An overwhelming number of patients and caregivers report that cannabis–especially CBD and low-dose THC–can have a significant impact on patients suffering from dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease. Cannabis may help reduces some of the symptoms experienced by patients with these diseases.

Of course, more research is needed, but much existing research supports the benefits. Anecdotal evidence and patient reports tell us that medical cannabis often improves the quality of life of patients with dementia and their caregivers. We expect future research to further confirm and explore the clinical findings. 

Here are five ways cannabis may impact dementia. 

CBD as a Neuroproteant 

This historical fact might sound unbelievable to some, but it is 100% true: In 2001, the United States government filed for a US patent on CBD, cannabidiol, claiming CBD is a neuroprotectant. This implies CBD helps protect brain cells from further damage from the disease process and may even have restorative properties. 

In their abstract, the US Department of Health claims, “Cannabinoids have been found to have antioxidant properties, unrelated to NMDA receptor antagonism. This new found property makes cannabinoids useful in the treatment and prophylaxis of wide variety of oxidation associated diseases, such as ischemic, age-related, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The cannabinoids are found to have particular application as neuroprotectants, for example in limiting neurological damage following ischemic insults, such as stroke and trauma, or in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and HIV dementia.”

We don’t have enough research to consider cannabis an official front-line treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, however, we do have research supporting the antioxidant actions of cannabinoids. Additionally, in vitro studies show CBD can spur neurogenesis in human brain cells, suggesting the compound may protect brain cells. 

Controlling Agitation & Psychological Outburts

Agitation and emotional outbursts are challenging symptoms experienced by many patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Psychological outbursts can be particularly challenging for the families and caregivers of patients. 

Patients and caregivers regularly report that adding, cannabis in the form of CBD and/or THC, to a patient’s healthcare regimen often reduces or eliminates behavioral outbursts. 

A prospective observational study conducted in 2019, determined, “ An oral cannabis extract with THC/CBD, in higher dosages than in other studies, was well tolerated and greatly improved behavior problems, rigidity, and daily care in severely demented patients.”

We also have clinical research examining the synthetic form of THC, nabilone, which clearly reduced agitation in patients with dementia. 

Fight Memory Loss

Let me start by saying that cannabis is NOT a magical treatment that will allow patients to recover all their lost memories and return to life before dementia. Sadly, there is NO medication or treatment that can do that. However, research and anecdotal evidence support the idea that cannabis may stimulate the brain to gently improve memory and memory-related behavior.  

We don’t have human studies to support this, but animal studies show that regular administration of CBD and THC did improve memory and performance in animals suffering from age-related and illness-related memory issues. Caregivers also report modest improvements in memory-related activities after patients begin a regular cannabis regimen. 

Increase Appetite 

Diminishing appetites, wasting syndrome, and failure to thrive are common issues experienced by patients with dementia. These symptoms can be extremely alarming for caregivers.

Cannabis is world-famous as an appetite stimulant. In animal models, researchers found delta 9 THC triggers hunger hormones. 

Drobinol, a synthetic form of THC, has been used to address a failure to thrive. Cannabis is used regularly to increase appetite among patients with cancer. While synthetic cannabinoids are the only option for some US patients. Cannabis clinicians routinely encourage natural plant-derived cannabinoids over synthetics because they tend to cause fewer side effects compared to synthetics. 

Improve Sleep 

The research about how cannabis affects sleep and sleep disorders is conflicting, but the anecdotal evidence is clear. Caregivers consistently report that adding cannabis improves sleep in terms of time and quality for patients suffering from dementia. 

Improving a patient’s sleep can dramatically improve the quality of life not only of the patient but it can significantly improve the quality of life for the patient’s caregivers as well. 

Reduction in Rigidity and Pain

One of the most popular uses for medical cannabis is addressing chronic pain. Patients with dementia frequently experience unexplained chronic pain. Many patients also experience muscle rigidity which can cause significant pain.

Patients with dementia are also often unable to effectively communicate the quality or quantity of their pain and that can make treating it extremely difficult.

Adding medical cannabis can effectively address issues of chronic pain thus significantly improving the quality of life for the patient without suffering from the risks or side-effects of traditional pharmaceutical pain-relievers. Research show’s low-dose THC and CBD can help reduce rigidity in patients thus decreasing pain and increasing function.

Conclusion

There are many potential benefits of adding medical cannabis to the healthcare routine of a patient with dementia. Historically patients with dementia have experienced improved appetite, improved sleep, a reduction in rigidity and pain, and a reduction in behavioral outbursts when adding medical cannabis.

Many patients wonder how much cannabis to take. Finding the ideal dose can be challenging. Overall patients with dementia often report positive effects on a daily regimen of CBD and low-dose THC, but everyone is different and occasionally patients require higher doses.

Patients and caregivers should always speak with their healthcare provider before adding a new substance or medication to their healthcare regimen.

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Often patients with serious chronic issues benefit from adding cannabis to their healthcare regimen. This is especially true for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Crohn’s Disease. Some patients with mild cases may be able to eliminate pharmaceuticals completely. Many others successfully utilize cannabis in combination with pharmaceuticals. 

Anecdotal evidence and research show cannabis may affect the symptoms of Crohn’s disease in a variety of ways thus enhancing the patient’s quality of life.

Here five different ways cannabis can impact Crohn’s disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea 

Patients with Crohn’s Disease often suffer from a variety of distressing symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are frequently among the most disabling symptoms a patient may endure. For many patients, episodes of nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea can be completely debilitating.

Cannabis is famous as an antiemetic. It’s highly valued in oncology for its effects on chemotherapy-associated nausea. Ample research and anecdotal evidence show cannabis can decrease episodes of nausea and vomiting. While a 2014 Canadian population study found that  28.6% of patients with IBD reported improved diarrhea after beginning a cannabis regimen. 

Pain

Patients with IBD and Crohn’s Disease frequently report episodes of pain. Some episodes may be localized while others may be widespread. 

A 2014 study examined the effects of cannabis on patients with Irritable Bowel Disease who used cannabis. 83.9% of the participants reported cannabis improved abdominal pain, 76.8% reported that cannabis improved abdominal cramping, and 48.2% found cannabis improved joint pain as well. 

It’s important to note that this particular study researcher also noted cannabis users with Crohn’s disease more often had worsening disease than people who did not use cannabis. We don’t know if cannabis masks the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, or if people with more serious instances of the disease are more likely to use cannabis. 

Inducing Remission

Achieving remission is often a goal of treatment for patients with Crohn’s Disease and IBD. Remission is when the disease is no longer in an active state and symptoms recede. 

A small-scale placebo-controlled study conducted in Israel in 2013, found 10 out of 11 participants experienced a significant positive clinical response after beginning a medical cannabis regimen. 5 out of 11 participants went into complete remission after 8 weeks of regular cannabis administration. 

Similar research was presented in 2018, “In a randomised, placebo-controlled study, researchers from Israel have shown that cannabis can produce clinical remission in up to 65% of individuals after 8 weeks of treatment, but that this improvement does not appear to result from a dampening down of the underlying inflammatory process.”

There’s no evidence to suggest cannabis decreases gut inflammation directly, but cannabis is coveted for its anti-inflammatory properties in general. 

May Mitigate Complications

Many people live successful happy lives with chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease, but in some cases, the disease process can result in complications that can be dangerous and deadly. 

A retrospective cohort study in 2019 found cannabis users were less likely to have active fistulizing disease, intra-abdominal abscesses, blood product transfusions, colectomies, and parenteral nutrition requirements.

The study concluded that “cannabis use may mitigate several of the well-described complications of Crohn’s disease among hospital inpatients. These effects could possibly be through the effect of cannabis in the endocannabinoid system.” 

Another study found “ Fifteen of the patients had 19 surgeries during an average period of 9 years before cannabis use, but only 2 required surgery during an average period of 3 years of cannabis use. Again, much more research is needed to truly determine the effects cannabis has on Inflammatory Bowel Disease, but the current research available is promising.  

Increased appetite

Weight loss is another challenging symptom experienced by many patients with Crohn’s Disease and IBD. 

One of the most famous effects of marijuana is “the munchies”. It’s true that marijuana can act as an appetite stimulant. In animal models, researchers found delta 9 THC triggers hunger hormones. 

It’s also interesting to note, that many researchers theorize cannabis may help maintain a healthy weight as studies have found chronic cannabis users generally have a healthier BMI than nonusers.

Conclusion

Many patients report benefits from cannabis including a reduction in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, a reduction of pain, and an increased appetite. Patients also often report that cannabis may help mitigate the complications of IBD, and in some patients, it may even induce or maintain remission.  

It’s also important to add, that some physicians have suggested cannabis may mask the symptoms of worsening disease and careful management by a healthcare provider is needed. 

Much more research needs to be done to fully understand how medical marijuana impacts Crohn’s disease or IBD.  As always, new patients should consult with their healthcare provider before adding new substances to their healthcare regimen. 

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Until 1937, cannabis was a medication commonly used to treat a variety of disorders including migraines. It was so common, you could pick a tincture up in your local pharmacy.

Unfortunately, cannabis is now still illegal in many areas and has been stigmatized for decades. But as legalization is embraced by the world, we’ve rediscovered cannabis as a tool for addressing migraines and a variety of other illnesses and disorders, including chronic pain, cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic inflammation, leukemia, and more.

Here are five ways medical marijuana affects migraine headache disorder.

5 Ways Cannabis Might Help Migraines

Reduces Frequency of Migraines

An overwhelming number of patients report regularly consuming cannabis reduces the frequency of migraine headaches. Multiple studies support these reports.

A 2019 study conducted at Washinton State University found, “Inhaled cannabis reduces self-reported headache severity by 47.3% and migraine severity by 49.6%”

A 2020 study published in Brain Sciences showed that prolonged cannabis use could decrease the frequency of migraines, reinforcing a 2016 clinical study, published in Pharmacotherapy Productions, which also shows medical marijuana can reduce the frequency of migraines.

The 2016 study states, “Migraine headache frequency decreased from 10.4 to 4.6 headaches per month (p<0.0001) with the use of medical marijuana.” A whopping 85% of study participants reported symptom relief.

Reduces Acute Pain of Migraines Headaches

Many patients report that consuming cannabis after a migraine has begun can help reduce the acute pain experienced during the migraine.

Medical cannabis is prized for its impressive effects on addressing pain. Most of the research has examined cannabis’s effects on chronic pain as opposed to acute pain such as that experienced during a migraine episode.

Ample anecdotal evidence shows cannabis can be helpful for many people experiencing acute pain. Research examining the effects of cannabinoids on acute pain is scarce but a 2020 study showed that cannabis is statistically significant in reducing acute pain.

Reduces Nausea & Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are some of the most common symptoms accompanying migraine headache attacks. For many patients, nausea and vomiting can be more debilitating than the headache itself.

Cannabis has been prized for decades for its ability to fight nausea and vomiting.

Ample research and anecdotal evidence show cannabis can decrease episodes of nausea and vomiting. Research also shows cannabis may reduce dysgeusia (a persistent bad taste in the mouth) which is another complaint sometimes associated with migraine headache disorder.

Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is suspected as a culprit in migraine headache disorder. Preclinical research from 2019 states, “Inflammation could have an important role in migraine chronification through a mechanism termed neurogenic neuroinflammation.” Some clinicians also suspect chronic inflammation may play a role in triggering exacerbations.

Cannabis is often used as an anti-inflammatory. Research shows cannabis can act to decrease inflammation. Cannabidiol is a potent anti-inflammatory. CBD from hemp oil is often utilized for its anti-inflammatory properties in states where medical marijuana is illegal.

Balances the Endocannabinoid System

One of the most significant ways cannabis affects the body is its impact on the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an essential biochemical communication system in every human body.

Little is understood about the endocannabinoid system but in 2008, Dr. Ethan Russo published research explaining the effects of clinical endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome (CECD). One of the specific conditions Dr. Russo attributes to CECD is migraine headache disorder.

In theory, consuming cannabinoids found in cannabis is believed to help restore tone to a deficient endocannabinoid system. So, if migraine headache disorder is caused by an endocannabinoid imbalance, then cannabis may help restore balance to that system thus easing the symptoms of migraines.

Cannabis isn’t the only way to balance the ECS–here are seven other ways to modulate the endocannabinoid system.Trending Now

When looking for a new product to help address the effects of aging on your skin, you can quickly become overwhelmed by the number of different ingredients claiming to help. Without extensive research, it can be challenging to know how effective these ingredients and products are. The following are the most effective options to help maintain healthy skin.

Sunscreen

Many substances and vitamins have been shown to help reduce aging on the skin, the most effective (and important) solution is simple sunscreen. If you’re not using sunscreen regularly, then there’s no point in investing any more money in other products that claim to help your skin. Many of the effects people are looking to reduce, like wrinkles and spots, develop from exposure to the sun. Stopping this source of damage is the most powerful way to protect your skin.

Broad-spectrum sunscreen is recommended as it stops both UVA and UVB rays from the sun, the first causing signs of aging and the second that burn the skin. An SPF of at least 30 is recommended, which will stop most of the damaging UV from hitting your skin, either by blocking it or absorbing it into the skin to stop the damage at a cellular level. Sunscreens come with 

Ceramides

The top layer of your skin is known as the skin barrier, which keeps moisture in and retains hydration while keeping irritants out. Ceramides are a type of lipid that helps maintain the strength of this barrier, so it can be a powerful way to maintain your skin’s health. The more hydrated your skin is, the more youthful it will look, an essential part of your anti-aging arsenal. If you’re prone to dry skin or eczema, a product with topical ceramides like Private Label Skin Care may be beneficial.

Collagen

Collagen is a protein found in the skin, hair, and nails and helps keep them strong and healthy. Skin without enough collagen will lose its ‘bounce’ and start to look less firm, which is why, as we age, our skin changes as the body produces less collagen naturally. Sun exposure can also expedite the effects and speed up how quickly the collagen in our skin breaks down. While it may seem straightforward that we should add collagen into our skincare routine, it, unfortunately, isn’t that simple. Collagen is a large molecule that makes it difficult to find a topical method that will significantly impact. Equally, taking collagen as a pill isn’t the most effective way of getting the protein to the correct part of the body, so while the jury is still out, there’s no harm in taking a collagen supplement or cream.

CBD – Cannabidiol 

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a molecule found in hemp or cannabis. CBD does not cause intoxication or euphoria (unlike its cousin, THC). CBD has quickly made its way to the beauty and skincare industry. In many areas, hemp-based CBD products can be purchased at a local pharmacy or ordered online. CBD beauty products can also be found at major retailers like Sephora. Thanks to easy access, more people are utilizing topical CBD for healthy skin. 

Research states, “Recent data have shown that the endocannabinoid system is fully functional in the skin and is responsible for maintaining many aspects of skin homeostasis, such as proliferation, differentiation, and release of inflammatory mediators.” Preclinical evidence shows CBD may be a therapeutic option to address a variety of inflammatory skin conditions. 

CBD also has been found to have antioxidant properties. Anecdotal reports show consumers are choosing topical CBD for a variety of skin-care purposes, from addressing dark spots and other skin imperfections, to easing acne. More research needs to be done on CBD, but the preclinical research and the anecdotal reports are promising. 

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is in a group of acids called ‘alpha-hydroxy’ acids. Unlike collagen, it’s made from tiny molecules that can penetrate deep into the skin. Using glycolic acid has an exfoliating effect, improving your skin’s texture and tone by dissolving dead skin cell bonds like other alpha-hydroxy acids. What makes glycolic acid unique is that it boosts collagen in the skin, giving it an elastic look mentioned above. The only issue is that it can irritate sensitive skin, so start with a mild product.

Lactic Acid

Like glycolic acid, lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid, but is gentler on the skin and less likely to irritate. If you get a mild face peel or at-home exfoliator, there’s a good chance that it will contain lactic acid and leave your skin looking refreshed. Many exfoliating products have the issue of drying out your skin. Lactic acid is unique in that it can moisturize the skin and exfoliate it, making it a fantastic choice. If you use a product with lactic acid in it, beware that your face may be more sensitive to the sun, so ensure that you’re keeping on top of your sunscreen routine.

Hyaluronic Acid

Another prevalent ingredient in the anti-aging and skin hydration world, hyaluronic acid works by absorbing water and then traps it under the skin like a sponge. By doing this, your skin will be both hydrated and look plumper, and lines will appear to be filled in. Unfortunately, this is a temporary effect, but as the body creates hyaluronic acid naturally until around 20, there are no issues with regularly using a product. When using hyaluronic acid-based products, remember that moisture needs to be present for it to work, so apply it to the skin when it’s already moist with water or after using a moisturizer.

Jojoba Oil

Face oils have become popular over the last few years, but the idea can still be off-putting compared to the more traditional face cream. Of all the face oils available jojoba oil is one of the top choices on the market. Coming from the pod of a plant, it acts just like the oil found in our skin. For most people, it will also not clog pores and acts as a moisturizer, making it perfect for irritated or dry skin, and won’t lead to breakouts in spots. Jojoba oil also contains vitamin E, which has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as a bonus.

Retinol

Retinol is also known as vitamin A, and is a highly effective skin treatment ingredient. It works by increasing the rate your skin cells turn over, giving an exfoliating effect, and can combat fine lines and damage from the sun. If you have both wrinkles and adult acne or spots, this is a great option. There are some negatives, though – the main one is that too much can cause redness or irritation, especially for sensitive skin. Combat this by using only a minimal amount to start with – a pea-sized drop will be more than enough to cover your face with. Another tactic is to try to use it after moisturizing for added protection and then adding another layer of moisturizer on top.

Conclusion

There are a variety of topical ointments and creams on the market that promise to provide the most effective anti-aging ingredients you need in your skincare routine. The ideal skincare routine can vary from each person and it can take a little experimentation to find the ideal products for you. When purchasing new skincare items, always choose high-quality products free of contaminants, toxins, and impurities. As always, talk to your licensed healthcare provider before adding new supplements or medications to your healthcare routine. 

Learn how to make your own CBD topicals easily at home. Learn five ways CBD oil impacts your skin.Trending Now

Amazing Prime Deal for Cannabis Consumers

Happy Prime Day! It’s only 9:00 am and I’m already on my fourth Amazon Prime order because the deals are just sooo good!

For the most part, the cannabis world is excluded from Prime Day. But if you scour the listings, you’ll find some great deals for those of us who love cannabis and cannabis accessories!

I’ve done the scouring for you! Here are some of the best Amazon Prime Deals for cannabis lovers in October 2020. The prices you see listed here on my site are the ORIGINAL prices. You need to click on the link to view the Prime Deal Sale. 

If you love cannabis, you’ll probably enjoy these amazing deals from Amazon Prime. Hurry and get them now before the deals disappear.

Bong Cleaning Beads

Just toss these into your bong or hookah along with some alcohol and give it a shake. The beads will help scour the glass to remove the burnt on resin.

Click the link to see the Prime Day sale price!!

There’s an AMAZING deal on the Magical Butter Machine, which allows you to make truly magical edibles at home. If you’ve been waiting to buy a MBM,  NOW is the time. Click the link below to see the incredible Prime Day deal and buy it now!! (Hint!! The MBM is on sale for $131.21!!!)

Click the link to see the Prime Day sale price!!

Try a glow a glow-in-the-dark silicone herb bowl. Click the link to see the Prime Day price.

A new scale to monitor your dose and bake edibles more accurately.

Click the link to see the Prime Day sale price.

A new torch for dabbing.

Click the link to see the Prime Day sale price.

This adorable cannabis themed sun hat is on sale too.

Click the link to see the Prime Day sale price.

Grab a new herb grinder on sale!

Click the link to see the Prime Day sale price.

Or if you’re hands are sick of grinding, buy an electric grinder and dedicate it to your herbs.

Click the link to see the Prime Day sale price.

A set of brushes to scrub the grit out of your glass.

Click the link to see the Prime Day sale price.

How about a rolling tray on wheels? This isn’t designed for rolling cannabis but it works perfectly!

Click the link to see the Prime Day sale price.

Disposable smell proof bags are on sale.

Lock up your meds with this amazing deal! Click the link to see the Prime Day price.

Or keep them safely locked away, but watch them the whole time. Click the link to see the Prime Day price.

Store your stash elegantly in this ornate stash box. Click the link to see the Prime Day price.

Lock away your meds on the go. Click the link to see the Prime Day price.

Worried about smell when traveling? Try a portable air purifier. Click the link to see the Prime Day price.

Or purify your whole house with a standard sized air purifier. Click the link to see the Prime Day price.

Grab a new smoking pillow. Click the link to see the Prime Day price.

Enjoy some time with Marley. Click the link to see the Prime Day price.

This is the hoodie deal you’ve been waiting for!!! Click the link to see the Prime Day price.

Be loud with your love. Click the link to see the Prime Day price.

Share your patient status with stickers. Click the link to see the Prime Day price.

If you’re in a legal area, you should be growing!! Click the link to see the Prime Day price.

Prune those babies. Click the link to see the Prime Day price.

Everything you need to grow the goodies. Click the link to see the Prime Day price.

Keep a closer eye on your plant babies with this. Click the link to see the Prime Day price.

Grow indoors. Click the link to see the Prime Day price.

Make your own edibles at home. PLEASE make sure you label them and lock them away from kids. Click the link to see the Prime Day price.

Sorry, it’s not on sale, but how cute is this Baby Yoda rolling tray?

Shop Amazon for Stash-Boxes, or find more cannabis themed gifts.

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Surprising Cannabis History Facts 

As cannabis is legalized around the world, we learn more and more about the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids. But it’s not just new knowledge and data we’re embracing about this plant. Cannabis has actually been utilized by humanity for thousands of years. This means that this plant has a much richer history than most people realize. 

Here are five surprising facts about the history of cannabis. 

Cannabis Was Used for Asthma 

Cannabis has been used therapeutically throughout history. Evidence shows it was used more than 5,000 years ago extensively for various ailments in what is now Romania. Medical marijuana is even referenced in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia from 1500 BC. The plant has been found on mummies in Egypt, and is known to have been widely used  throughout India in the form of Bhang. 

From among the wide benefits that cannabis is purported to offer, it might be most surprising to hear that smoking cannabis has been used as a treatment for asthma. History even shows cannabis was once recommended for asthmatics by physicians. In the 1900’s cannabis was routinely used to address asthma and bronchitis in South Asia. 

This might be surprising because most people realize that smoke in general is not ideal for anyone with respiratory issues like asthma. Smoke has been frequently shown to worsen and trigger asthma attacks. However, research shows that cannabis smoke might not behave like many other forms of smoke, including tobacco smoke. 

In fact, instead of causing the bronchioles (tiny airways leading to the lungs) to contract, as most people would expect, it turns out cannabis smoke may have the opposite effect. Research from the 1970’s showed, cannabis smoke actually caused bronchodilation, the airways dilated, or expanded, instead of contracting. 

This research has been explored further. Other methods of consumption are also being explored for asthmatics. 

The US Government had a Patent on CBD (Cannabidiol) 

It’s true! The US Division of Health and Human Services obtained a patent on CBD as a neuroprotectant.  

The patent, US6630507B1, was filed by the health and human services on April 21st, 1998. 

The abstract for the US patent US6630507B1 reads, “Cannabinoids have been found to have antioxidant properties, unrelated to NMDA receptor antagonism. This new found property makes cannabinoids useful in the treatment and prophylaxis of a wide variety of oxidation associated diseases, such as ischemic, age-related, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The cannabinoids are found to have particular application as neuroprotectants, for example in limiting neurological damage following ischemic insults, such as stroke and trauma, or in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and HIV dementia.”

Despite this clear acknowledgement by the US government that cannabis does indeed offer medical benefits, cannabis has remained erroneously listed as a Schedule I controlled substance. 

The patent was not renewed and expired on April 21, 2019. 

The 2018 Farm Bill altered the status of hemp and now CBD products are widely available to consumers around the country. 

If fact, CBD has become so widely available that it’s become extremely important to choose high-quality lab-tested CBD products with proper labeling. Without proper labeling and testing CBD products can contain a variety of toxins. 

THC Was Tested as a Truth Serum

Does THC make you a more honest person? Not necessarily, and there’s good research to support that claim. 

In the 1940s, during World War II, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), a national government intelligence agency, decided to explore various controlled substances as possible “truth serums”. The OSS formed the National Research Council to investigate these substances. 

Harry Anslinger, a devout cannabis hater and the commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics was involved in these investigations. 

THC acetate along with a variety of other substances were tested on unsuspected victims, including war prisoners, as a truth serum in the 1940’s. 

It turns out that cannabis worked well as a relaxing agent, but it did not work well as a truth serum. 

During the course of the investigations, researchers discovered LSD, and the program transitioned into exploring the effects of LSD on unsuspecting individuals and its use as an interrogation aid. 

Cannabis-Derived Pharmaceuticals ARE Available

The very first study about CBD exhibited remarkable results. The study examined several patients suffering from epilepsy. Each patient received a dose of CBD daily. After four months all of the patients experience a reduction in seizures, with half of them experiencing complete seizure cessation. 

Despite the remarkable results, no one paid attention to the research. There was very little publicity surrounding the study probably likely because of the negative stigma associated with cannabis. 

Even after remarkable promise as a therapeutic agent, cannabis remains illegal–even studying cannabis remains extremely limited in the United States. 

However, that wasn’t the case around the rest of the world. Research continued in other areas. In fact, full scale clinical trials have demonstrated that THC and CBD do have therapeutic potential.

So much research was done, that GW Pharmaceuticals developed a plant-derived cannabinoid based medication, Sativex. Sativex is a (approx) 1:1 CBD:THC oral mucosa spray. Sativex is available by prescription in almost 30 countries, but because it’s derived from the cannabis plant, Sativex is still banned in the United States. 

However, the plant-derived pharmaceutical, Epidiolex, which is made from cannabis-derived CBD isolate, is available by prescription in the US for some conditions.

Shakespeare Smoked Cannabis

For decades rumors ran rampant that William Shakespare used cannabis. Does cannabis spark creativity? 

We don’t know if cannabis is responsible for Shakespare’s creative works, but we do know that he was quite likely a lover of cannabis. 

We have concrete evidence that suggests William Shakespeare smoked cannabis because studies have found cannabis residue in the pipes he used, many of which were preserved after his death. 

“Research analyzing the chemical residue of Shakespere’s pipes, discovered cannabis residue. A sophisticated technique called gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) was used. The pipe bowls and stems had been obtained by Thackeray on loan from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford-upon-Avon. Several of the pipes had been excavated from the garden of William Shakespeare. Results of this study (including 24 pipe fragments) indicated Cannabis in eight samples.”

Conclusion 

From its use as a therapeutic agent, to it’s scandalous past as a truth serum, cannabis has a very rich history. As we explore this plant more and more, we expect to learn more surprising facts about cannabis. 

As always, patients should consult their licensed healthcare provider before adding a new substance or supplement to their healthcare routine. Trending Now