Category Archives: Cannabis

Cannabis, Natural Medicine

Cannabis as a Tool for Balancing Homeostasis: Implications for Health and Disease

Leave a comment

Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, with its benefits ranging from pain relief to the reduction of anxiety and depression. However, recent research has shown that cannabis may also play a crucial role in balancing homeostasis in the body.

Homeostasis is the process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment. It involves various physiological processes, including the regulation of body temperature, blood pressure, and glucose levels. Homeostasis is essential for optimal health and wellness, and imbalances can lead to various health problems.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex system of receptors and enzymes that plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. The ECS is activated by endocannabinoids, which are naturally produced by the body. However, the ECS can also be activated by cannabinoids, which are compounds found in the cannabis plant.

There are two primary cannabinoids found in cannabis: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis, responsible for the “high” associated with its use. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and has been shown to have numerous health benefits.

One of the ways in which cannabis can help balance homeostasis is through its effects on inflammation. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to various health problems, including autoimmune diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. CBD has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory effects, which may help balance the immune system and prevent chronic inflammation.

Cannabis may also help balance the nervous system, which plays a crucial role in homeostasis. The ECS is present throughout the nervous system, and cannabinoids have been shown to affect various aspects of nervous system function, including neurotransmitter release and neuronal excitability. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, and even protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Another way in which cannabis may help balance homeostasis is through its effects on the digestive system. The ECS is present throughout the digestive system, and cannabinoids have been shown to affect various aspects of digestive function, including motility and inflammation. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), two common digestive disorders.

There is also evidence to suggest that cannabis may help balance the cardiovascular system. The ECS is present throughout the cardiovascular system, and cannabinoids have been shown to affect various aspects of cardiovascular function, including blood pressure, heart rate, and vascular tone. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce blood pressure and improve vascular function, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

It is important to note that while cannabis may have significant health benefits, it is not a panacea. Cannabis use can have side effects, and there is still much we do not know about its long-term effects on health. Additionally, the legal status of cannabis varies by country and region, and individuals should consult with their healthcare provider before using cannabis for any medical purposes.

In conclusion, cannabis may be a valuable tool for balancing homeostasis in the body. Its effects on the ECS can help regulate various physiological processes, including inflammation, nervous system function, digestive function, and cardiovascular function. While further research is needed to fully understand the health benefits of cannabis, its potential as a tool for promoting health and wellness is promising.

Advertisement
Cannabis, Natural Medicine

Exploring the Mechanisms of Cannabis on Homeostasis: A Comprehensive Review

Leave a comment

Homeostasis is the ability of an organism to maintain internal balance despite changes in the external environment. It is critical for optimal health and functioning. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network of receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes that play a vital role in regulating various physiological processes, including appetite, pain sensation, mood, immune response, and stress. The discovery of the ECS has led to an increased interest in the potential therapeutic applications of cannabinoids, such as those found in cannabis, in restoring homeostasis.

Cannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. The two most well-known cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is known for its psychoactive effects, whereas CBD does not produce intoxication. Both THC and CBD interact with the ECS, but through different mechanisms.

The ECS consists of two main receptors, CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the central nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors are mainly found in the immune system and peripheral tissues. THC binds to CB1 receptors, resulting in the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters, leading to the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis use. In contrast, CBD has a low affinity for both CB1 and CB2 receptors but can modulate their activity indirectly. CBD is believed to act on other non-cannabinoid receptors, such as the 5-HT1A receptor, which is involved in regulating mood and anxiety.

The ECS also produces endocannabinoids, such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), which are similar in structure to cannabinoids found in cannabis. These endocannabinoids act as retrograde messengers, meaning they are synthesized and released by postsynaptic neurons to regulate neurotransmitter release from presynaptic neurons. Endocannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, leading to a decrease in neurotransmitter release, which helps maintain homeostasis.

Cannabis use can affect homeostasis by modulating the activity of the ECS. THC can activate CB1 receptors, leading to increased appetite, altered mood, and impaired cognitive function. However, THC can also have therapeutic effects, such as reducing pain and inflammation. CBD, on the other hand, can modulate the activity of CB1 and CB2 receptors indirectly and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic effects.

The potential therapeutic applications of cannabis in restoring homeostasis are vast. For example, cannabinoids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and may be useful in treating inflammatory conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Cannabinoids have also been found to have neuroprotective effects and may be useful in treating neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, cannabinoids have been shown to have antipsychotic effects and may be useful in treating psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia.

Despite the potential therapeutic applications of cannabis, there are also potential risks associated with its use. Cannabis use can have adverse effects on cognitive function, particularly in adolescents and young adults, and may also lead to the development of addiction. Furthermore, the use of cannabis during pregnancy may have adverse effects on fetal development.

In conclusion, the ECS plays a critical role in regulating homeostasis, and cannabinoids found in cannabis can modulate its activity. THC and CBD interact with the ECS through different mechanisms and can have both therapeutic and adverse effects. The potential therapeutic applications of cannabis in restoring homeostasis are vast and include the treatment of inflammatory conditions, neurodegenerative disorders, and psychiatric disorders. However, the potential risks associated with cannabis use must also be considered.

Cannabis, Natural Medicine

How Cannabis Affects Homeostasis in the Body

Leave a comment

Homeostasis is the process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment despite external changes. This balance is critical for optimal functioning and survival of all living organisms. The human body has various systems and mechanisms in place to maintain homeostasis, including the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Cannabis has been found to interact with the ECS, affecting homeostasis in various ways.

The ECS is a complex signaling system that regulates various physiological processes in the body, including pain, appetite, mood, and sleep. It comprises of endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), enzymes responsible for their synthesis and degradation, and cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). The endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), are synthesized on demand and act as retrograde neurotransmitters to regulate the release of other neurotransmitters.

Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the ‘high’ associated with cannabis use. It binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain and affects various cognitive and physiological functions, including mood, memory, and appetite. CBD, on the other hand, does not produce psychoactive effects but modulates the activity of CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Studies have shown that cannabis use can affect various aspects of homeostasis, including body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose metabolism. Cannabis use can cause a decrease in body temperature, which can be beneficial in conditions such as fever, but may be detrimental in colder environments. THC can also cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which may pose a risk for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. However, CBD has been found to have a cardio-protective effect, reducing the negative effects of THC on cardiovascular function.

Cannabis has been found to have a significant effect on appetite regulation. THC has been shown to increase appetite, commonly referred to as the ‘munchies,’ by activating the CB1 receptors in the brain. This effect can be beneficial in conditions such as cachexia, a condition characterized by severe weight loss, but may be detrimental in individuals with obesity or eating disorders. CBD, on the other hand, has been found to have an appetite-suppressing effect, which may be useful in managing obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Cannabis has also been found to affect sleep. THC has been found to have a sedative effect, which can be beneficial in managing insomnia, but may impair cognitive function and performance the next day. CBD, on the other hand, has been found to have a wake-promoting effect, which may be useful in managing excessive daytime sleepiness.

Cannabis has been found to have analgesic properties, which can be beneficial in managing chronic pain. THC has been found to activate the CB1 receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing pain perception. CBD, on the other hand, has been found to modulate pain perception through various mechanisms, including the inhibition of inflammatory mediators and the activation of vanilloid receptors.

In conclusion, cannabis has been found to interact with the ECS, affecting various aspects of homeostasis. THC and CBD have different effects on the ECS and can have varying effects on homeostasis depending on the dose, route of administration, and individual factors. Further research is needed to understand the full extent of the effects of cannabis on homeostasis and to develop targeted therapies that can modulate the ECS to restore homeostasis in various pathological conditions.

AntiVax Files, Cannabis, Coronavirus, Covid-19, Drug Policy, Drugs, Natural Medicine, The Great Reset, The Plandemic

Get A Free Bag Of Marijuana With Your Covid-19 Vaccine

Leave a comment

By A.J. Herrington Via Forbes

Cannabis activists in Washington, D.C. are planning to offer a free bag of marijuana to those receiving the vaccine for Covid-19, the group DC Marijuana Justice announced this week. The free cannabis giveaway, dubbed Joints for Jabs, is being arranged to coincide with vaccine clinics expected to open in the nation’s capital soon, DCMJ wrote in a press release on Monday.

With Joints for Jabs, the DCMJ activists hope to highlight the need for further cannabis policy reform at the national and local level while bringing awareness to the importance of equitable distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine. Once local health officials begin offering vaccines to the general public, dozens of home cannabis cultivators will celebrate the occasion by handing out free bags of marijuana outside vaccination centers. Locations and times of the Joints for Jabs giveaways will be announced after DCMJ has more information about local vaccination sites.

“We are looking for ways to safely celebrate the end of the pandemic and we know nothing brings people together like cannabis,” said Nikolas Schiller, the group’s co-founder. “DCMJ believes that cannabis should be consumed safely and responsibly, and the pandemic has made this incredibly difficult for many adults to share their homegrown cannabis. When enough adults are inoculated with the coronavirus vaccine, it will be time to celebrate – not just the end of the pandemic, but the beginning of the end of cannabis prohibition in the United States.”

A Teachable Moment For Pot People

Adam Eidinger, another DCMJ co-founder, said that he hopes that the marijuana giveaways increase traffic to the city’s vaccination centers. He would also like to see Joints for Jabs serve as an educational opportunity for those unconvinced of the medical value of marijuana as well as members of the cannabis community, many of whom are skeptical of today’s medicine.

“If you believe in the science that supports medical cannabis, you should believe the science that supports the efficacy of the vaccine,” Eidinger told DCist.

Local cannabis growers have already pledged three pounds of marijuana for the giveaways, and organizers are hoping to have amassed five pounds of pot by the time the events begin. The group will also be offering cannabis seeds named “Grosso’s Green” in honor of marijuana patient, activist and former D.C. Councilmember David Grosso, who left the city council last year.

“I think it’s totally cool” to have a strain of marijuana named for him, Grosso said.

Inauguration Weed Giveaway Postponed

Plans for a DCMJ marijuana giveaway to be held in honor of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden have been put on hold until more people have been vaccinated and the coronavirus pandemic begins to be brought under control. In 2017, the group handed out thousands of joints during the inauguration of the now outgoing president in a gesture that Eidinger characterized as an “olive branch to Trump supporters.”

DCMJ hopes to reschedule the event for July, when a public inaugural celebration is reportedly being planned for the National Mall in place of the traditional January festivities. This year, however, activists will be passing out bags of loose marijuana instead of joints, many of which were fired up immediately last time around, in violation of local laws. Nixing the joints is also an effort to make the giveaway more hygienic.

“Four years ago, we handed out over 10,000 joints — and we licked those joints,” Eidinger said. “Today, we think that’s an issue.”

A History Of Creative And Effective Activism

DCMJ was founded in 2013, leading to the drafting of an ordinance to legalize possession and cultivation of cannabis by adults the following year. The group has continued to advocate for cannabis policy reform through a variety of creative demonstrations, including the deployment of giant inflatable faux joints more than 50 feet long at the Capitol, White House and the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

The group is now advocating for Senate passage of the MORE Act, a landmark bill that would legalize marijuana at the federal level that was approved by the House of Representatives last month.

“While no legislation is perfect, the MORE Act addresses many demands that DC Marijuana Justice has been making for years,” Eidinger said in Monday’s statement from the group. “We asked Presidents Obama and Trump, and now we are asking President-elect Biden to take executive action on cannabis reform within the first 100 days.”

Cannabis, Drug Policy

Cannabis and the Law: No Evidence, No Crime? A Seed our Future Campaign Report

Leave a comment

Guy Coxall, Trev Coleman and Steve Harrison

Seed Our Future

Sunday 18 Oct 2020
Cannabis and the Law –No Evidence, No Crime?
A ‘Seed our Future Campaign’ Report
Oct 2020
Written by Guy Coxall, Trev Coleman and Steve Harrison 
With contributions from Alun Buffry, Phil Monk and Mand Tuszy 

Cannabis and the Law –No Evidence, No Crime

Cannabis, Drug Policy

New Zealand to vote on legalising cannabis and euthanasia

Leave a comment

Friday 16 Oct 2020
New Zealanders are poised to decide on two landmark social issues during an election Saturday: whether to legalize recreational marijuana and whether to legalize euthanasia

New Zealanders are poised to decide on two landmark social issues during an election Saturday: whether to legalize recreational marijuana and whether to legalize euthanasia

A “yes” vote on both referendums would arguably make the nation of 5 million one of the more liberal countries in the world. Polls indicate the euthanasia referendum is likely to pass while the result of the marijuana measure remains uncertain.

The two referendums are being held at the same time as people cast votes for lawmakers and political parties. As a result, the referendums have been somewhat overshadowed both by the political campaigns and this year’s coronavirus outbreak. 

In the political race, popular Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern appears set to win a second term in office, with her liberal Labour Party polling far ahead of the conservative National Party led by Judith Collins.

The euthanasia measure, which would also allow assisted suicide, would apply to people who have terminal illnesses, are likely to die within six months, and are enduring “unbearable” suffering.

Countries that allow some form of euthanasia include The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Canada, Belgium and Colombia.

The marijuana measure would allow people to buy up to 14 grams (0.5 ounce) a day and grow two plants. Other countries that have legalized recreational marijuana include Canada, South Africa, Uruguay, Georgia plus a number of U.S. states.

Lara Greaves, a lecturer in New Zealand politics at the University of Auckland, said she thinks the marijuana referendum is destined to fail.

“I think the problem is that we would be going from criminalization, and a bit of medicinal use, to full-on recreational use,” she said. “Probably what needed to happen to get the public on board was to have a phase of decriminalization.”

She said a large turnout of younger voters would be necessary for the measure to have any hope of passing but that was far from certain.

Another factor is that Ardern has declined to say how she intends to vote, saying she wants to leave it for people to decide. Greaves said that made a big difference, as people tend to follow their leaders. The prime minister did admit during the campaign to smoking marijuana when she was younger.

One vocal proponent of the marijuana referendum has been former Prime Minister Helen Clark. A position paper from her foundation argues that indigenous Maori have faced disproportionate and excessive punishment from the legal system when caught with the drug.

“Cannabis use is a reality in New Zealand, and the results of our current policy approach damage our health, worsen social equity, and drive crime,” Clark’s foundation said. 

Arguing against the referendum is a number of community and religious groups who have formed the “Say Nope to Dope” campaign. They say today’s marijuana is strong, addictive and harmful, and that keeping it illegal deters people from using it.

If the euthanasia referendum is approved, it would become law, whereas if the marijuana referendum is approved, it would still require lawmakers to pass matching legislation. The results from both referendums will be announced Oct. 30.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/new-zealand-cannabis-referendum-weed-legal-marijuana-jacinda-ardern-euthanasia-polls-general-election-b1066403.html

Cannabis, Drug Policy

Sapphire Medical Clinics First to Offer More Affordable UK Manufactured Medical Cannabis Products

Leave a comment

Roland Sebestyén

Cannabis Exchange

Friday 16 Oct 2020
According to recent reports, more than a million UK patients buy cannabis illegally to treat themselves. While on the streets, patients can never be sure what they’ve got for their money, the BBC reports that Sapphire Medical Clinics are first in the UK to offer access to a new range of low-cost UK manufactured medical cannabis products.

While medical cannabis is still deemed illegal in almost 150 countries globally, it’s been legal in the UK since 2018. Over the past two years, more people suffering from severe conditions turned to medical cannabis as an alternative treatment. 

More than 1.4 million people in the UK are believed to use cannabis from the black market to tackle a large variety of conditions, including depression, chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, or Multiple sclerosis (MS).  

The most common reason for this is the availability and ease of access. In addition, it is widely perceived that black market cannabis is more financially viable for many people.  

According to the statistics, a person can easily find a gram of cannabis for £10 on the streets. Moreover, if someone wants to buy an ounce (which is estimated to cost around £180), cannabis becomes even cheaper. 

However, cannabis from the black market has its risks. For the money, a person might get cheap, inefficient, contaminated cannabis.  

Sapphire Medical Clinics, the first UK medical cannabis clinic registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), announced that a number of their patients have now started treatment with a new UK manufactured medical cannabis range. 

This range of products has resulted in achieving a significant cost reduction for patients while continuing treatment with cannabis-based medicines with equivalent levels of major cannabinoids. 

Treatment with medical cannabis aims to keep patients off the black market and provide them with high quality and affordable cannabis-based medicines.  

A review by Sapphire Medical Cannabis Clinics found that the typical patient with chronic pain for treatment with medical cannabis will pay only £4.76 a day. 

Furthermore, in comparison to the black market, Sapphire offers a professional environment and consultation, on-going support with treatment and a safe, consistent supply.  

With this announcement, experts believe the UK’s medical cannabis market has made the next giant step forward.  

Dr Michael Platt, Medical Director, and Consultant Pain Physician at Sapphire Clinics, said that affordability had been a significant barrier for many patients. 

He added: “As treatment becomes more affordable, we hope this provides an immediate solution for those patients who would otherwise benefit from medicinal cannabis but have previously been unable to afford the associated costs of treatment.  

“At Sapphire Clinics, all patients are added to the UK Medical Cannabis Registry and our Real-World Data platform contributing to the growing evidence base.  

“This data will ultimately help guide the availability of free treatment on the NHS in appropriate conditions.” 

Carl Holvey, Chief Pharmacist at Sapphire Clinics, added: “It is very welcome to see the UK produced medical cannabis products finally available to patients that meet the high regulatory standards and consistent availability that we expect.  

“Patients that resort to sourcing cannabis illicitly face more than just the legalities of self-medicating, but also the unknown strength, contaminants, and unpredictability of this way of medicating.” 

This morning, Laura Drummond, 40, from Farnborough, talked about her treatment with medical cannabis on BBC.

She said: The condition changed my life. Since I started [treatment] in May 2020, I have seen a dramatic effect and the pain levels have reduced. I have accessed this [treatment] through Sapphire Medical Clinics’’.

Mrs Drummond has a 2-year-old daughter and previously worked as a midwife and nurse before her diagnosis of Fibromyalgia in 2015, a condition that causes widespread pain and extreme tiredness.

https://canex.co.uk/sapphire-medical-clinics-first-offer-more-affordable-medical-cannabis-products/