Marijuana is a plant that comes in different strains that boast different strengths, as well as different calibers ranging from side-of-the road bush weed, to crystal-heavy, strong-smelling buds. While not everyone in the world can afford the price point of ‘good weed’, as long as a person can, they’re going to get that over something more basic. Yup, even including those who prefer living cheap, everyone still wants good weed. Let’s be honest, everyone wants good weed in life, and as long as its available, most of us will spend the money, no matter how minimalistic we are. Check out The THC Weekly Newsletter for all the latest and most important news and industry stories, and get access to some really great deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and many other cannabis products. We’re offering great savings for Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC products, among others. Go to our “Best-of” lists, to find everything we have on offer! Different calibers of weedEveryone wants good weed, but what does that mean in terms of terminology? We’ve all heard the terms. Said by our friends, heard from characters in movies, and even listed within descriptions of products. Sure you can say, ‘that’s some good weed’, or ‘that’s some low-quality bud’, but the slang words to determine these things are what are heard more commonly. When it’s really good, is can be called ‘chronic’, ‘dank’, ‘kind bud’, ‘nug’, or if in a place like Mexico, ‘sinsemilla’ which translates to ‘no seeds’, meaning a higher caliber of weed. Mexico is a lower income country than the States, and operates off of generally lower cost items. Therefore, the average person in Mexico can’t access the standard ‘dank’ weed of the US, and other parts of the world, making a simple lack of seeds denote some decent ‘chronic’ for the country. Other words like ‘skunk’, ‘ganja’, ‘hydro’, and ‘kief’, also generally refer to good quality cannabis. ![]() Not all weed is grown in nice indoor establishments, or even in organized outdoor grow-ops. Some of it really does grow in a true weed-like form by the side of the road. In fact, the terms ‘weed’ and ‘grass’ came to be because of the ubiquitous nature of the plant in some areas, growing everywhere it can sprout up, like other common weeds. Think dandelions, and crabgrass. Well, in some places, that’s marijuana too. Terms to describe this caliber of weed include ‘ditch weed’, ‘bush weed’ or simply ‘feral hemp’ or ‘feral cannabis’, but the latter represent more official language. The term ‘ditch weed’ doubles as both weed grown wildly, and weed of a lower caliber. This is because most weed growing by the side of the road is not the best of quality, so the two tend to go together. Another slang word for low-quality cannabis that I’ve never heard used, but which likely was popular around 1970, is the term ‘Nixon’. In fact, this term was specifically used to denote when bad weed is being sold as good weed. Then there’s general low quality weed. Names to denote lower-quality cannabis include ‘schwag’, ‘ragweed’, ‘shake’, ‘stems’, ‘sticks’, ‘dirt grass’, ‘ghetto weed’, and ‘brown’. There are, of course, a bunch of other names for these categories, some that are specific to certain parts of the world, and some that were more relevant in a specific time period. Cannabis price pointsThere is no specific guide book on this. There’s no ledger where one can look up exactly what a specific quality of cannabis should cost. Different countries have different economies, that allow for different standards among citizens, and sometimes issues like supply and demand can greatly change prices, with high demand and low supply leading to increased prices that don’t always reflect the quality of the product. Conversely, an overabundance of product can sometimes mean lower prices. Having said all that, in my experience, there are standard price points that are relevant globally, and which generally translate in a stable way across countries and currencies. This won’t account for supply/demand issues which can always throw a kink in things, but it does apply to the general cannabis trade, as far as I can see. About 10-12 years ago, I used to religiously pay about $50 per 1/8th of good weed on the East coast. At that time, the going price on the West coast was about $10-15 dollars cheaper, likely because that’s where a lot of it was being grown, making for much more supply in the area. These prices have not substantially changed over the years, nor had they changed for the 10-15 years I had been buying weed prior to that time. A good strain can always cost a little more, a slightly weaker one might be a bit less. And buying in bulk can come with its own deals depending on location. ![]() In the last 10-12 years, the world has drastically changed with recreational markets opening up. Even this hasn’t done much to change black market prices, although taxes instituted in dispensaries can often make the product cost more than that standard and generally unchanging black market price point. I paid over $60 for an 1/8th from a Boston dispensary, and it was one of the cheaper options (dispensaries won’t ever have low quality weed). And this price point can be seen around the world. In England I paid about £8-10 per gram, making for approximately £35 pounds per 8th. In Europe it was closer to €10, making for an 1/8th of about the same amount. When I was in Israel, the price was high for many years due to bad supply issues, but with the advent of Telegram groups, the price dropped significantly to match the standard. The last time I was there, I was paying about 50-70 shekel a gram, which translates to the same general price point, although even at that time, for very good stuff, the price was a bit higher. Right now in Mexico, where things are cheaper, weed can be gotten very cheap in comparison to the States. But remember all those words for bad weed? Well, they apply substantially here. Sure, the weed is nice and cheap, but it’ll never be good quality. Though everyone wants good weed in life, ‘good’ can certainly be relevant to the economy at hand. If you do want to get high-grade quality in this country, the price goes right back up to standard US prices, although sometimes it can be just a bit cheaper, depending on whether it’s being trafficked down from America, or grown indoors in Mexico. How cheap is it here? I can buy an ounce for 400 pesos (about $20.) Even an ounce of about 1000 pesos ($50) is considered good among locals, even though it’s still rough compared to US weed. With more Americans crossing the border, and an expanding global cannabis market, Mexicans have begun to want better weed, and better options are easier and easier to get. Even when living cheap, everyone wants good weedI’m a minimalist, I admit that. I don’t care much for name brand clothing, I don’t need to live in the ritziest apartment, and my phone is usually an older model. I’m not a cheap person, I just don’t feel the need to live extravagantly, even if/when I can afford to. But I always smoke good weed. And even in my brokest points of life, I made sure to scrape enough together to buy the good stuff. In fact, if I didn’t have enough money for the good stuff, I was actually happier not smoking, or scraping resin off a pipe (hey, we’ve all done it, no judgements). It took me years to see low-grade weed when living in the States. I started smoking in college, and for the entirety of my time in university, I never once saw anything low-grade. And we were college kids at a public university. It’s not like we were made of money. Most of us were going to school full time and then working for pocket change, and to pay bills. And yet even our broke college kid culture didn’t lead to smoking bad weed. ![]() I remember having consistent access to some of the best stuff I ever smoked during that time. Bags of pungent, perfectly shaped nugs covered in bright orange hairs, was the norm, even though the rest of our lives at the time resembled something more along the lines of poverty. It was only after college that I was introduced to ghetto weed. I was so confused by the bag of sticks, stems, and seeds, that I thought it was a joke at first. I couldn’t believe this was the same plant I had been getting completely wacked on in college. I made a point of not buying it again, and didn’t come into contact with such low quality herb until I was in Israel, where hash was more prevalent at the time, with a shortage in weed supply. When I came to Mexico, I realized the local population could never afford the same prices. Even bad weed can come in different levels, and when I gave a South African guy some of my bad, but not horrible, stuff, he seemed to think it was awesome weed. South Africa has a weak currency compared to the other places I have been, and much like Mexico, this means the standard quality is lower, along with prices. If someone in South Africa wanted to get the good stuff, they’d have to pay the higher price point, or grow it themselves. Yup, everyone wants good weedTruth is, so long as there’s access and ability, literally no one is going to pick the cheaper option. We all have our preferences on the products that we’ll put out more money for to obtain the quality version, and places where we’re willing to spend less for lesser quality. I never needed the highest shelf alcohol, or the highest thread count sheets. I’m willing to travel by bus to limit costs on a trip, and I have the lesser Costco membership. I’ll go to a cheaper restaurant instead of the fanciest, and take advantage of deals for lower cost products. But so long as I can, I never buy cheap weed. It seems that so long as accessibility is there, and the price point is not such that it makes it impossible, everyone, whether an extravagant liver, or a minimalist, wants good weed. Now, I’m not saying that this means we all go full top shelf, but we all make sure to be on the higher end. And this seems to be a general truth of life. I don’t know of anyone who chooses cheap weed because they want to cut costs, they’ll usually just smoke less of the good stuff to make it last longer in my experience, or mix it with tobacco for the same purpose. To be fair, I don’t know many people that won’t buy the best version of a drug so long as they can afford it. But since drugs like opioids, cocaine, and meth are also associated with addictions, hard-core users might find themselves in situations where whatever they can find, goes. As weed is not a drug that causes such addictions – no matter how many smear campaigns say it will, this issue is in contrast to weed-smoking, where there isn’t a real addiction forcing users into using lower quality items. ![]() ConclusionWe all make choices in life about how to spend our money. One of the more consistent choices that I see people making is to buy good weed. So whether a person is a minimalist, on a budget, or drowning in cash, so long as its available, everyone wants good weed. Hello all! Thanks for joining us at CBDtesters.co, your one-stop-shop for all the most groundbreaking and relevant cannabis and psychedelics-related news going on now. Visit us whenever you can to stay aware of the ever-expanding landscape of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and sign up for The THC Weekly Newsletter, so you’re first to get all the important news. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advise, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post Living Cheap? Everyone Still Wants Good Weed appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/01/28/living-cheap-everyone-still-wants-good-weed/
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We are constantly cautioned by the government about the addictive capacity of marijuana, but in the real world, these cautions seem a little confusing. While it’s now talked about often, the realities of weed withdrawal may not be relevant to the fears surrounding it, much like with cannabis in general. Is weed withdrawal a thing? And is it really a thing worth concerning ourselves about? Is weed withdrawal really a thing? And is it a thing to worry about? Look at the world around, and judge for yourself if this is something you should be concerned with. Thousands of years of weed use does tell us something, so if you’re not having a problem, you’ll probably be just fine (according to history)! These days, its not even just about standard weed anymore. With the inclusion of the cannabinoids market, and compounds like delta-8 THC, THCV, and HHC (among others), there are tons of options to try out. Make sure to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter for exclusive deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and more! Also save big on HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC products by checking out our “Best-of” lists! What is withdrawal?According to VeryWellMind, withdrawal is: “the combination of physical and mental effects that a person experiences after they stop using or reduce their intake of a substance such as alcohol and prescription or recreational drugs.” Some withdrawals can lead to minor irritations like restlessness, or lack of appetite. More extreme withdrawals like with alcohol, can lead to delirium tremens – aka ‘the shakes’ or ‘DTs‘, which can be a deadly condition. Continues VeryWellMind: “If you have been using a substance with a high potential for dependency and you stop suddenly or abruptly or you cut down your use drastically, you can experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms. The intensity and duration of these withdrawal symptoms can vary widely, depending on the type of drug and your biological make-up.” The site lists the following symptoms as general symptoms of drug withdrawal: “Changes in appetite, changes in mood, congestion, fatigue, irritability, muscle pain, nausea, restlessness, runny nose, shakiness, sleeping difficulties, sweating, tremors, vomiting.” It goes on to list what are considered more severe symptoms: “hallucinations, seizures, delirium may also occur in some instances”. And the site goes on to explain: “The type of drug you were taking, the amount of time you were taking it, and the dosage you were taking can all have an effect on the type and severity of the symptoms you experience.” ![]() We’re all familiar with the idea that when a friend quits smoking, they get a little irritable, and possibly a little mean, temporarily. And when you stopped drinking coffee for a week, you had that headache that wouldn’t go away. Those who go back and forth with these substances, know the drill. Just like we’ve all seen movies (or real-life instances) of someone going through heroine withdrawal, crying at whoever is keeping them ‘captive’, and begging with squirrely eyes for just one more hit. We even know people will go as far as prostituting themselves, and selling everything they own, to stave off the sickness of withdrawal. And we know that in the worst cases of opioid and alcohol addictions, that withdrawal can lead to death (suicide included). What is weed withdrawal, and is it a thing?Okay, before getting into what the medical sites say, let’s take a second to remember that cannabis is not new, and has been used for thousands of years. Let’s also remember there’s a contentious battle going on over the plant’s legalization, with legal markets fighting black markets, and pharma markets trying to get their foothold. Then let’s remember, that not only has cannabis been used for so long, but it’s been written about extensively during that time for its medical benefits and detractions. These things are important to remember, because the medical world of today has the reputation of being bought and sold by the pharma world, making it possible to get skewed information. For example, while cannabis has been used for millennia with no mention of addiction or withdrawal, you can now find sites cautioning about weed withdrawal, saying a person who stops smoking weed may experience the following: “Feelings of anger, irritability, and/or aggressiveness, sensations of extreme nervousness or anxiety, disturbances with sleep that can include insomnia or very disturbing dreams and even nightmares, a decrease in appetite that may or may not be associated with a significant loss of weight, feelings of restlessness and general malaise, the onset of feelings of depression, physical symptoms that causes significant distress, such as abdominal pain, fever, chills, sweating, headache, and/or tremors or shakiness.” The main issue I have with this listing, is that I’ve been an active part of the weed-smoking community for half my life, and never have I heard of one complaint of this nature, nor experienced such things for myself, nor noticed it in the people around. Nearly every person I know uses cannabis like me, so if this was an issue of note, I expect I would have noted it by now. At least once. I always note when a cigarette smoker is quitting, or a caffeine user taking a break, and I’ve heard of plenty of withdrawal symptoms related to cigarettes, alcohol, opioids, and benzos. I’ve been able to note people withdrawing from these substances. While I can’t sit here and say that it’s impossible to experience any of the above-listed symptoms for weed withdrawal, I’d venture that in the real world, the existence of such a response is so low, that it doesn’t actually scientifically register as a problem worth considering. I see no issues in real life, yet an increasing warning on the internet to be wary of this thing that, far as I can logically tell, doesn’t exist. ![]() The lacking research on weed withdrawalWhile the idea of weed withdrawal is so minor that it can’t even be agreed on that it actually exists, this is not the case for other classes of drugs which most definitely cause a reaction. Even the studies into cannabis withdrawal, are largely lacking, making the outcomes almost funny. Like this one from 2020: Prevalence of Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms Among People With Regular or Dependent Use of Cannabinoids A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Did study investigators design a study and then carry it out? No, absolutely not. This is how they got their info, “A search of literature from database inception to June 19, 2019, was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, ProQuest, Allied and Complementary Medicine, and Psychiatry online, supplemented by manual searches of reference lists of included articles.” And then its explained that any articles were picked if they “(1) were published in English, (2) reported on individuals with regular use of cannabinoids or cannabis use disorder as a primary study group, (3) reported on the prevalence of CWS or CWS symptoms using a validated instrument, (4) reported the prevalence of CWS, and (5) used an observational study design (eg, cohort or cross-sectional).” Then, after pulling from tons of different irrelevant places, where each piece of literature had its own guidelines not in line with this investigation, and while speaking to no study participants, the researchers decided that this was enough to establish that the “prevalence of cannabis withdrawal syndrome was found to be 47%.” In reality, if this were to actually mean anything, a study would have to be designed and directly carried out on this topic. Researchers would have to control for all necessary information, and deal directly with the study participants being used. And then the data collected would be tabulated to find relevant connections. This didn’t happen. Instead, investigators eschewed years of research for a brief (can do it in hours) tabulation of already collected – often irrelevant – information, to find anything that could be written on, even if the connection had to be created in the end. Another lacking exampleMedical ‘research’ today is lacking in many ways. From meta-analysis studies making grand statements, but without any direct research being done, to wildly deficient studies that try to cover their massive holes, by making asinine statements. Like this one: Cannabis withdrawal symptoms in non-treatment-seeking adult cannabis smokers. This study focused on people who had at least once in life attempted to stop smoking weed. None of the quitting was done in a controlled environment, as in, not for the purposes of the study. At least in this case, the actual information collected was a bit more pertinent, with a 176-item Marijuana Quit Questionnaire being used for information collection. The questionnaire covered “information on sociodemographic characteristics, cannabis use history, and their “most difficult” cannabis quit attempt.” ![]() As the objective of the study was to “Assess the phenomenon of cannabis withdrawal and its relationship to relapse in non-treatment-seeking adults”, it becomes clear that the researchers are taking any cannabis reuse after a quitting attempt, to mean an actual relapse. What’s the problem with this terminology? We use the term ‘relapse’ when people are quitting something for which there is a major health benefit to stopping, or health detraction for continuing. As cannabis is not considered dangerous, and can actually improve health, the idea of a ‘relapse’ is quite incorrect. In fact, if any of those participants got even one medical benefit out of it, whether prescribed or not, the idea that restarting use after stopping could constitute a ‘relapse’, is ridiculous at best, and dangerous at worst. Using the word ‘relapse’ does make sense in some contexts, no doubt, but it’s a dicey word to use when talking about a compound with medical benefits that people are known to self-medicate with all the time. Plus, we have no idea why people quit. Could simply be social pressure, or not liking getting the munchies while liking other therapeutic benefits. In the context of a non-dangerous, often-useful compound, this becomes wildly important. The other thing it ignores, is that people could have at one point attempted to stop, and then changed their minds, for no bad reason. This isn’t heroin addiction after all. There are tons of valid reasons to begin use. Like the example just given, as social pressure, or not liking one aspect, being the reason for quitting, and then validly changing one’s mind. Or perhaps a person quit because it was an expense they couldn’t afford at the time, or because they had their information wrong, but learned more along the way. With something like cannabis, where there isn’t a detriment to health from use, or necessarily a positive benefit for stopping, the idea that a person started again after stopping, does not need to be seen as negative, and the word ‘relapse’ becomes entirely inappropriate. Add in that they could be getting a medical benefit, and this study is off-the-wall ridiculous. ConclusionI think there’s a strong reality that if you let your body acclimate to nearly anything, it might have a reaction to stopping it. Although let’s be honest, it doesn’t mean it’s always going to be something we’ll consciously notice. Sure, there probably are some people that have a stronger reaction to weed withdrawal, but for the most part, when looking at the world around, this is not really a thing. Beyond it not really being a thing, at the times when it does come up, it’s really not a thing to worry about on a large scale. In a world of drinkers and hard drug users, the idea that anyone is worried about cannabis withdrawal, says quite a bit about how information is provided to us, and the ability to get people to throw their concern in the entirely wrong directions. Of course, if you really want a head#*@& in life, remember that cannabis is looked at for help with getting people through the withdrawal symptoms of other more dangerous drugs, and that the main drug class used for this purpose, is benzodiazepines, which themselves are incredibly addictive with awful withdrawal symptoms. Maybe cannabis isn’t the problem here. Hello and welcome! You made it to CBDtesters.co, the #1 internet spot for all the most thought-provoking and important cannabis and psychedelics-related news going on today. Join us whenever you can to stay aware of the quickly-expanding world of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and check out the The THC Weekly Newsletter, so you’re always first to know what’s going on. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advise, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post Weed Withdrawal: Is This Actually a Thing? appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/01/27/weed-withdrawal-is-this-actually-a-thing/ Let’s be honest, regardless of why, the autism problem is growing. It used to be a few and far between phenomenon, and now, it seems that every other person is diagnosed with being on the spectrum. Though there is no answer for this problem yet in the medical world, the naturopathic world might be able to offer more. Different studies now point to cannabis as a possible new autism treatment. If cannabis can be used for autism, that gives a new possible answer to this awful and growing problem. Cannabis can do all kinds of things, and so can specific cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, HHC, and THCV. With the new and expanding cannabinoids market, these compounds can be bought outside of dispensaries, and outside of regulation. We’ve got great deals for after-holiday shopping, so check ’em out, to start your new year out right. Remember to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter all the latest news and industry stories, as well as exclusive deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and other products. Also save big on Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC products by checking out our “Best-of” lists! What is autism?According to the site Austism Speaks, autism “refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication… We know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges.” It goes on to inform: “The ways in which people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.” How prevalent is autism these days? Well, according to the CDC via Autism Speaks, one in 44 children is diagnosed somewhere on the autistic spectrum, according to data collected in 2018. This is way more likely to effect males, with a rate of 1 in 27 for males, and one in 116 for females. 56% of autism sufferers are comorbid with mental retardation, or are at borderline intellectual capacity, while 44% have normal intelligence. ![]() There is no cure for autism, and no medical definition, meaning there isn’t a test that can be taken to confirm autism is present. Instead, every diagnosis is a subjective diagnosis, entirely dependent on the opinion of the therapist, and for this reason, and differences in professional opinions, a person can receive different, and sometimes conflicting diagnoses for the same symptoms. In cases where diagnoses are 100% subjective, they are generally based on the individual therapist’s interpretation of different symptoms. While there is no specific known cause for autism, genetics and environmental factors are often pointed to, as well as things like having a child later in life. Though a site like Autism Speaks is quick to write off the often mentioned idea that vaccines – by way of heavy metal administration, could be linked to autism, the myriad of lawsuits won against pharmaceutical companies (or which forced settlements), as well as government organizations like the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, certainly make a different, and compelling, argument. Cannabis as an autism treatmentThe list of possible uses for medical cannabis grows everyday, with plenty already pointing to it helping with different neurological disorders like MS, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s. So its not that shocking that cannabis might also be useful as an autism treatment, at least in the way of helping ease symptoms. When looking into something like cannabis for treatment, the main questions are how good it works for symptoms, and how safe it is to use. In an Israeli study published in January 2019 in the publication Nature, Real life Experience of Medical Cannabis Treatment in Autism: Analysis of Safety and Efficacy, the goal was to “characterize the epidemiology of ASD patients receiving medical cannabis treatment and to describe its safety and efficacy.” To do this the researchers analyzed data that was collected for the treatment of 188 autism patients between 2015-2017 using medical cannabis, generally at the levels of an oil with 30% CBD, and around 1.5% THC. Results were obtained at the six months mark using structured questionnaires, and measured a symptoms inventory, patient global assessment, and side effects. After six months, 82.4% were actively being treated, 60% of which had been assessed. Of those, it was found that 30.1% (28 patients) reported significant improvements, 53.7% (50 patients) reported moderate improvement, 6.4% (six patients) reported slight improvement, and 8.6% (eight patients) saw no improvement at all. 25.2% (23 patients) did experience a side effect, mainly in the form of restlessness. Bottom line to the researchers: “Cannabis in ASD patients appears to be well tolerated, safe and effective option to relieve symptoms associated with ASD.” ![]() More research on cannabis as autism treatmentIn 2021, this was published in Molecular Autism: Cannabinoid treatment for autism: a proof-of-concept randomized trial. For this, researchers tested a whole-plant cannabis extract with concentration of CBD to THC 20:1 (BOL-DP-O-01-W) against a purified CBD and Δ9-THC oil at the same ratio (BOL-DP-O-01). Both of these were also tested against a control group which was given a placebo. Participants were treated for 12 weeks with either a cannabinoid oil, or the placebo, followed by a four week washout, and turnover for another 12 weeks. What this means is that participants were tried on two different options, with a period of time in between to essentially cleanse the pallet. Outcomes were measured for behavioral problems using the Home Situation Questionnaire-ASD (HSQ-ASD) and the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale with disruptive behavior anchor points (CGI-I). Also used were the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2) and the Autism Parenting Stress Index (APSI). The biggest difference was seen with disruptive behavior on the CGI-I, which showed 49% of cases were either much improved, or very much improved with the whole-plant extract vs 21% with placebo. HSQ-ASD scores and APSI scores did not differ between groups. In terms of median SRS Total Scores, there was an improvement of 14.9 points using whole-plant extract vs 3.6 points using the placebo, meaning an uptick in social abilities. The study showed no serious adverse reactions or events, and adverse reactions generally included nothing more than somnolence and decreased appetite, which existed in higher amounts in the treated groups than in the controls. The study authors concluded: “This interventional study provides evidence that BOL-DP-O-01-W and BOL-DP-O-01, administrated for 3 months, are well tolerated. Evidence for efficacy of these interventions are mixed and insufficient. Further testing of cannabinoids in ASD is recommended.” At the very least, this shows the safety of cannabis as an autism treatment. And while not pulling in sufficient evidence for a final answer on overall efficacy, it certainly showed that improvement can be seen. This research goes in line with previous studies that showed decreases in negative behaviors and increases in the ability to communicate. CBD has been more specifically used for trials, though whether THC may also be beneficial has not been flushed out as well. My experience with autismFirst things first, I have no experience with cannabis as an autism treatment, but I do have experience dealing with the autistic population. I graduated from college in the early 2000s with a degree in psychology, which led to several years of working in behavioral heath, the majority of which was spent with autistic children. I even worked inhouse in an in-patient program for kids with behaviors too extreme to stay at home. ![]() Populations like I dealt with are not about dealing with the entirety of the spectrum, but with the most profound, and uncontrolled cases, usually including kids with extreme and violent behavioral issues. This was not about the awkward guy in class who might or might not have Asperger’s, or your semi-creepy uncle who everyone says is ‘on the spectrum’. These were the inarguable cases, the most extreme ones. Children hitting their heads against walls, biting their own arms, or yours, talking to themselves in gibberish language with no ability to understand what is spoken to them. Autism is no joke. Because in the end, its not about an awkward guy in class or a creepy uncle who lacks social skills. It’s about an entire population of people who can’t connect the dots inside, often leading to a complete inability to communicate, and a requirement for help with all basic functions. It deals with uncontrolled behaviors, including self-injury behaviors, and a general and nearly complete lack of self-awareness. I never saw any kind of improvement while working in this population. Just medication after medication that did nothing at all. While I can’t personally speak to the benefits of cannabis as an autism treatment, I will say, this population needs help, and is one that can’t speak for itself. If an answer like cannabis exists that can help with symptoms, while not causing bad adverse reactions… I’d say this is one of the most positive things to come out of dealing with what is a vastly growing, and rather scary problem. It might not get as much attention as other disorders, but realistically, think about what happens if too much of the population starts having this issue? The people I worked with will never have regular autonomy over their own lives. And a growing population of people needing help with all basic functions, spells general disaster for the population at large. ConclusionConsidering all the ways cannabis seems to be beneficial for the nervous system, it’s not that shocking that it would be looked at as an autism treatment. Perhaps we might not be able to agree on what causes the disorder, but at least we might be able to find a safer, more effective way, of treating these symptoms. Hello and welcome readers! Thanks for joining us at CBDtesters.co, your best web source for the most recent and groundbreaking cannabis and psychedelics-related news going on around the globe. Read-thru the site daily to stay on-top of the ever-expanding world of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and make your way to the The THC Weekly Newsletter, to ensure you never miss a single thing. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advise, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post Cannabis and Autism, A New Kind of Treatment appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/01/27/cannabis-and-autism-a-new-kind-of-treatment/ The year is now 2022 and it is estimated that around 19% of the world’s adults smoke. However, it’s believed that this will decrease to 17% by 2030. As more and more people begin to acknowledge the dangers of smoking, the vaporizer has snuck its way in as a viable and popular replacement. Whether people like consuming cannabis or tobacco, the vape has become the healthier option. There are two competing vaporizers that have taken over the industry: the dry herb vaporizer and the cartridge vaporizer. However, these devices are not always cheap, so deciding which one to get can be tough. That leaves one question: which is the right vaporizer to get? Vapes and edibles are awesome ways to catch your buzz in life. So if you don’t want to smoke any more joints or take any more bong hits, you’ve got lots of options. Make sure to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter. Also save big on Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC products by checking out our “Best-of” lists! The VaporizerThe vaporizer industry has boomed over the last decade. In fact, in 2016 the vape market was worth 11.5 billion dollars, and is expected to increase to 86.5 billion dollars by 2025. But what are these magical devices that seem to be taking over the world of smoking? A vaporizer is an electrical device that heats up substances, turning them into vapor, which can then be inhaled. Some vaporizers heat liquids in cartridges, and others heat dry cannabis in oven-like chambers. E-cigarettes, which are now a highly popular alternative to smoking tobacco, are vaporizers that heat nicotine. But for those that want to avoid smoking joints, there are dry herb vapes as well as cartridge vapes that take cannabis cartridges. The Healthier OptionWhilst vaporizers can look and feel cool – like a magic smoking wand – the real reason for their existence is that they offer a healthier way to consume certain circumstances. When a cigarette or joint is lit, it heats at around 900 degrees/1650 fahrenheit, This is called combustion. Combustion causes dangerous carcinogens and toxins to be released. In addition, when tobacco is burned – which can be in both joints and cigarettes – it also releases cancerous inhalants. PMI states: “The combustion of tobacco results in the formation of smoke (that contains a range of chemical constituents), heat, and ash. … The high heat associated with combustion leads to the thermal breakdown of the tobacco when it is burned, resulting in the production of many of the toxicants found in cigarette smoke.” It’s the avoidance of combustion that makes the vaporizer a healthier option. The device heats substances at around 180-220 degrees/ 350-430 fahrenheit, whereas combustion starts at around 250 degrees/480 fahrenheit. Instead of smoke vapor is created, which is inhaled and does not release the same toxins as smoke does. This is why the vaporizer is more healthy than smoking. However, it would be a lie to suggest that vaping is completely healthy and does not cause any damage at all. Vaping over long periods of time will damage your lungs, but it seems to be a better alternative and helpful way to wean yourself off smoking. History of the VaporizerGoing through the entirety of the history of the vaporizer would take a while, so here’s a brief whistle stop tour of some of the major moments that might have led to what we now know as a modern day vape. 5BC – Ancient EgyptiansThe ancient Egyptians supposedly used to heat up hemp seeds on hot rocks and inhale the vapour that was released. This could be considered the first ever vaping experience. 1020 – Hookah Water PipeThe hookah water pipe, also known as the shisha pipe, became popular around 1000 years ago in Indian, Turkey and Afghanistan. Shisha pipes use hot coal to heat up tobacco. 1927 – Butane Ignition VapeJoseph Robinson invented the first butane ignition vaporizer in 1927. It worked like a blow torch. It didn’t ever reach the market due to its lack of popularity and probably lack of health awareness, but it did pave the way for future ideas away from common smoking. 1971 – Tobacco Advertising BanIn 1971 the US stopped the advertisement of cigarettes on television in their Health Cigarette Smoking Act. With the end of cigarette advertisement and as the world began to see the dangers of smoking, a space was slowly being created for the vaporizer. 1993 – Shake & VapeIn 1993, Eagle Bill Omato – also known as the father of vapor, created the shake & vape. The device used a glass tube with a bowl at the end that you could place cannabis on. The cannabis was heated through the glass, rather than directly from the flame and thus didn’t combust. 1997 – Indoor Smoking BanIn 1997 smoking indoors was banned in the US, which made it harder to enjoy smoking in all areas of life. Vaping can be done indoors. 2016 – California Legalizes CannabisIn 2016, California became the first state in the US to legalize recreational cannabis. Vaporizers with the ability to heat cannabis – both in liquids and in dry form – became popular. The Dry Herb VaporizerThe question still remains: which vaporizer is better and how do they differ? Well, let’s start with the dry herb vaporizer, or dry cannabis vape. This electric vaporizer heats up dry weed in its chamber, which then turns into vapor, and can be inhaled through the mouthpiece. The ElementsHere are the elements that make this vaporizer work. Rechargeable BatteryDry herb vapes have rechargeable batteries, which means you can reuse them again and again. The more powerful the battery, the longer you can use it without needing to recharge. ChamberThe chamber is where you place the dry cannabis. You pack the oven up and turn the device on, selecting the temperature you want. The hotter it is, the less flavoursome, but the more potent. The less hot, results in more flavour but less potency. You can also place cannabis concentrates in dry weed vapes, using a concentrate pad. MouthpieceThe mouthpiece is the final part of the process. This allows you to inhale the vapour that has been created from heating the weed or concentrate. BenefitsHere are the benefits of using a dry cannabis vaporizer. EaseIf you’re someone who enjoys dry cannabis, then using a dry cannabis vaporizer is the easiest option. It also means that you’ll always have an option to use your substances to smoke a joint if you so desire. ConcentratesUsing a dry herb vaporizer also offers you the opportunity to vape concentrates. Cannabis concentrates – such as wax, budder and shatter – are much higher in potency and enhance the usual effects. Cartridge VaporizerOn the other hand, there’s the cartridge vaporizer. Also known as 510 thread vapes, cartridge vaporizers work by heating up liquid cartridges. The battery heats up a metal coil, which heats the liquid, which consequently turns into vapor and can be inhaled through thee mouthpiece. The substances can vary, and with more countries legalizing recreational cannabis, the variety of cannabinoids on offer are increasing day by day. The ElementsHere are the elements that make this vaporizer work BatteryThe battery is, like the dry herb vape, rechargeable. This battery can be attached to all types of cartridges and acts as the heart of the device. Cartridge & MouthpieceThe cartridges usually come with the mouthpiece on the end. This can then be attached to the battery and they are then used together. You can buy cannabis oil and pour this into the cartridges once it’s finished. Some cartridges can be used again and again. The types of liquids that can be used are hugely varied. BenefitsHere are the benefits of using a cartridge vaporizer. Cartridge VariationThe types of liquids or oils that can be used in cartridges are incredibly varied. The more research is done into the wonders of different cannabinoids, the more cannabis oils are also created. The world is no longer limited to only THC and CBD, there are other types of cannabinoids now; these include: THCV, CBN, and many others. Some are reported to be 30 times more potent than the usual psychoactive THC. CleanlinessUsing a cartridge vaporizer can also be the cleanest vape to use. This is because you won’t have to clean out old dry cannabis residue from the chamber, instead you can simply wash out the cartridge and re-use. Liquid is always easier to clean than solid bud. So, Which is Better? Dry Herb Vaporizer vs Cartridge VaporizerIt’s difficult to compare the dry herb vaporizer and the cartridge vaporizer because there are so many different models of each. There are bad ones, and there are good ones. The design and power of both types of vapes are essentially the same and, because of this, neither can be considered intrinsically better. The question has to be: which vape better suits your lifestyle? If you’re someone that can easily access cannabis oils or cartridges (like those in legal US states) then perhaps this kind of vaporizer would be better suited to you. However, if you live somewhere that has yet to legalize cannabis, then dry weed is probably easier to purchase and therefore the dry herb vape is more suited to you. Buying cannabis cartridges in the UK, for example, is far rarer and far more expensive than purchasing cannabis bud. Either way, whatever you decide to purchase, both vaporizers are a great alternative to smoking. Hello and welcome! Thanks for stopping by CBDtesters.co, your #1 web source for cannabis and psychedelics-related news, offering the most interesting stories of today. Join us frequently to stay on-top of the quickly-moving world of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and remember to check out The THC Weekly Newsletter, to ensure you’re never late on getting a story. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post Consuming Cannabis: Dry Herb Vaporizer vs Cartridge Vaporizer appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/01/27/dry-herb-vaporizer-vs-cartridge-vaporizer/ Alternative Products Expo The Premier Event for Cannabis Industry Products Ticket Discounts!1/26/2022 Formerly known as The USA CBD Expo, the need for rebranding became apparent at last year’s event in Chicago. This event, now The Alternative Products Expo, covers so much more than just CBD. This year, like last, you can expect to learn more about Delta 8, 9, and 10 THC, THC-O, HHC, psilocybin, THCV, CBN, and so many more exciting cannabinoid and alternative products.We’ll see you there from March 11th to 13th, at Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Click here to buy your tickets now! Use the coupon code CBDTESTERS for 50% off all show tickets!! And remember to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter for more deals on show tickets and exciting new products! 2022 is expected to be an incredible year for the industry as a whole. Amazing shows, pending legalizations, and so many new products and compounds hitting the shelves. The cannabis trade-show experience is unparalleled. Alternative Products Expo offers attendees the opportunity to build connections, learn about all the latest trends and innovations, and be among like-minded people in a rapidly growing industry. This event will include over 50 speakers, more than 300 exhibitors, and thousands of products. Alternative products expo is sponsored by 3chi, Lost 8s, Dimo, Trinity Hemp, Cake, and other big names in the industry. That said, you can expect to find a lot THC (Delta 8, 9, and 10, THC-O, THCP, and THCV), CBN, CBG, CBD, CBC, and pretty much any hemp/cannabis derivative you can think of. ![]() Another exciting aspect about this year’s expo is the inclusion of psychedelic (or psychedelic adjacent) products. There won’t be any actual psilocybin on the convention floor, since it’s still in legal flux throughout the US, but a lot of companies that have already laid the groundwork to sell such products once they are legal, will be there. Many cities and states have mushroom legislation in the works, and it is prime time to start learning about them and connecting with people in that field. Again, The Alternative Products Expo will be held at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from March 11th to 13th. We’re expecting to see over 10,000 attendees, more than 50 speakers, and upwards of 300 exhibitors at the event, and we at CBD Testers are very excited to attend! –> Remember to use coupon code TESTERS for 50% off any ticket to any show <–Hello and welcome! Thanks for stopping by CBDtesters.co, your #1 web source for cannabis and psychedelics-related news, offering the most interesting stories of today. Join us frequently to stay on-top of the quickly-moving world of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and remember to check out The THC Weekly Newsletter, to ensure you’re never late on getting a story. The post Alternative Products Expo – The Premier Event for Cannabis Industry Products – Ticket Discounts! appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/01/26/alternative-products-expo-the-premier-event-for-cannabis-industry-products-ticket-discounts/ How often do people do just one drug alone? Well, some of the time, sure. But much of the time, we combine substances to get a different or greater effect. Such is the case with weed, where its commonplace to experience it with other drugs. The funny thing about fear tactics surrounding mixing weed with other drugs, is that we all already do it, and no one’s falling dead because of the weed!! Good thing to know in the face of smear campaigns. These days, there are tons of new cannabis options to try. Remember to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter all the latest news and industry stories, as well as exclusive deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and other products. Also save big on Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC products by checking out our “Best-of” lists! Liquor then beer, you’re in the clear…Ever heard that one before? Liquor then beer, you’re in the clear, beer before liquor, you’ve never been sicker. In this case, we’re not even talking about different drugs, but rather different ways of ingesting alcohol, with the idea being that drinking hard liquor before beer can stave off sickness, while drinking beer followed by hard liquor could cause some problems. These things are relative, of course. I spent years mixing the order of my drink ingestion without ever having a problem. Nor do I see those repeatedly taking a shot with their beer, bending over to gag after each new duo of drinks. In fact, I’ve never experienced any validity to the line, but I have been told by others, that for them its true. Is it always going to be the case, even for them? Or is this more relevant to simply how much someone drank in general? If you drink a lot of beer to the point that the next drink is going to be the straw that breaks the camel’s back, then not only will it not matter whether it’s a beer or a liquor drink, but it might spawn a connection in the drinker’s head between that final drink and the reason for sickness. These things can happen sometimes, and are more representative of the idea that too much can lead to bad things, than the actual order the drugs (or drinks) were taken in. ![]() Having said that, the physical experience of drugs can be affected by taking drugs in combination, and the order in which they’re taken. In fact, these things can play a very important role in the overall experience. When looking at the world around, it becomes clear that mixing things, like weed and other drugs, is very popular for the feelings it can bring. Much like alcohol, this can be done with different forms of cannabis delivery systems, or with cannabis and other drugs. My personal experiences mixing weed with other drugsI am me. Any experiences I had mixing weed and other drugs are related only to me, and cannot necessarily be generalized to anyone else. I am not saying anyone should do anything I have done, or that this should be taken up as an experiment by anyone else. This is merely me giving some information about my own experiences. Maybe some of this will sound familiar, maybe it won’t. But this is how it is for me to mix weed with other drugs. First off, if I smoke up, I have literally no desire to drink alcohol. I quit drinking a while back, but prior to quitting, taking a hit of weed was one of the best ways I had to not want to drink anything. I have heard other people talk about using it similarly, as a way to slow down drinking. Conversely, when I used to drink, ending the night with a bong hit, joint, or vape hit was like adding a new layer to my drunken high. In fact, at some point in a night of drinking, I’d crave the drink-THEN-weed combination. The one issue with this, is when too much has been drunk, and the smoking of pot makes the room start to spin. For anyone who’s ended up in this place, these two drugs suddenly become just about the worst combination possible, and a user can spend some time afterwards not feeling very well. This is generally specific to smoking when already very drunk. I’ve had it happen plenty of times. A place where I’ve appreciated combinations is with weed and other drugs like cocaine. I’m an ‘up’ person in life, which means I don’t really need stimulants. As such, they can make me feel shaky, along with whatever other feelings of euphoria they promote. When I was younger, and doing a bit of coke, smoking weed with it was imperative to keep my body from going off the rails. I also found this to be the case when doing drugs like MDMA, where the minor – but existent – upper effect can be a lot for a person sensitive to it. Weed provides a good balance to this stimulant effect. For me, it was important to have weed when doing these other drugs, to mediate the stimulant effect. It also can help take away the sickness effect of drugs like opioids. I have infrequently used this drug class, and generally only when actually needed. As I am not a big fan of the tingling sensation it causes, I found cannabis as a good way to neutralize some of the feelings associated. In fact, I only got a positive feeling of high from the drugs when smoking weed with them. When using weed to normalize the effect of another drug, it helps to use the weed after, though it doesn’t hurt the experience to use it before as well. At least, not for me. ![]() Mixing drugsThe idea of mixing drugs is definitely not new, and is done pretty constantly. This doesn’t have to be deadly, though when mixing things like opioids and benzodiazepines, or uppers and downers, the result can be much worse. In terms of frequency, think of how often cannabis is mixed with tobacco, and therefore nicotine. It’s like they practically go together. And think about how often a guy with a beer is smoking a cigarette. This last one doesn’t include weed, of course, but does speak to the ubiquitous nature of mixing substances. Cannabis alone causes very few problems, despite smear campaigns and scare tactics put out in the press. In fact, in nearly any study that tries to draw connections between hospital visits and cannabis use, it can’t actually be done. Like this one: Cannabis-related hospitalizations: unexpected serious events identified through hospital databases, where not only does it become clear that cannabis is not the issue at all, but its actually clearly stated in the text of the study: “Therefore, a cannabis-related hospitalization was defined as a F12 or F19 coded hospitalization in which cannabis use was documented and identified as possibly related with the diagnosed outcomes.” Even in a study looking into the topic, the best that researchers could find is documentation of cannabis use, and that it could be ‘possibly related’ to an outcome. Thing is, when someone ODs on opioids, no one writes up that the opioids ‘could possibly’ have had a result on the diagnosis. This indicates that in literally all of these cases, its really about another drug or situation. This crazy write-up is representative of all that exists to try to show cannabis as the culprit…although its lacking mention of confounding issues points in the other direction. Of course, did the study talk about other drug use? No! But it did draw this conclusion: “Cannabis consumption is associated with a large range of adverse events”, off the basic idea that because people were admitted to the hospital, and suffered some kind of adverse effect, and were cannabis users, that the issues suffered were obviously from the cannabis. Besides this highlighting horrifyingly awful research, and trying to implement dangerous medical connections, it really only points to the inability to finger cannabis for any of this, while showing the detriment of other drugs that lead to hospitalizations. The reality is that it’s not known how often cannabis is actually mixed with anything else. The only time these numbers are collected are when people are arrested (which creates a highly specific group), when they go to rehab (also a highly specific group, and not with cannabis as the main issue), and when people end up in a hospital (also generally not with cannabis as the main issue). I have found no useful statistics on this that are worth passing on. Whereas some drug mixing can be very dangerous, like opioids and benzodiazepines, cannabis doesn’t come on the radar for this. In some cases it’s found to be in the systems of people who are having a bigger issue with another drug, but regardless of the media tactics out there, there is very little actually written about cannabis itself causing issues, or being the main vehicle when mixed with another substance, to cause problems. This isn’t to say it can’t, but judging from studies that themselves can’t expressly point to weed being a main issue, it kind of seems like its not a point of worry. Like at all. ![]() Can cannabis interactions be harmful?To give an idea of how not dangerous cannabis interactions with other drugs are, in this article from 2021, Cannabis use could cause harmful drug interactions, the most they can pin on cannabis, is that it can: “…interfere with two families of enzymes that help metabolize a wide range of drugs prescribed for a variety of conditions. As a result, either the drugs’ positive effects might decrease or their negative effects might increase with too much building up in the body, causing unintended side effects such as toxicity or accidental overdose. While more research needs to be done, the authors said one early takeaway from these studies is that it’s important to be careful when using cannabis with other prescription drugs.” Apparently this was one of the first investigations of its kind, however, the most the authors of two different studies could say, is that it cannabis can make certain medications not work as well. Even talking about toxicity, nothing major was mentioned, and certainly not injury or death. Which makes the opening line of “Using cannabis alongside other drugs may come with a significant risk of harmful drug-drug interactions”, an erroneously and dangerously far leap. It’s good to remember here that a negative opioid interaction or antibiotics reaction, can lead to death, and this is always stated clearly. The authors of the studies, which were both published in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, studied either enzymes called cytochrome P450s, or enzymes called UDP-glucuronosyltransferases. Together they are said to be responsible for the elimination of more than 70% of commonly used drugs from the body. The study found that some cannabinoids, as well as the major THC metabolites, have the ability to strongly inhibit several CYP enzymes. According to Philip Lazarus, senior author and Boeing professor of pharmaceutical sciences, “If you have a kidney disease or you are taking one or more drugs that are metabolized primarily through the kidney and you’re also smoking marijuana, you could be inhibiting normal kidney function, and it may have long-term effects for you.” On a more realistic note, if you have kidney issues, and use any drug that’s not necessary, you could have problems. As once again, nothing was specifically pointed showing anywhere near the problems that mixing other classes of drugs can cause, it’s hard to imagine how that first line spewing out danger, came to be. This is also the very best that’s been done to show problematic cannabis interactions, which actually speaks volumes to the safety of the drug. Does this mean not to be careful when mixing substances? No!! Especially if you’re on a specific medication for something. Always look up known drug interactions to be safe, and pay attention to how your body responds. ConclusionWhen mixing any drugs, its important to know what you’re doing. On the plus side, with cannabis, unless you’re taking way too much of something else that’s bad for you, you’re not likely to have a problem. And if you’re taking way too much of something else that’s bad for you, (enough to worry about possible hospitalizations), you might want to concentrate on that, and not on the compound that still isn’t related to a death toll outside of unrelated additives. Welcome all! Thanks for stopping by CBDtesters.co, your one-stop-shop for all the best and most important cannabis and psychedelics-related news going on worldwide. Take a read-thru whenever possible to keep informed on the ever-expanding universe of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and sign up for the The THC Weekly Newsletter, to stay on top of everything going on. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advise, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post Mixing – The Experience of Weed with Other Drugs appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/01/26/mixing-the-experience-of-weed-with-other-drugs/ Most people are aware that taking psychedelics can lead to profound and enlightening experiences. Less known is that a type of visceral self-knowledge that can also be achieved by playing on our basic senses. Our senses – sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell – are very closely linked to our ability to reach a psychedelic state. By learning how to harness light, sound, and certain physical sensations, you can induce a psychedelic trip without the use of any substances. Let’s dive deeper into the phenomenon of getting high without drugs. We’re in the age of a psychedelic revolution. Finding new ways to create these experiences is a hot topic of discussion right now, and we’re here to keep you updated every step of the way. For more articles like this one, remember to subscribe to the Psychedelics Weekly Newsletter, your top source for everything related to this growing and important industry. Defining a psychedelic tripSimply put, a “trip” can be described as a temporarily altered state of consciousness. Yet that doesn’t fully encompass, or even begin to explain, what it feels like to be in a psychedelic state. An altered state of mind, by definition, is any mindset that is different from your neutral disposition. All drugs that can get you high in any way will produce an “altered state”, even sleeping can be considered so. But a psychedelic state is different. A psychedelic state can vary in intensity, but all trips have a common thread – they are sentient in nature. They make you feel something. Psychedelics affect all the senses and can change a person’s thought process, and their sense of time, space and reality. They can also produce auditory, visual, and sensory hallucinations, although what exactly anyone experiences is subjective to so many different factors. The substance (or substances) taken, the dosage, the person’s tolerance to psychedelics, their current state of mind, metabolism, overall personality type and background, and possibly even genetics, can all play a role in how psychedelics affect a person. Or better yet, all these different elements combined might be more accurately described as a blueprint to how a person’s mind will accept psychedelic trips in general, whether via drugs or other methods. The mainstream belief is that such a state can only be reached through the use of entheogenic substances. And while that may be the easiest, fastest, and most familiar method, it’s certainly not the only one. Things like meditation, sensory deprivation, light therapy, and certain breathing techniques can get you there too. When we trip, regardless of what causes the trip, the brain reacts in a similar way – with an increased activation of delta and gamma waves and the suppression of alpha and beta waves. When we are awake and alert, the brain is dominated by alpha, beta, and gamma waves. When we sleep, delta and theta waves take over. The pairing of “alert” gamma waves and “sleeping” delta waves, could explain why psychedelics trips are akin to dream-like states that we experience while still awake. MeditationMeditation has existed for millennia with oldest documented evidence of the practice coming from India sometime around 5,000 to 3,500 BCE. During the Silk Road transmission beginning in the 1st or 2nd century, Buddhists brought mediation to China and other Asian countries, and it eventually spread across the globe. ![]() Meditation is about awareness. It’s about learning how to observe whatever is going on in your own mind without any judgement. It’s about training your thoughts so you can truly feel what you want to happen in your life, and thus manifest it with the energy you put out into the world. It’s believed by many that the power of the mind can be used to change one’s entire life course, as well as heal nearly anything wrong with the human body. A word you may hear often if you delve into the world of meditation is ‘Mindfulness’, which is the ability to be fully present and engaged with whatever is going on right now. The past and future don’t matter, you need to focus only on the current moment in time. While this may sound relatively simple… believe me, it’s not. Just like any other skill, learning to meditate can bear its own unique set of challenges. It can be very hard to drown out the mind chatter, or the constant bustling of the mind. One of the best ways to do this is to focus on your breath. Focus on the inhale, feel the oxygen move throughout your body, then slowly exhale. When you notice your mind beginning to wander, refocus on your breathing. If you’re able to reach a deep, transcendental form of meditation, you can put yourself in an altered state of consciousness similar to what you’d experience with psychoactive substances. Of course there is not a tremendous amount of research to back this up, but a small-scale study of 24 practicing shamans found that when they entered a “shamanic healing state”, their EEG-measures (level of electrical activity in the brain) showed higher criticality in the gamma waves compared to the control group, something also seen when psychedelics are used. While I personally do try to meditate (not nearly as much as I should, but occasionally), I have never been able to reach anything close to an ethereal state. This can be extremely challenging to achieve for the novice meditator. It takes a lot of practice and dedication, but I will certainly keep on trying. Sensory deprivationSensory deprivation experiences, or restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST), are growing in popularity as a legal and substance-free way to “trip balls”, as it’s commonly described. In pretty much every medium to large city in the US, you can find isolation tank locations and schedule a reasonably-priced float. On average, a 60-90 minute float session costs around $100, however, most places offer memberships and many people opt for monthly visits. Sensory deprivation therapy tanks were invented in 1954 by John C. Lilly, an American neuroscientist and physician who aimed to study the “origins of consciousness by cutting off all external stimuli”. The idea is very straightforward – a large soundproof tank is filled with water and Epsom salt and heated to skin temperature. The person enters the tank nude and floats weightlessly in the silent darkness. Sensory deprivation therapy can have many different psychoactive effects including hallucinations, connectivity, and creativity. A few studies have been conducted on float tanks over the last few years, like this 2015 study that compared people who were more prone to hallucinations, and people who were less prone to them, to see how each group would react to REST. They found that both groups experienced hallucinations of similar intensity, and the high-prone group showed only a slightly increased frequency. ![]() Another study published the year prior in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine discovered that sensory deprivation floats can lead to “increased originality, imagination, and intuition, which can all lead to enhanced creativity”. Additional published research has linked sensory deprivation to thought clarity, refined focus, more fluent learning, and improved performance in school and career settings. While I have very minimal experience with sensory deprivation (I’ve only tried it one time), I can vouch for the fact that it was trippy during the session; and afterwards, I left feeling positive, clearheaded, and inspired. I definitely recommend, and would do this again myself. I could definitely see the benefits of doing monthly or bi-monthly sessions. Light therapyIf you’ve ever heard the term “seeing the light”, you probably know it as an idiom, meaning to perceive or understand something in a new, more positive way. Often, this phrase is used in reference to a spiritual breakthrough or sudden spiritual awakening, but today, we can actually take this term to mean something more literal. Enter the Lucia N°03 Hypnagogic Light Machine, invented by Austrian neurologist and psychologist team, Dr. Dirk Preockl and Dr. Englebert Winkler. The purpose of this system is to create an altered state of consciousness using light. Because the electrochemical activity of neurons allows the brain to respond to a stimulus in one millisecond, it can be easy to reach this state using minimal external stimuli. The methodology is relatively simple as well. Sessions can be solo or in groups. The tone is set so it’s quiet and peaceful for the subjects. In most cases, noise cancelling headphones are used, either to play relaxing tones and/or frequencies, or simply to block out any extrinsic sounds. Individuals will lay down or be seated in reclining chairs, they close their eyes, and a lucia light is propped up roughly 2 feet away from the face. For the next 30-90 minutes (session length depends on location and customer preference), white lights at various frequencies are flashed at the participants. The inventors of this light offer a scientific explanation for why this works, with research to back it up. “If you use a flickering of 9HZ, the occipital pole will take over the same vibrational frequency,” explains Proeckl. “When people tune into a trance state it will then have other distinct frequencies produced by the brain, a kind of harmonic ratio. That is, it produces an equivalent of musical overtones, often extending into the gamma range, an area usually only seen in experienced meditators.” Although a single session can lead to substantial changes in perception, people typically claim that a series of sessions is best for more intense trips and long-term benefits. Hallucinations can include colors, patterns, wormholes, and various sensations. Reports of similar or shared hallucinations have occurred in couple and group sessions. A friend of mine who recently tried light therapy echoed this sentiment, claiming that “what you see is created by you, and my buddy and I saw the same image in a few moments, which was interesting.” Adding to this, a new startup company seeks to emulate this experience from home using one of the most omnipresent devices in our society today, the smart phone. Two UK inventors and engineering students, Tom Galea and Jay Conlon, created an app called Lumenate, which uses the phones flashlight to create light sequences similar to those produced by the lucia light. Breathing techniquesBreathing isn’t simply for getting oxygen into our bodies, but the rhythm of breathing creates electrical activity in the brain that improves several types of neurological functions. The practice of breathing yourself into a trance-like state is known as holotropic breathing. Coming from the Greek words, “holos” meaning “whole”, and “trepein” meaning “to move toward”, the word “holotropic” translates to “moving toward wholeness.” Some describe the experience as divine, while others say it’s more like a very intense form of meditation. Regardless, the basic principle here is to follow a specific breathing pattern in which the person exhales a high level of CO2, but without reaching the point of hyperventilation. The official term for this state is respiratory alkalosis, and it can lead to lightheadedness, elevated thoughts, physical sensations (like random tingling), minor hallucinations, and a range of therapeutic benefits. ![]() Holotropic breathing techniques have recently been made famous by a Dutch motivational speaker and extreme athlete named Wim Hof. Blending a few different types of yogic breathing patterns, which he dubbed the “Wim Hof Method”, is said to be the root of his success. Also known as “The Iceman”, Wim Hof is possibly best known for his affinity for the cold. The now 62-year-old has run countless marathons above the arctic circle (all while shirtless, mind you), he has been observed diving under ice at the North Pole, and he regularly enjoys 90+ minute ice baths. He attributes this seemingly inhuman resistance against cold to his breathing techniques. Final thoughts on tripping without psychedelicsThe world of mental health desperately needs a makeover, in the form of novel approaches to treat people. We know that, broadly, pharmaceuticals are not cutting it. The only thing we can do now moving forward is to look outside the box. There has been a lot of talk lately about psychedelics and how tripping can permanently improve a number of psychiatric disorders; but taking these substances can feel extreme for some people, particularly for those who have limited experience with such products in the first place. The thought of tripping without drugs may be more appealing for a large group of consumers who could benefit greatly from these services, and as a society, we still have barely scratched the surface regarding the potential of these therapies. Hello readers! Thanks for joining us at CBDtesters.co, the #1 internet location for the most recent and interesting cannabis and psychedelics-related news from around the globe. Visit the site everyday to stay abreast of the quickly-moving landscape of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and sign up for The Psychedelics Weekly Newsletter, to ensure you always know what’s going on. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics. Should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post Channel Your Senses – How To Trip Without Drugs appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/01/26/channel-your-senses-how-to-trip-without-psychedelics/ And breathe…. 2… 3…. Those beautiful moments, wind flowing through your hair, sat cross legged with the hum of a relaxing CD playing in your ears, with nothing but peaceful and mindful thoughts. If only, you think, if only there was a way to make this even better, even calmer. Perhaps there is. Cannabis and meditation may be a combination you hadn’t considered before, but trust me… it will change the way you think about thinking deeply.Sometimes, it’s impossible to completely focus and to completely lose yourself in the process of meditation especially in today’s busy modern world. But, with the promising powers of Cannabis and its component parts, meditation has become a lot more accessible. In this article, I’ll review the long history of Cannabis and meditation as well as looking at the benefits of combining them as well as the benefits of meditation alone. So, take a deep breath, light your incense and prepare for a thought provoking journey through the relationship between Cannabis and Meditation. Cannabis can be used to enhance many therapeutic practices, including meditation. Remember to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter all the latest news and industry stories, as well as exclusive deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and other products. Also save big on Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC products by checking out our “Best-of” lists! Meditation‘The greatest thing in the world to know, is oneself’ – Montaigne Meditation is defined as ‘a set of techniques that are intended to encourage a heightened state of awareness and focused attention.’ It is an ancient practice, with its origins found in both India and China. In India, there is a written record of meditation practices from 1500 BC, where it was called ‘dhyana’ and was used to focus the mind. In china, meditation may be even older, with dhaoist monks using meditative processes as far back at the 3rd century BC. With such an ancient origin, it is no surprise that meditation is still used so frequently today and in fact is constantly evolving. A newer form of secular meditation has become exceptionally popular in the modern world, called mindfulness. Mindfulness is all about being present with your thoughts and though it has a different name, it is still a process with its roots in the ancient meditation methods. For some people meditation is a religious process, for others it is a way to relax and calm down a busy mind after a long day. The process of meditating requires an individual to focus on their breathing, not their thoughts. Being present with your body and taking the time to let yourself relax and centre your mind. For those who haven’t tried meditation before I recommend some of the following steps: 1. Make sure you’re somewhere quiet and peaceful. 2. Position yourself comfortably, don’t worry about crossing your legs, but make sure you’re comfortable enough to sit for a while in one position. 3. Focus on your breathing. Take deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. WIth each breath be mindful of the flow of air. Keep that focus on your breathing. In and out. 4. Don’t worry if you’re thinking of other things, of course your mind will go off on tangents, but try and bring yourself back to your breath. Follow these steps and hopefully you’ll have a fulfilling experience. Before we even take a look at how brilliant combining Cannabis and meditation is, we have to spend some time giving meditation alone its dues. Consistent research has shown that meditation has a multitude of benefits. A study found that regular meditation actually causes positive changes to brain anatomy, increasing activity in areas associated with empathy. Further research, reviewing the many benefits of meditation, showed that it was linked to improving Irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and even high blood pressure. It’s clear to see that meditation should become a solid part of everyone’s daily lives, but how does Cannabis tie in with this? The History of Cannabis and MeditationInterestingly enough, Cannabis and meditation actually have a long history. Cannabis was used regularly in India and the Indus region where it was considered one of the sacred plants in the Atharva Veda, a collection of sacred texts where it is also written that the Lord Shiva would consume Cannabis to clear his thoughts and rejuvenate his mind. The plant’s many benefits were known, including medical and recreational uses, but it was also used to guide meditations and focus thought. In Tibet, Tantric monks would use Cannabis to help with their meditations as well. There was an abundance of the plant in Tibet and it was also used for its many medicinal reasons as well as for meditation. In Modern day Nepal, Hindu priests called Sadhus are given permission by the government to smoke Cannabis as part of a holy festival to imitate the god Shiva and aids them in meditations. When asked about their use of Cannabis, 80% of Sadhus claimed that it aided in their meditation. There is a clear combined history between Cannabis and meditation that demonstrates what an impressive combination the two make, but how does Cannabis actually affect Meditation? Cannabis and MeditationIt’s well known that Cannabis produces a calming effect which suits meditation perfectly, but what is the science behind this? Cannabinoids, the chemicals inside Cannabis that have an effect on our bodies and brains through acting on the Endocannabinoid system, offer many possible advantages for meditators. CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety, create a sense of calmness and even reduce pain in chronic pain sufferers. There is also a growing amount of evidence linking CBD to improving motivation in some disorders. ![]() All of the above factors improved by CBD are clearly going to help with the process of meditation. If you are distracted by anxious thoughts, or are finding it hard to motivate yourself in the process of starting a meditation session, then CBD will improve your experience. The calmness created is a sure fire way to maximise the benefits of Meditation and allow you to clear your mind. THC, another cannabinoid found in cannabis, is linked to creativity which is also perfect for allowing your brain to wonder as you meditate, if you use meditation for the generation of new ideas. How to Meditate with CannabisSo you’ve decided that Cannabis might be the best addition to your meditation routine, but how best to enjoy it? Well, any way in which you’d usually enjoy Cannabis, smoked, eaten or using oils. Of course, the method you choose will tailor how you should then meditate. For example, if you decide to smoke cannabis before meditating, it is advisable to wait about 10-15 minutes before starting your meditation so that you get the best out of both. For edibles, you should wait around an hour before starting to meditate. If you start too soon after consuming the edible, you may finish your meditation before feeling any kind of high. Consider the strain of Cannabis you opt for as well. It is recommended that Sativa strains will help energise and focus you, whereas Indica strains are much more relaxing and of course, just CBD oils will give you the calm and relaxed sensations without the more psychotropic effects of Cannabis or THC. My advice is to do some research and find the best Cannabis strain or product for the meditation you choose to enjoy. Another tip for a first time Cannabis high is to make sure that you accept the feelings of being high whilst meditating. Allow your mind to acknowledge the new experience and be present with the feelings you feel. Perhaps this is a body tingling or a light headedness, don’t overthink it, just accept it. ![]() My Own experiencesI have been practicing meditation for some time now, as I find it the perfect way to end the day, after the mayhem of work and city life takes its toll. I decided one day to experiment with a Cannabis combination for my meditation session and ate a low THC edible, with higher concentrations of CBD. It was mind blowing. My focus was tenfold what it usually is. I found that half an hour of deep meditation flew by and the usual distractions and thoughts that often creep in (what’s for dinner? My foot itches? It’s mum’s birthday in 4 weeks) were silenced. I also felt that it took much less time for any anxieties I had carried with me through the day to drift away. The only issue I had was that, the first time I tried it, I became fixated on noticing how high I was getting and became distracted in my meditation. However, with more time and practice I found that I could perfectly balance the feelings of being nicely high with focussing and now get the best out of my meditations. ConclusionI hope I’ve presented enough evidence to make you consider combining Cannabis and meditation. An ancient combination that has helped people focus their minds and spend more time on themselves for many years, dating back to the Tantric monks and early Sadhu practices. Not only is there history, but also the science backs us up. Cannabis and its component oils are exceptionally useful for calming the brain down, reducing anxiety and increasing motivation, all needed to get the best out of meditation. From my own experiences too, I really can’t recommend the experience enough. The feeling of calm is all encompassing and it has truly changed my relationship with my own mind. And breath…. 2… 3. Hello and welcome! Thanks for stopping by CBDtesters.co, your #1 web source for cannabis and psychedelics-related news, offering the most interesting stories of today. Join us frequently to stay on-top of the quickly-moving world of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and remember to check out The THC Weekly Newsletter, to ensure you’re never late on getting a story. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post Meditation and Cannabis – How Does it Work? appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/01/26/meditation-and-cannabis/ The Emerald Conference (7th annual) is the longest running interdisciplinary cannabis science event, and the place to be for cultivators, extractors, physicians, product manufacturers, and anyone else interested in learning more about all the most important research going on behind the scenes of this multi-billion-dollar industry.Science and research are the backbone of the legal cannabis industry, especially in the medical sector. Without cannabis science, not only would we stay lagging on best practices in cultivation, production, and safety standards; but much of the western world would be still in the dark, largely unaware of the therapeutic potential of cannabis. For a 10% discount on tickets, make sure to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter, your top source for industry news, all the latest information, and exclusive deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and other products. Over the years, The Emerald Conference has become a who’s-who event of decision-makers in many cannabis industry niches including extraction methodology, analytical testing, research and development, formulations and blends, and clinical research. Aside from the connections to be made, the wealth of knowledge and expertise at this event is unmatched. In addition to some incredibly educational presentations and sessions, event curators make sure to provide plenty of time for open dialogue, so attendees can discuss the topics in depth. The goal is to “overcome black-market paranoia” through irrefutable scientific data and education of the masses. And the best way to do this is by bringing as many from the scientific community as possible to put things into perspective. According to David Dawson, Ph.D. Senior Scientist at Via Innovations, “The Emerald Conference is integral to this process, as its high standards for peer-reviewed work and desire for open collaboration amongst participants sets it apart from the vast majority of cannabis conferences.” This year’s conferenceThis event is more tight-knit than other conferences, so don’t expect a turnout in the tens of thousands like MJ Biz Con. In my opinion, the low-key environment makes it considerably easier to stay focused. Plus, it’s better for meeting people, learning, and making those lasting industry connections. ![]() Hundreds of people from around the world are expected to attend. During the event, there will be more than 20 speakers, 25 presentations, and 50 exhibitors and sponsors. Furthermore, there will be 3 scheduled networking events, a welcome reception, and evening reception, and a “mimosa & Bloody Mary bar break”. The Emerald Conference will take place from February 27 – March 1, 2022, at San Diego Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego, California. For a 10% discount on your tickets, subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter for a coupon code!The main areas of focus at this year’s event will be pre-clinical/clinical research, cultivation and alternative strategies, extraction and separation, formulation and fill/finish, and analytical testing solutions. MJ Biz acquisitionIn January 2020, Marijuana Business Daily purchased Emerald Conference from Emerald Scientific, who established the first event in 2015. The deal highlights the growing importance of legitimate research in the industry, as it continues. “When looking at where cannabis is going, we identified science as a pillar of the industry’s future,” says Chris Walsh, CEO and president of MJBizDaily. “With the legalization of hemp and inevitable changes to federal marijuana laws in the coming years, the amount of scientific research is going to balloon – as will the needs of the scientific and business communities. ![]() MJ Biz Daily has been partnering with Emerald to put on this conference ever since its second year running, and this partnership is what led to the eventual acquisition years later. MJ Biz is known for putting on excellent events, and the merger has proven to be beneficial for everyone involved. Get your tickets now!If you’re an industry stakeholder or another interested party that would like to learn more about cannabis science, The Emerald Conference is an event you don’t want to miss. Remember to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter for a 10% percent discount on your tickets to The Emerald Conference – February 27th to March 1st, see you there! Hello to everyone..! Thanks for dropping by CBDtesters.co, the #1 internet source for cannabis and psychedelics-related news, offering up current and relevant stories from the industry today. Join us daily to stay on top of the fast-paced universe of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and remember to sign up for The THC Weekly Newsletter, so you never miss a single thing. The post The Emerald Conference: 7th Annual Interdisciplinary Cannabis Science Event – Ticket Discounts Available! appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/01/25/the-emerald-conference-7th-annual-interdisciplinary-cannabis-science-event-ticket-discounts-available/ If the world of cannabis was the milky way, then every little star in the sky would be the tiny little compounds that make up this beautifully complex plant. They all twinkle with their own individuality and innate effects. However, to continue with this elaborate metaphor, some stars are known better than others. Or, perhaps it would be better to say, some burn brighter in the sky than others.That’s not to say that these stars are intrinsically better or have more worth than the other stars, it just means we – as humans – can understand them with more clarity. This is the case with many cannabinoids within the cannabis plant. Whilst many think of THC, CBD, CBN and others when they think of cannabinoids, there are still some that are definitely less known about. Well, the star in the sky we’ll be analysing today, is CBT (Cannabitriol). What is it? What are its effects? And is it legal? Let’s dive into the world of CBT. Cannabis science has come a really long way since the initial discovery of individual cannabinoids back in the 1940s. To this day we continue to uncover new and exciting things about this incredible plant. Remember to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter all the latest news and industry stories, as well as exclusive deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and other products. Also save big on Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC products by checking out our “Best-of” lists! CannabisSome would say that cannabis has been analysed and researched more in the last 50 years than perhaps its entire history. However, this, culturally, would be a completely incorrect statement. In fact, as you may well know, cannabis has been utilised and harnessed for centuries for religious ceremonies, materials, medical benefits and recreational effects. It’s hardly a stranger to the world. However, as more nations have legalised medical cannabis around the world in the last 20 years, scientific research has inevitably had to be done and improved on. Mainstream governments and doctors are now looking to cannabis for modern medical assistance. This has changed the way we, as a society, understand the cannabis plant and, in consequence, we now know a lot more about it in depth. The National Library of Medicine highlights the rise in cannabis research in the last 10 years: “The spike in the number of scientific publications on medical cannabis since 2013 is encouraging. In light of this trend the authors expect an even greater increase in the number of publications in this area in coming years.” So what do we know now that perhaps we didn’t know then? Well, cannabis has around 400 compounds in it. Within these there are around 100 terpenes, and 100 cannabinoids. However, more seem to be discovered and delved into all of the time. For instance, THCP was discovered to be supposedly 30 times more potent than THC in 2020. However, there are a lot of false claims around cannabinoids, fuelled perhaps by marketing and legal loophole potential. With THC being illegal in many states and countries, it’s always possible that a new psychoactive cannabinoid could have a chance at being legal. But, let’s take a step back. What is the difference between cannabinoids and terpenes? Definitions are key in any discussion on cannabis. Cannabinoids & TerpenesCannabinoids and terpenes are like distant cousins. They might be slightly estranged, but when they come together, everyone has a great time. A cannabinoid is responsible for the effects of cannabis. As in, the effects it has on the human’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is in all living mammals’ and it is a molecular system that regulates many processes in the body. These include: pain, mood, memory, immunity, stress, anxiety, appetite and the senses. When psychoactive cannabinoids react with the endocannabinoid system, these processes can alter and change. It’s these reactions that cause both the well-known high effect of recreational cannabis, as well as the medicinal benefits of medicinal cannabis. On the other hand, terpenes are the compounds that are responsible for the aromas and flavours of the specific cannabis strain. If you’ve ever been sold some ‘strawberry kush’ or ‘lemon haze’ then you’ll be happy to know that these names do originate from something genuinely scientific… you’d hope. Terpenes like myrcene, humulene and linalool all have their own original flavours and aromas that will change the taste and smell of the cannabis strain. Each strain will have a different combination of terpenes and cannabinoids. Psychoactive CannabinoidsWithin the (around) 100 registered cannabinoids, only some of them are defined as psychoactive. Whilst all cannabinoids do have some effects – even if they’re miniscule – only the ones that react with the CB1 receptors are determined as psychoactive. The CB1 and CB2 receptors trigger slightly different things. When CB1 receptors are activated these can cause changes in dopamine levels, boost appetite and enhance the senses. Essentially, a psychoactive cannabinoid will alter the state of the mind in one way or another. Alternatively, CB2 receptors are more involved with the immune system, and will not cause any conscious change. ![]() “CB1 receptors are located in the brain and throughout the body, while CB2 receptors are found mostly in the immune and gastrointestinal system” Whilst CBD is seeming to have pain reducing and therapeutic effects, it does not have major reactions with CB1 and thus is not defined as psychoactive. Whilst, THC, is of course the one of the most popular cannabinoids for its high effects and large reaction to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. This can manifest itself in feelings of euphoria, sensory enhancement and increased appetite. But where does that leave the forgotten cannabinoid? Where does that leave CBT? What is CBT?When people speak about the most abundant cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, you hear mentions of THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, THCA, CBDA and others. Not often do you hear the name CBT. In fact, most people will think about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy when CBT is mentioned, not Cannabicitran. CBT is definitely one of the lesser known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. In fact, it’s also quite a rarity in many strains, and when it is found, it’s often discovered in small percentages. There is very little research into the wonders of CBT, but what has been found shows signs of promise. Plus, due to its unknown aura, its legal status is somewhat ambiguous. What do we know about CBT?CBT is definitely a minor cannabinoid, but oddly enough, it was first discovered in 1966 by Ishikawa and Obata. Although it had been discovered then, it wasn’t until 10 years ago that the molecule structure was understood. CBT is also known as CBT-C, which was first synthesised in 1971. It had been isolated from Lebanese hash, and was then referred to as citrylidene-cannabis. People now know that CBT has a very similar structure to THC, but it’s still unknown whether the cannabinoid is psychoactive or not. There are beliefs that CBT originated from CBDa and has 9 different types – one of these being CBT-C. With CBT existing in such small levels, and in limited strains, it’s very difficult for researchers to understand it. Plus, the question remains right now, do they care? Research into CBTWhilst research is limited into CBT, one study in 2007 may be worth noting. The study was looking into the addictive effects of THC, and by accident they discovered something rather interesting about CBT. The study writes that CBT was: “the major degradation product of this reaction, demonstrating the ability of an antibody to catalyse a complex chemical transformation with therapeutic implications for treating marijuana abuse.” Whilst this quote is swimming in scientific jargon and complex sentence structures, what it’s essentially alluding to is that CBT limits the psychoactive effects of THC. This is an effect that has been known of CBD. If this is true, then we can make the assumption that CBT is not a psychoactive substance like THC, yet it has a similar molecular structure. In addition, Extract Lab’s CBD vapes are supposedly CBT based. In fact, they claim that its because of CBT that their cartridges do not crystallise like some are prone to doing. CBD liquids can crystallise when the cannabinoids begin to separate from the liquid over time, and it causes a sort of unvape-able mushy mess. However, Extract Lab write: “Despite not knowing much about its physiological benefits, CBT is an incredibly valuable ingredient in CBD products. All Extract Labs CBD vapes are made from 100 percent cannabis ingredients and do not crystalize–all thanks to CBT” Is CBT Legal?With each cannabinoid being treated differently in many legal systems, it’s hard to determine which are legal and which aren’t. It isn’t as easy to simply say: CBD is legal and THC isn’t. Unless of course you’re fortunate enough to be somewhere that accepts the entirety of the cannabis plant and has legalised it all. ![]() CBT or CBT-C is not mentioned in the Controlled Substances Act. This can be taken how one wants it to be taken. There are many cannabinoids that are yet to be defined legally. The scientific research is done quicker, then the laws are forced to catch. Benzinga writes: “Although some cannabinoids such as CBT, CBT-C, CBD, CBG, or CBN are not considered controlled substances, we can’t affirm that they are definitely legal substances because the laws regarding cannabis are usually ambiguous or have grey areas”. Another issue that arises is this. Even if you did decide that CBT was legal, where would you get it from? How would you know which strains have more of it? The products are limited as well as the research. Having isolated CBT seems nearly impossible in this current time. So, whilst it may be legal or at least ambiguous, finding it could be a challenge. But maybe it’s a challenge you’re interested in. ConclusionThe cannabis plant seems to surprise people every year, with new-found cannabinoids and new found benefits. No part of the plant should be ignored or discounted. CBT is no different. Whilst it may be a minor-cannabinoid, the limited research thus far suggests CBT could hold some surprises in itself. Keep an eye on this one. Hello and welcome! Thanks for stopping by CBDtesters.co, your #1 web source for cannabis and psychedelics-related news, offering the most interesting stories of today. Join us frequently to stay on-top of the quickly-moving world of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and remember to check out The THC Weekly Newsletter, to ensure you’re never late on getting a story. Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional. The post CBT (Cannabitriol): The Forgotten Cannabinoid appeared first on CBD Testers. Via https://cbdtesters.co/2022/01/24/cbt-the-forgotten-cannabinoid/ |
ABOUT MEHallo, ik ben Rosalina Klerkx, ik ben een RHIA-gecertificeerde zorgbeheerder met meer dan 6 jaar ervaring in het creëren van een productieve omgeving voor zorgprofessionals. Leiding gegeven aan een team van 12 opname- en verkoopmedewerkers in een instelling voor langdurige zorg met meer dan 170 patiënten. Opstellen van complexe HIPAA-conforme rapporten aan patiëntendienstcoördinatoren in een zorgkliniek. Archives
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