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7 Health Benefits of CBD

February 11, 2020
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7 HEALTH BENEFITS OF CBD

Things you may not have known, that are good to know.

 

 

 

Cannabidiol (CBD), is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It’s a naturally occurring substance that can be isolated to make products such as CBD oils and edibles. Unlike it’s cousin cannabinoid THC, which is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, CBD does not produce a “high” feeling.

So what does CBD do? Here’s what you need to know about 7 potential medical uses of CBD and where the research stands:

 

 

1. Anxiety Relief

Research on CBD is still in its infancy, but there is mounting evidence to suggest it can be an effective method of anxiety relief. How exactly? Well, researchers think it may change the way our brain’s receptors respond to serotonin, a chemical closely linked to mental health. Receptors are tiny proteins attached to your individual cells that enable the cell to receive chemical messages and help respond appropriately to different stimuli.

One study found that a 600mg dose of CBD helped people with social anxiety give a speech, while others have shown reduced symptoms of social anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder.  Other earlier studies done with animals have shown that CBD may help relieve anxiety by:

 

Reducing stress

Decreasing physiological effects of anxiety, such as an increased heart rate

Improving symptons of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

Inducing sleep in cases of insomnia

 

 

 

 

2. Anti-seizure

CBD has been in the news for some time now, especially as a possible treatment for epilepsy. The American Epilepsy Society states that cannabidiol research offers hope for seizure disorders, and that research is currently being conducted to better understand safe use.

The UNC School of Medicine researchers show it may alleviate seizures and normalize brain rhythms in Angelman syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental condition.

 

 

 

 

health benefits of cbd

3. Neuroprotective

Researchers are looking at a receptor located in the brain to learn about the ways that CBD could help people with neurodegenerative disorders, which are diseases that cause the brain and nerves to deteriorate over time. This receptor is known as CB1.  Researchers are studying the use of CBD oil for treating:

 

Alzheimer’s disease

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Parkinson’s disease

Stroke

 

CBD oil may also reduce the inflammation that can make neurodegenerative symptoms worse. Of course, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.

 

 

 

 

 

health benefits of cbd

4. Anti-acne

The effects of CBD on receptors in the immune system may help reduce overall inflammation in the body. In turn, CBD oil may offer benefits for acne management. A human study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that the oil prevented activity in sebaceous glands.

These glands are responsible for producing sebum, a natural oily substance that hydrates the skin. Too much sebum, however, can lead to acne.

 

 

 

 

health benefits of cbd

5. Pain Relief

The effects of CBD oil on your brain’s receptors may also help you manage pain. Studies have shown that cannabis can offer some benefits when taken after chemotherapy treatments. Other pre-clinical studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health are also looking at the role of cannabis in relieving symptoms caused by:

 

Arthritis

Chronic pain

MS pain

Muscle pain

Spinal cord injuries

 

Nabiximols (Sativex), a multiple sclerosis drug made from a combination of TCH and CBD, is approved in the United Kingdom and Canada to treat MS pain. However, some researchers think the CBD in the drug may be contributing more with its anti-inflammatory properties than by acting against the pain. Clinical trials of CBD are necessary to determine whether or not it should be used for pain management.

 

 

 

 

health benefits of cbd

6. Cancer Treatment

The key word here is “treatment”, not to be confused with “cure”. Even using treatment in the same sentence as cancer might be a little premature, but there is evidence to suggest CBD may help manage symptoms of cancer.

 

Pain relief: Both cancer and its treatment can lead to pain. CBD indirectly acts on the CB2 receptors, which may help with widespread pain relief by reducing inflammation.

Tumor: researchers noted in a 2016 study that the use of cannabinoids seem to inhibit the growth of many different types of tumor cell in both test tubes and animal models.

 

 

 

 

7. Weight Regulation

 Boost metabolism and reduce food intake

 

Preliminary research suggests that CBD may reduce food intake and boost metabolism, which could promote weight loss.

Animal studies indicate that CBD affects 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.

While such results are promising, there are not enough human studies to support these findings, and more research is needed to be conclusive.

 

Browning of fat cells

 

Two types of fat exist in your body: White and Brown.

White fat is the predominant form, and it’s also the type of fat most associated with chronic illness when accumulated in excess. Brown fat, on the other hand, is responsible for generating heat by burning calories.

You can convert white fat to brown by exercising, getting adequate sleep, and exposing yourself to cold temperatures. Interestingly, research shows that CBD may aid this process. However, more human research is needed to confirm these effects.

Read more about CBD and weight management here.

 

 

 

 

8. CBD oil side effects

CBD oil does not pose any major risk for consumers. Unlike traditional medications for pain management, there are no apparent lethal doses of CBD. This is because the drug does not affect the central nervous system in the way that opiates do. However, some side effects are possible.  These could include:

 

Depression

Dizziness

Hallucinations

Low blood pressure

Withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability and insomnia

 

More human studies are needed to fully understand the range of risks and side effects that CBD oil may cause. Studies of CBD on its own aren’t common, as most studies are done on the cannabis plant as a whole and not on CBD isolated.

 

 

 

 

Summary

CBD may not help, but it will not hurt.

 

CBD oil does not pose any major risk for consumers. Unlike traditional medications for pain management, there are no apparent lethal doses of CBD. This is because the drug does not affect the central nervous system in the way that opiates do. However, some side effects are possible.  These could include:

 

Depression

Dizziness

Hallucinations

Low blood pressure

Withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability and insomnia

 

More human studies are needed to fully understand the range of risks and side effects that CBD oil may cause. Studies of CBD on its own aren’t common, as most studies are done on the cannabis plant as a whole and not on CBD isolated. However, the potential health benefits of CBD cannot be ignored.

 

 

 

Now you know, the things that are good to know.

 

 

 

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Happy Birthday Canada 2019

July 3, 2019
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cbn winnipeg

Happy Canada Day!

A Day We All Appreciate and Await

This is the day that all Canadians look forward to and await. A day we appreciate/ celebrate Canada for all that it is, was and what it will become, we love you Canada!

Happy Birthday Canada!

From your friends at Character Co.

Happy Birthday, Canada! We love celebrating Canada Day. A huge thank you to our amazing customers for your love and support, and to our incredible staff for their appreciated efforts. Above all, thank you, Canada, we love you!

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Vape Pen Batteries for 510 Cartridges

June 28, 2019
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Character Co. Ltd.

 

 

 

Vape Pen Batteries for 510 Cartridges

Simple vape pen battery versus the whole vape pen

 

 

 

With the growing trend of pre-filled THC and CBD 510 thread cartridges, it may be time to research if a simple vape pen battery is the best option for you, versus the whole vape pen package.!

There’s almost as many types of vape pen batteries as there are cartridges themselves, so it can seem pretty daunting.

 

 

Types of Vape Devices

To break it down, we’ll analyze the following types of devices:

 

– Stylus

– Flat Micro

– Variable Voltage

– Mini Compact

– Box Mod

 

 

Vape Pen Batteries

 

Stylus Pen

The stylist type of vaporizer is the simplest because they’re air operated. That means they don’t have a power button, or any other controls in order to operate. Just attach the cartridge, and inhale.

The design is a simple stick with a 510 thread on one end. Many do offer colour variants for people to personalize.

 

Pros:
– Simple to operate
– Very affordable

Cons:
– Limited temperature options
– Small battery capacity
– Cheaply made.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vape Pen Batteries

 

 

Flat Micro

The flat micro pen is thicker than the stylist, and a little more complicated to use. This style of battery requires a charge before use, and most have a power/operations button as well.

Though most micro pens will come with a USB charger included, it’s always good to read the fine print before purchase as you may just be buying a replacement battery for an already existing vape package.

 

Pros:
– Affordable
– Different temperature settings (in most micro pens)
– USB Charging
– Compact

Cons:
– Small battery capacity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vape Pen Batteries

Variable Voltage Pen

The variable voltage pen is much like the first two in style. They’re long and sleek, sometimes round in shape or sometimes flattened. The big difference however, is these have variable voltage options.

That means that instead of being limited to three or four temperature settings, you’re able to set the voltage to whichever temperature you prefer. This allows for much better personalization, as well as flavor profile for different strains.

 

Pros:
– Dial in the best voltage for the type of cartridge that you’re using
– Stronger battery

Cons:
– Larger and less stealthy
– Not as pocket friendly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vape Pen Batteries

Mini Compact

The compact style pens are side by side style. This means the cartridge fits alongside the battery, as opposed to on top. They’re usually charged by USB, and require some sort of magnetic adaptor that will help the cartridge stay in place inside the device.

This style of battery usually work better with larger cartridges, though most will include an adaptor that extends the standard size of cartridges available.

 

Pros:
– Very pocket friendly
– Compact and stealthy
– Inset connection protects cartridge

Cons:
– Requires magnetic adaptor (if one isn’t included)
– Best suited for longer cartridges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vape Pen Batteries

Box Mod

The box mod style of vape battery is considered the most complicated, but it’s certainly worth the effort. They have most of the features as the first 4 styles of battery, such as the power button, USB charger, and variable voltage settings.

These batteries are also compatible with a variety of attachments, including sub-ohm tanks.

 

Pros:
– Uses both 510 cartridges and sub-ohm tanks
– Provides the most options for power/resistance
– Strongest battery option

Cons:
– Bigger, less stealthy
– Most expensive

 

If you’re just starting out and trying concentrates for the first time, it doesn’t hurt to purchase a disposable vape pen to begin with. Although not the most environmentally friendly way of consuming cannabis concentrates, it will at least give you a chance to see if you like this particular method. Vape Pen Batteries are great, and versatile, but they’re not for everyone. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CBD for Weight Management

CBD for Weight Management-OLDFILE

June 20, 2019
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Character Co. Blog

 

 

 

CBD for Weight Management

The effects of CBD on weight loss or weight gain

 

 

 

Endocannabinoid System

We know that the human body has a built-in endocannabinoid system that responds to different compounds in the body through two cannabinoid receptors, called CB1 and CB2 receptors. Usually, the CB1 receptors exist mainly in the brain and the central nervous system, and are almost nonexistent in the rest of the body. In people with obesity, however, CB1 receptors become more widespread. This is true especially in fatty tissue. Because of this, researchers believe that there may be a link between the activation of the CB1 receptors and obesity. 

CBD does not activate the CB receptors directly, instead influencing the body’s natural cannabinoids to either block off or activate the receptors. This may play a role in weight loss or other critical metabolic functions.

 

 

 

Food Intake and Metabolism

Preliminary research suggests that CBD may reduce food intake and boost metabolism, which could promote weight loss.  

The endocannabinoid system stimulates other areas of the body involved in metabolism including the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine pancreas, and skeletal muscles, among others. CBD can assist metabolising compounds absorbed from food during digestion by prompting the two receptors.

Over stimulating the endocannabinoid system can lead to abdominal obesity, insulin resistance and increased energy storage in fat cells.  CB1 receptor when over stimulated can increase odds of developing metabolic syndrome which is associated with adverse symptoms such as high blood pressure, excess body fat, and high blood sugar among others. It has been noted that CBD is a CB1 antagonist which may have the ability to treat such a condition and possibly others like it as well.

 

 

Surprisingly, cannabis use is associated with lower body weight

Using marijuana doesn’t cause sudden weight loss, but experts believe it may help with some of the underlying factors that can contribute to weight gain in some people. Some of these factors include:

It can increase mobility

Marijuana is believed to relieve symptoms of pain and stiffness. This means people with mobility issues may find that they are able to be more active when using marijuana, which would naturally contribute to weight loss or weight management.

It may cause people to drink less

Some experts have noted that those who use cannabis, tend to drink less. Alcohol, which has the highest calorie content next to fat, can be a significant factor to weight gain. 

It can lower stress

Anyone who has ever dieted knows that stress eating is a very real thing. Studies have shown that people are more likely to overeat and choose high-calorie comfort foods when feeling stressed. If cannabis can ease anxiety and help a person remain calm, it enables them to make healthier food choices. 

It may improve sleep

Evidence shows that poor sleep can be a major factor in weight gain. There’s also evidence that cannabis can improve symptoms of insomnia. Better sleep means better food choices. 

 

 

CBD and Fat Cells

One study found that cannabidiol can promote the browning of 3T3-L1 adipocytes, in other words, the browning of fat cells.  

 

Two types of fat – white and brown – exist in the human body

 

White fat is much more plentiful than brown, and is responsible for the storage of energy and production of hormones. However, it is also the fat most associated with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, when accumulated in excess. 

Brown fat on the other hand, burns calories when stimulated. Scientists are studying brown fat as a potential obesity treatment if they’re able to find a way to stimulate it. Interestingly, research has shown that CBD may aid this process.   

A recent study suggests that CBD plays dual modulatory roles in the form of inducing the brown-like phenotype as well as promoting lipid metabolism. Thus, CBD may be explored as a potentially promising therapeutic agent for the prevention of obesity. 

 

CBD for Weight Management

 

 

In Summary

Though it’s not conclusive that CBD can aid in weight loss, the current research strongly suggests that CBD can help with maintaining weight.  If weight loss is the goal, it would not do any harm in adding CBD to your current regime. Just do so knowing that the science is still new, and it may not help at all.

Find out more:

Crash Course on CBD

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21868374

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-for-weight-loss#weight-loss

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Cannabis Concentrates - A Glossary

March 30, 2019
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Character Co. Blog

 

 

 

Cannabis Concentrates

A Glossary

 

 

You have probably heard a lot lately about the wonders of CBD, or cannabidiol, the latest thing in the health world. You’ve probably heard so much in fact, that your spidey-sense is starting to tingle. Can CBD really be the cure-all for everything? 

Let’s start by separating the science from the hype. What do we actually know about CBD and its effects on weight loss or weight gain? 

 

 

Cannabis Concentrates

The second round of legalization in Canada will revolve around cannabis edibles and cannabis concentrates. These are set to be introduced into legislation by the end of 2019. Most people are already familiar with edibles. In fact, the National Post has declared that cannabis-infused edibles will “radically transform food and drink” in Canada, and there’s already talk of introducing the world’s first cannabis-infused beer!

But what about concentrates? What do we really know about them? Well, like the name implies, concentrates are a concentrated form of cannabis. The most popular form of concentrates on the market today are hydrocarbons, or BHO’s (butane hash oil extraction method), which use a chemical substance to strip the cannabis plant of cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and various terpenes.

Available in a myriad of forms and textures, and further accompanied by a range of slang, the category of cannabis concentrates can seem overwhelming and more than just a little confusing. Below we explore the most common BHO’s that are likely to be found in dispensaries so you can feel confident when selecting what’s right for you.

 

 

 

 

Types of Concentrates

 

 

Cannabis Concentrates

Shatter

Shatter is probably the most popular of the cannabis concentrates.  Getting its name from what happens when you drop it, shatter has hard, glass-like consistency, very similar to caramel brittle that are often found on fancy desserts.  Some cannabis purists will argue that this is the best form of concentrate since the cannabinoids in shatter are in the same state that you would find them if left in the plant material, just more of them.

Due to its hard consistency, shatter is best consumed by doing dabs, though some higher end vape pens will do the job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

cannabis concentrates

Butter, a.k.a. Budder, a.k.a. Batter

Budder is essentially the same form of concentrate as shatter, wax, honeycomb, crumble, and flake, with the only differentiation coming from tweaks in the extraction process. Budder is formed by pouring extract into a Pyrex vessel and whipping it while apply heat. This gives budder that creamy and smooth consistency.

Careful not to confuse budder with cannabudder. Cannabudder is for cooking, and is literally cannabis infused butter, while budder, or batter, is meant to be inhaled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

cannabis concentrates

Wax, Crumble, Honeycomb

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cannabis Concentrates

Wax, Crumble, Honeycomb

Cannabis Wax, like shatter and butter, is made using BHO extraction. During the extraction, if the concentrate solution is overheated or agitated, it produces an opaque material with a consistency similar to ear wax (as unappetizing at that sounds). If the consistency is porus, it would be called Honeycomb. If it turns out dry and flaky because less heat was applied during extraction, it would be called Crumble or Flake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hash

Most everyone knows about hash, the oldest player in the game and one of the few concentrates made without the use of BHO’s. Hash is made by compressing the plant’s resin, or the powdery kief that coats the cannabis flowers.

Although not at strong as its BHO counterparts, hash remains a staple in cannabis culture due to its versatility. Easily consumed on its own, or added to any joint or bong hit for a little added extra.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cannabis Concentrates

Hash Oil, Honey Oil

Hash oil, or honey oil, uses alcohol such as Everclear or isopropyl to separate the delicious trichomes and cannabinoids from the plant. Once the alcholol has been evaporated, what you’re left with is the dark concentrated plant extract.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cannabis Concentrates

Live Resin

Live Resin is known for its intense flavor. The process of using live plant material (fresh or frozen) helps preserve the terpenes and many other cannabinoids that don’t get spoken of very often. This is what contributes to the entourage effect that provides an incredibly well-rounded high that is complemented with delicious flavor profiles. Unfortunately, live resin is pricier than other concentrates.

 

Cannabis Concentrates

This increasingly popular and unique form of cannabis concentrate involves the cryogenic freezing of a freshly-harvested plant at temperatures below -292 degrees F (-180 C). This process is often labeled “full plant” or “full spectrum” because it involves the entire plant, including the flowers, leaves, branches, and even stalk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cannabis Concentrates

Rosin, Rosen Tech

Unlike most of the other concentrates mentioned in this post, Rosin is made without chemical extraction. Instead, it’s made using a combination of heat and pressure to release the THC rich resin.

This increasingly popular and unique form of cannabis concentrate involves the cryogenic freezing of a freshly-harvested plant at temperatures below -292 degrees F (-180 C). This process is often labeled “full plant” or “full spectrum” because it involves the entire plant, including the flowers, leaves, branches, and even stalk.

Extracted from fresh, frozen flowers or trim, the distinct difference between Rosin and Live Rosin is terpenes. While a hair-straightener might be sufficient for extracting rosin from cured flowers, the water content in the frozen plant matter would boil when heated, thereby making the technique unsuitable for live rosin. Rather, live rosin is made by first making ice wax, and then drying that extract prior to pressing it.

 

Distillates

Cannabis Distillates are a different kind of concentrate that are beginning to make waves in the cannabis community. Distillates are 99% pure decarboxylated and distilled cannabinoid sap. Although it’s the most expensive concentrate available, it’s for good reason. Distillates have an unmatched purity for cannabis connoisseurs to enjoy.

So what makes distillates so pure? Well, in order to isolate compounds such as THC, or CBD, into their purest and most concentrated form, additional layers of refinement must be executed. This is known as fractional, or short path distillation. First, cannabinoids and terpenes are separated from the flower using hycrocarbon or CO2 solvent-babsed extraction techniques. The isolated cannabinoids then undergo decarboxylation in order to activate certain compounds. Finally, they’re run through a short path steam distillation or rational distillation chamber in a series of passes to purify the desired compound to its isolated state on a molecular level.

 

 

 

 

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