by Awesome Author | Feb 8, 2022 | Womens Health
Cannabis is not new to the world. It dates back to hundreds and thousands of years ago when people used to make use of cannabis seeds and leaves for medicinal and recreational use. And, over the years, the combination of men and cannabis has made it to the mainstream.
However, ongoing studies and research have found several reasons that can make women fall in love with the natural supplement. That is because plenty of female influencers have stepped into the world of marijuana, which, in turn, has changed the outlook of women and cannabis. It is no longer a taboo or stigma but a modern age tool to experience relief.
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When it comes to a woman’s hormonal changes while aging, the recovery process from ailments and illnesses can get hindered. Cannabis, on the other hand, can ideally help women come out from such situations to maintain and sustain their overall well-being. Also, is rolling a joint advantageous for women? With centuries of gender stereotyping, here are four primary reasons why cannabis and women are a match made in heaven.
Cannabis is a Natural Female Aphrodisiac
Cannabis is not only business but a source of pleasure too for women when it comes down to benefiting and enjoying cannabis. Even though hundreds of articles are available on the internet about weed and sex for women, cannabis is much more than a success story. Since sex is a vital part of a woman’s life, spending a warm time between the sheets can be advantageous to mental and physical health, promoting healthy relationships.
One of the studies published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine states that cannabis has the potential to improve sexual intercourse, and those who smoked the substance before having sex enjoyed 20% more than their counterparts.
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For a woman, pot may open the space of increased confidence, enhanced sensations, and the tenderness of sexual liberation. The magnitude of a woman’s influence in the industry is that manufacturers have started producing women-driven cannabis products. While women and men may both land themselves in a winning position when it comes to sex and weed, women come out on top.
Women’s Presence in the Cannabis Industry
The ongoing domination of women in the cannabis industry has been immense. It would be fair to say that they hold a significant number of senior roles’ percentages throughout the industry. One of the reports suggests that women hold a staggering executive figure of 36% amid the cannabis market, which has marked the industry’s end of masculinity. Those who used to think that only men could benefit from cannabis personally and professionally should go through the growing statistics. The female strength has made a considerable effort in breaking gender stereotypes and initiated the stride towards the peak.
If you are looking for successful specimens in such a sector, go through the case studies of an organization called Women Grow, which was started back in 2014 by the woman for woman orientation. This non-profit organization has only seen a rise since its inception and does not indicate otherwise. With so much going on between women and weed, the cannabis industry will only witness something more in the coming years.
Postpartum Depression
More than half a million women suffer from PPD (postpartum depression) across the country every year. Such a debilitating condition can show various signs while presenting itself and can give rise to a tedious task to diagnose during its breakpoint. It is essential to know what leads to such a condition. Symptoms such as low energy, extreme sadness, crying, emotional episodes, anxiety, anger, difficulty in eating, sleeping, and stress can give rise to PPD.
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Since synthetic and prescription-based therapies and medications have long-term side effects, scientists and researchers have conducted several studies concerning cannabis and its benefits on PPD. Some evidence from one of those studies suggests that the supplement can relieve the most common symptoms associated with this condition. The way two of cannabis’ cannabinoids, CBD, and THC interact with our endocannabinoid system only shows that a woman should reach out for cannabis’ recommended doses to alleviate PPD’s symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Since a woman’s body goes through severe health-related issues, it is essential to take vital measures. In such a situation, cannabis can be of significant help. With several forms and types of products available offline and online, there is a broad range of lists for a woman to choose from. Furthermore, when it comes to the relationship between cannabis and women in 2020, it would be fair to say that they’re a match made in heaven. However, before integrating the supplement into your lifestyle or diet, consult an expert, and discuss the recommended dosage you can administer.
Featured Image Credits: Pexels
by Awesome Author | May 7, 2020 | Medication & Health Science
Even though it’s 2020, and the internet is packed with information about cannabis and its products, people are still not fully aware of the difference between medical and recreational marijuana.
The possible reason for that could be the fact that people didn’t understand all the benefits of marijuana back in the day when it was entirely prohibited by law. The majority of people have come to realize that marijuana is not harmful but are still reluctant to educate themselves more.
That’s why we decided to talk about the difference between medical and recreational marijuana. If you’re interested in finding out more, keep on reading.
What’s the Main Difference Between Medical and Recreational Marijuana?
In short, the difference between the two is in the different amount of THC and CBD found in the plant. Medical marijuana contains more CBD, while recreational marijuana contains more THC.
What’s the Difference Between THC and CBD?
THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, while CBD stands for cannabinoid. The terminology might be confusing for some, but that’s why we’re here to explain the difference between the two.
THC comes from the cannabis plant that has a high concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol. CBD can be extracted from hemp or marijuana plants that contain a smaller amount of THC but are high in CBD.
Cannabis products with high levels of THC are used for recreational purposes, while products that are high in CBD and low in THC are used for medical purposes.
How Is Medical Marijuana Used?
As we’ve already mentioned, CBD is the main ingredient in medical marijuana. It can be consumed by inhaling or in the form of topical creams, tinctures, and edibles.
According to CBD facts, in order to be considered legal, CBD extracted from industrial hemp mustn’t contain more than 0.3% THC. At the same time, recreational marijuana doesn’t necessarily contain the amount of CBD that can help treat different health conditions.
Medicine did its part of the job to create a cure for many health problems. Industrially made CBD products contain the required amount of cannabinoid that’s proven beneficial in the treatment of some health conditions. Some of them are anxiety, seizures, inflammation, nausea, migraines, cancer-related side effects, and others.
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How Is Recreational Marijuana Used?
At the moment, both recreational and medical marijuana is legal in 11 US states and Washington, DC and Canada.
Unlike medical marijuana that contains only 0.3% THC or less, recreational marijuana, on average, can contain between 17% and 28% THC. The higher the percentage, the stronger the feeling of euphoria.
Most of the time, cannabis is consumed by inhaling. However, other methods of consumption are also available, like oils, capsules, or edibles.
Conclusion
The real problem for states to legalize marijuana entirely is the percentage of THC, which is considered to cause problems for both users and society. That’s why medical marijuana is legal in most US states, but recreational isn’t.
It’s certain that full legalization is soon going to happen everywhere. Marijuana has a lot fewer side effects than tobacco or alcohol, and people are aware of this fact. Until then, people have to make peace with the fact that marijuana can be used for medical purposes only in most states.
By Ljubica Cvetskovska, co-founder and Content Coordinator at Deals on Cannabis
About the Author:
As a full-time writer and researcher of all things cannabis-related, I have come across countless accounts of people trying to find trusted and reliable sources to meet their CBD needs and requirements.
When dealing with a product like cannabis it can be nerve-racking to separate the fact from fiction, which is why I decided to devote my time, energy and skills on finding the best and most easily-accessible data on this topic. Combining that with bringing users closer to affordable and verified coupons and deals on CBD and weed products, it’s a dream come true.
My writing and reading keep me pretty busy, but in my free time, I love to binge-watch a TV show or two or hit the gym. Can’t have a healthy mind without a healthy body, right?
Featured Image: Pixabay
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by Awesome Author | Sep 22, 2019 | Medication & Health Science
Hemp vs Marijuana: What’s the Difference?
It seems like you see the letters CBD everywhere today. You almost forget that not long ago, CBD products weren’t legal in America. What makes CBD legal comes down to its plant source. Following the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and marijuana are classified as two different substances under the Control Substance Act. That’s because the effects of hemp vs marijuana are very different. This contrast is thanks to how marijuana and hemp affect a network inside of our body, known as the endocannabinoid system. Let’s discuss the differences between hemp and marijuana.
Hemp vs Marijuana: A Difference in Genetics
While hemp and marijuana effects differ, the two plants are siblings from the same family. Marijuana and hemp are both species of the Cannabaceae genus. There are two predominant plants in the Cannabaceae family. They are Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa.
Due to its sturdier frame and huskier exterior, present-day hemp evolved from Cannabis sativa. Their short and stocky frame causes hemp plants to grow closer together than marijuana plants do, maxing out around 4 inches apart.
Thanks to the hardiness of their fibrous stalks and close proximity to other plants, hemp can withstand many climates. The durability of hemp allows them to reach maturity within 108 to 120 days.
While hemp is just one species of the Cannabaceae genus, marijuana, on the other hand, can be cultivated as either Cannabis indica or Cannabis sativa. That’s where its pickiness stops.
To best grow marijuana, you’re going to need warmer climates and more space. These cannabis family members also like breathing room–upwards of six feet between plants! Hey, maybe space is a bit of a good thing. After all, marijuana matures quicker than hemp, as these plants are ready for harvest within 60 to 90 days.
Another glaring difference between hemp and marijuana? Hemp plants are male. Whereas, marijuana is female. Maybe that’s why they mature quicker than hemp plants!
Hemp Effects vs Marijuana Effects
One last difference in the hemp vs marijuana debate might just be the most important. It involves how compounds within these plants interact with our endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system relies on a series of receptors located throughout our body. These receptors regulate everything from our mental health to hormone production to appetite.
Research indicates hemp effects are very beneficial to the system. The plant is a complete protein containing all the essential amino acids. Hemp effects also include antioxidative and anti-inflammatory benefits. This wide range of qualities is why CBD oil is popping up in everything from beauty lines to supplements to skincare.
Additional research confirms many of the benefits of hemp effects can also be achieved to some degree by marijuana as well. However, there’s one significant difference between how hemp affects the endocannabinoid system vs how marijuana affects it. This primary contrast is that marijuana triggers a psychoactive effect on the endocannabinoid system.
While marijuana can create a euphoric feeling throughout the body, hemp doesn’t have the same effect on the endocannabinoid system. Farm Bill-compliant hemp can’t get you high. The reason for such a variance in cannabis experiences comes down to two molecules–CBD vs THC.
CBD vs THC
What gives plants their distinct attributes are the network of chemical compounds within their DNA. In the Cannabis sativa family, the significant differences between plants come down to plant-based compounds known as cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are molecules formed within the oils of the cannabis plant. They are also behind the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
As the prefix implies, cannabinoids are closely associated with the cannabis family. While other plants do have cannabinoids, none has an abundant supply as members of the Cannabaceae clan. Research indicates that the hemp plant has at least 113 cannabinoids known to humankind.
Think of cannabis plants like men and women. Both genders have estrogen and testosterone in their system. The difference in these levels is what causes one person to grow the characteristics of a male like facial hair or traits of a female such as the growth of breast tissue.
In hemp vs marijuana plants, instead of estrogen or testosterone, their molecular structure depends on the ratio of CBD vs THC.
What Causes Marijuana Effects?
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol is the THC molecule that gives marijuana its psychoactive or intoxicating characteristics. The THC molecule binds on cannabinoid receptors, creating a euphoric-like feeling on the system.
Under the Farm Bill, hemp plants must have 0.3% THC or less. Due to its low concentration of THC, hemp effects are not psychoactive.
What Causes Hemp Benefits and Effects?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is predominant in hemp plants and the primary reason for the effects felt from hemp. It works in unison with the other cannabinoids in hemp to help bring homeostasis (balance) to our system.
Unlike THC, the CBD molecule doesn’t bind to many receptors. Instead, it stimulates stressed receptors, causing a calming-like effect on the body.
CBD can’t get you high. In fact, due to its molecular structure, CBD can even counteract unwanted marijuana effects.
A History of Hemp CBD Benefits on Ancestors
Back before plants were classified by species and family, our ancestors learned about herbs through trial and error. They would use plants for sustenance and eventually, for medicinal purposes. One of the earliest texts known to humankind is a Hindu work known as The Vedas. This ancient record referenced cannabis as one of the Five Essential Plants.
When our ancestors migrated, they brought this versatile plant along with them. Chinese emperor Shen-Nung seeped the leaves in a tea to experience hemp effects such as pain relief. Egyptians used cannabis to treat sore eyes. Romans applied hemp extracts to heal sores on both humans and horses.
Our ancestors who went west took hemp along for the journey. As America started colonizing, parts of the country even valued hemp as an acceptable form of payment!
Cannabis was so commonplace that in the 1800s it was an ingredient in many over-the-counter medicines. The plant even landed itself on a list of medicinal herbs in the 1850 US Pharmacopeia.
In 1850, science hadn’t evolved to the point where scientists could differentiate between hemp and marijuana. Cannabis the species was classified like one plant, and this would come to be detrimental in the hemp vs marijuana battle.
Hemp vs Marijuana and Prohibition
In the early 1900s, America was cracking down on mind-altering substances. This change in philosophy caused the country to ban cannabis. During this time, nobody was able to differentiate between hemp and marijuana. They couldn’t figure out that one plant will cause the psychoactive side effects, while the other won’t. Since no one could distinguish between the two, the cannabis ban affected both plants.
With prohibition, companies removed cannabis as an active ingredient in their over-the-counter remedies. Consequently, the masses became deprived of the CBD benefits from ingesting hemp products.
Figuring Out the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana
In the 1960s, scientists finally discovered the THC molecule. They realized this cannabinoid interacted with the body, fostering the high associated marijuana effects.
Simultaneously, pharmaceutical companies started to grow. With the industrial revolution, companies began mass-producing medications in the same laboratories that were performing studies on these drugs. With our ever-growing reliance on pharmaceutical remedies, hemp-based care and studies seemed a thing of the past. Therefore, the need to distinguish between hemp and marijuana seemed unnecessary.
While conventional drugs have a place in wellness, many come with a laundry list of side effects. Just watch one commercial and your head will be spinning. These unfavorable effects led many to look toward a more natural form of therapy that had our ancestors’ approval.
In 1996, medical cannabis became legal in California. However, the groundswell behind the hemp movement didn’t swing into full gear until 2012. This was a landmark year where numerous states voted in favor of medical cannabis. Even then, it wasn’t until 2014 the differences between hemp and marijuana were recognized legally. Still, the laws surrounding cannabis can be tricky and make knowing the difference between hemp and marijuana more crucial than ever.
Hemp vs Marijuana and the Law
In 2018, Congress signed a new Farm Bill into law. A provision in this legislature saw the differences between hemp and marijuana finally recognized.
The new Farm Bill reassigned the cultivation of hemp under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) instead of the Department of Justice. With this change of oversight, hemp became reclassified under the Controlled Substance Act.
During prohibition, the Controlled Substance Act classified both hemp and marijuana as cannabis. Unfortunately for those who wanted hemp CBD benefits, all species of cannabis were classified as a schedule 1 controlled substance. That categorization held hemp in the same regard as opioids and meth. It’s also a reason for the long-standing stigma surrounding cannabis products today.
Thanks to the new Farm Bill, which was signed with a hemp pen by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, hemp is currently a schedule 5 substance. While recognizing the differences between hemp and marijuana was vital for CBD legality, it doesn’t make all forms of CBD oil legal. Let’s take a look at the difference between hemp vs marijuana-derived CBD Oil.
What is the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana Derived CBD Oil?
CBD derived from hemp plants compliant with the Farm Bill is legal in all 50 states. That’s because these hemp plants have less than 0.3% THC in their genetic makeup. Therefore, companies can use these plants to extract CBD oil without worrying about creating a formula with psychoactive properties.
Almost one-fifth of the states in our country recognize recreational marijuana. Based on the guidelines of those states, extracting CBD oil from marijuana plants is legal. Therefore, products in states where recreational marijuana is legal may have a higher concentration of THC than the 0.3% in government-mandated hemp. Consequently, these products may cause psychoactive side effects for the person who is using them. Furthermore, the products may become illegal when they cross state lines.
While hemp got a pass during the new Farm Bill, marijuana did not. If you are purchasing CBD oil in a state where recreational marijuana is legal, check out the label. Make sure the CBD oil comes from hemp instead of marijuana.
To further complicate the situation, states which recognize medical marijuana but not recreational, also allow the extraction of CBD oil from marijuana. Medical marijuana cardholders should always have their card inside their wallet, especially when they are traveling with CBD oil. That way, if you do purchase a product in compliance with your state’s medical marijuana program, you will be in accordance with local laws in neighboring states too.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil Benefits
You must be asking yourself, why bother making CBD oil with marijuana if the plant is illegal on a federal level? That’s because there are therapeutic benefits to the THC molecule. In fact, all 113 cannabinoids in the hemp plant (including THC) are rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and other micronutrients. Though THC found in CBD products is below .3% and not nearly enough to get you high, having a small amount can still provide benefits.
The primary objective of cannabinoids is homeostasis (balance). They enter the bloodstream in search of angst-ridden receptors throughout the endocannabinoid system. Based on the cannabinoid’s interaction with the stressed-out receptor, the balance gets restored throughout the network.
Cannabinoids love homeostasis so much they try to accomplish this task as efficiently as possible. Studies suggest cannabinoids have a beneficial effect on one another. Dubbed the entourage effect, cannabinoids exhibit a natural synergy. This unique interaction is what makes the benefits of CBD oil possible for millions.
Not all CBD oil is created equally. To know you are getting all of the cannabinoids, make sure the label says words such as:
- Full-Spectrum
- Broad-Spectrum
- Whole-Plant
These labels indicate all parts of the hemp plant including its leaves, stems, and seeds were used during the extraction process. This means the formula is enriched with a load of nutrients that subpar, fly by night companies may leave out.
How to Get CBD Oil without the THC Molecule
There are many reasons for someone to be skeptical of purchasing a product with THC. For one, you may have a sensitive endocannabinoid system. Others may be afraid of unknowingly breaking the law. If this sounds like you, you can still experience the benefits of CBD oil.
At Made by Hemp, we produce phytocannabinoid-rich hemp oil without any THC. While the THC molecule does exhibit therapeutic benefits, it is not necessarily needed in CBD products, though as highlighted above can prove beneficial.
CBD products made with CBD isolate are THC free.
Hemp vs Marijuana Uses
With marijuana being abundant in THC, it is mostly used for its psychoactive properties and medicinal benefits. States with laws allowing for both recreational and medical marijuana have laws for when, where, and how to use these products.
Hemp, on the other hand, has historically been used for more industrial purposes like clothing, biofuel, food products, paper, and more. With the recent rise in popularity as a supplement, CBD derived from hemp is making this plant popular again, and helping companies like ours to educate more people on the benefits of hemp vs marijuana as a supplement.
Conclusion
Now you know the difference, spread the word! Help others to understand this important concept about the difference between hemp and marijuana. There are many epidemics going on in the world today such as deforestation, sickness and disease, opioid addiction, and more which more studies and research could provide insight into how the hemp plant and its constituents could prove important in these issues and more.
This article was originally published on MadeByHemp
Featured Image Credits: Pixabay
by Awesome Author | Aug 25, 2019 | Diet & Weight Loss
Anyone unfamiliar with cannabidiol, or CBD, may be surprised to learn its association with weight loss. After all, the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in cannabis has long been known to do the exact opposite; stimulate appetite. However, now that medicinal cannabis is legal in more parts of the world, new research (linked below) has found that industrial hemp-derived CBD may have an effect on weight. How you ask? Read on and find out.
What is CBD and How Does it Work?
Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis, and CBD is one of over 100 known today! After THC, CBD is the second most plentiful cannabinoid, composing up to 40 percent of some cannabis extracts. While THC is known for its intoxicating effects, CBD doesn’t get you high.
Studies have shown that CBD may offer its benefits by stimulating certain receptors in our body’s endocannabinoid system and prolonging the effects of the “bliss molecule” anandamide. By allowing anandamide to remain in the body longer, it doesn’t just help soothe soreness but also helps in other areas as well. CBD may also support the body by helping to decrease the number of cytokines, which are inflammatory molecules.
What does this all have to do with weight loss? Keep on reading…
4 Ways CBD May Help with Weight Loss
1. CBD’s Effects on Food Intake
Unlike THC, CBD does not make you hungry. Though there haven’t been many studies on the effects of CBD on weight loss, one study found CBD could actually reduce food intake. Researchers compared three cannabinoids and found that CBD minimized total food consumption in rats. It works by helping to block the overflow of neurotransmitters, which leads to binge-eating behaviors, thus regulating appetite and weight. However, as these tests were done on rats, more research on the effects of CBD on human appetite is still needed.
2. CBD to Combat Stress-Eating
Many people turn to food to help them deal with stress. The endorphins that stress eaters get from eating unhealthy comfort foods may effectively battle stress hormones, but it does so at the cost of weight gain, as well as other health problems. Because CBD has been found to help ease stress and anxiety, it may curb this behavior and prevent you from putting on unwanted pounds due to stress-eating.
3. CBD and Breaking Down Fat
One study published in the Journal Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry found that CBD stimulates the genes and proteins that help break down fat. CBD speeds up “fat browning”, which is the process that turns the white fat cells linked with obesity into healthier brown fat cells that generate energy. The researchers also found that CBD may increase the activity of mitochondria, boosting the body’s ability to burn calories while decreasing the number of proteins involved in fat cell generation.
4. CBD to Manage Blood Sugar
Sugar is a highly addictive substance that can wreak havoc on your health and weight. Once diabetes develops, the body becomes more resistant to insulin, causing more fat absorption. CBD has been found to minimize insulin resistance, decreasing fat build-up.
How to Use CBD Oil for Weight Loss
Though more studies need to be done on CBD’s effects on human weight management, CBD is quite safe and has very few side effects. While the findings of recent research are promising, it’s important to note that these studies are still in their early stages. However, when coupled with a healthy diet and exercise, CBD oil could very well lead to faster, healthier weight loss.
This article was originally published on MadeBy Hemp
Featured Image Credits: Pixabay
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