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5 Ingredients to Add to a Super Smoothie to Boost Your Health

 

5 Ingredients to Add to a Super Smoothie to Boost Your Health

A smoothie is a delicious, fruity treat that is easy to make, take on the go, and helps improve your health. I love making protein smoothies every day for a nutritious treat. Enjoy this nice refreshing beverage any day. Adding the right ingredients can help boost your immunity, improve your brain power, and give you energy. A super smoothie is a great way to start your morning off right. Here are 5 ingredients, you can find online or at a natural foods store, to add to your Super Smoothie to help boost your health.

 

Moringa Leaf Powder

Moringa is loaded with nutritional benefits and is used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine. It contains a variety of vitamins, proteins and minerals. It also contains hydrating and detoxifying elements. Moringa can help treat and cure some diseases such as sickle cell and anemia. It can help protect the liver, kidneys, the cardio vascular system, arthritis and help heal damaged bones. Moringa also helps treat mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue. It helps treat diabetes and reduces high blood pressure. Finally, Moringa also helps improve eye health, asthma, and fights against bacterial diseases due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties.

 

Turmeric Powder

Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant full of anti-inflammatory properties. Since turmeric can help fight chronic inflammation, it is important in preventing and helping treat conditions such as heart disease, metabolic syndrome, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and other various degenerative conditions. As an antioxidant, curcumin may block the action of free radicals and may stimulate the action of other antioxidants. Curcumin may increase brain levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic factor, it may be effective in delaying or even reversing many brain diseases and age-related decreases in brain function. It can also lead to improvements in heart health. Since Turmeric is an antioxidant, it may contribute to the death of cancerous cells, reduce angiogenesis and reduce metastasis.

 

Beet Root Powder

Beet Root is full of essential vitamins and minerals. It helps with blood flow, aids indigestion and contain a variety of nutrients such as iron, fiber, magnesium and potassium. Beet can significantly lower systolic blood pressure, likely due to the concentration of nitrates in beets. Nitrates in beet, may also help increase blood flow to the brain, improve cognitive function and possibly reduce the risk of dementia. Beet contain pigments called betalains, which may potentially possess a number of anti-inflammatory properties. Betalains may also reduce the growth of prostate and breast cancer cells. Beets are a good source of fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health, as well as reducing the risk of a number of chronic health conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and constipation. Fiber in beets may also help promote weight loss by reducing appetite and promoting feelings of fullness, thereby reducing overall calorie intake

 

Mushroom Blend Powder

Mushroom complex that is full of a variety of mushrooms such as Chaga, Reishi, Shitake, and Turkey Tail combined. It can help with brain power, boost immunity, give you energy and endurance. The polysaccharides and beta glucans in mushrooms are some of the best tools for supporting a healthy immune system. Some mushrooms have anti-anxiety effects, other mushroom powder varieties are known for improving cognitive function and memory. Chaga is an antioxidant support and helps with healthy aging. Studies show chaga can slow cancer growth and reduce oxidative stress. Since it contains cytokines, chaga also defends against inflammation, bacteria, colds, and even serious diseases. Cordyceps improves oxygen uptake and enhance blood flow to stimulate energy and improve physical performance. Cordyceps is also studied for its tumor-fighting, blood sugar-reducing, anti-inflammation properties. Lion’s mane is well known as one of the only plant substances to stimulate Nerve Growth Factor and myelin—two crucial components of a healthy brain. Lion’s mane can protect against diseases like multiple sclerosis and dementia while improving cognitive function and fighting anxiety symptoms. Reishi helps balance the immune system and defend against the negative effects of aging. It also helps mental health. Studies show that reishi can encourage amazing sleep and help with depression. Turkey tail mushroom is under significant research for its powerful cancer-fighting properties. Mushrooms have the highest concentration of antioxidants of any food source, it is important for fighting free radical damage that can cause inflammation. Shiitake can lower bad cholesterol levels, protect your liver, and preventing plaque build-up in arteries.

 

Cannabis Oil

Cannabis oil, with cannabinoids such as CBD and/or THC, is loaded with health benefits such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotection, relieves pain and enhances your immune system. Depending on your dosing, a little bit of cannabis oil is all that’s needed. Cannabis interacts with neurotransmitters; it has been used to treat pain and reduce inflammation for many years. Cannabis also interacts with receptors in the brain and may reduce depression, anxiety and stress. Cannabis is also a neuroprotectant, good for brain health and may help with multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease. It may potentially help with mental diseases such as schizophrenia, as well as helping with addiction to drugs. Cannabis can help reduce cancer cell growth and also reduce negative side effects of cancer treatment such as pain, vomiting and nausea. Cannabis can lower blood pressure and improve the circulatory system. Cannabis has potential to reduce diabetes and inflammation. Since cannabis is an antioxidant, it can also help improve your immune system.

 

A smoothie first starts with Ice, Water or non-dairy milk, Protein Powder and Fruit (fresh or frozen). By adding a few key ingredients to your daily smoothie, you can help improve your health, fight diseases, suppress inflammation, boost your brain, relieve pain, improve your mood and give you more energy. Super smoothies are a great morning treat to start you day.

Resources:

·         https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319916#what-are-the-benefits

·         https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric#TOC_TITLE_HDR_7

·         https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-beets#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2

·         https://learn.freshcap.com/tips/best-mushroom-powder/

·         https://www.ecowatch.com/cannabis-oil-health-benefits-2624817156.html

Cannabis Infused Caramel Apples

 

Cannabis Infused Caramel Apples

 

On Halloween, all adults enjoy reminiscing that joyful time in their childhood memories about running around the neighborhood, dressed in their favorite costume, collecting candies from the neighbors. Now as adults it’s even more fun when you get to dress up in your favorite costume and go to a friends Halloween party. Want to know the perfect treat to share with all your ghoul friends? Who doesn’t love a Cannabis infused caramel apple! With sprinkles!?

When you show up with these delightful infused caramel apples, the party is sure to get cranking! Delicious, nutritious, sweet, and medicated; there is no turning down a childhood - turned adult - favorite treat! Who knows, it might persuade the judges to pick your costume as the best one!

Add these items to your grocery list and let’s make some tasty treats. Make sure to double the recipe ingredients if you need to make more.

•         1 bag of Caramel (11-13oz)
•         Sprinkles
•         5-6 apples
•       Sticks for holding and dipping the apple
•         Cannabis infused oil or RSO

 

First thing you want to do is unwrap all of the caramel pieces and throw the wrappers in the trash, place the caramel pieces in a saucepan on the stove on Med-low heat. Add 2 tbsp of water. I usually start with the heating unit at medium and turn it down lower as the caramel starts to melt. Keep an eye on the caramel and stir with a fork occasionally, you don’t want the mixture to get too hot, or boiling for too long, you want to melt the candy in with the water and stir occasionally until the mixture is nice and smooth.

While the caramel is melting, go ahead and set up the apples by washing and drying them. Then, put a stick in them to hold them in place for dipping, the stick will also be the treat holder. Prepare a pan, lined with parchment paper. I put my apple treats in the fridge to cool faster, if you want to do this think about how much space is in the fridge for the pan to go into. However, you do not need to refrigerate these apples to get the caramel to harden. Pour the sprinkles in a flat dish for easy rolling of the apple.

Once the mixture is smooth add some cannabis oil or RSO into the melted caramel. Dosing very low because you want to make these infused treats for fun and we don’t want to accidentally dose too high. I personally prefer a dropper full of cannabis oil with THC and CBD. If I was using RSO, I would go with a small rice grain size, as it is more potent. The dosing size depends on the potency of your cannabis.

 After mixing in the cannabis into the melted caramel, grab your apples, with sticks inserted, and roll them around in the caramel, making sure to get a nice even coat of caramel all over the sides and bottom of the apple, without too much melted caramel on one side. At this stage I like keeping the sauce pan on lowest heat so the caramel doesn’t harden while I work.

After the caramel dip, roll the coated caramel apple in sprinkles. Less is more when it comes to sprinkles. They don’t taste super yummy, but they sure look cute!

Last, place the caramel- sprinkled apple upright on the prepared pan. You’ll want to move fast because once the heat is turned off on the caramel it tends to harden quickly. You can choose to either let them sit out and dry or stick them in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to harden faster.

 After your treats have dried and the caramels have hardened, it could be helpful to put them in a plastic candy bag, tied with Halloween themed ribbon. Your friends may like to enjoy their infused Halloween treats later when they are at home. I always enjoy making edibles to-go, so my friends can enjoy them later.

I hope you all have a very fun, and safe Halloween! Cheers!

 

Cannabinoids and Terpenes

How do Cannabinoids and Terpenes From Cannabis Help Us Heal from Conditions and Diseases?

The Endocannabinoid System takes up medicinal plant chemicals such as phytocannabinoids (cannabinoid compounds from the cannabis plant), and terpenes through various receptors located throughout the body. The endocannabinoid system is a regulatory system that helps to deliver phytomedicine to all the right areas in your body, putting into balance anything that was not aligned.

Cannabinoids

The cannabis plant produces 200+ different cannabinoids. The four primary cannabinoids are: THC, CBD, CBG, and CBC. A fifth cannabinoid - CBN is not produced by the plant itself but is the breakdown product of THC when exposed to oxygen over time. Studies suggest that the terpene, Beta-caryophyllene, produced by cannabis also functions as a cannabinoid (binding to receptors).

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)

THC is psychoactive. It is anti-inflammatory, reduces pain, neuroprotective, reduces intraocular pressure, spasticity, and muscle tension. THC interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors and activates the orphan receptor GPR 55. Excessive doses of THC may produce panic, anxiety, sedation and rapid heartbeat in novice users. THCA, the acidic precursor of THC has potential anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and antitumor applications.

CBD (cannabidiol)

CBD has been shown to eliminate some of THC’s unpleasant adverse effects, modulating it’s psychoactivity. CBD exhibits pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, an anticonvulsant, and is an antioxidant. Studies have shown that CBD is effective in vitro cells against brain, breast, and other tumor cells, while simultaneously protecting normal cells. CBD has been proven effective in inhibiting the growth of MRSA. Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is naturally produced by the plant, but is converted to CBD by heat over time. CBDA shows is a treatment for anti-nausea.

CBG (cannabigerol)

CBG is a potent appetite stimulator, antiseptic, antibiotic, reduces intraocular pressure, and effectively treats inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Clinical evidence shows it as a treatment for chemotherapy-induced cachexia. CBG may prove interest for its antitumor properties. A recent study shows CBG to protect neurons in mice with Huntington’s disease.

CBC (cannabichromene)

CBC is anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, and an antidepressant. CBC exhibits a range of effects, including antibiotic and antifungal. CBC is also shown to be a powerful inhibitor of acne. CBC does not interact with receptors, But CBC does bind with other receptors in the body, such as the vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), both of which are linked to pain perception. When CBC activates these receptors, increased levels of the body’s natural endocannabinoids are released. 

CBN (cannabinol)

CBN is the oxidation byproduct of THC. CBN is not produced by the cannabis plant, but is detected in older, long-term stored cannabis products. CBN’s studied benefits include: pain relief, antibacterial, anti-convulsive, anti-inflammatory, anti-insomnia, promotes growth of bone cells, as well as an appetite stimulant. CBN’s most pronounced attribute is its sedative effect. CBN might prove useful in treating burns because it reduced perceived thermal sensitivity.

Terpenes

Terpenes are the most common plant chemical in nature. When you smell cannabis, your smelling the terpenes. The terpene aromas distinguish cannabis plant variety. Research on these terpenes and their synergies with cannabinoids is beginning to explain how different varieties of cannabis can produce a range of effects. Cannabis produces 200+ terpenes, they can be found in the resin heads on cannabis glandular trichomes. 

Here are some of the most familiar terpenes…

Alpha-Pinene

Pinene is the smell of Pine. Pinene inhibits enzyme activity in the brain and this inhibition aids short-term memory. It is a potent antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator, aids memory, and has antitumor activity. Cannabis strains with a high A-Pinene profile include: Kona Gold, Blue Dream, or Pinene Kush.

Limonene

Limonene can be found in citrus fruit. Limonene is associated with euphoric effects. Clinical studies have proved an antidepressive, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. It treats acid reflux. Limonene activates adenosine receptors, increasing effects of THC and CBD. It is found in strains such as Tangerine Dream, Gelato, OG and Bubba Kush.

Myrcene

Myrcene can also be found in hops. Myrcene is specifically formulated to deliver a sedative effect, it is an antioxidant, muscle relaxant, a potent analgesic, and it enhances the effects of sedative drugs. Myrcene is a noticeable smell in cannabis strains such as ACDC, Godfather OG, Grape Ape, Purps, or AK-47.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is found in black pepper and cloves. Caryophyllene functions as a cannabinoid and activates the CB2 receptors. It is a strong anti-inflammatory, it exhibits analgesic, and immunomodulatory activity, it’s anti-arthritis, and is also linked to stimulating effects in some varieties. Strains such as Gorilla Glue #4, Cookies, and Colombian are dominant in Caryophyllene.

Linalool

Linalool is found in lavender and is mildly psychoactive. It is also associated with calming, antianxiety effects. Linalool is potently sedative, analgesic, and anesthetic. Strains such as Bubba Kush and purple indica varieties have significant amounts of Linalool.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene has a citrusy scent. It is also found in tea tree and juniper. Terpinolene shows clinical evidence of antibacterial activity, possible antitumor effects, pain reduction, as well as a strong association with cognitive clarity and sativas. Terpinolene can be found in strains such as Jack Herer, Trainwreck, Big Sur, and Zeta.

Ocimene

Ocimene is a sweet, fruity scented terpene. It can be found in sweet basil and allspice. Ocimene is a potent antibacterial, a decongestant, antiseptic, and is neither too sedative or too stimulating. Ocimene can be found in strains such as Skunk #1 and Pincher Creek.

Cannabis and Women's Health

Cannabis and Women’s Health

Cannabis has been used since ancient times for a variety of women’s health issues. Even into the 20^th century as cannabis was being outlawed around the world, physicians and medical textbooks were continuing to recommend cannabis to women as a treatment for dysmenorrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding, menopausal symptoms, and migraine headaches associated with menstruation.

Cannabis has proven a reliable herbal treatment for medical conditions unique among women across a range of cultures. From mild symptoms or premenstrual syndrome (PMS) to conditions such as endometriosis, cannabis medicines and their interaction with the Endocannabinoid System can play a significant role in supporting women’s health. Because endocannabinoids mediate many aspects of reproductive health in women, the informed use of medical cannabis is crucial to avoid potential side effects.

There is a longstanding bias against the study of sex differences, and of females in general, in scientific research. (Beery 2011) An understanding of the sex differences in endocannabinoid system expression and function is important. (Craft 2013) (Wagner 2016)

Within the brain, cannabinoid CB1 receptors are differently expressed between males and females. Researchers have found evidence for sex-dependent differences in the cannabinoid CB1 receptor density in the brain’s prefrontal cortex and amygdala, where the hormone estradiol appears to decrease the number of CB1 receptors expressed. In female rats, estradiol interacts with the endocannabinoid system and modulates emotional behavior. A neural connection exists between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex that responds to emotional events, and the amygdala modulates fear and anxiety responses. These brain regions are also involved in attention and in social behaviors.

There are also sex- and/or hormone- dependent differences related to brain structures responsible for motivation, reward behavior, and motor activity, where cannabinoid CB1 receptors play crucial roles.

As of 2017, preclinical research has been conducted, and recent findings underscore the role played by the endocannabinoid system in women’s health. Receptors and endocannabinoids have been found at high concentrations within a range of tissues throughout the uterus and female reproductive system. (Taylor 2010)

It is currently believed that the endocannabinoids, especially anandamide, play a significant role in regulating fertility and early pregnancy. (El-Talatini 2010)

In self-reported surveys of women, there is a large amount of data supporting the contention that cannabis has a positive influence on female sexual function and receptivity, with lower doses increasing desire and perceived pleasure, and higher doses suppressing them.

Recent preclinical research has found that females’ blood-serum endocannabinoid levels can vary in conditions such as depression. Women with major depression were found to have significantly lass 2-AG in their blood serum. However, the number of circulating endocannabinoids did not vary by the severity of the level of depression experienced by the patient.

It is also important to note that women are much more likely than men to experience side effects from prescribed medications. Since cannabis has a more tolerable side-effects profile, it presents an attractive alternative medicine.

Women appear to be much more sensitive than men to many aspects of phytocannabinoids action.

There is preclinical research underway to examine the potential role of CBD and THC in possible future treatments for specific breast-cancer lines. (McAllister 2011)

Women are using cannabis to relieve some symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, with success. (Gammon 2005)

Polycystic ovary disease may benefit from fish-oil supplements that the body uses to build precursors to fatty amide hydrolase (FAAH), the endocannabinoid enzyme linked to the condition.

The endocannabinoid system regulates many aspects of reproductive function in females

Levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) fluctuate somewhat during the menstrual cycle, peaking near ovulation and plummeting before menstruation. (Scotchie 2015)

At its peak concentration, the uterus contains more anandamide than any other organ in the body. This fluctuation may provide support for the preference of many women to treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS) by supplementing a cyclical AEA deficiency with phytocannabinoids such as THC.

Recently, researchers looked for potential genetic variations in CB1 cannabinoid receptors in women suffering from extreme PMS symptoms, a condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The researchers noted that an endocannabinoid link to PMDD is likely, just not subject to CB receptor variation.

Among the most common conditions for which women have used cannabis, dysmenorrhea may be an inflammatory disorder, and partially mediated by endocannabinoids. (McPartland 2001)

CB1 receptor agonists, such as THC, may decrease endometriosis-associated pain, but caution is advised, since THC may increase cell migration in the disease. (Dmitrieva 2010) (McHugh 2012) 
The cannabinoid receptor, GPR-18 appears responsible for the migration of endometrial tissue in endometriosis and, in cell studies, is activated by THC. It appears to be inhibited by CBD. Women with endometriosis are therefore advised to avoid high-THC cannabis products, in favor of hybrids with both CBD and THC with at least 3:1 (CBD:THC) ratio, until more research is available.

According to preliminary preclinical data, the endocannabinoid system may be dysregulated in endometrial uterine cancer.

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down anandamide, is deficient in women with polycystic ovary disease. This could support the use of omega-3 supplements, which the body uses in the process of synthesizing the FAAH enzyme. (Cui 2017)

Low-lymphocyte FAAH expression and high-plasma AEA levels have been associated with lower odds of successful pregnancy after in-vitro fertilization and increased risk of miscarriage.

Studies of women with eating disorders found abnormal levels of anandamide (AEA) in women with anorexia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, but not in women with bulimia. The scientists posited that AEA production may be mediating the rewarding and reinforcement aspects of behavior associated with these syndromes. Endocannabinoids appear to play a role in the processes that are regulated by leptin, the peripheral fat hormone involved in body weight and energy balance.

In preclinical research, it has been shown that female animals are more resistant to experimental attempts to interfere with CB1 function, which the researchers believed may be evidence that females are less vulnerable to certain stress disorders, but that this compensation may increase female susceptibility to depressive disorders.

Research has also shown there is sex-specific modulation of how the female hormone estradiol regulates the hippocampus, a key brain structure that is associated with maintaining proper endocannabinoid tone in women related to neurological or psychiatric disorders that differ between the sexes.

It has been known that female mammals are more sensitive than males to cannabinoid-induced behavioral effects. This difference is likely due to ovarian function, as female rats deprived of both ovaries are less responsive to rewarding properties of cannabinoids. This confirms the role of estrogens in THC reward response, but also may increase the risk of women for cannabis dependency.

Dosing with Cannabis for Women’s Health

Effective dose will vary widely, depending on the symptom being treated. High amounts of THC have been shown in a variety of studies to impact hormonal release. Endocannabinoid signaling plays an important role in female reproductive events, including embryo development. Interfering with endocannabinoid signaling through high-dose cannabis may significantly impair these processes.

Doses of THC and CBD between 2.5 and 5 mg are popular for patients looking to relieve discomfort associated with PMS, dysmenorrhea, and menopause.

Women with susceptibility to endometriosis should avoid high-THC cannabis products and select cannabis that contains at least half of its cannabinoid content in CBD. CBD at doses between 5 and 20 mg may help reduce pain associated with endometriosis, though THC on its own should be avoided with this condition.

There is some observational data that the frequency of migraine associated with menstruation may be reduced, and even controlled, through a very small (1 – 2 mg) prophylactic dose of high-THC cannabis a few times a week, taken immediately before and during the woman’s menstrual period.

Low doses of oral cannabis medicines are very popular with female patients for their convenience and the length of their effects. Cannabis teas and tinctures have a long history in effectively treating female medical conditions.

Vaporizing and smoking are the preferred method among female patients; vaporization is recommended since it reduces exposure to combustion toxins, and can be discrete.

Topical cannabis preparations, such as skin creams, are of increasing interest to many women. CBD creams are potent anti-inflammatory agents and can be useful for maintaining skin health and have significant promise in reducing signs of skin aging. 

Cannabis topical formulations designed for vaginal application, developed by women-owned companies, are an emerging trend. Many women have reported these products to be effective and enjoyable for enhancing and improving sexual response, especially after menopause.

Women report that Blueberry and Blue Dream, both high in terpenes Pinene and Myrcene, are effective for the pain associated with menstrual cramping.

Cannabis strains high in Myrcene, Limonene, and Caryophyllene, such as the Kush varieties, are reported by patients to be particularly effective for evening use with dysmenorrhea and PMS.

For daytime use, caryophyllene varieties, such as Cookies, should be effective at low doses.

One of the most legendary of all cannabis strains is Haze, which was developed in Santa Cruz, CA, in the 1970s by a woman.

Women LOVE cannabis. And we are huge advocates for its legitimacy!!

Information about Cannabis and Women’s Health was taken from the amazing book: Cannabis Pharmacy, The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana by Michael Backes, Andrew Weil, M.D., and Jack McCue, M.D.

You can find this incredible book here.
If your looking for a cannabis friendly Doctor near you, go to www.marijuanadoctors.com

If you look for it, on search engines, or social media groups, like Facebook, you may be able to find a local society of cannabis women. If you live in Colorado, I recommend the Denver Women of Cannabis. It is important to gather with other like-minded individuals who understand and support your interest in cannabis wellness. It's also a great place to network and make new friends. A friend with weed is a friend indeed!

More Resources for Women and Cannabis

* Denver Women of Cannabis - https://www.facebook.com/groups/Denver.Women.Of.Cannaibs
* Women Grow - https://womengrow.com/
* Top Women in the Cannabis Industry - https://www.finder.com/women-in-cannabis
* Exploring Cannabis and Women's Health - Leafly.com - also a great place to find cannabis educational information, local dispensaries, and strain specific information - Leafly.com

Cannabis and Tourette’s Syndrome

Cannabis and Tourette’s Syndrome

Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) is a tic disorder. Motor tics are involuntary movements; phonic tics are involuntary sounds. It often co-occurs with other neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions that may include OCD, ADHD, socialization issues, or behavior problems.

Currently, no single therapy treats the tics and the behavioral issues. Drug treatments, often with antipsychotics, can cause significant side effects. In this case, many patients self-medicate with cannabis to seek relief from TS symptoms.

Research about Cannabis and Tourette’s Syndrome

In 1988, two University of Arizona neurologists published a letter in a respected journal about three male TS patients, ages 15, 17, and 39, whose TS subsided after smoking cannabis. This was the first case report of cannabinoids for the treatment of TS. (“Marijuana and Tourette’s Syndrome” The Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology 1988)

A survey administered at Hannover Medical School interviewed 64 TS patients about their use of marijuana. Seventeen patients reported using it and 14 of them had noticed improvement of different TS symptoms. Nine reported significant reduction of tics, four experienced complete remission of tics, two noted remission of obsessive-compulsive behavior, and two claimed improvement of ADHD. The cannabis brought relief that lasted 3 to 24 hours. None of the surveyed patients reported serious adverse effects.

THC is recommended, by many experts, for the treatment of TS in adult patients, when first line treatments failed to improve the tics. In treatment resistant adult patients, therefore, treatment with THC should be taken into consideration. (Muller-Vahl 2013)

Professor Kirsten Muller-Vahl later conducted the only two randomized, placebo-controlled trials with cannabinoids and TS patients. These studies used doses of pure THC. In both trials, those who received THC experienced tic reduction. In the first trial, reduction in obsessive-compulsive behavior was also noted. (Muller-Vahl 2003) In the second trial, global improvement of TS-related symptoms was noted. (Muller-Vahl 2002)

Muller-Vahl has hypothesized that positive outcomes in her clinical trials are due to modulation of dopamine transmission or interactions between CB1 receptors and other neurotransmitter systems. She has speculated that the primary cause of TS may be Endocannabinoid System dysregulation. (Muller-Vahl 1998)

A 2010 study suggests THC use for TS and ADHD “The enhancement of intracortical inhibition might be mediated by modulating release of several neurotransmitters including dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid. Further studies are needed to substantiate our findings.”

The Tourette Association of American has noted the powerful medicinal effects of cannabis, and is giving out special grants for further research studies: “Our goal is to carry out a study of vaporized cannabis for tics in adults with TS. We will compare three different types of medical cannabis in terms of how much they help tics, and how much they cause side effects.”

Dosing with Cannabis for TS

Always talk to a trusted Doctor who is cannabis friendly about your conditions, medications, and cannabis. Start with the smallest dose necessary for relief from TS symptoms. “A few puffs may be enough!”

Muller-Vahl recommends starting with 2.5 mg a day of THC, increased by 2.5 mg every 3 – 5 days. Maximum dose is 30 mg/day. You can use THC tinctures, they may take about 30 minutes to set in but could last longer. You could also vape, or smoke for a faster onset and relief.

The terpene Limonene provides A2A adenosine receptor activation in the basal ganglia, which may help modulate dopamine dysregulation linked to TS. Look for cultivars high in Limonene, such as Tangerine Dream.

Information about Cannabis and Tourette’s Syndrome was taken from the amazing book: Cannabis Pharmacy, The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana by Michael Backes, Andrew Weil, M.D. and Jack McCue, M.D.

You can find the book here.

To find a doctor near you, check out www.MarijuanaDoctors.com they also have more info about cannabis medicine for TS, check out their article.

If you are looking for a dispensary to find the perfect cannabis medicine, go to www.Leafly.com for more info.

Cannabis and Stress

Cannabis and Stress

“Stress occurs when an individual perceives that the demands of an external situation are beyond his or her perceived ability to cope with them.” The characterization of human stress and coping response was established in the 1960s by Professor Richard Lazarus at UC Berkeley (Lazarus 1966)

Elevated stress response can have a profoundly negative impact on health. Stress induces the production of hormones that elevate heart rate and blood pressure, stimulates the gut to speed up digestion, and aggravates many medical conditions.

The “fight or flight” response can be triggered by stress. Anxiety and depression are often linked to chronic stress. Nearly all cannabis users not that cannabis helps counteract the effects of stress. However, because chronic cannabis use is associated with higher blood levels of stress hormones, such use may risk initiating a cycle of stress release, followed by increased stress response.

The rise of cannabis use as an intoxicant and euphoriant in the 20^th century certainly parallels the increase in stress-related disorders in contemporary society.

Anxiety and stress are often thought of as the same experience. However, many patients are not using cannabis for anxiety, but for coping and to relieve stress. Anxiety and stress are always listed among the top reasons for which patients say they use medical cannabis – second only to pain. (Walsh 2013) (Grella 2014)

Acute stress disorder, as defined in psychiatry, is more concerned with the type of catastrophic events that result in PTSD, and is considerably different than the way most people experience and describe stress. (Bryant 2011)

Cannabis users score lower on measures of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity than non-users, which is a common measure of acute stress response. However, high doses of cannabis can trigger HPA axis reactivity and an increase in cortisol production (a steroid hormone produced in response to stress). (Ranganathan 2010)

Chronic overdosage of cannabis may reduce the ability of cannabis to reduce symptoms of stress, because of cannabinoid receptor downregulation. Chronic THC administration downregulates CB1 receptors, and chronic cannabis users typically exhibit reduced cortisol reactivity. (Somaini 2012) (King 2011)

Male chronic cannabis users typically have higher cortisol levels than female users.

Research into the role for the Endocannabinoid System and its relationship to stress are consistent with the observations about cannabinoids and anxiety. THC can cause anxiety at higher doses and relieve it at lower doses. CBD can relieve preexisting anxiety and prevent subsequent anxiety after administration. (Bergamaschi 2011) CBD can modulate and reduce anxiety triggered by THC. (Todd 2016)

Stress response is mediated by the HPA axis, which consists of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland within the brain, and the adrenal glands on the kidneys. The HPA axis is regulated by the endocannabinoid system. (Robson 2013)

The endocannabinoid system both reacts to stress and assists with adaptation to stress. (Hillard 2013)

There are animal studies of FAAH and MAGL inhibitors (the enzymes that metabolize the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG) that show that inhibiting these enzymes reduces anxiety. (Tambaro 2012) (Fowler 2015)

The HPA regulates all this through the release of steroid hormones such as cortisol, commonly described by the “stress hormone.” Endocannabinoid signaling has proven essential in enabling adaptation to stress. (Hill 2010)

Cannabidiol is quite effects in animal models for reducing stress-related anxiety and lingering anxiety, after being exposed to stress. (Resstel 2009)

The ability of CBD to reduce stress-related anxiety was linked to CBD’s ability to encourage nerve production within the hippocampus. (Campos 2013)

The endocannabinoid system also regulates the creation, consolidation, and extinguishing of memories associated with stress. (Akirav 2013)

Dosing with Cannabis for Stress

Always talk to a trusted medical professional who knows about the endocannabinoid system and cannabis medicine for your personal condition. Patients report the most effective THC dose for stress relief is quite small, around 2 mg of THC, whereas CBD is effective for stress at doses between 2.5 to 5 mg.

Oral or sublingual cannabis is effective for stress relief. Oral-mucosal and sublingual doses of cannabis products deliver rapid onset and a more complex “entourage” effect associated with terpenes. If CBD and THC are used together, a ratio of 2:1 CBD:THC is a good starting point, and the initial oral dose should be at the lower range (5 mg/2.5 mg CBD/THC). To nearly eliminate psychoactivity, a 10:1 ratio of CBD:THC is recommended. Patients report that 5 mg of CBD taken in the morning, then again in the afternoon before 5 pm, is often sufficient to relieve symptoms of chronic stress.

The most common way for helping to manage life stresses with medical cannabis is by smoking or vaporizing after work and at bedtime in relatively small amounts. Single inhalations of small doses of vaporized or smoked cannabis are often adequate in relieving stress. High CBD cannabis can be vaporized discreetly during the day without fear of intoxication.

Bubba Kush, purple varieties, and high CBD varieties, such as Cannatonic or AC/DC, are recommended Typically, mildly sedative THC dominant chemotypes are effective for relaxation and stress relief. CBD strains are also effective for relieving attendant anxiety. Terpenes, such as myrcene, linalool, and limonene, should increase effectiveness, as well, which are associated with purples, Bubba Kush, and OG Kush.

Information about Cannabis and Stress came from the amazing book Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana by Michael Backes, Andrew Weil, M.D. and Jack McCue, M.D.

You can find this book here