CBD: CBD, or Cannabidiol, is one of the many active compounds found in the cannabis plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, is another active compound and the most well-known, thanks to its psychoactive properties, this compound being the one that gets you “high.” Luckily, CBD is nonpsychoactive and shares many of the medical benefits as THC. This allows you to inherit the benefits without leaving you with the intoxicated feeling that often goes hand in hand with THC. There has also been research that has shown that CBD is a very effective painkiller and has anti-inflammatory properties. This can help make internal and external pain much more manageable. What’s also nice about this compound is that it is not addictive and very safe for you to take. Even if you take too much, at worst you will have a headache, indigestion, or grogginess. When it comes to the medicinal properties of CBD, there are many different ways to take it, including gummies, oil, capsules, and cream. The main uses for CBD would be: pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, mood balance, seizures, and more!

CBG: Cannabigerol, or CBG, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid generally abundant in low-THC and high- CBD cannabis strains, including hemp. Like THC, CBG reacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. CBG is the inspiration for other cannabinoids. While CBD has a relatively low affinity for cannabinoid receptors and interacts mostly with the endocannabinoid system on an indirect basis, CBG is thought to interact directly with the brain’s CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. CBG works to fight inflammation, pain, nausea and works to slow the proliferation of cancer cells. CBG has been called ‘inactive’ when compared to THC, but it has slight similarity for CB1 receptors, roughly equal to that of CBD. Like CBD, it has painkilling and anti-inflammatory properties, indicating that there is scope for developing cannabinoid drugs that do not have the psychoactive properties of THC. The main uses for CBG are usually pain, higher levels of anxiety, depression, mood balance, and more!

CBN: CBN stands for cannabinol. CBN can often be found in aged cannabis, particularly cannabis that has been exposed to a lot of oxygen. Research is still in its preliminary phases; however, studies have found CBN to be highly effective in helping people get better quality sleep. Although it acts a lot like CBD, its origin is different, as it is the product of oxidization. Manufacturers expose THC to heat and light, which
breaks it down, leaving behind CBN. Because of this, no strains of cannabis contain high levels of CBN themselves. CBN comes from the breakdown of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC, while it can be mildly psychoactive itself, it does not produce a high like THC at all. CBN is created when THC-A oxidizes. CBN, though not as widely used for anti-inflammatory purposes as CBD or THC, may have similar abilities
to treat a variety of inflammatory ailments. A 2009 study on cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, identified CBN as a possible treatment for inflammatory disorders such as allergic asthma. Research has also revealed that CBN can treat glaucoma by reducing inflammation that causes intraocular pressure. CBN can be used effectively as a sleep aid or sedative. In addition to its effectiveness as a sleep aid, CBN has recently been identified as a potential painkiller. As previously mentioned, CBN has different mechanisms of action than CBD and THC. Though one of the main uses of CBN would be sleep! This cannabinoid is usually used in products for sleep and are especially powerful when paired with CBD.

Delta-8 & Delta-9: Delta-8 and Delta-9 are fairly new compounds in the CBD world. From a biological standpoint, Delta-8 and Delta-9 differ mostly due to the location of a double bind in their molecular chain. Delta-8 is a minor cannabinoid in hemp and cannabis plants, meaning it is found less abundantly than major cannabinoids like CBD or Delta-9. Though research containing cannabinoids in general is still fairly new but, we do know some major factors that affect how these two variants of THC can impact users. Structure-wise, Delta-8 shares more in common with Delta-9 than it does with CBD. Although CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, it doesn’t have the same effect on the brain’s CB1 and CB2 as its THC equivalents. Delta-8 is a significant cannabinoid, mainly thanks to its ability to serve as a more relaxed and efficient alternative for Delta-9. Though it is a major cannabinoid that can be found in abundance in cannabis, extraction is usually fairly cheap and simple as a result. It tends to be derived from marijuana plants specifically. While there is no denying that Delta-9 is a potent compound, being about twice as strong, not to mention an effective and natural healer for those suffering from a multitude of conditions and medical issues, it also brings with it quite a few undesirable side effects. Paranoia and anxiety often top the list of unfavorable side effects linked with traditional marijuana, along with sleep issues and addiction with longer-term use. Delta-8 doesn’t appear to have many of these harmful effects, at least not nearly to the same extent as Delta-9. This makes it a top choice for those seeking similar relaxational properties and euphoric effects to Delta-9, but with far less of the unpleasant mental side effects. Delta- 8 may very well help with sleep in some users. A consistent, regular routine with the right amount will play a major factor.

Depending on your condition, our employees at AHS can help you find what you need. We also have free consultations with the owner and nurse if you have any questions on medications, your current condition, and more!

Let’s start this discussion with what a lack of sleep can do to your body. In a short term case, the effects won’t harm you long term. Though you will likely feel much more groggy, moody, or even fatigued. Though for long term cases for a lack of sleep, those effects may be more dangerous. According to research, a lack of sleep can cause a few different problems for the body. Such as a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, risk for diabetes, risk of heart disease, mood changes, memory issues, trouble with thinking and concentration, etc. Long term, this can become detrimental to your quality of life and have lifelong consequences if you aren’t careful. Though these conditions are NOT guaranteed to happen, you have a much higher chance than someone who gets the proper amount of sleep. So what can be done to combat this problem? And how much sleep should I be getting?

There are a few different methods that people use to fight against this issue. Some can use sleeping pills, melatonin, CBN (the cannabinoid for sleep), though each one has their level of effectiveness. Though they can have their side effects, for example, if you take melatonin consistently, your body can build a tolerance to it after two years! When taking prescription sleeping pills over a long period of time, your body grows accustomed to the drug, and you need higher and higher doses to get the same sleep- inducing effect, just like melatonin. But, if you take a high enough dose, this could lead to depressed breathing while you sleep, which can cause death. So always be careful of that. We also have a blog on our website discussing the effects of CBN in your body, and how it helps with sleep in more detail. That compound being a safer option.

Generally, the amount of sleep you need depends on your age. Generally, this is the amount of sleep each age group needs:

• Teens 13-18 need about 8-10 hours of sleep per 24 hours
• Adults 18-60 need about 7 or more hours per night
• Older adults, 65+ years need about 7 to 8 hours per night

So, what is an alternative method to getting better sleep? In this blog, we will be discussing how certain minerals can be used to help with sleep and keeping your body healthier. Today, we will be discussing Magnesium and Calcium specifically and how they interact with your body.

Calcium
Calcium is directly linked to our cycles of sleep. In one study, published in the European Neurology Journal, researchers discovered that calcium levels in the body are greater during some of the deepest levels of sleep, such as the rapid eye movement (REM) phase. The study determined that disturbances in sleep, especially the absence of REM deep sleep or disturbed REM sleep, are related to a calcium deficiency. Return to the normal course of sleep was attained after the stabilization of the blood calcium level. Calcium supports the brain use the amino acid tryptophan to manufacture the sleep-inducing substance melatonin. This explains why dairy products, which contain both tryptophan and calcium, are one of the top sleep-inducing foods.

Magnesium
In magnesium deficiency, chronic insomnia is one of the major, significant symptoms. Sleep is usually disturbed with frequent nighttime awakenings. On the other hand, a high magnesium, low aluminum diet has been shown to be correlated with deeper, less interrupted sleep. This was demonstrated in a study done by James Penland at the Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota. The study was titled “Effects of trace element nutrition on sleep patterns in adult women.” It’s crucial to note that a reasonable ratio of calcium and magnesium is important to overall health, and these two minerals should be taken together for best results. Magnesium is also able to help the body relax. This nutrient reduces stress and helps you sleep longer. You can get your needed dose of calcium and/or magnesium through supplements or through your day to day diet. Some more minerals that can be used for your health include Iron, Vitamin D, Vitamin B, Vitamin E, Potassium, and even Chamomile (usually found it teas). These are a good way to continue helping your body sleep and will keep you healthier overall.

Depending on how you want to go about your treatment, there will always be options available to you no matter how hard it may be to sleep. If you are truly concerned with your health, make sure to check in with a medical professional.

So, what is CBN? And what is it able to do for ALS?

Cannabinol (CBN) is one of the many cannabinoids in hemp and cannabis plants. But CBN is unique in that it develops much differently from fan-favorites like CBD or THC. Typically, the plant’s natural genetics controls the cannabinoids it produces. But CBN is different. Hemp and cannabis plants produce CBN as a byproduct of THC oxidation. What does that mean? Over time, as the plant is exposed to heat and light, THC transforms into CBN. Cannabinoids, the bioactive compounds of cannabis sativa, exert their activity by binding to the CB1 and CB2
receptors. The cannabinoid system seems to be involved in the pathology of ALS. Indeed, the spinal cord of ALS patients has been shown to present motor neuron damage triggered by immune system’s cells (microglia and macrophages) that express increased levels of the CB2 cannabinoid receptor. Cannabinol (CBN) is generally used to ease symptoms and side effects of neurological conditions, including epilepsy, seizures, and uncontrollable muscle stiffness. THCA. Tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA) is similar to THC, but it does not cause any psychoactive
effects.

“According to a single observational study of patients with ALS, only the 10 percent who admitted consuming cannabis revealed moderate relief of several symptoms, including appetite loss, depression, pain and drooling,” researchers wrote. “In addition, spasticity is also a major problem for ALS patients, which reported that cannabis can subjectively improve spasticity.”

However, most of the studies proving the ability of cannabinoids in delay disease progression and prolong survival in ALS were performed in animal model, whereas the few clinical trials that investigated cannabinoids-based medicines were focused only on the alleviation of ALS-related symptoms, not on the control of disease progression.

While there is no current cure for ALS, CBN is able to help alleviate the symptoms and give some a better quality of life.

Please consult your primary care physician before starting a new treatment.

Our team of specialists are always available to provide you with education and assist you with any questions regarding CBD and any other cannabinoids you may be curious about.