Category: Blog

Disclaimer: The following blog is for informational purposes only and is intended for individuals in regions where the use of cannabis is legal. It is important to know and follow the laws and regulations of your area regarding the use of cannabis.

9 Steps to Rolling the Perfect Joint

Rolling a joint is a classic way of consuming cannabis, and for many, it’s a ritualistic experience that has been passed down from generation to generation. While there are many methods and techniques to rolling a joint, we’ll break it down into simple steps so you can create your own perfect joint.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

To roll a joint, you’ll need a few things:

• Rolling papers: These are typically made from thin, lightweight paper and come in a variety of sizes and flavors. Popular brands include RAW, Zig-Zag, and Juicy Jays.

• Filter: This is an optional item, but it’s recommended as it helps to prevent cannabis from getting into your mouth while smoking. You can use a pre-made filter or make your own from a piece of cardboard or an index card.

• Cannabis: Choose your preferred strain of cannabis. For a 1 ¼-inch paper, you will use about a half gram of bud. You can add more as you get better at rolling or filling a longer paper.

• Grinder: This is an optional item, but can be used to grind up the flower so it’s easier to work with.

• Rolling tray: This is an optional item, but it can be helpful to keep your rolling materials organized and to prevent any messes.

Step 2: Grind or Break Up the Flower

A joint that smokes evenly the whole way through is rolled with “shake”. ​​To create shake, use a grinder to grind your cannabis. Grinding your weed produces a uniform consistency, facilitating the filling and rolling of the joint while ensuring it burns evenly from all angles. Additionally, a grinder prevents your hands from becoming adhesive and sticking to the rolling paper. If you don’t have a grinder, you can break up the cannabis with your fingers or scissors, as finely as possible.

Step 3: Prepare Your Rolling Paper

Place the rolling paper on the rolling tray or another flat surface with the adhesive side facing up. If your rolling paper has a watermark, make sure it’s facing you.

Step 4: Add the Filter

If you’re using a filter, place it on the end of the rolling paper closest to you. Make sure it’s centered and straight.

Step 5: Add Your Cannabis

Arrange the shake along the center of the rolling paper, beginning from the crutch and moving outward, while holding the paper in a U shape with the adhesive edge facing upwards. It is essential to distribute the bud evenly to promote an even burn and prevent lumps from forming. The amount of cannabis you use depends on how big you want your joint to be. Start with a small amount and work your way up. 

Step 6: Roll the Joint

Start by pinching the rolling paper with your index finger and thumb, shaping it around the bud. Next, while holding the paper firmly, roll and tuck it around the crutch, using a small amount of saliva to secure the paper in that area. Avoid over-wetting the paper with saliva to prevent the adhesive from coming off entirely, requiring you to restart the rolling process.

Step 7 : Seal the Joint

Lick the adhesive strip on the rolling paper and stick it to the other side of the paper, creating a seal. Gently press down on the paper to ensure the seal is tight and secure.

Step 8: Twist the Ends

Twist the end of the joint that doesn’t have the filter to keep the cannabis from falling out. You can also use a pen or pencil to pack the cannabis down further into the joint. You might also pack the weed down by tapping the crutch end on a flat surface.

Step 9: Enjoy Your Joint

Now that your joint is rolled, it’s time to light it up and enjoy! Take a few slow, deep breaths and savor the flavor of the cannabis. Remember to inhale deeply and exhale slowly for the best experience.

Rolling a joint takes practice, but once you’ve got the hang of it, it can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Remember to always be safe, use cannabis responsibly, and follow the laws and regulations of your area. 

Finding Support for Cannabinoid Therapy

When looking to cannabis for medical conditions, we always recommend speaking with a healthcare professional. However, if you are in need of support while on your journey we are here to help. From product selection to dosing guidance to answering questions your family has about your decision to choose cannabis – we are here every step of the way. Send as an email to info@realmofcaring.org, call us at 719-347-5400 or chat with us at realmcaring.org.

Since January, several bills have been introduced in Washington state to ban the sale of full-spectrum CBD products, both in stores and online. SB 5367 passed both chambers of the Washington Legislature and is now being sent to Governor Inslee’s desk for signature. If signed, CBD will be prohibited for all users across the state.

What does this mean for you? 

This means no CBD purchases may be made in stores or online to be shipped to your door. Specifically, this bill makes the sale of any hemp product containing even trace amounts of THC illegal in the state of Washington.

Protect hemp today

Please protect the safe hemp products that have been available to Washington residents by filling out this form and sending it to the Governor’s office. Additional ways to take action may be found at CharlottesWeb.com and Change.org

Almost exactly one year ago today we called on you to take action on Colorado Bill SB22-205 that threatened to strip you and I of our access to hemp products across the state. You took heroic action and as a direct result Realm of Caring took part in the SB 205 task force for the remainder of 2022. 

Now, we are calling on you to help us ensure that those protections we fought to put in place remain. 

The newly drafted SB 205 (now SB23-271) ensures:

• CBD products may remain to be sold at a 15:1 ratio, with no more than 2.5mg of THC per serving size

• There will be no THC container limits 

• CBD may be purchased without age restrictions

• Strengthened regulation and enforcement against non-compliant and intoxicating products

What does this mean for you? 

It means that if, and only if, this bill passes, you will be able to continue to purchase the same quality, safe, full-spectrum products that have been available to us for a decade

Is there a risk?

YES. The bill is out of task force hands and headed to the legislature today, which means our access to hemp remains vulnerable until the bill is signed as is. 

Protect hemp today

Please protect the safe hemp products that have been available to Coloradans for over a decade by filling out this form and sending it to the bill sponsors – Senator Roberts and Senator Van Winkle:

There are currently 6.7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, a number that is expected to rise to 13 million by 2050. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases. The greatest known risk factor is increasing age, with the majority of those suffering from Alzheimer’s aged 65 and older. It is a progressive disease, with no known cure, however treatments may slow the progression and improve the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. 

Neuroprotection

Neuropsychiatric symptoms occur frequently in individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease. These symptoms include: psychosis, agitation, aggression, depression, anxiety, and apathy. Frequent prescriptions to target these symptoms include neuroleptics, antidepressants, sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics; which all may have issues related to tolerability and side effects. It has been well documented that benzodiazepines to target agitation in patients may increase cognitive decline and make them vulnerable to injurious falls. Despite decades of research, reliable treatments for neuropsychiatric symptoms have not been found. 

It is likely that regimens that target Alzheimer’s disease require a number of therapeutic strategies to target various stages of development, including neuroprotective intervention. The concept of delaying onset or slowing progression, may eliminate symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease as a significant factor in advanced age. 

Neuroprotection is the ability for a therapy to prevent neuronal cell death by intervening in and inhibiting the pathogenic cascade that results in cell dysfunction and eventual death. Neuroprotective methods often target oxidative stress and excitotoxicity

Antioxidant benefits of cannabidiol (CBD)

Oxidative stress takes place when potentially harmful free radicals, which are atoms that may cause damage to cells, proteins, and DNA, overwhelm the body’s natural antioxidants. Insufficient levels of antioxidants in the body also lead to oxidative stress, resulting in damage to cell structure, function, and chronic excessive inflammation. We consume antioxidants through foods and supplements to assist our body in the prevention of or to decrease oxidative stress. The antioxidants safely interact with the free radicals before molecules become damaged. Endogenous antioxidants you may be familiar with are vitamin e, vitamin c, beta-carotene, and zinc; which many of us find in fruits and vegetables or as supplements.

Research has shown the ability of CBD to be successful at blocking or modulating toxic levels of glutamate. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that is released by nerve cells in the brain and responsible for sending signals. Glutamate plays an important role in our learning and memory, however, it can also be damaging to nerve cells and the brain as a whole. When there are abnormally high concentrations of glutamate or when the receptors are overly sensitive (meaning less glutamate is needed to excite the cell) then the cells can become over-excited leading to their damage or death, in other words, oxidative stress. 

When studied, the effects of CBD on toxic glutamate levels were comparable to the industrial antioxidant known as BHT, suggesting its role as an effective antioxidant. This also shows promise for the CBD as a neuroprotectant.

Effect of cannabinoids on CB2 receptors

In addition to antioxidant benefits, cannabinoids may also have neuroprotective benefits in how they interact with CB2 receptors, mainly found in microglia cells. Microglia cells are known as the immune cells of the central nervous system and play important roles in brain infections and inflammation. CB2 receptors have become interesting targets for the treatment of neurological diseases as their activation has been related to a delayed progression of neurodegenerative events. Research has shown that in resting, healthy brains, microglia move constantly to survey the brain. Activation of CB2 receptors, and likewise active microglia, may rapidly respond to pathological insults that may lead to disease progression by providing neuronal protection. 

Targeting specific behavioral disturbances with Cannabinoid Therapy: sleep, agitation, depression

Sleep 

Sleep disorders are among the most behavioral disturbances in individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease. 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 quality sleep overtime.

Assessed data from a 2020 published observational study looking at various quality of life measures showed that adult cannabis users had greater sleep quality, shorter sleep latency, longer sleep duration, fewer sleep disturbances, and a significantly better sleep score compared with the control group.

Anxiety and Agitation 

Anxiety and agitation symptoms affect 25-70% of the dementia population, though there are no FDA-approved medications that treat these behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

An observational study published in 2023, evaluated 30 patients diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe Alzheimer’s disease aged 65-90 years. After dosing a THC:CBD cannabis extract twice a day for 12 weeks, findings showed reduced behavioral misconduct, such as agitation and cognitive impairment.

Depression 

It has been suggested that the endocannabinoid system may be involved in the pathophysiology of depression. Evidence shows that endocannabinoids and CB1 receptors are widely distributed in the brain areas that are often related to mood disorders and that their expression is regulated by antidepressants. 

The 5-HT1A receptor is a serotonin receptor that is located in presynaptic and postsynaptic regions. Activating these receptors have been involved in the mechanism of action of anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and antipsychotic medications. Data indicate that repeated administration of CBD may produce an effect that is consistent with results from studies testing traditional antidepressant medications.

Realm of Caring was able to collect and publish data on cannabis use for anxiety and/or depression. Cannabis Users reported lower baseline depression, significantly better past-month sleep quality, a higher overall quality of life, and lower past-month average pain compared to Controls.

Future research

There are a number of agents with potential to provide neuroprotective effects, however before determining their capability to delay onset or slow disease progression, additional clinical testing will be required. However, key findings across several studies show promising therapeutic actions of cannabinoids as neuroprotective agents and for symptom relief from Alzheimer’s disease. 

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. 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.

Finding Support

Finding free one-on-one support with cannabinoid therapy can be difficult, but that is where Realm of Caring may step in to help. Our care specialists are trained to help with product and practical administration suggestions – whether you be an experienced user or novice. In general, cannabis is safe but responsible use and guidance, as well as oversight by a healthcare professional, are always recommended. We are here to help start and facilitate those conversations along the way through these extremely difficult times. 

If you want to reach out to our care team to discuss anything cannabinoid therapy related one on one – we are here for you! You can call our free hotline at 719-347-5400, email info@realmofcaring.org, or schedule an appointment. 

The cannabis plant contains over 100 active compounds known as cannabinoids. Two major cannabinoids that are well-known and well-researched for their promising medicinal applications are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). One thing that the cannabis plant continues to be known for is an appetite stimulant, but is that always the case and can that lead to unwanted weight gain? 

The ability of THC to promote eating has been documented for centuries. The FDA has approved one synthetic form of THC, Dronabinol (Marinol), prescribed to those suffering from anorexia, nausea and vomiting as a result of chemotherapy, and cachexia (wasting syndrome), which is often linked to diseases such as cancer, AIDS, heart failure, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and kidney disease. In certain states, these same diseases may be considered eligible conditions for a medical cannabis card. 

Will the “munchies” cause weight gain? 

User anecdotes suggest that cannabis use will promote appetite. Studies have shown that caloric intake increases among cannabis users when compared with non-users. This leads to the popular belief that cannabis use leads to weight gain, however many human epidemiological studies show the opposite. 

Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) activation by THC may stimulate short-term feeding when administered, however this does not necessarily mean weight gain will follow. When one study observed the effects of THC administration on diet-induced obese mice, data showed that chronic administration of THC prevented weight gain over time. 

While THC may increase levels of ghrelin (“hunger hormone”) and activate dopamine levels that may enhance enjoyment of sensational eating, it may also affect leptin – the hormone responsible for regulating food intake and metabolic rate. 

Cannabinoids and obesity 

It was found in the US National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) that there is a lower prevalence of obesity in cannabis users compared with non-users. Anecdotes, preclinical studies, and cross-sectional evidence show inverse associations between cannabis use and obesity as well as inverse associations between cannabis use and increased BMI. 

It is well established that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in the regulation of energy balance and the development of obesity. Cannabinoid receptors regulate thermogenesis, food intake, and inflammation. Cannabinoid receptors are responsible for the browning of white adipose tissue (the process of burning fat in the body). CBD plays a modulatory role in this process as well as promotes lipid metabolism, therefore is considered a promising therapeutic agent for preventing obesity. 

How cannabinoids may benefit anorexia and wasting syndrome

In 2011 a study looked at THC as an appetite stimulant for treatment of cancer-induced anorexia. The results showed that THC-treated patients reported premeal appetite, that food “tasted better”, and that quality of sleep and relaxation were increased. 

Among appetite loss, afflictions of wasting syndrome include nausea, pain, anxiety, and inflammation. All of these symptoms may be mitigated with cannabis use. 

The non-intoxicating cannabinoid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) shows promise that it may be helpful for nausea and vomiting, including anticipatory nausea for which no specific therapy is currently available. Anticipatory nausea is conditioned or psychological nausea, often provoked by a reminder of an event that leads to vomiting, such as an individual going through chemotherapy. This is researched to be a result of 5-HT receptor activation by CBDA. 

Data has demonstrated in animal tests that another non-intoxicating cannabinoid, cannabigerol (CBG) showed as a novel appetite stimulant. The results showed that administration of CBG to rodents significantly increased total food intake in that they began feeding sooner, consumed more meals, and consumed more during those meals. 

Changing the narrative: How cannabinoids may promote a healthy weight

The ECS plays a role with our appetite control – from the suppression of appetite to counter over-consumption to the treatment of conditions that involve reduced appetite and weight loss. This is why cannabinoid receptor antagonists (such as CBD) may manage obesity while agonists (such as THC) may be a therapy option for anorexia. 

Unwanted weight gain may be attributed to poor sleep, lack of physical activity, and nutrition. Therefore the approach to combating this may be a combination of lifestyle changes. 

Cannabinoid therapy may be a part of the equation for its potential to support our overall health and wellbeing. Research points towards cannabinoids as strong candidates for antioxidant, preventative, and recovery benefits. In addition, cannabinoids may decrease stress levels, improve sleep, and benefit metabolic syndrome. 

Finding Support for Cannabinoid Therapy

When looking to cannabis for medical conditions, we always recommend speaking with a healthcare professional. However, if you are in need of support while on your journey we are here to help. From product selection to dosing guidance to answering questions your family has about your decision to choose cannabis – we are here every step of the way. Send as an email to info@realmofcaring.org, call us at 719-347-5400 or chat with us at realmcaring.org.

Since the mid 90’s, the U.S federal government has allowed for states to implement medicinal cannabis programs. Each state has created their own set of regulatory licensing guidelines and requirements surrounding the cultivation, manufacturing, possession, use, sale, and distribution of commercial cannabis products. About a decade ago, Colorado became the first state to permit and open recreational cannabis dispensaries. The “Green Rush” that followed has resulted in a vast influx of different cannabis products and dispensaries available to the public. Establishing and adopting cannabis legislation is slow but the cannabis industry continues to grow exponentially. This incompatibility has led to questionable manufacturing practices and inconsistent quality products – raising public health and safety concerns. 

The cannabis industry speaks a whole new language and many beginners find that navigating dispensary menus and understanding product labeling can be intimidating. At this time there is no mandated cannabis education for budtenders who sell cannabis products. Cannabis marketing utilizes two main terms as descriptors for all cannabis chemovars (“strains”): indica and sativa. The problem with these terms is that they (often inaccurately) describe the physical characteristics of the plant, such as leaf shape, which has nothing to do with how efficacious a chemovar might be (Lynch, 2019). Further, the widespread “strain” classification system is based on geographic origin and other meaningless descriptors (McPartland, 2018; Russo, 2019) that perpetuate the inaccurate stigma that cannabis has no medicinal value. Many cannabis scientists argue that in order to forecast the therapeutic properties of a specific cannabis product and its potential to alleviate symptoms, the chemical profile is the most useful tool (Clarke, 2013; Elzinga, 2015; Hazekamp, 2012; Small, 2015). 

Similar to introducing a new medication or supplement to your routine, selecting an appropriate cannabis product to meet your goals requires education and some self experimentation. Determining which products might be best for you can be challenging. A great way to organize your cannabis experiences over time is by keeping a detailed journal of your experiences trying different cannabis products and dosages. We suggest “The Cannabis Companion: An Educational Guide & Workbook for Tracking Cannabis Chemovar Efficacy” by Jazmin Oliver. 

In the next installment of this series we will dive into the different types of commercial cannabis products, discuss how they are used, and what they might be most appropriate to treat. As always, we recommend speaking with a licensed medical professional before starting a new cannabis regime. To learn more about the potential benefits of cannabinoid therapy, please reach out to a member of the Realm of Caring team! 

Authored by Jazmin Oliver for Realm of Caring

References

1. Clarke, R. C. (2013). The myth of the indica–sativa classification of cannabis. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 1(1), 3-4. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/can.2015.29003.ra
2. Elzinga, S., Fischedick, J., Podkolinski, R., Raber, J. C., & Beletsky, A. (2015). Cannabinoids and terpenes as chemotaxonomic markers in cannabis. Natural products chemistry & research, 3(5), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.4172/2329-6836.1000181
3. Hazekamp, A., & Fischedick, J. T. (2012). Cannabis-from cultivar to chemovar II: a metabolomics approach to cannabis classification. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 1(1), 202-215.https://doi.org/10.1002/dta.407
4. Lynch, R. C. (2019). Cannabis chemovars: Terpenes and cannabinoids from different strains. ACS Omega, 4(9), 16138-16146.  https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.9b02256
5. McPartland, J. M. (2018). Cannabis systematics at the levels of family, genus, and species. In Handbook of Cannabis (pp. 19-36). Oxford University Press. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140263/
6. Small, E. (2015). Evolution and classification of Cannabis sativa (marijuana, hemp) in relation to human utilization. Botanical Review, 81(3), 189-294. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12229-015-9157-3
7. Russo, E. (2019). The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain. Front. Plant Sci., 9:1969. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2018.01969

Struggling to reverse hair loss? Among the many amazing and powerful health benefits of CBD, is its newfound ability to potentially promote hair growth. 

As CBD helps to promote balance and overall wellness in the body, this is extended to hair and scalp health. By regulating hormone levels, reducing stress, and improving sebum production, CBD may lead to healthier and shinier hair. To learn more about how CBD works and how to use it for optimal hair growth and wellness, continue reading.

What is CBD?

Derived from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, CBD is a natural compound with various potential health benefits. It is a non-addictive and safe substance that has been approved as an anti-seizure medication and can be used to treat an array of health conditions, including chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, neurological disorders, and sleep disorders. CBD is popular among those looking to support their overall wellness, improve mental health, and aid in post-workout recovery.

CBD supports the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body, which is responsible for maintaining balance and homeostasis. This system regulates many of our essential functions. The body produces endocannabinoids that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the ECS to maintain physical and emotional equilibrium. CBD then interacts with these receptors to increase the production of natural endocannabinoids, which activate and prolong the body’s natural healing mechanisms. These therapeutic benefits are produced naturally by the body, with minimal side effects, making CBD a promising option for promoting healing and wellness.

How Can CBD Help Support Hair Growth?

Targeting Stress 

As with most things, getting to the root cause is a great way to find solutions and next steps. The same goes for promoting hair growth! For many people, stress is often a leading factor of hair loss. Because the endocannabinoid system is one of the main regulators of the stress response, and CBD supports the endocannabinoid system, by targeting stress with CBD you may slow down the process of hair loss. 

The endocannabinoid system constrains the magnitude of the stress response, promotes return of the HPA axis to non-stressed levels, and facilitates habituation of the stress response to repeated or ongoing stress. Research shows that, “Between 35% and 65% of people using CBD for medicinal purposes in the UK, USA, Denmark, and New Zealand were found to be administering it for stress, and over 90% reported feeling less stressed with CBD, with no respondents reporting feeling more stressed.” With such promising results for CBD in terms of managing stress, it could be a great option for reducing hair loss and giving the body a better chance of encouraging new hair growth.

Blood Flow Stimulation

Another amazing benefit of CBD is its potential to stimulate blood flow. Thus, applying CBD products to the scalp for hair loss can be effective due to the potential of CBD to increase blood circulation, soothe and calm the skin, and encourage hair growth around the follicle. Additionally, CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation may create a nurturing environment for hair to grow, combating thinning hair. Overall, improved blood flow around hair follicles can bring more nutrients to the area, remove harmful toxins, and promote healthier and stronger hair, and CBD can help.

CBD for Alopecia

A study was done of 35 subjects with Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) using a once daily topical hemp oil formulation, averaging about 3-4 mg per day of CBD and minimal amounts of other cannabinoids for six months. A hair count of the greatest area of alopecia was carried out before treatment and again after six months. The results revealed that men did slightly better than women, and the vertex area did better than the temporal areas. On average there was a statistically significant 93.5% increase in hair after 6 months. All subjects had some regrowth. This is extremely promising research for the possibility of CBD as a solution for hair loss and as an effective supplement to stimulate hair growth.

Postpartum or Menopausal Hair Loss

Many women experience hair loss as a result of Postpartum or Menopause. Specifically, dermatologists refer to this condition as excessive hair shedding. The excessive shedding is caused by falling estrogen levels. Research has shown CBD to display diverse pharmacological activities relevant to postmenopause and Postpartum changing estrogen levels, indicating that CBD may be an effective option for estrogen-deficient individuals looking to encourage new hair growth after shedding.

Starting Your Cannabinoid Therapy Journey

While the reasons for hair loss may vary from individual to individual, early studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD may be a promising natural remedy for hair loss and other hair-related issues. As researchers continue studies in order to fully understand the benefits of CBD for hair growth, and to determine the optimal dosage and application method, we expect even greater arguments supporting CBD as a solution for hair loss. 

In the meantime, if you are wondering if cannabinoid is right for you on your wellness journey, or in need of dosage specific guidance, our care specialists are here to talk with you one-on-one. Reach out by calling 719-347-5400 or emailing info@realmofcaring.org.

Do you wake up in the morning having feelings of worry and stress? At times, anxiety can be present in our bodies and sink in before we are alert and able to provide ourselves with typical coping mechanisms we might use, especially if already diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This is often referred to as the non-medical term of “Morning Anxiety” and relates to the cortisol awakening response (CAR). 

Cortisol is known as our “stress hormone” and increases in the second half of the night and then steadily into morning. The night awakening is suggested to not coincide with actual experiences, where CAR is speculated to serve a specific function of preparing individuals for the upcoming demands of the day. Research has stated that “it is likely that individuals with an excessive number of duties and tasks already engage in the process of coping with these duties as soon as they wake up in the morning”. For healthy individuals, this may be useful for thinking about how to manage their day. However, one with an underlying anxiety disorder may find it to be paralyzing. 

Studies have found many psychosocial factors and physical and mental disorders may be at increased risk for an increased morning stress-response. For example, CAR has been observed in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, upper respiratory symptoms, obesity, women with metabolic syndrome, peritraumatic dissociation and acute stress disorder, and major depression. 

Managing morning anxiety can look like:

• Eating a magnesium-rich breakfast while limiting caffeine and sugar
• Physical activity 
• Breathing and/or meditation practices
• Establishing routines for better quality sleep
• Seeking alternative therapies/treatments for an underlying disorder

Cannabinoid therapy may provide benefits to our mental health in a number of ways. Let us take a closer look at how they may supplement our journey to waking up with less debilitating anxiety. 

Depression and Anxiety

It has been suggested that the endocannabinoid system may be involved in the pathophysiology of depression. Evidence shows that endocannabinoids and CB1 receptors are widely distributed in the brain areas that are often related to mood disorders and that their expression is regulated by antidepressants. 

The 5-HT1A receptor is a serotonin receptor that is located in presynaptic and postsynaptic regions. Activating these receptors have been involved in the mechanism of action of anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and antipsychotic medications. Growing research to understand how cannabinoids regulate these receptors supports potential cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) use for anti-anxiety, antidepressant, antipsychotic, and stress-reducing effects. 

Data indicate that repeated administration of CBD may produce an effect that is consistent with results from studies testing traditional anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications and that CBG may have strong therapeutic potential as an antidepressant. These are known to be clinically relevant findings as several cannabinoids are known to benefit while exhibiting few side effects, supporting the initiation of clinical trials testing the efficacy of cannabinoid-based compounds for the treatment of mood disorders. 

Realm of Caring was able to collect and publish data on CBD use for anxiety and/or depression. Between April 2016 and July 2020, 538 participants were enrolled in an observational research study between Realm of Caring Foundation and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Upon completion of a baseline survey, participants were invited to complete additional follow-up surveys every 3 months.

Cannabis Users reported lower baseline depression, significantly better past-month sleep quality, a higher overall quality of life, and lower past-month average pain compared to Controls.

Cannabis Users did not report lower baseline anxiety, however baseline Controls who had initiated cannabis use reported a significant reduction in both mean anxiety and depression scores from baseline to follow-up surveys [evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)]. This observation was not realized among non-initiators throughout the study. A similar effect was observed among participants who sustained medicinal cannabis use throughout the study, suggesting an improvement in symptoms of anxiety and depression with both the onset of cannabis use and with extended use. The CBD doses that were used in trials that found anti-anxiety effects were greater than the average reported by participants. 

Sleep

Studies have also shown favorable effects of CBD in sleep disorders, a disorder that is closely related to mental illnesses such as depression. Psychiatric disorders are one of the many causes of insomnia. Not getting enough sleep can have serious implications for our stress-response and high stress levels can contribute to poor sleep quality. 

CBD has been researched for its therapeutic potential for sleep disorders through limiting symptoms that may keep us awake at night but also may contribute to an increase in sleep duration and depth, as well as decrease in the anxiety responses induced by sleep disturbance. 

Studies confirm that a misalignment of the sleep-wake cycle has a negative impact on the stress system. 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. CBD may modulate waking through activation of neurons in the hypothalamus and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRD). 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 over time. 

Cannabinoids and Cortisol Levels

While research on CBD and cortisol is its infancy, there have been several clinical trials and one partially controlled trial looking at CBD for stress. All showed that CBD was effective in significantly reducing the stress response and comparable to pharmaceuticals where included. 

To date, findings from two notable studies show that CBD may be used to modulate cortisol responses. 

One study with patients at clinical high risk for psychosis looked at the effect of CBD on cortisol. The purpose was to investigate the effects of short-term CBD treatment for experimentally induced stress in the context of psychosis risk. It was found that CBD may potentially reduce abnormalities in response to acute stress in daily life. 

Another study looked at 11 healthy volunteers who received placebo or CBD at doses of 300 mg or 600 mg. A decrease in cortisol levels was significant when measured two hours after CBD administration. 

These studies provide a pathway for future studies to investigate the potential of CBD to mitigate harmful effects of stress through modulation of cortisol levels. 

Finding Support for Cannabinoid Therapy

When looking to cannabis for medical conditions, we always recommend speaking with a healthcare professional. However, if you are in need of support while on your journey we are here to help. From product selection to dosing guidance to answering questions your family has about your decision to choose cannabis – we are here every step of the way. Send as an email to info@realmofcaring.org, call us at 719-347-5400 or chat with us at realmcaring.org.