Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Can you Use Pre-Workout and Weed together

Cannabis products and weed before you work out is not necessarily a smart idea, since there is no studies on the effects in place. But some compounds that are in both may work well together, and some may have bad effects. 

What does Pre-Workout Do? 

This is a supplement people take about 30 minutes prior to their exercise to boost their workouts through increasing the oxygen and blood flow, offering a variety of benefits. Some of these include the following: 

  • A boost in energy 

  • Better stamina 

  • Better focus 

  • A better athletic performance 

Typically pre-workout has a couple of ingredients. First is caffeine, which improves your blood flow, your endurance, and power, in order to make the workouts better usually, they have caffeine that’s the equivalent of around 3 cups of coffee in some cases. The second is creatine, which is used in the liver, kidneys, and your pancreas to help with energy. Red meat, milk, and seafood has that, but it’s usually made in trace amounts to help with strength. 



Creatine is probably the one that’s used in lifting weights, where the exercise doesn’t have a ton of reps, but the power that’s explosive is absolutely needed for the success of the product. Then there are BCAAs, typically found in different amino acid chains, and it’s something that’s essential. While the body can’t make them, they get it in workout supplements, meat, soy, milk, and other products. They’re the main focal points of proteins, and without it, the body doesn’t synthesize it. 

Mixing This 

Right now, this is not regulated safely through the FDA, so a lot of workout supplements do have active ingredients which can get dangerous when you mix cannabis with this. The first is caffeine. It does stimulate your nervous system and boos the heart rate along with the blood pressure. THC is also a stimulant, and because of all of this, it can cause you to shake, increase your heart rate to the point of a heart attack, and hypertension as well, albeit temporarily. 

Creating is another thing. CBD is something that increases energy. Right now, there isn’t research on whether or not CBD and creatine are harmful together, but low levels of CBD before you exercise may also increase the energy. Also, note that CBD does increase the creatine levels, since the waste product that’s formed from the creatine.  The increased levels may affect kidney disease, but it will not affect those who have healthy kidneys. 



Then there is the vasodilation which occurs.  The supplements do contain vasodilators to help with blood flow, and some of the cannabis products also become vasodilators, which increase the blood flow, the amino acid, the oxygen, and also does affect the growth of insulin, which is vital for the growth of muscles. 

It also can reduce blood pressure, but too much of a reduction does result in heart palpitations, blood pressure which lowers, and also blurred vision too, and it can put the body in shock. While there isn’t direct research, it’s best to avoid taking too many of these, since hypotension is a huge risk. Cannabis does offer some benefits as well, and it can be something that works well. However, it also can create psychoactive problems, which can be dangerous when working out. 



It also doesn’t improve the strength during workouts which are intense. However, it can help you go longer make the workout better and also help with recovery. You should, however, stay away from pre workout with cannabis, as it can cause major heart troubles in the process. 


Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Terpenes 101

If you’ve ever been curious about the compounds in cannabis, one that’s definitely quite the kicker is terpenes. What are they? What do they refer to? Let’s dive in and learn a little bit more about terpenes, and what they do. 

What are they? 

Terpenes are basically oils that are within the cannabis plant that are responsible for two things: the smells, and the flavors. Berry, pine, and citrus are all examples of this, and they’re actually a major part of the safety of a plants. They protect the plant from invaders, since they taste awful. 



Ter4penes are usually something that you find in veggies and fruits along with herbs, and they do give off a smell that’s pleasant, even if the animals that try to eat it hate it. The cannabis plant has over 200 of these  bad boys, but only about 30 of them are in vast amounts, and they’re something that gets stored within the leaves, and this resinous glands are what produce it. This is called trichomes, and they’re depicted by the little white or other color tufts along the top of the plant. When you smell a cannabis plant, it’s got a certain scent to it, and how it smells depends on a few things. The genetics are a big part, but also the water, the type of fertilizer, the type of soil, and even the time you harvest or go out to check them does impact this. 

What’s their Purpose? 

The purpose of this is still being studied, but most studies claim it aids in what’s called the entourage effect. This is basically a word that means the cannabinoids, the terpenes, and the flavonoids in this work together to create something better, stronger and more enhanced for the person who is taking this. 



Now let’s take for example the plant.  You know about indica and sativa, but did you know that the terpenes actually are what play a role in the effects. Indica and sativa just describe the anatomy of the plant, with sativa being very tall, with thin and long leaves, and indicas are short, wider, and have broader leaves, and this is something that the terpenes are a part of in this plant. If you look at different terpenes, you notice that they’re fruity, as in the case of terpinolene, since it’s similar to a fruity taste, and in super lemon haze, jack Herer, and others, this one is definitely present. However, it’s also found in indica strains including strawberry cough, OG Kush, and also harlequin, which is more CBD-dominant than anything else. 

What are some popular Terpenes? 

There are a few out there that really stand out. You’ve got myrcene, which is responsible for the earthy, piney scent and you smell this in a ton of beauty products. It’s good for relaxing, sleep, and is found to help with chronic pain along with inflammation, and even helps those with cancer. It’s something that’s responsible for most of the terpene profiles in most strains of cannabis. 



Then you have limonene, which is lemony or citrusy, and this one definitely is good for those who want something that fights bacteria and fungi, as it’s an antifungal along with an antibacterial in terms of properties, and it can even help with tumor reduction too. Finally, there is linalool, which is found in mint, lavender, coriander, and cinnamon, and is basically responsible for the floral and spicy smells you have in cannabis. This is good for those who suffer from different inflammatory conditions, seizures, and also cancer, since this is one that relaxes. 

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Cannabis Soup for Colds

Cannabis has been touted as a healing agent, including one that can be used for a variety of reasons. With more and more research increasing, more benefits happening, and more ways to use this as a means for alternative treatments. Cannabis is something that has a lot of various studies to it, and with more oils balms, pills, you name it to try with this, it’s something that’s great for those interested in actually improving their health and wellness. 

A new product that people like, is cannabis soup, which is basically soup and cannabis mixed together. With a variety of different ingredients, including veggies, proteins, and an array of spices, it’s something that’s flavorful. It’s something with major healing properties, and various medicinal benefits, and is considered one of the best ways to use cannabis to beat the colds, preventing them before they show up. 



How much cannabis should you add to this? It ultimately depends. Some physicians may say more, others less, but if you want to make it last, you should definitely ensure that you talk to your doctor to make sure you get the full benefits of this. 

Why Cannabis Soup? 

Some people don’t realize this, but cannabis soup has both THC and CBD in there and these same compounds are great, which is something that is a great alternative if you don’t want to vape or smoke. Cannabis gets into your respiratory tract a lot faster, and this is something that you don’t get the full effects of, especially when you’re sick. 



With edibles though, it’s ingested fully via your digestive system, and it bypasses the respiratory system. Plus, it helps with pain in the body, a sore throat, a nose that’s congested, coughing, sneezing, and other symptoms that the common cold has.  Cannabis is something that’s not just good for the temporary systems, but also it can work on the same level that ibuprofen and Tylenol do for immediate benefits. It’s something that also has different anti-inflammatory aspects of this, to help with sleep induction and recovery as a result. 

Headaches and migraines with weed 

A lot of people don’t realize that marijuana can help with headaches and migraines. This is because they open up those nasal passages which are clogged up, which is something that aids with breathing in a lot of people’s cases. With more people suffering from migraines and various headaches when they’re sick, THC is great for reducing this, and it does improve everything a lot. However, you should talk to a cannabis consultant before adding this, so that you don’t accidentally dose yourself too high. 

Other benefits 

Plus, there are other benefits too. Cannabis is a plant with various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins C, K, folate, calcium, and iron, and it can even have fiber too. This is great nutrition especially if you’re someone who is struggling with this. 



Not just that, it’s something that can help with stomach issues too, increasing them and lowering your cholesterol level, enhancing all of this, and improving healing as well. 

It can improve the appetite and nausea too, something that a lot of people struggle with when they’re sick. Adding cannabis to this is something that’s great, and it’s something to take advantage of. 

If you’re interested in learning about cannabis, then don’t fret. Instead, talk to your doctor today to find out whether or not cannabis is right for you, and what other amazing benefits that come with cannabis, and also what you should work to achieve if you’re interested in using cannabis for your sickness and its effects.


Monday, May 14, 2018

CBD Oil in Cosmetics

If you’ve been to a retail store anytime recently, you’ve probably seen something new on the shelves. That something, is CBD. Due to changed regulations from the 2018 farm bill, CBD oil is something that’s totally fine to use in cosmetic, s provided there is less than .3% THC in this. This is something that some people are curious about. The first question of course being whether or not it’ll get you high. Not it won’t, and you can’t get high from this, but there are tons of benefits. Here, we’ll go over what CBD oil in cosmetics means for you, and if you should be wary of this. 

Everyone Loves it 

CBD oil is something that a lot of people love, including some of the hottest celebrities. Some claim that it helps with alleviating stress when they’re getting ready for events, but also helps with removing discomfort from heels too. 



There are so many who are using this, from Selena Gomez to Michelle Williams to even Mandy Moore who use this to help with the pain from heels and also helping them stay nice and relaxed. Some afterparties for these celebrities even included various CBD products that they could enjoy, so cannabis is definitely something that’s becoming more and more impactful not just at the Oscars, but in general as well. 

Why CBD Beauty Products 

The cool thing about CBD is that it’s not just good as a compound, but everything else that’s in there. You’ve got vitamins C, D, A, E, and even other fatty acids that help to reduce inflammation. You also have the same fatty acids within your bodies, which makes them much better, and more efficient. 

There are other properties that help your skin too. It can help your skin if it’s dry, help to combat psoriasis, and even help with eczema, and also fights against acne and aging problems too, so there is a reason why it’s so popular for people to try. 



The creams and lotions are great to massage the body and also help to reduce the pain, inflammation, and stress. The CBD in this is something which targets the area, and lets your muscles properly relax. Topicals are some of the best to add to daily skincare options, and the cool thing about this, is you can utilize this during the day, or even after a long, hard day, and it gives you a ton of great options and benefits to try out. 

Types of products 

There is a lot out there Some of the most popular includes lotions, creams, and even makeup that’s infused with this. If you don’t like the options that they give you, you can always check out a local CBD shop to see what kinds of beauty products that they have. 



There are even some cool CBD beauty product lines that you can check out too, including Papa & Barkley. This is one that has a lot of different types of CBD beauty products. You can of course get lotions and balms there, but they also come with tinctures that you can use in your drinks, foods, or under the tongue, oils, and capsules. 

They have creams too that help to target specific areas to help give you all of the terpenes cannabinoids, and other plant nutrients, in order to properly rejuvenate the skin. There are also some cool bath bombs too that you can buy. You can utilize this with your nightly baths, and the cool thing about this is that it comes with essential oils along with cannabinoids to offer a truly remarkable experience too.


Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Beginner’s Guide to CBD

CBD or cannabidiol is one of the many parts of the plant that’s a Phyto cannabinoid that’s in cannabis. CBD is something that’s in both recreational and medicinal cannabis, and also in hemp. 

It was found in 1940 by a man named Roger Adams, and it’s something that’s made in a lab, with a lot of medicinal and other beneficial aspects to this. 

Cannabis is something that has a different kind of structure to THC, and since that discovery, it also demonstrated the potential applications of CBD in various medicines as well, to help with a variety of various conditions. 

Formulations 

There are different kinds of formulations that use CBD. Some of them are strong and are in flower that contains both CBD and THC, and there are those that have low levels of THC, but high CBD that’s there. There are also products that are administered either orally or topically, such as capsules, sprays, oils, various tablets, even wafters too. 



CBD products are not all the same though, since there are isolates, which are basically the CBD content only and nothing more. 

There is also full-spectrum, which is manufactured utilizing the terpenes, flavonoids, and the rest of the plant matter.  Broad spectrum basically has the same as full-spectrum, but without the THC. 

The ECS and CBD 

Your endocannabinoid system and receptors is one of the best regulatory areas in the body for ensuring proper balance in the CNS, brain, and the like. The ECS is responsible for regulating a variety of immune, physiological, and other cognitive processes that are there. 

Any deficiencies that are in this can cause a lot of problems in the body, and it even impacts motor functions. it’s been a major part of research. 

You have endocannabinoids which do bind to your receptors, and it can bind to other organic tissues too, and the CB1 receptors in particular play a role in appetite, sleep, your time perception, coordination, and short-term memory. CB2 is something that’s found all throughout and is responsible for the nerve pain, inflammation, and even tissue damage and repair. 



CBD is something that’s similar to the endocannabinoids, and it does so in a way that’s not intoxicating, and it’s something that you can use to help your body, without getting the possible side effects that come with this of course, and it makes things much easier for you. 

The clinical Trials behind This 

A lot of people think CBD is a panacea and just helps with everything, but there is actual research that shows the interaction of CBD, and how it compares to a variety of various medications. It can help with a lot of issues, but it’s imperative that you talk to a practitioner such as a doctor or someone to ensure that you’re getting CBD that helps with the conditions that you’re trying to treat. 



A lot of clinical trials do look at how effective and safe CBD is for a variety of conditions. Plenty of these trials actually showed some amazing results when compared to the therapy that’s there with CBD and how effective it is compared to other kinds of items. The best way to get CBD is through a doctor. They can prescribe exactly what you need, whether it’s a THC product or not, and also helps with ensuring that the side effects are minimal. While it is not intoxicating, it does cause a variety of side effects, including of course, drowsiness if you take a lot. But CBD may be what you need to treat various problems, and some people love to use it too.

Monday, November 13, 2017

Hybrid Cannabis Strains

Cannabis is either a pure or a hybrid breed of plant, similar to anything else. While the industry has started to become more commercialized, the pure and current hybrid strains do get constantly mixed and they get remixed together, thereby creating more hybrids as a result. They are the manmade attempts at creating custom plants, and they can be both sativa, rueralis, and indica strains, where they get the traits from their parents. There are a couple of options for hybrid strain types, and they include the following: 

  • Two sativa strains bred together 

  • Two indica strains bred together 

  • A sativa and indica being mixed together. This usually has traits that involve both of these kinds of cannabis. It may be tall, but the buds might be purple for instance 

  • Indica and sativa, which has both characteristics, but the indica is much more dominant 

Auto flowering cultivars that are hybrids sometimes show up too, and it gets mixed with the genetics becoming ruderalis. 



The Breeding Aspect 

The breeding of this is quite similar to other plants, since it involves the female plant needing the male’s pollen to finally create a new plant.  This is something that works naturally, but when you create a hybrid, the breeders tend to use selective breeding where they only allow certain traits to show up in a plant. 

The seeds that are crated in this are both hybrids of the parent plants, so the traits that are desired can be bred once again from these plants. Once the traits have been found, they will “cube” this, which is where they create a hybrid that’s a child with the current strain of the parents in order to keep those characteristics reinforced, and then, they repeat this across multiple generations in order to keep the characteristics stable. 



They can also be bred asexually too, and this is a process where they combine this, using cloning, cutting, or even root division, and asexual reproduction allows for the plant to have the same characteristics once again, repeating this as needed to create the ultimate cannabis plant for your growing needs. 

Trait dominance 

It’s important to understand that there are also different aspects of dominance which can happen there. You’ve got complete dominance, which is when you have the genes that are dominant and are able to suppress those recessive aspects, which is why you see it looking more like one type of plant tan the other. With cannabis, you see this in color, where the dominant color will completely show rather than the recessive color, and usually, in first-generation plants it will show the dominance completely, with the sequence plants showing the recessive aspects of this.



Then her is incomplete dominance, which is where you see the recessive and the dominant features of the plant, and this is something that usually is different in cannabis plants. This is where the plant may show mixtures of the traits, rather than just one or the next, so it’s something that also does account for the inconsistencies in the plant itself. 

Usually, this shows itself in the type of way the plant looks. For indica, it usually is more short and stubby. For sativa, they’re taller and more like a tree, and the buds are a lot fluffier.  The ruderalis types will start to flower no matter what, and they’re definitely popular. All hybrid strains have all of these aspects, and it’s important to make sure that you do factor all of this in, making it something to consider when you’re breeding different cannabis plants as well too.

Monday, September 12, 2016

Can Cannabis Help with PMS

PMS is something that a lot of women experience every single month, where they deal with it before they get their period, and right after ovulation. This is typically something that begins with the symptoms, and the period marks the end of this. The symptoms do vary, and some barely notice them, but others, almost 30% of women get some form of them, and it can be so bad that it totally messes with the lives they’re trying to live. Some of the symptoms include: 

  • Anxiety 

  • Appetite issues 

  • Irritability 

  • Feeling sad 

  • Major mood changes 

  • Lower libido 

  • Pain in the abdomen 

  • Issues with concentration 

  • Constipation along with diarrhea 

  • Cramps 

  • Pain in muscles 

  • Headaches 

The symptoms are numerous, diverse, and they targe the mind and the body, and these hormonal and neurochemical changes drastically impact a woman’s happiness and general energy and mood levels during this time. 

Cannabis and PMS 

While there are some other ways to treat this, including medication for hormones, different therapy, antidepressants, and dietary changes along with supplements, exercise, enough sleep, you also may want to use cannabis for this. In one survey, it was discovered that 85% of women that were there said they tried the herb, and about 90% of that group also mentioned that it was helpful for these effects. They usually used it either through smoking, or through edibles. 



The relationship between PMS and cannabis isn’t a modern-day miracle though. Instead, more and more previous cultures in the past utilized this, in order to offer more concentrated, and natural menstruation, and it was even mentioned that Queen Victoria would use cannabis tinctures to help with her PMS. Now, there are some women who ask if weed really does help with cramps. Well, traditional and historical accounts are one side of it, but our best decisions are further created through evidence, based on trials which are human-controlled. 

These trials do have women trying this, along with other natural items to see if cannabis would actually work. However, because of cannabis controversy, the science has stunted the further research within this area. 

So what does the research say? Well, there isn’t some exact, concrete research, but there ae some people who have found that period cramps do benefit from this.  Period cramps are benefitted by cannabis due to the vasodilation that happens with this, and it can help to reduce pain. 



Plus, there is a fact that the ECS also can be impacted by this, dulling pain perception, and also reducing inflammation. In one study which was done by the Journal of the International Association for the Study of Pain, it was found that cannabinoids, the ECS, and pain, along with the authors of this found that the analgesic developments do possibly happen, and to be able to use tis is worthwhile. However, the development of this into medicines that are useful is still a major challenge for a lot of companies. 



As for mood swings, the endo cannabinoids can impact the chemistry of the brain, binding to the ECS and other receptor sites. It can help with impacting mood. There are ongoing studies that look at beta-pinene, a terpene that’s responsible for piney scents, as a way to possibly be used as a means to counteract antidepressants. 

While there isn’t a ton of research, there is a chance that cannabis can be useful for the development and treatment of PMS symptoms, helping women everywhere have a better, more rewarding life as a result of this, and to truly offer marked effects in this.