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Let's Talk CBN

Reading Time 5 Minutes

Many cancer patients are cannabinoid users, whether for recreation or as a therapeutic supplement/addition to their regular cancer treatment. Hemp has many uses for cancer patients, and in fact, two of the only three FDA-approved hemp-based medications (Marinol and Syndros) are prescribed to patients who have nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. 

 

However, there is much more to cannabinoid use for cancer than those two medications. Several of the minor cannabinoids show great promise for relieving cancer symptoms. One of these cannabinoids is cannabinol or CBN.

What Is CBN?

CBN is a minor cannabinoid that is found in hemp plants. It is formed from the degradation of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), so it will be found in higher concentrations in aged cannabis plants. CBN is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, so it will not get you high, and it is of great interest to the hemp research community for its potential therapeutic properties. If you would like to know more about CBN, we have a full guide to it here; today we are going to be looking specifically at its relationship to cancer.

Using CBN for Cancer

Generally speaking, CBN can have numerous benefits for patients with varying types of cancer. One of its main benefits is the effect it can have on pain. Studies have shown that CBN has a painkilling effect for both short-term and chronic pain. Pain management is an important part of cancer recovery, and many patients want to avoid the negative side effects of synthetic painkillers. CBN and other cannabinoids with an analgesic effect may be of great benefit to these patients.

 

Another major benefit of CBN to cancer patients is its role as an appetite stimulant. Many cancers and cancer medications cause increased nausea and a decreased appetite, which makes it hard to get good nutrition and enough calories to support recovery. But a 2012 study found that CBN increased both appetite-related behaviors and eating-related behaviors, including increases in meal sizes and meal durations. 

 

CBN may also be a broadly anti-cancer treatment due to its ability to induce apoptosis, or cell death, in certain types of cancer cells. There are two ways that this can occur. One way is related to the reaction of IL-2, a signaling molecule in the immune system when exposed to CBN. 

 

When this signaling molecule is exposed to CBN, the cell replication process experiences disruption and there is a modulation of the immune response that causes delayed cell replication and apoptosis in some cancer cells. 

 

The other way that CBN induces apoptosis involves cell signaling pathways, specifically the AKT  and ERK pathways. These pathways play an important role in regulating various cellular processes, including cell growth, replication, survival, and metabolism. 

 

There is evidence that when the AKT pathway activates incorrectly, there are strong implications for the development and progression of cancer. This has led cancer researchers to look for ways to target the AKT pathway specifically when developing new therapies for cancer. 

 

Because CBN can inhibit the AKT pathway and induce apoptosis and autophagy (a condition where the cell “eats” itself, depleting itself of nutrients and restricting growth and development), it is a promising therapy for many types of cancers. 

CBN for Brain Cancer

The first type of cancer cells that the AKT researchers looked at were glioma cells. Glioma is a type of brain cancer that arises from the cells that support and protect neurons (nerve cells) in the brain and spinal cord. Research has shown that CBN has multiple avenues of neuroprotection, which can help keep these cells healthy, to begin with.

CBN for Liver Cancer

The pathway study also included liver cancer cells. Much like with the glioma cells, the liver cancer cells were effectively inhibited by the presence of CBN. However, while the brain cancer cells had their AKT pathways activated, the mechanism for fighting liver cancer was slightly different and used the ERK pathways instead.

 

This is not the only time that CBN has been shown to be effective against liver cancer. Another study found that CBN can activate the ERK pathways in liver cells, inhibit cellular communication, and block cellular proliferation. This means that it can help stop cancer cells from replicating and spreading, which can directly impact tumor growth.

CBN for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer was the third cancer type included in the pathway study. However, this is not the only study to find ways that CBN has potential as a treatment method for breast cancer. A mixture of cannabinoids, including CBN, has been found to be effective against breast cancer cells while leaving healthy breast tissue cells alone. 

 

CBN has another important link to breast cancer treatment, and that is its ability to reduce the concentration of Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP, also known as ABCG2) that a cancer patient produces. While normally you want good concentrations of BCRP, as it protects against harmful compounds, BCRP is a drug efflux pump– and that’s a problem if you are receiving chemotherapy.

 

A drug efflux pump is a protein that pumps foreign substances (like medication) out of cells. This type of protein is one of the mechanisms that allow cancer cells to resist chemotherapy. It prevents the chemotherapy drugs from accumulating in the cancer cells, making them less effective. Research has shown that CBN is an effective inhibitor of this protein. When resistant cells were exposed to CBN, they were resensitized to the chemotherapy drugs that they had begun to resist. This suggests that CBN may help chemotherapy for breast cancer be more effective.

How To Use CBN

If you or a loved one is struggling with brain cancer, liver cancer, or breast cancer, and you want to see if CBN is right for you and can help manage your symptoms, the easiest way to get an effective dose is by using a tincture. Our CBN tincture products available at Myriam’s Hemp are made using premium hemp extracts and are administered under the tongue using a standard dropper syringe.

 

As always, we strongly recommend consulting with a cannabis medical professional for proper product guidance and dosing regimen. If you would like a referral to a reputable Cannabis Doctor, please contact us at (800) 683-4807 ext 0 or email us at support@myriamshemp.com.

At Myriam’s Hemp, we believe that everybody should have access to the information they need to make choices about their health. A cancer diagnosis is often overwhelming, and we want to help you explore your options for relief. Contact us today if you have any questions about our premium CBN and other cannabinoid products.

Can CBD Help You Maintain a Healthy & Comfortable Weight?

Reading Time 5.2 Minutes

There are many reasons why people are interested in taking CBD. Because CBD interacts with receptors all throughout the body, it can impact many elements of your health and wellness. One area of wellness that many people struggle with is weight, and as a result, many people want to know if CBD can help them maintain their desired weight.

 

We’d like to start by saying that we know that weight is a sensitive issue for many people. We don’t want to make anybody uncomfortable with this article; your weight is your business and people with bodies of all sizes deserve to be happy and treated respectfully. Weight is a complicated subject; in addition to your body’s natural size and genetic predispositions, weight can be impacted by stress, nutrition, mental welfare, and so much more. 

 

This article exists because we want to share how CBD can help you address some of these underlying conditions to feel more comfortable and confident in your own skin.

How Can CBD Help You Manage Your Weight?

There is some evidence that CBD can interact directly with your metabolism. For example, two animal studies indicate that CBD can affect weight by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors in lymphoid tissue and the brain. These receptors are thought to play important roles in metabolism and food intake. However, this CBD was injected– not the way people normally take it.

 

Instead, when people take CBD for weight management, it is usually part of a holistic method that addresses some of the conditions that can cause unwanted weight loss or weight gain. There are many factors that contribute to the challenge of maintaining your desired weight. Several of these factors are impacted by CBD. 

CBD for Unwanted Weight Gain

Research has found that CBD does not have a direct impact on weight loss. However, when you look at the underlying causes of unwanted weight gain, there are areas that CBD may be able to help with. 

 

CBD and other cannabinoids work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is dispersed throughout the body and responds to different chemicals through two cannabinoid (CB) receptors, called the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are most dense in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found mainly in the immune system.


However, CB1 receptors are also widespread in adipose tissue. CBD works with other cannabinoids to potentially activate many receptors in these tissues, such as endocannabinoids and serotonin. This may play a role in various metabolic functions. Specifically, CB1 receptor agonists that deactivate or block off the receptor may help reduce appetite, while stimulating CB2 receptors decreases inflammation and may reduce food intake, which can help prevent unwanted weight gain. 

 

Additionally, CBD can help with many of the underlying conditions that lead to unwanted weight gain such as stress and anxiety, inflammation, sleep, and more. 

Stress and Anxiety

Research shows that there is a link between stress and weight gain, and stress and anxiety play an even bigger role in the body’s condition than you might think.

 

While everybody experiences stress, prolonged, chronic stress can be extremely harmful. Chronic stress promotes a number of harmful conditions, including…

Chronic or repeated stress is especially harmful and is a major factor in exacerbating mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders and depression. Long-term stress also leads to heightened levels of the hormone cortisol. Long-term elevated cortisol levels cause your body to raise insulin levels, which drops blood glucose levels and typically increases the intake of high-calorie foods. These foods cause the body to release dopamine and serotonin, which have a calming effect and can help ameliorate stress– but at the same time can cause unwanted weight gain. Research shows that CBD’s effect on the CB1 receptors may be able to help interrupt this cycle.

Inflammation

Weight and inflammation can also play a simultaneous role in nonalcoholic liver disease and its effects on the body. One popular use of CBD is to fight inflammation in the body’s tissues; one derivative of CBD even shows great promise in rodent studies of liver inflammation specifically. 

Research shows that there is a link between unwanted weight gain, inflammation, and the gut microbiome. CBD has been shown to reduce intestinal inflammation, which helps bring these factors into balance. CBD and other cannabinoids have also been found to stabilize the blood-brain barrier and reduce both gut inflammation and inflammation in the brain. Inflammation in both the gut and brain can adversely affect brain health and function. 

Sleep

Getting regular, high-quality sleep is vital to maintaining your desired weight. Getting less than six hours of sleep per night is linked to higher weight in adults. CBD is known to increase total sleep time, and many users of CBD report better periods of sleep and better periods of wakefulness, suggesting that CBD may help create better sleep balance.

CBD for Unwanted Weight Loss

Unwanted weight loss is often a problem for people who are suffering from conditions like HIV or cancer. If you are managing symptoms that include undesirable weight loss, CBD may be able to help by relieving nausea

At Myriam’s Hemp, our goal is to help people take charge of their health and wellness in ways that the pharmaceutical industry does not address or engage with. We want to help you take control of your health by offering premium CBD products that we believe in. Weight management, whatever that might mean for you, can have a significant impact on your life, and we want to help you live comfortably. Our CBD products are created with quality at the forefront and we are constantly striving to enhance our offerings. 

 

Shop Myriam’s Hemp online and order your CBD today.

Beginner’s Guide to CBD for Autistic Children

Reading Time 5.3 Minutes

As the parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it can be challenging to know which therapies, treatments, and resources will help or hinder your child. No two Autistic children are quite alike, but it can feel like you as the parent are expected to follow a prescribed set of rules for parenting your kiddo. 

In this blog, we’ll be discussing the use of CBD and medical cannabis therapy for Autistic kids, but we’ve got a very important message to share first. 

Accepting Autistic kids for who they are is one of the most vital parts of cultivating their confidence, happiness, and long-term health. You as a parent may feel pressure to push back against quirks and unwanted behaviors, but it’s important to remember that kids with ASD are never trying to upset you on purpose. 

The use of CBD for Autistic kids is to help alleviate symptoms often associated with ASD like anxiety, depression, and sensory sensitivities. The result is often reduced behavioral outbursts, fewer mood swings, and increased comfort in social situations. However, CBD alone can’t give your Autistic child everything they need to thrive. 

As a parent, you’ll also need to provide other forms of support, confidence, and accessibility resources for your Autistic child. To connect with and learn more from parents of Autistic kids who use medical cannabis products to support their children, visit the Whole Plant Access for Autism Support Group on Facebook or visit their website at HERE.

How CBD Works for Kids with Autism

CBD has been found to interact with nerve cell messages in regions of the brain regulating anxiety, executive function, and behavior, blocking signals to key neuroreceptors that can trigger seizures– all of which are symptoms of ASD. 

CBD isn’t going to change your child’s personality, but what it may do is bring them relief from the painful and debilitating symptoms of ASD, like seizures, depression, and anxiety.

CBD Pushes Biomarkers to “Typical” Levels 

A novel way of looking at ASD is to look at biomarkers. Biomarkers are characteristics of the body that you can measure; they range from something as simple and easy to understand as heart rate to far more complex internal measurements. 

For autism, there are several genes, proteins, peptides, and metabolites that can be used as biomarkers for ASD. One very promising element of CBD for ASD treatment is that many of these biomarkers interact with the endocannabinoid system; as a result, CBD use can push these biomarkers toward a more neurotypical level. Biomarkers can provide direct evidence for the success of CBD as an autism treatment.

CBD vs. Pharmaceutical Therapies

Autistic children are frequently prescribed lots of pharmaceutical drugs. These typically include SSRI antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, stimulants, tricyclics, and anti-anxiety medications. 

While these medications can work, they might not be what your child needs. These drugs have a number of side effects and interactions with each other and with other common medical treatments and may have serious risks involved with their use. 

It is these risks that often lead parents to seek out alternative forms of treatment. CBD is frequently favored because the side effects are mild—if present at all—and are typically short-lived. 

Benefits of CBD for Autistic Children

Overall, CBD shows several promising benefits for autistic kids. A 2018 study on the efficacy of CBD for relieving ASD symptoms showed that a notable percentage of the subjects experienced significant improvement in various areas, including communication, behavioral, and anxiety issues. 

In another two-year study, behavioral problems were the symptom that saw the greatest reduction after treatment with CBD. CBD interacts with several parts of the brain and nervous system that are linked to ASD symptoms, so it shows great promise as a treatment for autistic kids.

Is CBD Safe for Kids?

CBD is generally considered safe. The World Health Organization has also found that CBD is generally well-tolerated and has a good safety profile. The FDA has even approved an epilepsy drug derived from CBD.

When it comes to medications, remember that “safe” is balanced against efficacy. When you consider the side effects of many of the pharmaceutical drugs prescribed to autistic kids, the extremely rare, mild side effects of CBD seem much safer.

How Is CBD Different From Medical Marijuana? 

CBD and medical marijuana are two very different things. CBD is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike the psychoactive compound THC, CBD does not have psychoactive effects, meaning it does not produce a “high” or altered state of consciousness. 

Medical marijuana refers to the use of the whole cannabis plant or its extracts to treat certain medical conditions. The main active ingredient in medical marijuana is THC, although it may also contain varying amounts of CBD depending on the strain.

How Much CBD Should Kids with Autism Take?

Dosing CBD can be tricky because if you dose too much or too little, you don’t get the full benefits. Our recommendation is always to consult with a qualified cannabis medical professional before administering hemp products to your child.

Risks of Using CBD for Autism

There is very little risk in using CBD for autism. CBD may have some minor side effects like diarrhea, changes in appetite, and fatigue. These are rare and frequently go away once the body is used to CBD.

How To Purchase CBD for Autistic Kids

We understand that trying something new for your autistic kid can be simultaneously promising and terrifying. Making health decisions for your child is never easy, and we really understand that. When we started Myriam’s Hemp, one of our goals was to simplify the process of getting cannabinoid products for medical concerns. We want to help your family, too. 

It is common for parents to start their children with a lower potency CBD and work up to a higher concentration. It’s also very common to use a variety of cannabinoids to help enhance the effects of their child’s needs.

Although our products come with a basic suggested starting usage guide, we strongly recommend consulting with a cannabis doctor to help you with proper product recommendations and dosing guidance. If would like guidance from a cannabis medical professional, we would be happy to refer you to a cannabis doctor or nurse. If you are considering CBD to help your autistic child, please do not hesitate to reach out to our friendly, knowledgeable support staff. Please contact us by email at support@myriamshemp.com or phone at (800) 683-4807 ext 0 for a cannabis doctor or nurse referral or any questions about our products.

CBD can help with the most debilitating symptoms of autism, letting your child’s individuality and personality shine. At Myriam’s Hemp, we are here to help families with their loved one’s health journey. 

CBD for Men's Health

Reading Time 5 Minutes

Anybody can benefit from CBD’s numerous health-enhancing properties. If you’re a man who has concerns about your health and wellness, and you’ve been wondering what this compound can do for you, we hear you. There are many benefits of CBD for men, no matter what kind of health answers you’re seeking.

CBD For Heart Health

According to the CDC, heart disease is the number one cause of death for men. About one in every four male deaths is linked to heart disease, so taking your cardiac health into consideration is important. 

CBD is both a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, both of which make it beneficial for heart health. In recent animal studies, CBD was shown to significantly reduce cardiac dysfunction. CBD can also help prevent heart problems before they start, as it is naturally cardioprotective. Stress also plays a big part in our heart health, Thankfully, CBD is proven to be beneficial for improving the way our bodies respond to stress by reducing resting blood pressure with its calming properties.

CBD For Sexual Wellness

The idea of cannabinoid use for sexual dysfunction isn’t a new concept. It has been a feature of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years! Sexual health and wellness are tied to overall bodily health. Conditions like erectile dysfunction and low libido can be linked to stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions– which we’ll talk about more in a bit. But they can also be linked to physical issues with blood flow.

One of the reasons that CBD is helpful for sexual wellness concerns is that it’s a vasodilator. CBD dilates your veins and makes it easier for blood to reach erectile tissues in your genitalia. When you combine proper blood flow with improved mental health, you’ll see why many people have had success when taking CBD for erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, or any other trouble with arousal.

CBD For Mental Health

Did you know that men are less likely than women to seek mental health treatment? There is an unfortunate stigma around seeking help for mental health problems, whether that’s depression, anxiety, stress, or any other mental health concern. CBD is growing increasingly popular as a mental health treatment; a major CBD marketplace survey showed almost 1 in 5 CBD users hoped to address anxiety.

CBD For Anxiety

Almost one in three adults in the US will struggle with an anxiety disorder at some point in their life. For men, that number is more than one in four. Anxiety is the most common mental health concern men face, and it’s a concern that can be addressed with CBD. While CBD doesn’t have the psychoactive effects that other cannabinoids may have, it does interact with the endocannabinoid system receptors and can directly impact the areas of the brain that create anxiety responses. 

Patient responses also reflect the clinical understanding of what CBD can do for mental health. In a medical response audit of the first 400 medical CBD patients in New Zealand, the patients who were receiving CBD for anxiety all reported improvements in their ability to perform daily functions and reduced anxiety symptoms. In another recent study, CBD was shown to be widely effective for men with anxiety; although the study was cross-sectional by sex, the majority of anxiety patients just happened to be men. CBD was effective at relieving anxiety symptoms in about 80% of study participants in the first two months!

CBD For Stress

Stress management is a challenge that many men face. It’s especially important to address stress because studies suggest that long-term stress greatly increases the risk of heart disease. Stress frequently goes hand-in-hand with anxiety, and long-term stress can lead to numerous mental and physical health conditions

However, when you’re able to manage your stress, you’re likely to see notable improvements in all aspects of your health and wellness, including the immune system, blood pressure, gut health, and the quality of the sleep you get. These are just some of the many reasons that managing your stress is good for you.

The same endocannabinoid system receptors that control anxiety responses also engage when we’re experiencing stress. This means that when you take CBD when you’re stressed, it engages with those receptors the same way it does for people dealing with the symptoms of anxiety. CBD has been shown many times to be effective in reducing the physiological symptoms of stress in animal models, and many people have reported positive effects on their stress levels after taking CBD.

CBD For Brain Health

Additionally, CBD can help with overall brain health. As a vasodilator, CBD helps promote healthy blood flow. In one human study, a single dose of CBD increased blood flow to the hippocampus, an area of the brain associated with memory and emotion. The researchers were enthusiastic about CBD’s potential for treating conditions that affect memory processing, such as PTSD, Alzheimer’s disease, and schizophrenia.

CBD For Recovery

Men are more likely to be injured than women. No matter what kind of injury you’re looking at, men typically engage in more behavior that exposes them to injury risk and experience more injuries overall. There are several potential reasons proposed for this, but if you’ve experienced an injury, it’s likely that at the moment, you didn’t really care much about why you were hurt– you just wanted the hurting to stop!

CBD is helpful for recovery, both from accidental injury and for muscle recovery after working out. When you work out, you’re putting wear and tear on your muscles. It’s more controlled than what happens when you injure yourself, but it can still cause pain and inflammation– and injury if you’re not being careful! Fortunately, CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory. It also promotes improved bone density and collagen production, making it a natural choice for recovery assistance. 

At Myriam’s Hemp, we believe that everybody should have access to the information they need to make choices about their health. There are many aspects of men’s health that our premium CBD products can help address! If you need help choosing the right product, Myriam’s Hemp is here to help you explore your options for better relief. 

What Is CBGA

Reading Time 10 Minutes

The cannabis plant is full of life-enhancing compounds called cannabinoids, and no one knows precisely how many there are; the number may be as high as over 140! We are still discovering more about cannabinoids and their uses every day.

One of these cannabinoids is cannabigerol acid, or CBGA. This non-psychoactive cannabinoid compound has many valuable properties and is one of the few cannabinoids that has received substantial scientific investigation. Here, we cover what you need to know about CBGA and share what we know about this unique compound.

CBGA’s Botanical Function

When a hemp plant starts growing, it only produces one cannabinoid: CBGA. All of the others are derived from this cannabinoid. CBGA is a precursor compound produced in the hemp plant’s trichomes. In the plant, it triggers targeted cell necrosis in the leaves, essentially telling them when to die so that the plant can put more energy towards the flower.

As a precursor compound, CBGA is a foundational compound of the cannabis flower’s other major compounds as a precursor compound. This means that it is at the top of the chain reaction that produces the three major cannabinoid lines: THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), and CBCA (cannabichromenic acid). These, in turn, become THC, CBD, and CBC. CBGA can also convert to CBG, but in most strains of cannabis, CBGA converts into THC or CBD. This has made CBGA extremely important in hemp research!

Most of what we know about CBGA comes from research on the compounds it turns into. In the 1960s, Israeli researchers isolated CBG; in the 1990s, Japanese researchers discovered that it came from CBGA. Since then, most CBGA research has focused on how to convert it to other cannabinoid compounds. Primarily, this involves synthesizing THCA (and often subsequently THC) for research and pharmaceutical purposes.

The ability to synthesize CBGA is important because it is difficult to keep intact. While CBGA is found in large quantities in young plants, exposure to heat immediately starts the chain reaction that converts it to another molecule. Additionally, most of the CBGA a cannabis plant makes over its life becomes THC or another compound through the plant’s own biological processes.

This has led to advanced research in biosynthesis, and as recently as 2019, researchers discovered how to synthesize CBGA and other cannabinoids in yeast. This means that research on this compound and what it can do will be much easier going forward, as the researchers are not limited to harvesting the minute quantities that the hemp plant naturally produces.

How Does CBGA Work?

CBGA, like all cannabinoids, acts by binding to the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system of receptors is dispersed all throughout the body and only activates in the presence of cannabinoids. When CBGA is converted to CBG, it binds to CB1 receptors that act directly on the brain and nervous system without having a psychoactive effect. CBGA on its own, binds to CB2 receptors, which are involved in the immune system and gastrointestinal system.

What Can CBGA Do For You?

Most of the existing research on CBGA focuses on its transformation to THCA, CBDA, or other cannabinoids. This means that most research on the benefits of CBGA is connected to its use after that transformation. But as we learn more about CBGA, researchers are finding that it has many potential benefits of its own.

COVID-19 Prevention

One of the most recent findings is that CBGA, along with CBDA, may successfully prevent COVID-19 transmission and infection. The cannabinoids prevent infection by binding to the SARS-COV-2 spike protein. This prevents it from entering the cell and reduces the chance of infection. It also shows promise in preventing and treating new variants of COVID-19. While these are preliminary findings and substantial additional research and testing are necessary before truly being considered a treatment for COVID-19, this research is very promising.

Cardiovascular Disease

In vitro studies of CBGA have found that the compound significantly inhibits the enzyme aldose reductase. This enzyme is a major contributor to oxidative stress that leads to heart problems, as well as other negative effects on the body. This research is valuable because synthetic inhibitor drugs have severe negative side effects for many patients. A plant-derived inhibitor drug based on CBGA could help millions of people who suffer from cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular symptoms of metabolic diseases like diabetes.

Inflammation Relief

Rodent studies show that CBGA has a powerful positive effect on some of the metabolic receptors that trigger inflammation. Additionally, CBGA can also inhibit the action of cyclooxygenase enzymes, more commonly known as COX inhibitors. COX inhibitors reduce the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that the body produces to help reduce inflammation. By inhibiting the inhibitors, CBGA helps reduce inflammation and pain in the body.

Seizure Treatment

CBGA is a potentially powerful anticonvulsant treatment for seizure disorders like epilepsy. Cannabis has been used to treat epilepsy for thousands of years, and today’s modern hemp-derived epilepsy treatments contain little to no THC. Instead, other cannabinoids are the primary focus. The best known and best understood is CBD, but minor cannabinoids like CBGA show a lot of promise in anticonvulsant research. CBGA has been found to react with numerous seizure-related receptors and is highly effective in certain induced seizure conditions in mice. This could translate into support for an increase in CBGA as a treatment for seizures in humans as well.

Metabolic Disease

CBGA may also help patients with metabolic disorders due to its reaction with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) that regulate metabolism. When PPARs do not function properly, people accumulate lipids excessively and develop metabolic diseases like diabetes and high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. One study shows that cannabinoid acids like CBGA are PPAR agonists, which means that they can help regulate PPAR expression. Another study found that cannabinoids positively regulate PPAR-associated genes that control lipid metabolism.

Neuroprotection

In addition to regulating PPAR activity, CBGA also has other regulatory properties. One of these is its ability to protect against the neurodegenerative effects of Huntington’s Disease. In this study, it was found that acidic precursors like CBGA are demonstrably more effective than their
subsequent cannabinoids. This was seen in both cell line studies and rodent studies and is a very promising line of research.

Additionally, CBGA may protect against the neurotoxicity that stems from the stress of oxidation particles, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and rotenone, which causes mitochondrial dysfunction. In this in vitro study, a high concentration of CBGA dramatically reduced the rotenone-induced neurotoxicity. CBGA is also shown to prevent the formation of superoxide radicals, which eventually reduces oxidative conditions that lead to neural degeneration. In other words, it’s a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your cognitive function as you age.

Colorectal Cancer Treatment

While it is important to note that the research is in very early stages, CBGA may one day be a vital treatment for patients with colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death, so additional therapies and treatments will save many lives. As we mentioned previously, CBGA has cytotoxic or cell-killing effects that tell the plant to redirect energy to the flower instead of the leaves. Its primary job is to tell cells when to die. The effect may not be limited to cells in the hemp plant.

Research shows that these cytotoxic effects also have an effect on colon cancer cells. In experiments on colon cancer cell lines, CBGA killed colon cancer cells, sped up early cancer cell death, and stopped the cancer cell cycle. Additionally, the research is encouraging in regards to preventing the growth and spread of cancerous polyps, which grow into potentially lethal carcinomas.

How To Get CBGA

CBGA is found in all varieties of the hemp plant, including hemp plants that produce low amounts of THC. This means that it’s legal in all 50 states! While CBGA is not mentioned specifically by name in the 2018 Farm Bill or other cannabis laws, it can be derived from hemp plants that contain virtually no THC. Additionally, CBGA is not psychoactive, so it is generally treated with the same considerations as other non-psychoactive cannabinoids. Since CBGA is completely legal, it can be found in a number of locations. Hemp shops and CBD retailers will likely carry CBGA products, as will shops that cater to specialty health concerns and wellness, such as Myriam’s Hemp. Be sure to specify that you are looking for CBGA and not the more commonly-known CBG, as the two have different effects!

How To Take CBGA

If you’re interested in trying CBGA, there are several different ways you can consume it. Remember, CBGA is very susceptible to heat, and as soon as it is exposed to heat, it begins the reaction that changes it into another cannabinoid, typically CBG. That means you probably won’t have much luck consuming it through any leaf-based method, as most of those involve heat.

Even if you keep the temperature low, the drying and curing process itself can also have an effect on the amount of CBGA available to consume. Smoking, vaping, or baking into food will transform your CBGA into CBG, so those routes just are not ideal if you want the full CBGA benefits. And while CBG is helpful in and of itself, it provides different benefits than CBGA!

Tinctures, on the other hand, are a much more reliable way to take CBGA. CBGA can be synthesized in a lab and distilled into a tincture that you can take just like any other cannabinoid tincture. When you choose a CBGA tincture, you should make sure to choose one from a company that is transparent about lab testing and one that uses all-natural ingredients for your safety.

You should also know that cannabinoid precursors, including CBGA, are not present in all types of tinctures. A CBG tincture is not going to contain CBGA. A broad or full spectrum tincture may contain CBGA, along with many other cannabinoids, to enhance the entourage effect.

If you’re looking for specific CBGA responses, however, your best bet is to choose a full spectrum CBGA tincture with a higher concentration of CBGA compared to the other cannabinoids to allow the cannabinoid to shine through. In the coming weeks, we will be releasing our own all-natural CBGA tincture for healthful relief.

Buy CBGA at Myriam’s Hemp

At Myriam’s Hemp, our goal is to share useful information that will help you make the most of your cannabinoid experience. We believe in our products and want to help you take control of your health by offering premium hemp products. We provide hope to those who are suffering from diseases that can have a significantly negative impact on everyday life.

Our cannabinoid products are created with quality at the forefront, and we are constantly striving to enhance our offerings. Our online store features a variety of CBD, CBG, CBN, CBDA, and soon, CBGA products that may provide you with the relief you’re looking for and help you to manage your health without total reliance on traditional pharmaceuticals. Shop Myriam’s Hemp online and order your cannabinoid products today.

References

Can CBDA Help Prevent COVID-19? A New Study Says YES!

Reading Time 4.5 Minutes

Science says yes

It’s common knowledge that CBD from hemp can help lower inflammation and strengthen your immune system overall. A new study done by Oregon State University researchers has found that CBDA, a parent molecule to CBD, may actually help in the prevention of the COVID-19 virus and its variants.

 

How Does Cannabis Help with COVID? What the Study Says

Researchers have already known for a while now what CBDA can do to alleviate inflammation, digestion, and much more (see the last section in this article for more information about that). What an exciting new study at Oregon State University found out recently, however, was what this CBD precursor may be able to do to protect against the virus that produces COVID-19 as well.

A team of scientists at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR, in partnership with investigators at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, recently discovered that both CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) and CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) have the ability bind to SARS-COV-2 spike protein. Both of these cannabinoids are found in hemp variations of cannabis.

This is a huge discovery because it means that CBDA and CBGA may have the ability to prevent the spike protein from entering cells and causing COVID-19. The Oregon State University report was published January 10th, 2022 in the Journal of Natural Products. (1)

 

Can CBDA Also Protect Against New COVID Variants?

According to the University of Oregon researchers, the answer could also be yes.

Dr. Richard Van Breeman, principal investigator at the Linus Pauling Institute and professor of chemistry at Oregon State, commented in a recent interview that CBDA and CBGA may be effective against emerging COVID variants as well. Two variants mentioned in the study include “B.1.17” (Alpha variant) and “B.1.351” (Beta variant).

Both Alpha and Beta are currently classified as “VBM” (Variants Being Monitored) by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. (2) According to Yale University, the Alpha variant was first discovered in the UK in November 2020. Until the emergence of Delta, it was the predominant variant amongst infected individuals in the US.

Also, according to Yale, the Beta variant was discovered in South Africa at the end of 2020. So far it has not been as widespread. Experts state, however, that it is about 50% more contagious than the original virus and potentially 20% more contagious than the Alpha variant. (3)

“Orally bioavailable and with a long history of safe human use, these cannabinoids [CBDA and CBGA], isolated or in hemp extracts, have the potential to prevent as well as treat infection by SARS-CoV-2,” the report authors state.

 

More on CBDA

A lot goes into the creation of the cannabinoids most people are familiar with that are found in both medical marijuana and hemp. CBDA and CBGA, which are major players in the formation of CBD, CBG, and CBN are considered “parent molecules”. In other words, those cannabinoids are created first and then CBD and other cannabinoids eventually emerge from them.

 CBDA specifically is considered a powerful healing substance in its own right. That being said, CBDA actually works much differently than CBD and THC cannabinoids in the body. The main difference is that CBDA does not interact much with the endocannabinoid system. It does not bind with CB1 nor CB2 receptors. Instead, it interacts with receptor sites for certain brain and nervous-system precursors such as 5-HT. 5-HT is a chemical needed for the production of serotonin. CBDA also interacts and influences key enzymes to produce its healing effects.

CBDA also affects the production of serotonin itself and the way this hormone interacts in the body. Serotonin is mostly known as a neurologically influential hormone that produces feelings of happiness and fulfillment.

Serotonin does a lot more than this in the body overall, however. It is a key hormonal substance for emotional regulation and the proper functioning of motor skills. It also influences digestion, sleep cycles, and cardiovascular health. According to a 2017 study conducted at the University of Freiburg in Germany, serotonin also plays a part in cytokine and T cell production in the immune system, amongst other things. (4)

Besides being a potential preventative against various strains of COVID, research into CBDA has found that it can also be beneficial for depression symptoms, digestive issues such as nausea and vomiting, brain and nervous system conditions, such as seizures, and for lowering inflammation overall. (5) (6)

 

How Can I Obtain CBDA?

Oregon State University researchers present hopeful research for the possible natural prevention of this dreadful virus that has changed the way the whole world functions. Recent research has found that CBDA in particular is more readily absorbed into the bloodstream and body than regular CBD. What’s more, both CBDA and CBGA are found in hemp. This means that they are legally available in most regions of the US.

You should know, however, that these cannabinoid precursors will not be found in regular CBD products. CBDA, however, can be purchased as super high-quality full-spectrum CBDA oil or as a CBD/CBDA blend right here at Myriam’s Premium Hemp Products!

References:

Why Put CBD Oil Under Your Tongue?

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With the wide range of CBD products in the market today, it can be confusing to determine the best method of taking CBD. Having unique products present such as sprays, capsules, gummies, tarts, and even chocolate, introduces multiple methods for taking CBD like swallowing it, vaping it, or rubbing it into your skin. For many consumers, simply placing a few drops of CBD oil underneath the tongue has proven to be the most effective and efficient method.

The Sublingual Method

The most common way of taking CBD is the sublingual method which is the act of placing the CBD under your tongue. Taking a dose this way allows the CBD to be absorbed by the body more effectively. The CBD has a lower chance of degrading because it only has to pass salivary enzymes in your mouth before reaching your bloodstream, whereas if you were to ingest it, the CBD would have to travel through your digestive system before reaching your bloodstream.

So, just how is CBD absorbed under the tongue? Beneath your tongue, there is a highly absorbent mucous membrane tissue that is filled with tiny capillaries that transport the CBD straight to your bloodstream. The sublingual method is one of the most fast-acting ways to take CBD and it has a higher absorption rate of approximately 12%-35% more when compared to taking CBD orally.

The Benefits of Placing CBD Under the Tongue

Simply placing a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue is a simple and easy process, and that alone is a desirable benefit of the sublingual method, but there are a few others. If you need to get CBD into your system quickly, then this is the fastest method. Placing CBD under your tongue has also been helpful for those who have difficulty swallowing capsules. And lastly, quality CBD can be pricey, and you’ll want to maximize its potential –by using the sublingual method you can bypass the digestive system and achieve maximum absorption.

How Do I Best Take CBD Under the Tongue?

Taking CBD oil by placing it under the tongue is simple, but it may seem a bit strange at first. In order to get the best results and absorb as much of the goodness as possible, there are a few things to consider. When taking CBD sublingually, you’ll raise your tongue to the roof of your mouth and place a dose of oil on the membrane underneath your tongue. Then you’ll let the oil sit there for 60-90 seconds –you can either keep your tongue raised or lower it and close your mouth, whichever is most comfortable. After the time is up, you can swallow whatever hasn’t been absorbed.

Why Does CBD Oil Taste Weird?

If you’re left wondering why your CBD oil tastes weird, it’s most likely that you have a full spectrum oil. A full spectrum oil means that it has kept as many of the plant properties as possible to provide the consumer with even more benefits. Imagine that all parts of the plant including chlorophyll, terpenes, and flavonoids are all packed into a single dropper of oil –that’s what gives CBD its unique flavor.

How Long Does it Take for CBD to Work?

For consumers looking for instant results, the sublingual method is the most effective way to feel the effects of CBD the most quickly. Because of the nearly instant absorption into the bloodstream, some may feel the effects within a few seconds. Read more about how long it takes for CBD to take effect.

Purchase Your CBD Oil at Myriam’s Hemp

If you’re looking for quality CBD oil, Myriam’s Hemp is here to guide you on your CBD experience and help you understand which products are right for you. To purchase CBD oil online, shop with us today!

CBD Gummies vs. CBD Oil

Before diving into the differences between CBD gummies vs CBD oil, it may be helpful to know more about CBD itself. Cannabidiol (CBD) is extracted from the hemp plant, which, unlike cannabis,contains only trace amounts of the psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). There are many products on the market that are infused with CBD from vapes, lotions, and oils to chocolate, tarts, and gummies, that have been crafted to provide consumers with the associated benefits of CBD.

Out of all the CBD products available, the two most popular products are CBD oils and CBD gummies –probably because both are discrete. Oil is simple to take while you’re on a quick break, and gummies are easy to stash away in your purse, backpack, or briefcase. We’ll look at the additional benefits and differences of these two products so you can determine which is best for you.

CBD Oil

Sometimes referred to as a CBD tincture, CBD oil is an oil that contains a cannabidiol (CBD) extract. The most effective way to take CBD oils is by placing drops of the oil underneath your tongue and letting it absorb into your bloodstream. This method is called the sublingual method, and it enables the CBD to get to work very quickly because it doesn’t need to travel through your digestive system first, and effects can be felt in as little as 15 minutes.

CBD oil tends to have a distinct hemp flavor that some describe as bitter. If you would prefer to mask the flavor, CBD oils can easily be mixed into a variety of drinks and foods such as coffee, tea, smoothies, and soups. Ingesting CBD oil instead of placing it under the tongue may delay its absorption into your bloodstream. Whether you choose to take your CBD oil sublingually or orally, it’s important to remember that as it is a natural product, it is important to store your CBD oil properly to prolong the life.

CBD Gummies

CBD gummies have become increasingly popular with consumers who are looking for a fun and tasty way to take a controlled dose of CBD. Gummies are usually infused with a CBD isolate which is pure CBD without any of the other naturally occurring hemp elements, making it perfect for those who want to avoid THC in its entirety. As expected, CBD gummies are enjoyed orally and therefore provide a delayed release into your bloodstream. Although CBD gummies don’t provide a quick response, they do last a bit longer as they are metabolized slower than an oil taken sublingually. Anyone with a sweet tooth will be reaching for CBD gummies over CBD oil, and with a range of fruity and tart flavors, they are a fan favorite.

CBD Strength and Dosing

Regardless of which product strikes your fancy, you should be aware of the strength of the product and the appropriate dosage. Droppers of oil can allow you to have more control over your dosage while gummies can provide you with more control over CBD levels. Either way, allow time for your body to digest and adjust before taking more CBD.

Choose What Works for You

Even with their differences, oils and gummies are both great products that allow consumers to enjoy the benefits of CBD. In the end, it is up to you to determine which product best suits you and your needs. If you need help choosing the right product, Myriam’s Hemp is here to help you explore your options for better relief. Myriam’s Hemp CBD Gummies are coming soon!

Results of CBD Liver Safety Study

Study Reports Preliminary Results of CBD Liver Safety

A patient-centered clinical trials company called ValidCare has recently concluded a 7-month study of the effects of CBD use on the liver. Overall, their findings have been advantageous to the consumer as their “investigators report to FDA no evidence of liver toxicity in the 839 adults consuming oral CBD”. This study was in response to the FDA’s request for science-based data to help determine the appropriate regulations for hemp derived CBD products.

The 7 Month Testing Process

With the help of twelve CBD product companies and 839 participants, ValidCare carried out a 7-month study of the effects of CBD on the liver. The study began in August 2020 and came to a close in February 2021. It may seem like conducting a study during the pandemic would prove to be problematic, but the “use of ValidCare’s decentralized clinical research platform and partnership with national laboratories enabled participants and principal investigators to successfully complete this first cohort” and the FDA and brands involved were delivered results within six weeks.

The main purpose of this 7-month study was to “observe any potential liver effects in adults ingesting oral forms of hemp derived CBD for a minimum of 60 days”. To successfully complete this study, ValidCare needed a minimum of 681 participants, and with the help of the participating product companies, they were able to have over 830 participants complete the study.

ValidCare’s Findings

Over the course of the 7-months ValidCare has found “no evidence of liver disease in the 839 participants and no increase in the prevalence of elevated liver function tests when compared to a population with a similar incidence of medical conditions”. Three participants were reported to have three times the normal levels of the liver enzyme ALT, but they were all taking prescription medications that are known to elevate liver enzymes.

The results of the study have been encouraging as it provides sufficient science-based data to the FDA, for them to take action on safety regulations for CBD in the future. That being said, this 7-month study has only been the first cohort, and ValidCare will continue to analyze real-world data and perform a second cohort to add to the statistical certainty for liver safety. ValidCare is “excited for [their] principal investigators to continue, expand and report out on this foundational work in the next few months. Once completed, safety results of this study will be shared with participation brands and the FDA.”

Myriam's Hemp CBD

At Myriam’s Hemp, our goal is to provide valuable information and resources about CBD to consumers and customers alike. In addition, we remain committed to that staying aware of new developments and studies performed within the industry and providing you with resources so you can find the solutions that best work for you.

If you’re looking for high quality CBD products, you can count on Myriam’s Hemp to provide you with reliable CBD tinctures and balms that are free from chemicals and fillers. We only use all natural ingredients and make our products as accessible as possible to consumers by keeping them free of wheat, sugar, and animal products.

Purchase your CBD products from Myriam’s Hemp online today or reach out to a member of our dedicated team to determine which CBD products are right for you!

CBD as Potential Treatment for COVID-19

Recently, a study was conducted by a team of researchers in Illinois at the Rosner Lab at the University of Chicago to analyze if cannabidiol could be a potential treatment for COVID-19. In March 2021 Rosner Lab released their latest findings with evidence demonstrating the inhibiting effect of CBD on the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study highlights CBD and its active metabolite as potential preventative agents and therapeutic treatments for SARS-CoV-2 in the early stages of infection.

Why Was This Study Conducted?

With a wide and rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 across the globe, researchers began to look for alternative ways to reduce the spread and effects of COVID-19. Colleagues at Rosner Lab say that the fact that the virus is still spreading even with the rollout of vaccines highlights the need for alternative approaches. This is especially true for populations with limited access to vaccines.

What Did the Study Involve?

The SARS-CoV-2 virus enters host cells via the binding of a surface viral protein to the human host cell receptor ‘angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2). To test the effect of CBD on SARS-CoV-2 replication, researchers at Rosner Lab pretreated A549 human lung carcinoma cells expressing exogenous human ACE-2 receptors for 2 hours with CBD, before infecting them with SARS-CoV-2. Then after 48 hours had passed, they monitored and analyzed the cells to see if the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 had been inhibited.

The Findings

Overall, the researchers at Rosner Lab have concluded that they have evidence that CBD inhibits the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In addition to that, they have also released some key findings broken down in simpler terms for the public to understand:

  • After viral entry, CBD acts to block virus replication.
  • CBD has the potential to not only act as an antiviral agent in the early stages of infection but also protect the host against an overactive immune system during the late stages.
  • CBD inhibiting replication of at least one other coronavirus raises the possibility that it may also inhibit other human coronaviruses that could arise in the future.
  • 7-OH-CBD (a metabolite of CBD) is an effective inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2.
  • Analysis of participants taking FDA-approved CBD showed up to ten times a decreased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to a set of control participants.

Although these findings represent a significant process in the alternative treatment of COVID-19, there are still “several issues that require close examination before CBD can be considered or even explored as a therapeutic for COVID-19”. For example, it appears that the presence of THC may counteract the antiviral efficacy of CBD. And of course, other concerns would need to be addressed, such as the means of administration like smoking or vaping that could potentially cause lung damage. In short, further studies would be needed to determine optimal methods of delivery, and clinical trials should be performed to test the promise of CBD as a therapeutic for SARS-CoV-2.

Myriam's Hemp CBD

We are proud to serve an ever-growing community of families just like ours who keep coming back to Myriam’s Hemp CBD oil and CBG oil for the relief they can count on. We are also committed to providing our customers with quality resources and studies in the industry, so you have all the information needed to find solutions that fit your life.

You can count on Myriam’s Hemp to provide you with high quality CBD products that are free from wheat, sugar, animal products, chemicals, and fillers. Purchase your CBD oil or CBG oil from us today or reach out to someone on our team to determine which products are right for you!

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