With all the leaps and bounds cannabis has ushered into the health and medical industry, recent reports of vaping related deaths have spawned worries of a ‘vaping epidemic’ in the US. While investigations are underway, a lot of scrutiny and debate surrounds the issue. 

The growing allegations surrounding vaping-related deaths in the States have swept up the cannabis industry and people in general. In a New York Times article, a second person from Oregon has died after reportedly becoming sick from vaping a THC product from a local dispensary.

The main issues surrounding vape related illnesses and death come from a lung infection affecting more than 200 people this summer alone. Federal authorities from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are currently investigating the toxin or substance responsible for the deaths and illnesses. 

CBD intricately connects to innovation in numerous ways, and when you consume new products, you can be confident that they won’t inadvertently cause a psychoactive effect, as CBD is a non-psychoactive substance.

It should also be prudently understood, according to the CDC, 480,000 people in the United States alone die every year from cigarette-related illnesses, with another 88,000 annually from alcohol. That being said, there are plenty of healthy alternatives to vaping.

Alternatives to vaping

In 2019, cannabis consumers enjoy the widest array of possible cannabis use in history. With each alternative comes a unique set of benefits and rituals that will help lead to your new favorite way to consume cannabis.

While vaping is too new of a technology to have long studied health risks and benefits, many of these alternatives have been on the market for several years; and have an in-depth track record of how they affect your health.

Also, with delivery services being the hottest crave right now, all the best marijuana delivery services have many of these products readily available. GrassDoor, located in Los Angeles, is known for its speedy delivery and top-quality products in the marijuana delivery service industry. 

Marijuana or Hemp Flower

You could be thinking: can it get any more obvious?

Probably not, but often in today’s age we get entrenched in our daily habits. You know the saying –– stop and smell the roses? Well, stop and smell the cannabis flower. Flower by far offers cannabis buyers marijauna’s versatility more than any other alternative to vaping.

As being a flower, you are in full control of designating how you want to ingest marijuana. If you’re using a vape pen, you only have one method: bring the pen to your lips, push a button or two and inhale. Opting for cannabis flower over vaping  offers you the whole spectrum of ways to enjoy your marijuana.

You can proceed to glass, roll it in your favorite paper or use it to enjoy edibles. Cannabis is one of the most innovative industries, so we can sometimes get caught up in ‘the next big thing’ or the hottest new craze. Take a minute to get back to your roots and pay homage to where it all started. Remember, there’s nothing better than being able to see the actual product in your hand. And in 2019, Cannabis has come a long way. At GrassDoor alone they offer 40 different Hybrid and Sativa–Indica strains. Break it up, pack it in or roll it up and exhale knowing exactly where and what you’re puffing into. 

Edibles

For a lot of us, the first thing we think about when we consider consuming edibles is the patented bag of special brownies your friend brings over to your basement shin-dig. Now, edibles have reached a whole new zenith in the cannabis market. It really becomes a journey for your tastebuds and everything that comes with altering your state of consciousness.

Before, you would eat a cookie hoping you didn’t (or did, depending on who you are) get an uneven dosage. But now, milligrams are measured distinctly and to the T. Not to mention there exists an almost infinite array of edibles from Tic-Tacs to gummies to lemonade pouches and cannabis-infused butter. Edibles also provide a great option for discreetly consuming cannabis or for individuals who generally dislike smoking.

Edibles as an alternative to vaping provide you with a deeply physical and robust cannabis experience that generally lasts much longer than any vaporizing pen. Edibles also offer you a fun and personal marijuana experience, pairing your favorite flavors and snacks with your favorite strains of cannabis.

Maybe you love rice-crispy treats or are not the biggest fan of brownies. Unlike a pre-packaged vaporizer pen, now you get to be in charge now to start your edible journey. Just remember, know your dosage.

Pre-Rolls & Blunts

Sometimes it’s best to let someone else do the hard work for you. Pre-rolls and blunts, like edibles, offer packaged, ready-to-go products that can alter consciousness. Pre-packaged vaporizer pens provide uncertain effects on the user.

Unlike a pre-roll and pre-rolled blunt, you can’t take a look at the size and weight of the pen and know how it might affect you. Prerolls and blunts follow a pretty obvious maxim; the bigger they are, the more cannabis you will feel and consume. Size doesn’t equate to vaporizer pens in this fashion. Often the sleek and smallest ones hit harder than the larger ones without any way of knowing if you’re a casual cannabis consumer. Pre-rolls fiercely compete in the cannabis market, driving companies to offer larger, superior options to earn your loyalty. The top cannabis delivery services offer diverse options for joints and blunts enthusiasts.

Pre-rolled products minimize mess, let you buy desired quantity worry-free without 3.5 grams for 5 joints. Now you can take a trip or take a hike without taking a risk. 

THC Concentrates

THC concentrates are exactly what these THC Vapes have inside them. So, why not be in charge and cut out the middle-man? Typically known as resin or shatter, THC concentrates offer a whole new level of consuming cannabis. When you consume THC concentrates instead of a vaporizer, the key difference is that it’s pure without added oils.

Major news outlets cite synthetic vitamin E oil in vape-pens as the main cause of deaths and illnesses. Ensure your safety with the same cannabis effect by opting for THC concentrates that do not require a vape pen. For seasoned consumers, we suggest THC concentrates; those comfortable with potent hits and their resulting effects.

To use THC concentrates, you need a dab rig, torch, and they cost around $50 per gram. Perfect for high-tolerance cannabis users, offering a powerful one-hit finish to end the day.

CBD (Cannabidiol) Products

Sometimes, we need to remind ourselves that not everyone consumes cannabis products to get stoned. There are plenty of medicinal benefits to smoking and consuming CBD.

So much so all the best delivery services and cannabis shops are full of CBD creams, edibles, and even CBD cigarettes. A CBD cigarette, for example, can be a wonderful aid in helping someone to quit smoking tobacco. CBD creams can give people much-needed relief from arthritis pain that their vaporizers previously provided. CBD innovatively links and assures that consuming new, non-psychoactive products won’t involuntarily get you stoned.

Finding alternatives to vaping isn’t hard

There are many safe cannabis consumption alternatives that provide what you love, without vaping’s current risks. For the most part, it seems clear the vaping epidemic has really only affected a micro-population of cannabis users.

Either way, things are always evolving very fast in cannabis. Stay vigilant for anything harmful to your health; be aware of potential adverse effects. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy these alternatives as much as we do.

The post Healthy Alternatives to Vaping: What To Do Instead Of Vaping appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

However, this feeling doesn’t last long. But Delta-8 THC leaves its mark on your body in the form of its metabolites. Not that it’s a bad thing in terms of health. But what about drug tests? Does Delta-8 THC show up in a drug test? Read on to find out.

Can Delta-8 THC Make You Fail a Drug Test?

Yes, it can.

When you ingest any kind of compound, your body eventually metabolizes it. These residual metabolites then start inhabiting your hair, sweat, urine, etc, serving as a potential witness to your consumption of the compound. It takes varying lengths of time for your body to flush them out of your system, completely.

Drug tests look for these witnesses in your body to find out what you did last weekend!

In other words, drug tests don’t look for traces of drugs, but their metabolites, in your body.

THC can be broken into 80 different metabolites. These nest in your body’s fat cells. It is this storage of THC metabolites in your body’s fat cells that can expose the story of your THC consumption – long after you consumed it.

A urine test is the most common way to snoop into your recent lifestyle and health conditions.

Some common substances that urine samples testify for are:

• Alcohol
• Amphetamines
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Cocaine
• Marijuana (Delta-9 THC)
• Opioids

But Delta-8 THC is not illegal.

So why does it matter if you have consumed it?

For that, you need to know a bit of science.

The primary non-active metabolite that Delta-8 THC gets reduced to in the body is 11-Nor-9-carboxy-THC or THC-COOH. These lipid-soluble metabolites do not get flushed out of your body easily and are caught in the urine test conducted for drug use.

Unfortunately, the metabolite is the same for Delta-9 THC. But the latter is illegal.

Since there’s no way of knowing whether you had consumed Delta-9 or Delta-8, you could quite easily fail a drug test for having consumed Delta-8.

The exactness of this test cannot be relied upon because it ends up detecting the metabolites of other cannabinoids found in the urine sample, too.

This phenomenon is termed cross-reactivity.

The urine test identifies all other metabolites and is equally sensitive to the metabolites of other cannabinoids and might produce similar results. You can even say that the test fails to correctly identify the cannabinoid metabolite that is required. Hence, it produces false or undesired results, which is also known as a “false positive” drug test for cannabis.

Let us dive an inch deeper into this loophole of urine tests.

Delta-8 THC & Urine Drug Tests

Two kinds of urine tests have been devised for drug testing.

#1. One of them is the Immunoassay (IA) Test. This one’s a quick test because it detects the large or macromolecules found in the metabolites. Its main motive is to reveal the inactive THC metabolite THC-COOH.

In a study, the results of which were published in the Journal for Applied Laboratory Medicine, four kinds of cannabinoids were tested to illustrate the urine tests’ sensitivity to them. The cannabinoids chosen for this study were cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN). The test results revealed that the urine test was sensitive to the metabolites of CBN in a similar manner to that of Delta-8 THC.

Delta-8 and Delta-9 have confusingly similar structures. Therefore, it is also obvious that tests designed to determine the traces of Delta-8 will end up finding Delta-9 as well.

This test also produces positive results for marijuana metabolites equal to THC-COOH at a dosage of 50 nG/ml. However, at lower doses, the marijuana metabolites produce similar reactions as that of THC-COOH. So, the urine test does not produce specific results for Delta-8 THC.

#2. There’s a second kind of urine test to detect the presence of Delta-8 THC in the system. This is called the gas chromatography test. It is a slow and tedious test. However, it produces the desired results, making it worth the time.

It is a combination of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. It is an analytical test and can make or break the results of the IA test. This test only identifies and holds you accountable for the consumption of Delta-9 THC. It recognizes Delta-9 metabolites in the urine sample. It won’t identify the lipid-soluble metabolites of Delta-8 unless it is looking for them. Hence, the chances of false results are nullified.

This test is, however, very tedious and time-consuming. Hence, most organizations go for the IA test.

So, think twice before consuming Delta-8 THC right before a test because you are likely to be at the mercy of an IA test!

How Long Does Delta-8 THC Stay in a Human Body?

As said before, the metabolites are stored in the fat cells of your body. The waste produced by these metabolites leaves your body through your urine for as long as 4 – 8 days after consumption. It can go up much higher — even a month and a half — if you are a frequent consumer of Delta-8.

The hallucinogenic effects of Delta-8 THC are much less intense than that of Delta-9. Yet, the body tends to remember it. Your saliva, blood, and urine retain it for different periods and show up evidence differently depending on the test. Your hair follicle retains it for the longest period.

The time of retention of traces of the compound in the body may vary depending on a list of factors:

• The fluid content of the body
• The frequency of the compound’s use
• Inhaling the compound, which is typically a temporary guest in your system, constitutes the method of intake.
• The benchmark that a particular drug-testing lab has set
• The time taken by the drug to reduce into half

Your blood receives the THC metabolites within 2 hours to 2 days of consumption and then retains these. The blood then becomes potential evidence of the consumption of the compound.

The body retains the drug traces only in the form of metabolites. This process of metabolism loses a larger portion of the actual concentration.

If you are a new user, your body won’t hold on to the drug metabolites for long. However, if you are a chronic user, your body will remember the compound for a long period.

You must drink lots of water to flush out the metabolites from your body.

FAQs

Q: Can Delta-8 THC show up on a drug test?

A: Yes, it can. Your body will retain its metabolites for a long time. And since the metabolites are the same as those produced by Delta-9 THC, you can fail a drug test.

Q: What is Delta-8 THC beneficial for?

A: Delta-8 THC is a dependable answer for anxiety, food cravings, nausea, and vomiting. It is a neuroprotective substance for your body.

Q: How long will our body retain Delta-8 THC?

A: It remains in your urine sample for 4 to 8 days or even two months. The duration would depend on your frequency of consumption. It can show up in a hair follicle test for up to three months.

The post Will Delta 8 THC Show Up On a Drug Test? appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

The curiosity about cannabis and its compounds, however, is never-ending. With better research, more cannabinoids are being made accessible to consumers. One such lesser-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). Its ability to impart energy and potentially help suppress appetite in consumers has earned it the epithet of the “sports car” of cannabinoids.

What is THCV?

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a less popular co-inhabitant of the cannabis plant, alongside CBD and THC. It has its own set of benefits and effects on the human body that help it stand apart from the other popularly known cannabinoids.

Though discovered in the 1970s, this cannabinoid is still in the shadows. However, years of research have gone into creating an outline that has led to its newfound popularity.

Does THCV Get You High?

THCV does get you high. But there is a catch.

In smaller amounts and lower potency, it will not bring about any euphoric or hallucinogenic effect. For such effects to take place, the quantity of the consumed substance must be big.

In large doses, it helps with mental stimulation and clarity of thought. Its euphoric potency is somewhat like that of Cannabinol (CBN). The effect comes and goes at a rather fast speed — hence the “sports car” moniker.

Does THCV Have Any Benefits?

THCV is a desirable alternative for consumers who wish to be out of the hallucinogenic zone as quickly as they enter it. At the outset, THCV produces energy-stimulating effects in the body. It gets you high. Then, just as quickly as it popped up, the psychoactive effect vanishes into thin air. Apart from this, THCV has its share of benefits to human health.

Obesity and weight loss

THCV may help suppress appetite. This is the reason THCV is said to have anti-obesity properties. THCV functions along the same lines as the anti-obesity drug rimonabant and poses as an antagonist to CB1 receptors in the body. Even in low doses of 5–7.5 mg, THCV can block the path of CB1 receptors, thereby curbing your appetite.

However, THCV’s ability to reduce appetite hasn’t been extensively studied. Certain areas in the brains of obese individuals lose connectivity due to their physical condition. THCV steps in here. It helps mend the fractured connectivity and thereby aids in weight loss.

Remember, however, that all research conducted on THCV’s weight loss abilities focuses on lower doses. A high dose of THCV will get you high. And it might act as an impetus to boosting your appetite in return.

Diabetes

THCV also comes to the rescue of diabetics. There is evidence to corroborate this claim. A study conducted in 2013 and led by ET Wargent on mice with Type 2 diabetes, published in the Nutrition and Diabetes Journal, came to this conclusion. An increase in energy and insulin sensitivity was seen.

The study also shed light on how THCV helps decimate glucose intolerance resulting from obesity. In another study conducted in 2016 by Khalid A Jadoon and others on 62 diabetes patients unaccustomed to insulin, CBD and THCV were introduced into the bodies of the subjects in stipulated proportions. The results showed an improvement in the pancreatic cells and their functions.

Anti-inflammatory

Like most cannabinoids, THCV, too, is instrumental in controlling inflammation. With an increase in age and stress levels, various inflammation-related complaints start troubling the human body. THCV helps stave off these.

In a study by E. Rzepa and others in 2015 carried by The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, THCV was found to reduce the intensity of swelling in mice, with zero intolerance despite four days of spontaneous administration of THCV into their bodies.

In yet another study conducted in 2013 on mice, D. Bolognini and others concluded that helps activate CB2 receptors and aids in suppressing inflammation, too. It is through this interaction with CB2 and CB1 receptors that inflammation-related pain is significantly reduced.

Tremors and seizures

Multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease bring with them a host of tremors. THCV is anticonvulsant and effective in controlling these tremors. The usefulness also extends to the seizures brought about by epilepsy. The frequency and intensity of epilepsy-related seizures are both decimated by the administration of THCV.

Andrew J conducted a study on rats. Hill and others in 2010 to detect the effect on seizures. The researchers concluded that THCV has a significant influence on CB1 receptors and can bring hyperexcitability under control.

Apart from these effects, THCV is also known to promote bone cell growth and suppress anxiety.

How Does THCV Work?

THCV vs THC

The only similarity between THC and THCV is that both are euphoria-inducing compounds and can get you high. THCV can reduce appetite and is preferable for those suffering from obesity. Even in low doses, it can suppress appetite. THCV is also touted to improve connectivity to certain parts of the brain which are otherwise out of reach in the case of obese patients.

THC, however, doesn’t function similarly. The euphoria caused by THC is much more potent than the one by THCV. In fact, THCV counteracts the high caused by THC and helps those who don’t desire the pinnacle of euphoria.

Like all cannabinoids, THCV can also be measured with the help of potency tests, like LCUV and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV detection.

Where Does THCV Occur?

THC, CBD, and THCV are all cannabinoids occurring naturally in the cannabis plant. Despite the similarities in their chemical structures, THC and THCV differ in their synthesis. As a result, by-products are produced.

The CBGA (cannabigerolic) synthesis leads to the production of THC and CBD, whereas the CBGVA (cannabigerovarin) synthesis gives birth to THCV. This CGBVA first transforms to THCVA and, finally, under conditions of heat and light.

It is mostly derived from the pure sativa strains of cannabis plants inhabiting the Asian countries of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Thailand, and China, besides the African continent.

However, cannabis breeders continue to explore new ways to increase THCV yield by experimenting with different strains and cultivars of cannabis plants.

This obviously indicates that genetics play a major role in determining the content of a cannabis plant. However, you could also confirm it by checking with the lab reports of a specific product.

How does THCV work in the body?

The human body owes a host of its functions to the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It is instrumental in maintaining appetite, reproductive health, and balance in the body.

Two receptors, namely CB1 and CB2, embedded in this system interact with THCV to impart therapeutic effects to the body, like most other cannabinoids.

The entire human body contains CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, they are most prevalent in the nervous system and immune system, respectively. THCV interferes with THC functions such as mental highs and the desire for munchies. This function comes about due to the antagonistic effect on the CB1 receptor.

However, when ingested in larger doses, the effects and THC are identical in the human body. Both produce a euphoric high and induce therapeutic relief.

Other THCV faqs

Is THCV legal?

THCV is still in the shadows. Its complete range of effects is still beyond the understanding of mankind. Therefore, the US does not schedule it as a controlled substance. Moreover, it has completely different effects on the body compared to THC despite being molecularly similar. Hemp plants with trace quantities of THC—as low as less than 0.3%—allow only THCV to be permitted.

What does THCV cost per kilo?

THCV is rare and hence bores a hole in the pocket. According to some reliable estimates, 35% retails for $30,000 per kilogram. In distillate forms, the prices can catapult to as high as a whopping $40,000 per kilogram.

Is THCV water-soluble?

Naturally, THCV is not soluble in water but in oil. However, science has found a solution to this problem. Advanced mechanical processes break down THCV into nanoparticles. These nanoparticles happily dissolve in water. We call these solutions nano-emulsions.

What is THCV’s boiling point?

THCV boils at an extremely high temperature of 428 degrees Fahrenheit!

That is a lot higher than the boiling point of THC. The high boiling point can be both a boon and a problem to manufacturers trying to produce products.

If you want THCV in edible products, this high boiling point comes to your rescue. However, by the time THCV reaches boiling point, it turns most terpenes and flavonoids into vapor. Producing an edible that requires substances already vaporized creates a problem.

THCV potency and testing?

THCV, CBD, and THC are similarly tested for their potencies. Researchers use high-performance liquid chromatography to detect the relative abundance of molecules by utilizing UV light absorbance.

How can people extract THCV?

THCV is present in trace quantities in its parent plant. This makes its extraction both tedious and expensive. But there’s no special method for its extraction.

Like all other cannabinoids, THCV is extracted from the plant by using a superfluid liquid solvent such as ethanol or CO2. This process is termed “chromatography”. Under high temperatures and pressure, we subject this solvent to extract THCV. The gas vaporizes. Its pure form leaves THCV behind. To maintain its potency, one should protect this THCV from heat. Keep it at room temperature for optimal storage.

Why does THCV matter?

THCV has the potential to become the cannabis industry’s next big thing. Its appetite-reducing, weight-loss, and anti-inflammatory properties – as well as its ability to produce mild euphoria – make it highly desirable.

However, there are limitations on production. This is the gap that private companies could fill. They can increase their THCV production and make a dent in the CBD market.

Different cannabis strains, such as Harmony, Flow Kana Pink Boost Goddess, Pineapple Purps, Malawi, Power Plant, Willie Nelson, Red Congolese, Jack the Ripper, Durban Cheese, Skunk #1, Durban Poison, Cherry Pie, etc., contain THCV.

Full-spectrum hemp products, such as flower buds, pre-rolls, oils, tinctures, waxes, vapes, distillates, raw extracts, and even edible products, commonly contain it.

Summing Up

THCV has everything that a person fearful of THC would dare to venture into. Those who find the high-euphoria-causing effects of THC overpowering may find themselves attracted to its less intoxicating cousin.

It starts showing a positive impact at lower levels. It helps suppress appetite and aids in weight loss, which is a much sought-after quality in the modern world. It amplifies energy levels and gives clarity to mental processes. All these properties could make THCV the next big star in the cannabis world.

Nevertheless, it is a minor cannabinoid and requires a lot of resources to procure and utilize in making products. Besides, very few strains can produce significant amounts – at least for now.

But let’s hope for the sake of its benefits, more and more companies would step on the pedal and make it available to the masses.

The post What is THCV: Everything You Need to Know About This Cannabinoid. appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

Now, what is Delta-8 THC? It is an extremely potent chemical compound occurring naturally in cannabis plants. It is one of the most common legal cannabinoids in the market right now, along with cannabidiol (CBD).

Delta-8 has been rapidly climbing the popularity charts of late. Rarer than Delta-9 THC, it is slightly more difficult to source. High-quality cannabis grown in rich, fertile soil gives the best Delta-8 THC. The only way to get a good amount of this cannabinoid is by extracting, isolating, and refining the dried cannabis flower. Most dried cannabis flowers have barely 1% of Delta-8.

So, if you want to be rid of your stress without experiencing a bad “high”, Delta-8 is a better option than Delta-9 – which is what you choose if you’re going for marijuana!

Being mildly psychoactive, Delta-8 kicks in slowly, giving a much smoother experience. A gradual sense of relaxation sets in with no accompanying anxiety.

Why Delta-8?

Is Delta-8 THC just a want or a need for you? Are you taking it for recreational or medical reasons? These are the questions you must first ask yourself. The answers will determine the Delta-8 dosage best suited to meet your requirements.

For example, a lower dosage is needed to treat pain in a specific part of the body than when you use it for recreational purposes. Another point to keep in mind is the time of the day. Will you take Delta-8 in the morning or evening? If you take it in the morning, the required dose may be higher than in the evening.

How Much Delta-8 Should You Take?

Now comes the vital question—how much Delta-8 should you take?

The answer depends on two factors. First, why do you want to take it? And secondly, in what form do you want to take it?

In any case, your age, gender, and body weight will play an important role in determining the Delta-8 dosage. Those with a greater body weight should take slightly higher doses, while those with a lower body weight should scale down their intake amount.

The dose will also depend on how much tolerance your body has for the compound.

Medical dosage

If you need to take it for medical reasons, your doctor will decide on the dose depending on your medical history. Remember, doctors may allow you to take Delta-8 to stimulate appetite, enhance metabolism, and improve cognitive functioning, and mental clarity. Delta-8 could help reduce stress or feelings of sadness and nausea and even reduce pain and inflammation in some body parts when applied topically.

A low dose can also be used to treat weight disorders. When taken orally, Delta-8 checks tumor growth in the lungs.

Recreation

When it comes to taking Delta-8 for recreation, you can be the only one to take a call. Do you want to take it just for relaxation or are you keen on getting high? The dosage will depend on the form of Delta-8 you are planning to take. There is no fixed Delta-8 dosage as such which will work for everyone. It will vary from person to person.

However, note that the use of Delta-8 over a long period could produce biochemical “tolerance”. This would mean that you’d need higher doses to have the same impact.

Measuring your Delta-8 THC dose

Just like medicines, the Delta-8 dosage is measured in milligrams. So, all Delta-8 products will either be marked “mg”.

What is dosage and milligram strength?

Dosage is how much Delta-8 you are taking while the milligram strength is how many milligrams are there in each dose. You could also titrate your dosage depending on the strength or potency of a Delta-8 product.

Potency

The potency of Delta-8 varies from product to product. For example, tinctures and oils have just a fraction of the compound while the softgel capsules have a higher concentration. However, gummies contain a lot of other ingredients than any of the above product types. Again, vapes, like tinctures, are highly potent.

So, it’s but natural that the dosage in milligram will be different in all these cases.

Dosage Guide For Different Kinds of Delta-8 Users

There is a fixed range of dosage below or above which you cannot go. You should start with the lowest dose, i.e., 5mg to 15mg, and gradually increase it by 5mg per week.

Beginners

For newbies, the dose should be between 5mg and 15mg per usage. If you stick to it, rest assured that you won’t encounter any unusual or detrimental effects from consuming Delta-8.

Regulars

For regular users, the dose is between 15mg and 45mg per usage. Consuming Delta-8 regularly increases your tolerance level. You will have to start taking a higher Delta-8 dosage a week or two down the line for it to work.

Advanced

For advanced users, it is 45mg to 150mg per usage. For those who have been consuming Delta-8 for a while, the tolerance level will increase greatly. They will need at least 45mg or even a higher dose of Delta-8 every time.

Desired results

The best thing you can do is start with a small dose and gradually work your way up to an amount that will give you the desired results in the shortest time. Initially, you may have to increase the dosage just to find the right one for yourself. Once you have found your dosage, you may have to deal with the resistance your body builds up to the compound. It’s very important to check if your body is getting used to the current dose. If this is the case, stop using it for a week. You can start taking it again once your body has been flushed off all its effects.

How Forms Or Intake Methods Determine Delta-8 Dosage

The Delta-8 dosage depends on what form you are taking it in. Is it in the form of vapes, herbs, flowers, softgels, gummy bears, or tinctures? Each form will take a different length of time to take effect.

People react differently to chemicals and Delta-8 is no exception. It may alter your mood in a certain way and yet elicit an entirely different reaction from someone else.

Vaping

In the case of vaping—no matter whether it is e-liquid juice, vape cartridge, or a disposable pen—the potency will depend on how deeply you inhale and how long it lasts. For beginners, one puff equals a single dose that comes to 1 to 5 milligrams in one vaping session. Two puffs make one dose for intermediates. For advanced users, three puffs amount to a single dose. Each ml gives 100 puffs.

Herbs

Smoking the Delta-8 herb follows the same rule as vaping. However, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact amount of Delta-8 per mg in the herb form to determine the dosage.

Capsules

Softgel capsules have a higher concentration of Delta-8 where one capsule counts as a single dose. You can start with 10–40 mg per day.

Gummies and edibles

Edibles such as candies and Delta-8 gummies are available in amazing flavors and colors. The brand will usually mention the Delta-8 dosage per piece. A standard dose is 10–40 mg. Alternatively, you can divide the total mg in the box by the number of pieces to check how many milligrams there are in a single dose.

Tinctures and oils

Tinctures and oils range from 30–60 mg per dose. The bottles come with droppers that have a measure of 1ml. Divide the mg content displayed on the bottle by the ml to get your dose.

Topicals

Unlike vapes or edibles, topicals available in the forms of lotions, creams, balms, and salves work externally. These come in varying mg strengths. Doses are not usually mentioned in the instructions on the package, as there is usually no danger of experiencing any side effects, such as drug interaction, with topicals.

Effects & After-Effects of Delta-8 THC

Depending on how you consume Delta-8, the effect may set in either early or late. In vaping and smoking, the compound takes effect within 10–20 minutes. Oils and tinctures take around 15–60 minutes. Delta-8 gummies and capsules can take up to an hour or two to display the effect.

However, this delayed effect may create some confusion. Thinking that it has not worked, you may be tempted to take another dose, which is a strict no-no. Whether you have taken a capsule or an edible, you must wait for at least two hours before taking another dose.

Overdosed? Then what?

An overdose of Delta-8 will leave you feeling a bit groggy. Those not used to Delta-8 will feel uneasy for a while.

Precautions

If you are on medications for any existing medical condition, you must consult a doctor before consuming Delta-8.

That’s because cannabinoids have a nasty habit of interacting with prescribed medicines. There are bound to be side effects that will be difficult to contain. Do not take Delta-8 along with alcohol or even other cannabinoids.

What Is the Best Time to Take D-8?

Anytime is a good time to take Delta-8 in any form you prefer. It’s up to you to figure out the best time and the best method to take this cannabinoid.

It should depend on your lifestyle, as well as your specific needs. You are free to experiment till you find the dose and method that is most suitable for you to get the most gratifying results.

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The National Mental Health Institute estimates 4.4 percent of adults in the United States will be given a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) in their lifetime. Adults with BPAD experience the highest rate of impairment among psychiatric patients; an estimated 82.9 percent suffer from severe disablement.

Bipolar affective disorder and its variants can be treatment resistant, which may explain the high rate of disability. Anecdotal evidence, supported by preliminary studies, suggest that cannabinoids have the potential to improve the symptoms of BPAD in some individuals by regulating the endocannabinoid system.

WHAT IS BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE DISORDER?

Bipolar affective disorder is a mental illness that causes significant changes in mood, motivation and energy. A process known as cycling, which involves periods of euphoria (manic episodes) followed by hopelessness (depressive episodes), is a hallmark of the illness.

There are four variants of bipolar affective disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder and bipolar spectrum disorders. The severity and frequency of symptoms are used to determine which variant is diagnosed. Bipolar I is the most severe form of the disease.

SYMPTOMS OF MANIC EPISODES

Manic episodes, sometimes referred to as mania, are characterized by exaggerated self-esteem, insomnia, racing thoughts and abnormal speech, inability to focus, and impulsive behaviours. True manic episodes only affect those diagnosed with bipolar I disorder. However, patients with other variants of BPAD experience hypomania, a less severe form of mania.Mania, although considered the “high” stage of BPAD, can cause disastrous consequences. Many manic episodes result in hospitalization, psychotic symptoms or grave impairment (e.g., risky behaviour leading to legal trouble). Untreated manic episodes can develop into psychosis.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSIVE EPISODES

Depressive episodes mimic a severe form of depression known as major depressive disorder. Symptoms can include feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Additional traits of depressive episodes are changes in sleep patterns and appetite, trouble concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and suicidal thoughts or attempts.

This cycle of bipolar disorder is the “low” point of the disease. Like mania, depressive episodes vary in severity depending on which variant of bipolar disorder is present. In mixed episodes, patients with Bipolar I disorder exhibit signs of both mania and depression.

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER

Prescription drugs used in conjunction with psychotherapy can help alleviate symptoms of BPAD in most patients. However, bipolar affective disorder can be treatment-resistant, making it difficult to manage in some people. Treatment-resistant BPAD is cause for concern, as up to 50 percent of individuals diagnosed will attempt suicide at least once in their lives.

Medications prescribed for BPAD include anticonvulsants, antimanic drugs and antidepressants. Use of antidepressants alone can lead to the onset of mania or rapid cycling. People often take mood stabilizers or anticonvulsants to negate these possible side effects.

The only pharmaceutical shown to have a consistent, positive effect on suicide rates in bipolar patients is lithium. However, newer research has shown there may be a possibility to control BPAD through manipulating the endocannabinoid (EC) system. These are the neurotransmitters responsible for binding cannabinoid proteins to receptors.

ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM DYSFUNCTION AND BPAD

The endocannabinoid system, discovered in the mid-1990s, is comprised of two receptors, CB1 and CB2. Cannabinoids, a type of compound found in both the human body and cannabis plants, bind to these receptors to alter brain function. The body naturally produces neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids, while cannabis plants contain phytocannabinoids.

Postmortem studies have found that brains of patients diagnosed with mental illness, including BPAD variants, show abnormalities in the endocannabinoid system. A similar study, conducted using brain slices from mice, showed dysfunctional CB2 receptors inhibited the release of serotonin, suggesting a healthy EC system helps to regulate mood.

An investigation of endocannabinoid gene variants in 83 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), 134 with BPAD, and 117 healthy control participants found two marked differences in the patients afflicted with MDD and BPAD. The researchers found abnormalities in the CB1 receptor (CNR1) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) genes of the ill participants when comparing them to the control group.

REGULATING THE EC SYSTEM WITH PHYTOCANNABINOIDS

Because of the distribution of endocannabinoid receptors throughout the brain, many of the areas they affect overlap with regions thought to be responsible for BPAD, along with other mental illnesses. Studies have shown patients with specific abnormalities in the CNR1 gene are at a higher risk of being resistant to pharmacological treatment, leaving them more vulnerable to the effects of bipolar affective disorder.

For these patients, phytocannabinoids could provide a way to manipulate the EC system and regulate the level of chemicals traditionally targeted by pharmacological medications. As always with hemp and cannabis research, these studies are still preliminary. Researchers will need to conduct more research to prove whether CBD and other cannabinoids can help treat bipolar affective disorder.

Anandamide and THC

Anandamide, called the bliss molecule, is naturally produced in the body and is similar in molecular structure to THC. Both anandamide and THC bind to CB1 receptors, altering areas of the brain responsible for memory, concentration, movement, perception, and pleasure.

FAAH genes are responsible for activating anandamide; indicating people with FAAH gene mutations may not have the appropriate levels of anandamide in the brain. Supplementing brains deficient in anandamide with THC may help restore chemical balances. Theoretically, this could alleviate cycling between manic and depressive phases.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabidiol has been shown to inhibit serotonin reuptake in rats, suggesting it repairs abnormalities in CB1 receptors found to inhibit release in mice. If CBD functions the same in human brains, it could provide an alternative to conventional antidepressants, especially for individuals with treatment-resistant BPAD.

A randomized clinical trial found CBD reduces abnormal brain function in regions associated with psychosis, implying it may have therapeutic effects on symptoms associated with the manic phase of BPAD. If CBD regulates both depressive and manic symptoms, it could help treat individuals who do not react well to lithium.

Other Cannabinoids

Cannabis is a complex compound, made up of over 500 chemicals. Cannabinoids suspect over 100 of these compounds. Limited data exists on chemical effects, excluding CBD and THC, due to insufficient studies determining their reactions in the EC system.

Among cannabinoids that have already been isolated, CBG and CBCV seem to show a potential for treating mood disorders, such as depression. Further study may help isolate more of these chemicals and determine what effect they have on the EC system.

USING CBDS & OTHER CANNABINOIDS FOR BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE DISORDER

CBD rarely causes adverse reactions. Both conventional methods of treatment and using cannabis derivatives as treatment carry risks. The most dangerous side effect of any treatment for BPAD is the potential worsening of symptoms.

Those with bipolar disorder symptoms or previous diagnosis should consult a medical professional before treatment changes. Even those who present with treatment-resistant variations of the disease can benefit from traditional methods (such as psychotherapy).

Regulating the EC system through phytocannabinoids may provide a way to alleviate symptoms in those with treatment-resistant BPAD. Preliminary data requires validation, but cannabinoids show promise as a BPAD treatment in additional human trials.

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Over the last few years, CBD (cannabidiol) has become a darling of the natural health world. And with minimal side effects, no addictive potential, and a long list of health benefits, it’s not hard to see why this cannabis extract has become almost as famous as its cousin, THC.

But you might be surprised to learn that CBD and THC are not the only cannabinoids available out there. As CBD’s popularity grows, interest in cannabinoids has ignited, setting the stage for researchers to explore the therapeutic potential of other cannabis compounds.

One cannabinoid that’s attracting a lot of interest is CBG (cannabigerol). It seems to have plenty of health benefits to offer, but how does it stack up against CBD? In this article, we’ll compare these two potent cannabinoids and cover everything you need to know.

A PRIMER ON CANNABINOIDS

Cannabinoids seem almost too good to be true. After all, cannabis, and specifically CBD, has been praised for its ability to relieve pain, reduce seizures, lower anxiety, improve sleep, and more. But there’s actually a simple explanation for why cannabis has so many potential health benefits: the endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system refers to receptors found throughout the body, and these receptors help regulate physiological processes such as pain, mood, sleep, digestion, and more. Cannabinoids like CBD, THC, and CBG bind to these receptors, interacting with these different areas of human health.

Hemp is the best source for CBD, as it contains much higher concentrations than psychoactive cannabis (“marijuana”) (though this can vary by strain). On the other hand, you’ll find only trace amounts (1 percent or less) of CBG in the cannabis plant, although hemp strains can be cultivated to be higher in CBG. Young cannabis plants tend to be higher in CBG than mature plants, because CBG breaks down into other cannabinoids — including CBD and THC — as the plant ages.

COMPARING THE BENEFITS OF CBG AND CBD

Both CBD and CBG are non-psychoactive, meaning they won’t get you high. They’re both all-natural, have minimal or no side effects, and offer a wide range of health benefits.

Like CBD, the benefits of CBG are vast due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system. For example, a 2015 study found CBG potentially effective at treating bladder dysfunction, while a 1990 study found that CBG can lower glaucoma-related pressure. CBG also has neuroprotective properties, may protect against colon cancer, and shows promise as a treatment for irritable bowel disease (IBD). It’s also an appetite stimulant with anti-inflammatory benefits and antibacterial properties.CBD has been used to reduce pressure from glaucoma and reduce tumor growth, overlapping with some of these benefits. Like CBG, CBD exhibits neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits and has even been utilized for spot treatment of acne. CBD has shown effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders such as OCD, GAD, PTSD, and SAD. Perhaps most famously, CBD also can reduce epileptic seizures and alleviate pain associated with fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, and more.

While researchers haven’t studied the effects of combining CBD and CBG, it is known that the entourage effect is produced when different cannabinoids are combined. Combining cannabinoids enhances the effects of each cannabinoid. This effect has been well-studied relating to the relationship between CBD and THC; for example, both CBD and THC are more effective at reducing pain when taken together.

Researchers need to conduct further studies to determine if combining CBD and CBG enhances the shared benefits for glaucoma, cancer, and inflammation.

WHAT TYPE OF CBD OIL CONTAINS CBG?

If you’re looking to get the most out of your cannabinoids, and/or take multiple cannabinoids at once to experience the entourage effect, look for full spectrum CBD oil products. The cannabis plant extraction yields this CBD oil type, containing all cannabinoids and terpenes, including THC, CBD, CBG, and more.

Full spectrum products can vary widely in cannabinoid ratios due to the strain of cannabis used.  Harder to control response. React differently based on batch, type, or brand of CBD oil due to variances. Full spectrum CBD oils contain traces of THC. Not enough to get high but may show up on a drug test.

For pure CBD or THC-free options, choose isolate or broad spectrum CBD products. Broad spectrum = full spectrum + processing to remove THC, keeps other cannabinoids and terpenes. Meanwhile, processing isolate CBD oil removes all cannabinoids and terpenes except CBD, resulting in a pure CBD product.

CLOSING THOUGHTS ON CBD VS. CBG

As our knowledge of cannabinoids continues to grow, so will our understanding of their uses and benefits. Although CBD is certainly the front runner, CBG shows a lot of promising uses. We anticipate a promising future for CBG and are eager to explore more about this remarkable cannabinoid.

Questions? Be sure to reach out!

The post CBD vs CBG: Comparing The Many Benefits Of CBD & CBG appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

With almost half of adults 65 years and older experiencing some form of this painful disorder, it’s a condition many of us will experience if we live long enough. In all, the Arthritis Foundation, which compiled these facts on arthritis sufferers in the U.S., estimates that 50 million adults, and even 1 in 250 children, suffer from arthritis.

At Ministry of Hemp, we’re always curious if hemp, and especially CBD oil, can improve people’s quality of life. Previously, we’ve looked at how hemp can help the elderly live less stressful lives. We’ve also looked at whether cannabidiol (CBD) can help other medical conditions like CBD Oil for Arthritis, chronic pain and epilepsy. Since arthritis is so common, we thought it deserved a closer look.

While CBD seems to help many people, it’s not a miracle cure, and it appears most people find CBD helpful in conjunction with a broad arthritis treatment plan, which can include exercise, changes to diet and prescription or over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs. Of course, this treatment plan should be guided by a medical professional.

As always in these articles, we’ll look at what science and medical professionals are saying about using CBD for arthritis, along with some reports from everyday CBD consumers.

‘Potent Anti-arthritic Effect’: Science Shows Cbd Could Slow Progression Of Arthritis

Unfortunately, while the safety of CBD is overall well established, when it comes to its effectiveness in treating various conditions there have been far too few studies on humans, and we frequently have to rely on animal studies. CBD and arthritis are no exception.

In one especially promising study, published in the June 2000 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, scientists artificially induced arthritic symptoms in mice, then treated them with CBD. Both oral and injected methods of administering CBD orally were equally effective, and CBD seemed to slow the progression of damage to the joints.

One preliminary study, published January 2006 by the journal Rheumatology, treated humans with arthritis using Sativex, an oral pharmaceutical created from cannabis extracts that includes both THC and CBD. In a fascinating aside, the authors note that cannabis was first proposed as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in 2800 B.C., but has often been dismissed by modern medicine despite anecdotal evidence of its usefulness. The scientists cautiously optimistic about the effectiveness of Sativex with arthritis, although they emphasized that “larger, more prolonged studies… indicate.”

Of course, Sativex is not widely available in the United States, and psychoactive cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, and inaccessible to many people in many parts of the country.

Study Shows Hundreds Using Cbd To Ease Arthritis Symptoms

Fortunately, hundreds of people with arthritis report a healing effect from using CBD alone, and CBD is available to almost anyone.

Over a quarter of those surveyed reported using CBD in some form to treat their arthritis, making it one of the top conditions found in the study.”

In August this year, cannabis-research firm Brightfield Group surveyed 2,400 users of HelloMD, a medical cannabis information site. This dramatic study, which we’ve looked at before, found widespread satisfaction with CBD among regular consumers, and even revealed that 42 percent of those surveyed had given up pharmaceutical drugs in favor of CBD.

Over a quarter of those surveyed reported using CBD in some form to treat their arthritis, making it one of the top conditions found in the study. However, only 11 percent of those people reported that CBD was “extremely effective” in treating their arthritis, suggesting that most find it best to combine CBD with more conventional arthritis treatments.

These results were generally echoed by the anecdotal evidence we found among arthritis sufferers who discussed CBD on reddit, both on the “thritis” subreddit devoted to the disorder and the general CBD subreddit: some users found CBD was helpful, while others had mixed results. Some redditors reported preferring high-CBD strains of psychoactive cannabis that can be purchased in states with legal recreational or medicinal cannabis, while many reported positive effects from CBD alone. Some redditors said they prefer vaping CBD during flare ups, as well.

One redditor named Heph333 said CBD combined with dietary changes had transformed their life. “Before, I was walking with a cane and two knee braces. Now I’m able to be physically active again.”

Heph333 concluded: “With the way I feel now compared to how I used to feel, I don’t dare go back. That includes making sure I never run out of CBD.”

Topical Versus Oral Use Of Cbd For Arthritis: Does It Matter?

Many people take CBD orally as a tincture, in capsules, or even as a CBD gummies. On the other hand, topical CBD is especially popular for treating inflammation, and joint pains caused by conditions like arthritis, as we’ve noted before here at Ministry of Hemp.

Researchers used a topical form in one 2016 study of artificially-induced arthritis in rats, published in the European Journal of Pain. CBD not only eased rats’ symptoms, but it also maintained more consistent levels of CBD in the blood when applied to the skin compared to oral administration, as the liver did not metabolize any of it.

Medical Marijuana, Inc. reported in April 2016 that, because topical CBD can bind directly to endocannabinoid receptors in the skin, it skips the bloodstream and therefore causes even fewer side effects than normal.

As always, we recommend that arthritis sufferers experiment with all the forms of CBD to find out what helps most.

Beyond CBD & Arthritis: More Research Needed To Unlock CBD’s Full Potential

The stigma surrounding cannabis is fading over time, with laws changing nationwide and conservative lawmakers increasingly supportive of industrial hemp and even medical marijuana.

We hope a similar change is happening as more medical professionals embrace hemp’s vast potential. With so many of doctors’ patients already making use of CBD, it seems like it’s only matter of time until researchers give it the attention it deserves.

* This article is part 4 of our series of exploring the potential benefits of CBD oil. Read our other posts:

• Science Explains How CBD Oil Could Help Ease Your Anxiety
• Science Explains Why CBD Oil Could Help Ease Your Chronic Pain
• The Science Behind Why Schizophrenia Sufferers Use CBD Oil For Healing

DISCOVER THE TOP CBD BRANDS

The market is getting saturated with many different CBD brands. We’ve compared the top brands to help you with your decision. Check it out.

The post CBD oil for Arthritis: Benefits, Risks And More appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

As it dominates headlines, sparks controversies, and finds its way onto menus in coffee shops across the country, you could even say that CBD is on track to becoming as well-known as its cousin, THC.

With all the focus on CBD, it’s easy to forget that there’s over 100 other cannabinoids out there, of which CBD and THC are only two. And among all of these naturally occurring cannabis-derived compounds, many have their own powerful therapeutic benefits that are on par with CBD. So with that in mind, which cannabinoid is next in line for its time in the spotlight?

Our nominee: CBN, short for cannabinol. In this article, we’ll dive into what CBN is, what its benefits are, and how it compares with CBD.

A QUICK PRIMER ON CBD AND CBN

Just in case you’re new to the world of cannabinoids, CBD is one of the primary compounds found in the cannabis plant (which includes both hemp and marijuana). CBD can make up anywhere from 1 percent to 25 percent of the plant, and in most strains, it’s the second most dominant cannabinoid next to THC. While THC is best known for its psychoactive properties, CBD won’t get you high; rather, its skyrocketing popularity is based entirely on its wide range of therapeutic benefits. Many consumers are touting the benefits of using CBD gummies and edibles for daily stress and anxiety, while others use the oils, balms and capsules for ailments like muscle pain, insomnia, and depression.

CBN is a bit different from CBD for a few reasons. The content in cannabis tends to be pretty low – 1 percent or even less — but external factors such as exposure to oxygen or heat can change it over time. Specifically, as cannabis ages, its THC content breaks down into CBN. Additionally, while CBD has zero psychoactive properties, the same can’t be said for CBN; that said, its psychoactive properties are very, very mild, so you’d likely need to take a massive dose of CBN to feel any sort of high.

CBN, although it may be new to you, researchers identified it as one of the very first cannabinoids ever and successfully isolated it for the first time in the 1930s. In fact, before discovering THC, researchers considered CBN to be the cause of the psychoactive effects of marijuana.

BENEFITS OF CBN AND CBD

Scientists have had CBN on their radar for a long time, but they have conducted very limited research on its use, especially when comparing it to the wealth of information available for both CBD and THC. That said, what we know so far about this cannabinoid is promising.

One of CBN’s biggest benefits is that it’s a strong sedative, making it effective as a sleep aid and anti-anxiety drug. According to Steep Hill Labs, CBN’s relaxing effects are comparable to the pharmaceutical diazepam, while a 1995 study on mice found that CBN can increase sleep time as well. Furthermore, taking CBD alongside CBN enhances its effectiveness for sleep. CBD has received praise for its ability to increase REM sleep, reduce nightmares, and treat sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea.

Aside from sleep benefits, both CBN and CBD are potent anti-inflammatories with powerful pain relieving properties. Again, taking both cannabinoids together appears to make these benefits even more effective. Both CBN and CBD can also relieve pressure related to glaucoma, and both have antibacterial properties, including against antibiotic-resistant MRSA. Among other benefits, CBD is a powerful treatment for epilepsy and anxiety disorders, and CBN shows promise as an appetite stimulant as well.

WHAT TYPE OF CBD OIL CONTAINS CBN?

If you’re looking to get the most out of CBD and CBN, you’ll want to pick up some full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD oil, as these types of CBD oil contain both compounds. Full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD oils are similar, with one crucial difference: THC.

Full spectrum CBD oil contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes that were extracted from the cannabis plant, including CBD, THC, CBN, and a variety of other compounds that vary depending on the strain. Broad spectrum CBD oil, on the other hand, goes through additional processing to remove all traces of THC, while keeping all other cannabinoids intact.

The “entourage effect” makes full spectrum CBD oil a popular choice. Taking each cannabinoid together enhances the benefits. This includes THC and CBD, CBD and CBN, and so on. Meanwhile, broad spectrum CBD oil is ideal for those who desire the benefits of full spectrum CBD oil, but who can’t have any traces of THC.

CLOSING THOUGHTS ON CBD VS CBN

As you can see, CBN shows a lot of promise for a wide spectrum of issues.

We believe, that just like CBD, it can be quite powerful for pain relief, sleep troubles, and anxiety. When you take CBN with CBD, you often experience even more potent benefits.. Researchers are likely to conduct much more research into the benefits of CBN and other cannabinoids in the near future, considering all the attention CBD has received lately.

And who knows – maybe CBN will start showing up in coffee shops next, right alongside CBD. We’ll be keeping an eye out for it!

The post CBD vs CBN: Differences, Benefits, And Uses For Two Potent Cannabinoids appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

Maybe you’re just curious about the differences between the two. It’s easy to assume that these two compounds are similar since they both come from the same plant. But while they can both play an important role in managing chronic pain, CBD and THC are very different substances, and each one works differently in the body.

In this article, we’ll explore how these two popular cannabis compounds work to relieve chronic pain — both separately and together.

The Basics of THC and CBD

CBD (short for cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) belong to a group known as cannabinoids, and they are derived from the cannabis plant – either hemp or psychoactive cannabis (“marijuana”). There are over 100 different cannabinoids, but CBD and THC are the most dominant substances in cannabis, making them responsible for most of the effects that marijuana is famous for.

Both CBD and THC work by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which refers to a group of receptors in the body that regulate various physiological processes, including pain, digestion, mood, and sleep. Cannabis is well-known for its versatility, helping people worldwide with problems like insomnia, PTSD, and pain – and it’s all because these endocannabinoid receptors are involved in so many different bodily functions.

By far, the most notable difference between CBD and THC is that THC causes a high, while CBD does not. CBD’s lack of psychoactive effects is one of the reasons it has become so popular as of late. In fact, CBD can counteract some of THC’s psychoactive effects (like euphoria and anxiety). This is why high-CBD strains of cannabis are often popular for pain relief since they allow one to keep a clear head.

THC is also associated with more side effects than CBD, although these tend to be mild and are temporary. Some well-documented side effects of THC are dry mouth, red eyes, and hunger. Most people who use CBD report little to no side effects, with sleepiness being the most common, especially at high doses.

CBD Benefits

Research has established that CBD is an effective anti-inflammatory, with strong evidence that it can relieve pain from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. For example, a 2017 study concluded that CBD can reduce osteoarthritis-related pain and inflammation, and prevent nerve damage.

Other studies support CBD for the relief of neuropathic pain and incision-related pain. CBD’s effectiveness at relieving different types of pain has led to its popularity among people with conditions such as fibromyalgia, IBS, multiple sclerosis, and cancer.

THC Benefits

Although there is plenty of research supporting the use of cannabis for pain relief in conditions like Crohn’s disease, chronic migraine, and fibromyalgia, less attention has been paid to the specific benefits of THC. The few studies that are available tend to be small and show conflicting results.

A recent study in Neurology found THC is effective for alleviating chronic nerve pain. A larger study, involving 177 cancer patients, found that while THC was not effective at reducing pain, the patients who took a CBD/THC combination had their pain reduced by over 30 percent when compared to placebo. Another double-blind study supported this conclusion when using THC for post-surgery pain. Meanwhile, a 2017 study found both THC and CBD, when taken alone, were effective for reducing chemotherapy-related pain in mice.

The same study also discovered that when combined, previously ineffective doses of CBD and THC could relieve pain. The entourage effect enhances the pain-relieving properties of CBD, and this relates to an important benefit of THC.

There are new THC products available in the market that are available to buy, we have done Delta-8 gummies and Delta-8 carts reviews on the website. Which is a version of THC which is currently legal to buy in the US.

How CBD and THC Work Together: The Entourage Effect

Although CBD and THC are the most dominant compounds in the cannabis plant, they aren’t alone. There are dozens of other cannabinoids and terpenes that work together to provide different synergic effects. For example, the third most dominant compound in cannabis, cannabichromene (CBC) has shown anti-inflammatory benefits similar to those of CBD.

The entourage effect refers to the benefits that one can experience by ingesting multiple cannabinoids together, including CBD and THC. In short, while CBD and THC have their own powerful benefits, they tend to be more potent when combined – especially when it comes to pain relief. An analysis of 18 studies on cannabinoids for multiple sclerosis pain found that the combination of THC and CBD was slightly more effective for pain reduction than CBD on its own.

The entourage effect is why CBD products fall into 3 categories: full-spectrum, isolate, and broad-spectrum. Full-spectrum CBD products incorporate all the cannabinoids and terpenes that extraction included along with CBD. On the other hand, isolate CBD products remove all traces of these other substances, resulting in a product that is pure CBD.

Some people have better success using full-spectrum CBD products for pain relief because of the entourage effect. However, due to the variety of cannabinoids and terpenes, full-spectrum products can be somewhat unpredictable in their effects. Those who can’t tolerate any traces of THC, or need to avoid it due to drug testing, often prefer Isolate CBD products.

Legalities and Limits of THC In CBD Products

The majority of CBD products you’ll find on the market today are made from hemp, which by law can contain up to a maximum of 0.3 percent THC. This means hemp-derived, full-spectrum CBD products are likely to contain low amounts of THC. CBD oils made from marijuana instead of hemp have a higher percentage of THC. Dispensaries tend to restrict these products for legal reasons.

Closing Thoughts on CBD vs. THC

As you can see, there isn’t a simple answer for whether CBD or THC is better for chronic pain. Both compounds bring their own benefits to the table, and in regard to chronic pain, there is evidence that they’re more effective when taken together due to the entourage effect.

Either way, it’s clear that cannabis has plenty to offer for chronic pain patients, and cannabis products can vary widely in effectiveness. So if you don’t have success with one product, don’t give up; try something new, whether it’s a different blend of cannabinoids or a different potency.

The post CBD vs THC: Comparing Two Potent Cannabinoids appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

This time, it’s Delta-10 THC.

For starters, we’re quite familiar with the effects of Delta-9 THC. It gets you the notorious high marijuana is famous for. A large quantity of it can even mess with your head, resulting in paranoia. On the other hand, Delta-8 THC has mild psychotic effects. It gives a euphoric feeling and doesn’t get you too high.

So, what about Delta-10 THC? Any idea?

If not, then read on to find out about this newest member of the Delta family.

What is Delta-10 THC?

Among the 100+ cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant, Delta-10 THC is one. Delta-10 THC is a rare molecular relative of Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC. Since it is a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) isomer, it possesses similar psychoactive properties as that of Delta-9 THC.

Delta-10 THC was rather an accidental discovery by Fusion Farms, a California-based cannabis company. The Delta-10 compound was found as a by-product of a forest fire. Fusion Farms had bought some outdoor-grown hemp to manufacture concentrates. But due to the wildfire, the biomass got contaminated with fire retardant chemicals.

Unaware of the contamination, Fusion Farms continued with the extraction process. It was after completing the distillation process that they noted the formation of unusual crystals. This was when the Delta-10 compound was found. But not exactly.

Even though it had a different molecular and crystalline structure than the previously formed cannabinoid crystals, the scientists at the company’s lab weren’t sure of what it was.

Hence, the research began.

Coming to the effects, Delta-10 bears a close resemblance to Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC. However, the psychoactive effects are much weaker.

Delta-10 THC is found in traces in the cannabis plant. At times, the amount is so minuscule that labs mistake it for some other compound. Hence, extraction of this compound is a huge challenge. It requires ample time, advanced technology, and effort.

So, How Does Delta-10 Act When Consumed?

The mechanisms of this cannabinoid are still under research as its discovery was pretty recent. But it likely interacts with the body similarly to the other THC compounds – Delta-8 and Delta-9.

Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC bind to the CB1 receptors located in the central nervous system (mainly the brain). Also, both of these compounds have a strong affinity with the CB2 receptors. We can expect the same kind of reactivity and interaction  with our endocannabinoid system.

However, we still do not know much about the binding mechanisms of these THCs with the CB2 receptors, especially in the case that this compound has been discovered relatively recently. So, it is most likely that Delta-10 THC binds with both the receptors similarly to Delta-8 and Delta-9 – at least at high concentrations.

Can You Get High On Delta-10 THC Like Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC?

A very straightforward answer would be yes.

Delta-10 THC can get you high. But its potency is not like those of Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC.

Of all the three Tetrahydrocannabinol, Delta-9 has the most intense psychotropic effects. It can get you extremely high, even leading to hallucinations, paranoia, clouded judgment, anxiety, impaired coordination, and perceptions, etc.

On the other hand, Delta-8 THC has a relatively low intensity of euphoria. It can make you feel slightly buzzed, stimulate your appetite, and wash away all your stress, even clearing your mind, and resulting in you feeling immensely content and relaxed.

Coming to Delta-10 THC, this compound also has low psychotropic effects. Though you may not find too many first-hand experiences explaining the effects, our research suggests that it has more sativa-like effects. In other words, Delta-10 triggers an energetic feeling, increased focus, alertness, and creativity. A dose in the morning and you’re all set to kick-start your day with full vigor. These effects are unlike those of Delta-8 THC, which promotes relaxation and grants a good night’s sleep.

So, with its mild euphoria and increased focus and alertness, It may soon become a consumer’s favorite.

Can Delta-10 THC Make You Fail A Drug Test?

Irrespective of what THC variant you consumed, there’s always a possibility of failing a drug test.

Here’s why. Drug tests potentially look for the metabolites that all types of THC break into in the human body. So, even if you consume Delta-8 or Delta-10 THC product, which contains less than 0.3% Delta-9, it will break down into the same set of metabolites. Hence, drug tests will detect them.

Drug tests do not detect Delta-9 THC in its original, intact form. As the body starts breaking THC into metabolites, drug tests are meant to detect these traces of metabolites.

If you’re not a frequent user, ensure that you do not consume any THC compound when you are close to a drug test. For example, if you consume a Delta-8 gummy in the morning and there’s a drug test at your workplace, you are certain to fail it.

It takes around 2 days to even a year to eliminate all the metabolites from all parts of your body, of course, depending on the THC build-up and the part of the body that may be sampled for the drug test.

So, we’d suggest you stay miles away from any product containing THC if you have an upcoming drug test.

Should You Care About Delta-10 THC? If So, Why?

Delta-10 THC may be the next big thing in the cannabis industry. This is because the feedback about this compound has been quite phenomenal so far. So, brands are ramping up their production to meet the soaring demands.

Currently, brands are witnessing thousands of orders for Delta-8 THC products, and, looking at it, they’re preparing for a similar scenario as well.

Furthermore, several consumers have demanded something more potent than CBD that just enhances their natural wellness routine. Consumers want to feel a deeper relaxation without playing the medical cannabis card. For these consumers, CBD isn’t always enough.

So, these consumers, after realizing that Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC could provide next-level effects, may not want to come back to CBD at all.

However, there’s the issue of legality in the case. According to the DEA statement, synthetically derived THCs fall under Schedule I/Controlled Substances.

But it has not been clearly defined what constitutes the term “synthetically derived”. So, companies are going ahead with the production of safe, legal, and compliant CBD.

Is Delta-10 THC Legal?

When it comes to legality, Delta-10 THC falls into a grey zone. Even though Delta-10 THC is legal at the federal level, the state laws concerning any and all THCs vary. Some states prohibit the entry of all THC compounds into their territory.

Considering the legality, there are three points that you should remember about Delta-10 as well as Delta-8 THC products. These are:

• The extracts must be derived from hemp, not marijuana
• Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC products must contain less than 0.3% of Delta-9 THC
• The products must NOT be synthetically produced from Delta-9 THC.

Since Delta-9 is still a Schedule-I substance and Delta-10 can be synthetically derived from it, you must get the information right before placing an order. Also, don’t forget to check the laws of your state.

Is Producing Delta-10 THC A Demanding Task?

Delta-10 THC is hard to produce. High strains are not currently available in the market, as producing this cannabinoid takes too much effort and capital to make it commercially viable.

Also, one must conduct several scientific processes to derive from CBD (and encounter legal hassles, too!).

Since Delta-10 THC occurs in minuscule quantities in nature, it has to be produced by chemically altering crude CBD or CBD isolates. If a brand produces Delta-10 THC using crude CBD, the reaction is generally created through Vitamin C and carbon derivatives. On the other hand, if CBD isolate is used, solvents and acids need to be incorporated.

Overall, it has to be mentioned that producing Delta-10 THC is not something that can be done in a jiffy. Production of Delta-10 THC demands a massive amount of resources, infrastructure, and time – which companies don’t usually find profitable.

How Is Delta-10 THC Tested and Measured?

CBD, THC, and most other cannabinoids are measured and tested similarly—with the help of potency tests.

Some laboratories use an Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography machine to measure the potency of flowers, extracts, and edibles. Also, the latest technologies and industry practices are employed to ensure that Delta-10 is accurately discerned from CBL and CBC.

Is Delta-10 Is Safe For Consumption?

Even though it is relatively new in the market, the products are being rigorously tested for safety and quality. All ingredients are extensively lab-tested and safe to use. It’s just a matter of time before many more brands start to show up in the market.

Labs are now equipped with advanced technology that allows the extraction of it using safe, food-grade, and non-toxic products and equipment. Regarding consistency, labs stay updated with the latest information related to methods that can accurately analyze cannabinoids to ensure detection.

Before you place an order, we suggest that you look for Certificates of Analysis (COAs). By ensuring this, you’ll be able to guarantee that the products you’re buying are safe to be consumed and will not harm you in any way.

What Types of Delta-10 THC Products are Available in the Market?

You can consume this cannabinoid product in different ways. Currently, the availability is limited in the market. But we are sure we’ll see more of them soon.

Several companies are planning to launch an assortment of similar products in the coming years. This means that you will soon be able to choose from different delivery methods such as vaping, eating, applying, or ingesting.

Here’s a list of what Delta-10 THC products you can expect in the future:

• Tincture/oil
• Vape cartridges
• Disposable pens
• Gummies
• Chocolate bars
• Dabbing syringes
• Flower and pre-rolls

Whichever product you choose, we recommend starting with smaller dosages. After intake, wait for at least 30 minutes and observe how your body reacts. This is how you’ll be able to gradually build a tolerance level. If you notice no effects, try taking a slightly larger dosage and repeat the process until you get the desired effects.

However, in the case of any chronic ailment or medical condition, consult a doctor before starting with the same. If you have high blood pressure, better refrain from taking the compound in high doses.

Before We Part…

With stress becoming a major health issue across the world, and especially so in this country, It could be the boost we all need.

Different laboratories and brands are excited to see how the demand turns out in the future along with what consumers have to say regarding its effects.

Delta-10 THC products have already started entering the market. Though most of them are blends and other cannabinoids, pure products are also on their way.

It’s just a matter of time before you get your hands on one of those!

In this article, we have tried to cover the most crucial pieces of information relating to it and we hope that it helps you expand your knowledge about this relatively new discovery.

However, you must remember to consult your doctor before placing an order for the product, and, of course, make sure to check the laws of your state of residence. 

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