Can CBD oil be addictive for users?

https://www.hempforanxiety.com/2020/06/can-cbd-oil-be-addictive-for-users.html

CBD or Cannabidiol is derived from the Cannabis plant.  It is one of many compounds found in the Cannabis sativa or hemp.  The association of CBD with marijuana creates confusion and makes people wonder if CBD is also addictive or not. The effect of CBD on the body depends on its concentration and type. Yes, you read it right! There are different types of CBD oil and each of them can have a varying effect on our brain and body. But first, let’s see how it interacts with our body.

The endocannabinoid system of the body works for the cell signaling mechanism. Its CB1 and CB2 receptors are spread throughout the body that works by binding the native cannabinoids of the body and carry out functions like pain relief and reducing inflammatory reactions. CBD helps our body by interacting with this endocannabinoid system. However, CBD does not bind directly with the receptors of the system but encourages our body’s cannabinoids to bind to them.

Hemp vs marijuana

CBD extracted from hemp and marijuana are different. They contain different amount of THC, the main psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant. THC causes high as it can affect brain activity. Moreover, THC can be addictive but legal and reputable CBD products may contain a high level of THC which can cause addiction. Being the safest, hemp oil is used for thousands of purposes. It is used in the textile industry, paper, food, building material and body care products. In many European counties and States of USA, CBD oil extracted from industrial hemp is legal and pronounced safe to use. More than 5 percent of THC in the product can cause mild intoxication and is illegal.

What is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the main psychoactive component of the Cannabis plant.  Our body has its own endocannabinoid system and its receptors are spread throughout.  If a person uses marijuana, the THC present in the drug binds to the receptors of the system and alters the perception and sensory information of the person, making him high. THC can Trigger the production of dopamine in the body which causes euphoric high and affects the working of the hippocampus of the brain.  Marijuana addicts experience hallucinations and illusions and effect of THC May remain for about 20 minutes to 2 hours. Side effects of THC include:

·         Sedation

·         Pain relief

·         Anxiety

·         Short term memory issues

·         Elation

Here are a few potential risks associated with THC:

·         It can alter the motor skills which may cause accidents.

·         Patients of schizophrenia may experience a relapse of symptoms if they take any drug with a higher quantity of THC.

·         Excessive use of drugs containing THC may lead to a decrease in IQ level memory problems and cognitive issues.

·         THC has a negative drug interaction with some over-the-counter medicines.

Is CBD oil addictive?

 CBD containing less than 0.3 % of THC is entirely safe to use.  However, studies have shown that different CBD products contain different level of THC.  Studies have shown that CBD has a better safety level than THC. The human body can tolerate up to 1500 mg of CBD per day. Research proves that CBD does not affect the cognitive abilities and all motor or psychological function stay well regulated. It does not alter the physiological state of the body and the body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure of the are not affected by CBD. Because of its non-addictive nature, CBD is used for treating the symptoms of many health issues such as pain, inflammation, insomnia, anxiety, depression and epilepsy.

Effect of different types of CBD oils

CBD is available in several different forms such as full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. Let’s take a look at the difference between these CBD types and their effects.

·         Full-Spectrum CBD: Along with CBD, Full-spectrum CBD oil contains other cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes and THC. The quantity of THC is very low, but if you have a sensitive system, it may increase your level of anxiety. 

·         Broad Spectrum CBD: It contains may cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes but does not contain any significant quantity of THC. It is the safest and has a broad range of health benefits.

·         CBD Isolate: It contains 99.9 percent of CBD oil. If you are looking for a CBD-only type for your health issue, CBD isolate is for you. It is highly effective and quick but it offers fewer benefits than the other two types.

Side effects of CBD overdose

CBD with less than 0.3 percent THC is not addictive.  However, the overdose of CBD can have potential Side Effects such as anxiety, inflammation or disturbed sleep patterns. Other side effects may include

•             Nausea

•             Change in appetite

•             Diarrhea

•             Fatigue

•             Drowsiness

•             Dry mouth

It is also possible that a lower level of THC with other cannabinoids can have an entourage effect. The combined effect of these compounds may enhance the therapeutic effects and subsides the side effects.

CBD can help in fighting addiction

 CBD can also help in fighting addiction to marijuana and other drugs. 400 mg dose of CBD per day can help in reducing addiction of heroin, marijuana, cocaine and alcohol. It reduces anxiety and impulsivity and eventually the addiction to intoxicating drugs. CBD is an excellent alternative of opioid drugs which may cause addiction. Opioid drugs are used to seek relief from acute pain caused by cancer treatment methods. However, patients may become addicted to this pain relief solution. CBD oil is an excellent pain killer and does not cause dependency.

Wrap up

CBD is non-addictive and completely safe to use. Research has proved its health benefits and it is now being legalized around the world. despite its benefits of popularity, you may end up buying a CBD product from the wrong vendor. Try to find a reliable company and go through the reviews before buying the product. Read the label of the product and follow the instructions carefully to reap the most out of this wonder drug.  Moreover, always seek the advice of your health care practitioner for a recommended CBD product and dose according to your health condition.

Medicinal Marijuana: Methods and Uses on the Human body

Medicinal Marijuana

At present, the use of marijuana for medical purposes has gained increased attention because so many people have realized the benefits it offers to the human body. In fact, research has also proven that medicinal marijuana is capable of providing instant relief from disorders like nausea, seizure, anxiety, depression, among others.

What is medicinal marijuana? 

Medicinal marijuana is a term used in describing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The cannabis plant contains over 100 active cannabinoids; however, only two works for medical purposes; they are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol).

CBD is non-psychoactive; this implies that you won’t get high just by consuming CBD. Besides, it is also non- addictive. THC, on the other hand, is psychoactive; it is responsible for the traditional high experienced by most cannabis users.

Although both cannabinoids offer similar health benefits, CBD is preferred by medical cannabis users due to its non-psychoactive effect. However, to be used for medicinal purposes, the CBD product must be extracted from marijuana cultivated under a hygienic condition without the use of toxic chemicals that are harmful to the human body.

How does medicinal marijuana work?

CBD works by interacting with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system (a system responsible for regulating vital body functions such as sleep, mood, and boosting the immune system). This interaction results in a therapeutic effect that causes relief from pain, anxiety, depression, or various medical conditions.

Although the FDA has not approved the use of CBD for medical purposes, a few scientists, such as Dr. Allan Frankel, have documented his success in using medical marijuana in treating several medical conditions.

 Other ailment supported by the healing properties of marijuana includes Parkinson’s disease, Rheumatoid Seizures, epilepsy, Multiple sclerosis, anxiety, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and migraines.

Methods of administering medical marijuana

Medicinal marijuana can be administered using different methods that include

• Smoking: To get an instant effect, smoking CBD oil should be your best consumption method. Smoking is the most popular way of consuming CBD among recreational marijuana users. The significant benefit of smoking is that it gets to the endocannabinoid system faster to provide instant relief. 
•   Vaping: Vaping is perfect for people who want to enjoy cannabis without inhaling smoke. It involves the use of vaporizers to heat marijuana and inhaling the vapor. Vaping is one of the safest ways to consume cannabis. 
• Sublingual delivery: Medical marijuana can also be taken sublingually by ingesting under the tongue to get instant relief. This method is perfect for non-smoking patients.
• Topically: CBD can also be used topically on the skin in the form of lotion, ointment, balm, and cream. Applying CBD utilizing this method is perfect for the treatment of arthritis, skin inflation, or muscle pain.

Finally, the use of medicinal marijuana has gained increased popularity due to the benefits it offers to the human body. CBD had proven to be effective in the treatment of different types of medical conditions. However, it is vital that every medical marijuana user buy CBD products from companies that make use of organically grown marijuana, which are lab- tested for purity.

How CBD can help facial acne

The nightmare that ruins most highschool proms, that's acne for you. The teen prevalent condition is not only for teenagers. It sometimes creeps back on your skin even in adulthood. Whenever acne starts to pop up, there is the urgency of making it go away the soonest.

Well, cannabidiol, a compound extracted from the hemp variety of cannabis plants, promises to get your radiant skin back. The compound belongs to a group of cannabis chemicals known as cannabinoids. These chemicals have the ability to activate endocannabinoid system receptors in our bodies.

Wait, is it true that CBD can also work for skin acne? A big YES! In this article, we shall look at everything CBD for facial acne. Learn how to wash away the detrimental condition, FAST!

What is acne? What causes acne?

Acne is a condition that manifests red pimples on your skin as its primary characteristic. Facial acne appears on the face unlike body acne that shows up throughout the body. Other characteristics of the conditio include tender bumps, and blackheads. In some instances, the pimples are filled with pockets of pus.

Now, many of us will experience acne once in our lives. In fact, up to 85% of teenagers aged 12-24 will experience minor acne. That is big and may leave you wondering what causes the condition.

The main cause of facial acne is irregular production of sebum. But what is sebum? The skin needs to be oiled to avoid drying up. The oily sebum is produced by sebaceous glands located under the skin and travels through pores to the outer skin surface. Overproduction of this oil leads to a chain of activity to realize acne.

1. Excessive hormone secretion- Asking why acne is present in teens? This is the time when the androgen hormone rises making the sebaceous gland to increase its production of sebum.
2. Clogging of the pores- Sebum is oily and when it's overproduced the pores will clog up. Also, when too many dead cells get released, the pores block preventing sebum from flowing to cause the clog.
3. Bacteria build up- When the pores get blocked, bacteria starts to build up inside. This explains the pus filled pockets on your face.
4. Inflammations- You see the reddish bumps? That is as a result of inflammation of the pores whenever sebum is present in high amounts.

Can CBD help with facial acne?

We know that cannabidiol interacts with endocannabinoid receptors and to be specific, CB2 receptors. The interaction helps in signalling for homeostatic reactions that help to ofest any imbalances in the body. A good example in this case is the overproduction of hemp.

In recent years, we have seen a spike in CBD research for certain conditions and facial acne is one of them. Is there any scientific backing for CBD for facial acne?

One study done in 2014 revealed how CBD can prevent human sebocytes from creating excess sebum. Sebocytes are the cells tasked with sebum production. It was also brought into light that cannabidiol exerted anti inflammatory benefits in cases where acne is presented. The compound surprised cytokines which are what causes the formation of facial acne.

In another review done in 2016, the cannabis compound was shown to offer antibacterial and antifungal benefits. This is great in tackling any bacterial build up from excessive sebum.

Using CBD for facial acne

So how do you use cannabidiol to clear skin acne? There are various administration routes for cannabidiol products.

➔        Inhaled CBD- Delivers cannabidiol through the nose. This is when smoking hemp flowers or vaping CBD concentrates. A newer product, nasal sprays is also a form of inhaled CBD

➔        Sublingual CBD- Delivers CBD through the sublingual gland pores found beneath the tongue. A drop of concentrated CBD is placed under the tongue and it will dissolve in saliva. It is taken through the pores into the body’s direct circulation.

➔        Edible CBD- Delivers CBD through the digestive system. From CBD gummies, CBD oil cooked foods, and infused drinks to pills and tinctures. The compound is absorbed in the small intestine and stomach the same way as food.

CBD topicals

Talk of CBD for facial acne and you will have mentioned topical cannabidiol products. Edibles, sublinguals and inhaled CBD deliver the compound into direct circulation before they can get to the skin’s immune system endocannabinoid receptors. CBD topicals on the other hand deliver the cannabinoid straight to the skin receptors.

CBD topicals come in wide ranging products. These include

1. Lotions
2. Balms
3. Facial creams
4. Oils
5. Salves
6. Bath bombs and soaps.

Takeaways

CBD with less than 0.3% THC can be used in skincare products. The compound promised great relief when it comes to acne. Be certain to potent and quality CBD for your skincare routine to avoid any unexpected side effects.

CBD Oil and Kratom: A match made in Heaven?

CBD Oil and Kratom

The use of CBD oil and its related products is increasing as its numerous health benefits have surfaced. You can now get supplements, inhalers, food, shampoos, gels, creams, and numerous other products infused with CBD!

The introduction and legalization of CBD across various countries have increased the potential use of other stimulants or plant derivatives for the same purposes. One such drug derived from plants is kratom, a drug that has been around for over a century.

Kratom – An Introduction

Kratom is derived from the kratom plant, which belongs to the coffee family! Thus, it was used as a stimulant just like coffee.

Kratom consists of many psychoactive compounds in its leaves. It has different effects on the body at different doses. In small quantities, it stimulates the brain, improves mood, enhances functioning, and removes fatigue. At higher doses, it causes sedation.

Kratom has often been compared to opioids because it activates the same receptors in the brain as opioids do!

It has been traditionally used to relieve pain, remove lethargy, and to enhance mood.

The Different Between CBD and Kratom

Kratom and CBD are often compared for their effects. They’re both derived from plants and they both have anxiolytic, relaxing, and pain-relieving properties at certain doses.

However, unlike CBD, kratom is addictive because it stimulates opioid receptors.

Moreover, they originate from different plants and have different extraction processes. Kratom leaves are usually chewed whole or crushed and smoked like tobacco while CBD oil is extracted through a long process.

Can you Use CBD Oil and Kratom Together?

Since CBD oil and kratom have many similar effects on the human body (although they’re essentially different compounds with different molecular structures), many people often use them together to relieve chronic pain.

CBD oil and kratom together enhance and intensify each other’s effects. Using them both together can provide relief for chronic pain and inflammatory disorders.

CBD oil takes some time to work when it comes to pain relief, while kratom acts on the opioid receptors rapidly and provides quick pain relief. Therefore, their combination can be used to relieve chronic pain where kratom provides immediate effects and CBD provides long-term effects.

Moreover, they can also be used together to relieve anxiety, depression and improve mood. Here, too, kratom provides an immediate effect while CBD takes a few weeks to show its long-term effects!

CBD oil and kratom are also used together to help in opioid withdrawal. Kratom works on the same receptors as opioids, but its effects are less intense than opioids. 

Therefore, when you use kratom and CBD oil together, you get the stimulatory and analgesic effects of opioids, but at a lower intensity. This helps in opioid withdrawal because sudden opioid withdrawal can be very painful and hard to deal with. 

Relapses are also less likely to occur this way.

While it is relatively safe to use both of these drugs together, there are a few precautions you need to take while doing so.

Here are some of the do’s and don’ts of using CBD oil and kratom together:

·         Start with a low dose of both substances! No matter how many times you’ve tried kratom and CBD oil before, start with a low dose when you try both of them together because their effects potentiate and enhance each other. You don’t know how intense their effects on your body will be when used together.

Once you know how your body reacts to the low dose, you can slowly increase the dose to get the benefits you want. Make sure not to overdose on any of these!

·         Kratom has addictive properties. Therefore, before starting to use both of these together, you need to be aware that once you start, you might get addicted to its effects. However, it’s less addictive than opioids, which is why it helps with opioid withdrawal.

·         Kratom, in high doses, can have a sedative effect. When combined with the relaxing properties of CBD oil, they can produce an overly sedative effect and impair motor functions. Therefore, it’s recommended not to drive or perform other activities that require focus and motor coordination. Stay safe and keep others around you safe!

·        Kratom, unlike CBD, is not legal for consumption in the US and many other countries. Therefore, make sure you’re following the local laws!

The bottom line is: BE CAREFUL!

The use of kratom and CBD together isn’t widely studied, so there may be effects that no one has predicted yet!

Are there any side effects of using CBD oil and kratom together?

Apart from their sedative properties potentiating each other, the side effects of taking kratom and CBD oil are their individual side effects summed up.

When it comes to CBD oil, only one side effect has been noted, that too, only for the first few weeks of consumption. Diarrhea is the only documented side effect of CBD oil.

On the other hand, kratom has many more side effects than CBD oil. Here are a few side-effects you might face if you’re consuming kratom:

·         Nausea and vomiting

·         Dry mouth

·         Constipation (the constipating effect of kratom and diarrheal effect of CBD may cancel each other out initially)

·         Increased frequency of urination

·         Numbness of the tongue if the oral route is used for consumption

·         Tremors

·         Skin itching

These are some of the most common side effects of kratom consumption that have been reported by those using them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is kratom legal?

No, Kratom is not legal in the United States and has been banned in many countries due to its addictive properties.

Is kratom stronger than opioids?

No, Kratom is not stronger than opioids. It has a milder effect than opioid even though it targets the same receptors.

That being said, plenty of research still needs to be done on the long-term effects of kratom on the human body and its effects when it’s used in combination with CBD oil. While there is a lot of evidence and research to support the beneficial effects of CBD oil, there’s limited research out there when it comes to consuming kratom.

Treatments for COVID-19 using CBD launched in Israel| Hempforanxiety.com

Treatments for COVID-19 using CBD launched in Israel| Hempforanxiety.com

With the world at the mercy of the deadly coronavirus, doctors are racing towards a treatment to face off against this formidable disease. Coronavirus, also referred to as the COVID-19, has infected millions with about 2.5 million cases confirmed, coupled with more than 160,000 deaths at the hands of this pandemic. Inside the human body, the said virus causes a deadly respiratory disease that has dumbfounded doctors worldwide with no sign of a cure up till now.

Doctors all over the world have been launching treatments throughout, grasping for anything that may lead to a solution. Similarly, in Israel, research labs are starting to launch treatments, three of which included the use of cannabis. CBD Oil has been gaining quite a lot of popularity in the medical industry and it is high time that more complicated treatments employ its use as well.

Exosomes and CBD

This past Friday, InnoCan Pharma announced that its subsidiary, InnoCan Pharma Ltd. of Herzliya, is in collaboration with Tel Aviv University in the fight against COVID-19, using cannabidiol (CBD) loaded exosomes in the process (exosomes are small structures that are attached to cells that form upon the multiplication of stem cells). The research done in the process is to be tested on several patients with lung infections. It is said to be a revolutionary measure in the research industry, according to a press release.

The treatment includes the provision of CBD to the patients using an inhalation technique through exosomes. This method is said to use CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties in order to help the infected lung cells recover. Research on animals proves that CBD oil does contain anti-inflammatory properties but in regards to coronavirus, no proof is currently present.

Combination of Steroids with CBD

The second research promoted a combination of CBD and steroid as a treatment. The trial has not been conducted yet. Though it is planned to be conducted on ten patients infected with COVID-19 who are currently amidst steroid treatments at the Israel Rabin Medical Center. If proof of improvement is found, the treatment will be further stretched to an additional 40 hospitals with COVID-19 patients.

For hospitalized patients, steroid treatments are pretty common, being the first or second line of treatment for them. With CBD, the therapeutic effect of the steroids is enhanced in the ongoing treatment. CBD also treats the bio-mechanism affected by the virus, according to the press release issued.

Israel based CBD R&D company Stero Biotechs is co-operating with one of its major shareholders, Mor Research Applications, the largest HMO in Israel, to hold this trial. Back in August 2018, Stero Biotechs had a patient undergoing the said treatment. Even at that time, the company said that this method “has the potential of minimizing the dangerous effects of steroids.”

Anti-inflammatory Properties of Cannabis

As we dive further into research, the third study examines whether cannabis can slow down the infections in the lungs, caused by COVID-19, due to CBD Oil’s well-known anti-inflammatory properties.

The study was particularly launched to test the effectiveness of cannabis on COVID-19 patients with moderate symptoms. This was held by the Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Medical Center. A professor at Beilinson Hospital even reported that if the anti-inflammatory properties help in stopping the COVID-19 in patients, it could be huge news for medicine everywhere.

Following this process, a company has been founded by Ethan Russo, an American neurologist as well as a CBD researcher, and Nishi Whitely, his business partner, aiming to develop the concept of cannabinoid-centered innovations, thus opening opportunities of advancements in the medical industry. Russo opened up in an interview saying that this treatment could be a safe, cheap, and effective way to deal with the situation at hand. He went on to say that the main objective was not only to extinguish COVID-19 but also to fight against a variety of fungi and bacteria.

Check out our other article: Leafly plans to limit non-essential spending in Q4 of the current financial year

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Leafly plans to limit non-essential spending in Q4 of the current financial year| hempforanxiety.com

According to The Business Insider, Leafly is planning to cut on its expenditures in the coming days. The established cannabis authority website is smashing its breaks on most of its hiring, limiting the not so important employee travel packages and its annual holiday party.

Leafly is one of the most popular online cannabis companies worth over $40 million, according to Worth of Web. The company is in existence since 2010. It prides itself as the best online authority for finding cannabis strains and dispensaries.

The Business Insider credits the information to an internal memo from the company heads. The current Leafly CEO, Tim Leslie, attributes the planned freezing as a measure to ensure that the expansion by the company over the last seven months is working at its best.

Over the same period quoted in a memo, the CEO executive appreciates that the company grew to nearly double its size. Over 150 new employees were added to the company’s payroll. The new employees achieved the company’s hiring goal for this year, which was set to be at 300 and fully utilising the company’s T&E budget.

For a company that started nearly ten years ago with three orange county web developers as a reputable hemp and marijuana strains resource, one can only be amazed by its growth.

Over the last few days, a series of cannabis companies announced planned layoffs that amount to 600 workers. However, the story takes a different twist when it comes to Leafly. The company is only freezing the hiring of new members to its ranks after achieving its expansion target early enough.

Yes, you can safely say that the current slowdown in the industry somehow backs the steps taken by Leafly after a period of spontaneous growth. According to Laura Morarity, Leafly’s VP of corporate affairs, the move is meant to prepare the company for 2020.

With the memo out in circulation, the company ‘s employment page may not completely dry out. The company will still require a bunch of product and engineering experts when the need arises.

Washington State bans CBD infused food products| hempforanxiety.com

An announcement from Washington State regulators regarding foods with cannabidiol (CBD) made it clear that the sales of CBD infused food products were banned.

Washington State Department of Agriculture stated "Recent changes in the hemp legislation of Fed and state have attracted so many questions about the CBD extracts and the legality about using the same as an ingredient in food products" They announced, "CBD is not allowed to be used as an ingredient in any food as per the law of Fed and State".

Notably, World health organization's fact sheet says "CBD is not THC, and it won't create any psychoactive effect" Then why Washington State bans CBD food products?

Licensed cannabis retail stores and companies sell CBD products in their offering. They can continue to do so even after the announcement. That way, it's clear that the change to the legislation won't affect the access to the CBD products through cannabis retailers.

At the same time, the board said that they will avoid cracking down the state-wide sales of CBD food products" It is clear that retail presence of the said products in stores and fuel stations won't be affected either.

As per the statement from an official who works with Washington State department of agriculture, "manufacturers and sellers of CBD products will find their way to stay relevant to the compliance as they learn that selling of CBD food products is not official either in Fed or State law".

Such a statement from the official explains how difficult is that to prevent or bring down the number of CBD sellers in the state. Also, it explains how such an uncountable number of CBD products are available in the stores for sale within the Washington State and across the nation.

A post from cannabis radar, a news website reports "the legislation changes in other parts of the country was not very successful in keeping things in line with the rules". Further, it seems the officials would make it in a gradual and educative manner while implementing the changes rather than a harsh widespread tracking and cracking of the sale of CBD products.

The rules and regulations on CBD usage and sales remain confusing among users and sellers. Conspicuously, the CBD legislation has not settled down yet, the agency keep changing it very often, and the ground reality doesn't reflect the changes after implementation. (FDA) Food and Drug Administration seems to be the major reason for such a state in CBD industry.

Scott Gottlieb, the ex-commissioner of the FDA says in a Washington Post, "regulating CBD in the food industry will take multiple years. FDA has to evaluate a lot of scientific evidence before implementing any changes to the CBD legislation. He added, "any CBD food or dietary can be considered as legal only if there is a regulation issued by FDA that allows its use".

From a layman's point, the FDA's stance that is keen on evaluating the health benefits of CBD should be appreciated. At least for the time being, based on the non-psycho active nature of CBD, the regulating authority should allow the State governments to make decisions on allowing CBD products in the market.