of income,” says the UN organization.

Priority given to foreign investments

It is a massive opportunity for the country. Struck by unemployment, an AIDS epidemic that affects 23% of its population. With a severe lack of public services, Lesotho is among the poorest countries in the world: it ranks 159th out of 189 in the UN’s human development ranking.

Allowing the cultivation of therapeutic cannabis “attracts investors” to Lesotho. About ten companies are already operating in the area.

Growing this green gold has a price: an annual license of 30,000 euros to be paid to the State, renewable each year. This amount, which is considerable for the country’s companies in light of Lesotho’s fragile economy, has so far allowed foreign companies, particularly Canadian and American, to dominate the market.

On the other hand, local farmers are largely excluded. Mothiba Thamae, 38, has been growing apples, peaches and grapes on her 7.5 hectares for over 20 years. He too would have liked to take advantage of this manna. “We were thinking about getting into cannabis when it was legalized. But the license is far too expensive for us. It was hoped that the government would allow small Basotho farmers (the local ethnic group) to grow them legally. Unfortunately, no.”

Cannabis sommelier: a developing profession in Canada

On the same principle as the wine sommelier, the cannabis sommelier learns to recognize the different cannabis species and their particularities, so that he can advise consumers as well as producers or other stakeholders in this industry.

Rehabilitating cannabis

In the main room of a Vancouver office, six men and six women listen attentively to Adolfo Gonzalez, trainer and co-founder of CannaReps. First, he explains the origins of cannabis and details the ancestral culture associated with the plant from the Middle East, Afghanistan, and neighboring countries.

This native Mexican knows this culture well: he immigrated to Canada in the wake of the legalization of cannabis for medicinal purposes in 2001 because he used it to calm his constant anxiety attacks.

It was with this in mind that he founded CannaReps, with Enid Chen, and began giving this training as a sommelier in cannabis. His expertise was first developed on marijuana for medicinal purposes, as did the majority of Canadian experts in the field.

The theory

The training includes a theoretical component so that the student learns the basics of cannabis: the regions of origin of the plant, its anatomy, thus the differences between sativa cannabis – a slender plant with thinner leaves -, indica cannabis – a bushy plant with denser leaves – and hybrid cannabis.

We also learn about the biochemical composition of each species, its THC, CBD content, “the yin and yang of cannabis,” according to Adolfo Gonzalez, and the involved terpenes – there are over 300 in this plant.

Adolfo Gonzalez also explains how Afghan, Haze, and Kush differ in smell, shape, moisture content, cut, etc. He also explain the different methods of extracting and filtering, the various cannabis products now available on the Canadian market, while stressing the need for the right dosage and the dangers associated with overdose and overuse.

The practice

The training is not only theoretical: it is also practical. Students regularly put their noses in Death Buddha, Wifi OG, Sweet Skunk to learn to recognize the smell and shape. They also learn to dissect a dish to learn its anatomy and specificities and to examine it under a microscope to measure its degree of maturity.

The role of the sommelier

In short, just like wine, cannabis has its “terroirs” and ” varieties,” its ” appellations,” its ” flavors,” its ” nose.”

And just like the wine lover, who will define if he prefers chardonnay over sauvignon or pinot noir over cabernet sauvignon, the marijuana consumer will find that this or that kind of cannabis, that kind of product are among his favorites. And this is where a cannabis sommelier can give valuable advice.

Portugal legalizes cannabis production and consumption

Portugal has started to establish rules for potential consumers and companies that decide to market cannabis products, always with the prior authorization and control of the National Authority for Medicines and Health Products (Infarmed).

In this regard, the Diário da República Agency has published a special section on its website explaining the implications of the law governing the consumption of medicinal cannabis, which will be sold in pharmacies as long as a doctor has prescribed it.

The law provides that the use of cannabis-based medicines, preparations and substances is permitted only “in cases where conventional treatments do not produce the expected effects.” This is to ensure that access to the plant is limited “to cases where conventional treatments have not produced the expected effects or caused the relevant adverse effects,” adds Infarmed.

Its sale will be exclusive in drugstores. The State will control the entire process, from the cultivation of the plant to its preparation and distribution.

The law that legalizes the medicinal consumption of the plant was approved by parliament last June but did not have the necessary regulations for its operation, which finally happened in mid-January and now comes into force.

5 million euros worth of cannabis oil production

Portugal will have a “sophisticated unit” for the production of cannabis oil in the municipality of Nelas, in the central region, as well as a project involving an investment of €5 million.
The municipality of Nelas has given land to a company to develop “a capital-intensive investment that will be very beneficial for the region,” explained to the Lusa agency the President of the Municipal Chamber, José Borges da Silva, who avoided promoting the company’s name.

The company, he added, has pharmaceutical experience in the United States, Brazil, and Belgium and will benefit from the “Compete” program created for investments in fire-affected areas.

The objective, according to Da Silva, is to use the plant for medicinal purposes with a project that will create about 20 skilled jobs.

The leading cannabis-producing in Europe?

Portugal had become a reference country in the cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes since 2014 when the first plantation was authorized. And production is exported to several European countries where the use of medicinal marijuana is legal.

At least half a million Portuguese people (out of a population of 10.3 million) regularly use cannabis, and one in ten have tried it at least once, according to the latest report from the Portuguese Intervention Service for Addictive Behaviors and Addictions.

The promoters expect cannabis products to be prescribed to patients with cancer, neuromuscular disorders or severe forms of epilepsy. Nevertheless, none of this can be done until Infarmed publishes the list of therapeutic indications “deemed appropriate for the prescription of herbal preparations and substances.”