What Is It?

As we’ve discussed in earlier blogs, and you’ve likely seen in other placed on the web, your body has a system called the Endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps to regulate the nervous system and its connection to the rest of the body. The Endocannabinoids (ECBD from now on) are lipids found in the endocannabinoid system, a group of neuromodulatory (meaning they regulate neurons in the brain and nervous system) lipids and receptors in the brain that are responsible for physical processes including pain sensation, appetite, and memory. Scientists and researchers have determined two primary endocannabinoid receptors in the body, known as CB1 and CB2. Others do of course exist, they are just less researched and less understood. This is still pretty young science. The CB1 receptor primarily regulates and affects the central nervous system (brain, kidneys, liver and lungs,) while the CB2 receptor is focused on the immune system and hematopoietic cells, which are cells that generate blood cells through a process known in the medical world as haematopoiesis.

In English, Please?

Yep, that was an absurd number of acronyms.  Think of your body like a small town with bunches of telephone lines or electric lines spreading out across the area. Those electric poles & wires are like your neurons and help to spread information or “power.” What the ECBD do in this system are to act like a lineman (someone who works on power lines and phone lines), cleaning up and maintaining the system. While they aren’t needed for the lines to operate, they make sure that it works smoothly.

Not Enough Linemen?

When there is a deficiency of ECBD in the body, the system is essentially lacking what it needs to operate smoothly. There are simply too few linemen. And what happens to all of the electric wires? They don’t function as they should. In the same way, when your neurons lack enough CBD, it can cause problems.

What Kind of Problems?

According to Dr. Ethan Russo, who conducted a study on the relationship between ECBD levels in the body and ailments, “migraine, fibromyalgia, IBS and related conditions display common clinical, biochemical and pathophysiological patterns that suggest an underlying clinical endocannabinoid deficiency that may be suitably treated with cannabinoid medicines.” Not just Russo’s study found this link. Another study, conducted around ten years after Russo’s, found that “underlying endocannabinoid deficiencies indeed play a role in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and a growing list of other medical conditions. Clinical experience is bearing this out.”

How Does It Happen?

Due to the lack of research on the topic, it is difficult to say. One explanation is that the body doesn’t produce enough ECBD on its own to supply its own needs. Normally it does, but, for whatever reason, some people may find that they do not have enough ECBD to satisfy their bodies’ needs. Since it is not stored in the body, but rather made upon demand when it is needed in the neurons, additional ECBD is needed from a different source when there is a shortage.

So Where Do The Extra Cannabinoids Come From?

Since CBD binds with the receptors that I mentioned before (just like ECBD produced in the body), it can come from an outside source, such as a cannabis plant. By using this outside CBD, there is the possibility that balance can be restored to the ECS.  Both are cannabinoids. Endo = of the body and Phyto = of a plant. So if your Endocannabinoids are not present, you can supplement with Phytocannabinoids like CBD.

How Sure Is This?

As this research is fairly new (the receptors of the ECS were only definitively proven to exist in the human body at the end of the 1980s), there are a lot of questions about the conclusions that some research has drawn. While there is a correlation between various physical ailments and a shortage of Endocannabinoids in the body, there have only been a few studies to look at this relationship. As it currently stands, the research in no way claims that these problems can be cured with CBD. Logically, it seems that CBD should help, but this is not concrete. We’re excited to see this new science progress with growing awareness about CBD and other phytocannabinoids. As always, there is plenty more room for additional research, and we at Green Wellness Life will try to keep you informed.

Resources:

www.dailyhealthpost.com/10669-cannabinoid-deficiency-chronic-health-conditions/  www.marijuanabreak.com/endocannabinoid
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15159679 
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24977967

BY Op-ED Blogger Quinton Charles

Since December…

Many of us are excited about the farm bill updates that was passed last December, in 2018 (and was signed in on the 20th), myself included. So what has happened? We know that it has legalized the industrial-scale growing of hemp, but what has been happening since then? On February 27, 2019, the AMS (Agricultural Marketing Service) extended the provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill, which legalized production and research on hemp by universities or organizations/companies permitted by state departments of agriculture, by 12 months.

So What Does That Mean?

That means that, right now, the USDA is planning to issue regulations for the 2020 planting season and that current regulations are the same as before the 2018 bill passed. The 2018 Farm Bill provides that States, Tribes, and institutions of higher education, can continue operating under authorities of the 2014 Farm Bill. So right now, unless a state allows for a change, private companies need permission to grow hemp on a large scale.

Problem With Identification

One of the bigger problems that has been coming up more and more frequently is from police incorrectly identifying hemp grown for CBD as Marijuana. The police are just trying to do their job, but no one really knows how to fix the problem that the cousin plants are easily confused for one another. CBD is federally legal, as is hemp, but some truck drivers on interstate routes have been pulled over and sometimes arrested because police believed that they were transporting marijuana. Since the only way to distinguish the difference is by testing the THC content and most police are not equipped with the testing technology, they are unable to differentiate the legal from the illegal. Nothing has been passed, yet, but Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell has stated that he is willing to work on legislation that would fix these “glitches” in the implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill. Hopefully, future legislation will fix these “glitches” and enable legal, cannabis business to proceed!

Proposals For Future Growing

Canopy Growth, a Canadian company and major hemp grower, recently acquired AgriNextUSA, an American hemp enterprise, and proposed creating Hemp Industrial Parks, such as the one previously announced in New York State. This super crop (hemp) could be “fast-tracked through a production cycle that would result in commercial applications for all parts of the plant, from root to tip. American farmers will benefit from a model that provides a single, regional destination for their hemp crops and connects them with the researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators whose ideas will turn their crops into new products and industries.” This development, waiting for next year’s planting season, could mean a large hemp crop, and, with it, lower prices on hemp products like CBD!

States? Or Federal?

As of right now, most legislation requires state approval and regulation of anyone growing cannabis; most regulation is up to in the individual states, not Federal law. For example, Georgia just passed a law allowing for up to six industrial cannabis growing licenses (which also includes strains with THC content, in addition to strains with higher CBD content). Since Federal policy is currently using the older rules of the 2014 Farm Bill, all states have to comply with the rule limiting industrial-scale production of hemp. The only way to implement the 2018 Farm Bill rules, which allow industrial-scale production, is for states to enact their own laws now before the Federal rules have been fully implemented (which should occur at the end of this year).

I Can’t Wait Any Longer?

While it may seem that progress is moving slower than many of us would like, the laws are out there and on the books. We need only to wait for the rules to be fully implemented by the USDA and then we will see nationwide cultivation of hemp, and all of the benefits, both financially and environmentally, that this will bring. I know I’m excited to see what the future will bring.

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Reference:

www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2019/04/12/usda-update-farm-bill-implementation-progress
www.foxbusiness.com/markets/mcconnell-willing-to-offer-hemp-bill-to-resolve-glitches.am
www.wabe.org/georgia-general-assembly-legalizes-in-state-medical-marijuana-cultivation
www.nifa.usda.gov/industrial-hemp
www.newcannabisventures.com/canopy-growth-extends-american-hemp-reach-with-acquisition

BY Op-ED Blogger Quinton Charles

Hemp’s Competition

If you take CBD or are even interested in trying it you have probably had at least one person make a joke or question you about hemp.  In this day and age almost no one knows that hemp has a rich history that has not always been riddled with questions and implications. As a matter of fact, hemp has not always been taboo.  Surprising, huh? In fact, it was not until the start of the 20th century, that hemp’s use as a medicine declined due to increased use of opiates and the development of the modern syringe needle. At that same time, petroleum oils also began to replace hemp for use as fuel and as the base of other products. Boo. Let’s learn more.

The “Marihuana Tax Act of 1937”

Hemp was fully legal to grow, sell, and use until 1937. This changed when Harry Anslinger, commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, and Representative Robert L. Doughton introduced a House bill that would essentially criminalize the cultivation, use, and sale of hemp by requiring anyone to have permission from Congress in the form of a tax stamp to engage in the above activities.

So Why Criminalize?

Anslinger had expressed a concern that an increased number of people were using marijuana recreationally in the United States, and claimed that hemp and marijuana were the same plants (which we know to be blatantly untrue.)  There were also growing political pressures from large industries to transition from hemp to other materials that were more profitable to new businesses. At the time, hemp was used as a cheap substitute for wood-based paper, and was often used in newspapers. Randolph Hearst, the famed American newspaper owner, had large holdings and investments in the lumber industry and wanted to see his competition for a paper source done away with. Several other industry leaders, such as the Du Pont family, of chemical and materials fame, had recently been supporting their new fabric, nylon, which was competing with hemp in the fabrics market. In their eyes, hemp had to go!

The First Convicts

The law effectively banning hemp went into effect on October 1, 1937. One day later, in Denver, Colorado, Mr. Samuel R. Caldwell was arrested for the sale of cannabis to a Mr. Moses Baca (who was arrested for possession). Mr. Caldwell was sentenced to pay a fine of one thousand dollars and to serve four years of hard labor in prison. These two men were the first individuals convicted of a cannabis-related charge in U.S. history.

Overturn of “1937”

In 1969, a U.S. Supreme Court case, Leary v. United States, found that the “Marihuana Act,” originally passed in 1937, was unconstitutional, as it required self-incrimination, which was in direct violation of the 5th amendment of the United States Constitution. This resulted in a very brief period of time during which cannabis was decriminalized.

 Illegal Again

One year after Leary v. United States, in 1970, the “Controlled Substances Act” was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Richard M. Nixon, and criminalized cannabis plants by scheduling them with other, far more dangerous, drugs like heroin and cocaine.

Some Progress

It wasn’t until 1996 that California legalized the use of cannabis products, including medical-grade marijuana, for treatment of HIV/AIDS and certain cancers. Shortly thereafter, Canada, which had taken a similar policy to the United States, legalized medical use of cannabis. However, restrictions federally still applied and research was rare on cannabis use to treat certain conditions. It was not until 2014 that a  Farm Bill Legitimized Hemp growth for Industrial Hemp research. This allowed Hemp to be grown and used instead of importing it, allowing for the change of direction in what used to be illegal.  We were on our way!

Legalization of Hemp Cultivation

The industry began to grow and companies began looking to produce and sell CBD.  Although one had to be growing for research purposes companies were beginning to make and sell CBD products for their neutralizing benefits. The industry began to take off but it was not until 2018, that for the first time since 1937, industrial-scale cultivation of hemp was legislatively legal. The 2018 Farm Bill decriminalized the industrial growing of hemp and opened the market to all sorts of hemp products. This has led to enormous growth in the CBD oil market and hemp fibers market. While there still is a lot of work to be done to fully recognize the benefits of hemp and all of its uses in the modern world, it is nice to look back and see that the trend is onward and upwards for hemp!

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By Op-Ed Blogger Quinton Charles

Hemp? In History?

There is a lot of misinformation surrounding the history of hemp. This lack of information has led to a fear of hemp and a misunderstanding of the role that it played in our past. I often find myself in conversations with people who have no idea how central hemp was (and is!) to human medicine, clothing, and industry. Being a bit of a history nerd, I love the history of hemp because it is a rich history that spans thousands of years and all cultures. I’ll tell you a bit about it.

​Ancient Hemp

We often think of hemp and CBD products as modern amenities, but, in fact, they have been used for almost as long as we have been farming. For example, around eight thousand years ago, the Chinese first started using hemp in medicines. However, despite this early use, it wasn’t until 2737 BCE that we find written evidence of hemp as medicine. Emperor Shen-Nung, a mythical leader of the Chinese people in their earliest days, is purported to have developed topical hemp oils and teas to aid in pain relief. His findings are found in the first editions of the Pen Ts’ao Ching, an ancient medical text that is among the first to mention hemp as a remedy for illness.Later on, Hua Tuo, a Han dynasty physician, was the first person on record to use cannabis as an anesthetic… in the second century! He noted that this plant can also aid in the treatment of blood clots, tapeworms, and hair loss. Even the ancient Romans noted the benefits of hemp. Around 77 AD, Pliny the Elder, a famous Roman historian and writer, noted how helpful hemp was for the extraction of insects from ears and for pain relief.

Hemp As Medicine

Europe in the Middle Ages and after, saw hemp used to treat tumors and coughs — as well as recreationally. By the sixteenth century, hemp was one of the main crops grown in England. In 1533, Henry VIII commanded farmers to grow hemp or face a fine! It was also used to supply fibers for supplies on British ships, such as sails and rope for the rigging.

Hemp In The Americas

When Europeans came across the Atlantic to colonize the new world, they found that many of the indigenous peoples of the Americas already were cultivating hemp, a plant that they knew from their homes back in Europe. As the American colonies grew, farmers in Virginia, Massachusetts, and Connecticut were ordered by law to grow Indian hemp. By the early 18th century, a person could be sentenced to jail if they weren’t growing hemp on their land! In fact, along with whiskey and other goods, hemp could be used as legal tender (and even could be used to pay one’s taxes).

​Henry Ford and Hemp Fuels

In 1896 Rudolph Diesel had produced his famous engine. Like many others, Diesel assumed that the diesel engine would be powered by a variety of fuels, especially vegetable and seed oils. I am fro Michigan and so is Green Wellness Life so we wanted to throw in a bit of Michigan history! Henry Ford of the Ford Motor Company, seeing the potential of biomass fuels, operated a successful biomass conversion plant producing hemp fuel at their Iron Mountain facility in Michigan. Ford engineers extracted methanol, charcoal fuel, tar, pitch, ethyl acetate and creosote, fundamental ingredients for modern industry.

Things Change

As other industries started to grow, they began to compete with hemp for control of various markets, such as paper, cloth and fibers, oils and fuels. This is when both the law and the public began to turn against hemp. I’ll talk about this more in part 2 of this history, but remember, hemp has been with us since the start of civilization. No need to be afraid of this incredible crop! Its uses are endless!!!

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What is a terpene?

by Op-ed blogger Quinton Charles

Spring is coming and so are some of the smells and colors we love most! Like spring smells, cannabis products can have different smells depending on the strain and “flavor?” That unique smell is often the product of what are known as “terpenes.” In addition to oils such as CBD and THC, cannabis plants produce another oil; this oil is terpene. Terpenes are aromatic compounds produced by nearly all forms of life. In plants, they are responsible for scent and color. Flowers often have the highest terpene content, which is why they have the strongest scent and often the most unique and vibrant colors.

Effects of terpenes when combined with CBD

So, beyond flavor or aroma, why should you care about terpenes? Because terpenes also can have a direct effect on how CBD affects you. Some promote relaxation and stress-relief, while others promote focus and acuity.  The benefit of terpenes in conjunction with cannibinoids can multiply the benefits your body can experience.

Some of the powerful terpenes and their benefits

• Linalool, for example, is believed to be relaxing whereas limonene elevates mood.
• Beta-caryophyllene, is found in many strains of Cannabis, as well as in oregano and black pepper, among other herbs. It is notable as a protector of the stomach lining and also as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Beta-caryophyllene also binds to the CB2 receptors on T-Cells and Macrophages in the immune system , enabling them to more effectively combat illness.  It is the only terpene known to bind directly to cannabinoid receptors in the human body. This property is one of the reasons that green vegetables are so healthy for the digestive system and overall immune health.

Common Terpenes in Hemp

Some terpenes commonly found in cannabis products are Pinene, Myrcene, and Limonene.

• Pinene emits a pine-like scent (hence the name) and is reported to be anti-inflammatory.
• Myrcene has an earthy, herbal odor and is often found in mango and thyme outside of cannabis. It has a relaxing effect.
• Limonene is citrus-like in aroma, as it is often found in citrus rinds. It has found use most often as a mood-elevator and has been found to relieve anxiety.

Making sure terpenes are in my CBD

So how do I know if these amazing, healthy, beneficial terpenes are in my CBD products? Well, you’re going to want to look for products that are labeled or known as “full spectrum.” But what is “full spectrum?” It refers to how the CBD oil that is extracted from the cannabis plant maintains all of its cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, antioxidants, and phytonutrients; nothing is left out, so all of the terpenes are present (along with their benefits!). Most companies will publish 3rd party lab reports on their batches of CBD, which will include information on how they extracted the CBD from the hemp. One of the best processes that can be used to retain all of the terpenes in the oil is Supercritical CO2 Extraction. Supercritical CO2 is a fully recyclable, non-toxic, eco-friendly form of carbon dioxide, that’s held at a very specific temperature and pressure to keep it in a liquid state, as it passes through the plants. After extraction, the CO2 gasses off entirely from the oil, leaving only plant materials and no residual solvents behind.

Raw CBDA has terpenes

This CO2 method is most common for “full spectrum” products, and is preferred for its lack of residue and the quality of the end product. Most products are very clear about whether or not they are “full spectrum,” and that is what you should look for if you want the full benefits of terpenes. It is key to note that some full spectrum products are also considered “Raw” products.  All raw products are considered full spectrum and will also have the benefits of the plant terpenes. Raw means that the the product has some of the “raw” or unheated/cold processed plant matter  This part of the plant has it’s own benefits. Often people take a raw product for chronic pain and inflammation.

A doctors advice should be sought before using any supplemental dietary products.  The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.