Category: Blog

Cannabidiol (CBD) Product Use and Health Among People with Epilepsy

Post author By Sasha Kalcheff-Korn
Post date July 27, 2021

Understanding RoC’s latest published research on cannabinoid therapy and epilepsy

Between April 2016 and July 2020 individuals who are registered with the Realm of Caring Foundation participated in an observational research study with Realm of Caring and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Of the 1,783 individuals enrolled in this online, self-reported survey researchers identified a sample size of 418 participants. Of the 418 participants, 93% had listed epilepsy as their primary medical condition with the remaining noting epilepsy as a secondary medical condition. In this sample size, there were 71 adults and 209 adult caregivers of children or dependent adults who were utilizing CBD products for medicinal use. In addition, there was a control group of 29 adults and 109 adult caregivers who were considering CBD use but had not yet begun.

The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate how CBD product use is associated with quality of life, mental health, healthcare utilization, and epilepsy-specific outcomes within a large, observational group of people with epilepsy.

The average age of the participants were 21 years old, with 51% being under 18 years of age. Of the 418 participants, 280 identified using a CBD product while the remaining 138 served as controls as they were not using cannabis-based products. The majority (90%) had no history of recreational cannabis use and of the CBD products that were listed as used, most could be verified as a CBD-dominant, cannabis-based product. In-depth information from 110 participants in the study helped to conclude that the calculated median dose of CBD was 50mg/day, which equated to 1.4mg/kg/day.

Compared with controls, CBD Users had a greater health satisfaction, higher ratings of quality of life, and better scores on psychological health. Taking a deeper look, CBD Users reported lower anxiety and depression and improved sleep scores.

Other findings that were of significance relate to pharmaceutical use, healthcare visits, and caregiver burden. CBD Users had lower instances of reported prescription medication use, lower medication-related adverse effects, less ER visits, and less missing school and/or work days. In addition, caregivers of CBD Users that noted consistent use through the follow-up period reported significant decreases in the Caregiver Burden total score.

Out of the 280 CBD Users, 79% did not report any adverse effects. Among the remaining CBD Users 11% reported drowsiness, 4% reported a worsening of epilepsy symptoms, 4% reported high or prohibitive cost of CBD products, 3% reported barriers related to legality, and 3% reported concerns of drug to drug interactions.

The findings from this study emphasize the need for additional research to determine optimal methods for CBD product use for epilepsy treatment. Determining best CBD product types, doses, and administration alongside pharmaceuticals would provide us with a better understanding of how to maximize benefits while minimizing potential risks. While observational approaches, such as this study, allow for evaluation of CBD product use in an individual’s natural environment, future work is needed in more controlled settings to extend the findings of this research.

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Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Evaluation of Cannabidiol (CBD) Product Use and Health Among People with Epilepsy is authored by: Justin C. Strickland, Heather Jackson, Nicolas J. Schlienz, Jay A. Salpekar, Erin L. Martin, Joel Munson, Marcel O. Bonn-Miller, and Ryan Vandrey.

For general inquiries, please contact info@realmofcaring.org or call (719) 347-5400

For media inquiries, please contact rocteam@mygrasslands.com

Join our research!

Realm of Caring and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have developed the Observational Research Registry (ORR) to better understand medicinal cannabis use and its impact on key health outcomes including healthcare utilization, chronic pain, anxiety and depression, caregiver burden, epilepsy, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our registered clients provide critical information that leads to important insights into the therapeutic capabilities of medicinal cannabis. The ORR helps us develop client educational resources and may ultimately serve to legitimize the medicinal use of cannabis.

About Realm of Caring

Realm of Caring Foundation (RoC), is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that was established by parents in 2013 to support families who were out of medical options. By creating educational resources, conducting research, and assisting families with data-rich answers to their questions, RoC continues to be a leader in the cannabinoid (cannabis/hemp) field. RoC’s no-cost Care Team has served more than 65,000 clients worldwide and supports a network of over 2,000 medical professionals. To learn more about participating or to donate to this cause, visit www.realmofcaring.org or call 1-888-210-3772.

Blog Education Featured

Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA): A Review

Post author By Sasha Kalcheff-Korn
Post date July 21, 2021

Earlier this year, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) stated that cannabis reform is a priority for 2021. On February 1st he announced on Twitter that “The War on Drugs has been a war on people, and particularly people of color. Ending the federal marijuana prohibition is necessary to right the wrongs of this failed war.” Schumer began working alongside Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) on draft legislation, detailing the proposed policy change at a federal level. Their released, joint statement showed promise for “comprehensive reform to ensure restorative justice, protect public health and implement responsible taxes and regulations.”

In 2020, the Democrat-controlled House approved the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act to federally legalize cannabis, which was blocked at the Senate level. Advocates have since been waiting in anticipation for a new piece of legislation to bring promise to the future of cannabis reform.

On July 14th of this year, Schumer, Booker, and Wyden introduced the 163-page discussion draft to address areas of concern and potential improvements in five main sections:

Decriminalization of Cannabis, Recognition of State Law Controlling Cannabis
Research, Training, and Prevention
Restorative Justice Opportunity Program
Taxation of Cannabis and Establishment of Trust Fund
Public Health, Cannabis Administration, and Trade Practices

The bill aims to “decriminalize and deschedule cannabis, to provide for reinvestment in certain persons adversely impacted by the War on Drugs, to provide for expungement of certain cannabis offenses, and for other purposes”.

As Schumer explained at the July 14th press conference, “It’s a draft bill and we’re going to now go to our colleagues and ask explicitly of all of them: what don’t you support here? What can you support here? We’re going to get something done and we’ll have to figure out the best way to get that done but we are going to get something done.”

To best serve our community, we have outlined the main points of each above mentioned section to include a benefit and need for improvement based on what has been proposed in the draft. Realm of Caring will also be submitting written commentary to the United States Senate Committee on Finance.

Decriminalization of Cannabis, Recognition of State Law Controlling Cannabis

The most noteworthy aspect of the bill is that it would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act within 60 days of enactment. This fulfills one of the main goals of descheduling.

To clarify, this does not federally legalize cannabis. Descheduling by removal from the Controlled Substances Act is a step in the right direction for the cannabis industry as it means that cannabis may be treated and regulated similar to alcohol and tobacco. However, state law would still control the possession, production, and/or distribution of cannabis products. Although cannabis would be descheduled, a state has the choice of whether or not they want to legalize cannabis. And if states legalize the sale of cannabis, then this section also establishes 21 years old as the minimum age to purchase.

Research, Training, and Prevention

The background for this section illustrates the plea from researchers to have access to cannabis that is used in real-world recreational and adult markets for clinical trials. It states that “the DEA’s past failures to expand federally-approved production of cannabis have further limited the productivity of their research”. However, the emphasis on conducting research for the plants medicinal ability is an afterthought lost amid the research geared towards finding damaging effects. There are detailed, time-bound goals for determining the societal impacts (i.e. traffic related deaths and violent crime rates) as well as providing funding to states to collect data and raise awareness on driving under the influence of cannabis. However, Section 202, directs the Department of Health and Human Services and National Institute of Health a hodgepodge of topics including effects on the human brain and impact of health conditions and only one mention of identifying the “potential medical benefits”.

Legitimate research to understand the medical benefits of cannabis allows for an opportunity to truly de-stigmatize the plant. When introducing the draft, Booker mentioned meeting the families who were moving to legal states to source a life-saving therapy. He recalls, “the brave young girl sitting in a wheelchair had over, at times, 100 (seizures) a day. And her mother was what you call a ‘marijuana refugee’ because it was illegal in her state. So she moved to a state where marijuana had been legalized at the state level but she talked about the fact that she was still violating federal law, and that she could be prosecuted, that the person that was providing it could be prosecuted, that universities couldn’t study marijuana to get the dosage right for her child.” Based on this speech, one might argue that making research a priority at the federal level for finding “potential medical benefits” should be a priority, not an afterthought.

Restorative Justice Opportunity Program

This section carries the most weight of the draft and potentially holds the most benefit as it aims to achieve “justice for those targeted and hard hit by the War on Drugs”. Here we have the goal to decriminalize, or to stop treating cannabis involvement as illegal or a criminal offense. This section:

Establishes a definition for an “individual adversely impacted by the War on Drugs”.
Restores access to federal benefits to those affected by a cannabis offense.
Provides funding to eligible states and localities to assist with small business loans in the cannabis industry owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Expunges arrests and convictions for non-violent federal cannabis offenses.
Prohibits individuals from being denied federal public benefit on the basis of cannabis possession or conviction of a cannabis offense.
Prohibits federal agencies from using past or present cannabis use to deny or rescind a security clearance.
Allows health care workers and physicians employed by the Veterans Affairs (VA) and Indian Health Service (IHS) to provide recommendations regarding cannabis use.
Disallows events relating to cannabis as a reason to deny any benefit or protection under immigration laws to non-citizens.

Non-violent federal cannabis offense excludes many individuals incarcerated for ancillary charges as well as cannabis offenses. While the “non-violent federal cannabis offense” may be expunged, the drug-related offenses connected to the cannabis offenses may not (such as money laundering, property crime, or racketeering), leaving several individuals vulnerable to resentencing. There needs to be clearly defined literature and timeline requirements in this section as well. Those affected should have an understanding of what it means to have these convictions expunged when re-entering society, and to have transparency on when release or removal from their record would take place, if eligible.

Taxation of Cannabis and Establishment of Trust Fund

Taxes imposed for cannabis businesses federally are modeled after taxes imposed on alcohol and tobacco. The rate of tax established for cannabis businesses would be 10% for the first year of enactment as well as the first full year after enactment. Every year after, the tax rate would increase by 5% until year 5 where the tax would be based on a per-ounce rate for cannabis flower, or per-milligram of THC rate for extract.

There is an eligibility for a 50% reduction in taxes, via a tax credit, for small cannabis producers with less than $20 million in sales annually.

These taxes would be allocated a follows:

40% towards the Small Business Act
- The Small Business Investment Act that offers technical assistance and loans to socially and economically disadvantaged business owners.
- The Equitable Licensing Grant Program will provide funding to those eligible states and localities for implementing cannabis licensing programs to minimize barriers for individuals negatively affected by the War on Drugs.
60% to the Attorney General to carry out section 3052(a) (50%) and 3052(b) (10%) of part OO of the Omni-bus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968
- The Community Reinvestment Grant Program to fund nonprofits who provide services to individuals adversely impacted by the War on Drugs (i.e. job skills training, reentry services, and legal aid).

The creation of the Opportunity Trust fund, while altruistic in nature, creates a financial burden to cannabis businesses and cannabis consumers. Consumers may be subjected to as high as a 37% sales tax on retail cannabis in certain states. Heavy taxes place unreasonable burden on the consumer who may be relying on cannabis as their medicine – whether or not purchased medically or recreationally.

Public Health, Cannabis Administration, and Trade Practices

The final section first recognizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the primary federal regulatory authority for the manufacture and marketing of cannabis products. It also recognizes the Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) as the primary federal regulatory authority over the taxation of cannabis products and trade practices of cannabis enterprises.

A potential benefit of this section is that it would allow manufactures of cannabis products to make claims about the benefit of their products in the same way that other dietary supplements do. They would be allowed to make “structure-function” claims (how the product would affect the structure or function of the body) as long as the claims are supported by scientific evidence and accompanied by an FDA statement.

Closing Statements

There is no question that we, as a country, have a moral obligation to build restorative measures for those who have been negatively affected by the War of Drugs. Black and brown people and communities have been unfairly targeted and are still paying the price for an exploding industry that the majority of Americans believe should be legal for recreational or medical use. If we want to reinvest in these communities fully, we need to accept responsibility for the decades-long stigma as well.

If we are to empower states to implement their own cannabis laws, as the draft suggests, then we need to provide these states with research and actionable, time-bound steps to give these mentioned sections substance. The sections are left ambiguous at best and do not work towards destigmatizing cannabis. Through the comments of stakeholders we hope to see more clearly defined objectives and terms, more emphasis on research, and less burden on the current cannabis consumer.

Stories

6 People Share: How Cannabis & CBD Helped Me Sleep

Post author By Sasha Kalcheff-Korn
Post date July 19, 2021

This blog was written and submitted by our friends at Stratos.

Are you exhausted in the morning?

According to WebMD, sleep deprivation can have serious effects on the body. Memory recall is degraded, the ability to learn and make sound judgments is impaired, the heart may beat faster than normal, your mood can take a big dive, and overall, you can feel off.

The body needs sleep to rest, rejuvenate and heal. The National Institute of Health suggests that most average adults need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.

Stratos, one of a handful of brands to receive the Realm of Caring Seal of Approval, has had countless customers reach out to share their experiences in achieving more restful, deep sleep by incorporating cannabis and CBD into their regimen:

After trying sleeping tea and melatonin I’ve only been able to get about 3 hours of sleep per night. Thanks to your medical formula Sleep Tablets, I’m able to get 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Thank You!

-Walter

As a disabled veteran, I have pain and behavior issues that I can treat during the day. At night, Stratos helps sleep issues and helps me stay asleep longer and in a deeper sleep, thus helping me feel more rested.

-Chris

At 42, I started struggling with sleep issues. The pharma drugs made my bladder inflamed, so I’d fall asleep but then awaken 6 – 8 times a night straining to urinate. After 13 years of this, I was told by a close relative to try cannabis. I hemmed and hawed but they finally they talked me into it. 1 or 2 puffs of a heavy Indica and I fell asleep. It tended to work for about 5 hours but it changed my thinking. A few months later I was given a bottle of Sleep Tablets to try. I took 1/2 of a 10mg tablet. That night, I slept for 9 hours without waking up to pee. That was 4 years ago. I only use these products 5-6 nights a week. It has changed my life.

-Joe

The Renew 2:1 Tincture has become my current medication for all of my pain and sleeping issues. I struggle with unbearable muscle aches and spasms from a pinched nerve and past trauma. It was impossible to sleep due to this pain. Now that I use the Renew every night I am finally able to sleep through the entire night without waking due to pain. The Renew tincture has helped me manage my sleep and pain in ways I thought would be impossible. I can’t thank you enough for creating such a life changing product.

-Kaitlyn

Great, thank you! The Sleep 1:1 Tincture didn’t put me to sleep right away (I have insomnia, so that’s why I’m interested in this type of product), but once I fell asleep, I slept so deeply throughout the entire night. I usually wake up a ton throughout the night so this was very helpful!

-Paul

I really like your Sleep 1:1 Tincture as far as it helps me fall asleep and stay asleep. If I get up in the middle of the night, it allows me to go right back to sleep. Right after I take it, give me between 15-30 minutes. I don’t go to sleep without it.

-Debbie

In accordance with Federal law, Stratos does not make medical recommendations or claims around cannabis or hemp use. To receive guidance on dosing, usage or benefits, we encourage you to register as a client and/or reach out to Realm of Caring by calling (719) 347-5400 or visiting www.realmofcaring.org.

Blog Education Featured

CBG: Researched Benefits

Post author By Sasha Kalcheff-Korn
Post date July 13, 2021

Over 120 compounds have been isolated from Cannabis Sativa. Of these, the most studied are cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); however research is expanding to discover the actions of additional cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG).

CBG was first discovered and synthesized by Raphael Mechoulam and Yehiel Gaoni in 1964. It is derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which has been coined as the “mother of all cannabinoids” as it is a precursor of major cannabinoids that further decarboxylate to additional cannabinoids. In the cannabis plant, CBGA directly converts to cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) through processes known as CBDA synthase, THCA synthase, and CBCA synthase. CBGA will also decarboxylate to CBG once heated, becoming a very stable molecule.

Evidence from experiments show that CBG is devoid of the non-euphoric abilities of THC and that it has therapeutic potential for specific conditions.

Medical cannabis (THC) or nabilone can be recommended to cancer patients as a means to stimulate their appetite while undergoing conventional treatments. Although effective, there is the potential for undesirable, euphoric side effects. Data has demonstrated in animal tests that CBG significantly increases total food intake in that animals studied began feeding sooner, consumed more meals and consumed more during those meals.

Animal studies have also shown CBG to reduce the effects of inflammatory bowel disease and the development and growth of colon cancer, hypothesizing that CBG may be a promising therapeutic agent for prevention and as a curative medicine. CBG has shown to increase the rate of tissue recovery in the colon, reduce inflammation, and reduce tumor formation and growth in a model of colorectal cancer.

Several studies, in vitro and in animal models, have shown CBG to have neuroprotective potential for reducing the severity of neurological illnesses, such as Huntington disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS). The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits contribute to reducing glutamate-induced oxidative stress and cell death, as shown in mouse models.

Metabolic syndrome is considered a cluster of five conditions that may lead to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. It is diagnosed when someone has three or more of the five conditions, being: high blood glucose, low levels of “good” cholesterol in the blood, high levels of triglycerides in the blood, a large waist circumference, and/or high blood pressure. It contributes to the highest rates of healthcare costs and preventable deaths. CBG has recently been compared to rosiglitazone, a pharmaceutical known to improve adipogenesis, a process essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis. It was found that CBG and CBG/CBD combinations provided similar results as rosiglitazone, supporting the exploration of CBG as a potential therapeutic for metabolic syndrome and related conditions.

Many cannabinoids have been confirmed to have antibacterial properties, however, CBG has been noted among the most potent cannabinoids when tested against strains of Staphylococcus aureus (the most dangerous of the staphylococcal bacteria responsible for causing skin infections, pneumonia, heart valve infections, and bone infections).

Evidence from certain preliminary studies that indicate antidepressant activity show the possibility for CBG to have additional clinical applications for mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety as well as disorders of executive function, such as schizophrenia and ADHD. More studies are necessary to confirm these hypotheses.

Although there is therapeutic promise for the potentials of CBG, there is much more research to be completed and considered to better understand the complete utility of CBG to include adverse events and how to administer so that therapy is effective. It is noteworthy to mention that there have been no published human studies with CBG to date. Much is left to learn and research recommends that the medical community invest in further CBG research as interest and popularity of the cannabinoid increases.

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Disclaimer

The Realm of Caring Foundation specifically invokes the first amendment rights of freedom of speech and of the press without prejudice. These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. the products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease. Realm of Caring always recommends when and wherever possible that licensed local healthcare professionals be consulted.

The Realm of Caring Foundation is an independent nonprofit with its own governing board. We do not produce or sell cannabinoid products, nor do we receive funds from the sale of other company’s products.

Blog Client Spotlight Featured Stories

Client Spotlight: Trevon Ferguson

Post author By Sasha Kalcheff-Korn
Post date July 6, 2021

This month we’re celebrating freedom! Freedom from past struggles, freedom from pain, a mind free from suffering and the freedom to use cannabis. However, these freedoms do not come without a price and we thought no way to better honor those that make these freedoms possible than giving one the spotlight! We sat down with a long time Realm of Caring Client, Trevon Ferguson to chat about all things CBD and freedom.

Trevon “Sundiata Imhotep” Ferguson is a proud US Army veteran who resides in Grand Prairie, TX. In 1996 during his service in active military duty, Trevon was injured in a humvee accident. He suffered a traumatic brain injury which resulted in seizures, migraines, PTSD, and depression, anxiety and chronic pain for the last 24 years. In 2013, Trevon had a work accident which resulted in the amputation of fingers and significant injury to his left arm. Regardless of his own challenges, Trevon has always had a relentless desire to help others, thus leading to him working consistently to overcome these challenges and become a speaker and author.

Trevon’s message is “purpose.” He is also a husband, father of 9 and grandfather of 4.

ROC: When did you first try CBD as treatment?

TF: I was on 5 medications for epilepsy and I was getting worse, having more seizures. Once I decided suicide was no longer an option, I started looking into cannabis as my next option.

ROC: What products do you use that you’ve found relief from?

TF: Charlotte’s Web: Sleep & Recovery Gummies, Original Formula Drops, Mint & Lavender Roll-on, CBD Infused Balm.

ROC: How has cannabis improved your quality of life?

TF: The reduction in seizures has allowed me to regain my independence, thus giving my wife and children their freedoms back. I can now participate in sporting endurance activities, relief from daily headaches and overall reduction in chronic pain.

ROC: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone trying cannabis medicinally for the first time?

TF: Be open to a different tool.

ROC: What’s one thing you wish people didn’t assume about cannabis users?

TF: That all we do is get high.

ROC: How have we aided in your healing journey?

TF: By facilitating the provision of Charlotte’s Web products to the Adaptive Training Foundation, Realm of Caring provided a tool that gave me options. The Realm of Caring has also afforded me the opportunity to share my story on their platforms, as a result it’s allowed me to not only heal emotionally but also to be a voice of hope for others.

ROC: How you would describe the Realm of Caring using one word?

TF: Family, tribe, team. We’re a group of people collectively working to help improve the quality of life of people struggling with unique challenges.

A huge thank you to Trevon for sharing his story! Trevon has set an incredible goal for himself this year, he is competing in 23 Spartan Races and hiking the 170-mile Tahoe Rim Trail. You can follow along and contribute to his fundraising efforts by visiting his Instagram.

Blog Education Uncategorized

Surprising Facts You Likely Didn’t Know About Cannabis

Post author By Sasha Kalcheff-Korn
Post date June 17, 2021

The question of whether or not cannabis or its components should be used in the mainstream has sparked tremendous interest in recent years. Hemp/cannabis is one of the first crops to be domesticated and one of the fastest-growing ever.

The plant has a rich history, which includes some fascinating details. If you’re a cannabis enthusiast, you might be interested in finding out these surprising facts.

1. Cannabis itself is unlikely to cause you harm

Medical experts believe that it is near impossible to overdose on cannabis as there is no realistic lethal dose of cannabis following consumption. There have been zero recorded cases of people dying from consuming cannabis alone. In contrast, around 85,032 of deaths per year can be traced back to alcohol. This is because cannabis has more effects on memory and coordination rather than brain functions.

Just as with consuming too much caffeine, it may be unpleasant and uncomfortable if you feel you have taken too much, but with time it will pass. You may experience symptoms such as lethargy, anxiety, paranoia, and/or low blood pressure that may lead to nausea.

The issue with huge doses, particularly with edibles, is that one can ingest so much THC that leads to poor risk management and decision making.

It is important to start with a low amount and work your way up as you learn best how your body responds. Our Care Team Specialists are ready and willing to support you, simply sign-up here.

2. Who Loves Cannabis the Most?

This may seem surprising to a lot of people but the answer is actually: the people of Iceland. Data from UNODC reveals that 18.3% of Icelanders that are between the ages of 15 and 64 use cannabis.

What is even more surprising is that cannabis use, possession, or cultivation are illegal in Iceland and are punishable by harsh penalties. Even CBD, with all of its proven health benefits, is prohibited due to its possible association with THC.

The sole kind of medicinal cannabis permitted in the country is Sativex. This is a spray that is frequently recommended to Muscular Dystrophy patients.

3. Remedy for Ancient Emperors

In 2737 B.C. cannabis was recorded as being used medicinally for the first time in the far lands of China. Emperor Shen Nung discovered the healing powers of cannabis, along with two of the most prominent cornerstones of Chinese herbal medicine, ginseng and ephedra. The emperor reportedly used cannabis for pain relief from rheumatism and gout discomfort.

The oldest known references of cannabis were found by historians in ancient Indian and Chinese texts as part of their folk medicine. While use of cannabis was generally done through tea or edible extracts in ancient times, smoking it is a modern phenomenon.

Back then, it was used to heal and ease over 100 illnesses, including malaria, vomiting, parasitic infections, and hemorrhaging.

4. Do Men and Women Respond Differently to Cannabis?

A study reveals the fascinating relationship of cannabis with both genders. Turns out that a man and a woman of similar circumstances can start smoking the same weed but end up having quite different short and long-term effects.

At the end of this 10-day study, female rats showed a significant tolerance to THC when compared to men. Even when they were administered 30% less than the male rats.

What was also found, is that women may be more sensitive to cannabis than men. It was actually found that women are more susceptible to THC in cannabis while they are ovulating.

Despite findings in this study, the fact remains that individual reactions to cannabis vary among women, according to each one’s current hormone levels and menstrual cycles.

5. Is Cannabis the Answer to Cancer?

Cancer research has revealed promising outcomes with the use of cannabis. Not only does it have the capacity to destroy cancer cells and ease cancer symptoms, it can also alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea and loss of appetite. So cancer patients may greatly benefit from the therapeutic powers of cannabis.

Current strategies to combat cancer utilize combined therapies, to target cancer cells and tumor growth. The research that supports cannabis use gives us the idea that cannabinoids with other anticancer agents work together to slow down or cease the progression of cancer-types. Anecdotally, many cancers respond well to a CBD:THC ratio, although the exact milligram needed to be an antiangiogenic or cause apoptosis is unknown and can vary depending on the cancer type and stage.

There is a lot to consider when starting cannabinoid therapy but, as always, a Realm of Caring care specialist is here to help with your questions. Contact us today by calling (719) 347-5400 or by emailing info@realmofcaring.org.

Disclaimer

Blog Education Featured

PTSD & Cannabinoid Therapy: Researched Benefits

Post author By Sasha Kalcheff-Korn
Post date June 14, 2021

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is defined by the PTSD Foundation of America as a psychiatric disorder that can occur following the experience or witnessing of lifethreatening event such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or physical or sexual assault in adult or childhood. June is PTSD Awareness Month, intended to raise public awareness about related issues, reduce associated stigma, and help to ensure that those who suffer from the invisible wounds receive proper treatment so that they may have a better quality of life.

Recent studies have pointed towards the ways in which cannabinoid therapy may help alleviate associated symptoms such as anxiety, nightmares, increased alertness, panic attacks, depression, and overwhelming emotions. Here we will discover the research-backed therapeutic actions of cannabinoids and how they may work to bring about relief.

Due to the modulating effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and considering the many body processes that the ECS regulates, CBD has seen increased research for potential value in several conditions. One of the regulated areas are physiological functions, such as memory and emotion. Therefore, CBD has been researched for its effectiveness among generalized anxiety disorders, depression, and traumatic memories. Animal studies have shown that CBD is effective in reducing cardiovascular and anxiety responses caused by stress. For example, administered CBD lowered responses related to trauma when administered both before an event and when retrieving the aversive memory. These effects have been suggested to possibly promote the extinction of fear memories through CBD use.

In addition to the processing of traumatic events that lead to aversive memories, animal studies have also shown favorable effects of CBD in sleep disorders, another common manifestation of PTSD symptoms. CBD has been researched for its therapeutic potential for sleep disorders through limiting symptoms that may keep us awake at night (pain, anxiety, inflammation) but also may contribute to an increase in sleep duration and quality.

Confirming benefits seen in animal studies in humans is essential to efficacy and provides validation. The first evidence of CBD in the extinction of fear-based learning in humans was studied in 2013. It was found that CBD was successful in helping to extinguish the memory as well as avoid recall of an electric shock, showing the potential as a therapy for anxiety disorders.

Pertaining to several conditions across 11 adults with PTSD, the clinical benefit of CBD for symptom relief was studied in 2019. It was administered alongside medical treatment, psychiatric medications, and psychotherapy for 8 weeks. From the sample of this study, 91% of individuals saw a decrease in symptom severity

Nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid, was approved for treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea in 1982 by Health Canada and has been since studied for potential benefits. Researchers have found similar effects between nabilone and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and benefits among those experiencing PTSD. Results from two studies, one among prison inmates and the other among varied traumatic circumstances showed statistically significant improvements in nightmare occurrences and/or severity, therefore an improvement in quality of sleep. Studies, such as these, show support for further research as well as potentially utilizing acute administrations of THC, or medical cannabis, to alleviate sleep disturbances among individuals living with PTSD.

If you are seeking data-driven answers to your questions about this cannabinoid therapy and PTSD, Realm of Caring (RoC) can help. RoC has 8 years of collected data and research based on individuals utilizing plant-based therapies. They can guide you through product selection, dosing and administration, how to talk with your doctor, and the results individuals are realizing.

The RoC Care Team is here to assist. They care a lot about helping you to find success. Reach them by calling (719) 347-5400, emailing info@realmofcaring.org, or by scheduling an appointment.

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Disclaimer

Blog Featured

Skip Your Coffee, Give the Gift of Cannabis

Post author By Sasha Kalcheff-Korn
Post date June 7, 2021

This month, help us give 100 people access to Realm of Caring services. All it takes is a $10 monthly donation to provide access to one individual! To put it in perspective, if you forgo one to two coffees per month, you can make a significant difference in the life of someone suffering.

At Realm of Caring we serve anyone who needs more information about cannabinoid therapies. This includes families, individuals, medical professionals, researchers, educators, and the cannabis industry. Through revolutionary research, innovative education, and life-changing grants, Realm of Caring (RoC) seeks to facilitate and encourage the mainstream acceptance of transformative, plant-powered therapies to benefit individuals and families and serve healthcare providers as well as the hemp and cannabis industries.

Our services will always be free and we will never turn someone away, but your $10 donation helps us offset internal costs to ensure everyone receives the best support possible on their cannabinoid therapy journey. Additionally, it allows us to remain an independent high-impact non-profit.

Can we count on your donation?

Blog Education Featured

CBD, THC, CBN: Cannabinoids & Sleep Benefits Explained

Post author By Sasha Kalcheff-Korn
Post date May 28, 2021

Many clients come to Realm of Caring looking for help in improving their quality of sleep. The great news is that research is continuing to show us that cannabinoid therapy may help. Certain cannabinoids have shown through studies the ability to benefit our sleep-wake cycles, decrease nightmares, lessen the conditions that interfere with our sleep, and assist in actually falling asleep. Depending on what sleep disorder one is suffering with, or what sleep benefit they are looking for, there are 3 main cannabinoids that have been studied for their sleep-enhancing qualities. Those cannabinoids to be discussed here are CBD, THC, and CBN.

Before we go on, let’s get into some background information and understanding.

Circadian rhythm is our biological rhythm in a 24-hour period, coming from the latin circa meaning around and dies meaning day. The most commonly known is the sleep-wake cycle, which in chronobiology, is tied to day and night or lightness and darkness. When our circadian rhythms are properly aligned and consistent, we can experience true restorative sleep.

Insomnia is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association as the most common sleep disorder, involving problems getting to sleep or staying asleep with symptoms being episodic, persistent, and/or recurrent. The many types of insomnia are known to cause daytime tiredness, distress, irritability and/or impairment.

Our Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is composed of endocannabinoids, as well as two distinct receptors known as CB1 and CB2, and enzymes responsible for the metabolism of endocannabinoids. It has been found that the expression pattern of CB1 and CB2 receptors are influenced by light-dark cycles and therefore appear to align with circadian rhythms. Furthermore, it has been shown in studies with rodents that the ECS may potentially modulate those rhythms to promote sleep.

CBD Benefits

CBD is not a naturally sedative molecule. Research has shown that high quantities may have “sedative-like qualities”, potentially due to the effect on cortisol levels. So why is it that you might have heard from a friend that CBD helps them sleep?

There are two great reasons for this.

CBD has therapeutic properties that have the potential to mitigate symptoms that interfere with sleep. It also has the potential to improve sleep-wake cycles leading to an increase in the percentage of total sleep overtime.

Among the several researched properties, CBD may benefit as an anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic. The anxiolytic properties of CBD may help to improve sleep by mitigating anxiety or stress-induced insomnia. Stress induces a sleep-related feature known as rapid eye movement (or REM) sleep rebound, this is an increase in REM sleep during the nightly sleep cycles. People experiencing REM sleep rebound may spend more time in REM than they would during a night of normal, healthy sleep.

Inflammation is a root cause of autoimmune disorders including arthritis, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), crohn’s disease, and others – all which have an effect on body clock function that can lead to sleep disorders. A study by Northwestern found in mice this link between inflammation and what controls the body clock. By limiting this inflammation, we may lessen the effects on our body clock functions and have more restful sleep.

A study in 2005 showed that people reporting insomnia symptoms are at least 3 times more likely to have a chronic painful physical condition. These events may then become cyclical in that pain may disrupt sleep and sleep deprivation can increase pain perception. In the majority of animal studies, CBD has been known to exert analgesic effects; co-administering with THC may provide more benefit to this therapeutic action.

Our circadian rhythm aligns our sleep and wakefulness with day and night to provide stability in restorative rest that enables increased daytime activity. Low doses of CBD may be associated with wakefulness to help our focus and cognition during the day. Studies show that therapeutic levels of CBD administration may increase total sleep time and decrease frequency of arousals at night – leading to an increase in total percentage of sleep overtime.

THC Benefits

In comparison to CBD, THC has shown in studies as having an affect on mental and physical sedation, even in low amounts. THC also has positive therapeutic benefits that may lead to better sleep.

Nightmares are associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often resulting in this being considered a “treatment-resistant” condition. Initial research has shown the benefit cannabinoids can have in managing nightmares linked with PTSD. A study with military veterans and prison inmates receiving Nabilone, a synthetic form of THC, found a reduction in nightmare presence and intensity. This increased participants’ hours of sleep per night.

Just as mentioned with CBD, THC is also beneficial for mitigating pain-induced insomnia or wakefulness. When it comes to pain studies and medical cannabis with significant THC content, benefits consistently show moderate to high symptom management of chronic pain.

A normal amount of apneic events in a healthy individual is about 4 per hour while asleep. Sleep apnea is the most prevalent form of sleep-disordered breathing in the United States and a number of animal and human studies have been conducted to examine cannabinoids as potential therapeutic alternatives to continued positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which are currently being utilized.

THC shares properties of the endocannabinoid Oleamide, which benefits apneic events. Results in one animal study showed that both the endocannabinoid Oleamide and the exogenous cannabinoid THC reduced apneic events, suggesting therapeutic promise for those who suffer with sleep apnea.

CBN and sleep

If you are new to CBN, this is a cannabinoid that is created as THC ages.

It has been observed that there is a correlation between aged cannabis and sleepiness, therefore CBN was previously linked to sedation. However, there may be more to it than the CBN itself. What limited research there is, has shown that CBN alone does not provide sedating effects. However, the combination of THC and CBN has been researched to promote sleepiness.

What also may be adding to the sleepiness as a result of taking CBN, are the sesquiterpenes that are left behind as cannabis ages. These may be naturally more calming than the monoterpenes that evaporate overtime. Neurologist Ethan Russo explains that in aged cannabis, monoterpenes begin evaporating after the live plant is cut from its growing medium as they are lighter in weight. Pinene is a monoterpene example. Once monoterpenes have evaporated, sesquiterpenes are left behind due to being heavier in weight. These terpenes are naturally more calming, such as nerolidol and caryophyllene oxide.

As well, just as with CBD and THC, CBN has its own therapeutic benefits. For example, in a rodent study, CBN was shown to reduce arthritis-related inflammation.

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Blog Education Featured

Map of Medicinal Cannabis Legality by State

Post author By Sasha Kalcheff-Korn
Post date May 24, 2021

As of May 2021, 37 states* in the US have legalized (or are in the process of legalizing) medicinal cannabis. Research has shown that it takes 18-24 months from the time the law is passed to the time when the medical cannabis program is implemented. For now, these 37 states have a semblance of a medical cannabis program.

Other than the 37 states, 4 US territories as well as the District of Columbia have also legalized medicinal cannabis.

Medicinal cannabis laws vary from state to state with each state determining how the program will be implemented within its jurisdiction. Some states that have legalized medicinal cannabis have restrictions on the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that can be offered to patients.

Medicinal cannabis laws determine what conditions qualify, how patients can access it, and how the cannabis is grown, processed, and used.

Medical cannabis programs allow patients with qualifying conditions to apply for a “medical marijuana (MMJ) card” which allows them to obtain, possess, and use medical cannabis. Qualifying conditions will vary from state to state and can be modified by the Department of Health from time to time. Some of the common qualifying conditions across a majority of the states includes cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe and debilitating pain; seizures, nausea and vomiting, and persistent muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis among others.

California was the first state to legalize medicinal cannabis back in 1996 by approving proposition 215 (Compassionate Use Act). Other states followed suit and in the year 2000 Hawaii was the first state to legalize medicinal cannabis through the state legislature.

On February 24, 2021, Alabama became the most recent state to legalize a medical cannabis program, which was overwhelmingly approved by the legislature. This was signed into law a few days ago.

As of July 1st, 2021, adults in Virginia became able to legally possess up to one ounce of cannabis. In South Dakota state-licensing will begin for medical cannabis dispensaries.

States that are yet to legalize medical cannabis include Alabama, Nebraska, Idaho, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wyoming. Wyoming however seems to be having positive conversations at the legislative level on the legalization of medical cannabis. The remaining states currently have medical CBD programs, some with low-THC guidelines.

Below is a map of medicinal cannabis legality by state:

State

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Colombia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Is Medical Cannabis Legal?

Yes

CBD only (capped at 5% THC)

Yes**

*Initiative 65 in Mississippi, which was passed on the November 2020 ballot with 74% approval, was overturned earlier this month by the State Supreme Court. The motion filed by a Republican Mayor of Madison argued the initiative was invalid.

**Mississippi is “yes” in this column due to the passing of Initiative 65. A special session has not been scheduled since the Mississippi Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved medical cannabis law on a legal technicality in May 2021— and patients with serious health conditions remain unsure as to when medical cannabis will be legally and safely accessible to them in Mississippi. Realm of Caring is committed to advocating for access to cannabinoid therapies and will continue to update our community with outcomes of these events.

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