CBD Tincture: Guide to Uses, Side Effects and More

CBD Tincture: Guide to Uses, Side Effects and More

Chances are you, or someone you know, have already experienced CBD oil benefits. You may already have some in your medicine cabinet. 

If you are new to the world of CBD tinctures, where do you begin? You probably have many questions about the basics and the best way to dose. Follow along on this quick introduction to all aspects of CBD tinctures.

What is CBD Tincture?

Firstly, what is a tincture? Tinctures have been around since 1000 AD. They have been used orally as medicine for thousands of years—elderberry tinctures, turmeric, echinacea, and cannabis tinctures are just some of many. 

Alcohol-based tinctures are common, but there are a few other ways to make them as well. Common carrier oils for CBD include MCT oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil. CBD tinctures come in small bottles with various concentrations. With the dose dropper, they are easy to dose and avoid risks associated with smoking. Allowed to absorb under the tongue, these tinctures take effect quickly.

What are the many CBD oil benefits you can expect? Canadians report relief from migraines, anxiety, sleep disorders, psoriasis, arthritis, eating disorders, and more. CBD is taking over the cannabis industry, creating some amazing stuff and wowing people with its groundbreaking properties. It is now common to be able to buy CBD online in Canada as well. 

How to Properly Dose CBD 

Figuring out your dose with CBD hemp oil is important but can also be overwhelming. There are so many tinctures, with so many numbers on their labels. Some tinctures range from 100mg to as high as 2000mg. No matter what bottle you have on hand, you’ll need to figure out your personal dose.

The great thing about CBD is that it’s safe and well-tolerated, even in high doses used within research studies. Remember, this is not THC, and you won’t feel high or any of the other common side effects from THC-rich cannabis.

But, getting to know your personal dose is nevertheless important. CBD oil is mellow, but you don’t want to waste any product. 

 

  1. Start with 5 to 10 drops from your CBD tincture dose dropper before bed.
  2. Maintain the baseline dose for three to four days.
  3. If you experience no CBD oil benefits, increase the dose by 50 percent (10 to 20 drops).
  4. Maintain the new dose for three to four days.
  5. Repeat until you feel the positive effects.
  6. If at any point you experience adverse side effects, like sleepiness or diarrhea, reduce the dose. You may also wish to split into smaller doses during the day.

Does CBD Have Side Effects? 

Because CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabis compound, you will not feel stoned while consuming it. It is safe, but taking large amounts of CBD will make you feel a little sluggish. Some people also report diarrhea with large doses. 

The World Health Organization has declared, “CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.” But, as per their assessment, “reported adverse effects may be as a result of drug-drug interactions between CBD and patients’ existing medications.”

If you currently take prescription medications and are experiencing some of the mild effects of CBD, you may wish to consult your doctor. 

Have You Experienced CBD Oil Benefits?

Canadians across the country, old and young alike, are exploring CBD oil benefits for a range of conditions. Everyone, even parents and grandparents, is curious about what this non-intoxicating cannabinoid can do. From sleep to mood to inflammation, this little cannabidiol has a big future in over-the-counter relief.

How to Dab CBD Concentrates: Everything You Need to Know

How to Dab CBD Concentrates: Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve ever seen marijuana concentrates for sale, you may have wondered just what they are. What exactly is shatter? What’s the difference between an oil and a tincture? Isn’t hash just another word for weed? Why get all fancy when you can just smoke dried herb?

Well, it turns out there are a few reasons why people prefer concentrates over traditional bud. Before we dive into the ‘why,’ let’s take a peek at just what concentrates are — and specifically CBD concentrates.

What Are Concentrates?

A concentrate, chemically speaking, is something expressed in a condensed form, or something made less diluted by eliminating fluid (water). In terms of marijuana, concentrates refer to such products as tinctures, infused oils, hash, shatter, wax, and dabbable oils. They are chemically more dense in psychoactive compounds than the whole flower, either leaning towards high THC or CBD content.

Hash, oils, and tinctures are old methods of concentrating cannabis. Hash is made from collecting trichomes (the sticky crystals) from the mature buds of cannabis plants and either pressing or rolling it into bricks or balls. Tinctures are made of plant matter steeped in alcohol in a specific ratio. Oils are much the same but steeped in oil instead. Whether alcohol or oil is more effective at extracting the compounds is plant-specific.

Shatter, wax, and dab oils are a more modern and complex form of making concentrates. Shatter, so named for its brittle and semi-translucent glass-like appearance, is made by extracting the desired compounds from the fresh/cured herb with a solvent. The resulting oil-like liquid is then heat-treated to remove the solvent and leave just the concentrated compounds of the marijuana plant. The final processing of the concentrate determines whether it ends up as shatter, oil, or wax.

CBD products, in particular, are made from the hemp plant. Hemp is very low in THC, which is perfect for those seeking the benefits without the high. The hemp matter is treated with the same process as cannabis to make CBD concentrates. Once the concentrate is extracted, it is ready to be dabbed.

What Is Dabbing?

Dabbing refers to inhaling vaporized cannabis concentrates. It involves using either a specialized bong-type device called a dab rig or a vape pen designed explicitly for concentrates. With a dab rig, the nail is heated with a torch and allowed to cool slightly before introducing the concentrate. Vape pens work similarly to regular dab rigs, with the added benefit of a more controlled temperature.

For serious dabbers, there is such a thing as an e-rig. This compact electric dab rig heats the nail with a battery rather than a torch. The temperature can be set to the user’s specifications, which is important so as not to burn the concentrate. E-rigs are prized for their portability and simplicity, though they will set you back a few hundred dollars for a good set-up.

Why Would I Dab?

So you’re pondering over marijuana concentrates for sale – the shatter looks so pretty, but is it really worth it? Well, yes, as a matter of fact, it is!

The best part of marijuana concentrates is the elimination of the carcinogenic plant material that one would normally inhale from smoking dried flower. Smoking a whole joint is hard on the lungs, not only due to the unwanted chemicals that come with combusting plant matter but also the heat of the smoke itself. Dabbing results in a cleaner, cooler vapour that is easier on your airways with instantaneous effects. The high is typically more potent than just smoking weed.

With shatter, in particular, you need very little product per use. Because the concentrates are so pure, you can use tiny portions to make your shatter go a long way. Due to its chemical structure, shatter is very shelf-stable and can maintain its potency longer than waxes or oils.

Admittedly, the downside to dabbing is that it requires multiple pieces of specialty equipment. Unlike edibles that you can pop in your pocket to take along for later, dabbing requires several items that aren’t the most portable. Let’s jump into how dabbing works to explain the necessary equipment.

A Step By Step Guide To Dabbing

First and foremost, please make sure your concentrates come from a reliable source! While it is possible to make homemade concentrates, the risk for unremoved solvents remaining in your product is high – and that is stuff you certainly don’t want to inhale. Potency should be labelled on legitimately produced concentrates to give you an idea of what you’re working with.

After you’ve found marijuana concentrates for sale from somewhere you trust, it’s time to piece together the rest of the puzzle.

You Will Need:

  • Concentrate: shatter, wax, or dabbable oil
  • dab rig
  • dab tool
  • a nail that fits your rig
  • torch
  • carb cap (optional, but increases efficiency)

How to Do It:

  • Step 1: prep your dab rig according to type. Portion out a tiny bit of your concentrate – as we know, they are powerful (which is the whole point), so start with the tiniest portion you can collect with your dab tool. You can always dab more if you need to.
  • Step 2: heat your nail. Unless you have an e-rig, you’ll have to do this using a torch. Heat the nail until it is just starting to turn red. Let it cool for 30-60 seconds; ideal dabbing temperature is 350-400°. If you can comfortably (and carefully!) hold your hand about half an inch away from the nail, it is ready.
  • Step 3: slowly lower your dab tool and concentrate into the nail. It should melt upon contact with the rig and begin to vaporize. Inhale long and slow until all the concentrate is gone. If you have a carb cap, pop that on top to keep all the vapour in while you inhale.
  • Step 4: Exhale immediately. If you have the wherewithal to clean your nail right away, do so by letting it cool down a bit, then swiftly wiping it with a cotton swab.

If getting yourself all set up with a dab rig seems overwhelming, try starting with a dab pen. Pens aren’t as efficient as a dab rig and will require multiple hits to achieve the same effect, but they are simpler and more portable to use.

Benefits of Dabbing Concentrated CBD

If you’re medicating with CBD for health reasons, it makes sense to introduce it to your body as cleanly as possible. Dabbing a high-quality CBD concentrate eliminates the risks associated with smoking grass and delivers all the good qualities directly to your bloodstream. It is easier on your lungs, more immediate than edibles, and offers the user a chance to appreciate the enticing flavours of marijuana that are otherwise clouded by burning the herb.

What Are The Strongest Cannabis Strains?

What Are The Strongest Cannabis Strains?

Girl scout cookies, purple diesel, grand master kush, death bubba….cannabis strains can be a mystery to the uninitiated. Each one has its own unique characteristics, taste, colour, and most importantly, a different effect on our bodies.  Figuring out your favourite strain is part of the fun.

And for many users, once they’ve developed some tolerance for cannabis, strong strains start to appeal. If you’re looking for an intense high, there’s no shortage of options on the market these days. The strength of cannabis strains has increased on average from 4% in 1995 to 12% in 2014!

That’s some potent weed, and it’s not for everyone. But if you want to experiment with strong cannabis strains, here’s a guide to some of the classic, strongest options on the market today.

What Makes a Strong Strain of Weed?

Cannabis has lots of different effects on our bodies and mind. These effects are caused by a group of chemicals called cannabinoids that are found in all cannabis plants. The most common cannabinoids are THC and CBD, although there are up to 100 more.

CBD mostly affects our bodies, reducing pain and inflammation and leaving us feeling relaxed and calm. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis – the euphoric high that many users are looking for.

So when people talk about “strong” strains of weed, they usually mean high-THC strains that have strong psychoactive effects. So how come some strains are stronger than others?

Each strain of weed you see for sale – from girl scout cookies to purple haze – has been bred to have specific properties. Every strain will have a different amount of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, as well as other important chemicals called terpenes.

So the strength of a strain will depend on its genetics, but also on the environment where it was grown. How high you get will also be influenced by how you choose to consume your cannabis, your environment, and your personal tolerance levels.

What Does It Feel Like To Use a Strong Cannabis Strain?

Potent, high-THC strains have strong psychoactive effects. You’ll feel a sense of euphoria, intoxication, and elation. You’ll likely also notice your cognition, memory, and perception of time are altered. For regular users with a high tolerance, using a strong strain can provide the intense high that they’re looking for.

For less experienced users or those with a lower tolerance, a strong strain can be a less positive experience. Anxiety, paranoia, and a sense of panic can be unpleasant side effects of a high-THC strain. While not seriously dangerous, it can be very uncomfortable and overwhelming to overdo it on strong cannabis strains.

Tips for Trying The Strongest Cannabis Strains

Because strong strains almost guarantee an intense experience, it’s worth taking into account some safety tips before you use, to avoid a bad high:

  • Start small! You probably won’t want to use as much as you normally would if you’re chosen a stronger strain. There’s no harm in starting with a small amount and seeing how you feel.
  • Don’t use high-THC strains all the time. There’s some evidence that high-THC strains have stronger links to psychosis and are more addictive. So save these strong strains for special occasions.
  • Think about how you consume. For example, dabbing is more intense than smoking, so dabbing a high-THC strain will be even more intense. It’s best to choose a method of consumption that you’re comfortable with, and where you can manage your dose carefully
  • Choose a safe environment. To limit the negative side effects of a serious high, consume in a place you feel comfortable, with people who you trust. Make sure you have some water on hand and don’t mix your weed with alcohol.

The Strongest Strains of Weed in Canada

 

With all that in mind, here are five classic strong strains of weed for you to explore:

1.  Girl Scout Cookies/GSC

Girl Scout Cookies, with its purple leaves and orange hairs, is a Cannabis Cup-winning strain that has recorded THC levels of up to 28%. It’s known for an intense euphoria and sense of relaxation and is a hybrid strain with a sweet smell and taste. GSC also has powerful medical benefits and is used for treating pain and inflammation, as well as depression.

2.  Sour Diesel

As the name suggests, Sour Diesel has a chemical aroma like gasoline. That hasn’t hurt the popularity of this sativa strain. The high from Sour Diesel is a “head high”: very euphoric, creative, and energetic. Its THC content sits around 21-24%, which is plenty, and the high can be overwhelming for new users.

3.  Bruce Banner

Any strain named after the Incredible Hulk is going to pack a punch, and Bruce Banner lives up to its namesake. With THC content up to a whopping 30%, this isn’t a strain to take lightly. Bruce Banner is a hybrid strain, which gives a relaxing body high in addition to the initial euphoria. It’s also a good painkiller and often used to treat depression and anxiety.

4.  Godfather OG

Godfather OG is an indica strain known for its extremely relaxing effects: couch-lock is a real possibility here. It has strong sedative effects and can be used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and stress. With an average THC content of 25%, Godfather OG offers an intense high and is a favourite with users looking to mellow out completely.

5.  Gorilla Glue

Gorilla Glue is a strain that appeared in 2016 and has up to 28% THC content. It’s a 50/50 hybrid with an initial euphoric high followed by intense relaxation. Another sedative strain, Gorilla Glue is often used to treat insomnia and anxiety. It can be a bit overwhelming for new users, and some people might experience paranoia or anxiety the first time they try it.

Start Exploring Strong Cannabis Strains For Yourself

As cannabis strains get stronger and stronger, more users are drawn to the intense highs they offer. It’s definitely worth taking it easy when you first start exploring strong cannabis for yourself. You might be surprised by just how strong the effects are, especially if you’re used to more mellow strains.

But there’s lots to be said for the all-encompassing experience of a truly intense high. Whether you’re looking for stress relief, euphoria, or just to forget the world for a bit, these strong strains like girl scout cookies and purple punch can offer an unforgettable experience. There’s plenty more where they came from too: don’t just stick to our recommendations. Explore the many strains of weed you can now buy online in Canada, and find your favourites for yourself.

How Does CBD Oil Work for Migraine Treatment?

How Does CBD Oil Work for Migraine Treatment?

Medical marijuana in Canada is an exciting and rapidly growing industry. Since legalization, more Canadians are gaining access to the potential medical benefits of cannabis. Those suffering from chronic pain, recovering from injuries, or receiving chemotherapy can all benefit from the pain-relieving properties of medical marijuana.

CBD oil, and other cannabis products, are increasingly being used to treat migraines too. There’s a slowly growing body of evidence that suggests it could be very beneficial. As all sufferers will know, migraines are no joke. And any safe product that can offer relief is an exciting prospect.

So if you’re considering using CBD oil to treat a migraine, here’s what we know (and don’t know) about how it works.

What Is a Migraine?

A migraine is a severe headache that can last between 4 and 72 hours. Most migraine-sufferers experience a throbbing pain on one side of the head. Nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light are also common side effects. As you can imagine, these symptoms can really disrupt your daily activities.

Many people start to experience migraines in childhood, and continue to suffer from them throughout their lives. They can be triggered by certain foods or drinks, hormonal changes, stress, or even changes to the weather.

Traditional Migraine Treatments

There’s a wide range of medications available on the market to treat the symptoms of a migraine. However, not all of them are suitable for everyone (for example, if you have high blood pressure or are at risk of stroke). And some have side effects that many patients don’t want to risk.

Opioids are sometimes used to treat severe migraines – but as we know, opioids are extremely addictive. Even over-the-counter drugs, like aspirin and ibuprofen, can be damaging to your stomach and liver if taken for long periods of time. It’s no wonder then, that CBD oil has begun to emerge as a promising treatment for migraines.

Can CBD Oil Improve Migraine Symptoms?

Over the last few years, medical marijuana in Canada and elsewhere has grown more and more popular. However, often the scientific research lags behind the anecdotal evidence – and the same is true for using CBD oil  to treat migraines.

However, there are some studies that suggest medical marijuana can help lessen the pain and severity of migraines. For example, this research paper from 2016 showed that migraine frequency reduced from 10.4 to 4.6 headaches per month with use of medical marijuana. And this study found that many patients were able to replace prescription opioids with medical marijuana.

How Does Cannabis Affect our Bodies?

So how does it work? All cannabis affects our body by interacting with our endocannabinoid system. This group of receptors, found throughout our body, was only discovered fairly recently, and still isn’t very well understood. We have cannabinoid receptors in our brains, immune system, and our nervous system.

Cannabis contains chemicals called cannabinoids that are similar to natural chemicals in our body. When we ingest these cannabinoids, they interact with our endocannabinoid system, changing the sensations we feel.

How Can CBD Treat a Migraine?

CBD (or cannabidiol) is one of the most common cannabinoids found in most strains of marijuana. Scientists don’t yet know exactly how it interacts with our cannabinoid system. But we do know it has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects throughout the body. It’s also worth noting that CBD isn’t psychoactive – which means it won’t doesn’t get you high.

So, although we don’t know for sure, it seems those anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties of CBD could help treat migraines. There’s a lot more research needed here. But the good news is, CBD oil has very few side effects, so it’s okay to try it out and see if it works to relieve your migraine symptoms.

How To Use Cannabis to Treat Migraines

There are lots of different ways to use cannabis to treat migraines. Smoking, vaping, edibles, and CBD oil will all have similar effects. Which method you choose will depend on your personal preferences, tolerance, and migraine symptoms. A few things to consider are:

1.   THC vs CBD

CBD is known for its pain relieving properties, and like we mentioned, isn’t psychoactive. THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol) is the other most common cannabinoid in weed. It is psychoactive, so any product with THC will get you high.

It also has additional pain relieving effects, so you might want to experiment with different strains to find the right mix for you. Bear in mind though, that if you want to relieve migraine symptoms and go about your daily life, a CBD-dominant product (like CBD oil or CBD edibles) might be better for you.

2.   Method of Consumption

Some medical marijuana patients in Canada prefer smoking or vaping. These methods provide more instant relief. They also typically involve consuming dried cannabis flower, which can have a full cannabinoid profile and therefore potentially a more potent effect.

Others prefer edibles or oils that dissolve under your tongue. These methods can take a while to have an effect, but it can be easier to manage your dose than with smoking. This is especially true in Canada, where medical marijuana is regulated by Health Canada, so you can be sure that the dose on the packet is what you’ll receive.

3.   Dosage

Because using medical marijuana to treat headaches isn’t well understood, there’s no clear guidance on dosage. The right dose for you will depend on your tolerance, familiarity with CBD products, and your natural body chemistry. We’d recommend starting small and working up from there.

4.   Side Effects

There are very few known side effects of CBD oil or edibles when used for medical marijuana. Especially compared to over over-the-counter and prescription drugs, CBD is safe and has limited side-effects. Some people do experience nausea and drowsiness though.

And of course, if you take too much, you could experience “greening out”. While not particularly dangerous, it can be an unpleasant experience – so, like we said, start small.

CBD Migraine Treatment: Cause for Optimism

If you’ve suffered from migraines throughout your life, any potential new treatment is a cause for excitement. And CBD oil is especially exciting because it is safe, has few side effects, and is easily accessible throughout Canada. Medical marijuana is now safely available online, so you can experiment with finding the right product and dose to ease the pain of regular migraines, and get back to regular li

How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?

How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?

Have you ever seen weed edibles for sale at a dispensary and wondered what they were all about? They look like such harmless little goodies, you wonder if one itty bitty morsel could really pack that much of a punch. Well, they can, and they do!

Edibles are a fantastic way to consume cannabis but maybe less familiar to some than smoking. They operate slightly differently in the body and have a more varied outcome than smoking marijuana due to the nature of digesting them. Here we will answer a few questions, like how edibles work and how long they take to kick in.

What Are Edibles?

The term “edibles” refers to cannabis forms that you ingest (eat) rather than inhale. They often come in the form of chews, gummy bears, lollipops, chocolates, mints, cookies, and so on. Edibles also include products like marijuana tea, beverages, and infused honey. Even using shake to make tea falls into the edible category.

Commercial edibles (like what you would buy at a dispensary) are typically made using cannabis concentrates, such as hash oil, distillates, or infused oils or butter. The oil/butter is then carefully measured and incorporated into a recipe. The final products are portioned appropriately for a reasonable dose per serving.

 

Homemade “loaded” baked goods are edibles as well, but dosages are harder to measure. It is worthwhile finding weed edibles for sale at a dispensary, where dosages are accurately measured and reliable.

Why Take Edibles?

Edibles are a good choice over smoking in situations that require subtlety when rolling in stinking like a skunk might be less than ideal for your social standing. They tend to be more potent and long-lasting, which is ideal for certain applications (like helping with sleep) but inadvisable for others. You still get red eyes and pasties, so if subtlety is the name of the game, be sure to dose appropriately (more on this below).

If you have an ongoing lung condition, or even if you have a cough and want to be kind to your respiratory system, edibles are a great way to gain the benefits of cannabis without inhaling smoke. While cannabis is a bronchodilator, the carcinogens from burning the plant matter can be tough on the lungs. THC taken in edible form can even give relief to asthma patients due to its effects on cannabinoid receptors in the lungs.

How Edibles Absorb Into The Body

The obvious answer is: through the mouth! But clearly, there’s much more to it than that.

The process of digestion begins in the mouth. Aside from the mechanical process of chewing, chemical breakdown starts with the saliva. When you put food in your mouth, or even just before, you begin to salivate. The saliva begins the breakdown process for starches, including sugars.

Edibles like mints or hard candies that dissolve in the mouth will be integrated faster than foods that go to the stomach for breakdown. This sublingual absorption sends the THC directly to the bloodstream without having to be digested by the stomach.

If you are eating more food-like edibles (gummies, brownies, etc.), these will be sent to the stomach for digestion and integration. They travel through the digestive tract and are then metabolized by the liver.

Edibles react differently in the body than inhaling marijuana because the liver breaks the THC down into a different form than smoking does. Smoked or vaped THC presents in the body as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and gives the headier, shorter-lived high. Ingested THC turns into 11-hydroxy-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is longer-lasting and more sedative.

How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?

The lag time for edibles varies from person to person and is subject to many outside factors. A person’s metabolism has a lot to do with absorption time, as well as the amount of food you have in your stomach. Consuming fats with edibles makes for a more effective absorption rate and can help hasten the process. Some even claim that exercise makes edibles metabolize faster.

Typically, digested edibles will take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in. Really strong edibles might begin to take effect sooner, in which case you’ll hope you didn’t take too big a serving! Effects typically peak within the first 3 hours and can last for up to 8 – 12 hours.

Sublingual candies or drops will usually begin to work within 20 minutes. However, since they go directly to the bloodstream and bypass the liver breakdown process, the THC is still in the delta-9-THC form. This form will act faster but also end sooner. Usually, cannabis in this form is taken in smaller and more frequent doses.

How to Take Edibles Safely

The best way to start your edible journey is to find weed edibles for sale at a reliable dispensary. Manufactured edibles are accurately dosed and tested, which is especially crucial if you’re just starting to experiment. You can always eat more, but you can’t eat less!

The general rule of thumb with edibles is: Start low and go slow! A good starting dose for someone with a low tolerance (i.e. someone who doesn’t regularly consume cannabis products) would be a 2.5-milligram serving. Someone who tokes on the regular could start with a 5-7 milligram dose and take it from there.

It is best to wait two hours for the effects of the edibles. If, after that time, you aren’t getting the desired results, try taking another small portion.

Don’t take edibles on an empty stomach. They may process quicker this way, but it might give side effects like a stomach ache or a less pleasant high. If you must take edibles on an empty stomach, be sure to start with a smaller dose and drink plenty of water. People suffering from IBS or other digestive sensitivities may want to steer clear of edibles to avoid further irritation of their digestive tract.

The Magic of Edibles!

With an absorption rate nearly double that of inhaled marijuana, edibles give you lots of bang for your buck. There are all kinds of flavours and forms to check out and find what appeals to you most. If you’re interested in trying your hand or creating a custom flavour, check out our guide to making edibles from distillates.

Whichever route you decide to take, remember to start low and go slow. Finding a balance with edibles can be a longer-lasting and healthier alternative to smoking marijuana. Plus, you get to snack on a tasty little vittle to get high – can it get any better?

 

Is Medical Marijuana Right for Dementia Patients?

Is Medical Marijuana Right for Dementia Patients?

Many people from the older generations grew up in the era of “reefer madness,” where marijuana was portrayed as an inherently evil, life-destroying drug. Even with the legalization of marijuana in some countries, this opinion still stands strong due to decades of propaganda and opposition. But older generations, whose beliefs may be rooted firmly in the stigma of their times, could be among those who benefit the most from medical marijuana.

Modern research is finding all kinds of extraordinary evidence of the efficacy of marijuana for many health conditions. While it is generally accepted as helpful for such things as anxiety and cancer, studies on using cannabis for dementia are currently underway. Since it’s possible to buy medical marijuana in Canada, this could be potentially life-changing research for many older Canadians.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a general term that describes the deterioration of the brain and its ability to function properly. Memory loss, confusion, difficulty with problem-solving, and language loss are the most common signs. While many of these symptoms are normal signs of ageing, dementia is not. It occurs after damage has been done to brain cells that then interferes with their ability to communicate and leads to the symptoms mentioned above.

Dementia is most commonly caused by Alzheimer’s disease (a degenerative disease that accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases), but also includes vascular dementia (mini strokes, or brain bleeds, that lead to cell death) and other progressive brain diseases.

What are the symptoms of dementia?

Since dementia is an inclusive term for many ailments, pegging it down can be a challenge. In general, symptoms include:

  • Decline or loss of short-term memory
  • Difficulty remembering words or names
  • Inability to remember daily life tasks (appointments, paying bills, etc.)
  • Mood changes or irrationality
  • Behavioural changes (agitation, shouting, losing things, etc.)
  • Aggression or even violence

Dementia is typically progressive, meaning the symptoms worsen over time. Risk factors for dementia include age and genetics, which are both unchangeable. However, a healthy diet and active lifestyle can help postpone the onset.

Marijuana and the Brain

The human brain is a marvellously complex organ. Therefore it’s ailments are difficult to untangle. Yet research involving the brain and medical marijuana is proving the two to be quite harmonious.

Within the human body is the endocannabinoid system, which regulates the body’s responses to basic cognitive and physiological processes (memory, mood, appetite, pain-sensing, etc.). It does so by producing endocannabinoids, which are very similar to the cannabinoids found in marijuana.

Marijuana has two major compounds, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Both of these cannabinoids blend almost seamlessly with the endocannabinoids produced by the body, therefore enhancing the body’s ability to regulate many of the above-mentioned processes. CBD, in particular, is known to have neuroprotective effects, including inhibiting progressive neurological diseases.

Because of these known neuroprotective effects, scientists have theorized that cannabis may be applicable for protecting the brain from long-term deterioration caused by the various forms of dementia.

Marijuana and Dementia

To say it straight, the current position of the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada is “[w]hile there is ongoing promising research on the effects of cannabis, there is currently no evidence that cannabis is useful for the treatment or prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.” However, the fact that they used the word ‘promising’ is promising in itself.

Currently, the greatest hindrance in cannabis studies regarding dementia and other neurological disorders is a lack of organized data. Research is being conducted, but methodological issues are in the way of drawing reliable conclusions.

While a doctor won’t quite yet recommend that elderly citizens buy medical marijuana in Canada, some dementia symptoms have been shown to be helped by cannabis products.

Agitation, aggression, and even violence are some of the most challenging behaviours for family members to manage. These behaviour changes often result in the person suffering from dementia being put in a home for professional care. The medical community is beginning to accept that THC is helpful for these particular symptoms by regulating energy output and brain activity. Clinical trials are ongoing to confirm these findings

Non-human Studies

Human trials are lengthy in nature and complicated to control. Dementia patients need to be studied over the course of a decade or more, so results can be painstakingly slow to acquire. Scientists have turned to testing the effects of THC on mice, and with astounding results. While some disagree with animal testing, mice in one particular study seem to be benefiting greatly from consistent doses of synthetic THC.

The test mice, who are in the late stages of their lives, are steadily administered a tiny dose of synthetic THC over the course of a month. Then they are tested against their non-medicated counterparts in problem-solving skills.

The results show that the slightly stoned mice have significantly more mental capacity for recall (memory), learning, and socializing than the non-medicated control mice. Not only that, but experiments have also shown that older mice who have lost some of their cognitive abilities can actually gain them back when given microdoses of THC.

So, how is this applicable to humans?

Many medications that are tested on mice don’t necessarily translate to human application. Marijuana, on the other hand, has thousands of years of history in human culture. Unlike other prescription drugs, it is known to be mostly benign in terms of long-term negative effects on the human body.

It is multi-fold in its application, covering a variety of ailments with limited side effects. If marijuana can be proven useful for dementia, it could change the lives of tens of millions of people around the world.

Things to Keep In Mind about Dementia and Cannabis

Talking about dementia involves talking about the elderly. Elders deserve our respect and our care, so it’s imperative to be mindful of any recommendations. Before you offer your grandpa a tasty little edible  or a spoonful of CBD honey for his cup of tea, remember that marijuana can have negative effects on memory, balance, and alertness.

These effects may be counterproductive in trying to protect those already suffering from a loss of brain capacity. A poorly judged dose could contribute to an accident and, therefore, a decrease in quality of life.

Ageing brains need all the help they can get, especially if they begin to suffer from the effects of dementia. If it seems like the right fit for the patient, talk with their healthcare provider. Buying medical marijuana in Canada for specific dementia symptoms that cannabis is known to help with, like agitation, aggression, or difficulties sleeping, may be just the helping hand an elderly brain needs.

 

Do Edibles Damage Your Liver?

Do Edibles Damage Your Liver?

Edibles offer cannabis consumers with a healthy alternative to smoked forms of cannabis. But is there any truth to the idea that edibles may be damaging to the liver? If you’d like to buy edibles online in Canada, then here we fill you in on the current science.

Do Edibles Damage Your Liver?

There are many different ways of consuming cannabis. By smoking, vaping or administering it sublingually, consumers bypass the digestive tract and hence the liver. The active compounds enter the bloodstream through a direct route meaning that you’ll feel the effects quickly and with the same relative intensity.

When consuming edibles, the active compounds must pass through the digestive tract before then passing through the body’s main detox organ, the liver. It’s these processes carried out in the liver that lead to the notable effects commonly associated with edibles. But just what is it that occurs in the liver? And can marijuana edible consumption lead to liver damage?

The Link Between Cannabis and Liver Damage

In recent times, the link between cannabis and liver damage arose due to an article that appeared on Forbes, where researchers claimed that mice who received high doses of CBD showed signs of liver damage within 24 hours.

It led Martin Lee, the author of Smoke Signals, the well-known book on cannabis culture to label it a case of “scientific fraud.” The reasons given by other cannabis researchers included: the small sample size of 6 mice and the dose they received of 2460 mg/kg of CBD (over 100 times the recommended dose of the CBD-isolate Epidiolex at 20 mg/kg).

The Evidence that Cannabis Protects The Liver

A study published in Liver International investigated the effects of cannabis on the progressive stages of alcoholic liver disease. Researchers found that cannabis consumers “had significantly lower odds than non‐dependent users for developing liver disease.” This led them to conclude that “cannabis use is associated with a reduced incidence of liver disease in alcoholics.”

While the study didn’t indicate how the subjects involved in the study ingested cannabis, the findings certainly don’t raise any red flags concerning cannabis having a negative impact on liver health.

Where the Science Stands on Cannabis and Liver Health

Few studies currently exist on whether cannabis is dangerous to liver health, and even fewer exist on the effects of edibles.

There is currently no credible evidence to suggest that medicinal or recreational cannabis is harmful to liver health. The lack of any credible evidence is what leads almost all researchers involved in the recent studies calling for more investigation on the matter.

While some consumers may experience discomfort after consuming edibles, including bloating, gas, heartburn, or constipation, there’s no evidence to suggest that this is indicative of any form of liver damage.

What Happens In The Liver When You Eat Edibles?

Anyone who has tried smoked or vaped forms of cannabis and edibles will undoubtedly attest to the fact that the effects of each can vary significantly. The reason for this is that the liver plays a critical role in how the THC present in cannabis is metabolized.

When inhaled by smoking or vaping, cannabis enters the bloodstream directly from the lungs, effectively bypassing the liver. This means that you’ll experience a quick and predictable onset each and every time.

Absorption occurs very differently with edibles. Edibles must first pass through the digestive tract and can take significant time to kick in, depending on how much food is currently in the stomach and intestines.

The competition in the intestinal tract for absorption doesn’t explain why the effects of edibles are often substantially stronger than smoked or vaped forms of cannabis. This is due to the role of the liver in how THC is metabolized. When ingested, the THC present in cannabis is in the Delta-9-THC form. The liver then converts it to the more potent 11-Hydroxy-THC. In addition to being more potent, 11-Hydroxy-THC is also more bioavailable, and many scientists claim that it actually crosses the blood-brain barrier more readily.

The Liver and The First-Pass Effect

Sometimes when people consume edibles, they may not feel the effects intensely. This is often due to what’s known as the first-pass effect. This is where an efficient liver breaks down the THC to such an extent that you don’t feel its effects.

If you experience this when consuming edibles, then consider eating a small fat-based meal beforehand to help ensure enhanced absorption and activation.

Cannabis and Our Evolving Knowledge

While there are many respectable scientists investigating the effects of cannabis, there are none who can currently be considered experts like in other fields of medicine. This is because there is comparatively little known about the plant.

Years of prohibition mean that cannabis research is decades behind where it might otherwise be. Given the medicinal benefits of the plant, this is a great shame. As science plays a game of catchup and the cultural stigma slowly wanes, scientists are slowly uncovering many benefits of the plant that treat a whole host of conditions. But while much of the science is positive, this doesn’t mean that cannabis is entirely benign. Only time will tell whether cannabis is 100% safe.

Buy Edibles Online in Canada

If you’d like to buy edibles online in Canada, then why not take a look at our selection of edibles here on My Pure Canna? We have an extensive range of edibles in a variety of delicious flavours categorized into Indica and Sativa, with varying ratios of THC and CBD. This means that no matter what your intention, whether recreational or medicinal, you’ll find just what you need!

The latest science suggests that edibles are quite safe when consumed responsibly at standard doses. However, it’s always worth remembering that edibles are an extremely potent form of cannabis. If you do happen to consume too much, then you may be in for an intense ride. As always, the golden rule with edible doses is to start low and go slow!

Does CBD oil stop panic attacks?

Does CBD oil stop panic attacks?

For those who haven’t heard, cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in cannabis that doesn’t get you high. Unlike it’s better-known cousin cannabinoid THC, this newly popular compound delivers medicinal relief without intoxication.

CBD makes cannabis-based medicines easier and more useful for daily relief. But what is this revolutionary cannabinoid used for? CBD has massive potential to reduce anxiety and calm panic attacks (among many other applications).

Although the study of CBD for panic attacks and anxiety is ongoing, the preliminary evidence is strong and extremely convincing. Especially when combined with the sheer number of people who report positive results for their own anxiety, there has to be something to these anti-anxiety reports.

What is Anxiety, Panic, and Panic Attacks?

People often conflate stress with anxiety, but while former is a universal human experience, anxiety is a chronic mental health condition. Anxiety may be a result of chronic stress, develop following trauma, come from a genetic basis, or for some, have no known cause. Anxiety impacts people on a profound level, across all areas of their life.

According to the ADAA, an organization that researches and provides resources for anxiety and depression, the symptoms of anxiety are as follows:

  • Nervousness
  • Irritability
  • A sensation of oncoming doom or panic
  • Increased heart rate
  • Hyperventilation and sweating
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Upset stomach and gastrointestinal issues

The most common form is called generalized anxiety disorder, which the ADAA defined as “persistent and excessive worry about a number of different things.” Furthermore, the ADAA says people with generalized anxiety ” may worry more than seems warranted about actual events or may expect the worst even when there is no apparent reason for concern.”

For some, generalized anxiety disorder is just the start. It may spin out into a condition known as panic disorder. When anxiety reaches a more elevated phase, it can develop into full-blown anxiety attacks, also known as panic attacks. People with panic disorder “experience spontaneous seemingly out-of-the-blue panic attacks and are very preoccupied with the fear of a recurring attack,” as per the ADAA.

Currently, the conventional approach to treating anxiety and panic disorders are pharmaceutical-based. That means SSRIs and benzodiazepines, both of which have serious side effects and may be addictive for some people. It’s why people are turning to a natural option — CBD for panic disorders.

The Scientific Evidence Behind CBD for Anxiety

Before we dive into CBD for panic disorders, let’s cover the basics of CBD for anxiety disorders. Surprisingly the anti-anxiety properties of CBD were only first discovered thanks to their relationship with THC. CBD works to counterbalance the strong psychoactive intoxication of THC. Essentially THC reduces the strength and duration of a high and calms associated anxiety and paranoia. Importantly, CBD is non-intoxicating, and we now know it’s anti-psychoactive as well and may be useful for the treatment of psychosis and schizophrenia.

A 2011 study from Brazil also reported the positive benefits of CBD for social anxiety. Social anxiety is the fear of social situations, which in this study was modeled based on simulated public speeches. Researchers gave the participants either CBD or a placebo, then asked them to give a speech. They rated their experiential anxiety as well as their heart rate, blood pressure, and more.

Based on the total assessment, people who took CBD had measurable lower levels of anxiety than those who didn’t. Even people who didn’t have social anxiety disorder felt calmer thanks to CBD in this experiment.

Since this study on CBD and social anxiety, there has been an intense continuation of research. According to the authors of one literature review, “We found that existing preclinical evidence strongly supports CBD as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder when administered acutely.”

The Science of CBD Oil for Panic Disorder

Here we begin to see CBD’s role for treating panic attacks. While less understood compared to CBD for anxiety disorders, there is still mounting evidence about CBD’s efficacy for panic disorder.

Most of the evidence comes from brain imaging done on patients with panic disorder. In one case, patients dosed with CBD had decreased activity in the area of the brain responsible for emotional activation. This meant they had a decreased fear-based response to images of fearful faces.

Other studies relying on brain scans have determined “that CBD can alter the activity of brain areas such as the medial and left temporal lobes, prefrontal cortex and insula, regions that were also found to be modified in [panic disorder] patient.” This means, in areas of the brain that are altered by panic disorder and elevated levels of anxiety, acute CBD administration seems to reduce their heightened activity.

Can CBD Oil Stop Panic Attacks?

As anyone who experiences panic attacks knows, it can be impossible to stop the onset of an anxiety attack once the wheels are in motion. Even traditional pharmaceuticals don’t always do the trick. Yes, CBD is good to reduce anxiety and the frequency of panic attacks, but don’t expect a magic pill to make one disappear a few minutes beforehand.

CBD will not stop a panic attack if taken as an acute treatment right before onset. But, CBD can offer a general reduction in anxiety, especially when taken daily. Over time, as your general sense of worry and anxiety lessens thanks to a daily CBD dose, the severity, and frequency of panic attacks will also lessen. CBD works best to reduce your baseline anxiety, not to prevent the onset a few minutes before.

Patients have fallen in love with this option for anxiety and panic because it offers a safe, nonsedative alternative to pharmaceuticals. As the above scientific review concluded, “CBD does not present psychoactive effects; it is safe and well-tolerated via the oral route (up to 1,500 mg/day). Moreover, because this compound does not induce dependence, tolerance and abstinence symptoms, it can be, in the future, a good alternative as a substitute for high potency benzodiazepines and antidepressant drugs.”

A Daily Dose of CBD for Panic and Anxiety

If you have anxiety and struggle with panic attacks on a routine basis, why not give CBD a try? If you experiment for a few weeks, you will likely experience a slow decrease in the daily simmer of anxious thoughts, and perhaps a reduction in panic attacks. If you can combine with healthy eating habits, exercise, and therapy, CBD works well in a holistic treatment plan for panic disorder.

Learn About the Medical Benefits of Marijuana

Learn About the Medical Benefits of Marijuana

The first recorded use of medicinal cannabis occurred in 2700 BC in ancient China. It was initially used to combat conditions like rheumatism, gout, malaria, and even absent-mindedness. As it spread across the globe, its range of medicinal benefits increased in kind. The availability of medical marijuana in Canada means that we can now avail of a host of benefits that few other forms of medications can match. Here are some of the principal benefits of cannabis in treating several well-known conditions.

Medical Marijuana as a Treatment for Arthritis

Arthritis is one of those conditions that responds very well to cannabis treatment. The secret lies in the ability of cannabis to manage pain symptoms, something that those afflicted with severe forms of arthritis find particularly debilitating.

In addition to quelling pain, the CBD present in medical marijuana can also help reduce inflammation and promote sleep. With its multifaceted mechanisms of action, many patients find cannabis to be an essential ally in treating the symptoms of this debilitating condition.

Glaucoma Treatment With Medical Marijuana

Glaucoma is a condition that increases pressure in the eyeball and poses a danger to the delicate optic nerve. In severe cases, it can even cause a loss of vision. Studies carried out in the 1970s showed that cannabis can help lower the intraocular pressure in those afflicted with the condition. In certain severe cases, this may prevent inevitable blindness.

Cannabis For Seizure Control

Cannabis is highly effective in suppressing seizures and is often much more effective than pharmaceutical interventions. One of the most well-known cases of using marijuana to control seizures was with Charlotte Figi, a young American girl who suffered from a severe form of epilepsy. Charlotte experienced up to 300 epileptic seizures per month before medicating with cannabis. After administering a high CBD strain that became known as Charlotte’s Web, her seizures reduced to one per month.

How Medical Marijuana Helps Treat Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease that leads to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss, diarrhea, and anemia, among others.

While cannabis doesn’t cure Chron’s disease outright, several studies suggest that it can reduce the symptoms and enhance the quality of life of patients. The primary mechanism of action of cannabis as it relates to Crohn’s is its anti-inflammatory properties. Its ability to quell inflammation works synergistically with its ability to diminish pain and increase appetite, three factors that serve to enhance the life of anyone afflicted with Crohn’s disease.

Using Medical Cannabis to Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is a complex condition, the roots of which often run deep in those affected. Cannabis tends to impart an increased sense of calm, improved relaxation, and better sleep. When it comes to treating anxiety with cannabis, the choice of strain is of particular importance. Scientific and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD is helpful, and many patients choose strains with a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC.

While the evidence suggests benefits to using cannabis as a treatment for anxiety, strains that are too high in THC with little to no CBD may amplify any underlying anxiety and worsen symptoms.

Cannabis As an Appetite Stimulant

For patients undergoing intense bouts of chemotherapy, one of the common side-effects is reduced appetite and increased nausea. When already weak patients can’t nourish themselves with wholesome food, it places additional strain on the recovery process.

THC is particularly useful in working as an appetite stimulant while also decreasing pain and nausea. Cannabis is widely prescribed to chemo patients and undoubtedly helps promote the healing process by enhancing appetite among recovering patients.

Cannabis and PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by prior experience with traumatic events. It’s particularly common among veterans returning from war zones, and those afflicted often re-experience the traumatizing events in vivid detail, something that provokes an intense bodily stress response.

Research suggests that those afflicted with PTSD have low levels of anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid produced within the body with a remarkably similar structure to THC. When THC is administered, the subsequent binding with the CB1 receptors deactivates the traumatic memories among patients. When consumed in conjunction with CBD, its anti-anxiety and calming effects complement the THC, placing patients in a calm state, and liberating them temporarily from the debilitating symptoms of PTSD.

How Medical Marijuana Helps with ADHD/ADD

Those who have ADHD and ADD often have trouble focusing on the task at hand. Cannabis can be particularly effective at helping people maintain focus and productivity.

ADHD and ADD are closely related to a dopamine deficit in the brain. Medications like Adderall and Ritalin stimulate dopamine and promote concentrations. But these gains often come with a host of unpleasant side effects and withdrawal symptoms.

For its part, cannabis seems to interact with the brain’s dopamine production and increases its availability. Cannabis also appears to induce a mental slowdown that prevents patients from becoming overwhelmed by sensory input. Strain choice is very much personal preference when it comes to treating ADHD and ADD. Some report success with high THC strains, while others need to balance out the effects of THC with some CBD.

Pain Reduction in Multiple Sclerosis

Many of those afflicted with multiple sclerosis find medical marijuana hugely beneficial in controlling the pain symptoms. Research demonstrates the pain-relieving properties of THC, and when it comes to multiple sclerosis, it can help alleviate the pain associated with painful muscle contractions.

How Cannabis Reduces Tremors in Parkinson’s Patients

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurological disorder that deteriorates with time. There is no known cure for this disease, and patients often suffer from uncontrollable tremors, pain, and difficulty sleeping. Studies show that medical cannabis plays an important role in protecting against the neurodegeneration commonly observed with Parkinson’s disease. Cannabis also seems to help improve motor skills among patients and reduce the uncontrollable tremors that many experience.

Medical Marijuana in Canada

At Pure Canna, we stock a wide range of cannabis products to treat the above conditions and many more. Between concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and cannabis flower, our extensive line of cannabis products are sure to fit your preferred method of administration.

Cannabis contains hundreds of compounds, each of which acts synergistically with other plant compounds to produce wide-ranging effects. Science is slowly coming to understand and explain the various mechanisms of action of cannabis. And as scientists slowly uncover the workings of this miraculous plant, the future for medical marijuana in Canada seems bright.