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Sweet Dreams with CBN

November 8, 2024
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Sweet Dreams with CBN

Unlocking the Power of Cannabinol for Restful Nights

In today’s fast-paced world, achieving a full night of restorative sleep has become a luxury. Many people struggle with restlessness, insomnia, or disrupted sleep cycles. While traditional remedies like melatonin and prescription sleep aids can help, they often come with side effects or diminishing returns. Enter CBN, a lesser-known cannabinoid that’s gaining attention for its potential to promote better sleep. But what is CBN, and how does it work to help you catch those elusive Zs?

What is CBN?

Cannabinol (CBN) is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its more famous counterparts, THC and CBD, CBN is a byproduct of the natural degradation of THC over time. When THC is exposed to oxygen and light, it breaks down into CBN. This conversion reduces its psychoactive effects, making CBN a much milder cannabinoid that offers unique benefits without getting you “high.”

CBN

How Does CBN Affect Sleep?

CBN has shown promise as a natural sleep aid, primarily due to its relaxing and sedative properties. Research suggests that CBN may:

  • Promote Relaxation: CBN binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various physiological processes, including mood and sleep. Its interaction with these receptors appears to calm the nervous system, making it easier to relax and fall asleep.
  • Enhance Sleep Quality: Some studies indicate that CBN may improve the overall quality of sleep, leading to fewer disruptions and more time spent in deeper sleep stages. This could be particularly beneficial for people who suffer from insomnia or irregular sleep patterns.
  • Work in Tandem with CBD: CBN is often combined with CBD in products to create a more well-rounded sleep aid. While CBN helps with relaxation and sleep onset, CBD’s anti-anxiety properties can help calm racing thoughts, reducing mental barriers to sleep.
  • Mild Sedative Effect: Early evidence suggests that CBN, especially when combined with terpenes like myrcene, may have a mild sedative effect. Some users report feeling drowsy after taking CBN, making it a suitable option for those struggling to fall asleep at night.

Benefits of CBN Over Traditional Sleep Aids

CBN offers several advantages over traditional sleep aids, such as melatonin or pharmaceutical medications. Here’s why more people are turning to CBN:

  • Minimal Side Effects: Unlike prescription medications, which can lead to grogginess, dependency, or even withdrawal symptoms, CBN has minimal side effects when used in moderation.
  • Non-Psychoactive: While THC can interfere with daily function due to its psychoactive properties, CBN won’t impair cognition or motor skills, making it a safer option for nighttime use.
  • Natural and Non-Habit Forming: CBN, especially when derived from organic hemp, offers a natural alternative that doesn’t carry the risk of dependency. This makes it an appealing choice for those seeking long-term sleep solutions.

cbn

How to Incorporate CBN into Your Nighttime Routine

If you’re curious about trying CBN for sleep, here are a few ways to incorporate it into your nightly routine:

  • CBN Oils and Tinctures: These are taken sublingually (under the tongue) for faster absorption. You can adjust the dose easily and use it in conjunction with other cannabinoids like CBD.
  • CBN Edibles: CBN-infused gummies, capsules, or chocolates are convenient and often come with consistent dosing. However, edibles can take longer to kick in, so plan accordingly.
  • CBN-Infused Topicals: While more research is needed, some people find that applying CBN creams or balms before bed helps with relaxation and muscle tension, contributing to better sleep
  • CBN Vape Pens: For faster onset, vaping CBN is an option. However, this method may not be suitable for everyone due to the potential effects of inhaling vapor.

CBN

Final Thoughts: Is CBN the Future of Sleep?

While more research is needed to fully understand how CBN affects sleep, the early findings are promising. Its ability to promote relaxation and potentially improve sleep quality, all without the side effects associated with traditional sleep aids, makes CBN an exciting option for those searching for a natural remedy.

As with any supplement, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before introducing CBN into your sleep routine, especially if you are already taking medications or have underlying health conditions.

If you’ve been struggling with sleep issues, CBN might be the solution you’ve been waiting for.

Sweet Dreams

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CBG for Athletes

September 30, 2024
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The Natural Boost You’ve Been Looking For

When it comes to enhancing our workout or wellness regime, natural alternatives often seem more enticing than pharmaceutical options. The cannabis plant, once again, offers a natural alternative that athletes may find appealing. If you’re already familiar with the therapeutic potential of CBD, it’s time to explore CBG (cannabigerol).

CBG is another cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis plants that is quickly gaining attention for its potential to combat inflammation, pain, nausea, and even slow the proliferation of cancer cells. As interest in CBG grows, so do the number of products targeting health and wellness enthusiasts. For athletes, this is exciting news—CBG may offer a new natural aid for recovery and performance enhancement. Let’s dive into what CBG is and how it could benefit your athletic lifestyle.

What is CBN?

CBG, or cannabigerol, is one of the many cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis plants. It’s sometimes referred to as the “mother of cannabinoids” because other cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, are derived from CBGA (cannabigerolic acid), an acidic precursor to CBG.

CBG interacts with the body by binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a critical role in maintaining balance across various bodily systems. By strengthening the function of anandamide, a neurotransmitter associated with motivation, pleasure, sleep, appetite, and pain relief, CBG may have wide-reaching effects.

Top Benefits of CBG for Athletes

  • Pain Relief – CBN binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various physiological processes, including mood and sleep. Its interaction with these receptors appears to calm the nervous system, making it easier to relax and fall asleep.
  • Stress Management – Some studies indicate that CBN may improve the overall quality of sleep, leading to fewer disruptions and more time spent in deeper sleep stages. This could be particularly beneficial for people who suffer from inWhether you’re a professional athlete or an amateur, stress often accompanies performance. CBG may help alleviate that stress by interacting with receptors in the ECS that directly mitigate anxiety. Unlike some traditional medications, CBG can help manage stress without the side effects associated with prescription medications. It may support athletes in maintaining a calm, focused mindset during competition or training.
  • Faster Recover Time – Intense workouts lead to micro-tears in muscles, which cause inflammation and soreness. By reducing inflammation, CBG could help athletes recover faster and get back to training sooner. Proper recovery is essential for long-term athletic success, and CBG may offer a natural method to enhance your body’s recovery process.
  • Bone Growth – For athletes, bone strength is crucial. Whether you’re dealing with high-impact sports or long-term fitness goals, strong bones can prevent injuries like stress fractures. Research suggests that CBG may stimulate bone growth by interacting with receptors in the ECS. Incorporating CBG into your routine could potentially support both immediate pain management and long-term bone health.
  • Antibacterial Properties – For athletes who spend time in gyms or other communal spaces, CBG’s antimicrobial properties could be particularly beneficial. A study from McMaster University found that CBG was effective in fighting MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a bacteria known for its resistance to antibiotics. This makes CBG not only beneficial for immune support but also an added line of defense in environments where infections may spread.
  • Better Sleep – Adequate rest is essential for athletes, as it plays a crucial role in recovery. CBG has been suggested to help with insomnia and promote more restful sleep by interacting with the ECS. Improved sleep can help athletes recover faster and wake up feeling refreshed, allowing for better performance the next day.

Find The Right CBG Product

Just like CBD, not all CBG products are created equal. To fully benefit from CBG, it’s important to choose a high-quality product. Look for reputable companies that use organic, non-GMO hemp, reliable extraction methods, and clear labeling. Transparency in the sourcing and production of CBG products ensures you’re getting the most out of this powerful cannabinoid.

Final Thoughts: The Natural Boost You’ve Been Looking For

CBG offers athletes a natural and effective option for pain management, stress reduction, faster recovery, and more. As more research emerges, the potential benefits of CBG will likely become even more apparent, making it an attractive addition to any athletic wellness routine. If you’re looking to enhance your performance and recovery naturally, CBG might be the key you’ve been searching for.

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CBG Winnipeg

What is CBG

April 2, 2024
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What is CBG?

A Type of Cannabinoid Derived from Young Cannabis Plants

That’s right, Cannabigerol (CBG) is found in young cannabis plants and is often referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids.” This is because other cannabinoids such as THC or CBD are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the acidic form of CBG.

CBG is found in smaller quantities than other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, making products derived from CBG rare and often expensive. Despite this, CBG continues to grow in popularity because of the many potential benefits this particular cannabinoid offers.

Why is CBG concentration so low?

Since CBG converts to other cannabinoids as the plant matures, the concentration of CBG is drastically diminished by the time the plant is ready for harvest. Producers and growers are faced with a choice of harvesting younger plants to extract higher amounts of CBG or wait until maturity to harvest higher concentrations of THC products instead.

How does CBG work?

CBG is processed by the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is made up of molecules and receptors that are responsible for keeping our bodies in an optimal state, regardless of what’s going on in our external environment.

Our body contains two types of cannabinoid receptors—CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found in the nervous system and brain, while CB2 receptors are located in the immune system and other areas of the body.

In our bodies, CBG imitates endocannabinoids, the natural compounds our body makes. CBG does not have psychotropic effects like THC, which means it will not give you a high.

CBG works by binding to both receptors, where it’s thought to strengthen the function of anandamide. Anandamide is one of many neurotransmitters in the brain. It plays a role in enhancing pleasure and motivation, regulating appetite and sleep, and alleviating pain.

Potential benefits of CBG

Research shows that CBG may have therapeutic effects. While more research is needed to learn the exact effects of this cannabinoid and its potential benefits, here are a few of their findings.

  • Anxiety and Depression
    One small-scale study found that the number one reason people used cannabis preparations high in CBG was to reduce anxiety, with one in three using it to ease depression.4 Most of the users reported that they felt that CBG was more effective for these purposes than conventional medicines.

  • Chronic Pain
    In the study mentioned above, the second-most common reason people used CBG was for chronic pain, with 73.9% reporting that it worked better than traditional medicines. Chronic pain is pain that lasts three months or more. This type of condition impacts roughly one in five U.S. adults or around 51.6 million Americans.

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
    According to one review, between 15% and 40% of people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) use cannabis and cannabinoids to increase their appetite as well as to reduce their pain. Although studies have found promise for its effects on IBD, researchers added that high-quality evidence is lacking, as is advice as to the proper dose and mode of administration.

  • Glaucoma
    Individuals with high eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP), are at a greater risk of developing glaucoma.7 Several studies have looked at the impact of cannabinoids on IOP. Many have found that these cannabis derivatives help lower IOP in both humans and animals, making them a potential glaucoma treatment.

  • Huntington’s Disease
    Huntington’s disease causes a breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. Cannabigerol appears to have a positive effect on cell viability while also protecting certain cells (N2a cells) from the toxic effects of excitatory neurotransmitters that, when activated too long, lead to cell death.

  • Cancer
    A 2021 meta-analysis reports that CBG appears to not only stop breast cancer cells from increasing in numbers but may also kill off inflammatory cells associated with this cancer type.

How is CBG consumed?

Research shows that CBG may have therapeutic effects. While more research is needed to learn the exact effects of this cannabinoid and its potential benefits, here are a few of their findings.

Broad-spectrum CBD oils also contain compounds called terpenes, which are responsible for the plant’s smell and are found in many plants, including fruit and herbs. Using cannabinoids together with terpenes is said to increase their combined effectiveness through a phenomenon called the entourage effect.

The most common form of commercially available CBG is oil, but it is rare and expensive. As an alternative, broad-spectrum CBD oils contain almost all the cannabinoids of cannabis.

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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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CBD for Weight Management

CBD for Weight Management

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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