Tuesday, May 10, 2016

CBD Oil Vs. a CBD Tincture?

If you’re someone who likes to use CBD, you’ve probably heard of both CBD oil, and the tinctures. They offer liquid forms that contain a type of CBD, which is from the hemp plant. While they are used in an interchangeable manner, there is a difference between both of this. The primary difference to watch out for, is the product’s base. The tincture utilizes alcohol as the main base, and they utilize a solvent in order to properly extract, and from there suspend the CBD. CBD oil in contrast is created through the use of CO2, and then, they suspend the CBD within a carrier oil. 

What CBD Tinctures Are 

They are alcohol-based, and they’re made from the hemp plant, with a ton of CBD in them. They use food-grade ethanol in this, as the liquid solvent needs to be enough to properly extract the CBD, since it is not water-soluble. The tincture is made through the steeping of the plant material through an alcohol that’s high proof, such as ethanol, and this is done for up to 6 weeks, sometimes a bit more. 

Once the material gets fully strained, the mixture then gets transferred to the different dropper bottles and is then refined even further. The main product contains a ton of ethanol as the primary base, and then, they use vegetable glycerin in order to make the flavor taste better. 



Cannabis oil is also created in this way, but the alcohol gets removed after the extraction happens and the plant also can get heated with this, which is what gets the minor cannabinoids and other compounds that are in there get active, so long as you’re using a whole plant cannabis. 

These are made to be used under your tongue, and they immediately hit the blood vessels. 



This lets it bypass the area where the liver absorbs it, which offers really fast usage of this. [people can use these for pain, inflammation, or even anxiety. People like them cause of how discreet and easy they are to dose. 

What about CBD Oil 

There are a lot of CBD products that are currently out there on the market. Most of them are made with CBD oil and then has a carrier oil within it, such as MCT oil, coconut, olive, or even hemp oils that are there. This is done through CO2 or other kinds of extraction, before it’s properly blended with your carrier oil. 

This is available as a full spectrum, a broad-spectrum, or isolates. They can contain some types of THC within it, or other compounds that are active. This can also be used directly underneath the tongue. However, you can also add this to drinks, foods, and the like. Some people also can use this topically on the body too, such as on the skin where there is pain and inflammation. 



This can help with soreness and other problems. You can use this for tension, stress, sleep, pain reduction, and inflammation. This can take a bit longer to work, but it does last a bit of a long time, and it can give you hours of relief. 

Really, both of these products have practically the same name, with diffenrt kinds of extractions that are used for this. They both get the dropper bottles for packaging, and you can have these in a way that offers relief immediately. 

You can choose what’s best for you based on if you want to have something with an alcohol base, or a fat oil base, as the two of them do impact the way in which this gets absorbed within the body as well


Friday, May 6, 2016

Smoking Weed While Wounds Heal

Sometimes, you get hurt. You may wonder if there is a possibility that smoking it can help. While there is a chance this could speed up the process, sometimes this may not happen, and right now, the research is conflicting. Here is what we know, and whether or not you should use CBD or THC to help with the healing of the wounds.

Your Endocannabinoid System and Wound Healing 

The healing of wounds is a big process, and it involves multiple stages.  Burns don’t bleed of course similar to how cuts do, and the first stages may differ in some cases. Some wounds also may follow similar processes for healing, but the length does vary based on how severe it is. The process involves first bleeding, then the scabbing and clotting, the rebuilding of the area, and then strengthening the tissues that are there.

So how can the endocannabinoid system help? The receptors that are there may play a role in this. Particularly, the CB1 receptors which are within the central nervous system, and the CB2 receptors, which play a part in cell immunity. According to a mouse study that was preclinical, it was found that the CB1 receptors actually may help with this, and it was found during the first 12 or so hours after the initial wound. 

There were also other fibroblastic cells in there.  These include your T-cells and B-cells, which are of course, the antral killers. So they come in, and they help with the growth and the repair of the tissue that’s there.While the role that's specific involving your CB1 receptors is still a mystery, the presence of this is something that also may play a major role in the healing of the wounds.But what about the CB2 receptors? Well, they do play a big role in the immunity and the inflammation of the body, which is vital for the wound healing that’s there. The CB2 receptors also may help with protecting anything internally from some scarring, which can cause some complications with the wounds.



Currently, the findings are mostly positive, but there isn’t enough evidence to prove this, and right now, there needs to be far more evidence than what’s out there on the impact of weed on wound healing.

So can Weed Help? 

Well, right now there are no studies that say otherwise. But some have found that smoking slows down the healing. So, we can say that if you consume marijuana through smoking, it may not help with the healing of a wound, so if you’re going to smoke, wait a little bit after a major surgery before doing so, and also don’t try to do it beforehand either.

What about other forms? Well vaping also should be avoided, because it slows down the healing, and the harsh chemicals, although small, may also impact this.But, creams, edibles and the like may help with this. If the cannabis does end up helping, it ultimately does depend on the kind of wound that you’re dealing with.

For cuts, scrapes, and some acne, anything that contains CBD as a topical can help with this.There is new research that does, however, say that CBD is great for treating the wounds that you have. 



You shouldn’t use the creams for wounds which are severe, but they should be treated through the normal medicines. But some dermatological conditions and some scrapes, can definitely benefit from this. For moderate wounds that are scarring, this can benefit it, as it can help with the inflammatory response that comes from this, and the impact of such.


Monday, April 4, 2016

Hydroponic Vs. Soil Growing for Cannabis

With multiple ways to grow cannabis, there are two major types of ways. They are soil and hydroponic.  Both of these have methods that can help to produce cannabis that is productive and healthy, but they do require different tools, and different management for you to use in order to grow cannabis. When you grow it in the soil, the roots from this, along with organic materials oftentimes will contribute microbes which help with the soil. Hydroponic in contrast is when they extend into the waste rand air, which offers nutrients through a solution that’s fed every now and then. 



The hydroponic means are oftentimes considered modern, but this is actually something that’s been around since ancient Babylon.  The soil-only people don’t actually look at how it works, and they believe that it’s not natural, since they believe it’s a way for cannabis to not reach their potential. However, both hydroponic and soil are definitely good, and they both create the end product, which means that they get the nutrients and light that they want, and the best genetics possible. Soil growing usually involves growing in the soil, using fertilizers and other means.  Hydroponic isn’t just soil, but it includes deep water, bubbleponics, aeroponics, and others. 

Comparing Both 

So let’s look at each of the different comparisons that go into this. First, id germination.  When cannabis grows, it begins with germination. Both hydro and soil growers will start their seeds with the same methods or use exclusive methods and techniques. They usually start with the kitchen towel to help with germination before they move it to a specific medium.  The soil growers usually have a chance to put this into the containers that they’re going to use for the final plant, however, hydroponic growers will need to transplant after they’re put from rockwool cubes directly into the net pots, which then get put into a hydroponic system. 



When they germinate, they usually stay in the same way, but soil growers will need to transplant more often compared to the hydroponic ones, but the ones who do hydroponic, they may want to get a larger growing medium to create a root system which is much more expansive. There are almost no big differences in the way that you harvest both. You can wet and dry trim and cure, and that’s ultimately up to the preferences at hand. 

The growing medium 

The thing that differs with this the most is your growing medium, since this Is a huge determinant of how you grow. The medium is basically your substrate used to keep the plant alive. Soil is basically the most common since it’s usually the most prevalent.  Soil growers usually plant the cannabis plants, and they offer nutrients that are synthetic to improve the nutrient uptake.  There are some growers however that only rely on just what’s inside the soil. 



They also may introduce different soil organisms, in order to help with controlling the organic matter, unlocking it so that plants can use this. 

Water is probably the most common hydroponic medium, but some plants may also consider some of the structural options in the area between your zone of roots and stems to offer an upright state. Growers may use coco coir, rockwool, or even pebbles made of clay to help with this, so instead of having the soil to cover them, the roots get exposed to solutions that contain this. Both are valid ways to grow, but some require more upkeep than others, and there are other factors that go into the growing medium too.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

CBD Oil Massages

One popular type of thing that salons and the like have started to implement, are CBD oil massages. While it might be a bit strange, it’s because CBD is growing popular, and due to legalization, it offers a ton of benefits. Let’s look at the different types of benefits that this offers and why it’s one of the new, hot processes to help improve your health, and your body as well! 

Combining Two Types of Holistic Health Processes 

Both of these work together through two types of old holistic health practices. First, you’ve got massages, which were actually a more exact, refined kind of process that dates back to ancient Asian times, and they treated injuries and even ailments that a person had. But, with more and more types of massages moving to a bigger audience, this is something that’s done both in the comfort of your own home, and through a massage therapist.



There are tons of benefits to massages, helping with aching muscles and joint issues. It actually lowers your heart rate, boosts circulation, and also lowers your blood pressure, and also will reduce stress too. Then of course, there is CBD oil, which is used in a topical manner, and is one of the best ways to reduce the onset of inflammation, without making you feel high. These oils are made with high-quality, natural ingredients too such as lavender, eucalyptus, and so much more!  Basically, this infuses both of these, but instead of the normal balms and creams, they use infused with CBD oil products to help. 

The benefits 

There are many benefits to this.

First, you can reduce anxiety, which is something that’s crippling for many. While a prescription may help, nothing will beat actual holistic types of processes, including CBD massages, which help with reducing the onset of anxiety, improving relaxation, and making it far more restorative as well. 

It also boosts the blood flow of the body too. A CBD massage is great for those who struggle with circulation, and it can help with reducing fatigue, numbness, and the pins and needles feeling, and CBD can alleviate this, especially in the massage form.

It also works to help with inflammation, which can be quite painful, and if you have bad inflammation, it does lead to arthritis. 

It can be hard for people to work on daily tasks, and it makes even existing quite strenuous. When you use this together, it boosts the anti-inflammatory measures in the body, making this better. 

Finally, it’ll boost your sleep. Most people are exhausted, and many of us suffer from insomnia and the like. Anxiety and stress can keep you up during the night, and it can cause the body to ache because of this. Restless nights can be quite harmful on you, and if you’re looking to improve the sleep that you get, a CBD massage can be just what you need.



The onset of different ailments is never easy to deal with. With CBD oil massages, you can treat a lot of the problems. Massage therapy has been a valid form of therapy for a long time, and there are tons of benefits that come from this as well.



If you’re looking to really improve your body, and also help with mental clarity and reducing stress, then you’ll definitely want to consider a CBD oil massage.

Talk to a licensed massage therapist to see if you can get one of these and if you’re able to find a massage therapist that helps with CBD oil massages, then you can get the help that you need today!


Monday, September 8, 2014

Does the Strain of Cannabis Matter?

One thing that you’ll learn with the consumption of medical cannabis, is that not every strain is equal. The correct strains provide the best relief for a variety of conditions.  All strains have different types of products that do go through different testing to tell you just how much CBD and THC there is within each of these, in order to improve the understanding that each strain offers, and the ways that it benefits people. There are so many strains that are out there.

Currently, there is almost an unlimited number of cannabis strains, with different characteristics 

Does the CBD and THC Matter 

If you’ve been curious about CBD and THC, you’re not alone. 

These are but two of the compounds that work with other people, to create the synergistic effect known to be the entourage effect, which allows you to differentiate from one different strain to the next. The biggest thing is the terpenes that are made, which help the doctor prescribe the strain. 



What are Terpenes though 

Terpenes are basically a part of the cannabis plant and are parts of a lot of plants. 

While most terpenes get seen in small amounts, they do have some that are a lot more prominent, offering diverse types of ways for this to work, offering therapeutic effects that also change the mood, and help out the person too. 

Sometimes, your doctor will choose strains based on the types of profiles of terpenes that are there which offer different effects. Some specialists will look into strains that combine different characteristics that treat different ailments, making it better for the person who wants to make sure that they get the most out of the terpenes that are there. 



How to choose the right terpenes 

The best thing to do, when choosing cannabis that works for you, is to talk to a doctor, to find out the ideal terpenes to try. Many of these systems actually have algorithms that you can use to figure out the right type of cannabis to use. 

Many times, the algorithm can help with the decisions on prescribing based on information collected in the evaluation that happens initially.  Sometimes, there are people who come in and talk about strains that they’ve used that contain certain amounts of both THC and CBD content, and they may use that information to recommend something that’s similar to the, based on what they’ve used before.

But the thing with cannabis is that it’s different for everyone. Some people have certain strains that are very good for them, and others have strains that do the opposite for them, and that all plays a major part in the success, or even failure, of the types of cannabis products that are there. 

You do need to talk to a specialist to discuss this, especially since they can tell you the best options, and give you a treatment plan that’s based on the types of problems that you have. they also may give you a plan for treatment that spans a few months, since a lot of times, they’ll be able to determine through all of this the best way to treat pain.



Remember though, it might not be the right choice right away. Remember too, that while you might be similar to another person, the types of cannabis to consume may also vary. If you’re still not sure whether or not medical cannabis is ideal for you, or if you have questions on this, you should talk to a doctor, and figure out the ideal types of strains to use.


Tuesday, July 8, 2014

How Cannabis can Help with Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is not fun, and while detection is the initial step, there is also treatment in the form of prescriptions, therapies, and the like. The treatments can be pretty invasive. Biopsies are usually used to confirm the presence of the cells that are there. When tumors or masses get found, they’re usually removed.

Some people who have cancer struggle with managing this. While prescriptions might be good for the mild pain that you get into, they’re not super effective. That’s partially why some people have moved towards using cannabis, as it can help with treating and managing the symptoms at hand. 



Pain with breast cancer 

Breast cancer is not fun. Many who suffer from this deal with neuropathic pain, and many times, the fatigue and discomfort that comes with these treatments can utterly ruin a person.

The safest means for a lot of people to get the treatment they need for breast cancer is a mastectomy, where the breast tissue is removed to eliminate this.  Some people get a breath prosthesis instead of an augmentation or reconstruction of the breast.

Prosthesis is a fancy word for artificial breasts that mimic the way breasts naturally are shaped. These usually are used by patients of all kinds, depending on the needs of people. 

Some women struggle with comfort even after surgery too, and it can be a bit painful for women who deal with this.



CBD oil and other topicals might help with this, and it can be something that’s good for those who deal with wounds and healing. 

Another thing that happens, is that there is hair loss, bruising and inflammation of the skin.  Some people who get treatment for this may get bruises, even from just barely touching the area. This is due to the lowered amounts of platelets within the blood.

If a patient needs to get chemotherapy, hair loss is one of the most common conditions. Medication and radiological therapies also may result in hair loss and thinning too. This can also cause loss of hair to not just the head, but other places, which can make a person feel anxious or depressed.

Cannabis can help with reducing the sadness and the depression that comes with these changes.  You can also use this to help with inflammation of the skin too, as this is common with a lot of cancer patients. As for the bruising, while it can’t help with naturally increasing the platelets, it can of course, help with reducing the pain that comes from the treatments. 

Is it Right for You? 

Right now, patients that are diagnosed with this are getting benefits from using medical cannabis, and they should discuss this with their PCCP, who is probably going to be the one determining the treatment plan. It might include cannabis in some cases.

Some states have programs that don’t specify the type of cancer, but breast cancer is considered a qualifying type of condition for those who have this.



Some may also choose to use this as a form of alternative health to manage many of the different side effects that you get not just from the cancer itself, but also the treatments. 

It’s also good for those who want to find a way for you to get an alternative to NSAIDs who are struggling to get the relief that they need.

One thing of note: don't expect this to be a cure-all for cancer. It should never be used as a replacement for this, but together with traditional therapies, it can help to manage the pain. 


Sunday, July 6, 2014

Managing Pain with Cannabis

Pain is something that’s quite broad in the diagnosis, with some of them occurring within the CNS of the body, and it involves the improper processing of pain signals. Sometimes, this is resulting from injury, but there are sometimes other causes that aren’t very known. Depending on the person that’s there, pain is something that’s localized to tiny parts of the body, or is widespread, and the pain typically is a lot more constant. The central pain can sometimes impact the routine of another person, and drastically impact the quality of life that’s there. 

Some patients who have centralized pain discuss with their doctor the types of treatments that they have. Currently, the main treatment is pain medications, but the problem is, sometimes they offer almost no relief to the pain that’s there.  Another thing that happens too, is they will grab these to treat it, resulting in more chances for addiction.



What if there was a way to relieve this without the side effects?  There is, and that’s in the form of medical cannabis. Did you know that over 60% of the users of medical cannabis take this to help relieve some sorts of pain, and the symptoms of this? This is something that’s become incredibly therapeutic and is part of the reasons why a lot of places are allowing medical cannabis to be used.

Most of the time, CBD, or both CBD and THC are good for treating pain in ways where there are problems with doing so. Another crazy thing? Is that it does decrease the need for opioids, and it lowers the chances of death, overdose, and the like. This is especially apparent compared to states that don’t have cannabis legalized.

There are many that use medical cannabis to treat chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia, and some might have symptom improvement because of this. 



This is mostly in the places where the pain receptors are, decreasing their levels. And the body will use this to naturally help with this. 

How to get It 

Currently, not every state offers medical cannabis for pain, but there are now more places than ever before. The best way to get this, is to discuss this with your doctor, let them know that the normal medications that are there aren’t cutting it, and ask if you can use this as alternative medicine. However, if the doctor still refuses, seek out specialists that allow this, in order to get relief from the pain that you’ve got from cannabis.

If you have a doctor that’s a little bit on the fence about this, bring in a pain journal, discuss the pain that’s there, and even journal how medical cannabis has helped you with pain. You should definitely discuss this with a doctor, to get the right needs. 

THC or CBD? 

This is a question a lot of people have, especially after they’ve gotten the consultation and they’ve gotten the diagnosis. High THC is great for relieving pain, but the downside to them, is they can be incredibly psychoactive, and aren’t the best way to relieve pain.



Hybrid products that contain both THC and CBD are some of the best for treatment in the long term, as they can reduce pain and inflammation naturally, without making you deal with the overly psychoactive aspects of this.

The cool thing about cannabis is that there are tons of ways to get the benefits that you want with this type of product. If you haven’t found the ideal type of cannabis product, continue looking, and see for yourself the benefits that it offers.