WeedLife News Network

Chronic pain patients who used cannabis saw sustained improvement in their condition over time, according to the results of a recently released study. An abstract of the research, “No pain, all gain? Interim analyses from a longitudinal, observational study examining the impact of medical cannabis treatment on chronic pain and related symptoms,” was posted online last month prior to publication by the journal Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology.

To complete the study, researchers working with the Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital in Boston evaluated the use of medical cannabis (MC) by chronic pain patients, most of whom had either musculoskeletal pain or neuropathy. Patients were evaluated for factors including pain, clinical state, sleep, quality of life, and conventional medication use before the onset of treatment, as well as after three and six months of using medical cannabis. The data revealed a sustained improvement in the participants’ symptoms.

“Relative to baseline, following 3 and 6 months of treatment, MC patients exhibited improvements in pain which were accompanied by improved sleep, mood, anxiety, and quality of life, and stable conventional medication use,” the researchers wrote. “Reduced pain was associated with improvements in aspects of mood and anxiety.”

Different Effects Noted For THC, CBD

The research also revealed potential differences in the effects of increased exposure to the cannabinoids THC and CBD on different symptoms experienced by the participants, writing that “findings highlight the potential efficacy of MC treatment for pain and underscore the unique impact of individual cannabinoids on specific aspects of pain and comorbid symptoms.”

The cannabis plant is one of the oldest medicines on earth, with humans having used it for medical purposes for thousands of years.

It wasn’t until the better part of a hundred years ago that medical cannabis became prohibited on a global scale.

Cannabis is medicine, as proven by tens of thousands of peer-reviewed studies and countless personal experiences of patients that have successfully treated their condition(s) with cannabis.

Fortunately, more countries have legalized cannabis for medical use than ever before in the post-prohibition era, including in the United Kingdom.

Limited Program

As of November 1, 2018 the United Kingdom has allowed ‘expert doctors’ to prescribe the use of medical cannabis products to patients they feel would benefit from it.

As Americans age, hospices are exploring new ways to bring peace and calm to the often slow and painful process of end-of-life care. In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that an estimated 1.4 million individuals on Medicare were patients in a hospice setting.

Quadrupling in size over the last 20 years, hospices are investing in creating a patient-centric approach that dismantles the perceptions of some that hospices are unfeeling institutions. From massage to aromatherapy, some hospices are adding to their existing programs to include music and integration of family into meaningful experiences. While many hospices are focused on offering a thoughtful quality of care, some end-of-life-care specialists also advocate for marijuana.

A MorseLife Hospice and Palliative Care study focused on advances in hospice care identified changing attitudes regarding medical cannabis. Investigators pointed out that “87 per cent of Americans support the use of medical marijuana as a treatment option for terminally ill patients, with nearly three in five Americans (58 per cent) expressing strong support.”

The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine recently shared a video on how hospices can integrate medical marijuana into care, perhaps signalling even more acceptance of cannabis as a part of a patient’s care plan.

Pathways Home Health advocates for marijuana in hospice care. “Marijuana is used in the hospice care setting to ease spiritual and existential suffering, with some studies showing an important therapeutic role for patients faced with the despair of a terminal illness, as well as the loss of function that accompanies it. A mild euphoria or sense of well-being can ease a patient’s mind, body and spirit as they come to terms with their fate,” they noted.

One of the most common wellness uses for cannabis and CBD is as a sleep aid or relaxation tool. Many products, in fact, are tailored to target both. Let’s take a look at how cannabis can be used as a supplemental wellness tool for sleep, and some products that you can try today!

Lack of sleep can have a big impact on a person’s physical and mental health. In fact, almost half of the US population experiences symptoms of a sleep disorder. Marijuana is known to cause a state of relaxation and drowsiness, but does it actually help improve sleep?

With this research in mind, let’s take a look at some factors to consider when you want to use cannabis as a sleep aid.

Best-Selling Cannabis Products for Sleep in 2021

1. Camino by Kiva: Midnight Blueberry Camino Gummies

2. Care By Design: 18:1 CBD Cartridge

Cannabis has proven itself a vital and essential aspect of the health sector because of the abundance of medicinal properties it embodies.

Two things are rising at the same time in America: blood pressure and cannabis legalization. More states in America are legalizing cannabis because there is an increased amount of data on its benefits and medicinal properties. But hypertension is also increasing in America, with more people experiencing blood pressure issues yearly.

Does cannabis lower blood pressure? There are no definite answers to this question because there is so much to understand about the impact of cannabis on your blood pressure.

High blood pressure issues

The high blood pressure crisis in America is going through the roof. One survey shows that one in three adults in the U.S deal with hypertension. Do you know that high blood pressure contributes to cardiovascular disease if it is left unmanaged? A person could face the risk of stroke, heart failure, and heart attack. All of these risks explain why people are actively seeking solutions.

Unlike most health conditions, high blood pressure is caused by a variety of factors, including:

Cannabis is returning to its former glory by bagging an unusual place in the medical world. While many parts of the world remain skeptical of its medical benefits, several states in the US have approved the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Most people look for holistic and effective remedies to manage their health problems. Cannabis can come to the rescue as it may help address several health issues. Off late, many cannabis products have gained rapid popularity. Cannabis-infused coconut is one such product. It is a plant-based, dairy-free infusion used as the base for self-care products and recipes. Why should you believe these claims? Read ahead to know why this potent infusion is stealing the hearts of people.

About Cannabis Coconut Oil

Cannabis has always received flak due to its ability to make people high. But, do you know that consuming raw or dried cannabis flower buds may have little to no intoxicating effect? Without decarboxylation, you will only get the benefits of THCA or CBDA, the non-intoxicating compound. But, heating THCA compounds can convert it into THC, the potent cannabinoid with many properties. Before buying baked edibles canada, you need to understand that to experience the potent effects, THC must bond with fats. Bonding of THC with fats can offer highly potent products such as cannabis butter.

Source:

Interestingly, coconut oil has a specific fat content that allows effective binding with THC compared to butter. This fact resulted in making cannabis-infused coconut oil. Due to better binding with THC, cannabis-infused coconut may have more potent effects. Several manufacturers are turning to coconut oil for creating strong marijuana topicals, infusions, and medicinal edibles. Wondering why? It is because coconut oil has high saturated fat content with the ability to absorb high THC levels, flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids compared to other types of oil or butter.

7 Health Benefits Of Cannabis-Infused Coconut Oil

Coconut oil itself possesses several health properties beneficial for your health. Hence, combining it with cannabis can result in a truly desirable oil. This oil may offer several health benefits such as:

A survey by Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy indicates many in Texas using medical cannabis sourced illicitly are experiencing benefits.

Texas has a medical cannabis program – of sorts. It’s among the most restrictive in the USA and currently there are only a few thousand Texans registered. The program only allows for the use of cannabis extracts high in CBD and low in THC among those with few qualifying conditions and prescribed by physicians registered to do so.

Given the Compassionate Use Program (CUP) is rather lacking on the compassion side, it’s little wonder illicit medical cannabis use in the state is so prevalent – and this comes with significant legal and other risks.

The Baker Institute for Public Policy’s survey was designed to gain insight into the needs and experiences of this population. 2,866 Texas residents participated in the survey, which was conducted online between Aug. 11 and Oct. 6, 2020.

Among the findings:

New data released by WayofLeaf suggests the demand for medical marijuana (MMJ) among actual and potential card applicants has been on the rise during the pandemic

Survey results show that 70.7 per cent of those applicants needed cannabis “more in the past 12 months” compared to other years, according to WayofLeaf. Almost the same percentage, 71 per cent, of those polled noted they would prefer to use medical cannabis under the guidance of a doctor, rather than on their own.

After witnessing a spike in MMJ card requests, the company surveyed 155 recent MMJ applicants to determine what might be behind the increased interest.

Asked the main reasons why respondents were interested in getting an MMJ card, the most popular reason — cited by almost one in three participants or 32 per cent — “was to help deal with anxiety and stress,” survey figures indicate.

The next two most common reasons related to diagnosed medical conditions, reported by 27.7 per cent of respondents, and general pain relief, noted by 23.1 per cent of poll participants. “Surprisingly, sleep issues accounted for just 5.2 per cent of the vote,” the company reports.

A survey by Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy indicates many in Texas using medical cannabis sourced illicitly are experiencing benefits.

Texas has a medical cannabis program – of sorts. It’s among the most restrictive in the USA and currently there are only a few thousand Texans registered. The program only allows for the use of cannabis extracts high in CBD and low in THC among those with few qualifying conditions and prescribed by physicians registered to do so.

Given the Compassionate Use Program (CUP) is rather lacking on the compassion side, it’s little wonder illicit medical cannabis use in the state is so prevalent – and this comes with significant legal and other risks.

The Baker Institute for Public Policy’s survey was designed to gain insight into the needs and experiences of this population. 2,866 Texas residents participated in the survey, which was conducted online between Aug. 11 and Oct. 6, 2020.

Among the findings:

While some studies have linked the chemicals of cannabis to a risk for heart attack, much remains unknown about THC’s effects on the cardiovascular system. Here are the truths of what is known and what research has provided in an updated analysis of cannabis and the risk for cardiovascular effects.

Truth: We still need more research, but hands are tied

A 2017 study published in the Journal of Thoracic Disease stated that due to the rise of the recreational use of THC, researchers might be underestimating cannabis’ risk factors on the human body as well as the benefits.

Since cannabis continues to be listed as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, many organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) have encouraged the Drug Enforcement Administration to review its designation and how it might hinder research. In August 2020, they explained in the journal Circulation:

“Because of the rapidly changing landscape of cannabis laws and marijuana use, there is a pressing need for refined policy, education of clinicians and the public, and new research. Laws should be harmonized in ways that limit confusion and better reflect the existing science behind cannabis, starting in the United States at the federal level with removal of cannabis from Schedule 1 of the US Controlled Substances Act, followed by a proactive approach to labeling that standardizes concentrations of THC and CBD content.”

The AHA also noted that multiple studies showcased different risk factors for heart complications, depending on the cannabis delivery device. They stressed the importance that individuals and care teams needed high-quality advice and studies about cannabis to understand its effects on the cardiovascular system better, saying, “The public needs high-quality information about cannabis, which can help counterbalance the proliferation of rumor and false claims about the health effects of cannabis products.”

Kansas medical marijuana supporters have found support from some conservative Republican legislators, allowing a proposal to advance on March 29 after weeks of deliberations.

Some Republicans say they have been motivated by conservative neighbors Missouri and Oklahoma legalizing medical marijuana in 2018 through ballot initiatives, while others say many of their constituents support it.

Legalization advocates are glad state lawmakers are seriously considering the matter. But the measure has received pushback, mainly from law enforcement groups that say that there’s not enough evidence that marijuana can treat medical conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and Parkinson’s disease.

The state House Federal and State Affairs Committee approved the bill 13-8, sending it to the full House for approval.

“I think the majority of Kansans want it and I think we need to listen to our voters,” said Rep. John Eplee, an Atchison Republican committee member and a physician, told The Associated Press.

With CBD shampoo, you get an effective yet gentle product that repairs your hair and revives your skin follicles.

There’s so much to say about cannabis; from being a great treatment option for pain relief to its mood relaxation properties and lots more. Cannabis has been described as the “new gold” in the health and wellness sector because of its endless potentials. The potential has now extended to the prevention of hair loss and treatment of psoriasis.

Why do people experience hair loss?

Before getting to the solutions, we must talk about the problem and try to understand why it happens. For anyone to fully appreciate the value of CBD shampoo and other CBD products, one must understand the problem.

When people grow older, they experience a natural change with their hair that leads to hair loss. While some lose hair at a slower pace, others lose hair much faster (this happens for different reasons).

Hair loss cab also be hereditary, if older members of your family also lose hair, there is a greater chance that the same will happen to you. Stress and hormonal deficiencies are also major causes of hair loss. If you are experiencing hair loss you will agree that it is the most worrisome experience. If you haven’t experienced hair loss, you should actively think about how to prevent it from happening.

Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development says crops associated with its latest round of industrial hemp trials are in the ground.

The trials, now in their second year, will examine the potential for growing hemp in the state for grain production. This year, the research has been expanded beyond the Manjimup Research Facility to include a site at Busselton in the southwest of the state and another site much further north at the department’s Kununurra Research Facility.

The trial is comparing sowing on the first day of the months of October, December, January and March at the first two sites to ascertain the best time and environments for planting. Planting won’t occur at Kununurra until next month – that trial will delve into time of sowing and crop performance in a tropical environment.

Various varieties from Australia, France and Canada are being tested. Sown into clay loam soil, all the plots are irrigated and planting has occurred at a density of 100 plants per square metre. However, the Department states the site at Manjimup has additional plantings of 200 and 300 plants/m2 as part of a continuation of a 2019 sowing rate trial.

After maturity, which will occur in 100 – 160 days, the seed will be harvested and measured for grain, protein and oil content.

In 2016, 28.2 million adults in the U.S. were diagnosed with heart disease with a heart attack occurring every 40 seconds, according to the American Heart Association.

As the leading cause of death for men, women and people of most racial and ethnic groups, new research is being released every year that explores ways to eradicate the one in every four deaths that are heart disease-related, notes information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Heart health truly matters, not just because of the importance of the body’s ability to pump blood and gain oxygen, but because it is directly tied to overall health and aging.

Conditions such as high cholesterol, angina and heart disease often occur because of a heart not functioning at its proper capacity.

Understanding cholesterol

Cholesterol often has a bad reputation. Needed inside the body to make vitamin D, it’s a waxy substance found in all cells. With a healthy diet and exercise, many people can stave off high cholesterol levels. However, for those with a genetic history of high cholesterol, other recommendations come into play.

CBD is saturating the market. You can drink it, eat it, vape it, or even use it on your skin. Many people are finding CBD cream a helpful supplement in combatting arthritis, inflammation, or itchy skin.

If you suffer from chronic pain and are looking for a natural solution, you might want to try CBD cream. Keep reading to learn how CBD cream can help you manage pain.

What is CBD cream and how does it work?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid present in cannabis plants. It is a non-psychoactive compound, which will not get you high. Manufacturers extract it from hemp plants, which have an abundance of CBD, but a negligible THC level. They use the extract to make different products, like CBD cream. It is a topical that contains CBD, and you can apply it directly to your skin.

CBD topicals like creams work by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. It is a highly complex cellular structure that primarily governs feelings of pain and pleasure. The system produces neurotransmitters called cannabinoids that bind with receptors to initiate change. When you use CBD cream, the cannabinoids communicate with the receptors present on the skin and can bring relief from pain and skin disorders.

How can they help with pain management?

Here are five compelling ways CBD cream can help your body with pain management:

The French Government’s medical cannabis trial saw its first patient prescribed a medicine at the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital last Friday.

Launched by France’s Minister for Solidarity and Health Olivier Véran, the trial aims to collect the first French data on the efficacy and safety of cannabis for therapeutic purposes, as well as to lay the foundations for its long-term availability.

Around 3,000 patients will be participating in the study.

Minister Véran stated (translated):

“It’s the role of medicine to fight disease and relieve pain. As a doctor, as a minister, I am proud that France can experiment with the use of cannabis for medical purposes, and thus better support thousands of patients who face serious pathologies.”

CBD is an active ingredient derived from the cannabis plant that’s said to have medicinal effects, including the ability to reduce inflammation. Here are some of its other often-cited benefits.

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is gaining popularity as a result of its wide variety of possible holistic applications. It seems to have become a promising alternative treatment throughout the conventional field of fitness and health.

Over the recent years, CBD products have become increasingly accepted by consumers. It has been marketed as a legal and better substitute to marijuana, as well as a source of several potential beneficial effects.

What is CBD?

CBD is a form of cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. It’s said to be a non-psychoactive substance, which means that it won’t get you high or change the way your brain functions. On the other hand, THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), which is also present in the leaves of the cannabis plant, is the cannabinoid that may have a psychoactive effect on the brain.

While both come from the cannabis plant, CBD differs from medical marijuana. You could learn more about the differences on sites such as SanctuaryWellnessInstitute.com. Though they both claim to have similar benefits, CBD is legal in more states and countries than medical marijuana.

A new study refutes what many claim is a danger of legal cannabis, as the findings showed that, while alcohol can have an impact on cortical thickness in younger users, cannabis does not. 

The study, titled “The effects of alcohol and cannabis use on the cortical thickness of cognitive control and salience brain networks in emerging adulthood: A co-twin control study,” was published in the journal Biological Psychiatry and conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota.

These researchers looked at the relationship between alcohol and cannabis exposure when it comes to the brain morphology of young adults. It considered a population-based sample of 436 twins, all 24 years old. By looking at frequency, density, quantity, and level of intoxication from both alcohol and cannabis, the researchers were able to gather data about how cannabis impacts cortical thickness. The cortical consistency was measured using magnetic resonance imaging. 

When conducting this research, the team kept in mind that other studies often assume that even casual substance exposure can have an impact on brain structure. However, until now, this was a largely untested theory, and one that does not take other factors like familiar risk into account. By studying the twins who were using alcohol and cannabis, the study was able to directly measure how the two different substances can affect people.

The study explained,  “Greater alcohol, but not cannabis, misuse was associated with reduced thickness of prefrontal and frontal medial cortices, as well as [the] temporal lobe, intraparietal sulcus, insula, parietal operculum, precuneus, and parietal medial areas.”

As a pain specialist, I often have patients asking me whether they should try medicinal cannabis. There’s a common perception it can be an effective way to manage chronic pain.

But two expert groups have recently recommended against medicinal cannabis for people suffering persistent non-cancer pain.

The International Association for the Study of Pain published a position statement last week after its presidential taskforce summarised the evidence on the topic.

And yesterday the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists published guidance for health practitioners in the form of a Choosing Wisely recommendation. (Choosing Wisely is an initiative of NPS Medicinewise which aims to highlight low-value health care.)