Month: January 2020

Cannabidiol or CBD is a natural compound that is gaining traction due to its effectiveness in healing various diseases. The chemical is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Compared to other cannabinoids, CBD lacks psychoactive elements. Instead, it offers different health benefits.

Despite its popularity,
many questions around this compound remain unanswered. If you are like most of
the users, you must be wondering how it works in treating social anxiety. In
this guide, we take you through everything you need to know about CBD and
anxiety with support from scientific studies.

Read on to discover!

What is Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety is a
disorder where the victim experiences fear of a social situation that involves
interacting with people. This disorder often results in fear of rejection or
negative judgment. As a result, social anxiety victims experience nervousness
and discomfort.

Suffering from this
disorder can be problematic. It affects many aspects of your life and not only
the social issue. Fortunately, CBD oil can help in treating this common mental
disorder. But how exactly does CBD work to treat social anxiety?

How CBD Fights Social Anxiety

Research studies show that CBD can be useful in combating various medical conditions, including anxiety. However, proving how it works remains a challenge considering that cannabidiol has over 65 targets in the body. While scientists are not yet able to pinpoint the source of its therapeutic property in treating anxiety, studies currently propose that CBD can combat stress by stimulating neural regeneration and neurotransmitter systems. One can also grow indoor cannabis plants at the comfort of their home and reap in all benefits. For all cannabis plant requirements , visit trusted marijuana seed shop only.

· Neural Regeneration

Anxiety can damage
neurons, shrink the brain, and increases the risks of patients developing
depression. However, certain regions of the brain can regenerate. Neurons
continue to form and make new connections. CBD can aid this process. By
boosting neural regeneration, CBD can help in establishing balance from brain
damage due to anxiety. Studies prove that CBD encourages neural regeneration,
thus reducing stress.

· Serotonin

Serotonin (5-HT or
5-hydroxytryptamine) is a neurotransmitter. The chemical relays signal along
and between nerves. There is a link between serotonin levels and anxiety.
Although it has more than 14 different receptors, studies show that CBD only
binds with 5-HT1A that has the most significant influence in anxiety disorders.
A study using animal
models to show how CBD helps in fighting anxiety shows that the effects of CBD
on the receptors in the brain indeed produce anti-anxiety effects.

· Endocannabinoids

The human body produces
natural cannabinoids for use in the endocannabinoid system and other parts of
the body. Suffering from anxiety can affect the functioning of the
endocannabinoid system. CBD can help in restoring balance by preventing
excessive production of type 1 cannabinoid receptors and encouraging the
production of endocannabinoids. A study on rodents confirms that CBD relieves anxiety behaviors
in victims.

Several studies point out
the likely rewards of CBD for anxiety. For generalized anxiety disorder (GAD),
the use of CBD in rats has shown to reduce stress levels. This included reduced
behavioral gestures of anxiety among study subjects as well as improved
physiological signs like accelerated heart rate.

The use of CBD can also
help individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety
disorder (SAD). Researchers undertook a study using 37 Japanese adolescents to
find out how CBD helps with anxiety. An oral dose of 300 milligrams (mg) of CBD
or placebo was the amount given to subjects. Decreased anxiety levels occurred
amongst those who got CBD.

Types of CBD Oil Available on the Market

There are three primary
types of CBD products available on the market; CBD Full-Spectrum,
Broad-Spectrum, and CBD isolate. All three have different extraction methods.

Full-Spectrum augments
the benefits as it consists of all the elements commonly found in the herb. Out
of the three, it is by far the strongest and the most popular amongst CBD
users. The presence of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) amounts is its only downside
for people who don’t want to get high.

Broad-Spectrum is a
bridge between Isolate and Full-Spectrum. The only difference is that it
undergoes a process to eradicate THC elements. However, trace elements of THC
can still be present, but not to the scale of Full-Spectrum.

Isolate is the distilled
form of CBD with no traces of THC. Out of the three, it is the most secure, and
beginners should consider this option as they learn their trade.

The type of ingredients available is another thing to take into account when purchasing CBD oil. Some are vegan with no supplements, while some are entirely organic. You can find ingredients like melatonin in some products, so it’s good to be mindful.

Conclusion

With so many triggers of
social anxiety, people need a better approach to deal with anxiety issues.
While there are pharmaceutical treatments, they are not entirely useful and
often cause side effects. A great way to combat anxiety is to combine CBD with
other therapies. But we encourage you to consult a doctor before you start
using CBD for anxiety.

It remains unclear how
cannabidiol serves as a therapy for anxiety disorders as there is a need for
more research to evaluate the risks and benefits. However, CBD oil provides a
possible auxiliary solution for individuals with anxiety that other remedies
don’t offer. Users are also encouraged to review the jurisdictions in their
area about the use of marijuana products.

The post How CBD Can Help with Social Anxiety appeared first on FairCannaCare.

Source: fcc

Cannabis is used for an incredible array of health issues: it can alleviate anxiety, help with sleep, increase appetite, and treat chronic pain. It’s also a safer alternative to alcohol. And in the modern legal marketplace, many women are incorporating cannabis into their wellness routines as an alternative to prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies aimed at reproductive and sexual health.

A recent survey of 1,011 women across the United States found that two-thirds of respondents said they use cannabis products, while more than one-third of them claimed to have used it to treat gynecological issues. There’s also evidence, as reported by Project CBD, that cannabis can have a positive effect on sexual health by reducing anxiety and pain, which are common barriers to a positive sexual experience for many women.

The conversation about women’s health and self-care products has come a long way from Summer’s Eve and scented tampons. Today, cannabis products for women range from THC tinctures and bath soaks to cannabis suppositories and CBD oils. 

The conversation about women’s health has evolved

Women have found relief with cannabis for centuries, especially when it comes to menstrual pain. In “Women and Cannabis: Medicine, Science, and Sociology,” authors Ethan Russo, Melanie Creagan Dreher, and Mary Lynn Mathre note that cannabis suppositories were used in Egyptian pharmacopeia, documented as long ago as 3,000 BCE. 

Recently, Weedmaps reported that some cannabis brands are prioritizing the health of their workers with a focus on women’s wellness. LH Manufacturing, the parent company of Whoopi & Maya, enacted a “moon day” policy for workers, allowing them to take a day off during their menstrual cycle. The company also provides free sanitary products for employees. 

Peak Extracts, a woman-owned and run cannabis company in Oregon, provides samples of their products to employees coping with menstrual cramps. And Quim co-founders Cyo Ray Nystrom and Rachel Washtien have committed to keeping women’s health a priority in their business. “Our mental, physical and general health is the most important thing,” Washtien said.

On the Weed+Grub podcast (disclosure: I host this podcast), Nystrom said the core mission of Quim is to create products that help foster sustainable practices of self-care. And by that, “We mean including your vagina in your self-care routine.”

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

While studies have found that cannabis can provide pain relief, and improve libido, there haven’t been any high-quality studies to determine whether cannabinoids can be effective in helping endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and other female-specific infections. Still, many women try cannabis products to help with their female-specific ailments and report finding relief.  Nystrom developed Quim after years of suffering from a cycle of urinary tract infections and yeast infections. After researching other vaginal health products, she decided to make her own with cannabis as a main component. A CBD topical can be helpful as an anti-inflammatory post-sex, or if you experience pain from penetration or menstrual cramps, Nystrom said.

Kiana Reeves, chief brand educator for Foria, said on Weed+Grub that the conversation surrounding pain relief specifically for women has shifted and that some OB/GYNs are now recommending cannabis products to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, vaginal dryness and more.

Cannabis products for women’s health and sexual wellness

There are a variety of cannabis-infused products designed for women who want to incorporate THC and/or CBD into their wellness routine. Applied in topical form, THC is non-intoxicating — the cannabinoid penetrates skin and muscles for localized relief. Topicals can be a good choice for someone seeking the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the “high” associated with smoking, vaping or eating THC. 

On the other hand, tinctures containing THC are absorbed into the bloodstream and have an intoxicating effect. If you’re seeking pain relief, a THC-rich tincture may be the answer — just make sure you start with a small amount and go slowly to find the correct dosage for your system.

And for those in states without access to legal cannabis, there is an ever-evolving selection of CBD products on the market — even at your local drugstore. Walgreens recently announced that it will sell hemp-derived CBD topicals and sprays. Additionally, many CBD companies will ship directly to the consumer, so you can shop from home.

Cannabis products for menstrual pain

Founded by Whoopi Goldberg and award-winning topicals and edibles maker Maya Elisabeth, Whoopi & Maya‘s bath Soak and Rub body balm are designed specifically to relieve menstrual discomfort with THC and CBD. The medical cannabis soak combines Epsom salts with cannabis and deliciously scented therapeutic essential oils, promoting a state of deep relaxation and relief as you bathe. Rub is a beeswax-based topical containing 50 milligrams of THC per jar which can alleviate cramping and provide relief from sore joints and back pain. 

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

Whoopi & Maya is only available in California and Colorado. In Colorado, you can try Relax, a 100 milligram THC tincture containing herbs like motherwort and cramp bark, which are thought to benefit the female reproductive system.

Foria Relief is a unique offering: it’s a cocoa-butter suppository that delivers 60 milligrams THC and 10 milligrams CBD of full-spectrum cannabis directly to the vagina to soothe menstrual and pelvic pain. If you’re not in California or Colorado, a CBD version of Relief is available. 

Cannabis products for sexual pleasure

Vaginal serums and lubricants make up a significant portion of topicals aimed at women. One newly launched CBD topical, Vella, is designed to enhance sexual pleasure. Vella has a “proprietary liposomal nanoencapsulation formulation,” according to the company’s website, and promotes muscle relaxation and increased blood flow. It’s compatible with condoms, so it’s a good option for partners practicing safer sex.

Quim also offers a line of self-care plant-based health products for women. This woman-owned and operated company has several topicals for “humans with vaginas, and humans without vaginas who love vaginas” in both THC and CBD formulations. Happy Clam Oil, with 30 milligrams of hemp-derived CBD per bottle, which, according to Quim’s website, is intended for daily use and to be thought of as “an eye cream for your vagina.” Night Moves intimate oil and Oh Yes! Latex-safe serum both contain THC and are only available in California dispensaries. Quim’s Smooth Operator is an intimate serum-containing hemp CBD and is available to ship  nationwide.

Dazy CBD Lube is another intimate oil that’s safe to use with silicone toys and latex condoms. XES is a hemp-CBD vaginal serum that features a uniquely designed ergonomic applicator. Kush Queen Ignite CBD lube, Infinite CBD Big Bang, High On Love Stimulating Oil — there are plenty of options to try if you’re interested in incorporating CBD into your sex life.

Featured image by Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

The post Why Women are using Weed Products for Sexual Health and Wellness appeared first on Weedmaps News.

Source: wm

No beverage has escaped an infusion of cannabis — even wine. Infused wine has ancient roots, though today’s “weed wine” is a much different product than what may have been drunk in early Egypt. And the production of modern infused wines comes with unique challenges, as infrastructure is created alongside developing laws. 

Like other contemporary THC-infused beverages, cannabis wine plays into the growing trend of swapping alcohol for weed. Weed wine caters to a niche audience, filling a space for people who want a social and relaxing beverage that’s not weed beer or stoney cocktails.  

Weedmaps News spoke with entrepreneurs and weed winemakers to better understand the emerging world of cannabis-infused wine and the challenges this new and innovative industry is facing.  

What is weed wine? 

The history of cannabis-infused wine may be surprising. Cynthia Salarizadeh, founder and president of House of Saka, points out, “Cannabis-infused wine has been around for thousands of years, it’s one of the original marijuana products … [It’s] less of a trend and more of a resurgence [now that the] regulations and industry have matured enough for people to bother doing it again.”  

Weed wine that can be found in a dispensary is dealcoholized wine, mostly from California, blended with a THC or CBD emulsion, meaning the alcohol is removed from the wine before it gets infused with cannabis. It looks and is served like a regular bottle of wine, but with a slightly different flavor because of the dealcoholization process, and optional additives to reintroduce flavor and texture. The cannabis, rather than any alcohol, gives the beverage its effects.

While the ancient versions were combinations of the plant and alcohol, current regulations prohibit the mixing of cannabis and alcohol. Laws also prohibit the use of the term ‘wine’ for packaging and marketing. Weed wine, like infused beer, must be dealcoholized before it comes into contact with cannabis. 

How cannabis wines are infused

The chain of weed wine production is convoluted, involving a minimum of three separate companies: the company providing the cannabis solution, the beverage producer and the distributor before arriving at a dispensary for sale. New companies have popped up, blazing a trail of infrastructure to support the infused beverage category for the long term. 

Once dealcoholized, the “vin-fusions,” (vin=wine) as House of Saka describes them, are sent to a manufacturer that is licensed to infuse beverages with cannabis. Nanoemulsions, a process of breaking down cannabis particles into such small components that they act water-soluble enough to mix easily with liquids, are the leading method of infusing cannabis into beverages — wine included. This is because nanoemulsions are stable when mixed into liquids and can be made relatively odorless, colorless, and tasteless. 

 

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A post shared by Rebel Coast Winery (@rebelcoastwinery) on Nov 28, 2019 at 10:00am PST

Ben Larson, CEO of Vertosa, a company that specializes in cannabis nanoemulsions explained that nanoemulsions are not a one size fits all technology, noting that the solution acts differently depending on what it is going to be mixed with and even packaged in. Vertosa customizes each client’s unique emulsion, tailoring it to the needs of their specific product. Wine is delicate on the palate and you don’t want to offset that with any off-putting flavors or textures. 

While efficient — and the preferred method for most beverages — nanoemulsions are not the only way to go. Josh Lizotte, founder and CEO of Rebel Coast, the first company to release cannabis-infused wine, cautions that “we don’t know the health effects of nanotechnology, and how such small particles [interact with] the body.” They opt for a process that encapsulates cannabis molecules to prevent clumping. 

Once a non-alcoholic beverage and cannabis solution are ready to be combined, they are both transferred to a company like Spacestation who is legally allowed to infuse products with cannabis before shipping them to distributors for eventual sale in dispensaries. Spacestation is in a unique and important position, ensuring the synthesis and cooperation of three different companies for one final product. 

Bigger bottles, bigger problems 

In addition to the challenges shared by other infused beverages such as marketing language and navigating muddy legal waters, the logistics of large bottles presents challenges unique to wine. Salarizadeh laments, “Restrictions on infused beverages are crazy to begin with, but any beverage similar to wine is even more restricted … regulations are very favorable to single-serve jars, [for example] in terms of childproofing closures.” In 2020 the bottles will need to be re-sealable and child-resistant for the life of the product. 

Tracy Mason, co-founder and CEO of House of Saka shares the extreme challenge this represents be explaining “that technology is being developed, it doesn’t exist…[we have] to meet a standard that doesn’t exist yet, even in any other industry.” 

The standard 750-milliliter bottles, which contain five servings each, are also more difficult to work within facilities licensed to distribute cannabis beverages that are typically packaged in single-serve bottles and cans; the infrastructure to get these bottles from point A to point B had to be created by pioneering brands in California, and still doesn’t exist in most states. 

The culture of weed wine  

What sets cannabis wines apart? First and foremost, the audience. People want a delicious and relaxing non-alcoholic beverage that won’t give them a horrible hangover. Alana Burstein, founder and president of Viv & Oak puts it simply: “Our whole mission is to provide a solution for people who don’t drink alcohol, like myself … women between 35 and 65 is our target market.” This particular audience may be underserved by the abundance of other soda and beer infusions. Just like regular wine, there is an element of luxury and social conviviality that these brands embody. 

A great pull for cannabis-infused wine is the ability to control the dose. Like other infused beverages, weed wines offer a low-dose serving that sets on relatively quickly — within 20 minutes — and lasts about an hour. This is a far cry from some of the early prototypes, as Larson pointed out that “a lot of the infused beverages that people might have been familiar with in the past were sugary and high potency, very much like a liquid edible: you take it, it’s a long onset and a very heavy, long experience, not very social and not a real beverage experience.” Contemporary wines offer a consistent relaxing buzz similar to a glass of regular wine. 

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Rebel Coast takes things to the next level by combining different strains with different varieties, customizing the feel and flavor of each wine. Their sauvignon blanc is infused with sativa for a euphoric, giggly, and active feeling, and it includes proprietary terpenes that play off the naturally grassy flavors of the wine itself. The rosé is infused with an indica leading hybrid, intended to be mildly body-focused in effect, for a chill vibe that isn’t over-the-top. 

“We’re all about the consumer experience, not just something to get you high. We add specific wine-derived terpenes to interact with the THC to give you a different high. We are crafting the high and crafting the experience, not just getting people stoned” says Lizotte. 

Does it taste good? 

Unlike beer, wine does not share any obvious flavor compounds with cannabis. Many backyard and DIY experiments have yielded wines that offer a great high, but are a struggle to sip. “…Up until about a year ago, [cannabis wines] were disgusting, they tasted like swamp water mixed with bong water. Whoever was coming out with it was dumping enough sugar in it to kill a small farm animal,” says Salarizadeh, without mincing words. Now that the technology of relatively neutral cannabis emulsions is available, the biggest hurdle is having enough flavor to satisfy a wine drinker. 

Viv & Oak adds tannins, the mouth-drying element of red wine, back into their products to preserve the mouth-feel and body of regular wine. But while the infusions may be a delicious beverage, it would be unfair to compare them with regular wine, as Lizotte admits, “…you’re not going to get world-class wine … we are trying to mimic the taste of wine, [but] the alcohol has so much mouth-feel and flavor … it’s a spin on classic wine.” 

Doug Frost, Master Sommelier and Master of Wine, agrees and points out that this is good news for the quality-driven wine industry: “…if you’re selling premium quality wine, you shouldn’t feel threatened [by cannabis-infused wines] … thus far no one is producing top-flight wine infused with cannabis.”

What’s to come?

 As pioneering brands continue to build out infrastructure in compliance with rapidly evolving laws, they open the pathways for more products. As CEO of the first legal cannabis-infused wine, Lizotte welcomes newcomers. “Competition is good for the industry overall,” Lizotte said. “The more people that come into the space, the more user awareness and education.” 

Bradley Mora, CEO of Spacestation, sums up some of the reasons he and others have gone all-in on the cannabis beverage industry, “[beverage] is the most approachable format for new [cannabis] users: it removes all the detrimental health considerations of smoking, it allows new users to dip that toe in … and assimilates better into people’s social habits.” His company is committed to normalizing cannabis beverages as a premier form of consumption in the coming years. 

In addition to being enjoyable and approachable, Mason points to the element of safety and responsibility that beverages offer, “because you are constantly aware of where you are on the sober-intoxicated spectrum at any point.” As a wine industry veteran, she recognizes the importance of consuming responsibly, “it’s important that we talk about cannabis in the same vein that we talk about alcohol. It is enjoyable, beautiful and meant for relaxation, unwinding and celebrating, but it has to be enjoyed responsibly.”  

Ultimately, the goal for people behind the scenes of production, like Larson, is to see cannabis wine be embraced as a full beverage experience. Based on what has been accomplished so far in the nearly two years of legal reform, this reality seems closer to fruition. 

3 cannabis-infused wine brands to try 

Rebel Coast

Available across California in white and rosé, each with their proprietary strain of sativa or indica, these bottles contain four servings of 10 milligrams of THC per glass. 

— Find it and other Rebel Coast products on Weedmaps

House of Saka

Currently available in California as a sparkling and still rosé wine (including a canned version of the bubbly), these wines are crafted from a Champagne-like blend of Pinot noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes from Napa Valley. Each bottle contains five servings, each with 5 milligrams of THC and 1 milligram of CBD. 

— Find House of Saka products on its website.

Viv & Oak

Coming soon in 2020 to California dispensaries in both red and rosé varieties, Viv & Oak offers two distinct doses to cater to a wider audience. For the beginner, the low-dose option includes five servings with 10 milligrams of THC each. For the more experienced users, they offer five servings with 25 milligrams each of THC and CBD. 

— Find Viv & Oak products on its website.

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Featured image from Shutterstock

The post The Resurgence of Weed Wine, Explained appeared first on Weedmaps News.

Source: wm