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6 Important Ways CBD Is Helping Our Pets

January 31, 2019 by Staff Writer

At one time, when you heard people talk about pets and cannabis, it would usually go something like “OH NO, my dog just ate my pot – what do I do?” But in 2019, you’re more likely to hear people talk about giving their pets cannabis to help with their medical issues.

The cannabis of which I speak of is CBD oil derived from the hemp plant. CBD is everywhere now – you can find it in gum, ice cream, soda, and more. And now, we’re giving it to our feline friends, our pups, and even to horses to help with a long list of medical conditions. Here are just six ways CBD is helping our pets stay happy and healthy.

CBD Can Reduce Inflammation

Unlike THC that attaches to CB1 receptors triggering psychoactive effects, CBD merely activates CB2 receptors by giving anandamide – which is a self-produced cannabinoid – a boost. Unlike CB1 receptors that reside heavily in the brain, CB2 receptors are found more in the immune system, where their activation promotes proper regulation.

Inflammation is a natural – and often times, beneficial – process, but when poorly regulated it turns on the body and causes issues out the wazoo.

CBD Provides Anxiety Relief

CBD oil for cat anxiety is one of God’s gifts to man. It can help calm them down when they are in their crate for more pleasant vacation trips – and even for less bloody scratches down your arm after vet visits.

And don’t even get us started on how you can use CBD oil for dogs’ anxiety. You may never have to come home to a destroyed house again. Research is showing that it really doesn’t matter where the source of anxiety is coming from, CBD can help.

In fact, CBD is a natural anti-anxiety mediator of THC. So if you find your current marijuana strain is making you nervous or paranoid, try taking some CBD.

CBD Has An Important Role in Cancer and Cancer Treatment

There are a number of studies out there highlighting the potential for cannabinoids like CBD and THC to become common drugs we use to fight pet cancer. However, there isn’t any reason to wait for that as many are already using CBD to help fight cancer.

One of the most difficult aspects of cancer treatment isn’t the disease, but the side effects from the drugs used for treatment: nausea, inflammation, pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, etc.

Not only does this make the whole process more strenuous, but it can also make the body’s fight against cancer more difficult, which can ultimately slow down recovery. CBD has somewhat similar benefits to medical marijuana, which has long been an incredible help in reducing the side effects of conventional cancer treatments. All without causing a high, that is!

CBD has helped pets going through cancer treatment regain their appetite, sleep better, experience less discomfort, fight back against inflammation, and possibly even protect/repair cells.

CBD Benefits Working Animals

Many of our pets dedicate themselves to giving humans a helping hand and work hard for our benefit. When we talk about CBD for pets, we usually think of our cats or dogs, but CBD oil for horses has taken off recently.

CBD can help our working horses with everything from recovery to performance to keeping them calmer during training and work, which can prevent injuries to both you and the horse. The last thing you want on your hands is an anxious 1000+ pound horse… because it really never goes well.

CBD Targets All Forms of Epilepsy

There are a number of dog breeds susceptible to epilepsy, and if you know anything about medical marijuana, you’re likely aware of the role it has played in reducing seizures.

Cannabis – including CBD – is indebted to how it’s helped people with drug-resistant forms of epilepsy. In fact, a few states first legalized CBD for the treatment of epilepsy and nothing else. That alone tells you how much it can help.

The thing that separates cannabis from conventional antiepileptic drugs on the market is its ability to help reduce seizures in all forms of epilepsy. When it comes to using CBD for epilepsy, this is one place it may be just as potent as marijuana. This is because CBD – not THC – has the most antiepileptic properties of any cannabinoid.

However, while studies show that CBD is the most potent antiepileptic cannabinoid, it’s about half as effective if it’s isolated and not full spectrum. Scientists believe the legal traces of THC allowed in full spectrum CBD (0.3%) helps – even though there isn’t enough to produce a high.

CBD Promotes Homeostasis for Preventive Health

Whenever you hear about how CBD works in the body, you’ll see the word “homeostasis” somewhere in its vicinity. So what is homeostasis and what does CBD have to do with it?

Homeostasis is any process that cells use to regulate, repair, and optimize both their performance and defense against their host’s environment. Everything from extreme temperatures to germs to stress can wear down our cells.

When this happens, the system they’re involved in – like the immune or nervous system – perform poorly, resulting in diseases. The cannabinoids in cannabis mimic select neurotransmitters (endocannabinoids) that trigger receptors that send signals to help cells undergo homeostasis.

Lots of science, but what this tells us is giving CBD to our pets may help them stay healthier, stronger, and live longer.

Final Thoughts

Remember, this is just six ways CBD can help improve the health of our pets. It’s fantastic to see the stigma surrounding cannabis go away and have the plant become more involved not only in our lives, but in our pets’ lives, too.

It’s important to only give your pet CBD oil with low (less than 1%) to no THC, as dogs and some other animals are sensitive to THC and they can overdose on large amounts.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for information and educational purposes only and is not intended to reflect the views of the publication.

6 Important Ways CBD Is Helping Our Pets
Source: Marijuana Times

The Next Attorney General Might Be More Supportive of Cannabis Legalization

January 31, 2019 by Staff Writer

Since the Trump Administration took over the White House, things have been a little unstable when it comes to how prosecutors are supposed to handle the conflict between federal and state law on marijuana. Under the previous administration things were guided by the Cole Memo, which protected businesses that were operating in compliance with all state laws. However, it was only a year ago when then-AG Jeff Sessions rescinded the memo, removing some of the only federal documentation protecting the legal cannabis industry.

Now that Sessions is out, it is time for a more permanent replacement to step in – and it appears that nominee William Barr might not be such a bad choice. He has confirmed in written responses to questions from U.S. Senators that he would not continue to push against legalization if he were confirmed.

“As discussed at my hearing, I do not intend to go after parties who have complied with state law in reliance on the Cole Memorandum,” he wrote, referring to Obama-era cannabis enforcement guidance that then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded last year.

“I have not closely considered or determined whether further administrative guidance would be appropriate following the Cole Memorandum and the January 2018 memorandum from Attorney General Sessions, or what such guidance might look like,” he wrote in response to a question from Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ). “If confirmed, I will give the matter careful consideration.”

Barr’s opinion on cannabis may not be entirely in support of legalization, but he does appear to be on board with helping the government to create a more sensible policy to cooperate with states, rather than work against them on this issue. Personal feelings aside, Barr is willing to ensure that state-legal cannabis businesses can continue to operate without fear of federal interference – and he appears willing to work with Congress to come up with proper legislation to handle these issues.

“It’s positive to see Barr make the same commitments on marijuana enforcement in writing as he did in the hearings,” Michael Collins, director of national affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance, said. “My hope is that he sends this message to all federal prosecutors so that states are given space to reform their outdated, broken, racist marijuana laws, and the country can turn the page on prohibition.”

While we don’t know for sure that Barr is the next Attorney General under the Trump Administration, at least we now know that it wouldn’t be something that should bring concern to the industry in the way that Sessions did. In fact, it appears that there is a chance that things could be even more progressive on amending federal law to compliment – rather than conflict – with state laws.

The Next Attorney General Might Be More Supportive of Cannabis Legalization
Source: Marijuana Times

Will Minnesota Lawmakers Legalize Adult Use Marijuana?

January 30, 2019 by Staff Writer

The year 2019 will be a tough one to encapsulate when it ends. There is so much going on this year in the cannabis law reform movement that a short summary will be impossible come late December. More than a dozen states will be deciding on some form of marijuana legalization or decriminalization – not to mention all the activity expected on the federal level in the U.S.

One of the states expected to make headlines this year for marijuana policy changes is Minnesota. Lawmakers in the state have introduced adult use legalization legislation that would allow limited amounts of cannabis possession, purchases and home growing.

“Minnesota’s outdated prohibition policy has become more of a problem than a solution,” said Rep. Mike Freiberg (DFL-Golden Valley), one of the legislation’s sponsors in the House. “It is forcing marijuana into a shady underground market, which creates more potential harm for consumers and communities than marijuana itself. Regulating marijuana would make our state safer by removing the criminal element and empowering our state and local governments to start controlling production and sales.”

The legislation would also allow local control over marijuana retailers and processors, seed-to-sale tracking, criminal record expungement and money dedicated to help neighborhoods hit hardest by prohibition.

“It is time for Minnesota to recognize that, like alcohol prohibition in the 1920s, its prohibition of marijuana does not work,” said Jason Tarasek, Minnesota political director for the Marijuana Policy Project and co-founder of Minnesotans for Responsible Marijuana Regulation. “By legalizing marijuana and carefully regulating its sale, we can keep it out of the hands of teens without needlessly arresting responsible adult consumers. This would allow law enforcement to spend more time addressing serious crimes, while also creating a significant new revenue stream for our state.”

With the forces that support cannabis prohibition being spread thinner every year, it’s important to push marijuana law reform on as many fronts as possible. Whatever resources they can muster will either be split up to fight legalization in several states, or prohibition forces will focus on one or two big fights in the hope that they can somehow slow down the legalization juggernaut.

The next 2 years will be brutal for those who fight against legalization. The blows will come from every direction and they will not let up. The time is now to get involved in your state, whether it be in Minnesota or elsewhere.

Will Minnesota Lawmakers Legalize Adult Use Marijuana?
Source: Marijuana Times

Is Buying Marijuana Online Legal?

January 29, 2019 by Staff Writer

When it comes to buying marijuana, for the longest time – and still today, for many people – it meant going to your dealer. Interestingly, all over the U.S. people are starting to try – and in many cases, succeed – to buy their cannabis online. In fact, according to a recent study posted in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the number of people who look to buy their marijuana from online retailers has risen by 300 percent from 2005 to 2017.

Considering the fact that over half of the U.S. allows medical marijuana now – and an ever-increasing number of states is legalizing recreational cannabis – it might seem like a normal advancement. After all, the internet has streamlined our lives; things like our calendars, social media and Amazon purchases all happen online. You can order dinner, set an appointment with your physician or find a new place to live. Just about everything we do these days revolves around the internet – but is it really legal to buy cannabis online?

The answer to that is somewhat complicated. There are legitimate licensed dispensaries that give you a way to buy cannabis and cannabis products online, but in most cases, the websites themselves are not completely legal. Numerous websites that freely sell marijuana have been taken down and this is likely to continue to happen, even though new sites will creep up faster than the unseen internet authorities can take them down. Most of these sites can be found through combinations of search terms like “cannabis”, “marijuana”, and “weed” combined with words like “order”, “shop”, and “buy”.

Unfortunately, for the legal cannabis market that is trying to prove that legalization and regulation is the safest and smartest policy, this might make things more difficult. According to researcher John W. Ayers of San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health, anyone, regardless of age and location, can purchase marijuana via the internet. This facilitates underage use – which is something that the legal market doesn’t allow, just like with alcohol. The point continues to stand that only in a legal and regulated market can we truly ensure that adult consumption stays “adult” consumption.

So how can we combat websites that are selling marijuana illegally to anyone and everyone? The best course of action is to keep your cannabis buying to in-person transactions at your local dispensary. Only if your dispensary advertises online ordering and/or delivery should you ever purchase cannabis online – otherwise be aware that even if it is legal in your state, these websites are not licensed retailers and that sale remains illegal. Eventually, buying cannabis will be as simple as point-and-click for all of us, but until then, be wary of where you purchase your bud.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.

Is Buying Marijuana Online Legal?
Source: Marijuana Times

How to Pass a Marijuana Drug Test

January 28, 2019 by Staff Writer

If you smoke marijuana, as many people do, you may find that you are tested for its presence on occasions. This is generally done by companies who want to ensure the workforce is free from any drug usage. How can you pass a marijuana drug test? First, let us explain what it is the test is looking for.

What is THC?

THC is an abbreviation for the compound in marijuana that is responsible for getting you high. It is this substance that the test will be looking for. The problem is that the level of THC absorbed and remaining in the body can be influenced by many factors, such as:

Regular use means you will retain more THC
Stronger strains of weed may infuse more THC into the body
You diet and general physical activity

These are just a few of the factors that influence the THC level after you have been smoking marijuana. For how long will THC remain in your blood, urine or saliva? This also depends upon the above factors, and rough guidelines says that for occasional use, THC may remain in your system for as long as four weeks. For regular users, this can extend to far longer.

So, you can clearly see the problem when it comes to passing the test!

Types of Test

Companies – and other people who wish to test you for marijuana consumption – use a variety of methods to test for THC in your system. These are:

Urine test – the most frequently used and easiest of all the tests. Be aware that THC will remain in the urine for up to 8 days after usage for an occasional user, longer for regular users.
Hair follicle test – not often used as it is expensive and not so easy, you are unlikely to be subjected to this type of test.
Blood test – THC will remain in the blood for several hours for occasional or one off usage, several days for regular users
Saliva test – used occasionally, THC will remain in the saliva for as long as 24 hours.

If you know the type of test you are to be subjected to it can help you pass the test, and how to pass is our next subject.

How To Pass the Marijuana Test

You may be subjected to a drug test before you join a company, or your employer may run random tests every now and then. This is becoming far more commonplace, so it’s worth being prepared. Bear in mind that you don’t need to be completely free of THC in the system; what you do need to do is make sure it is below 50ng/mL. This is the level at which you are considered clear.

How can you pass the test? Let’s make it clear there is no 100% sure fire way to do so, but the following can help. If you want more information, check out the420times.com as they are an authority source on the subject:

Drink 2 to 3 litres of water 24 hours before the test, and a further litre or 2 a few hours before.
Relax before the test, do not exercise as this will cause the THC to ‘spike’
Vitamins b12, b2 and b complex taken in 100mg doses may help
Use products such as Toxin Rid or Mega Clean, which help rid the body of THC.

For an occasional user there is a good chance of passing a test if you follow the above tips, so make sure you read through and check out all the information at the link we have provided.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for information and educational purposes only and is not intended to reflect the views of the publication.

How to Pass a Marijuana Drug Test
Source: Marijuana Times

NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana’s Big Marijuana Investment

January 28, 2019 by Staff Writer

I usually don’t relate personal stories in this space, but today I’m making an exception.

January 22nd, 1989, almost 30 years ago to the day that I’m writing this. I don’t remember what the weather was like around my home in a suburb of Cincinnati, but I’m sure it was cold. In fact, thirty years has clouded most of my memories of the mundane aspects of that day, but there are a few things about that night that I will not forget any time soon.

Those of you who are old enough to remember Super Bowl XXIII (see video below) probably know where I’m going with this. With about 3 minutes to go in the game, my beloved Cincinnati Bengals led the San Francisco 49ers 16 to 13. The 49ers offense, led by already legendary quarterback Joe Montana, had the ball at their own 8-yard line, meaning they had to drive 92 yards to score the game-winning touchdown.

And, of course, they did. Joe Montana marched his team down the field and hit wide receiver John Taylor in the back of the end zone with 34 seconds left in the game. I was nine years old and I was crushed. Tears streamed down my face.

What’s the point of all this? Well, besides being kind of cathartic for me, this story is my long way of leading into Joe Montana’s recent monetary investment in the legal cannabis industry. While I applaud investments in the legal marijuana industry that will help grow the industry in the years to come, Joe Montana’s name and face give rise to a visceral reaction in me, like my nine-year-old self trying to fight his way out and exact his revenge.

Well, maybe not something as dramatic as all that, but you get my point. It’s like seeing the bully who beat you up in grade school reading to blind children thirty years later. It creates mixed emotions.

Yet one thing fans and haters of Joe Montana alike know very well is that he is a winner. And the marijuana industry needs winners now more than ever as it fights its way through a myriad of rules, regulations and tax rates to take its place as the mainstream multi-billion dollar industry it should always have been.

As for the nuts-and-bolts of the investment itself, Montana is part of a $75 million stake in Caliva, a San Jose, California-based group that said it’s using the money to grow a company that includes a farm, a retail store, distribution center and a delivery service. He’s part of a growing group of NFL veterans that are publicly questioning the way players are treated for their ailments, saying cannabis “can provide relief to many people and can make a serious impact on opioid use or addiction.”

Despite my feelings, when it’s time to get something done, I would put my money on Joe Montana to get it done.

NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana’s Big Marijuana Investment
Source: Marijuana Times

The LA Women of Weed: Laurie Cardenas

January 27, 2019 by Staff Writer

Women have been one of the most powerful groups championing the fledgling cannabis industry, but according to a report by Marijuana Business Daily entitled Women & Minorities in the Marijuana Industry, the percentage of women holding executive positions in cannabis businesses has fallen deeply over the past two years. In 2015, women held 36% of executive positions, which fell to 26.9% in 2017. While women still hold more executive positions in the cannabis industry than the 2016 U.S. national average of 23%, their stronghold on the cannabis industry is slowly slipping.

Part of it has to do with cannabis becoming more popular and profitable. More male executives are coming over from other industries and recreating the traditional American corporate culture, where men hold more than 75% of senior positions. As conservative money men see more potential dollar signs in weed, they’re pushing women out of the boardrooms and bringing in their bros.

This series will shine some light on some of the the bold, strong, pioneering women that keep the cannabis industry running in Los Angeles.

California Caregivers Alliance (CCA) in Silverlake is a dispensary run entirely by women. The shop is well-known and loved by locals who appreciate the unique art and atmosphere, the popular deal wheel, and the educated budtenders who are always enthusiastic to listen and help you find just the right product for your needs.

Laurie Cardenas has been at the shop for about a year and a half and has a no-nonsense attitude when budtending behind the counter at CCA. With her small stature she looks even younger than her twenty-six years, but she’s no naive newbie to the industry. She’s been working in the cannabis industry for over six years and has worked at several dispensaries around Los Angeles. She says that she loves the unique sense of community she feels in the women-only shop. “There’s no sexual harassment on the workforce, which used to happen a lot at old shops.”

Aside from direct harassment, she explained that even having even some men around can disrupt the working environment for women. Women can be pressured into acting or dressing certain ways by male bosses. Some may also get preferential treatment for sexual acts or dating supervisors, and the whole environment can become competitive and catty.

“I feel a lot more comfortable here. It’s more like a family than a job. We understand one another because we are all women, so there’s no misconceptions or judgements, like if we’re in a bad mood if we’re on our period or something like that. It’s just much more enjoyable and comfortable to be in a workplace where you can be yourself.”

Cardenas is currently in school for sociology. She has aspirations for law school, and she’s considering cannabis law. She is always trying to learn more about cannabis and wants to show people that, “there’s more to weed than just getting high.”

“I love the knowledge behind it, like all of the cannabinoids in weed; there’s more than THC there’s CBD, CBG, CBN, etc.. so it’s cool to know all that. I love how I’m educating people and broadening their horizons on weed. I know a bunch of people who’ve had one bad experience on weed and hate it, and I think my purpose is to really educate them on why they probably felt that way, and it’s probably because they didn’t dose themselves properly or they smoked something that was too potent for them.”

Cardenas loves helping people find the right path on their journey into cannabis. “It’s great when really old people come in and they’re just starting to smoke and I can lead them to a petra mint, which is 2.5mg of THC, or something light like that, and they love it because they had a proper dose, versus eating a 1000mg korova, and then of course they’re gonna hate weed.”

It’s those human connections that keep her drawn to budtending. “It’s a fulfilling feeling when I have someone who’s really sick with cancer or something and they come to me looking for advice and when I give them something that really helps them. And they come back three weeks or a month later and they’re like, ‘what you gave me really helped me.’ That’s really why I’m in the industry, because it’s super dope to help others and heal them with cannabis.”

For Laurie, the drive to help others heal with cannabis is personal. “My mom had vertigo and she couldn’t walk or drive. None of the medicine that was prescribed to her helped her. Then I gave her Prana 1:1, which is a product we carry. She’s a Catholic, conservative, old-school Latina mom who was so against weed. She knew I worked here, but never partook in it, and then she finally trusted me. The next day she was walking and driving and she called me because she couldn’t believe it. She was like ‘I’ve been bed-ridden for a month and I’ve been taking pills for a month and nothing helped’ and I had her moving the next day. That was really awesome.” She also loves the fact that it’s a healthier alternative to most prescription medicines, “I would rather my mom takes this than an opiate or something like that.”

Cardenas is passionate about the plant’s possible use as an alternative to traditional pharmacology. “It helps people with anxiety and PTSD, so we have a lot of veterans that come in. It’s good to see them smoking weed, because I would rather have them smoke weed than taking hydrocodone for their pain. It’s dope when people come in and say, ‘You helped me get off opiates.’ So the fact that people call it a gateway drug, I think that’s bs, because in fact it’s been proven that weed can help you get off of harder drugs. That’s my passion, helping people with the medicinal aspect. But of course it’s still cool to help others find a product that gonna make them have fun with their friends at a party.”

Like many women in the industry, the medicinal, healing properties of cannabis is a big reason why Cardenas is so enthusiastic about working in the industry. However, the biggest thing Cardenas wants to accomplish is to break stigmas surrounding cannabis use. “Like [the stigma] that a person who smokes weed is just a lazy person who doesn’t do anything. I’m a full-time student, I work my ass off, I work full-time, I live on my own, I have my own car, and I just love the whole hustle aspect about it. I want people to know that you can be a stoner and be successful as fuck and get shit done. You can be a pothead and still have your shit together.”

The LA Women of Weed: Laurie Cardenas
Source: Marijuana Times

What’s Behind Oklahoma’s Quick Rollout of Medical Marijuana?

January 26, 2019 by Staff Writer

We have covered the state of Oklahoma quite a bit here at The Marijuana Times. From its rocky start last summer up to the impressively quick rollout, we’ve learned a lot from the state’s medical marijuana program.

In fact, just the other day, I wrote the following paragraph:

It’s not like a simpler approach isn’t possible with cannabis law reform. Look at Oklahoma. I’ve covered the state quite a bit on our video show Cannabis News and things are moving quite fast there. After what most would deem a rocky start, the medical marijuana program in Oklahoma has gone from non-existent to in place and showing explosive growth in the space of 6 months. And what will happen in Oklahoma? A lot of people will grow, sell and consume cannabis legally. Tens of thousands of patients will find relief.

Re-reading that paragraph made me wonder two things: why did I use “quite” twice in one sentence, and how is it that Oklahoma has been able to do what few other states have? To be sure, there are several superficial reasons, but I wanted to know more than that. What is so different about Oklahoma that they can bring about a functioning medical cannabis industry in a few months when it takes other states up to a year to even write the form that licensees will need to fill out? When you want answers, there are few better places to go than to the source; in this case, Chip and Cynthia Paul of Oklahomans for Health.

“Oklahomans For Health was founded in 2014 by my wife Cynthia and I, and another gent,” Chip told us about the beginning of this journey. “We petitioned the state in 2014 and were successful in building momentum and also changing the conversation in Oklahoma (we have a 90 day window). We petitioned again in 2016 and reached our signature threshold. We were denied the 2016 ballot due to a challenge by then Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt. We won that case in Oklahoma State Supreme Court and were awarded the ballot on June 26th, 2018.”

According to Chip, the measure passed against heavy odds. “We were opposed by every sitting State Agency head, the Oklahoma State Medical Association, every major hospital system, the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce, most city Chambers, and of course most LE agencies,” he said, adding that the opposition outspent the Pro-MMJ forces about 12-to-1.

And the short answer as to why the state has been so quick to get the program going? They were forced to. “Since it is an activist law, we wrote it with triggers and dates,” Chip told us. “The state had to have the entire program rolled out within 60 days. We certainly were indicating that we would take legal action if they did not meet the dates. There was a lot of griping about the dates, but the Oklahoma State Department of Health hit the marks and rolled the program out on time.”

I also asked about what still needs to be done when it comes to the medical cannabis program, and Chip pointed out that some regulations were still needed since the state’s Department of Health became sort of gun shy after their initial heavy-handed attempts to restrict the program were shot down. Among Chip’s list of things still needed:

-a testing license and we need lab testing defined and required in the regs

-some better security regulations around outdoor grows

-state defined zoning which would keep cities from over reaching on permitting/zoning requirements

The “program is getting very good feedback both nationally and in the local press,” Chip told us, and so far “the cannabis industry, for the most part, has been very responsible about how they have conducted themselves even under loose regulations.”

All in all, Oklahoma shows what is possible. To get an un-restrictive medical marijuana measure on the ballot in a “red state” and have it pass with 57% of the vote while getting massively outspent by the opposition is incredible enough, but it’s just the first chapter of the book activists and lawmakers in the state are writing on just how to get a full industry up and running in a matter of months.

The lesson activists should take away from this is to keep a tight rein on ballot measure language. Set hard deadlines and force those who will implement the measure to abide by them. Stay vigilant and as unyielding as possible. After all, the ailments that those who use medical cannabis suffer from are not going to back down – and the people fighting for better access have no reason to either.

What’s Behind Oklahoma’s Quick Rollout of Medical Marijuana?
Source: Marijuana Times

Pennsylvania Removes Restrictions on Industrial Hemp

January 25, 2019 by Staff Writer Leave a Comment

Pennsylvania recently made the decision to remove limitations on industrial hemp, a surprisingly welcome move that will essentially enable farmers to have relatively open access to the hemp industry in the state, according to a report from The Morning Call.

The Keystone state recently submitted their updated hemp plan to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Farm Bill of 2018 essentially legalized industrial hemp, but as expected, the federal government pumped their brakes when it comes to establishing hemp-growing regulations. Before the Farm Bill, hemp growing was restricted to pilot programs in most states, which continues now.

Pennsylvania apparently wants no part of those pilot programs, which limited industrial hemp farms to 84 throughout the Keystone State. The agriculture department of Pennsylvania reversed a 2018 decision that only 100 acres of hemp plants should be grown in the state.

Even after this monumental achievement for hemp in the Keystone State, hurdles are still in place. Cannabis advocates in Pennsylvania rightly point to “80 years of missing information” when it comes to legally cultivating hemp and cannabis. The most common issues surrounding hemp cultivation are pest control and harvesting. Currently, there are no commercial hemp processing facilities in Pennsylvania, but that could change in the near future.

“It’s one more step, but in this case it’s a big step for Pennsylvania farmers who are certainly seeking alternatives in new rotational crops,” said Geoff Whaling, President of the Pennsylvania Hemp Industrial Council.

The laws regarding legal cannabis in the state of Pennsylvania have been rapidly evolving within the last year, and especially the last few months. The medical cannabis program in the Keystone State recently received a review and overhaul, allowing for the necessary expansion of the program. Additionally, high-ranking state officials like Governor Tom Wolfe have called for a “serious look” at legalizing recreational cannabis.

The expansion of the state’s medical cannabis program, the removal of restrictions on hemp and the proposals for recreational adult use in the state aim to put Pennsylvania on par with other states that surround it, such as New York and New Jersey. Will the removal of commercial restrictions on industrial hemp in the Keystone State eventually lead to full legalization? Only time will tell.

Pennsylvania Removes Restrictions on Industrial Hemp
Source: Marijuana Times

What is CBD (Cannabidiol)?

January 24, 2019 by Staff Writer Leave a Comment

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. As we’ve discovered more about the human species as well as the plants that we, we’ve learned of the immense health value that CBD brings to the table. It has quickly become a staple supplement for millions who seek a natural alternative to dangerous pharmaceuticals, alien to nature’s perfect remedies.

Sublingual CBD Oils – also known as CBD Tinctures or CBD Hemp Oil – are the most popular type of CBD products, because of their high bioavailability and rapid absorption. There are many other kinds of products as well, including CBD edibles, CBD topicals, and even CBD-infused Coffee. CBD products have gained immense popularity in health and wellness circles thanks to their natural support of our endocannabinoid system (ECS).

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CBD?

It’s important to note that many of these studies were carried out in vitro (outside the body), or were preclinical in nature, reducing the reliability of the results. However, the chemical antioxidant properties of the CBD molecule, as well as its antiepileptic properties, are well-established in the scientific literature.

While research into the effects of CBD on specific conditions is important, a broader perspective on the relationship between CBD and the human body is necessary to understand how this unique compound works. Interestingly, many of the conditions that are supposedly helped by CBD have no well-understood cause, from acne to Alzheimer’s disease. However, one of the few common denominators between these conditions is the involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in their causes.

The ECS is responsible for setting the baseline activity levels of our immune system and nervous system, which then work to maintain our health. When the ECS falls out of whack, the systems that are regulated by it can begin to malfunction. CBD promotes the normal health and function of the endocannabinoid system, so it’s possible that CBD can help to alleviate the symptoms of conditions that are caused by dysfunction of the endocannabinoid system.

CBD is the subject of thousands of studies and trials, carried out by various institutions to uncover the facts about this dynamic compound and its effects on our bodies. Some of these studies have looked into the effect of CBD on different conditions, including:

Acne / comedogenic (pimple-forming) disorders [ Study , Study ]
Antibiotic-resistant infection / MRSA [ Study , Study ]
Anxiety disorders [ Study ]
Apoptosis of malignant neoplasms [ Study ]
Arthritis / inflammatory disorders [ Study ]
Chronic/neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, migraines [ Study , Study ]
Epilepsy and seizure disorders [ Study ]
Neurodegenerative disorders (Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis) [ Study ]
Oxidative Stress / Free Radicals [ Study ]
Substance abuse disorders [ Study ]

HOW ARE CBD PRODUCTS FORMULATED?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of 113 cannabinoids unique to the hemp plant. CBD is produced by the leaves and flowers of female hemp plants. Hemp is defined as all cannabis plants with less than 0.3% THC by weight. Because hemp has such low THC levels, it is non-psychoactive by definition.

While CBD can be extracted from non-hemp varieties of the plant, hemp-derived CBD is less restricted by the government because of its inherently low levels of THC. CBD from hemp is legal for sale in most US states, while CBD products derived from non-hemp varieties can contain noticeable amounts of THC, and are therefore subject to stricter laws and regulations.

CBD and other cannabinoids are produced by the hemp plant because of their unique aromatic and antioxidant activities, which protect the plant from insects, fungus, bacteria, and changes in the environment.

Where does your CBD come from?

All CBD products start out the same way: as an extract from the leaves and flowers of cannabis plants. At Green Roads, we only extract CBD from hemp, defined as any variety of cannabis plant containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Cannabinoids and terpenes are produced by tiny glands on the leaves and flowers of cannabis plants known as trichomes. The compounds produced by these trichomes give cannabis both its rich aroma and its nutraceutical effects.

How is your CBD extracted?

In order to isolate CBD from the trichomes, Green Roads uses supercritical CO2 extraction, the safest and most efficient extraction method currently available.

How does CO2 extraction work?

Carbon dioxide is passed through the plant material at a very specific temperature and pressure. Carbon dioxide, which is normally a gas at (or above) room temperature, can be pressurized until it becomes so dense that it takes on some of the properties of a liquid while still maintaining the fluid dynamics of a gas. In this state, CO2 is known as a supercritical fluid.

Why do you use CO2 extraction?

CBD oil CO2 extraction works extremely well because each compound in cannabis can only be extracted by CO2 at a unique pressure and temperature combination, which makes it easy to control which compounds are extracted and which are left behind.

What makes Green Roads CBD so pure?

As CBD is isolated from the plant material and exits the high-pressure environment inside the extraction machine, all of the CO2 evaporates, because it’s no longer at a supercritical pressure. This leaves behind a solvent-free extract containing only the purest select phytocannabinoids and terpenes.

IS CBD (CANNABIDIOL) LEGAL?

Because CBD is non-psychoactive, it is treated differently than other products that contain detectable levels of the psychoactive cannabinoid, THC.

In addition, the FDA recently approved Epidiolex – an oral-mucosal spray produced by GW Pharmaceuticals with CBD as its active ingredient – for use in the treatment of intractable seizure disorders. This THC-free product set a new precedent for the medical value of CBD.

In 2014, President Obama signed the Farm Bill of 2014 into law. This law contained a section that removed hemp from Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act. It also created a legal structure that made cultivation and research of hemp legal in states that wanted to initiate “Pilot Research Programs” into the cultivation and marketing of hemp and hemp-derived products.

While Green Roads complies with the Farm Bill of 2014 and all other federal regulations, laws in some states are ever-changing. For more info about the legality of hemp-derived CBD products in your state, see the map below.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF CBD FOR ME?

While most supplements have a single recommended dose, CBD is different. The amount of CBD you take depends on your doctor’s recommendations and your own research into how CBD will work for your unique needs. In general, it’s smart to start with a medium dose of CBD. This way, you can increase or decrease the dose as needed. In addition, it’s recommended to start with one half ML (half a dropper) of CBD oil, because you can always take more if needed.

As always, consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional before adding CBD to your supplement regimen.

DIFFERENT KINDS OF CBD PRODUCTS

There are several different kinds of CBD-infused products that are consumed in different ways for different purposes.

The most popular type of CBD product is sublingual CBD oils and tinctures, which include CBD isolate formulated into an oily base so that it can be dropped under the tongue. These products are ideal for rapid absorption and high bioavailability.

Another popular type of CBD product is edible snacks, beverages, and capsules, which can be swallowed like any other food or pill. These products are perfect for people who don’t need a high dose of CBD, or who are more comfortable with a traditional method of consumption like swallowing rather than sublingual administration.

Topical CBD products are ideal for local application to an affected area of skin, muscle, or joints. CBD applied topically tends to stay concentrated in the area where it was applied, unlike edible and sublingual CBD, which spreads throughout the entire body via the bloodstream.

CBD OIL

CBD Oil refers to CBD-infused products that contain CBD suspended in an oily base, such as vegetable glycerin, hempseed oil, or another plant-derived oil. Sublingual oils are ideal because they allow for rapid absorption of CBD through the membrane under your tongue directly into your bloodstream. CBD Oils are available in both low and high doses, and droppers built into the cap make it easy to measure your proper dose. CBD Oils are the most popular kind of CBD product thanks to their ease of use and rapid effects.

CBD EDIBLES

CBD edibles are foods and beverages infused with CBD for oral consumption, and they are immensely popular thanks to their delicious taste as well as their soothing effects. From CBD fruit rolls to CBD-infused coffee, CBD edibles include a wide array of shapes, dosages, and mouthwatering flavors. CBD edibles offer an easy and discreet way to never forget your daily dose of CBD. Besides their fun and fruity taste and appearance, Green Roads CBD Edibles offer all the benefits of CBD in a convenient 30-day supply so you’ll never run out whether you need a short-term fix or long-term relief.

CBD PAIN CREAM

People looking to buy CBD creams will find the most effective and aromatic CBD lotions at Green Roads World. In order to produce the highest quality CBD muscle rub available on the market, Green Roads obtains CBD from US-grown hemp using CO2 supercritical extraction. CBD topicals are highly effective because CBD tends to remain in the application area when applied topically, as opposed to sublingual or edible products that enter the bloodstream and diffuse throughout the body. Green Roads CBD Pain Cream is a unique and potent CBD product, artfully crafted by a licensed pharmacist with more than twenty years of compounding experience.

CBD DAILY DOSES

Finding the perfect CBD Oil daily dosage is now easier than ever, thanks to CBD Daily Doses, from Green Roads. Cannabinoids like CBD interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system to produce their effects. This network of chemicals signalers and receptors is responsible for maintaining homeostasis of both body and mind. While it’s important to balance your endocannabinoid system with CBD, it’s just as important to balance your daily schedule, and CBD Daily Doses make it easy and simple to do just that.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for information and educational purposes only and is not intended to reflect the views of the publication.

What is CBD (Cannabidiol)?
Source: Marijuana Times