Tag: CBD Texas

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Unlocking Better Sleep with CBD: A Natural Aid for Restful Nights

Introduction: Are you tired of tossing and turning, desperately seeking a good night’s sleep? Look no further than CBD (cannabidiol), a natural compound derived from the cannabis plant that has gained attention for its potential benefits on sleep. In this post, we will explore how CBD can be used to promote better sleep and provide scientific references supporting its use.

  1. Calming Effects for Improved Sleep: One of the primary reasons people turn to CBD for sleep is its ability to induce a sense of calm and relaxation. CBD interacts with receptors in the brain and body, influencing neurotransmitter activity to promote a state of tranquility. This can help reduce anxiety and racing thoughts that often hinder a restful night’s sleep.

Reference: Babson, K. A., Sottile, J., & Morabito, D. (2017). Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: A Review of the Literature. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(4), 23.

  1. Regulation of Sleep-Wake Cycle: CBD has shown promise in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, CBD helps maintain the balance necessary for a healthy sleep pattern. This can lead to more consistent sleep and improved wakefulness during the day.

Reference: Murillo-Rodríguez, E., Millán-Aldaco, D., Palomero-Rivero, M., Mechoulam, R., & Drucker-Colín, R. (2008). Cannabidiol, a constituent of Cannabis sativa, modulates sleep in rats. FEBS Letters, 582(6), 501-506.

  1. Alleviation of Insomnia Symptoms: Insomnia, a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, can be challenging to manage. CBD has demonstrated potential in reducing insomnia symptoms and promoting better sleep quality. Studies have shown that CBD can decrease sleep latency (time taken to fall asleep) and increase total sleep time.

Reference: Shannon, S., Opila-Lehman, J. (2016). Effectiveness of Cannabidiol Oil for Pediatric Anxiety and Insomnia as Part of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Report. The Permanente Journal, 20(4), 108-111.

  1. Relief from Pain-Related Sleep Disorders: For individuals experiencing sleep disorders associated with pain, CBD may offer much-needed relief. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can help alleviate pain and discomfort, allowing for a more comfortable sleep experience.

Reference: Russo, E. B. (2020). Cannabidiol claims and misconceptions. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 41(3), 143-145.

Conclusion: CBD has emerged as a potential natural aid for those struggling with sleep issues. Its calming effects, ability to regulate the sleep-wake cycle, alleviation of insomnia symptoms, and relief from pain-related sleep disorders make it a promising option for achieving restful nights. If you’re considering using CBD for sleep, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage and ensure it aligns with your individual needs.

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Why Cannabis Legalization Would Benefit Texans

Cannabis has been a topic of debate for decades in the United States. While some states have legalized the use of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes, others have continued to criminalize it. Texas is one of the states where cannabis remains illegal, but there are strong arguments for why it should be legalized. In this article, we will explore the monetary and infrastructure benefits of legalizing cannabis in Texas, with references to studies and reports.

Monetary Benefits One of the most significant reasons for legalizing cannabis in Texas is the potential economic benefits. According to a report by New Frontier Data, legalizing cannabis in Texas could generate $2.7 billion in annual revenue by 2025 (1). This revenue would come from a variety of sources, including sales taxes, excise taxes, and licensing fees. The report also estimates that legalizing cannabis would create over 40,000 new jobs in the state.

Another report by the Perryman Group estimates that legalizing cannabis could have an economic impact of over $17 billion and create over 400,000 new jobs in Texas (2). The report also suggests that legalizing cannabis could save the state $1.1 billion annually in criminal justice costs, including police, court, and incarceration expenses.

Infrastructure Benefits Legalizing cannabis in Texas would also bring infrastructure benefits. The cannabis industry requires a significant amount of infrastructure, including cultivation facilities, processing facilities, and dispensaries. This infrastructure would create new jobs and stimulate economic growth in areas that need it the most.

A study by the University of California Agricultural Issues Center found that legalizing cannabis in California could create between 81,000 and 130,000 jobs and generate between $4.5 billion and $7.5 billion in annual economic activity (3). While this study is specific to California, it suggests the potential for significant economic growth and job creation in the cannabis industry.

Additionally, legalizing cannabis could help to address the issue of opioid addiction in Texas. Opioid addiction is a serious problem in the state, with over 2,500 opioid-related deaths in 2019 alone (4). Studies have shown that states with legal cannabis have lower rates of opioid addiction and overdose deaths. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that states with medical cannabis laws had a 25% lower opioid overdose mortality rate than states without medical cannabis laws (5). By legalizing cannabis, Texas could provide a safer alternative to opioids for pain management and reduce the overall rate of opioid addiction in the state.

Conclusion In conclusion, legalizing cannabis in Texas would have both monetary and infrastructure benefits. It would generate billions of dollars in annual revenue, create tens of thousands of new jobs, and reduce the burden on the criminal justice system. It would also bring much-needed infrastructure to areas of the state that need it the most and provide a safer alternative to opioids for pain management. As more and more states legalize cannabis, Texas should consider following suit and reap the benefits that come with it.

References:

  1. New Frontier Data. The Economic Impact of Cannabis Legalization in Texas. 2019.
  2. The Perryman Group. The Economic and Fiscal Benefits of Legalizing Cannabis in Texas. 2019.
  3. University of California Agricultural Issues Center. Economic Impacts of the Cannabis Industry: Implications for Other States and the Federal Government. 2017.
  4. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Opioid Overdose Crisis. 2021.
  5. Bachhuber, M.A., et al. Medical Cannabis Laws and Opioid Analgesic Overdose Mortality in the United States, 1999-2010. JAMA Internal Medicine, 2014.
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The Similarities and Differences Between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC.

Cannabis is a complex plant that contains over 100 cannabinoids, including Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC. Both of these cannabinoids have gained attention in recent years for their potential medical and recreational benefits, but they differ in their chemical structure and effects on the body. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC.

Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are both forms of tetrahydrocannabinol, a compound found in cannabis that is responsible for many of its effects. However, their chemical structures are slightly different. Delta-8 THC has a double bond on the eighth carbon atom in the chain, while Delta-9 THC has a double bond on the ninth carbon atom. This subtle difference in structure leads to differences in their effects on the body.

One of the main differences between Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC is their psychoactive potency. Delta-9 THC is known for its strong psychoactive effects and is responsible for the “high” that people experience when they consume cannabis. Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, is reported to have milder psychoactive effects and is often described as producing a more relaxed and clear-headed high.

Another difference between these two cannabinoids is their legality. Delta-9 THC is classified as a Schedule I substance by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which means it is illegal at the federal level. However, some states have legalized the use of cannabis for medical or recreational purposes, which allows people to use Delta-9 THC legally in those states. Delta-8 THC, on the other hand, is a more recent discovery, and its legality is currently a bit of a grey area. Some states have explicitly banned Delta-8 THC, while others allow it to be used as long as it is derived from hemp and contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.

Despite these differences, Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC also share some similarities. Both cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which is responsible for regulating a wide range of physiological processes, including mood, appetite, and pain perception. They also share some potential medical benefits, such as reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and stimulating appetite.

In conclusion, Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are two cannabinoids that differ in their chemical structure, psychoactive potency, and legal status. While Delta-9 THC is known for its strong psychoactive effects and is illegal at the federal level, Delta-8 THC is milder and is currently in a legal grey area. Despite these differences, both cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system and have potential medical benefits. As research into these compounds continues, we may learn more about their similarities and differences and how they can be used to improve health and wellbeing.

References:

  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2021, March 19). Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know
  2. Mechoulam, R., & Hanuš, L. O. (2000). The cannabinoids: an overview. Therapeutic implications in vomiting and nausea after cancer chemotherapy, 91-103.
  3. Mechoulam, R. (1970). Marijuana chemistry. Science, 168(3936), 1159-1166.
  4. Gauson, L. A., Stevenson, L. A., Thomas, A., & Baillie, G. L. (2021). The Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol-like effects of Delta(8)-tet
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What is Delta-8?

Delta-8 is a cannabis compound that has become popular because of its similarity to THC, the main compound in cannabis that gets you high, causing euphoria, happiness, sedation, symptom relief, and much more. Large amounts of THC are found in most cannabis strains.

The similarities between the two cannabinoids lie in their chemical structures and their names. THC’s scientific name is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-9 THC, or just delta-9. Delta-8 is short for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC can cause effects like regular delta-9 THC—but they will be much less potent.

Delta-8 and delta-9 are both forms of THC. In common usage when people refer to THC they are talking about delta-9 THC. (In this article, when we use the term “THC” without a modifier, we are referring to delta-9 THC.)

Currently, the legality of delta-8 is hazy. It can be extracted from either hemp or cannabis. Because of the 2018 farm bill, hemp can be legally grown and used for extractions all over the United States, making delta-8 legal in states where delta-9 THC is illegal—sometimes.

Nearly all delta-8 THC on the market today is manufactured from hemp-derived CBD, which makes it, in theory at least, part of a federally legal chain of origin.

People in states where THC is illegal crave cannabis products and are now looking to delta-8 because it may be legal in their state, even though it is less potent than regular THC. Many extractors are ramping up delta-8 production to meet this new demand and shipping it all over the US.

To order Delta-8 products click here.

Delta-8 vs. delta-9 THC: What is the difference?

Delta-8, like delta-9 (regular THC), binds to the body’s endocannabinoid system, which causes you to feel high. Chemically, delta-8 and delta-9 are similar in that they both have a double bond in their structures. This double bond is thought to produce the intoxicating effects that make you feel high.

The two THCs are chemically different in the placement of the double bond. Both cannabinoids have a chain of carbon atoms, but delta-8 has the double bond on the eighth carbon, whereas delta-9 has it on the ninth.

Delta-8 binds to the endocannabinoid system in a slightly different fashion because of the location of its double bond. This is what is thought to make delta-8 much less potent than regular THC. However, more research needs to be done on delta-8 and how it interacts with the body.

To order Delta-8 products click here.

Will delta-8 get you high?

Delta-8 will get you high, albeit not as high as common delta-9 THC. For those living in states where cannabis is illegal, delta-8 may be a legal way to experience some THC-like effects from cannabis.

Some consumers may even prefer cannabis products that are not as strong as common THC, even if they can legally obtain THC products. THC can cause negative effects for some, bringing on anxiety or paranoia. Delta-8 may offer a smoother, milder high.

Effects of delta 8

Delta-8 consumers report many of the same effects as THC, such as mild euphoria, happiness, uplifting feelings, and relief from some symptoms such as pain, although the compound is much less potent. Delta-8 can also help with insomnia.

Side effects may be like those of THC, including dry mouth, red eyes, getting the munchies, short-term memory, paranoia, or anxiety. It is important to note that delta-8 has not been studied extensively and more research is needed on the effects it has on the mind and body.

Delta-8 vs. CBD

Delta-8 has more similarities to THC (delta-9) than CBD, both in its chemical structure and because it gets you high. Delta-8 THC binds to the body’s endocannabinoid system more like delta-9 THC. CBD does not bind as readily to the endocannabinoid system, making it non-intoxicating, although CBD can offer medicinal benefits for the consumer.

If you are looking for effects like THC but with a reduced potency, delta-8 may be for you. If you seek relief from certain symptoms and do not want to get intoxicated, you may want to try a CBD product.

How to dose delta 8

For most people, especially moderate or experienced consumers, delta-8 will feel much weaker than regular THC. If you are new to cannabis, delta-8 could affect you strongly—it depends on your body chemistry.

To give a sense of delta-8’s potency relative to THC, delta-8 edible producers commonly measure and dose their gummies at more than twice the strength of THC gummies:

THC gummies often come in 10mg gummies—people may take half a gummy or a full gummy for a dose, either 5mg or a full 10mg.

Delta-8 gummies often come in 25mg gummies—so half of one would be 12.5mg, and a full gummy is 25mg.

In creating these standard gummies, producers are calculating that delta-8 is less than half as strong as regular THC, so a 25mg delta-8 gummy might equate to the effects of a 10mg THC gummy.

Again, it’s important to note that very little research has been done on delta 8. We do not know much about how strong its effects are, and how it affects the body. As with any cannabis product, the chemical profile of the cannabis, your body’s chemistry, your tolerance level, your set and setting, and the amount you take all affect how you will feel.

It is always recommended to take a little bit at first and then wait for the onset of effects before taking more. The consumption method will affect how quickly you feel those effects. If you’re vaping delta-8, you should feel the effects within ten minutes or less; if taking edibles, wait at least an hour or two before taking more.

Few state laws specifically address delta-8 THC at this time. Most state laws that pertain to marijuana or cannabis use language that covers marijuana, cannabis, THC, CBD, or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. There are 11 states where delta-8 is believed to be illegal according to state law.

The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has, in a proposed rule, indirectly classified delta-8 THC as a Schedule I controlled substance, which would make it federally illegal. That rule is not yet final.

Delta-8 THC is commonly sourced from hemp, not cannabis, which is why it is currently sold in many states where cannabis is illegal. To be more specific, nearly all delta-8 THC currently on the market is derived from CBD extracted from federally legal hemp.

This can be a little confusing because hemp is, technically, a cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC. When we talk about “cannabis,” though, we are commonly referring to cannabis plants with THC content of 0.3% or higher. 

The 2018 farm bill, a federal act passed by Congress, legalized hemp in the United States. That act defines hemp as: “All derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent.” This language makes delta-8 legal because it does not contain any delta-9 THC.

However, some states have chosen not to adopt this specific language of the farm bill in their own state laws, making delta-8 illegal in certain states. Producers and retailers of delta-8 sell only to states that have laws mirroring the farm bill’s language. Even then, some producers may only sell to certain states based on their own interpretation of a state’s laws.

Additionally, in August 2020, the DEA released an Interim Final Rule (IFR), a document meant to update and confirm the differences between hemp and cannabis. That interim rule said: “All synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinols remain Schedule I controlled substances,” which would make delta-8 illegal because it is a tetrahydrocannabinol that is extracted, or synthetically derived.

So, whether the farm bill’s language stands, which outlaws’ plants with more than 0.3% delta-9 THC, or the new IFR language is adopted, which bans all tetrahydrocannabinols, will determine the fate of delta-8. The DEA’s IFR is open for review until October 2021, and until then, delta-8’s federal legality remains hazy.

How is delta-8 made?

Delta-8 is found in trace amounts in cannabis and hemp plants, and as hemp is legal to grow anywhere in the US and more readily available, the cannabinoid is often sourced from that.

Commonly, CBD is extracted from hemp and refined into an isolate, and then CBD isolate is synthesized into delta 8. As such, delta-8 requires more processing and is more expensive to make than CBD, but this increased production cost is balanced out by the high demand for it.

How to find good, safe delta 8

As delta-8 is relatively new to the market, it may be challenging to find products that are what they say they are and contain delta-8. When shopping for delta-8 products, check out a producer’s website to see if they have information on how they source and create their products.

Quality, tested products usually have a QR code or batch number on the box that allows you to look up test results on the producer’s website. Stay away from products that are not tested or have questionable test results, as you will not know if they even contain delta 8, and they could potentially contain harmful substances.

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CBD Can Help You Quit Smoking, According to Studies

Discover why more smokers are turning to CBD for help.

If there’s one piece of advice that most cigarette smokers will give non-smokers, it’s “Don’t start smoking.”

As any smoker will tell you, quitting smoking is one of the hardest things to do and can feel nearly impossible at times.

The numbers bear this out. According to a study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about half of all smokers will try to quit in any given year. Only 6% will succeed in their attempt.

Most smokers who are able to quit, require multiple attempts throughout their lifetime before quitting permanently.

Even with these odds, cigarette smokers and other tobacco users shouldn’t give up hope.

Quitting smoking has countless long-term health benefits that pay off within hours and in the years to come. Giving up tobacco can extend your life expectancy by up to a decade.

There are a number of treatments for quitting tobacco products, from nicotine replacement therapies (patches, gum, and lozenges) that allow you to wean yourself off gradually to prescription drugs like Chantix.

While these treatments are better for your health than smoking, they still come with drawbacks. Prescription drugs can be expensive and have negative side effects. Nicotine replacement therapies only swap one craving for another and can end up being hard to quit.

However, there’s good news for those hoping to quit nicotine for their New Year’s Resolution.

A growing field of research as well as anecdotal accounts are beginning to show that CBD may also be an effective treatment for nicotine addiction.

Why Are Cigarettes So Hard To Quit?

Tobacco kills more than 7 million people per year, according to the WHO.

Nicotine, like other addictive drugs, forms a physical dependence by reprogramming the synaptic receptors in the brain. The nicotine molecule causes a surge of dopamine in the reward centers of the brain, leading to a sense of euphoria.

However, over time the molecule changes the dopamine and other neurochemical receptors to only accept nicotine, meaning consuming the drug is the only way to release dopamine.

When a tobacco user tries to quit, the brain can no longer make the same amount of dopamine. This leads to withdrawal symptoms, the list of which is long and includes: anxiety, depression, weight gain, headaches, problems concentrating, drowsiness or trouble sleeping, and feeling tense, restless, or irritable.

Symptoms of withdrawal can begin as little as 2 hours from a smoker’s last cigarette and can last anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of months. The severity and duration of withdrawal depend on a number of factors that include how long someone used nicotine as well as their genetics.

And it looks like CBD may have a positive impact on that withdrawal process…

CBD Reduces Cigarette Consumption, According to Study

In 2013, researchers from University College London published results from a randomized double placebo controlled study with 24 people who wanted to quit smoking. Each person received an inhaler with instructions to use it every time they felt an urge to smoke.

After one week participants who received a placebo inhaler reported no change in the amount of cigarettes smoked, while participants with the CBD inhaler reported a combined 40% reduction in cigarettes.

The research concluded:

These preliminary data, combined with the strong preclinical rationale for use of this compound, suggest CBD to be a potential treatment for nicotine addiction that warrants further exploration.

And it’s not just cigarettes. Scientists are finding that CBD could have widespread application for many substance addictions including cocaine and opioids.

Of course, tobacco is the big one here.

In 2015 researchers out of the University of Montreal published a review of all the current data on CBD as an intervention for addictive behavior, concluding:

The dreadful burden of substance-use disorder worldwide, combined with the clear need for new medication in the addiction field, justifies the requirement of further studies to evaluate the potential of CBD as a new intervention for addictive behaviors.

CBD and Withdrawal Symptoms

CBD’s role as an addiction treatment makes even more sense when you consider some of its other medical benefits.

One of those benefits is stress relief. Consuming CBD can help people who are trying to quit smoking by reducing the severity of the stress, tension, anxiety, and irritability associated with withdrawal that would normally have them buying another pack to relieve.

Additionally, the inflammation-relieving properties of CBD can also help reduce the associated headaches and body pain that nicotine withdrawal can cause in smokers. Without aching through the day, it’s much easier to concentrate and there’s less reason to reach for a smoke.

Finally, CBD can also help with the sleep disturbances caused by nicotine withdrawal. Studies have shown that increased doses of CBD can improve deep sleep cycles while smaller dosages improve wakefulness and alertness.

CBD Restores Brain Chemistry

It turns out CBD may also help prevent relapse.Furthermore, researchers are beginning to find evidence that CBD may even prevent relapse by repairing the brain’s chemistry.

As stated above, addiction to nicotine and other substances permanently alters the brain’s synapses, preventing them from releasing neurotransmitters like dopamine unless those chemicals are present. Preliminary studies have shown that CBD can return these receptors to their pre-addiction state.

In another study from the Scripps Research Institute on cocaine and alcohol-addicted rats, those administered CBD gel were not only less likely to relapse, but also less prone to display stress-induced or drug-seeking behavior. This was observed for up to five months after all traces of CBD were no longer in their systems.

It’s Never Too Late To Quit Smoking and CBD May Help

The health benefits of quitting smoking, and really all tobacco products, cannot be overstated no matter how many times you’ve tried.

While quitting smoking remains one of the hardest things to do, CBD may provide that edge that you need to finally give up your nicotine habit.

With the number of available CBD products growing every day, from oils to edibles to vapes, there’s no time like the present to make quitting your New Year’s Resolution, or whatever time of year it is when you decide to stop.

Please feel free to contact us for more information about Fantastic, High Quality CBD products available online or in store.