It is known that more than 95% of DMB patients die within 5 years of diagnosis regardless of the methods of treatment used during that time. Given this fact, it is imperative that an effective method of treatment is found as quickly as possible. There is mounting evidence that cannabinoids have very active anti-tumor properties and could be used in the treatment of GMB.

The study, as mentioned above, used both animal and human subjects to research if the therapeutic effect of cannabinoids reduces tumor growth. The current method of treatment for GMBs is surgical removal, followed by radiation and chemotherapy [1]. A pilot clinical study revealed that THC, the other main cannabinoid found in marijuana, showed a decrease of tumor cell proliferation in two of nine patients [1]. Since then, many studies have been conducted to examine the effects of CBD on tumor cells.

It has been found that cannabinoids can inhibit tumor growth and that cannabinoids can significantly reduce tumor volume in animal models [1]. It has also been suggested that CBD inhibits the invasion of GMB cells into other areas of the brain.

As with most CBD studies, the above findings are just the beginning of investigating benefits and uses for cannabinoids. The good news is that so far, most research points toward CBD being useful in treating bother terminal and non-terminal illnesses and disorders including cancer and tumors.

References:

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5964193/

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Treating substance abuse with another substance has long been a method of treatment. However, replacing one drug with another may seem counterproductive to many people. It appears as though proponents of marijuana and CBD believe that using CBD to treat addiction is a natural step in the evolution of cannabinoids used as an alternative treatment.

Like all of the other claims of CBD’s benefits, there is very little scientific evidence to prove that CBD can treat addiction. There are, however, countless reports of addicts using CBD to help them live successful lives free from addiction.

It is important to note that CBD is just one of the cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant and that it differs significantly from THC, which is the most well-known cannabinoid. THC causes a high, which it seems would be counterproductive for the treatment of substance abuse disorders. CBD, on the other hand, does not produce any high feelings and instead triggers the production of natural endocannabinoids that are found in the body that then attach to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain [1]. In doing so, CBD can have a positive impact on people struggling with depression, anxiety, or PTSD. All of these disorders can increase the risk of developing a substance abuse disorder due to the debilitating symptoms and the propensity of these individuals to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to alleviate the symptoms.

There is a concern within recovery communities regarding whether or not one can remain sober while using CBD. This is much like the debate of using methadone to treat heroin addiction or using sedatives to treat anxiety. Some argue that since it is not regulated and/or federally legal, it should not be used as a treatment for addiction. Others say that if CBD works as a treatment for harder drugs, then it should be used. One thing that is for sure is that there is no evidence that CBD is addictive, which means that it could reasonably be used as an effective treatment for substance abuse disorders.

Whatever your beliefs regarding CBD are, chances are that science will continue to reveal more and more about the cannabinoid in the years to come, which may cause opinions to change or evolve.

References

[1] https://lagunatreatment.com/blog/can-cbd-oil-cure-addiction/

The post Substance Abuse Treatment and CBD first appeared on Fusepoint, LLC.

Many banks and credit card processors are incredibly reluctant to approve CBD oil businesses for accounts [1]. It has even been reported that CBD business owners have had their accounts closed without notice. So how is a CBD business owner supposed to survive, let alone thrive, without these essential business partners?

Until recently, CBD products were still listed as Schedule 1 drugs by the federal government along with all other marijuana and hemp products. We all know that several states have done away with the prohibition of marijuana, but only in 2018 were hemp-based products removed from the Schedule 1 list, thus making CBD federally legal. Of course, there are rules and regulations that any seller of CBD oil-infused products must comply with to remain on the right side of both the state and federal laws.

There are so many variations in state laws we recommend that you check with your state and consult an attorney to be sure you are following all of the rules. Basically, selling a product that can still be considered illegal in some instances makes it very difficult to be approved for merchant accounts [1]. “Only a small number of high-risk specialists accept CBD businesses, and in many cases, they’ll require you to obtain an offshore merchant account” [1].

Many business owners have tried to use PayPal or Square, but this ultimately leads to being dishonest about the nature of the business [1]. Not only is this a practice that just doesn’t feel good (you want to be proud of the business you run), but these companies will not hesitate to shut you down if they find out you are being dishonest about your operation.

If you own a CBD business, there are resources available to find merchants that will work with you. Also, there should be more and more merchants joining in on the CBD craze soon so, fear not. However, until CBD is fully legalized in all 50 states, there will be merchants that just will not work with you. Until then, your best bet is to do your homework and consult with an attorney or expert, so you aren’t left without any merchants or accounts that are shut down without notice.

References:

[1] https://www.merchantmaverick.com/best-cbd-oil-merchant-account-providers/

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Current medications for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder include Thorazine and Haldol, both of which have limited effectiveness and can have serious side effects [1]. These side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety, sleep problems (insomnia), breast swelling or discharge, changes in menstrual periods, weight gain, swelling hands or feet [3], irregular heartbeats, and death in the elderly [2].

The King’s College study found that “participants treated with CBD had fewer psychiatric symptoms than those who received a placebo,” and were more likely to be seen as having improved conditions by their doctors [1]. Though the exact science of why CBD may work as an antipsychotic is unknown, scientists believe that CBD may inhibit an enzyme that clears anandamide which is a natural antidepressant that is regulated by the brains cannabinoid system [1].

The study used two groups of patients, one that received CBD and one that received a placebo, and all patients were given MRIs. The MRI scans showed that abnormal brain activity was lower in the group that received the CBD. Thus, the results suggest that CBD can help re-set brain activity to normal levels [1]. The good news is that CBD does not present significant side effects like those associated with the current treatments for psychotic disorders. Many patients are afraid of antipsychotic medications because of the potential side effects and CBD treatments would eliminate this risk factor.

Though most studies have shown that CBD can improve psychotic symptoms, none have proved to be a cure. It seems that “CBD has a beneficial, but modest, impact on positive psychotic symptoms and severity of illness,”[4]. CBD has also been found to improve cognition and the impact of patient’s illness on their day-to-day lives [4].

As with most findings regarding CBD in the studies recently conducted, it is too early to draw any definitive conclusions. However, the science is trending toward supporting that CBD can be used as an effective treatment for psychotic diseases such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and with much fewer negative side effects than the current prescription medications.

References:

[1] https://www.healthline.com/health-news/cannabis-compound-reduce-symptoms-of-psychosis#1

[2] https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS700US700&ei=8TtDXYKoIYS6tgXm5ouwDQ&q=side+effects+of+haldol&oq=side+effects+of+haldol&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0l10.64746.65542..65901…0.0..0.133.614.3j3……0….1..gws-wiz…….0i71j0i67.aK-Of5xGSsQ&ved=0ahUKEwjC5KnLsuLjAhUEna0KHWbzAtYQ4dUDCAo&uact=5

[3] https://www.google.com/search?q=side+effects+of+thorazine&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS700US700&oq=side+effects+of+Thorazine&aqs=chrome.0.0l6.2083j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[4] https://www.nationalelfservice.net/treatment/antipsychotics/cannabidiol-cbd-an-effective-antipsychotic/

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Parkinson’s affects the motor function of the body because the disease causes the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. As these neurons die or become damaged, the brain is less and less able to produce sufficient amounts of dopamine thus causing the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s Disease; hand, arm, leg, or jaw tremors, stiff muscles and limbs, slowness of movements, and impaired balance and coordination. Other symptoms include but are not limited to confusion, sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, decreased facial expressions, and urinary problems [1].

Cannabis as a therapeutic remedy to the symptoms of Parkinson’s was mentioned as early as 1888 when acclaimed neurologist Sir William Gowers stated that patients with tremors that consumed “Indian hemp” displayed lessening tremors and after a year of continued use, nearly ceased altogether. Modern science has expanded on this research and supports the ideas that cannabis can be beneficial in reducing inflammation, thus decreasing the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.

Although clinical studies that focus specifically on the use of cannabis to treat Parkinson’s is limited due to the prohibition of marijuana, there is still evidence that the active chemicals in the plant can help manage symptoms of the disease. A study conducted in 2004 in the Czech Republic found that 45% of respondents that used cannabis reported improvement in their Parkinson’s Disease related motor symptoms [1]. However, as with most treatments for diseases, marijuana is not a treatment that works the same for all patients.

Continued research is needed to prove that CBD definitively aids in managing symptoms produced by Parkinson’s. However, so far, the evidence seems to support that cannabis helps lessen symptoms in many patients.

References: 

[1] https://www.projectcbd.org/medicine/cbd-and-parkinsons-disease

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Though there is no scientific evidence to prove it yet, Keith R. Durante, MD, FACS believes that CBD oil will be used regularly for treatment of hair loss in the future [1]. Dr. Durante goes on to say that the components of our hair, the shaft, the root, and the bulb are 90% keratin. “To help keep hair strong, keratin relies on a healthy dose of vitamins, mostly three essential fatty acids: Omega-3, -6, and -9 and fortunately, cannabis-derived CBD oils are high in each, as well as vitamin -E” [1].

Since CBD is well known to reduce inflammation, it makes sense that CBD is used on the skin through a daily moisturizing, exfoliating, and anti-inflammatory scalp massage. CBD oil contains minerals like magnesium and iron, which enable smooth blood flow throughout the body. The better the blood flow and distribution throughout the body, the healthier the skin is and skin health on the scalp is imperative to hair growth [2].

It should be noted that CBD will not help prevent or delay hair loss that is caused by genetics, such as Male Pattern Baldness or Female Pattern Hair Loss. Both of these cause thinning hair anywhere on the scalp in those affected [3].

Your hairstylist will likely have some sort of CBD infused product to recommend on your next visit. Though the product may not specifically treat hair loss, it will definitely improve the health of your skin and hair in general. CBD treatments for hair certainly will not hurt, and just may help prevent hair loss.

References:

[1] Auppello, S. (2019). Can CBD help with hair loss? Retrieved from https://medmen.com/blog/health/can-cbd-help-with-hair-loss

[2] CBD may actually help reduce hair loss. Retrieved from https://emerahaircare.com/portfolio-items/cbd-may-actually-reduce-hair-loss/

[3] Can CBD oil treat thinning hair and hair loss? Retrieved from https://www.belgraviacentre.com/blog/can-cbd-oil-treat-thinning-hair-and-hair-loss/

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Though clinical research on the effects of CBD in humans with Diabetes is limited, current data showed that in non-obese diabetic mice, treatment with CBD reduced the incidence of Diabetes by 56% and significantly reduced inflammation [2].

In a study conducted in which 11 – 14 week old, female, non-obese diabetic mice were administered CBD, only 32% of them were diagnosed with Diabetes after the treatment. Compared to 86% and 100% in the test and control groups respectively. Thus, it is suggested that CBD can be used as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of Diabetes [3].

Through research, it is becoming evident that CBD could be a viable treatment for the prevention and treatment of Diabetes. Though it is too early to say definitively, there is certainly evidence to suggest science is moving in the direction of using CBD to decrease deaths caused by Diabetes. Science will have to continue to research to develop any concrete treatments.

References

[1] https://www.projectcbd.org/cbd-for/diabetes

[2] Weiss, L., Zeira, M., Reich, S., Har-Noy, M., Mechoulam, R., Slavin, S., & Gallily, R. (2006). Cannabidiol lowers incidence of Diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice. Autoimmunity, 39(2), 143-151. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16698671 

[3] Weiss, L., Zeira, M., Reich, S., Mechoulam, R., Slavin, S., & Gallily, R. (2008). Cannabidiol lowers incidence of Diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice. Neuropharmacology, 54(1), 244-249. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17714746

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CBD works with the endocannabinoid system and brings balance to physical and mental health [1]. It is common for CBD to be used to help with anxiety, pain relief, depression, sleep problems, and more. Though science has just begun to research the benefits of CBD, there is still overwhelming evidence that CBD has medical benefits.

Cannabis has been cultivated and consumed all over the world for centuries. Raw cannabis is full of nutritional benefits due to the cannabinoid acids, two of which are THC and CBD, that are in the plant. In addition to the hundreds of cannabinoids that are in marijuana, there are also beneficial components such as amino acids, proteins, ketones, vitamin A, and fatty acids, to name a few. Based on the macro and micronutrients listed above, cannabis presents a strong case for being considered as a superfood.

Cannabis also contains terpenes, which are aromatic molecules. Some terpenes have significant health benefits such as myrcene, which alleviates pain and inflammation, and linalool, which reduces stress and anxiety. The seeds of the marijuana plant are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Much like other superfood seeds such as chia and flaxseeds, the amount of protein in the hemp seed is notable. Hemp seed oil also contains healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, iron, sodium, and others. Hemp seed oil has also been proven to reduce inflammation, help with skin disorders such as eczema, aid in digestion, reduce symptoms of PMS, and more.

Since there aren’t any specific requirements that a food must meet to be considered a superfood, we cannot say for sure if cannabis or CBD are, in fact, superfoods. However, the evidence presented above, and the continued scientific findings make a strong case for superfood status.

References

[1] https://www.cbdschool.com/cbd-superfood/

The post Is CBD a Super Food? first appeared on Fusepoint, LLC.

There are, of course, the natural skincare products known for their benefits such as aloe vera and coconut oil that are known to have a calming and rejuvenating effect on the skin.

However, over the past few years, CBD has seen a sudden increase in popularity due to its introduction in wellness, natural beauty products and food. The ingredient on its own has no psychotropic effects which means that you won’t get ‘high’ when you ingest it.

Previously thought to be a dangerous drug because CBD can be found in the cannabis sativa plant species alongside THC and other cannabinoids, its reputation has changed drastically since it has been found to exist in hemp as well but in higher and more concentrated quantities than the marijuana plant. Extracted from industrial hemp, it has little to no THC (less than 0.3% is the legal requirement) depending on its potency.

Thanks to its introduction in the beauty market and its legalisation in a lot of states across the U.S. there are now more skincare products than ever ranging from CBD Night Creams to CBD Massage, CBD Facial and the list goes on. If you are still researching this ingredient to find out more about it, you will know that there are a lot of articles online that have a lot of advice and recommendations with regards to the benefits of using CBD in beauty products and that there is still no straightforward answer; as such, we could say that this is an on-going experiment that is taking place worldwide.

Perhaps, with time, we’ll definitely have a better idea but for now, the general consensus is that CBD-based skincare products help to alleviate irritated skin, it helps balancing out the skin’s natural oil, and most of all CBD assists your skin’s natural healing process (acne, inflammation) due to its antioxidant properties.

When browsing your next beauty shop to buy your CBD-infused beauty products, always check the ingredients label and know where the hemp-derived CBD is coming from so that you don’t end up with a product that has been processed too much which would have eliminated all the beneficial nutrients in the ingredient.

The post CBD for Skincare first appeared on Fusepoint, LLC.

The main thing to keep in mind is that CBD ingredients need to be stored in a cool, dry place to ensure that they do not lose their potency. To get the most out of your CBD oil, infuse it slowly and over low heat in the meal so that it does not evaporate so keep the temperature at less than 160 degrees C (320 degrees F).

Cooking meals that have strong flavors are even better as they can hide the natural bitter taste of CBD by infusing it in butter, lard, coconut oil or any dish that is oil-based.

Prepare your recipes in advance for maximum effect and when you start cooking or baking, make sure that you stir the CBD oil as long as possible to ensure that it is evenly distributed in the batch.

If you are new at cooking with CBD, start small and increase your batch over time. Adding too much from the start can leave a bad taste in your mouth due to its natural bitterness and can put you off cooking with CBD oil in the future. Keep in mind that less is more when it comes to food and especially specific ingredients that can impact the flavour of a dish overall.

If you are ready to start cooking with CBD, why not start with a simple recipe first and see if you like it. If you are not 100% confident that you can cook with CBD, there are several restaurants in the U.S. that have begun introducing this ingredient in their meals; it’s also a good excuse to eat out and that way you and your friends or family can enjoy a delicious meal with that extra kick.

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