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The Five Greatest Benefits of Cannabis for Diabetes.

The prevalence of diabetes continues to grow worldwide, and the world needs an effective solution to this problem. Scientists have studied the effect of cannabis on the prevention of diabetes and obesity, which is the main cause of diabetes. Cannabis may have diabetes benefits, of which we highlight five.

Diabetes is a term for a group of related metabolic disorders characterized by persistently high blood sugar levels. Diabetes affects over 420 million people worldwide, causing millions of deaths each year, and its prevalence is growing. There is ample evidence that cannabis can help prevent and treat disease.

There are two main types of diabetes:

  • Type 1 occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, requiring insulin injections. The cause is unknown and can occur at any age.
  • Type 2 occurs when the body does not use insulin efficiently. Type 2 diabetes is more common than type 1 diabetes. There are several known causes of type 2 diabetes, the most important of which are genetics and lifestyle. Type 2 diabetes is most common in adults, but is increasingly being diagnosed in children.

1. Cannabis can prevent diabetes.

Diabetes is associated with high fasting insulin and insulin resistance, as well as low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. In 2013, the results of a five-year study on the effects of cannabis on fasting insulin and insulin resistance were published in the American Journal of Medicine. Of the 4657 respondents, 2554 used cannabis (579 were current users and 1975 were former users) and 2103 had never used it.
The researchers found that active cannabis users had 16 percent less fasting insulin and 17 percent less insulin resistance, as well as higher HDL cholesterol levels, than respondents who had never used cannabis. Respondents who have used cannabis during their lifetime but do not currently use cannabis showed similar but less pronounced associations, suggesting that the protective effects of cannabis wear off over time.

The researchers also analyzed the data excluding people with diabetes. Even after excluding diabetics, current cannabis users were found to have decreased fasting insulin and insulin resistance, suggesting that cannabis can help prevent diabetes and control symptoms in diagnosed cases.

2. Cannabis reduces insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance (IR) is a condition that causes cells to override the normal mechanism of production of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that is fundamental to regulating glucose metabolism. IR is associated with type 2 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body cannot make insulin, whereas in type 2 diabetes, insulin production is not impaired, but cells cannot process it.

When cells become insulin-resistant, they can no longer take up the glucose needed to supply energy, and unused glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to hyperglycemia.

Authors of a 2013 study found that current cannabis users have an average IR of 1.8, compared with 2.2 for previous users and 2.5 for those who have never used cannabis. It has also been found that current cannabis users have lower blood sugar levels compared to previous and non-users. Current users had an average blood sugar level of 99.7 mg / dL compared to 100.6 mg / dL in previous cannabis users and 103.5 mg / dL in those who did not use cannabis. However, the exact mechanism by which cannabinoids affect IR is not yet known.

3. Cannabis helps prevent obesity.

Obesity, high body mass index (BMI), and large waist size are associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes. There have been various studies on the relationship between cannabis use and BMI – with conflicting results. A 2005 Young People Study found that cannabis use was not associated with a higher BMI, while two large national studies showed slightly lower BMI and reduced obesity among cannabis users, despite above average daily calorie intake. A previously cited 2013 study found that cannabis use was associated with a smaller waist than non-users.

Although the mechanism underlying the complex relationship between the endocannabinoid system, obesity, and diabetes is not yet fully understood, a 2012 study found that obese rats lost significantly and gained weight in their pancreas after exposure to organic cannabis extract.

The increase in pancreatic weight indicates that the beta cells of the pancreas (which are responsible for the production of insulin) are protected by the presence of cannabinoids. In type 1 diabetes, the beta cells are destroyed by an autoimmune response, so protecting the beta cells can help control the disease.

4. Cannabis can treat diabetes-related neuropathy.

People with diabetes often develop nervous disorders as a result of the disease. Nerve damage often affects the periphery, such as the arms and legs, but can occur in any organ or area of ​​the body. The damage can be asymptomatic, but in many cases the condition is accompanied by pain, tingling, and numbness. Like many other forms of nervous pain, diabetic neuropathy is difficult to treat with traditional pain relievers. However, there is evidence that cannabis may play a role too.
A study published in 2009 examined the antinociceptive (pain relieving) effects of cannabidiol extract on diabetes-related neuropathy in rats. The authors found that repeated administration of the CBD extract significantly alleviated mechanical allodynia (painful response to non-painful stimuli) and restored normal pain perception without inducing hyperglycemia.

Cannabis has also been found to protect the liver from oxidative stress (thought to be an important factor in neuropathy) and to raise nerve growth factor levels to normal levels.

However, studies in humans have so far yielded less positive results. Also in 2009, a randomized controlled trial examined the ability of GW Pharmaceuticals’ Sativex spray to relieve symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Thirty subjects were treated with either Sativex or placebo. Pain scores improved significantly across the board, but the effect of Sativex was not significantly higher than that of placebo.

5. Cannabis can treat diabetic retinopathy.

Up to 80 percent of diabetic patients with the condition for more than ten years will develop a complication called diabetic retinopathy (DRP). In this case, retinal cells are gradually damaged. This disease is responsible for about five percent of the annual new cases of blindness in the United States.

DRP is associated with glucose-induced destruction of the external blood-retinal barrier, a network of densely packed cells that prevent unwanted substances in the blood from entering the mesh tissue. This disruption causes the nerve tissue to be exposed to neurotoxins and increases the likelihood of bleeding in the retina.

The processes of the pro-inflammatory immune response and oxidative stress are thought to play a key role in the breakdown of retinal cells. There is evidence that cannabidiol, with its known ability to combat both oxidative stress and inflammation, may be helpful in treating this condition.

In a 2006 study published in the American Journal of Pathology, rats with diabetes were given CBD and tested to determine the rate of retinal cell death. CBD treatment has been shown to significantly reduce oxidative stress and neurotoxicity and protect against retinal cell death and degradation of the Buda retinal barrier. It also included a decrease in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), a substance known to be involved in the inflammatory response.

While conventional and stereotypical perceptions of cannabis users often suggest that cannabis may have negative effects on BMI, waist and diabetes, scientific evidence suggests otherwise. Overall, cannabis users are associated with a lower risk of diabetes and a lower risk of obesity, the leading cause of type 2 diabetes.

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Hokkaido hemp: a rare Japanese landrace.

The northernmost island of Hokkaido in Japan seems like an unlikely place for native cannabis varieties to emerge, but this is where Hokkaido cannabis thrives.
There are countless varieties of cannabis. Each has been selectively bred to reflect specific traits that will suit the needs of all types of producers. Some are full of aroma, while others have been designed to increase size and potency. All of these domesticated varieties are derived from wild native varieties. Due to their genetic stability and breeding potential, these wild specimens are in high demand.

Many growers know the origin of the most famous varieties. Kush genetics originate from the Hindu Kush mountain range, and the autoflowering genetics of cannabis ruderalis was developed in the harsh climates of Siberia and Kazakhstan. Well-known sativa genetics originated in regions such as Thailand and Jamaica. But did you know that cannabis also grows wild in Japan?

Introducing: Hokkaido hemp.

Yes seriously. The East Asian island state is home to a fertile cannabis variety. On the second largest island in Japan – Hokkaido. However, this is not just a find of an old landrace. Hemp in Hokkaido is not only rare but also under threat.

This landrace population is unique in its genetic and chemical composition. This presents an interesting opportunity for breeders, researchers and conservationists. Unfortunately, the Japanese authorities are trying to destroy these wild hemp fields.

Hokkaido cannabis reputation.

Let’s take a closer look at the nuances of Hokkaido cannabis and find out what makes this landrace so mysterious and mesmerizing.
An Ancient and Proud Race: The History of Cannabis in Hokkaido.

Japan has a zero-tolerance policy for cannabis. Citizens can be sentenced to 5 years in prison for acquisition and 7 years for cultivation. This has not always been the case.


In Japan, the relationship with cannabis dates back to ancient times. Ten thousand year old hemp fibers have been found in Obama, a city in Fukui Prefecture, and ancient hemp seeds have been found in Tateyama, a city in Chiba Prefecture.

There is evidence that the indigenous people of Hokkaido grew hemp during the Jomon period, between 14,000 and 300 BC. A step in recent history reveals the first known mention of cannabis in Hokkaido. A manuscript from 1717 talks about the possibility of growing hemp and other crops on the island. Cool summers and low humidity make them ideal conditions.

The Hokkaido landrace has a rare genotype. Laboratory analysis confirmed that the parents are neither European nor Russian. This strain is likely related to Chinese and Korean cannabis strains. This makes them especially attractive to breeders trying to introduce this genetics into Western strains.

The preservation of this genetics is also a major concern. Law enforcement agencies in the Hokkaido area are in an ongoing battle against this “inconvenient” plant. According to reports, teams of people pulling plants from the ground manage to remove more than 8,000 plants in one day. Fortunately, it looks like they are losing the fight. Hokkaido hemp continues to grow faster than it can be suppressed. However, the export of this genetics remains an important requirement. When the anti-hemp movement reaches a tipping point, these unique specimens need to be preserved.

Low cannabinoids: the impact of cannabis on Hokkaido.

Hokkaido cannabis is unlikely to be a big hit in THC enthusiast circles. At least not until it is crossed with strains like gorilla glue. Since this strain has not been extensively bred, it contains only small amounts of cannabinoids. Flowers contain 0.086% thc and only traces of cbd, thcv, cbc and cbg.

Smokers are far from reddening their eyes due to this strain. However, this does not exclude interesting manifestations of cannabinoids after a number of crosses. The potential of this landrace remains untapped (yet). These flowers also produce small amounts of terpenes, of which pinene is the most abundant.

Blend of indica and sativa morphology: growing hemp in Hokkaido.

Hokkaido hemp is a tall and resistant variety. It has broad leaves with broad toes, which are often seen on indica varieties. This landrace has a thick and sturdy trunk which makes it resistant to strong winds.

It is characterized by strong lateral growth, dense branches and large distances between nodes. What makes Hokkaido cannabis especially unusual is its semi-autoflowering properties. This species begins to bloom shortly after the summer solstice – much earlier than conventional photoperiodic strains do. This rare trait is what breeders are looking for. If it can be transferred, it could lead to a new category of cannabis.

Hokkaido cannabis flowers turn into small, thorny colas. The flowers are dominated by sugar leaves of irregular shape, wide, long and dark green. The absence of a significant mass of flowers is a sign of their wild development. However, the lack of hermaphroditism suggests that at some point there was human intervention.

Seed collectors and cannabis aficionados will find it difficult to resist the urge to add this strain to their collections. Whether you choose to grow them or not, just owning these seeds is an act of genetics conservation. As European varieties of cannabis continue to be imported into Japan and local indigenous varieties are being destroyed, Hokkaido’s hemp must find an anchor in safe cannabis havens. As popularity grows, this variety will help create unique and desirable varieties. Its semi-autoflowering traits and genetic stability will surely attract growers looking for something new and interesting.

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Hemp, social commitment and sustainability

If you look at a typical online hemp grocery store, you will notice one thing pretty quickly. Almost every product meets the highest standards. Products containing hemp are grown organically, hemp is obtained from EU certified industrial hemp, and basically all natural products are created, without any additives. Farmers often do not apply fertilizers, phosphates or similar substances to the field. Industry can already be seen as a model for many other areas.

Best quality everywhere.

One may wonder why most cannabis products meet the highest standards. On the one hand, this could be due to the fact that the image of hemp is already very shabby. By offering exceptionally high quality hemp products to the market, you can counteract this image.
However, in the case of cosmetic products, it is relatively often observed that they give the appearance of the highest quality. If you are looking for creams in general, you will usually find that they are organically grown and all natural. What should be emphasized in regards to qualifying CBD products is that you are unlikely to find any product on the Internet that does not meet these standards.
It’s also possible that the cannabis and CBD hype is only recent. So this is a new movement that must develop in a modern way. After all, we could find many reasons why the hemp industry stands out at the moment. Most likely, the cause of this phenomenon is a combination of several reasons.

Look at the manufacturers.

It is immediately noticeable that most of the largest CBD and hemp product manufacturers are family-owned businesses, especially in German-speaking countries. You hear all the time that these companies are fortunately focused on sustainability. You should start discerning by taking a close look at what the respective manufacturers are doing. Then you can clearly see that some people are more behind their words than others. As an example, consider the Austrian company Himmelgrün.

This company is best known for its herbal cushions, some of which are also filled with hemp. But the product range of this manufacturer does not end there. The family business has its origins in Bregenzerwald. This manufacturer has been operating in accordance with the highest principles of sustainable development and social management for over 20 years. Many natural products are produced here, mostly by hand. All materials used are natural and natural.

In terms of sustainability, this company is likely to invest more than many others. Thus, you pay close attention to the selection of the appropriate raw materials and always think twice about which one to include in the product. The decision was made with sustainability and environmental considerations in mind.

For Himmelgrün, careful material handling is also important. When natural products are processed with the utmost care, they will remain naturally pure. A piece of wood can be processed in such a way that it becomes an industrial product rather than natural wood. However, Himmelgrun does not allow himself to commit such shenanigans. All products are kept as natural as possible.

In practice, this means, for example, that cardboard boxes are made of grassy cardboard, even if all the paper is made of grassy paper. It is a recyclable and compostable material. To make it, you just need to take grass clippings and give them the desired shape. The peculiarity of this material is that it saves 99.9% of water and 97% of energy compared to traditional types of packaging. Since you don’t need to use chemicals, you save 100%.

The Himmelgrune will also lack plastic packaging. Pillows are always sent unpacked. However, if you wish, you can have a recycled cardboard box in which the pillow will be delivered. This means that even half a percent of all pillows do not need to be wrapped in plastic. This is the highest level of optimal stability.

Bubble wrap is usually not delivered, instead old cardboard boxes containing fragile food can be found in the delivery. To reuse only biologically valuable materials, the manufacturer relies on glass and cork, which are used, in particular, in food supplements. As if that weren’t enough, the company is planting around 700 trees a year. When it comes to sustainability, you can never do too much.

Finally, this company needs to do a little farming. Measures are being taken to preserve the species.

At the same time, of course, the harvest should be as sustainable as possible. Thus, no environmental toxins are used, no pesticides are detected, and the like.

Specialty: social responsibility.

Hardly any other manufacturer performs as biologically valuable and sustainable as this manufacturer. This company has streamlined processes down to the smallest detail so as not to waste as little as possible. In addition, the batch contains almost only biological products that do not pose a threat to the environment. Himmelgrun also stands out for his social commitment.

The manufacturer relies on people with special needs. Himmelgrün supported work projects in Vorarlberg, which are designed to enable people who remain unemployed for a long time to return to work.
A social project from this company is the social medicine working group. This is where simple tasks like labeling, filling and the like are done. This project began by allowing long-time unemployed people to work twice a week so that they could find a certain day structure again. The person learns the hard way to get back to work by getting a job for a short time, making progress there, noticing the demands of daily work life, and being able to fit in a little with the social environment.
They also help people with their little problems. Special educational approaches try to involve people with problems in the process of creating products. An individual approach can be found for each person so that a person can realize himself. In practice, this means that children and adolescents with sensory impairments can receive support from specialized mobile teachers.

In this way, people who otherwise would not have entered their daily working life at all or with great difficulty could produce their products. Of course, they also receive a fair reward for this.

The very special Himmelgrun project shows that every employee can survive. Here workers were allowed to create their own collection, for which they were given dye for cotton and textiles. All efforts have led to the creation of the Early Art collection, consisting of many unique items. The range of products is varied, each individual work is a decoration in itself. She, of course, was well rewarded for the labor hours that the manufacturers were forced to invest in their unique product. In addition, the company itself incurred half of the creation costs.

Example.

Himmelgrune’s story should serve as a model. Too often, hemp companies explain that they are as sustainable and socially involved as possible, but the real evidence to back this up is too rare. The company has a clear vision and is working on it day in and day out to not only produce first-class products, but also to ensure that everything is right.

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Hemp and cannabis products in sports: much more than just a supplement.

Cannabis and cannabis products in sports: much more than just a supplement.

Meaning, purpose and possible applications for athletes.

When it comes to treating competitive athletes, hemp and cannabis products have long been an essential part of the sports medicine and physical therapist suitcase: to support regeneration, but also to quickly restore a healthy physique from injuries. Or against the internal stress that often comes with the need to go in for professional sports. So far, everything is clear. On the other hand, the question of which cannabis products are specifically used in what form is not easy to answer. This depends on the sport and its doping rules, as well as the legislation of the respective country. However, the good news is that everyone can agree with CBD.

The intoxicating image of cannabis is considered obsolete not only in pain relief, psychotherapy and cancer treatment. Even ambitious athletes, whose physical health is a basic requirement, for whom even a daily diet often follows a strict plan, cannabis is just as recognized as a protein shake for training.

Most athletes rely on non-THC supplements. This is mandatory in the country where it is permitted by law. But even where cannabis and THC are legalized, CBD is more likely to be used. On the one hand, this is due to the unwanted effects of THC on the mind, and on the other, to the rules regarding doping and prohibited substances. Very few professional leagues in well-known sports have the same leeway as the NHL’s North American Hockey League. THC is still on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Banned Substance List. CBD, on the other hand, was delisted in 2018. A solution that likely has a large share in the rapidly growing demand for CBD among athletes, as well as outside of competitive sports, where doping is not an issue anyway, is generating growing acceptance. The question remains: what is CBD for? Where doping is not an issue anyway, which is shaping the growing acceptance.

CBD for trauma.

CBD hemp products have a great reputation, especially in (full) contact and occasional sports (like hockey, martial arts, football, or handball). The reason is simple: this is where the risk of injury is most apparent. Since CBD can provide anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and pain relieving properties, it is the best alternative to conventional pain relievers for many athletes. It is administered either as an oil or as an ointment on the body.

CBD for regeneration.

The use of CBD in a sports context is in no way limited to acute pain relief, immediate injury, or inflammation. Quite the opposite. The benefits of CBD, thanks to which the cannabinoid is also used outside of sports, are even more noticeable in the context of a challenging training plan and / or with regular physical activity, keyword: regeneration. Just as important as sports training are intermediate phases in which the body can recover or recover from stress. Although this time is also called the resting phase, the term is misleading.

During this time, a lot happens in the body. It is then that the important processes that first of all provide effective, sustainable increase in performance and success in training are triggered: nutrient reserves are replenished, cellular tissue is renewed, training patterns are absorbed at the neural level, organs, cardiovascular system and enzyme equipment are restored. adapted to the load level. These processes are essential for training success or fundamental athletic development. If the body cannot regenerate (for example, due to overtraining), nutrient deficiencies arise, the risk of injury increases and the immune system becomes more susceptible to all diseases.

CBD can make a valuable contribution to these phases of regeneration. The potentially anti-inflammatory effect of CBD oil can support cell defense and thus promote effective muscle regeneration.

Good sleep for good work.

A healthy diet appropriate for the workload and adequate and adequate sleep are also important for effective regeneration. With the latter, CBD can also make a positive contribution and is also recommended for sleep disturbances, anxiety and stress. The current research situation suggests that CBD does not have a direct effect on sleep or fatigue, but does promote stress reduction and physical relaxation. This is especially beneficial for athletes who are exposed to high pressure during exercise or other psychological stress.

Not just for professionals.

For most nutritional supplements, it is critical for athletes to know which nutrients and how much are right for your workout – and at what point in time they need to enter the body in order to best contribute to the desired training success. Indeed, mistakes in selection or dosage can change the desired result.

On the other hand, handling and using CBD is much easier: CBD oil, approved as a dietary supplement, is dripped under the tongue in the morning and evening – that’s all. The dosage is individual. However, since CBD is considered to be largely free of side effects, you can feel free to approach the ideal dosage.

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CBD and honey are made for each other.

CBD and honey are made for each other.

Officially, there is no CBD honey. According to the honey regulation, this name is not allowed for products containing cannabidiol. This is similar to the German beer purity law. As soon as ingredients that are not part of the original beer materials are added, it ceases to be beer and cannot be sold under the name beer. Therefore, flavored varieties are also called blended beer drinks. It’s the same with honey and CBD.

Once a cannabinoid is introduced into honey in any form, it becomes a honey drug. Then it can no longer be sold in stores called “honey”. Mixed honey may be the legally correct name for it. This is actually split ends. If we add cannabidiol to honey, we will call it CBD honey. This is what we call coffee with milk and milk, and not a blended coffee drink or preparing a coffee with milk.

The perfect supplement is cannabidiol and honey.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active ingredient in the hemp plant that has received a lot of attention for some time. This is due to the myriad of beneficial effects CBD can have on health. Psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression and nervousness, as well as inflammation, pain, complaints and organ dysfunction can be relieved. CBD protects nerve cells and maintains healthy skin, muscles and bones.

Besides its many health benefits, CBD is also well tolerated. Many people would describe the intense flavor as the most unpleasant side effect of CBD oil. This is where honey comes into play because it can also be used for health. There is also something about honey that makes it perfect to pair with CBD – its sweet taste.

Honey complements the properties of CBD.

We have approved honey as food and cannot be offered as medicine. People have used sweet gold for centuries to treat various diseases. Honey has antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. These properties are especially suitable for wound healing. This opens up another aspect of using CBD honey – application to the skin. CBD can supplement this with its anti-inflammatory properties as well.

How to recognize good CBD honey?

If you are looking to buy good CBD honey, you should pay attention to the ingredients. They must be organic and produced organically. Cannabidiol should be present in the honey preparation as hemp extract, but not as an isolate. You can find a great example of quality CBD honey.

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Cannabis – Effects, Side Effects and Risks.

This text informs you about the effects of cannabis on the human body, possible side effects and the general risks of using cannabis.

The effects are perceived as positive.

A wide spectrum of action is characteristic. The effect of cannabis depends on:

  • The form of consumption (smoking, eating).
  • Consumer device (coupling, pipe).
  • Absorbed dose or THC content.
  • Environment (mood).
  • The person and his expectations.

Cannabis has a wide range of psychological effects. The effect depends on a number of factors. The effect can be influenced by both the dose and the form of consumption (smoking, food intake), as well as the context of consumption, personality and expectations of the consumer.Effects that are subjectively perceived to be positive can be described as follows:

  1.  Feeling. Intoxication is often characterized by euphoric sensations (“highs”) with simultaneous emotional calmness.
  2.  Thinking – general patterns of thinking fade into the background. New ideas and ideas combined with big thinking steps shape thinking influenced by cannabis.
  3.  Memory – Short-term memory is impaired. What happened 5 minutes ago is already forgotten. In a community of like-minded people, this is often seen as funny.
  4.  Perception – subjective perception is enhanced, otherwise irrelevant things are perceived more clearly. Due to impaired short-term memory, time seems to go slower.
  5.  Communication – The experience of hanging out with friends is enhanced, often combined with stupidity. Consumers feel they are better off putting themselves in the shoes of the other person.
  6.  Body sensations – on the one hand, the heart beats faster, on the other hand, consumers experience pleasant relaxation. At the same time, a feeling of lightness with slow movements spreads.

Sharp risks.

The immediate risks of using cannabis are primarily psychological. The problem is in the partial unpredictability of the effect. Consumers who are not yet familiar with the effects of cannabis use are particularly affected. But even with experienced users and high doses, unpleasant effects can occur:

1) Feeling. Instead of euphoria, fear and panic arise. Psychotic symptoms such as confusion and persecution mania (“paranoia”) are possible.
2) Thinking. The leaps in thoughts turn into an endless mess in the head. Consumers may not have a clear idea (“disorientation”), or they become fixed ideas.
3) Memory. Short-term memory impairment leads to memory blackouts and “film breaks”.
4) Perception. Consumers are prone to hypersensitivity and even hallucinations.
5) Communication. Instead of sharing experiences, consumers feel “trapped in their own film,” and only have a limited sense of their environment. They feel marginalized and can no longer communicate.
6) Body sensations. Heart palpitations, nausea, and dizziness may occur. Collapse of blood circulation is possible.

Long term consequences.

Long-term cannabis use is associated with psychological, social and physical risks. However, studies have often led to conflicting results.
Current knowledge suggests that alcohol does not cause serious brain damage. The harmful effects of cannabis smoke on the respiratory tract are considered to be undeniable, although the harmful effects of the tobacco smoked with it should also be taken into account.

Cannabis use during puberty is believed to have a negative impact on development.

Continuous use of cannabis can also lead to some addiction. This is often accompanied by a general tendency to withdraw from social isolation.

A wide range of possible long-term effects of cannabis use is being studied and researched through research.

So far, the following is known:

Physical consequences.

a) Long-term use of cannabis leads to a deterioration in cognitive functions (attention, concentration, learning ability). However, current evidence suggests that no permanent brain damage occurs.
b) Excessive cannabis use impairs lung function. In addition, the risk of lung cancer is increased because cannabis smoke contains more tar or carcinogenic substances than comparable amounts of tobacco smoke. If so-called joints are smoked, they usually also contain tobacco, which also contains carcinogens.
c) The impact of cannabis use on pregnancy and newborns is controversial.
d) Studies have also failed to provide clear evidence of the effects of cannabis on hormonal and immune systems. However, it cannot be ruled out that cannabis use during puberty may lead to developmental delays.

Psychological and social consequences.

a. Continuous use can lead to psychological and mild physical dependence.
b. It is widely believed that cannabis can cause psychosis. However, the research on this is not clear.
c. Consistent and heavy cannabis use may be associated with a general trend towards withdrawal. Affected persons are often indifferent to daily tasks (school, work, etc.). For a long time, in this context, there has been talk of the so-called “amotivational syndrome” caused by cannabis use. Today, the assumption of a one-dimensional causal relationship no longer stands up to scrutiny. Rather, human characteristics that are present independently of cannabis use should be used to explain a demotivated state of mind.

Cannabis and psychosis.

Cannabis use, especially high doses of THC, can cause acute psychotic symptoms. They usually go away after a few days.
Independent cannabis psychosis has not been proven. On the other hand, it is assumed that vulnerable (susceptible) people who use cannabis are more likely to develop previously latent psychotic illness than abstainers.

It is relatively undeniable that psychotic symptoms are possible after taking cannabis. Toxic psychosis can be triggered, especially after taking high doses of THC, which is characterized by disorientation, hallucinations, depersonalization (impaired sense of self), and paranoid symptoms. However, these symptoms disappear after a few days of abstinence and usually do not cause any collateral damage.

In this context, research has long debated the independence of “cannabis psychosis,” that is, a persistent psychosis that is caused solely by cannabis use. Today it is believed that there is no such thing as “cannabis psychosis”, but in these cases the clinical picture of schizophrenia is present. However, it is unclear whether people with schizophrenia will suffer from this severe illness without using cannabis. It is believed that there are people who are vulnerable to schizophrenia and that cannabis can cause latent (latent) psychosis. The “trigger hypothesis” has yet to be scientifically proven, but there are some indications.

About one percent of the population is usually at risk of schizophrenia. The disease usually occurs between puberty and 30 years of age. It seems that genetic factors play an important role here. It is noteworthy that among patients with schizophrenia, the proportion of cannabis users is higher than among the rest of the population. These patients, probably like other users, enjoy the relaxing effects of cannabis.

However, studies have shown that this has a rather unfavorable effect on the course of the disease and more relapses (resumption of psychotic attacks) are recorded than in teetotalers.

Cannabis addiction.

Regular use of cannabis can lead to psychological and mild physical dependence.
Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop consumption are characteristic of addiction.
Such attempts are usually characterized by typical symptoms such as restlessness, nervousness, anxiety, or depression.
There are no definite external signs of dependence. 

Psychosocial risk factors for the development of addiction are primarily:

  • Unstable mental health.
  • Only friends who use drugs.
  • Early onset of cannabis use (before age 16).
  • Lack of social support (in the family, from friends).
  • General lack of social prospects (eg unemployment).
  • Critical life events (eg separation).

It is only in the recent past that studies have shown that long-term cannabis use may be associated with the development of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Both are important criteria for the existence of physical dependence. However, physical dependence is not nearly as pronounced as, for example, in persons dependent on alcohol or opiates. However, the psychological dependence associated with a strong desire to consume can be very strong. Affected cannabis users are no longer able to reduce their use or have already made several unsuccessful attempts to stop using it.

It is estimated that about 4-7 percent of all cannabis users develop addiction.

The risk of becoming addicted is not the same for all users. Depending on the degree of presence of so-called psychosocial risk factors, a person may be more or less at risk of developing addiction.

Psychological problems such as depression are thought to increase the risk of cannabis abuse in the sense of “self-medication”. Thus, in many cases, the “real” problem is not primarily the effect of the substance, but rather the underlying psychological problem.

Early onset of regular cannabis use is an important risk factor: the earlier you start smoking cannabis regularly, the more likely you are to develop later, such as addiction problems. Another risk factor that should be mentioned is early initiation of cigarette and alcohol use.

The risk of switching to other “harder” drugs has long been discussed under the heading “drug to enter”. The observation that almost all heroin addicts previously smoked cannabis was used as an opportunity to accuse cannabis of switching to heroin. However, what is true of heroin addicts in retrospect does not apply to cannabis users. In fact, only a very small proportion of cannabis users switch to other drugs.

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Diverse industrial uses of hemp.

Various industrial uses of hemp.

Hemp has experienced a renaissance in industrial use and may become increasingly important even for the technology sector. Raw materials, with their impressive properties, are playing a decisive role in an increasing number of areas and show promising potential for new areas of application.

Nowadays, many people come across hemp in the form of various natural products such as nutritional supplements, textiles, as well as in cosmetics or as a building material, and seals for water compounds have always unknowingly been made from hemp fibers in a large number of households. However, there are areas where at first glance it is not necessary to assume that it is hemp.

The fact that the varied uses of cannabis are not wishful thinking for a minority is also borne out by evaluations by professional companies that specialize in industry-specific analysis. One of them is New Frontier Data, a company that primarily closely follows the development of the cannabis industry.

With over 20 years of experience in finance, business analysis, industry reporting and emerging markets, New Frontier Data has been providing interesting data for some time on how hemp has become one of the most widely used natural resources in the world as a sustainable, sustainable clean and inexpensive plant. Many important applications show how important hemp is to the industry.

Hemp in the automotive industry.

The automotive industry is one of the most powerful in the world with incredible influence. When German car manufacturer BMW unveiled the electric i3 in 2013, it became clear that the idea of ​​sustainability also wanted to be carried over into the car’s interior. A blend of hemp fibers was used to make the parts, making the i3 360 kg lighter than competing models.

Car manufacturer Renew Sports Cars goes even further and also uses hemp fibers to make body parts. The result is the same: dramatic weight loss. At the same time, processed hemp fibers are very stable and, for example, stupidly break off in an accident.

Hemp supercapacitors.

Actually, supercapacitors are extremely powerful energy storage devices that can provide significantly more energy in a very short time than conventional batteries or accumulators. They are used, for example, in electric vehicles.

Currently, graphene is mainly used for the production of supercapacitors. However, in 2004, researchers at Clarkson University in New York found that hemp-based supercapacitors could store almost 200% more energy. The benefits are clear. The provision of charts is extremely intense in every way. It is expensive to manufacture, consumes a lot of raw materials, and is imported from India and China. Growing hemp is environmentally friendly and can be used almost anywhere. Hemp fibers play an important role in replacing graphene and are many times cheaper.

Hemp for soil preparation.

Hemp makes the soil fertile, and once the hemp plants are grown, it can be used very well for other seeds like wheat. The so-called phytoremediation describes the restoration of contaminated soil or groundwater using plants. The toxins are absorbed through the roots and stored in the plant for excretion. Phytoremediation by growing hemp plants can be an important factor in planning and preparing fields for farming.

Industrial hemp or “medicinal hemp”?

Many people are still intimidated by the connection between industrial hemp plant and “medicinal hemp”. These are two completely different types. Industrial hemp contains the psychoactive cannabinoid THC in very low and inconspicuous concentrations (below 0.3%). However, this is not a free growing pass. In Germany, for example, industrial hemp can only be grown by “companies” in the agricultural sector.

Into a green future?

China is one step ahead in growing cannabis. China produces 44,000 tons of cannabis annually, according to a High Times article, which is nearly 40% of global demand. In South America, most of the industrial hemp comes from Chile; in Europe, France seems to be the most active producer.
In addition, the country recently announced that it wants to dominate the technology market in industrial robots, software and electromobility. Returning to the supercapacitor example: the combination of hemp and technology could create sustainable energy sources that, for example, would make computers a lottimes faster. Graphene semiconductors have this potential, but are still expensive to manufacture.

When it comes to growing cannabis, China has quietly become a superpower. According to experts, in the next few years the market will grow to 100 billion yen (approximately 790 million euros). In regions with a fallow land, growing cannabis could restore fertile soil. In addition, hemp fibers can already be found in the automotive and textile industries or as a building material. Without a doubt, hemp can revolutionize the economic importance of entire nations.

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CBD oil: is over-the-counter oil intoxicating?

CBD oil with the active ingredient cannabidiol from the hemp plant is believed to relax and relieve pain. What are the effects of CBD oils, can consumption of them cause dangerous side effects, and what complaints can CBD products be helpful for?

In addition to using cannabis as a medicine, hemp’s active ingredients are also used in medicines and nutritional supplements, including CBD oil. But product use and quality is controversial. What is the truth about bloated oils with the active ingredient cannabidiol, can they have an intoxicating effect, and what are the differences from medicated CBD oil, which is only available by prescription?

What is CBD Oil?

CBD stands for Cannabidiol, a phytocannabinoid of the female hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa L), which is mainly present in the plant as an acid. Hemp is made up of over 100 different phytocannabinoids, the most famous of which are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD.
THC is a psychoactive, intoxicating ingredient. CBD, on the other hand, does not have a strong stimulatory effect. But cannabidiol also crosses the blood-brain barrier, binds to the same receptors as THC, and can influence perception and behavior.

The cannabidiol oil is derived from the flowers and leaves of hemp plants that are low in THC and high in CBD. CBD supplements are usually based on edible oil (such as sesame oil or hemp seed oil, which, incidentally, does not contain cannabidiol). For example, CBD oil products have cannabidiol concentrations of 2.5 percent, 5 percent, 10 percent, or 20 percent. By the way, every CBD oil also contains a certain amount of THC, but it shouldn’t exceed 0.2 percent.

Is CBD oil legal?

The legal situation regarding over-the-counter CBD oil products is unclear. Cannabinoids have been added to the EU’s 2019 new food catalog. The catalog lists food items that were not consumed by humans during any serious accident in the EU before May 15, 1997. Cannabidiol products are officially considered new foodstuffs whose consumption must first be assessed in terms of their health effects in order to be marketed.

In the case of cannabinoids, the entry was provided with the addition that products with the active ingredient CBD are always considered new products if the cannabinoids have been specially fortified or their concentration in the product has been reduced, i.e. when working with isolated extracts.

As a result of the new food announcement, CBD products disappeared from pharmacy shelves, and police confiscated numerous products from fixed outlets such as hemp stores. The ban on the sale of CBD supplements was also issued in two urgent administrative proceedings in 2019.

The sale of cannabis extracts with cannabinoids is a criminal offense under the provisions of the New Foods Regulation. Manufacturers of CBD products should, in theory, test their safety for human consumption. Due to the huge costs of such a procedure and the legal gray area, CBD oils are mostly sold online – sometimes without accurate product information.

CBD oil as a medicine and food supplement.

Not all CBD oils are created equal. An important distinction should be made between CBD oil as a prescription drug and CBD oil as a dietary supplement.

CBD oil as medicine.

The differences start with the manufacturing process. The original plant is the same in both cases, but growing it to obtain CBD oil as a medicine is subject to strictly controlled conditions. This ensures control over the quality and concentration of ingredients. Daily doses of medicated CBD oil are also 100 times different from daily doses of CBD oil available without a prescription.

Buy CBD oil without a prescription.

CBD oil is available as a dietary supplement from numerous manufacturers online (from Traumtropfen, for example), organic and hemp stores, and pharmacies for people aged 18 and over. When using over-the-counter CBD oils, product quality, ingredients, and concentrations fluctuate because supplement products are not as strictly controlled as medicines. Information is often lacking on the exact composition of the cannabinoid profile and consumption recommendations. If ingredients and their concentrations are specified, they often do not match the ingredients in the product.

Also, without monitoring, the presence of undesirable substances in them, for example, pesticides, cannot be definitely excluded. There are independent quality seals to guarantee oil quality. However, manufacturers are not required to carry out such quality control and incur high costs themselves.

Scopes of CBD oil.

Research is providing early indications that cannabidiol, especially in the case of high doses of medicated CBD oil, may have a positive effect on numerous ailments that can occur with a variety of medical conditions, including:

  • Inflammation.
  • Arthritis.
  • Diabetes.
  •  Alcoholism.
  • Multiple sclerosis.
  • Chronic pain.
  • Schizophrenia.
  • Post-traumatic stress.
  • Depression, anxiety disorders.
  • Migraine.
  • Epilepsy (especially with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome).

Effects of CBD Oil.

Overall, the effects of cannabidiol and its long-term health effects are not well understood. The action of cannabidiol in the human body is based on the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is jointly responsible for the normal functioning of many body functions and regulates the action of the body’s own intermediary substances. He himself produces endocannabinoids in almost all tissues of the body, which bind to various cannabinoid receptors and regulate important metabolic processes.

When endocannabinoids activate cannabinoid 1 receptors, for example, signaling in the brain is brought into balance. Among other things, it protects against overstrain of the central nervous system.
Cannabinoid-2 receptors primarily serve important functions for the immune system.

Due to similar structures, cannabinoids from the hemp plant can also bind to these receptors and have a suppressive or activating effect on signaling. Initial research results indicate that cannabidiol:

  1. Relaxing.
  2. Anti-inflammatory.
  3. Has an analgesic effect.

Various studies have also examined the effects of cannabidiol while taking THC. The results indicate that cannabidiol can suppress the intoxicating effects of THC at low doses, while it can potentiate it at very high doses.

How fast and how long does CBD oil last?

When taken orally, the onset of action can be expected in about twenty minutes to two hours. Body weight and food consumed at the same time also play a role. It can take up to five days for the body to completely break down CBD.

Side effects of CBD oil.

In general, both CBD oil as a dietary supplement and oil are well tolerated.

CBD as a medicine.

This year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that cannabidiol can cause harm – even before consumers even notice it. The subject of research was the drug Epidiolex, which is also approved in Europe and is used in severe, therapy-resistant forms of epilepsy.

The authorities warn of the following risks at high doses:
a) Liver damage.
b) Increased risk of sedation with alcohol and other drugs that affect the central nervous system.
c) Effects on the metabolism of other drugs with serious side effects
d) Diarrhea.
e) Decreased appetite.
f) Anxiety and irritability.
g) Sleepiness.

Consuming CBD Oil: Usage and Dosage.

CBD oil should always be taken according to the dosage instructions, which differ depending on the product. The active ingredient is best absorbed through the oral mucosa. The drops can be placed directly under the tongue and held there for a minute or two before swallowing.
Besides CBD oil in drop form, there are also CBD capsules to swallow. The benefit of CBD capsules for many users is the dosage form. However, one of the disadvantages is that cannabidiol is better and faster absorbed by the oral mucosa than by the stomach. A full stomach also slows down absorption.

The daily dosages quoted for CBD oils and other cannabidiol hemp products should never be exceeded without a medical clarification, as interactions with other substances are possible and each reacts differently to the active substances THC and cannabidiol.

Experts advise buying only certified CBD oils. Even though they are usually more expensive. Consumers should definitely refrain from using CBD oils that do not contain any ingredients or dosage recommendations.

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Hemp and its long history.

Hemp is one of the oldest and most versatile crops known to mankind. Hemp has been in use for about 10,000 years and has been cultivated around the world for over 3,000 years. A quick snippet from the timeline should provide insight into the fascinating history of cannabis:

  • 10000 BC
    The history of China reports that “Ma”, as hemp was called in China, was of great importance. Healthy hemp seeds have been used for food, and fiber has been prized for its high tensile strength.
  • 5500 BC
    Excavations at Eisenberg in Thuringia document the earliest discovery of cannabis seeds in Central Europe.
  • 2737 BC
    In his pharmacological treatise, the Chinese emperor Shen Nung describes hemp as a remedy and recommends hemp for gout, malaria, rheumatism, constipation and many other diseases. The flowers, leaves and roots of cannabis are used to make medicines.
  • 1578 BC
    Li Shi-Chen, who is considered the largest herbalist in China, describes over 120 different uses of cannabis, including in relation to other medicinal plants.
  • 1400 BC
    After hemp came to India, hemp is considered a sacred medicine and helps with meditation. The Atharvaveda describes ritual actions combined with the use of cannabis, which should also protect against evil.
  • 800 BC
    It is said that on his path to enlightenment, Buddha ate exclusively on hemp seeds. Hemp was prized by Buddhists as bhang, charas, or ganja. Indian farmers use fiber to make flour and porridge by roasting. Itinerant Scythians make sure that hemp is widely used.
  • 500 BC
    The Germans and Celts put their dead hemp seeds with them in the grave. Hemp stalks are used to pay taxes in China.
  • 400 BC
    Cannabis cultivation begins in Norway.
  • 100 BC
    The first hemp paper is made in China, and its production is kept under the strictest confidence.
  • 70 A.D.
    The Greek physician Pedanios Dioscurides, who served the Roman emperors Nero and Claudius, wrote the most important ancient medical work “Materia Medica” in the 1st century AD. In these five books, hemp makes a big difference.
  • 400 A.D.
    Hemp is found throughout the Roman Empire and is prized as a valuable raw material because it can be used in many different ways. Food, textiles and weapons are made from hemp. Hemp is also popular as a medicine.
  • 500 A.D.
    The cultivation of hemp and the use of this precious plant has spread from India to the Arab world. In Central Europe, hemp seeds are used for food, and “Hanfosamo” is described in German baking recipes.
  • 800 A.D.
    Emperor Charlemagne promulgated the first cannabis law in Europe and ruled in his head the legal cultivation of cannabis.
  • 1000 A.D.
    The renowned naturalist and healer Hildegard von Bingen (1098–1179) is considered the pioneer of cannabis medicine. In her writings, she praises the healing power of hemp seeds for stomach ailments and recommends the use of hemp cloth to heal wounds.
  • 1150 A.D.
    The first paper mill in Europe uses hemp rags to make paper.
  • 1430 A.D.
    The famous “Joan of Arc” is accused during the Inquisition of using witch herbs, including hemp. The court considers that the voices in her head were due to the so-called “witch herbs”.
  • 1492 A.D.
    Christopher Columbus discovers America. The sails and ropes of his ships, as well as the sailors’ clothing and ship cards, were made of hemp. He gives the natives hemp seeds and hemp fiber clothing.
  • 1455 A.D.
  • Gutenberg prints his first Bible on hemp.
  • 1502/03 A.D.
    Leonardo da Vinci writes his famous Mona Lisa on hemp.
  • 1787 A.D.
    The oldest written US constitution still in effect today is written on hemp paper.
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How can cannabis be used?

How can hemp be used?

Hemp is one of the oldest beneficial plants in the world, and its history shows how versatile it is. According to the German Hemp Association (DHV), this plant was cultivated 12,000 years ago. In 1455 Gutenberg printed his first Bible on hemp, in 1870 Bavarian Levi Strauss made his first jeans from this crop, and in 1941 Henry Ford introduced his “HempCar” – a car that was mostly made from hemp, the association reports.

But industrialization drove the plant out of the market before it fell into disrepute as a base for intoxicating cannabis. From 1982 to 1995, the cultivation of industrial hemp was even banned. In the meantime, however, hemp is gaining popularity as a raw material again.

Hemp in food.

Bees and bumblebees are buzzing around Markus Hirmeyer. Cyclists come up all the time and ask, “Is this cannabis?” A 45-year-old farmer stands between chest-high plants right behind a sports field in Wellheim, Eichstätt district. Together with his wife Sylvia and two sons Niklas and Kilian, he is now growing hemp for the fourth year in a row. But anyone who thinks that stoners can just help themselves here is wrong: “To feel something, you would have to smoke the whole field,” says Hirmeier. His cannabis contains less than 0.2 percent of the psychoactive ingredient THC – and is not marketed as a drug but is processed into food. “We distribute seeds and make hemp oil from them,” the farmer explains. Compared to other oils, hemp oil has an optimal ratio of fatty acids, Hirmayer admires. The family then sells groceries in their store, from hemp oil and hemp flour to hemp noodles and hemp seed sausages. For him, hemp is the plant of the future: “You can do a lot for the environment with plants that are used sparingly. Unification is the future.”

Hemp in the textile industry.

Organic hemp stores in Munich, Augsburg and Ingolstadt show that hemp can be used in many ways. “We offer 400 to 600 different products,” says Christian Camassa. The 31-year-old man runs a store in Augsburg, and his stock includes not only food and beauty products, but also hemp pants, T-shirts and shoes. “The plant can be used to make clothes that will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer,” says Camassa. Various hemp fashion suppliers have been found long ago. And, according to Hirmeier, there is a reason for that: “Hemp fibers are extremely durable and outperform synthetic fibers.” Regular clothing is often not environmentally friendly in terms of disposal, but hemp fibers are recyclable.

Hemp in agriculture.

“Hemp is definitely an interesting topic from an agricultural perspective,” says Stefan Froschmeir, Managing Director of Bio-Agriculture Birkenschwaige in Ingolstadt. He grows the plant for the first time this year and believes it will take root. “Hemp is a new kind of plant, so it is good for crop rotation because it does not tolerate any disease,” explains Froschmeir. In addition, hemp has “the super effect of the previous crop,” says farmer Hirmeier. “You can grow cannabis in compacted soils. Its long roots loosen the soil and give it structure again.” Hemp also helps protect species. “There is a lot going on with insects,” says Hirmayer.

Hemp in the construction industry.

Organic store owner Camassa believes hemp has the potential to change the construction industry in the long term. Hemp lime – a combination of industrial hemp and natural lime that forms an insulating and building material – offers the ideal balance of heat storage and thermal insulation and is beneficial for your health as it regulates indoor humidity and prevents mold on the walls. “Hemp is the building block of the future,” says Camassa. In addition, according to DHV, thermal hemp has received a “Naturplus” rating from the EU, which is awarded only to products that are authentically sustainable.