Smyth Med

15/03/2021

Previously I have explained more about CBD and THC Now let’s look at how CBD attenuates the effect of THC.

CBD does not open the binding site at the CB1 receptor because it doesn't have the same affinity for the CB1 receptor cells that THC has,
(this is why CBD will never be an intoxicant).

But when both THC and CBD appear at the same CB1 receptor, the CBD molecules change the shape of the receptor and tamps down THC signaling, lessening its psychotropic response.

Keep in mind though, at the CB1 receptors THC is involved in so many bodily processes: antipain, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, vasodilation, anabolic regulation, body temp regulation, apoptosis, and infectious response.

THC @ CB1 is a superhero! Even more, this molecule has hard-working and equally audacious sidekicks in the form of terpenes, flavonoids, and a few hundred other cannabinoids

A better understanding of the on-switch for cannabis could help researchers design THC-like molecules without the side effects.

12/03/2021

In Unraveling the Mysteries of Cannabis Genetics, Justin Calvino teaches you how to read a cannabis plant. Each flower tells a story – a reflection of the person that grew it and an expression of the environment that nurtured it.

https://buff.ly/3t57Lqv

11/03/2021

Cannabis-it causes anxiety and relieves anxiety. It helps nausea but makes some throw up. It has a bad reputation for inducing psychosis, and yet it’s being tested as an antipsychotic.

This is an interesting phenomenon of cannabis, known as bidirectional effects, and it’s related to the function of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

For example, if there is too much brain activity, cannabinoids can decrease it, but if there’s not enough, cannabinoids can increase activity.

By overstimulating the ECS, patients can accidentally trigger or worsen the same symptoms cannabis would otherwise relieve when dosed correctly.

THC - it causes euphoria, munchies, introspection, anxiety. How? Why? Most people explain receptor signaling as a lock and key. THC is the key and CB1 is the lock.

THC alters perception at CB1. THC molecules bind to these receptor sites and then once inside the cell, THC decreases GABA and initiates an increase in dopamine, and then voilá, you have the pleasant effects of THC.

But CB1 receptors are changeable and THC molecules are smaller than the receptor so scientists got curious about that. They used x-ray crystallography to visualize the THC molecules (they are too small for a regular microscope to see).

CB1 receptors look like sausage links, there are 7 “links” altogether, they are spirals of amino acids, when THC goes into the “seven sausages” called “helixes”, the helixes collapse around the molecule so the too large receptor now fits around the molecule.

A better understanding of the on-switch for cannabis could help researchers design THC-like molecules without the side effects.

10/03/2021

"Healing with H**p CBD Oil: A Simple Guide to Using Powerful and Proven Health Benefits of CBD (2017) by Earl Mindell"

The book begins by looking at the important role the h**p plant has played in both Eastern and Western societies as a source for paper, textiles, rope, and so much more. This is followed by a discussion of the science behind CBD’s medical benefits. The author then provides a consumer’s guide to buying h**p products―especially its oil and its CBD supplements―and offers an eye-opening examination of h**p’s legal status in the United States, from the 1900s to now. Finally, based on up-to-date studies, Dr. Mindell presents an A-to-Z guide to the many uses of h**p oil and CBD for various health conditions, from arthritis to depression to heart disease.

- Book recommended by ACNA (American Cannabis Nurse Association)

09/03/2021

Dosing for events that cause stress ranges from 20-300mg per day. CBD is certainly safer than benzodiazepine drugs like Ativan or Va**um.

08/03/2021

Happy International Women's Day Everyone ☺✨👩

08/03/2021

THC has been shown to have numerous medicinal effects, including relief of pain, inflammation, spasticity, nausea, anxiety, itching, seizures, and much more. (Healer)

Phytocannabinoids are a class of compounds found in plants (phyto-) that act upon the endocannabinoid system. The vast majority of phytocannabinoids are found in the species cannabis sativa, but other cannabinoids have been found elsewhere in the plant kingdom, such as piper nigrum (black pepper) an...

07/03/2021

The U.S drug policy hasn't reduced deaths, drug abuse, drug availability, or the spread of disease.

However, the policy has achieved success in squashing research on cannabis, one of the most versatile botanical medicines known to humanity since around 3000 BCE.

Furthermore, this policy has been really good at tearing apart black and brown families, communities and networks through mass incarceration and police brutality.

At the same, the Sackler family, unimpeded by any concerned drug policy makers, sneakily yet massively introduced the deadly painkiller OxyContin to the America’s rural working-poor in 1996.

Then, like a virus, the epidemic spread to all American, mostly white, communities—rich, poor, large, small, rural, urban.

Opioids are an equal opportunity destroyer, they take young and old alike.

American policy makers: let’s replace the at war mentality with services (health, psychiatry, employment, housing etc).

While you are doing that, you may as well redefine what you call medicine.

Mo Smyth, BSN, RN
Cannabis Educator 👩‍🏫
Ganjier in Training

"We found that the legalization of recreational ma*****na use in Colorado and Washington did not result in an increase in SUD [substance use disorder] treatment admissions for co***ne, opioids, or methamphetamines among adolescents or emerging adults.”

05/03/2021

The Medical Ma*****na Dispensary: Understanding, Medicating, and Cooking with Cannabis (2016) by Laurie Wolf and Mary Wolf

The use of medical ma*****na has been a valuable resource in the treatment of various conditions. But for many, the stigma and misinformation surrounding the medical or recreational use of cannabis is a deterrent in trying it for themselves. Part reference guide, part cannabis cookbook, The Medical Ma*****na Dispensary will arm you with everything you need to decide for yourself if medical ma*****na is right for you.

-Recommended by ACNA (American Cannabis Nurse Association)

04/03/2021

Social anxiety disorder includes avoidance behavior and distressful anticipation of many things. (Sulak, 2019)

03/03/2021

Unfortunately, it’s very common for cannabis shops to be filled with people who have never been given proper training about cannabis, and are not equipped with the proper tools to truly service the modern cannabis consumer. But it’s not their fault!

Cannabis shops are the face of the cannabis industry, and they should be the epicenter for expert knowledge and service.