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Meds CBD

Know your medicine!

The risk of contaminants and false labeling in the exploding CBD industry

WASHINGTON (ABC7/WJLA) — The cannabis derivative, CBD, is popping up everywhere — lip balm, body cream and even as a shot in your morning espresso.

But not all CBD is created equal.

The ABC7 I-Team has been given exclusive access to the largest set of test results and analysis on CBD products to date. Those tests reveal not only potential dangers, but also patently false claims plaguing the industry.

"Bad players are really messing the industry up for everyone, including good players," said Jason Cranford as we walked through his 30,000 square foot indoor cannabis grow operation in the Colorado Rockies.


"If it's not USDA Organic certified, and it's not full panel lab tested, you have no way of knowing what you're getting," said Cranford, who's been producing CBD long before it was en vogue.

"We grow the plants, we do the extractions, and then we do the infusing and the bottling from seed to sell," said Cranford, whose farm is USDA regulated and certified organic.

He tests and tracks every batch made and knows exactly what's in his products.

But most consumers, he says, don't know what's in theirs.

"Overseas they use hemp to do cover crops. They use it to purposely suck out the pesticides and heavy metals on soil there so they can plant food crops next," Cranford said.

These crops are being imported into the US and people are making CBD out of it. The really scary part is when you have these contaminants in your plant material, and you make this oil, you're concentrating it.
About 70 percent of U.S. hemp is from China.

The cannabis derivative is believed to have medical benefits. At high doses, it's under clinical investigation to control epilepsy and at low doses believed useful for a host of issues including pain, inflammation, and insomnia.

And with the CBD frenzy just beginning, concerns are mounting over the lack of regulation in an industry expected to hit $22 billion a year by 2022.

"You have an industry that has a rampant quality control issue," Dr. Sean Callan said.

Callan leads the team at Ellipse Analytics that tested top-selling CBD products for contaminants and truth in labeling.

"Comparing this to other supplements that we've tested, we found really high levels of pesticides, really high levels of heavy metals," Callan said.

The lab tested the top-selling 240 products for 300 contaminants and for truth in labeling.

Was the amount of CBD claimed actually in the product?

After thousands of tests, 70 percent of products were found "highly contaminated" with heavy metals like lead and arsenic, herbicides like glyphosate (the active ingredient in RoundUp) and a host of other contaminants including pesticides, BPA and toxic mold.

One product — by Ananda Hemp — contained levels of lead so high, it exceeded by 100times what the EPA would consider actionable for drinking water. In a statement, Hemp said it “adheres to extremely stringent quality control processes and practices for all of its products.”

The research found what was on the bottle was sometimes as troubling as what was in it.

Because hemp-derived CBD is an unregulated industry, makers are not required to test for CBD content.

"They have to test for the THC content because there's a federal law," Callan said, "but there's no rule that says you have to actually test your CBD content."

More than half the products tested had labels that inaccurately reflected the concentration of CBD in the product.

"There were several that claimed to have CBD on the label where we found no CBD whatsoever," Callan said. "All the way up to, on the other end of the spectrum, there are products that have five, six times as much CBD in them as they say they do."

This has created a "buyer beware" marketplace that has national pro-cannabis organizations also becoming pro-regulation.

"It's incredibly difficult for consumers to navigate these unregulated products," said Jenn Michelle Pedini, who's the Virginia Executive Director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or NORML.

"Study after study is showing these products very rarely contain what would be a therapeutic level of cannabidiol or even the amount of CBD that's indicated on the label," Pedini said.

Virginia Commonwealth University, the Journal of the American Medical Association, and other medical journals have published studies that reflect similar outcomes to the hundreds of tests done by Ellipse Analytics, citing contamination, false labeling and false claims.

VCU even discovered the compound 5F-ADB, known to be in street drugs like K2 and Spice — making purchases confusing and potentially dangerous for consumers, and for producers like Cranford, putting the reputation of a young industry in peril.
 
Remember this post? Well......
I've put author information for credibility.


That Study Where Mice Died From CBD Is Bullshit

JUN 19, 2019 03:59 PM PST
by RANDY ROBINSON
1560974384473_micexCBDxliverstudy__WIDE.jpg

Some mice died from CBD in a recent study. Thing is, the researchers weren’t honest about their methods, and liver toxicity from CBD isn’t exactly news, either.

A recent study from the University of Arkansas, where mice died after being given CBD, may change the public’s perception of CBD. But probably not.

The study dosed mice on CBD to see what would happen to the little guys’ livers. Some of these mice died within 24 hours of being administered CBD, which prompted frightening headlines such as “Marijuana Study Finds CBD Can Cause Liver Damage” and “New Mouse Study Finds Level of Liver Toxicity for CBD.”

Should we start saying no to CBD? Before we ditch those hemp pre-rolls that can’t even get us lit, let’s look at how the study was conducted.

Because mice are much smaller than humans, the researchers “allometrically scaled” the doses so they were proportional to human doses. The thing is, the researchers scaled the doses in the wrong direction.

Dose scaling was based off the “maximum recommended human maintenance” amount for Epidiolex in human patients, the first and only FDA-approved CBD drug derived from cannabis. That dose is 20mg/kg. So we’d expect the dose for the mice to be much, much smaller, somewhere in the range of 0.3mg/kg.

The researchers instead dosed the mice on 0, 246, 738, or 2460mg/kg. Yeah, you read that correctly: at the higher end, the mice got 120 times the recommended dose for a full-grown human being.

So no shit the mice got liver damage and died.

The University of Arkansas study pulled the same kind of bad science we saw back in the 1970s, when Dr. Heath erroneously (and unethically) concluded that marijuana caused brain damage in rhesus monkeys — after forcibly suffocating the poor simians with weed smoke.


To the Arkansas researchers’ credit, their study does offer additional evidence that CBD can wreck the liver and potentially compromise people with hepatic diseases or who rely on medications to stay alive. But that’s not exactly news. Earlier this month, during the FDA’s public hearing on CBD, several doctors and toxicologists testified that CBD could cause health complications in certain people, especially at high doses.

Even the Arkansas study’s lead researcher, Igor Koturbash, admitted to this previous knowledge in an interview.

“If you look at the Epidiolex label, it clearly states a warning for liver injury,” he told Nutra Ingredients USA. “It states you have to monitor the liver enzyme levels of the patients. In clinical trials, 5 percent to 20 percent of the patients developed elevated liver enzymes, and some patients were withdrawn from the trials.”

Furthermore, although rodent studies are useful for determining a drug’s toxicity, mice aren’t humans. They have different physiologies and different metabolic systems than us. They don’t process drugs the same way humans do, and, to date, there have been no recorded instances of someone dying because they chugged a liter of CBD mocktail.

What’s the takeaway here? Besides exposing the University of Arkansas’s shoddy scientific methods, we should probably think twice before infusing every ingredient of every meal with CBD (along with slathering ourselves in CBD lotions, soaps, shampoos, face masks, creams, and underarm deodorants). Having too much of a good thing is real, even when it comes from cannabis.

But don’t blindly buy into the Reefer Madness-esque hype, either.


Randy Robinson
Based in Denver, Randy studied cannabinoid science while getting a degree in molecular biology at the University of Colorado.

 
Remember this post? Well......
I've put author information for credibility.


That Study Where Mice Died From CBD Is Bullshit

JUN 19, 2019 03:59 PM PST
by RANDY ROBINSON
View attachment 10550
Some mice died from CBD in a recent study. Thing is, the researchers weren’t honest about their methods, and liver toxicity from CBD isn’t exactly news, either.

A recent study from the University of Arkansas, where mice died after being given CBD, may change the public’s perception of CBD. But probably not.

The study dosed mice on CBD to see what would happen to the little guys’ livers. Some of these mice died within 24 hours of being administered CBD, which prompted frightening headlines such as “Marijuana Study Finds CBD Can Cause Liver Damage” and “New Mouse Study Finds Level of Liver Toxicity for CBD.”

Should we start saying no to CBD? Before we ditch those hemp pre-rolls that can’t even get us lit, let’s look at how the study was conducted.

Because mice are much smaller than humans, the researchers “allometrically scaled” the doses so they were proportional to human doses. The thing is, the researchers scaled the doses in the wrong direction.

Dose scaling was based off the “maximum recommended human maintenance” amount for Epidiolex in human patients, the first and only FDA-approved CBD drug derived from cannabis. That dose is 20mg/kg. So we’d expect the dose for the mice to be much, much smaller, somewhere in the range of 0.3mg/kg.

The researchers instead dosed the mice on 0, 246, 738, or 2460mg/kg. Yeah, you read that correctly: at the higher end, the mice got 120 times the recommended dose for a full-grown human being.

So no shit the mice got liver damage and died.

The University of Arkansas study pulled the same kind of bad science we saw back in the 1970s, when Dr. Heath erroneously (and unethically) concluded that marijuana caused brain damage in rhesus monkeys — after forcibly suffocating the poor simians with weed smoke.


To the Arkansas researchers’ credit, their study does offer additional evidence that CBD can wreck the liver and potentially compromise people with hepatic diseases or who rely on medications to stay alive. But that’s not exactly news. Earlier this month, during the FDA’s public hearing on CBD, several doctors and toxicologists testified that CBD could cause health complications in certain people, especially at high doses.

Even the Arkansas study’s lead researcher, Igor Koturbash, admitted to this previous knowledge in an interview.

“If you look at the Epidiolex label, it clearly states a warning for liver injury,” he told Nutra Ingredients USA. “It states you have to monitor the liver enzyme levels of the patients. In clinical trials, 5 percent to 20 percent of the patients developed elevated liver enzymes, and some patients were withdrawn from the trials.”

Furthermore, although rodent studies are useful for determining a drug’s toxicity, mice aren’t humans. They have different physiologies and different metabolic systems than us. They don’t process drugs the same way humans do, and, to date, there have been no recorded instances of someone dying because they chugged a liter of CBD mocktail.

What’s the takeaway here? Besides exposing the University of Arkansas’s shoddy scientific methods, we should probably think twice before infusing every ingredient of every meal with CBD (along with slathering ourselves in CBD lotions, soaps, shampoos, face masks, creams, and underarm deodorants). Having too much of a good thing is real, even when it comes from cannabis.

But don’t blindly buy into the Reefer Madness-esque hype, either.


Randy Robinson
Based in Denver, Randy studied cannabinoid science while getting a degree in molecular biology at the University of Colorado.
Thanks for the article, @momofthegoons.
I was asked today how my dogs handled the Fourth if July fireworks, by an elderly woman who had volunteered all week at the animal shelter. She said every dog there was calm, and every dog had been given CBD. She suggested that I visit a dispensary, and get some dog treats for my dogs, and let me know CBD was "a miracle" for people too. I do love hearing about cannabis from people in the wild. As there are those that are still setting off fireworks, I'll get something for my furry friends. Word is spreading, and it's fun to be encouraged to try cannabis.
 
More on drug interactions with CBD....

DRUG-DRUG INTERACTIONS WITH CANNABIDIOL (CBD)

What is the “Mechanism of Action?”

CBD is a safe, non-intoxicating, and non-addictive cannabis compound with significant therapeutic attributes, but CBD-drug interactions may be problematic in some cases. CBD and other plant cannabinoids can potentially interact with many pharmaceuticals by inhibiting the activity of the liver’s enzyme system responsible for metabolizing 90% of drugs and other foreign substances (the Cytochrome P-450 System). This leads to higher levels of the drug in your system at one time, which can cause unwanted side effects and even overdose. Thus, if you are taking a drug affected by CBD, you may need a dosage adjustment in order to take both drugs safely. With CBD poised to become widely available in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and herbal preparations, medical scientists are taking a closer look at CBD-drug interactions.

When CBD or any other foreign compound enters the body, they are metabolized. This process is generally very complicated. Metabolizing something properly can involve multiple molecular pathways and various enzymes that enable the body to get rid of the compound (often done by adding chemical group(s) to the original compound). Or, metabolism can entail breaking down a compound into a more basic molecule that the body then uses.

Products of a drug’s metabolism are called its metabolites. These metabolites can have very different properties than the initial drug. Ethanol, for example, owes some of its effects, including much of the hangover, to its two-step metabolism. The buildup of acetaldehyde in the liver (ethanol is first converted to acetaldehyde) is a major reason for ethanol’s liver toxicity and the nausea and vomiting caused by excessive consumption.

What is the Cytochrome P-450 System?

The Cytochrome P-450 enzyme system is a system within the liver that is responsible for metabolizing 90 percent of the drugs and foreign substances we consume. This system contains more than 50 enzymes that process and eliminate toxins. It is also essential for the production of cholesterol, steroids, prostacyclins, and thromboxane A2. Of the more than 50 CYP450 enzymes, the CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 enzymes metabolize 90 percent of drugs with the two most significant enzymes being CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. These enzymes are predominantly expressed in the liver, but also occur in the small intestine (reducing drug bioavailability), lungs, placenta, and kidneys.

Cytochrome P-450 enzymes can be inhibited or induced by drugs, resulting in clinically significant drug-drug interactions that can cause unanticipated adverse reactions or therapeutic failures. Interactions with warfarin, antidepressants, antiepileptic drugs, and statins often involve the Cytochrome P-450 enzymes. Knowledge of drugs metabolized by Cytochrome P-450 enzymes, as well as the most potent inhibiting and inducing drugs, can help minimize the possibility of drug interactions as well as adverse drug reactions.

In addition, genetic variability (polymorphisms) in these enzymes may influence a patient's response to commonly prescribed drug classes.

Further, certain drugs affect “processing times” within the Cytochrome P450 system, thus making other drugs metabolize faster or slower than they would by themselves. Similarly, if the system is unhealthy because of liver problems or other pre-existing conditions, drugs may not metabolize as they should. This may lead to elevated and potentially toxic blood levels.

Metabolizing Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC metabolites contribute significantly to the effects of Cannabis. Eleven-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC), for example, is a THC metabolite that activates the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in the brain and induces a high that may be greater than that of THC itself. This means that the body’s metabolism of THC can make it more potent.

Different routes of cannabinoid administration have different effects. Inhaled THC enters capillaries in the lungs, passes into general circulation through the pulmonary arteries, and quickly crosses the blood-brain barrier. When ingested orally, however, THC is absorbed in the small intestine and then carried to the liver, where it is metabolized by subclasses of Cytochrome P450, specifically the CYP2C and CYP3A enzymes. These liver enzymes also metabolize CBD, converting it into 7-OH-CBD and 6-OH-CBD. But there has been relatively little research into the properties of these CBD metabolites.

Metabolizing Cannabidiol (CBD)

The way CBD interacts with Cytochrome P-450 is pivotal; they deactivate each other. Preclinical research shows that CBD is metabolized by Cytochrome P450 enzymes while functioning as a “competitive inhibitor” of the same liver enzymes. By occupying the site of enzymatic activity, CBD displaces its chemical competitors and prevents Cytochrome P-450 from metabolizing other compounds.

The extent to which CBD behaves as a competitive inhibitor of Cytochrome P450 depends on how tightly CBD binds to the active site of the metabolic enzyme before and after oxidation. This can change greatly, depending on how—and how much—CBD is administered, the unique attributes of the individual taking this medication, and whether isolated CBD or a whole plant remedy is used.

If the dosage of CBD is low enough, it will have no noticeable effect on CYP activity, but CBD may still exert other effects. There is no clearly established cut-off dose, below which CBD does not interact with other drugs.

How do CBD-generated changes in Cytochrome P-450 activity impact the metabolic breakdown of THC? Animal studies indicate that CBD pretreatment modifies brain levels of THC. That’s because CBD, functioning as a competitive inhibitor of Cytochrome P450, slows down the conversion of THC into its more potent metabolite, 11-OH-THC. Consequently, THC remains active for a longer duration, but the peak of the extended buzz is blunted somewhat under the influence of CBD.

Grapefruit and Ganja

Lester Bornheim, a research pharmacologist at the University of California in San Francisco, was among the first scientists to study the metabolism of CBD. In 1987, he was awarded a NIDA grant to investigate the effects of Phyto-cannabinoids on Cytochrome P-450 enzymes. THC and Cannabinol (CBN) also inhibit CYP activity, but CBD, of all the plant cannabinoids studied, is the strongest Cytochrome P-450 deactivator.

In 1999, Bornheim addressed the annual gathering of the International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS) and drew attention to the possibility that CBD could interfere with the metabolism of many medications. A year earlier, a team of Canadian scientists identified certain compounds in grapefruit that inhibit the expression of some Cytochrome P-450 enzymes—which is why physicians often warn patients not to eat grapefruit before taking their medications. CBD, it turns out, is a more potent inhibitor of Cytochrome P450 enzymes than the grapefruit compound Bergapten (the strongest of several grapefruit components that inhibit CYPs).

What does this mean in practical terms for a medical marijuana patient on a CBD-rich treatment regimen who takes a prescription blood-thinner like Warfarin, for example? CBD reduces the enzymatic degradation of Warfarin, thereby increasing its duration of action and effect. A person taking a CBD-rich product should pay close attention to changes in blood levels of Warfarin, and adjust dosage accordingly as instructed by their doctor and pharmacist.

CYPs In Cancer and Epilepsy

In cancer treatment, the precise dosing of chemotherapy is considered to be extremely important. Doctors often struggle to find the maximum dose that will not be catastrophically toxic. Many chemotherapy agents are oxidized by CYPs before their inactivation or excretion. This means that for patients using CBD, the same dose of chemotherapy may produce higher blood concentrations. If CBD inhibits the Cytochrome-mediated metabolism of the chemotherapy and dosage adjustments aren’t made, the chemotherapy agent could accumulate within the body to highly toxic levels.

However, there have been few reported adverse cannabinoid-drug interactions among the many cancer patients who use cannabis to cope with the wrenching side effects of chemotherapy. It is possible that whole plant cannabis, with its rich compensatory synergies, interacts differently than the isolated CBD that is administered in most research settings. As well, the cytoprotective effects of the cannabinoids may mitigate some of the chemotherapeutic toxicity.

Some epileptic patients have encountered issues with how CBD interacts with their anti-seizure medication. A small clinical study at Massachusetts General Hospital involving children with refractory epilepsy found that CBD elevated the plasma levels and increased the long-term blood concentrations of an anticonvulsant. A majority of these children needed to have their dose reduced due to side effects. Given that both the anti-seizure drug and CBD are metabolized by Cytochrome P450 enzymes, a drug-drug interaction is not surprising.

Dr. Bonni Goldstein has observed cases in which small doses of high-CBD/low-THC cannabis oil concentrate seemed to aggravate seizure disorders rather than quell them. How could this happen, given CBD’s renown anti-epileptic properties?

A 1992 review by Lester Bornheim and his colleagues indicated that CBD inhibits some Cytochrome P-450 enzymes at smaller doses than what is required for CBD to exert an anti-epileptic effect. This means that a certain dose of CBD could alter the processing of an anti-epileptic drug taken by the patient, but this amount of CBD might not be enough to provide any anti-epileptic relief itself. The advice some physicians offer in this situation may seem counterintuitive: Increase the dose of CBD—perhaps even add a little more THC (or THCA, the raw, unheated, non-psychoactive version of THC)—and this may be more effective for seizure control.

Drugs That Interact with Cannabidiol

Any drug metabolized by Cytochrome P-450 enzymes could potentially interact with Cannabidiol. According to the Indiana University Department of Medicine, drugs known to use the Cytochrome P-450 system include:

• Steroids
• HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (Statins)
• Calcium Channel Blockers
• Antihistamines
• Prokinetics
• HIV Antivirals
• Immune Modulators
• Benzodiazepines
• Anti-Arrhythmics
• Antibiotics
• Anesthetics
• Anti-Psychotics
• Anti-Depressants
• Anti-Epileptics
• Beta Blockers
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
• NSAIDs
• Angiotensin II Blockers
• Oral Hypoglycemic Agents
• Sulfonylureas

Keep in mind that this list does not necessarily contain every medication that could be affected by Cannabidiol. Likewise, not every medication in each of the categories listed will cause an interaction. For this reason, you should consult with a Pharmacist or Physician prior to taking any combination of drugs at the same time. Alternative medications or dosage adjustments of current medications may be required. If you are worried that your P-450 enzyme system may not be functioning properly, physicians can test the system to ensure that the medications you take are metabolizing as expected.
 
Damn near 2 years since anyone discuss cbd!

At first I thought it was a great way to market weak herbs. I've had cbd strains lately that were very nice. Recently I discovered a trusted place that sells cbd carts. Anti anxiety,/stress, relaxation! Positive medicine. More effective than other 510 carts I've had access to.
 
FDA warns company marketing unapproved cannabidiol products with unsubstantiated claims to treat cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, opioid withdrawal, pain and pet anxiety
Agency is expediting work to evaluate regulatory policies related to cannabis and cannabis-derived ingredients like CBD

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it has issued a warning letter to Curaleaf Inc., of Wakefield, Massachusetts, for illegally selling unapproved products containing cannabidiol (CBD) online with unsubstantiated claims that the products treat cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, opioid withdrawal, pain and pet anxiety, among other conditions or diseases.

“As we examine potential regulatory pathways for the lawful marketing of products containing cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds like CBD, protecting and promoting public health remains our top priority. Selling unapproved products with unsubstantiated therapeutic claims — such as claims that CBD products can treat serious diseases and conditions — can put patients and consumers at risk by leading them to put off important medical care. Additionally, there are many unanswered questions about the science, safety, effectiveness and quality of unapproved products containing CBD,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless, M.D. “Today’s action demonstrates that the agency stands firm in its commitment to continue monitoring the marketplace and protecting the public health by taking action as needed against companies that deceive consumers and put them at risk by illegally selling products marketed for therapeutic uses for which they are not approved, such as those claiming to treat cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. Consumers should beware of purchasing or using any such products.”

Given the interest in products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds, and CBD in particular, the FDA has and continues to take an agency-wide, integrated, and collaborative approach to addressing the regulation of products made from CBD that fall under its jurisdiction. The agency has established a high-level internal working group to explore potential pathways for various types of CBD products to be lawfully marketed. An important component of this work is obtaining and evaluating information to address outstanding questions related to the safety of CBD products that will inform the agency’s consideration of potential regulatory frameworks for CBD while maintaining the FDA’s rigorous public health standards. As part of that work, the FDA held a public hearing in May, and opened a docket for written comments, to obtain scientific data and information about the safety, manufacturing, product quality, marketing, labeling and sale of products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds.

“We will continue to work to protect the health and safety of American consumers from products that are being marketed in violation of the law through actions like those the FDA is taking today. At the same time, we also recognize the potential opportunities and significant interest in drug and other consumer products containing CBD,” said FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner Amy Abernethy, M.D., Ph.D. “We understand this is an important national issue with public health impact and of interest to American hemp farmers and many other stakeholders. The agency has a well-established pathway for drug development and drug approvals, and we remain committed to evaluating the agency’s regulatory policies related to other types of CBD products. We plan to report our progress by early this fall as we expedite our work to address the many questions about CBD. The step-wise, science-based approach we’re taking protects patients and the public health, fosters innovation for safe and appropriate products, and promotes consumer confidence.”

As described in the warning letter issued to Curaleaf, the company used product webpages, its online store and social media websites to make unfounded claims about more than a dozen different CBD products. Examples of the unsupported and unapproved claims made by the company include:

“CBD has been demonstrated to have properties that counteract the growth of [and/or] spread of cancer.”
“CBD was effective in killing human breast cancer cells.” • “CBD has also been shown to be effective in treating Parkinson’s disease.”
“CBD has been linked to the effective treatment of Alzheimer’s disease ….”
“CBD is being adopted more and more as a natural alternative to pharmaceutical-grade treatments for depression and anxiety.”
“CBD can also be used in conjunction with opioid medications, and a number of studies have demonstrated that CBD can in fact reduce the severity of opioid-related withdrawal and lessen the buildup of tolerance.”
“CBD oil is becoming a popular, all-natural source of relief used to address the symptoms of many common conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety … ADHD.”
“What are the benefits of CBD oil? …. Some of the most researched and well-supported hemp oil uses include …. Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, and even schizophrenia …. Chronic pain from fibromyalgia, slipped spinal discs . . . Eating disorders and addiction . . ..”
“[V]ets will prescribe puppy Xanax to pet owners which can help in certain instances but is not necessarily a desirable medication to give your dog continually. Whereas CBD oil is natural and offers similar results without the use of chemicals.”
“For dogs experiencing pain, spasms, anxiety, nausea or inflammation often associated with cancer treatments, CBD (aka cannabidiol) may be a source of much-needed relief.”
The FDA has requested responses from Curaleaf within 15 working days stating how the violations will be corrected. Failure to correct the violations promptly may result in legal action, including product seizure and injunction.

The agency continues to be concerned at the proliferation of products asserting to contain CBD that are marketed for therapeutic or medical uses that have not been approved by the FDA. The FDA approval process ensures that drugs on the market are safe and effective for their intended therapeutic uses. CBD is marketed in a variety of product types, such as oil drops, capsules, syrups, teas and topical lotions and creams. Often such products are sold online and are therefore available throughout the country. Other than one prescription human drug product to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy, the FDA has not approved any other CBD products, and there is very limited information for other marketed CBD products, which likely differ in composition from the FDA-approved product and have not been evaluated for potential adverse effects on the body.

Unlike drugs approved by the FDA, the manufacturing process of these products has not been subject to FDA review as part of the drug approval process, and there has been no FDA evaluation of whether these products are effective for their intended use, what the proper dosage is, how they could interact with FDA-approved drugs, or whether they have dangerous side effects or other safety concerns. Unsubstantiated claims associated with CBD products may lead consumers to put off getting important medical care, such as proper diagnosis, treatment and supportive care. For that reason, it’s important that consumers talk to a health care professional about the best way to treat diseases or conditions with existing, approved treatment options. The FDA also cautions pet owners against the use of such products and recommends talking with a veterinarian about appropriate treatment options for pets. The agency also has not approved cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds like CBD for any use in animals and cannot ensure the safety or effectiveness of these products.

The FDA has previously sent warning letters to other companies illegally selling CBD products that claimed to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure serious diseases, such as cancer. Some of these products were in further violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act because they were marketed as dietary supplements or because they involved the addition of CBD to food.

The agency encourages health care professionals and consumers to report adverse reactions associated with these or similar products to the agency’s MedWatch program.

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, promotes and protects the public health by, among other things, assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.
 
While this site does have affiliate links to purchase CBD, it also seems to be a good source for info.

CBD AND DRUG INTERACTIONS: AN EASY GUIDE

cbd_and_drugs_interaction_easy_guide

looking for the best cbd manufacturer?
Look no more!
I’ve compiled a list of the best CBD products & manufacturers and they’re even broken down by specific use-cases.
You can read more by clicking here.

**IMPORTANT: CBD AND DRUG INTERACTIONS ARE NOT A JOKE. IF YOU WANT TO START TAKING CBD AND ARE ALREADY TAKING OTHER MEDICATIONS, PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST!**

While CBD is safe to use, it can potentially mess with other medications you may be taking.

This quick guide should be all you need to safely use CBD even if you have other medications you need to take.

can cbd interact with other drugs?

Yes.

The way that CBD is metabolized by your body can interfere with how your body normally metabolizes other drugs you take.

If those other drugs arn’t metabolized properly, they can hang around and stay in your system longer than you want.

This can cause negative side effects and complications.

One kind of drug you should pay special attention to is a blood thinner like warfarin.

Taking CBD with warfarin can make the warfarin stay in your system for too long without being broken down.

CBD drug interactions arn’t always bad.

They can actually be a good thing. CBD can make other drugs more effective, so much so that you can reduce the dosage of those other drugs and thus have less negative side effects to deal with.

the grapefruit test is all you need

Thank you to Martin Lee of Project CBD for inspiring the Grapefruit Test.

If you haven’t been to Project CBD yet, make sure to check it out.

They are running a great site with lots of useful information about cannabis medicine.

As Lee explained in his class CBD 101, CBD interacts with other medications in your body in the same way as grapefruit, only even stronger.
grapefruit 154469 640

Have you ever been told not to take your medication with grapefruit?

This is because compounds in grapefruits can interfere with the metabolism of many medications.

CBD does the same thing. But as I said above, the effect is even stronger with CBD.

Do the grapefruit test with your doctor or pharmacist.

Ask them: “Should I avoid eating grapefruits or drinking grapefruit juice with this medication?”

They will know exactly what you are talking about.

If they say yes, you should avoid grapefruits with your medication, you now know you need to be careful about mixing CBD with those same meds as well.

Talk to your doctor about CBD and tell them about it if they say you should avoid grapefruits with your medication.

Alternatively, you can skip the Grapefruit Test and just directly tell your doctor you want to use CBD.

We always recommend you do this anyway, even if your doctor doesn’t work with cannabis.

Medical schools don’t educate physicians about the endocannainoid system, the most widespread receptor system in the human body.

But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t educate them about it!

If your doctor is aware of your CBD usage, he may decide to monitor your blood work more closely or tell you to avoid taking CBD at the exact same time as your other medications.

Play it safe and keep CBD safe. If you take other drugs, make sure they won’t interact negatively with CBD before you start taking CBD.
 
Can CBD Improve Gut Health?

CBD improving the health of a gut

More and more patients are turning to cannabis and CBD for digestive issues, including IBD. Image Credit: By lanatoma on shutterstock.

Michael* is a 15-year-old high-school student who first came into my office with his parents. At four years old, Michael had a “nervous tummy.” For a long time, doctors thought he was lactose and gluten intolerant. Michael reported feeling fatigued, and his body ached all the time. He was embarrassed because he had to plan his life around the restroom, he had constant diarrhea and constipation. After numerous endoscopies and colonoscopies he was finally diagnosed with colitis. Michael tried every medication; anti-inflammatory, steroids, anti-diarrhea, pain medication, and antibiotics.

Nothing worked for his deep penetrating stomach cramps and bleeding colon. His gastroenterologist said after failing all conventional therapies, the next step for Michael would be a bowel resection —they wanted to remove his colon. Michael was so frustrated; he began searching online for help. He came across thousands of websites where patients talked about how they cured colitis or managed their symptoms by smoking pot. Some of these patients had detailed instructions for “how-to-grow marijuana,” lists of highly recommended dispensaries, or recipes for “pot brownies.” The sources of information and misinformation were endless. Michael admitted to his parents that he began smoking cannabis for the last three months. He told his parents it helped him with tremendously with the pain and cramping. Before trying the cannabis, Michael would get up five times a night, sitting on the toilet with searing cramps, trying not to wake up his parents sleeping in the room next door. After only a month of cannabis use, he started sleeping through the night, and the blood and mucus in his stools lessened significantly. His parents soon realized that Michael would continue to use cannabis without their consent. They came into my office asking for medical guidance.

Research Shows More Patients Using Cannabis for IBD

Michael’s case is a common one and a prevalent condition I see in my office. According to the results of a cross-sectional study presented at Digestive Disease Week, approximately one-third of patients with inflammatory bowel disease report actively using cannabis, with 45 percent report using cannabis for the management of their IBD (irritable bowel disorder) related symptoms. Just like Michael, anecdotal data reports medical cannabis can be helpful in managing stomach pain, bloating, nausea, and increasing appetite. Unfortunately, due to its illegal status, clinical studies for the efficacy of cannabis and IBD are lacking. Early studies have shown that cannabis can help people with digestive diseases such as colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn’s disease.

The Gut-Brain Connection (i.e. the Impact of Stress on Your Stomach)

Ever wonder why you have butterflies in your stomach when you are stressed? Why do you run to the bathroom before speaking in front of an audience? These are clear examples of how your gut responds to stress. There is a gut-brain connection that links the nervous system to the gastrointestinal system.

There are two competing parts of your nervous system: the sympathetic and parasympathetic system. The sympathetic system is the fight or flight response. This system kicks into gear when you have to perform public speaking, meet a deadline, or when you’re exercising. The sympathetic system causes your pupils to dilate, heart rate increase, blood pressure rise, and sweat. The parasympathetic system helps you digest your food, sleep, dream, relax. Unfortunately, most of us are all living in a perpetual state of a fight or flight response. We are overworked, overtired, and overstimulated. This constant state of stress results in digestive issues such as bloating, irregular bowel movements, reflux, and rapid weight gain/loss. Stress may cause a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the stomach, which could lead to cramping, inflammation, or an imbalance of gut bacteria.

How CBD May Help Gastrointestinal Conditions

The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is a system that modulates and interfaces with all of the other systems throughout your entire body. It regulates both physical functions, such as movement, pain sensation, and immune responses, and cognitive or mental capacities, like perception, mood, and memory. The ECS naturally produces cannabinoid-like molecules that stimulate the body’s cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are in many areas of the body, such as the brain, muscles, fat (adipose tissue), and the entire GI tract. There is a galaxy of cannabinoid receptors in the digestive system.

CBD (cannabidiol) is a potent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. CBD may potentially be useful in the treatment of IBD and related gastrointestinal conditions. It may reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and help relieve the anxiety and stress linked to gastrointestinal disorders. Using CBD and hemp oil, which is a rich source of omega fatty acids, as well as incorporating an anti-inflammatory diet (avoid processed foods, limit sugars and animal protein, and an abundance of vegetables), is a good start. If you are thinking about integrating CBD for digestive issues, do not stop taking your prescribed medications, but do talk to your health care provider.
 
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Well... lookie what's starting to show up in medical publications....

CBD may alleviate seizures, benefit behaviors in people with neurodevelopmental conditions

by Mark Derewicz, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine

cbd

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A marijuana plant extract, also known as cannabidiol (CBD), is being commonly used to improve anxiety, sleep problems, pain, and many other neurological conditions. Now UNC School of Medicine researchers show it may alleviate seizures and normalize brain rhythms in Angelman syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental condition.

Published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the research conducted using Angelman syndrome animal models shows that CBD could benefit kids and adults with this serious condition, which is characterized by intellectual disability, lack of speech, brain rhythm dysfunction, and deleterious and often drug-resistant epilepsy.

"There is an unmet need for better treatments for kids with Angelman syndrome to help them live fuller lives and to aid their families and caregivers," said Ben Philpot, Ph.D., Kenan Distinguished Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology and associate director of the UNC Neuroscience Center. "Our results show CBD could help the medical community safely meet this need."

CBD, which is a major phytocannabinoid constituent of cannabis, has already shown to have anti-epileptic, anti-anxiety, and anti-psychotic effects. And in 2018, the FDA approved CBD for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare forms of epilepsy, but little is known about the potential anti-seizure and behavioral effects of CBD on Angelman symptom.

The Philpot lab is a leader in the creation of genetically modified mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders, and they use these models to identify new treatments for various diseases, such as Rett, Pitt-Hopkins, and Angelman syndromes.

In experiments led by first author Bin Gu, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in the Philpot lab, the UNC-Chapel Hill researchers systematically tested the beneficial effects of CBD on seizures, motor deficits, and brain activity abnormalities—as measured by EEG—in mice that genetically model Angelman syndrome, with the expectation that this information could guide eventual clinical use.

The researchers found that a single injection of CBD substantially lessened seizure severity in mice when the seizures were experimentally triggered by elevated body temperature or loud sounds. A typical anti-convulsant dose of CBD (100 mg/kg) caused mild sedation in mice but had little effect on motor coordination or balance. CBD also restored the normal brain rhythms which are commonly impaired in Angelman syndrome.

"We're confident our study provides the preclinical framework necessary to better guide the rational development of CBD as a therapy to help lessen seizures associated with Angelman syndrome and other neurodevelopmental disorders," Gu said.

Philpot and Gu added that patients and families should always seek advice from their physician before taking any CBD products, and that a human clinical trial is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety.
 
O.K anecdote time on the CBD thread. Felt like sharing my experience.
Once again going through a forced tolerance break. :ugh: However, I have been buying locally grown "Farm to table" Hemp buds to keep me busy with my vapes. To be exact this. flxcbd.com/online-store/4-Strain-Sample-Pack-You-Choose-3-5g-Each-p139535262
And from the local farmer's market. headandheal.com
Did not know that hemp flowers could even contain trichomes. Some people have a dim view of hemp. A hoax or psychosomatic perhaps. Well now I'm getting flowers that have been bred and cured for tea/vaping. The legal loophole being that it is intended for 'tea' or food. So it's at least 'top shelf.' Getting some familiar flavor notes for 1/4 of the price.
Have to admit, I've always joked/dreamed about getting buds from the farmer's market or 'farm to table'. :zzz: And it's happening with these legal hemp buds. Complete with lab reports. So I feel like the groundwork for getting the headier stuff is being layed out. If that ever becomes part of a future farm bill. :wink:

Now I need to hear from the US gov report to see if I am truly throwing my money away. It does seem to help with my tinnitus and keeping me from jonesing or being irritable. Psychosomatic or not. I like to think it is helping with stress like the stronger stuff without the 'side effects' and euphoria or elevation. But I might feel elevated in some sense.

The very first time I tried CBD buds , I was on a TB for a week prior, FWIW. I did feel some sort of electrical pulse switching between my right and left, so there was some sort of cannabinoid receptor action, perhaps. I'll wait for the US to get with it's research before delving any deeper. So I don't feel foolish and have buyer's remorse.
:peace:
 
I enjoy CBD hemp flower a lot. I mix it with my THC heavy cannabis to stretch it and to experience the high differently. I find that mixing in CBD helps reduce paranoia and takes the edge off the high. I also have some high CBD RSO that I take for pain at work and it really helps, it also seems to elevate my mood which is good as I work in a customer service style job and that can emotionally exhaust me.

For a while now Troy has been saying conduction vapes get more effects out of hemp flower than convection or hybrid vapes do. Has anyone tried this and can chime in? I’m wondering if there really is a difference. And then I wonder if it’s worthwhile to get an all conduction vape just for CBD flower.
 
Full-spectrum cannabis extracts VS CBD isolate

The public profile of CBD has soared in recent years, with users using it to treat all manner of ailments and conditions. It can be consumed in a variety of ways, ranging from simple oral consumption to topical use and even vaping. There are two main forms of CBD on the market. These are 'full spectrum' CBD and CBD isolate. There are a number of key differences between the two, which we will look at in this article. We will also look at methods of consumption, as this can have dramatic impact on the efficacy of CBD. As we will see, full-spectrum CBD is more popular, and for good reason, but isolate has certain benefits that might appeal to different CBD users.

The increased popularity of CBD has led many users to raise questions about the methods of extracting and administering CBD. The main question is which form provides the most effective range of medical benefits for the user. The two most common forms of extracted CBD found in stores are full-spectrum (whole-plant extract) and pure CBD isolate. Most users prefer the full-spectrum option. As CBD's usefulness for medical purposes has become more accepted over the years, new methods of administering it have continued to evolve.

This has left some users concerned not just with which form of extracted CBD is most effective or what the proper dosage for them may be, but also with which method of supplementation gives the user the most relief in the right amount of time. Some of the most common methods include applying it sublingually, topically, or taking it in capsules. Vaping cbd is regarded by many to be the most bio-available way to administer, and as such, this has led to an increase in the demand for CBD isolate. This form of CBD is different from full-spectrum CBD extract in that it only contains CBD and none of the other cannabinoids, terpenes, or healthy fatty acids that commonly result from the whole-plant extraction process.

Cannabis, with its complex chemical structure, contains over 100 active cannabinoids aside from CBD. It also contains terpenes, which have anti-inflammatory properties, and are regarded as increasing the efficacy of cannabinoids. Although they are not rated as important as CBD when it comes medical benefits, some of these other cannabinoids have been found to have symptom alleviating qualities as well. The cannabinoids CBN and CBG for example, are found in most full-spectrum extracts and studies have shown that both contain anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and pain relieving properties.

Whole-plant extracts typically contain a carefully measured amount of the cannabis plant's most prominent cannabinoid, THC, although usually not in a large enough amount to have any psychological effects. In many countries, a certain percentage of THC is illegal, so it is vital to know the amount of this cannabinoid when manufacturing products that contain full-spectrum CBD. When present together, CBD and its cannabinoid colleagues, as well as terpenes, produce what is known as an entourage effect. The synergistic relationship between cannabinoids and terpenes has been shown to increase the healing properties of each.

A study published by the Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, which aimed its focus on the effectiveness of CBD isolate compared to full-plant extract, supported this concept, stating in its summary that "in all of the tests, the isolated CBD was ineffective both before and after a certain dosage, while the effectiveness of the full-spectrum solution continued to increase as higher doses were administered. The results all indicate that CBD is only effective against swelling and pain at a certain dose, and that cannabis solutions containing a full range of cannabinoids will continue to provide corresponding effects as the dosage is increased."

Given the results of this study, it would seem to confirm that full-spectrum extract is preferable over CBD isolate for most CBD users, but CBD isolate is still frequently used and believed by some to be more effective than full-plant extract. This belief is led by the idea that CBD is the only medically sought after cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, aside from THC. Many CBD isolate users are under the impression that by consuming only the CBD cannabinoid and no terpenes or any other "unnecessary" components of the plant, they are getting a more powerful or effective dose of CBD. When vaping a CBD extract, which as stated previously, is considered to be the most efficient and quick-acting method of administering CBD, isolate users may feel that they are taking the most efficient route to CBD consumption. While this method might be efficient, the lack of entourage effect means the benefits are reduced when compared to full-spectrum CBD consumption.

However, CBD isolate does have something to offer CBD users that full-spectrum extracts does not. The fact that full-spectrum extracts invariably contain low levels of THC means that some users prefer to play it safe and stick to pure CBD by itself, out of fear of failing a drug test or experiencing a form of "high", although both of these occurrences have been found to be fairly unlikely.

THC is one of the cannabinoids involved in the "entourage effect" stated earlier so it is ideal for inclusion in CBD supplementation. A recent article on full-spectrum CBD demonstrates the importance of THC inclusion by stating, "In hemp THC is a minor constituent and appears only in trace amounts under 0.3% by dry weight, as required by the U.S. government for hemp products. THC mimics the action of anandamide, a neurotransmitter naturally produced in the human body, and binds to CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system found mostly in the brain. The extremely low levels of THC in hemp make hemp oil non-psychoactive and safe for all ages to use."

The wide range of benefits contained in full-spectrum CBD extracts means some CBD merchants have either ceased to sell, or scale down the promotion of CBD isolate, in comparison to the whole-plant extract variety. Companies and individuals who extract CBD themselves are realising that cannabis has more to offer medicinally than just CBD or THC, and that there is little to no reason to not include all that this "super-plant" has to offer in the extraction process.

This all serves to underline the importance of testing CBD extract for the various levels of active ingredients. If your homemade CBD extract contains a high amount of THC it could be illegal in your country and require you use either a different method of extraction, or more likely, the need to find a source of hemp that has lower THC. As more scientific literature emerges supporting the entourage effect, and increased benefits of full-spectrum CBD compared to CBD isolate, we can expect the manufacture and sale of CBD goods based around isolate to greatly reduce in the coming years.

References:
http://www.scirp.org/Journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=53912#.VP4EIildXvY

http://www.medicalmarijuanainc.com/full-spectrum-hemp-oil/
 
For a while now Troy has been saying conduction vapes get more effects out of hemp flower than convection or hybrid vapes do. Has anyone tried this and can chime in? I’m wondering if there really is a difference. And then I wonder if it’s worthwhile to get an all conduction vape just for CBD flower.
I was getting sore throat with my EVO. So I tried lower temps. Still a little harsh. Could possibly be how it is cured or the composition of hemp buds?
So after reading your post I broke out the PAX 1. And it works amazingly well. Toasting it seems to be better and it taste more like a strong tea experience. Thanks for the suggestion! And my conduction vapes are happy to be back in rotation. :smile:
 
Here's How Long It Takes to Feel the Effects of CBD
Plus the preferred method for feeling it fastest.

CBD oil is the top trendy ingredient on the market right now. It's so popular, in fact, that revenue from products made with CBD are projected to grow to $20 billion by 2024.

In case you’re wondering what is CBD, exactly?, here’s a quick refresher: CBD is a naturally occurring compound present in the flowers and leaves of cannabis plants. There's no THC in it, which means it can’t get you high, no matter how much you take.

The reason CBD is so compelling to consumers is due to a laundry list of promising purported health benefits, from reduced muscle pain and anxiety to help with nausea, insomnia, and inflammation. We're still waiting for clearance from the FDA (and more robust research on the proven perks of the ingredient), but in the meantime, many Americans are eager to test out the positive potential of CBD.

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to jump on the CBD bandwagon, you’re not alone. But as with any new food, drink, or supplement that promises health benefits, it’s best to start slow—and smart.

One question we often hear regarding trying CBD for the first time is how long it will take to have an effect on your body. According to Boris Shcharansky, the chief operating officer at Papa & Barkley, the length of time depends largely on the dosing method. Here’s a simple breakdown.

Topical forms of CBD
CBD topical products, like balm, ointments, and lotions, should take effect pretty immediately. Once you apply these products to your body, you should start feeling relief within about 15 minutes.

Ingestible forms of CBD
For ingestible products, like tinctures, capsules, gummies, and the like, the results are different. When kept under the tongue, tinctures typically absorb within 30 seconds and effects are felt within 15 minutes. When ingesting CBD (i.e., swallowing it or consuming a food that contains CBD), you can expect to feel the effects within about 45 minutes to two hours.

Don’t overdo it without waiting
If you’ve got aches, inflammation, or other issues that you’re hoping to soothe with CBD stat, be very careful not to overdose without waiting the appropriate period of time. “Ingesting CBD is typically associated with more attentiveness, less anxiety, and less inflammatory-related pain,” explains Shcharansky. “While higher doses—over 200 milligrams—have been associated with drowsiness.”

In other words, dosing should be determined on an individual basis, and consumers should be wary of high doses early on. If you’re curious what the right dosage of CBD is for you, read our guide here.

For those who are hoping to feel the effects of CBD as quickly as possible, Shcharansky recommends taking a tincture sublingually, meaning dropping it under your tongue, waiting a few seconds, and then swallowing.

“But the benefits of CBD are less about immediate effects and more about cumulative benefits,” he explains. “If you take CBD daily, you’ll continuously reduce your inflammation, which over time, should reduce your pain and keeps flare-ups at bay.”
 
CONTAMINATED CBD: Why you might want to buy it legally

CBD oil lacks the TCH required to get people high, but many take it for health reasons. (Getty Images)

CBD oil lacks the TCH required to get people high, but many take it for health reasons. (Getty Images)

With Statistics Canada reporting 578,000 new cannabis users in the last six months in its National Cannabis Survey, findings in a U.S. study are troublesome for those who buy CBD products online.

According to Statistics Canada, 28% of users claim they only purchase cannabis products from government-sanctioned retailers. That means 72% of the more than 5 million Canadians, age 15 and up, who reported recently using marijuana are looking to illegal sources — online dispensaries, unlicensed dispensaries and dealers — for cannabis products.

That’s disconcerting given a recent U.S. study by LegitScript that examined products from 300 online CBD merchants and found 98% were non-compliant with at least one regulation, Bloomberg reports.

One CBD product tested contained 18.5 times the amount of allowable lead.

John Horton, LegitScript founder and CEO, told Bloomberg the product “had so much lead in it that it’s roughly on par with Flint, Michigan drinking water.”

Other concerns have been raised around toxic or contaminated CBD imported from China.

Straight CBD products do not contain the THC required to get a user high. However, many people consume CBD oil and other products for help with health issues.

The Ontario Cannabis Store warns on its website about “unknown, undesirable ingredients” in illegal CBD as part of its pitch to encourage pot users to buy from government-sanctioned sources.

“Consumers have shown a strong demand for legal CBD-dominant cannabis products,” said Amanda Winton, of the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS). Since legalization “CBD” and “CBD Oils” have been the most commonly searched terms on OCS.ca.

Meanwhile, many of the issues that have frustrated cannabis consumers when they try to purchase from licensed retailers — such as supply — have improved since cannabis was legalized on Oct. 17, 2018, the agency suggests.

The OCS also noted products sold by licensed retailers have been tested rigorously and the label accurately reflects the content of the product.

Testing regulations dictate “regular inspections of production facilities, growing conditions and product storage,” the OCS website stated.

Health Canada inspectors also visit licensed retailers to ensure adherence to the Cannabis Act regulations — they collect product samples, soil, fertilizer, carrier oils, and then report their findings quarterly for each licensed retailer online.
 
Health Canada doesn't do a lot of testing. A brand spanking new legal recreational dispensary opened in a nearby town - a buddy went in and found most of the product available was over a year old. Health Canada certification doesn't mean as much as it should, and the costs for 'legal' cannabis are prohibitive, with pre-rolls being spotted at $16/, for example. A couple of the shops are dropping their prices down around $5/gram, but it's still hard to compete with $00.50/gram growing, or the $60 oz from the Buddy down the road, for example. If anyone wants a truly healthy product that they know exactly whats going into it they should be growing, or finding a designated grower.

Here is what you are paying for with 'legal' cannabis - for the legal right to smoke, vape or otherwise ingest things that many people wouldn't put on homegrown veggies. They aren't all 'bad' as such, and commercial growers use pesticides, I get it. But those don't tend to be smoked or vaped, and haven't been tested for that. As a consumer I want to be able to make choices based on product information, and reading the info from HC doesn't give me warm fuzzies as the regulations are more geared towards corporate profits than to end-user health and safety.

OrganiGram, in New Brunswick, was responsoble for an outbreak of Legionnaires Disease. No fines, nothing punitive, and no changes to their contract to provide cannabis to the province of New Brunswick. Want to purchase some cannabis from a growop at the centre of a large scale bacterial contamination? What if it's priced to compete with the grey market? What if it's labelled correctly: "$2.00/gram, but not guaranteed to not harm or kill you. Health Canada approved"

It's a safe bet that Health Canada has less interest in healthy Canadians than it is about corporate profit and tax revenues...

The link, at the bottom, is an interesting read...

(edit - PS - this evening is Part 2 of 'Medical Cannabis for Seniors', and todays topic will be 'making your own oil from the plants you grew in your garden'. It's as healthy as the soil and nutrients you use.
PPS - cinnamon water makes a good insect repellent...

~~~
The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) maintains a database repository of registered pesticides that are approved for use on marijuana.
As of September 13, 2017, there are 20 registered pesticides approved by PMRA for use on cannabis (marijuana) that is produced commercially indoors. They are:
  • Actinovate SP
  • Agrotek Ascend Vaporized Sulphur
  • Bio-Ceres G WP
  • Bioprotec Caf
  • Bioprotec Plus
  • Botanigard 22 WP
  • Botanigard ES
  • Cyclone
  • Doktor Doom Formula 420 Professional Use 3-in-1
  • Influence LC
  • Kopa Insecticidal Soap
  • Lacto-San
  • MilStop Foliar Fungicide
  • Neudosan Commercial
  • Opal Insecticidal Soap
  • Prestop
  • Rootshield(R) WP Biological Fungicide
  • Rootshield HC Biological Fungicide Wettable Powder
  • Sirocco
  • Vegol Crop Oil
 

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