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Synthetic cannabinoids

Synthetic cannabinoids

cannabinoids, Hemp News

Synthetic cannabinoids are mostly made entirely or partially chemically and their use involves serious health risks. Common synthetic cannabinoids include e.g. HHC, JWH, dronabinol and nabilone. This article discusses the topic of what synthetic cannabinoids are and what their most common effects, side effects, risks and legislation are.

 

Synthetic cannabis

 

Synthetic cannabis is a term that more specifically refers to synthetically produced cannabinoids, i.e. chemical compounds designed to mimic the natural cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The vast majority of synthetic cannabinoids have been developed in a laboratory and are often dangerous and can cause serious side effects.

The study of cannabinoids has increased in recent years, and especially drugs based on the metabolic reactions of cannabinoids have been central in the experiments. Synthetic cannabinoids are one of the most important groups of drugs that researchers have used in drug development. Synthetic cannabinoids have been used in clinical trials, e.g. for the reason that they enable precise dosing and control in relation to the metabolism of cannabinoids. However, this does not mean that synthetic cannabinoids are better alternatives for humans than natural ones.

In the early 2000s, synthetic cannabinoids became popular conversion drugs in the world, which are sold illegally and in some places also legally. The products entered the market e.g. under the brand names “K2” and “Spice”. Their popularity was largely based on legality and the fact that they cannot be detected or searched for with traditional drug tests. According to research, the effects of synthetic cannabis can be up to 2-100 times stronger than the intoxicating THC found naturally in the cannabis plant. (1)

Human experiences and clinical trials have proven that some synthetic cannabinoids have pain-relieving properties, as well as spasms, inflammation and cancer growth inhibition (1). However, you shouldn’t get too excited about the positive effects alone, because synthetic cannabis causes life-threatening situations at worst (4).

 

The disadvantages of synthetic cannabinoids

 

The use of synthetic cannabinoids, also known as conversion drugs, can be associated with great risks and it has been scientifically proven that they cause adverse effects on humans. Adverse effects include e.g. anxiety, nausea, shortness of breath, cognitive impairment, psychosis, difficulty breathing, suicidal ideation, chest pain, high blood pressure, and acute renal failure. Synthetic substances may also have harmful long-term effects, of which more will be known as research progresses. (1)

Synthetic cannabinoids can be so-called full agonists, i.e. they can attach to the body’s cannabinoid receptors completely, causing very strong and at worst life-threatening effects. On the other hand, natural cannabinoids only partially attach to the receptors and are therefore safer alternatives.

Although there are many different types of synthetic cannabinoids, in this article we will focus mainly on the three that are common and are known as HHC, JWH and dronabinol.

 

Synthetic cannabinoids such as JWH, HHC and dronabinol.

Synthetic cannabinoids, called transformation drugs, are sold in many forms, legally and illegally.

HHC

 

HHC ( Hexahydrocannabinol i ) is a form of the synthetic cannabinoid, which is a derivative of the intoxicating THC found naturally in the cannabis plantderivative of . It is not a completely new thing, as the American chemist Roger Adams synthesized HHC for the first time already in the 1940s. However, its commercialization only happened decades later. (2)

The reason why HHC products have been introduced to the market lies probably in the fact that entrepreneurs in the field have wanted to make money with legal “cannabis products”, which are not prohibited by the UN Narcotics Convention. Each country would have to either ban HHC as a narcotic or regulate it in some other way. (2)

The effect of HHC has been described as similar to THC, producing psychoactive effects, allowing the user to experience strong euphoria, i.e. a feeling of well-being and relaxation. Like THC, HHC also increases appetite. According to experience, the effect of HHC is thought to be a little milder than THC, but in the comparison it is important to note that THC is very rarely used directly in its isolated form. In practice, THC is one of the natural cannabinoids that act in the cannabis plant, some of which are, on the contrary, antipsychotic and therefore balance and even reverse the effects of THC. The plant’s natural amount of THC also varies greatly between different varieties, and the cultivation method also plays a role in the formation of concentrations. For this reason, comparing the effects of HHC and THC depends on many different factors.

The legality of HHC varies by country and it is legally available in at least many European countries and the United States. Although the popularity of HHC has spread widely to several different countries, e.g. Finland and Estonia are countries where HHC is classified as a prohibited substance, and its use is not as popular as in several other countries. In Sweden, HHC is legal, at least for now. There are many types of HHC products on the market, and it is added to, for example, sweets, e-cigarette liquids, industrial hemp blooms and many other familiar consumer products. (2)

The disadvantages and uncertainty of HHC are also increased by the fact that the products do not necessarily have any kind of quality control, in which case unwanted harmful chemicals may be found in the final product. HHC can also be chemically produced from non-intoxicating hemp and for that reason it can also be called a semi-synthetic cannabinoid. (2)

 

JWH

 

JWH (JWH-018 and JWH -073) are classified as my synthetic cannabinoids, which are designed to mimic the natural cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Its use can cause several side effects, such as nausea, dizziness and drowsiness. It can also cause other serious health problems, such as stomach upsets and cerebrovascular disorders.

 

Dronabinol

 

Dronabinol (dronabinol) is a synthetic THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, which was approved by the FDA in 1985 for the treatment of HIV and AIDS-induced anorexia and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients unresponsive to conventional antiemetics. (3) This synthetic version of THC is better known by its trade names Marinol, Syndros, Reduvo and Adversa .

The most common side effects of dropanol are nausea, vomiting. dizziness, stomach pain, drowsiness, paranoia and abnormal thoughts. (3)

The use of dronabinol can also cause cognitive changes and even cause mental or physical disability. In addition, it can cause seizures in those who are prone to such. Dronabinol can be dangerous for people with heart disease and cause neurodynamic instability related to blood flow in the body. Symptoms may include fainting, too fast heart rate, sudden drop or rise in blood pressure. (3)

 

Cannabis pyscosis

Synthetic cannabinoids can also cause more sensitive so-called cannabis psychosis, which can be accompanied by intense anxiety, fear and suicidal thoughts in addition to sensory disturbances. Synthetic cannabis can be up to 100 times stronger than natural cannabis, and its risks to mental health are also significantly greater. (1)

 

Synthetic cannabis can be life-threatening

 

The use of synthetic cannabinoids has increased in recent years, gaining attention not only in medical research but also in illicit use. Cases are known around the world where synthetic cannabinoids have even caused deaths. For this reason, among others, many countries have started to ban the use and production of synthetic cannabinoids. (4)

 

HHC and JWH are common synthetic cannabinoids.

Synthetic cannabinoids are sold as tempting candies and in many other edible forms.

 

Can synthetic cannabis show up in the blood?

 

A user of natural cannabis may end up in a situation where, due to use, they have to undergo drug tests and be excluded from working life, even if they never use cannabis during working hours. A positive drug test may also prevent e.g. access to therapy or different treatments.

How long does synthetic cannabis last in urine or blood? Currently, synthetic cannabinoids are not tested in blood or urine at all. It is known that hin fear of screening, some cannabis users switch to synthetic cannabinoids, as they are currently not tested in blood or urine at all. (1)

 

Reflections on the effects of the prohibition law on conversion drugs

 

The cannabis prohibition law is certainly part of the reason why synthetic cannabinoids have become more common in the illegal market as well. Synthetic cannabinoids are usually significantly cheaper and many times stronger alternatives to natural cannabis. In addition, their use is not looked for in drug screenings, which makes them the only option for many due to the fear of being caught. For the same reason, also in traffic, for example, many people may drive heavily intoxicated by synthetic drugs without any fear of punishment for drunk driving.

By reforming and regulating the Cannabis Act, one could presumably also reduce the problems caused by synthetic cannabinoids. Interest in synthetic substances might decrease if legal and natural cannabis were more easily, cheaply and safely available with proper quality control. At the moment, in countries where cannabis is illegal, its street market is completely wild and buyers often do not know exactly what or what strength of product they have purchased.

Regulation could also affect the strength and characteristics of the products on the market. Roughly summarized, the more antipsychotic and sedative CBD ( cannabidiol ) cannabis contains, the less adverse effects and health risks of the intoxicating THC . CBD seems to cancel out and balance the effects of THC. Often, illegal growers aim for a high THC content, ignoring CBD, which can cause psychological problems. In the case of legal products, an upper limit for the amount of THC could be decided, for example, and at the same time care should be taken that the balancing CBD content would be high enough.

 

Summary

 

Synthetic cannabinoids are chemical compounds whose use can cause serious side effects, so they should only be used in medical research. It is important that people understand the potential side effects of synthetic cannabinoids so that they can avoid using them for illegal purposes.

The most common synthetic cannabinoids are Dronabinol, JWH and Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). Unlike natural plant-derived cannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoids can be full agonists and bind to the body’s receptors completely, whereas natural ones only partially bind, being safer alternatives. Synthetic cannabis does not show up in a blood or urine test, because currently the tests do not screen them at all. Regulation of legal cannabis could potentially reduce the attractiveness and health hazards of synthetic substances.

 

Sources

 

  1. Castaneto MS et al. 2014. Pubmed. Synthetic cannabinoids: epidemiology, pharmacodynamics, and clinical implications. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25220897/ . Referenced 10/10/2023
  2. Leppänen M.. YLE. 2023. A new “legal cloud” spreads in Europe – Finland banned the sale. https://yle.fi/a/74-20024773 . Referenced 10/10/2023
  3. O’Donnell B. et al. 2022. National Library of Medicine. Dronabinol. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557531/. Referenced 10/10/2023.
  4. Roy EA 2018. The Guardian. Synthetic cannabis deaths spike in New Zealand, igniting legalization debate. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/27/synthetic-cannabis-deaths-new-zealand-legalisation-debate. Referenced 10/10/2023
Recreational use of cannabis is allowed in Europe

Recreational use of cannabis is allowed in Europe

cannabinoids, Hemp News

This summer there has been good hemp news from Europe, as Luxembourg legalized THC cultivation, use and possession of cannabis containing cannabis for private use with certain restrictions. Until now, the cultivation of CBD-containing plants, as well as the sale and use of CBD products, has been allowed, but with the reform of the law, at home, hidden from view, you can grow four plants containing THC and possess 3 grams of flowering for recreational or medicinal use. (1,2)

Germany follows


Likewise, a bill was passed in Germany , which, when it enters into force, will make the German cannabis law the most permissive in Europe. The German law reform still needs to be refined and adapted to different states, but the plans are that German citizens over the age of 18 who belong to the cannabis club would be allowed to both grow and possess THC-containing cannabis. A maximum of three plants could be grown at a time, and the purchase limit is planned to be 25 grams per day, with a maximum of 50 g per month for those over 21 and a maximum of 30 g per month for those under 21. (3)

Germany legalizes the use of cannabis.

With the law reform, a maximum of three plants can be grown in Germany at a time and a maximum of 25 grams of cannabis can be purchased per day.

 

The legalization wave in Europe started in Malta

 

The wave of legalization in Europe was first started by Malta in 2021, where the recreational use of cannabis is allowed for adults, limiting its use to seven (7) grams and four home-grown plants. (4)

The amendment to the law was voted on in Parliament in 2021, where the law was approved by a vote of 36-27. Owen Bonnici, also known as the “equality minister” who pushed the bill, says that Malta is trying to reduce the harms related to the use of cannabis with permissive legislation. The use of cannabis will continue to be prohibited in public places, and if cannabis is used in front of children, fines of 300-500 euros will follow. (4)

 

The purpose of the law reform is to reduce harm

 

The legal reforms aim to reduce the harms of cannabis and organized crime, as has happened in many countries after legalization. Also in many other countries, such as Finland , there has recently been a strong debate and new legal initiatives for the legalization of cannabis. The future will show which of the European countries will be next.

 

Sources

 

  1. Information from the Luxembourg Ministry of Justice. https://gouvernement.lu/fr/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2023/07-juillet/18-loi-cannabis.html. Referenced 10/3/2023
  2. RTL today. 2023. Luxembourg legalizes the cultivation and consumption of cannabis at home. https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/2079984.html. Referenced 10/3/2023
  3. Sky news. 2023. Germany approves Landmark bill to liberalize cannabis use and sale. https://news.sky.com/story/germany-approves-landmark-bill-to-liberalise-cannabis-use-and-sale-12941086. Referenced 10/3/2023.
  4. Reuters. 2021. Malta becomes the first European nation to approve cannabis for personal use. Referenced 10/6/2023.
CBD and cannabis in pet care

CBD and cannabis in pet care

cannabinoids, cbd for animals, Hemp News

CBD and cannabis in pet care. This is a translated article, the original can be read from here .

Veterinary medicine has advanced significantly in recent years and thanks to the availability of more effective drugs, many pets are living longer than years before. With age, however, problems arise, such as rheumatism or other pain and inflammation conditions. The negative side effects of commonly used painkillers can damage the immune system , bowel functions, and kidneys and liver. In addition to these consequences, painkillers do not always work as we would like – both in humans and animals, the effectiveness varies from individual to individual. CBD and cannabis in the treatment of pets are becoming more common at a fast pace.

Of all the uses of cannabis in human and veterinary medicine, pain relief is the best documented. Studies have shown cannabis to be a significant pain reliever in various diseases. THC and CBD extracts have been shown in studies to give people relief from both cancer and nerve pain .

Studies evaluating the effectiveness of cannabis in the treatment of arthritis in dogs have been completed. A recent Cornell University study showed a decrease in pain levels in dogs with rheumatism in a test group that received CBD, compared to a placebo group. Pain levels decreased without negative side effects.

Many veterinarians and pet owners have seen firsthand the positive effects of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of arthritis and pain conditions. The research only confirms what many have found in practice.

 

Alternatives to CBD products for pets

Animal CBD products are usually liquid oil, tablets, capsules or in the form of treats. Liquids are better because the dosage can be precisely controlled, and because CBD is better absorbed through the tissues of the mouth than through the digestive tract.

Vaporized or smoked cannabis should never be used to medicate pets. This can damage the pet’s lungs and lead to a harmful overdose.

On the same principle, edible cannabis products intended for human consumption should not be given to pets. They are difficult to dose accurately and may contain ingredients that are toxic to animals (such as raisins, chocolate, etc.).

On the other hand, almost all natural CBD products are also directly suitable for domestic animals, as long as there is nothing extra in the product, such as e.g. preservatives and additives. In other words, CBD oil can also be used at home, as long as you remember that just two drops of 2% CBD oil can get you a suitable dosage of approx. For a 10 kg pet. For smaller pets, even less can be enough.


How to choose the right medicine?

 

CBD and cannabis can be a good option for treating pets. When considering cannabis as a medical option for treating pain or inflammation, it is important to understand how the different components of a cannabis product can affect your pet. The following important factors should be kept in mind :

 

The Entourage Effect: The overall synergistic benefit of cannabis is related to the amount and ratio of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. These factors influence the degree of biological activity and the extent of the product’s effects.

Finding the right ratio of THC and CBD, as well as the dosage, are critical to success.

Take into account parallel medications and possible drug interactions .

Always talk to your veterinarian before starting a new drug or nutritional supplement to treat your pet’s illness.

The THC:CBD ratio varies from a very high ratio such as 20:1, to a balanced ratio of 1:1 and 1:2.

 

Dosage guide

Deciding which product or ratio to use for your pet’s pain and inflammation depends on the severity and origin of the pain. Below is a guide to choosing ratios to use for treating pain and inflammation in animals.

 

High CBD
4:1 – 20:1 / CBD:THC (little or no THC )
Mild to moderate pain such as arthritis and back pain

A balanced relationship

1:1 CBD/THC
Moderate pain such as arthritis and back pain.

High THC ratios

4:1 to 20:1 THC/CBD
Severe pain, such as cancer pain, nerve pain, and advanced arthritis.


When using cannabis as a medicine for pets, it must be remembered that significant side effects are unacceptable. The goal of cannabis treatment for pets is to relieve symptoms without other side effects. Pets’ normal behavior patterns should be unchanged after treatment.

The following are instructions for dosing THC and CBD for cats and dogs. Always talk to your veterinarian before starting to treat your pet’s illness with cannabis-based medicines.



Dosage of THC

THC is always a limiting factor in dosing .


0.2 to 0.6 mg of THC per 5 kg of body weight , twice a day.
Start with a small amount and slowly increase the dosage every 4-7 days.
Higher dosages may be possible/necessary on a case-by-case basis.
Keep a close eye on whether the pet shows any loss of balance or attention. Reduce the dose or stop the medication immediately if you notice significant side effects.

 

Dosage of CBD

0.5 to 5 mg of CBD per 5 kg of body weight , twice a day.
Start with a small amount and slowly increase the dosage every 4 to 7 days.
Often small doses are effective. Higher doses of CBD may be beneficial in certain conditions.

 

Medicinal cannabis can be of great benefit to animals in pain. The safe and effective use of cannabis requires an understanding of the milligram amounts of THC and CBD (or other cannabinoids ), the ratio of cannabinoids, and the appropriate dosing of the drug for animals.

Nothing is more important than your pet’s safety. So when it comes to the content or dosage of cannabis medicines, don’t leave anything to guesswork or make assumptions on your own.

The author of the original article, Gary Richter, one of the authors of projectcbd.org, is an Oakland-based veterinarian. You can read more about his work in the article CBD for pets .

You can read more about suitable dosing for animals here .

You can find the best CBD products in Finland in Hamppumaa’s online store .

 

Noora Peltola, hemp partner

Agrologist AMK, natural product developer & permaculture designer

www.hamppumaa.fi

CBD and fibromyalgia symptoms

CBD and fibromyalgia symptoms

cannabinoids, CBD experiences, Effect of CBD oil, Hemp News

The term fibromyalgia comes from the words “fibro” which refers to connective tissues and “myalgia” which describes muscle pain. Fibromyalgia is a common disease related to the central nervous system and affects about five percent of people (1). This article reviews research data on whether CBD is helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms.

 

What is fibromyalgia?

 

Fibromyalgia causes chronic fatigue, memory disorders, and pain in the locomotor and supporting organs, without the case being clearly associated with any inflammation, damage or injury. The symptoms are usually accompanied by low-quality sleep that is not restorative enough and leads to exhaustion. (1)

Older and middle-aged women are most affected by fibromyalgia. Among children and young people, it occurs only rarely (2).

 

Causes of Fibromyalgia

 

The cause of fibromyalgia is still not completely known, but it is thought to be related to an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system and a neural pain regulation disorder (1).

In addition, there are indications that fibromyalgia could be caused, at least in part, by anxiety and low mood caused by prolonged stress. This kind of repeated stress can be caused by many different reasons and it can be related to busyness, relationships, money worries, work, unemployment or, for example, traffic noise. (2)

People suffering from the disease have also been noticed to have similar changes in hormone balance as people suffering from a chronic stress state. It is still unclear whether chronic stress is directly caused by fibromyalgia or by other symptoms caused by it. For some reason, the disease most often appears only after middle age. (2)

Fibromyalgic manifestations are associated with several different factors, such as an injury, accident or infection, which can cause sensitization related to the central nervous system. At times, the local pain condition may even develop into pain sensitivity. There are usually other different diseases in the background, which makes the definition of the disease challenging. For example, the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may closely resemble the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Other common symptoms of fibromyalgia can be psychological and social problems, as well as overactive joints. (2)

Based on several studies, cannabinoid deficiency states in the internal cannabinoid system may be associated with the onset of fibromyalgia (3).

Two women and a fibromyalgia test.

Pain points are places on the body that, when pressed, produce intense pain, which usually only fibromyalgia sufferers react to.

Fibromyalgia and pain points

 

Fibromyalgia-related pain usually occurs in certain areas, in pain points, unlike e.g. in cases related to rheumatism and osteoarthritis. Pressing on certain pain points creates very strong pain conditions that usually do not occur in a healthy person. (4)

Fibromyalgia cannot be identified with standard laboratory tests, but pain points make it easier to make a diagnosis. Even if the patient has other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, but if he does not experience pain when pressing certain pain points, it is likely that it is not fibromyalgia. Pressing on the pain point can cause a tingling, stinging or burning sensation. Everyone suffering from fibromyalgia, so-called the pain map with points is individual. Pain is therefore definitely not experienced in all 18 pain points, but according to the definition of fibromyalgia, the patient experiences pain in at least 11 pain points. Pain points are often located around large joints and in the area of muscle attachment points, areas about the size of two euros. Pain points can be found on both sides of the body. There are 10 of them on the back and eight on the front. (4)

 

Fibromyalgia symptoms

 

Fibromyalgia is a disease that challenges everyday life, whose symptoms include e.g. constant muscle pain and soreness in the connective tissues, as well as a variety of psychological and neurological symptoms. In addition to these symptoms, it is common for people with fibromyalgia to sleep poorly and suffer from exhaustion, fatigue, weakness, numbness and swelling in the joints. When the body does not get the necessary rest during the night, the exhaustion continues immediately after waking up and it makes everyday life feel heavy. In particular, mental pressure may increase fatigue. Symptoms vary from case to case. (2)

The pain associated with fibromyalgia is described as cutting, burning and stabbing. Symptoms can also include headache, and pain in the urinary organs and stomach area. Based on research, in addition to mental stress and social pressures, cold, humidity and drafts can increase symptoms. Warm air and especially sauna may relieve the pain temporarily, but there is a downside, as the pain conditions may get worse after sauna. (2)

In deep sleep, growth hormone is secreted, which strengthens tissues. Without deep sleep, this growth hormone cannot be obtained, and therefore lower than normal levels of growth hormone have been observed in fibromyalgia patients. Disturbances in hormone secretion can increase the experience of various pain conditions. In studies where the subjects’ sleep has been disturbed, they have been found to have symptoms belonging to fibromyalgia (2). Deep sleep also plays an important role in getting the necessary rest and daily coping.

 

CBD oil and fibromyalgia


CBD and CBD oils are increasingly being used to treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Lynch and Campbell (2011) and Lynch and Ware (2015) conducted two systematic reviews of the use of cannabis/cannabinoids for chronic pain, including pain caused by fibromyalgia. The studies have been published in the years 2003–2010, and in addition to them, 11 studies have been published in the years 2011–2014. Around 2,000 participants took part in all 29 tests and their duration was several weeks. 22 out of 29 studies showed a significant analgesic or pain-reducing effect, and several also reported improvements in secondary outcomes such as sleep and spasticity. The results are remarkable and the news comforting for fibromyalgia sufferers. (5)

Recent advances made it possible to isolate the active substances of cannabis. At the same time, it enables the production of cannabinoid products, without the unwanted psychoactive effect and the possibility of providing pain relief and alleviation of other symptoms related to fibromyalgia. Cannabis itself is also approved for use in the treatment of chronic pain conditions. (6)

Evidence supporting cannabis in chronic pain conditions is abundant; however, in fibromyalgia they are mostly limited. There are only a handful of randomized trials, and their objectivity has been questioned. However, many retrospective studies and patient studies point to significant relief of pain, improvement of sleep and relief of related symptoms. Evidence supporting the use of cannabis in the treatment of chronic pain and especially fibromyalgia is being collected as the use of cannabis increases with current global trends. Although the current evidence is still limited, new data points to the positive effect of cannabis in the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms. 6)

Read more about pain and CBD oil .

 

A woman and a dog on a pole walk.

In the treatment of fibromyalgia, forms of exercise are recommended, e.g. water sports, cycling and dancing. Positive results have been obtained especially from pole walking and pilates exercises.

 

Fibromyalgia treatment

 

The treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms can be made easier if the disease can be diagnosed in the early stages. When the reason behind the long-lasting symptoms is known, it is easier to focus on its treatment when additional examinations are no longer needed. (2)

The causes of the disease and the intensity of the symptoms vary in people with fibromyalgia. There is still no single and suitable form of treatment for its treatment. Psychiatric treatment is always recommended if the illness is also accompanied by depression, severe exhaustion or some other psychological symptom. (2)

Exercise is believed to strengthen the body’s own functions related to pain relief. Recommended forms of exercise are water sports, walking, cycling, skiing and dancing. Positive results have been obtained e.g. pole walking and pilates exercises. (2)

It is also possible for fibromyalgia sufferers to participate in a rehabilitation course, which is intended to encourage exercise, treatment and reduce the exhaustion associated with the disease together with groups. The treatment includes e.g. pampering the body which includes massage, baths and conversations. Sometimes the treatments also use cold therapy such as avto.

Medicines in the treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms

No actual drugs have been developed to treat fibromyalgia. Medicines that improve sleep and mood are often first tried. To minimize side effects, drug treatment is recommended to start with the lowest possible dosage. Some drugs used to treat depression (such as duloxetine and milnacipran) have been found to have effects in alleviating the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Some also get help from the more traditional paracetamol, but NSAIDs can do more harm than good. In the most severe cases of pain, drugs intended for the treatment of nerve pain such as gapapentine (Gabrion) and pregabalin (Lyrica) are used. (2)

Although fibromyalgia cannot be completely cured yet, once a suitable medication is found, it can be alleviated, e.g. symptoms related to pain and fatigue significantly. Medicines are not helpful for everyone, however, and due to their harmful side effects, it is recommended to start a possible medication regimen with low dosages. Since the disease is not caused by inflammation, traditional anti-inflammatory drugs do not help it either. In addition, strong opioid-based painkillers usually only have side effects. (6)

Antidepressants, nerve pain medications, and SNRIs are often prescribed to treat fibromyalgia patients. The medication aims to reduce pain, sleep difficulties and anxiety. Sometimes different medicines are used at the same time, but despite this they do not necessarily bring the necessary relief to the symptoms. Although paracetamol is commonly used in the treatment of pain, there is no evidence that it can be used to treat fibromyalgia. (6)

 

 

10 facts about fibromyalgia

  • Fibromyalgia occurs in approximately 2-8 percent of the population.
  • There is no cure for the disease, but the symptoms can be alleviated or even disappear on their own.
  • Causes the second most long-term pain in the musculoskeletal system.
  • Chronic pain syndrome accompanied by variable pain and other symptoms.
  • The pain regulation system becomes more sensitive and changes occur in the functioning of the involuntary nervous system.
  • Medicines can mainly treat pain and exhaustion.
  • Hereditary factors affect about half of the cases.
  • Exercise, sleep quality and maintaining mental well-being are essential to the treatments.
  • The disease cannot be detected in a laboratory.
  • Fibromyalgia rarely occurs in children. ( 6)

 

CBD oil, bottle and pipette.

With the help of CBD oil, the symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as pain and insomnia , can be relieved and thus the quality of life can be improved.

 

 

 


Fibromyalgia and diet

 

There is no unequivocal evidence of the effect of diet in the treatment of fibromyalgia. The help received from nutrition is always case-specific. General recommendations for fibromyalgia are to pay particular attention to adequate intake of trace elements and vitamins such as vitamin D. (6)

Other fibromyalgic patients avoid foods such as alcohol, red meat, sugar and gluten. Abstaining from certain foods eases symptoms for some and not for others. It is important for everyone to find a diet and food rhythms that suit them. Above all, it would be good to try to avoid stress related to eating, so that the body can find an optimal balance. (6)

 

How to live with fibromyalgia symptoms?

 

How to live with fibromyalgia symptoms? Based on experience, healthy lifestyles, regular exercise, rest and a suitable diet can make living with the disease much easier. Positive experiences have also been gained from group courses, where you can talk about your own experiences and peer support is available.

More and more people are experiencing that CBD provides significant relief from fibromyalgia symptoms. So one recommended way is to try it CBD oils that you can order from the online store .

 

Sources

  1. Heikki Julkunen. 2019. Duodecim. Fibromyalgia. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00016. Referred on 03/28/2022
  2. Tom Petterson. 2021. Rheumatism Association. Fibromyalgia . https://www.reumaliitto.fi/fi/reuma-aapinen/reumataudit/fibromyalgia. Referred on 29/03/2022
  3. Russo, E. 2004. Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD): Can this Concept Explain Therapeutic Benefits of Cannabis in Migraine, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other Treatment-Resistant Conditions? Neuroendocrinology Letters. https://www.nel.edu/userfiles/articlesnew/NEL251204R02.pdf?route=pdf_/25_12/NEL251204R02_Russo_.pdf
  4. Fibromyalgiakipu.fi. Fibromyalgia pain points .
    https://fibromyalgiakipu.fi/fibromyalgia-kipupisteet/. Referred on 10/05/2022
  5. Sonja Vučković et al. Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules. Front Pharmacol. 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6277878/. Referred on 10/05/2022.
  6. Amnon A. Berger et al. ScienceDirect. 2020. Cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of fibromyalgia. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1521689620300781?via%3Dihub. Referred on 10/05/2022
  7. Henna Laitio. 2016. Rheumatism Association. In the treatment of fibromyalgia pain syndrome, drug-free treatment methods are emphasized. https://www.reumaliitto.fi/fi/fibromyalgia-kipuoireyhtyman-hoidossa-korostuvat-laakkeettomat-hoitokeinot. Referred on 29/03/2022
Anandamide: the happiness molecule for your brain

Anandamide: the happiness molecule for your brain

cannabinoids, CBD experiences, Hemp News

In the late 1980s, receptors for THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, were discovered in the brain. But since THC does not occur naturally in the body, the existence of these receptors puzzled scientists. The mystery was solved a few years later, when arachidonylethanolamide was discovered, which was later called anandamide.

 

Anandamide is a neurotransmitter produced by the brain that binds to THC receptors. It has been called the “happiness molecule” from the Sanskrit word Ananda according to which means joy, bliss or happiness. It has been considered an endocannabinoid – a substance produced by the body that binds to cannabinoid receptors.

 

Before long, anandamide was found to do much more than produce a happier state of being. It is synthesized in areas of the brain that are important for memory, advanced thinking and movement. It plays a significant role in regulating pain, appetite and fertility. It also prevents the proliferation of cancer cells.

 

By increasing neurogenesis – the creation of new nerve cells – anandamide appears to have both anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties. Anandamide, like all neurotransmitters, is fragile and breaks down quickly in the body, which is why it does not produce a constant state of bliss.

 

Anandamide, cannabis and memory

 

Dr. Gary L. Wenk is a leading expert on chronic brain inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. For years, he has researched whether smoking cannabis can prevent memory loss caused by both normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease. He has been surprised and excited to discover that cannabis seems to protect against memory loss that comes with aging.

 

According to Dr. Wenk, the high number of anandamide receptors indicates the importance of that neurotransmitter in regulating brain function. He has discovered that by stimulating the brain’s cannabinoid receptors, the brain can be protected by reducing inflammation and increasing neurogenesis. He argues that in later life, cannabis may actually help the aging brain rather than harm it.

 

“ Usually we don’t think cannabis is good for our brain, and especially not for memory,” Wenk points out. “How could a drug that clearly impairs memory in people under its influence protect the brain from the effects of aging? The answer probably has to do with the functioning of young and old brains and a host of age-related changes in brain chemistry. When we are young, we influence the formation of new memories by stimulating the brain’s cannabinoid receptors. However, later in life, the brain gradually shows increasing evidence of inflammation and a dramatic reduction in the production of new neurons, which are important in the development of new memories.”

 

Another factor in determining whether cannabis has a beneficial or detrimental effect on memory is dosage. Apparently, very little cannabis is required to improve memory in old brains. Dr. Wenk’s colleague summed it up in the phrase “one smoke is enough”, as it is enough to significantly improve memory in older people.

 

How to add anandamide – the happiness molecule to your brain

 

The existence of anandamide clearly has many general health and mental health benefits. Here are a few ways to increase levels naturally.

 

Chocolate

 

Chocolate is one of the most loved foods on the planet. It’s rare to meet someone who doesn’t enjoy chocolate. Chocolate is loved for its taste and creamy texture, and for its ability to make you instantly happy. Chocolate is known to contain more than 300 chemical compounds and scientists have been diligently trying to find out the biochemical origin of its appeal.

 

It is well known that chocolate contains caffeine, which improves mood, and phenylethylamine, called the “love molecule”, which stimulates the feeling of love. It also contains theobromine, a substance comparable to coffee, which acts as a relaxant rather than a stimulant. It has been hypothesized that theobromine causes the brain to produce more anandamide.

 

Chocolate is supposed to contain both anandamide and components that slow down its degradation (N-acylethanolamines). This gives the net result of anandamide, which is responsible for the temporary feeling of happiness that follows eating chocolate.

 

However, anandamide has been hypothesized to be the reason why chocolate is the primary food for cravings. It used to be believed that women in particular craved chocolate because of its relatively high magnesium content, but there may be another, more strongly influencing factor. According to a study conducted at the San Diego Neuroscience Institute in California “Chocolate contains pharmacologically active substances that have effects on the brain similar to cannabis, and these chemicals may play a role in certain drug-induced psychoses associated with chocolate cravings.”

 

To get the most anandamide from chocolate, one should prefer to eat dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. Or what’s even better, you should eat cocoa beans, which are the raw material used to make chocolate. Cacao beans are significantly less processed than the best chocolate, contain no sugar, and are a more concentrated source of chocolate’s beneficial components.

 

Truffles

 

Until recently, chocolate was believed to be the only food that contained anandamide. The perception changed when a group of Italian scientists discovered that black truffles (Tuber melanosporum) also contain it. Interestingly, this fungus produces anandamide, but does not contain receptors for it, which would presumably trigger some sort of biological effect. Because of this, researchers believe that truffles would produce anandamide as a mechanism to attract animals to eat them, thus promoting the spread by releasing fungal spores.

 

Truffles are in high demand among top chefs around the world, but they are difficult to cultivate, so most are found in the wild thanks to truffle hunters and their accompanying truffle-seeking dogs. Traditionally, the use of truffle-seeking pigs is prohibited, as they not only eat the truffles but also trample and damage their growing medium.

The presence of the happiness-producing anandamide explains why truffle-hunting animals seek out the mushroom with such ecstatic enthusiasm!

 

Unless you’re independently wealthy or have your own secret truffle-growing stash, you may want to stick to chocolate or other anandamide-rich foods like celery, broccoli, and tea. Truffles are so expensive that it can shock you permanently. Black truffles currently go for $95 an ounce, but are a bargain compared to white truffles that cost almost twice as much!

 

Flow mode

 

What is something you love to do so much that time seems to disappear? This state of heightened attention, super-focus and peak performance is called being in the “zone” or “flow state”. Flow is defined as “the optimal state of consciousness where we feel our best and perform our best.” During the flow state, the brain releases large amounts of feel-good chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, endorphins and anandamide.

 

Fitness

 

If you are a runner, you may have experienced “runner’s high”. Although often associated with endorphins, this theory is beginning to lose popularity. One reason is that endorphin molecules are too large to cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain. A study conducted at the University of Arizona found that endocannabinoids, including anandamide, are more likely to cause “runner’s high.”

 

Cannabis? Perhaps

 

Smoking cannabis might seem like a logical option if you want to experience more happiness, since THC clearly attaches to the same receptors as anandamide. But is smoking cannabis the right choice to relieve anxiety, increase happiness or improve memory to everyone? Probably not.

 

When anandamide binds to cannabinoid receptors, it has a calming, anti-anxiety effect on most people to people, but almost 20 percent of the population reacts differently. There is a naturally occurring enzyme called FAAH that deactivates anandamide. Some people have a genetic predisposition to less FAAH, which means they naturally have more anandamide in their brains. These people are generally less anxious and, interestingly, less likely to like cannabis. According to Richard A. Friedman, professor of clinical psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College, those with the FAAH gene variant experience happiness decreasing while they smoke cannabis. His position is that when there is more anandamide naturally, there is less need for cannabis.

 

Dr. Friedman, an expert in neurobiology and the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, has also found that cannabis can be harmful to those suffering from anxiety. “Psychotropic drugs, therapies and relaxation techniques are not for everyone, so what’s wrong with using cannabis to relieve anxiety? The problem is that cannabis overwhelms the brain’s cannabinoid system, and there is evidence that chronic use may not only relieve anxiety, but interfere with learning and memory.”, he notes in a New York Times article.

 

Anandamide is a relatively new discovery and there is still much to learn about how it affects the brain and mood in both healthy people and those with mental or brain disorders. But there is certainly no harm in exercising, being in the “zone” and eating a little chocolate.

*However, if you want to benefit from the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant without the effect of intoxicating THC, you can easily order CBD oil online through a Finnish- language online store .

 

This article was translated from the original by hemp partner Juuso.

The original article can be found here: http://reset.me/story/anandamide-putting-the-bliss-molecule-to-work-for-your-brain/

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The effect of CBD on well-being

The effect of CBD on well-being

cannabinoids, CBD experiences, Effect of CBD oil, Hemp News

CBD’s effect on well-being is versatile. On this page you will find studies on the effects of cannabinoids such as CBD, e.g. for the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia and pain conditions.

During the past decades, a significant amount of research has been done on the effects of different cannabinoids. In particular, CBD has been extensively studied using various tests and methods. Several studies have taken into account the relationships of cannabinoids to each other, as well as their effect together and separately. However, research is still in its early stages and it is generally known that the factors affecting the endocannabinoid system are not yet fully understood. However, it has been shown to be true that external cannabinoids can be useful for a wide range of imbalances in the body, both in humans and in other mammals.

Depression

It seems that the endocannabinoid system is involved in the treatment of depression , although its role is not yet fully understood. Based on the published data, the endocannabinoid system provides new ideas and options in the treatment of depression, but further studies are still needed to determine which patient group could benefit from such treatment (1).

A 2018 study published in the journal Molecular Neurobiology concluded that CBD is a promising fast-acting antidepressant. While traditional antidepressants typically take some time to work, a study in rodents showed that CBD had rapid and sustained antidepressant-like effects (2).

There are many individual cases in the world where cannabis has helped research patients in the treatment of depression. In addition, new studies have been conducted that report the importance of the role of the endocannabinoid system in depression, indicating that there is a link between endocannabinoid dysfunction and depression. The TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration ) is known to approve cannabis for patients with depression, which suggests that cannabis plays a role in the treatment of depression (3).

We still lack high-quality clinical studies that emphasize depression or the improvement of depression as the most important outcome. However, there are mouse experiments that show that cannabis can help with depression. Other studies, such as the Sativex studies, have shown a significant improvement in the well-being of people using cannabis medicines (4).

The anti-depressant effects of cannabis, as well as the interaction between antidepressants and the endocannabinoid system, were reported in a study in 2010. The study in question was conducted to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of delta9-THC and other cannabinoids. The results of the study show that delta9-THC and other cannabinoids have an antidepressant-like effect and can therefore influence the mood-enhancing properties of cannabis (4).

Anxiety

Studies that were conducted on animals and performed various tests such as the forced swim test (FST), Elevated plus maze (EPM) and Vogel conflict test (VCT), suggest that CBD has anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects in research animals (5).

Overall, the existing preclinical evidence strongly supports the potential of CBD in the treatment of anxiety disorders. CBD has multifaceted effects that are relevant in several different areas related to anxiety (6).

Since endocannabinoids appear to play an important role in major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder, the Cannabis sativa plant is suggested for their treatment. The endocannabinoid system covers a wide range of the entire body, including the brain, and is responsible for a wide range of different body functions. The system in question is linked to mood and related disorders. Exogenous cannabinoids can alter its activity. CB1 and CB2 receptors mainly act as binding sites for endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids produced by cannabis flowers. However, cannabis is not a single compound, but is known for its complex molecular profile, which produces numerous phytocannabinoids and many different terpenes. Thus, synergism has a positive effect due to the addition of terpenes to cannabinoids (7).

Read more in the article CBD oil can relieve anxiety .

Stress

A study published in 2018 found that CBD has stress-reducing effects that can reduce stress-related depression. The results of the study suggest that in chronically stressed mice, CBD prevents stress-induced reduced hippocampal neurogenesis and stress-induced angiogenesis, i.e. new blood vessel formation (8). Read more in the article CBD and stress .

Nerve pain

According to the study, cannabidiol (CBD), the significant non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. This study investigated its therapeutic potential in the treatment of neuropathic and inflammatory pain in rats. The results of the study show that CBD has potential for therapeutic use in painful chronic pain conditions (9).

Pain

A 2018 review , Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules , evaluates how well CBD works for chronic pain relief . The review looked at studies conducted between 1975 and March 2018. These studies looked at a variety of pain conditions, including cancer pain, neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia. Based on these studies, researchers concluded that CBD was effective in general pain management and did not cause negative side effects (10).

Inflammations

One 2017 review found that CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may help with the following conditions (11):

A 2016 study looked at the effect of CBD on rats with arthritis . Researchers found that topical CBD gel reduced joint swelling and pain in rats. No significant side effects resulted from the experiment. Research shows that CBD cosmetics have therapeutic potential for reducing the behavior and inflammation associated with arthritis pain without apparent side effects (12).

Insomnia

Several studies on CBD, anxiety and sleep have found that many patients do not notice a difference immediately. A 2019 study found that subjects took about a month to notice a difference (13). So be patient and remember that the desired results may take time.

The final sample consisted of 72 adults with primary concerns of anxiety (n = 47) or poor sleep (n = 25). Anxiety scores decreased during the first month in 57 patients (79.2%) and remained low during the duration of the study. Sleep quality improved during the first month in 48 patients (66.7%), but varied over time. In this chart review, CBD was well tolerated in all but three patients (13).

CBD may also be promising for those suffering from REM sleep disorders and excessive daytime sleepiness. The synthetic cannabinoid nabilone can reduce PTSD-related nightmares and improve sleep among patients with chronic pain (14).

Read more in the article CBD oil and insomnia .

Effects of CBD on concentration

CBD has several properties that not only improve our general well-being, but also increase concentration and energy. It stimulates the endocannabinoid system, one of whose functions is to regulate attention, memory, concentration and energy. By helping the endocannabinoid system to function better, CBD also helps increase our productivity (15).

If your inattention and inability to concentrate are due to health issues, we strongly recommend that you consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. While CBD can help improve concentration, focus, and energy, it is still necessary to find the root cause of your problems in order to properly address it. Your doctor can also help you find the best CBD products for focus or energy and dosage.

Terpenes in the treatment of depression, anxiety and stress

Terpenes found in hemp and their effect on anxiety, depression and stress have also been the subject of research. Terpenes are found especially in the essential oils of hemp, but also in the resin of plants. Terpenes give hemp its characteristic aroma. Listed below are 4 common terpenes and their effects. Note most of the experiments have been done on mice and further studies are needed.

  • Limonene – research shows that the terpene limonene can relieve stress and anxiety (16).
  • Pinene – research shows that the terpene pinene has anti-anxiety effects (17).
  • Linalool – research shows that the smell of linalool can have anxiolytic effects (18).
  • Myrcene – research shows that myrcene has a calming effect (19).

Possible side effects of CBD

Although many studies show that CBD is generally safe, it is worth considering the fact that people are different and that different active ingredients will cause a different reaction in some people than in others. Here you can find information about the possible side effects that CBD may cause in some rare cases.

Side effects are relatively rare. However, some users may experience possible minor side effects such as Below is a list of side effects that have been obtained in the 2019 study’s mouse experiments (20).

  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Change in appetite
  • Weight fluctuation
  • Mood swings
  • Possible interactions with medicines can reduce or strengthen the effect of the medicine.

The text on this page is not intended for product marketing. The website administrator is also not responsible for the correctness of the text and possible errors. The reader should carefully check all the sources appearing in the text. The content of the page is not intended as self-care instructions for any disease or situation. We recommend discussing possible changes in your life situation first together with an expert doctor.

Sources

  1. Ewa Poleszak et al. Cannabinoids in depressive disorders , Life Sciences, Volume 213, 2018
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0024320518306040
  2. Sales AJ, Fogaça MV, Sartim AG, et al. Cannabidiol induces rapid and sustained antidepressant-like effects through increased BDNF signaling and synaptogenesis in the prefrontal cortex . Mol Neurobiol 56, 1070–1081 (2019). doi:10.1007/s12035-018-1143-4
  3. Wen-Juan Huang et al. Endocannabinoid system: Role in depression, reward and pain control , Mol Med Rep. 2016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5042796/
  4. Abir T. El-Alfy et al. Antidepressant-like effect of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids isolated from Cannabis sativa L . Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. Volume 95, Issue 4, 2010. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091305710000730
  5. Alexandre R de Mello Schier et al. Antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects of cannabidiol: a chemical compound of Cannabis sativa . CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets, 2014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24923339/
  6. Esther M. Blessing et al. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders . Neurotherapeutics. 2015. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1?handl_url
  7. Ferber, Sari G. et al. The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders . Current Neuropharmacology, Volume 18. Number 2. 2020. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/ben/cn/2020/00000018/00000002/art00004
  8. José A. Crippa et al. Translational Investigation of the Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD): Toward a New Age . Front Immunol. 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6161644/
  9. Barbara Costa et al. The non-psychoactive cannabis constituent cannabidiol is an orally effective therapeutic agent in rat chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain . Eur J Pharmacol. 2007. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17157290/
  10. Sonja Vučković et al. Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules . Front Pharmacol. 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6277878/
  11. Simona Pisanti. Cannabidiol: State of the art and new challenges for Therapeutic applications . Pharmacol Ther. 2017. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28232276/
  12. DC Hammell et al. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviors in a rat model of arthritis . Eur J Pain. 2016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
  13. Scott Shannon et al. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. Perm J. 2019. https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-for-insomnia#how-to-use
  14. Kimberly A. Babson. Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature . Current Psychiatry Reports. volume 19, Article number: 23. 2017. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11920-017-0775-9
  15. Ruth E Cooper. Cannabinoids in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized-controlled trial. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2017. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28576350/
  16. Naiana GPB Lima et al. A nxiolytic-like activity and GC-MS analysis of (R)-(+)-limonene fragrance, a natural compound found in foods and plants. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2013. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22995322/
  17. Tadaaki Satou et al. Daily inhalation of α-pinene in mice: effects on behavior and organ accumulation. Phytother Res. 2014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25340185/
  18. Hiroki Harada et al. Linalool Odor-Induced Anxiolytic Effects in Mice. Front Behav Neurosci. 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6206409/
  19. T Gurgel do Vale et al. Central effects of citral, myrcene and limonene, constituents of essential oil chemotypes from Lippia Alba (Mill.) ne Brown. Phytomedicine. 2002. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12587690/
  20. Ewing Le, Skinner Cm, Quick Cm, et al. Hepatotoxicity of a Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis Extract in the Mouse Model. Molecules. 2019; 24. https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/9/1694

The explosively growing CBD market

The explosively growing CBD market

cannabinoids, Hemp News

The cannabinoid market is growing globally in many different market sectors. This is due to increased research data and demand for cannabinoids. The availability of new products and the interest of consumers is reflected in the increase in the production capacity of companies. Due to this, even large, more traditional corporations have started investing in the CBD market and the production of cannabinoid-based products .

 

The CBD market is the fastest growing industry

 

For example, the Swiss Domaco, whose biggest customers are Danone and Bayer, has signed an agreement with the Australian CBD product manufacturer Creso Pharma to produce products for the Australian, European and Latin American markets.
Domaco is a leading producer of innovative products for global pharmaceutical and food companies 1 .

Such cooperation agreements also raise the profile of other large companies. At the end of 2017, the global natural food market was around 190 billion euros. With the Swiss natural food market rising to 37 million euros by the end of 2017 1 .

The anxiety and stress market was estimated to be around 3.3 billion euros in 2015. The osteoporosis market is estimated to reach 13.3 billion euros by 2021 and the osteoarthritis market to 5.5 billion euros by 2022. The animal health market is estimated to be worth 35.9 billion euros in 2018.
Creso Pharma is bringing its own CBD products to each market sector in the next few years 1 . Data company Brightfield Group estimates in a new report that sales of hemp-based CBD exceeded $190 million in the United States in 2016, and with a 55% annual growth rate, the CBD market will reach $1 billion by 2020 2 .

Since the United States Department of Health patented CBD and other cannabinoids as antioxidants in 2003 (A. Hampson. 2003), their use in cosmetic products has increased both in the United States and around the world. CBD is supposed to moisturize dry skin, treat acne, both psoriasis and eczema. Hemp extracts have become a focus for several cosmetics manufacturers, as CBD allows them to stand out from the already fierce competition in the well-known natural cosmetics market. The cosmetics market is estimated to be worth approximately 460 billion dollars globally 3 .

Medicinal cannabis has attracted interest in Finland as well, as in July 2017 the shares of the Canadian medical cannabis manufacturer Canopy Growth were the most bought by Nordnet 4 . In Finland, MP Mikael Jungner has proposed growing cannabis as a profitable business in agriculture.

 

The legalization of CBD products and cannabis would bring in hundreds of millions in tax revenue

 

The legalization of CBD products and cannabis could mean the same amount of growth in the economy and tax revenues in Finland as has happened in Colorado since the legalization of cannabis.

In Colorado’s model, which has a population the size of Finland, 30% of cannabis sales go directly to the development of Verona’s school systems, and the remaining hundreds of millions employ and generate vitality for agriculture 5 .

Canada plans to legalize the recreational use of cannabis in July 2018, and companies are preparing for legalization across the United States on the 6th , 7th , and 8th.

At the European level, the cannabinoid market is estimated to grow in the future as the largest in the world in the next five years. According to the estimates of EIHA, Nova Institute and HempConsult, the value of the European CBD medicinal market itself is approximately two billion euros 9 .

Hemp also contains more than 100 other different cannabinoids and hundreds of other compounds, from which the development of research opens up opportunities to develop more new hemp products.

As research information increases, changes to the legislation can also be expected, as it would be beneficial for the growth economy and public health to enable the CBD market and wider commercial production of hemp products.

As the growth of the cannabis industry expands, the industry of various ancillary services will also develop. The electronics giant Microsoft’s cooperation with the authorities gives indications of this. Monitoring tools for medical cannabis farms are being created by Microsoft. 8.

You can easily order Finland’s most popular CBD oil from the online store .

Sources

 

  1. Anderson, D. 2017. Cannabinoid nutraceuticals set for European take off? nutraingredients.com . Referred on 10/05/2018
  2. Borchardt, D. 2017. Hemp Cannabis Product Sales Projected To Hit $1 Billion In 3 Years. forbes.com . Referred on 23/05/2018.
  3. Whitehouse, L. 2016. Czech Republic leading on hemp beauty in Europe. cosmeticsdesign-europe.com . Referred on 23/05/2018.
  4. Hurmerinta, M. 2017. Small investors got excited about cannabis. arvopaperi.fi . Referred on 23/05/2018
  5. Mansikkamäki, E. 2017. Former SDP member of parliament Jungner: Cannabis is an opportunity for agriculture – income for provinces and schools. ruralfuture.fi . Referred on 23/05/2018
  6. Pape-Mustonen, T. 2017. MTK’s Marttila: “If cannabis is legalized, of course there will be entrepreneurship. www.maaseuduntulevaisuus.fi . Referred on 23/05/2018.
  7. Pape-Mustonen, T. 2017. Cannabis drinks from beer companies: Companies are preparing for the legalization of marijuana across the United States. ruralfuture.fi . Referenced 22.4. 2018.
  8. Kangas, N. 2016. From greenhouses to pharmacies of the future. Garden and shop, 15 issue. 9. Referred to on 20.4. 2018
  9. Carpenter, J. 2017. Report: European Medical Cannabis Market Value Forecast $59 Billion Upon Legalization. cashinbis.com . Referred on 23/05/2018
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