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CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the cannabis plant that has gained attention for its potential health benefits. While research on CBD and its effects on aging is still limited, there are several ways in which CBD may have implications for anti-aging skincare and overall well-being. Here are some points to consider: Anti-Infla...

Pain, anxiety, and sleep are major drivers of medical cannabis use. But gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and upset stomach, aren’t far behind.1 Even small doses of cannabis can soothe the stomach and stimulate the appetite. In fact, of the four cannabis-derived drugs approved so far by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, three are prescribed for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

One gastrointestinal condition long associated with self-medication through cannabis is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A flurry of recent research bears this out. In a newly published survey of 162 IBD patients in Puerto Rico, where medical cannabis is legal but recreational use is punishable with prison time, about 25% anonymously reported using cannabis to treat their symptoms. Among these, nearly all said it offered relief.

Findings from another recent survey of New York and Minnesota medical cannabis dispensary patients were similar. And two new reviews aimed at physicians and researchers concur that while further study is needed, the evidence to date leaves little doubt that IBD patients are helped by cannabis.

ECS & the Gut

On a molecular level, this all makes sense. The endocannabinoid system is widely distributed throughout the gastrointestinal system, including not only CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors but also other cannabinoid targets like PPARs, GPR55, and TRPV1. The job of the endocannabinoid system here, as everywhere, is to maintain order and balance, and the endogenous compounds (ligands) that interact with these receptors can be supported in this task by cannabis-derived and synthetic cannabinoids.

(The concentration of cannabinoid receptors in the gut also helps to explain cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, in which an overabundance of exogenous cannabinoids, particularly THC, triggers debilitating nausea, vomiting, and pain that typically resolves when cannabis use stops.)

CBD, or cannabidiol, has gained popularity as a potential aid for workout recovery and exercise performance. Here are some considerations regarding CBD and working out: Potential Benefits: CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various physiological processes, including pain perception, inflammation, ...

Cannabis is supposed to be relaxing and fun. What’s not to like about giggles, munchies, and a brief break from the mundane? Unfortunately, the news from California’s Emerald Triangle is anything but upbeat these days.

Report after report portends doom with headlines like “the world’s largest legal weed market is going up in smoke” (The Economist), “California pot industry facing ‘extinction event‘” (SF Gate), and “Despair in Emerald Triangle as CA legal cannabis collapses” (CalMatters).

Is It Really That Bad?

Yeah, it is.

Legal sales have been on a downward slide for over two years with no signs of relief on the horizon. At its roots, the main cause appears to be the overwhelming dominance of the illicit market, which is estimated to be twice the size of the regulated market (Politico).

The result: Cascading business failures across the industry.

CBG, or cannabigerol, is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It is considered a minor cannabinoid, as it is typically present in lower concentrations compared to other well-known cannabinoids like THC and CBD. However, CBG is gaining attention for its potential therapeutic properties. Here's some information about CBG: Cannabinoid Profile: CBG ...

Hemp, a versatile plant from the Cannabis sativa species, has been used for various purposes throughout history, including spiritual and ceremonial practices. Here are some aspects to consider when exploring the connection between hemp and spirituality: Cultural and Historical Significance: Hemp has a long history of use in different cultures for s...

Hemp Batteries: Harnessing the Power of Hemp Hemp batteries have emerged as a fascinating and promising technology, offering potential advantages in the world of energy storage. Here are some key points to consider about hemp batteries: Renewable and Sustainable: Hemp is a fast-growing and renewable resource that can be cultivated without the use o...

 CBD, short for cannabidiol, interacts with various receptors in the body as part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids that helps regulate numerous physiological processes and maintain homeostasis. Here are some of the key receptors involved in CBD's interaction: CB1 Rece...

Project CBD recently reported on studies indicating that cannabis terpenes — the compounds that give the plant its robust and distinctive smell — activate the CB1 cannabinoid receptor. What’s more, in the presence of THC (also a CB1 agonist), terpenes appear to modulate cannabinoid activity in varied and interesting ways.1,2 Today we focus on spicy-peppery beta-caryophyllene (BCP), one of the most common cannabis terpenes, which acts on several targets that impact the endocannabinoid system, not just CB1.

BCP is also a component of black pepper, basil, oregano, cinnamon, hops, rosemary, cloves, and citrus, as well as many leafy greens. Approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use as a flavoring and fragrance agent in food, this powerhouse sesquiterpene has been the subject of considerable medical-science research. Recent papers explore the potential role of BCP in treating a wide range of conditions including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic pain, and substance abuse.

A “Dietary Cannabinoid”

Beta-caryophyllene, a weak CB1 agonist, is what scientists refer to as a “full agonist” at the CB2 cannabinoid receptor, which plays an important role in regulation of immune function and inflammation. Its presence in many foods and spices and its strong affinity for CB2 has earned BCP recognition as the first known “dietary cannabinoid.”

Multiple studies have shown that beta-caryophyllene also interacts with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs, pronounced pee-parrs) located on the surface of the cell’s nucleus. CBD also activates these receptors, which regulate metabolism and energy homeostasis.

Given the role of PPARs and the endocannabinoid system in modulating metabolic processes, a group of researchers based in Turin, Italy, wanted to see if BCP was effective in a cellular model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the most common chronic liver disorder worldwide with a global prevalence of more than 30%.3

1. Muscle Relaxant Properties: CBD is believed to have muscle relaxant properties, which can help alleviate muscle tension and promote a sense of relaxation. It may interact with receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating muscle function and relaxation. 2. Calming and Anxiolytic Effects: CBD has been reported to...

Hemp Fibers: Strength and Versatility in Sustainable Materials Versatility and Strength: Hemp fibers, derived from the stem of the cannabis plant, are known for their exceptional strength and durability. They surpass most other natural fibers in terms of tensile strength, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Textiles and Clothing:...

History of Hemp Ancient Origins: Hemp cultivation can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The oldest evidence of hemp use comes from pottery shards in Taiwan dating back to 10,000 BCE. Hemp fibers were used to make textiles, rope, and paper in China and other regions of Asia.Spread to Europe and the Middle East: Hemp cultivation spread to Euro...

Biblical scholars have written about the role of cannabis as a sacrament in the ancient Near East and Middle East. Archeological evidence confirms the use of the plant in fumigation rituals in ancient Israel. Scriptural references indicate that cannabis was a key ingredient in the holy anointing oil employed in religious rites. But Yahweh, the Almighty Jealous God, frowned upon the idolatrous use of cannabis, the polytheistic drug of choice. The Old Testament chronicles the embrace of One God instead of many, a major shift that coincided with the displacement of cannabis as a ceremonial substance, as Chris Bennett reports in his latest book, Cannabis: Lost Sacrament of the Ancient World.

Humankind’s connection to cannabis reaches back tens of thousands of years. The role of cannabis in the ancient world was manifold: with its nutritious seeds, an important food; with its long, pliable strong stalks an important fiber; as well as an early medicine from its leaves and flowers; and then there are its psychoactive effects . . .

Due to its usefulness, cannabis has a very long history of human cultivation. How long, exactly, remains unknown. “No other plant has been with humans as long as hemp,” says ethnobotanist Christian Rätsch. “It is most certainly one of humanity’s oldest cultural objects. Wherever it was known, it was considered a functional, healing, inebriating, and aphrodisiac plant. Through the centuries, myths have arisen about this mysterious plant and its divine powers. Entire generations have revered it as sacred . . . . The power of hemp has been praised in hymns and prayers.”

The Great Leap Forward

There has been interesting scientific speculation that the psychoactive properties of cannabis played a role as a catalyst in the “Great Leap Forward,” a period of rapid advancement for prehistoric humanity, which started about 50,000 to 65,000 years ago. In their fascinating paper, “The Evolution of Cannabis and Coevolution with the Cannabinoid Receptor — A Hypothesis,” Dr. John M. McPartland and Geoffrey W. Guy explain how ingestion of this plant may have aided prehistoric humans. “In a hunter-gatherer society,” they write, “the ability of phytocannabinoids to improve smell, night vision, discern edge and enhance perception of color would improve evolutionary fitness of our species. Evolutionary fitness essentially mirrors reproductive success, and phytocannabinoids enhance the sensation of touch and the sense of rhythm, two sensual responses that may lead to increased replication rates.”

The authors postulate that plant compounds, which interact with the human body’s endocannabinoid system, “may exert sufficient selection pressure to maintain the gene for a receptor in an animal. If the plant ligand [plant-based cannabinoid] improves the fitness of the receptor by serving as a ‘proto-medicine’ or a performance-enhancing substance, the ligand-receptor association could be evolutionarily conserved.” In essence they are suggesting that there’s a coevolutionary relationship between “Man and Marijuana” — and that somehow as we have cultivated cannabis, it may have cultivated us, as well.

Hemp strains, like other cannabis strains, often have unique and distinctive names that reflect their characteristics, lineage, or the purpose they are bred for. Here are some examples of hemp strain names: Sour Space Candy: Known for its fruity and candy-like aroma, this strain is cherished for its uplifting effects and potential relaxation proper...

CBD for IBS: How it May Help Manage Symptoms Pain Relief: CBD has shown potential for relieving abdominal pain and cramping associated with IBS. It interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in pain perception.Anti-inflammatory Effects: CBD may help reduce inflammation in the gut, which is believed to contribute to IBS sym...

Hemp animal bedding is an increasingly popular option for providing comfortable and sustainable bedding for a variety of animals. Here are some key aspects and benefits of hemp animal bedding: Absorbency: Hemp bedding is highly absorbent, capable of absorbing moisture and odors effectively. It helps to keep the animal's living area clean and dry, w...

Hemp Seeds Nutrition: Discover the Power of Hemp Seeds for Health Hemp seeds are highly nutritious and offer a range of health benefits. Here's an overview of the nutritional composition of hemp seeds: 1. Protein: Hemp seeds are a great source of plant-based protein, containing all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own....

Ten years ago, most cannabis consumers couldn’t tell a terpene from a cannabinoid. But today things are different. Cannabis flower is categorized according to terpene profile. Product manufacturers add terp blends back into edibles and concentrates. Limonene is practically a household name.

And for good reason. Terpenes impart desirable flavors and aromas. And they appear to be good for the body, as well.1 Now it turns out that some terpenes also may contribute to the cannabis high.

A 2021 study2 by University of Arizona scientists concluded that certain terpenes are “cannabimimetic” (in a mouse model of cannabis intoxication) and can selectively enhance cannabinoid activity.

And this month comes a brand-new paper in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology3 by Israeli researchers who report that three cannabis terpenes — at concentrations similar to those found in actual cannabis plants — significantly boost THC signaling at the CB1 receptor.

CB1 Activation

Using an in vitro cellular model, the Israeli team compared CB1 receptor activation by 16 different cannabis terpenes to that of THC alone and to THC-terpene blends with a botanically relevant ratio of 10:1.

Hemp is often considered as a potential alternative to traditional plastics due to its various environmentally friendly properties. Here are some key points regarding hemp as a plastic alternative: Biodegradability: Hemp-based plastics are typically biodegradable, meaning they can break down naturally over time. Unlike traditional plastics derived ...

Hemp, a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant, has several potential benefits for soil health and agriculture. Here are some ways in which hemp can positively impact soil: Soil Remediation: Hemp has been used for phytoremediation purposes, meaning it has the ability to remove contaminants and pollutants from the soil. Hemp plants have been found to ...