HempTalk - Business Blogs and Press Releases

Dr. Andrew Weil is the founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. His early publications (The Natural Mind and From Chocolate to Morphine) focused on exploring altered states of consciousness. He is the author of several bestselling books, including Spontaneous Healing (1995), Eating Well for Optimum Health (2000), and Healthy Aging (2007).

NM: As someone who has been researching cannabis for decades, how do you feel about the current legalization situation worldwide and in Japan, in particular?

Dr. Andrew Weil: I think the trend very clearly is that in most developed countries, cannabis is being made legal first for medical uses and then also for recreational uses. And that’s true throughout North America, in many European countries, and I think in some South American countries, as well. So, my feeling is that Japan is very out of step with other developed countries.

However, it has taken a long time to get where we are today in the United States. And cannabis is still in Schedule One of the Controlled Substances Act, making it unavailable at the federal level for therapeutic use. It’s urgent that we get it out of Schedule One. I think that’s going to happen very soon. Most U.S. states have legalized cannabis for medical use and 24 states have legalized recreational use.

NM: Please tell us about the history of cannabis use in folk medicine.

Cannabinoids are a group of chemical compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. They interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the bodies of mammals, including humans. The Cannabis plant produces over 100 different cannabinoids, each with its own set of effects and potential therapeutic benefits. The two most well-known and studied canna...

CBD (cannabidiol) products for dogs have gained popularity for their potential to offer various health benefits to pets. However, it's important to use these products with caution and under the guidance of a veterinarian, as the effectiveness and safety of CBD can vary depending on factors like the dog's size, age, and specific health condition. He...

Hemp vitamins are dietary supplements that incorporate hemp-derived ingredients, particularly hemp seeds or hemp seed oil, into a formula that aims to provide essential vitamins and minerals along with potential health benefits associated with hemp. Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant, and its seeds are rich in nutrients and fatty acids. Here a...

Hemp cordage, also known as hemp twine or hemp string, is a type of durable and strong cord made from hemp fibers. Hemp has been used for cordage for centuries due to its natural strength and resistance to wear and tear. Hemp cordage has a wide range of applications, including: Crafts and Hobbies: Hemp cordage is popular among craft enthusiasts and...

Cannabidiol (CBD) has generated interest as a potential complementary treatment for various autoimmune conditions, including lupus. Lupus is a complex and chronic autoimmune disease that affects the immune system and can lead to inflammation and damage to various parts of the body. While there is ongoing research into the use of CBD for lupus, it's...

CBD serums are skincare products that contain cannabidiol (CBD) as a key ingredient. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant, and it has gained popularity in the skincare and beauty industry for its potential benefits. CBD serums are typically used to address various skin concerns and promote healthier, more radiant skin. Her...

Hemp milk is a plant-based milk alternative made from the seeds of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). It is a dairy-free and vegan option for those looking to avoid animal products or those with lactose intolerance. Here are some key features and information about hemp milk: Production: Hemp milk is typically produced by blending water with hulled h...

Hemp seeds, also known as hemp hearts, are nutritious and versatile seeds derived from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. They have gained popularity in recent years due to their health benefits and various culinary uses. Here are some common uses for hemp seeds: Nutritional Superfood: Hemp seeds are highly nutritious and considered a superfood. They...

Adapted from The Cannabis Cancer Connection: How to use cannabis and hemp to kill cancer cells by Joe D. Goldstrich, MD, with Angela Bacca (Flower Valley Press, 2023).

There is a growing body of anecdotal and scientific evidence that the “major cannabinoids” tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), certain “minor cannabinoids” (some without a name), and other cannabis compounds have antineoplastic action against cancer cells. 

The vast majority of the existing research is on how specific cannabinoids kill cancer, but a growing body of work is revealing how the entourage of compounds found in whole-plant cannabis kills cancer. 

Although most of the studies presented here demonstrated the antineoplastic effects of individual or isolated cannabinoids, most of this research points to what lay healers and patients who make and use their own cannabis oil already know: the whole cannabis plant, including hemp varieties, every part of them, contain antineoplastic compounds that together kill cancer. 

How THC Kills Cancer

Until relatively recently, almost all medical studies about cannabis have been specifically on THC, as is most of the preclinical research showing the antineoplastic activity of cannabis. With a few exceptions, tumor cells throughout the body have cannabinoid receptors on their surface, and THC can bind to these receptors and induce apoptosis or programmed cell death. Put simply, when THC binds to the cancer cell, it forces the cancer cell to commit suicide.

Hemp plastic, also known as hemp bioplastic or biocomposite, is a type of plastic made from a combination of hemp fibers and a polymer matrix. It is considered an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics made from fossil fuels. Hemp plastic has a wide range of potential uses, and its applications continue to expand as the interest in sustai...

Hemp insulation is a versatile and eco-friendly material that can be used in various applications within the construction industry. Here are some common uses of hemp insulation: Wall Insulation: Hemp insulation can be used in both exterior and interior walls of buildings. It provides excellent thermal performance, helping to maintain comfortable in...

Flavonoids are a diverse group of plant compounds found in many different types of plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the various colors and flavors in plants, as well as a range of potential health benefits. In cannabis, which includes both hemp and marijuana varieties, flavonoids are one of the many types of compounds found alon...

CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound derived from the cannabis plant, and it has gained popularity for its potential health and skincare benefits. Some individuals use CBD products, such as creams and serums, in the hope of reducing the appearance of wrinkles and improving overall skin health. While there is limited scientific research on the specific e...

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the cannabis plant that has gained popularity for its potential calming and relaxing effects. While research on the use of CBD for various purposes, including promoting calmness and reducing anxiety, is still ongoing, many people have reported positive experiences with CBD. Here are some key points to consid...

CBD (cannabidiol) has shown potential neuroprotective properties in preclinical and early-stage clinical research, suggesting it may have benefits for protecting and supporting the health of the nervous system. Here are some key points related to CBD's potential neuroprotective effects: Neuroprotection Defined: Neuroprotection refers to strategies,...

CBD (cannabidiol) has gained popularity in skincare products due to its potential benefits for promoting smooth and healthy skin. While more research is needed to fully understand CBD's effects on the skin, some anecdotal evidence and initial studies suggest that it may have several positive impacts: Anti-Inflammatory Properties: CBD is known for i...

The entourage effect is a concept in the field of cannabis and hemp that suggests that the various compounds found in the plant, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, work together synergistically to produce a more significant therapeutic effect when consumed together compared to when they are isolated and used individually. This idea implies that the...

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being applied in the hemp industry to improve efficiency, sustainability, and product quality. Here are some ways AI is used in the hemp sector: 1. Crop Monitoring and Management: Precision Agriculture: AI-powered drones and sensors collect data on hemp crops, monitoring factors like soil moisture, tempe...

Hempcrete sculptures are a unique and eco-friendly form of artistic expression that combine the sustainability of hempcrete with the creativity of sculpture. Here's an overview of how hempcrete sculptures are created and their potential benefits: Creation of Hempcrete Sculptures: Materials: Hempcrete, also known as hemp-lime or hemplime, is the pri...