As you all know, CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid (most cannabinoids aren’t, with the notable exception of the THC isomers). That means CBD does not activate the cannabinoid receptors CB1 or CB2 which are part of the endocannabinoid system. In fact, CBD acts as an antagonist for the CB receptors. This is why mixtures of THC and CBD do not provide the typical “high” experienced by consuming THC alone: the… Read More »Endocannabinoid System and CBD

So, what are terpenes, and why are they important in the hemp and cannabis space? Well, technically, a terpene contains multiples of 5 carbon units joined together. Thus, it contains 5, 10, 15 or more carbons. The basic building block is the isoprene molecule, which has 5 carbons and is the smallest true terpene. The many ways the isoprene unit can combine leads to the huge variety found in nature.… Read More »What are Terpenes?

Does smoking cannabis have an effect on the course of Covid-19 disease? Does smoking make one more susceptible to infection? Anecdotal reports suggest smokers of tobacco have some protection from the virus, and studies are underway to determine if nicotine patches afford the same protection as smoking. Since it is well known that cannabis smoke is much less harmful than tobacco smoke, can a study be done to see if… Read More »Cannabis and Covid-19: a study proposal

Many folks take CBD for anxiety and wonder what are the anti-anxiety effects of CBD? A newly published paper in the Journal of Clinical Medical Research (doi: https://www.jocmr.org/index.php/JOCMR/article/view/4090) adds more positive evidence for this use. In this review article, not only is there good news on the anxiety front, but also supports CBD use for psychosis and substance abuse disorders: “From the controlled trials, we identified anxiolytic effects with acute CBD… Read More »Anti-anxiety effects of CBD

Chronic inflammation is one of the harbingers of disease. From gum disease to coronary heart disease, inflammation plays a large role. Does CBD reduce inflammation? Well, the jury is still out, but from a chemist’s point of view, it has potential. Let’s first discuss inflammation. Inflammation can be thought of as tissue swelling. This is brought about by our immune system releasing cytokines in response to injury or illness. Cytokines… Read More »CBD and Inflammation

Many people have tried CBD on depression. Does it work and are their studies done? A new report from researchers in Vienna ( https://doi.org/10.1007/s40211-020-00334-0 ) shows the effectiveness of CBD in a patient with multiple psychiatric issues. I quote from the article, published last week in Neuropsychiatrie: Abstract In this report, we present a case of a 16,9-year-old patient with multiple substance use disorder (cannabis, MDMA, cocaine, ecstasy), severe depression,… Read More »Effectiveness of CBD on Depression

Without a doubt, the popularity of CBD products is exploding. Many people may wonder: what are the possible side effects? Is CBD addictive? Should one be concerned using CBD? Reasonable questions. Although safety data on cannabinoids is sorely lacking due to the ridiculous Drug War, some studies are now being done. In the March 2020 issue of Epilepsy and Behavior ( https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.106938 ) one such study was just published. The… Read More »Is CBD addictive?

Cannabidiol is claimed to help many different ailments, including pain, insomnia, and anxiety. Does CBD help with tremors? Unfortunately, there is a paucity of peer reviewed data on the potential benefits of CBD, due in large part to the US government’s near prohibition on cannabinoid research. In classic Catch 22 fashion, our government won’t allow cannabinoid studies until cannabinoids have been studied. In effect, the feds outlaw the research needed… Read More »CBD and Tremors: Latest Data

Many CBD products (including our own) can be applied as a topical lotion to affected areas. Do they work, and if so, how do they? The skin is a very effective barrier to microbes and chemicals: it’s not easy to penetrate. However, if enough material is applied multiple times a day, then yes, skin penetration will take place. Just look at the recently published data about sunscreen which showed systemic… Read More »Topical CBD Products: Do they work?

Lately we’ve seen both CBD and THC products that are supposedly dissolved in water. The manufactures claim that the “water soluble” CBD or THC have better bioavailability, taste and palatability. First let’s get one thing straight: CBD and other cannabinoids are not water soluble (at least in measurable amounts), and they cannot be made soluble under normal conditions unless something else is added.  Pure olive oil and water cannot mix.… Read More »What’s the story with water soluble CBD?