Did you know that Cannabis sativa, the industrial cannabis strain used in our teas, has been scientifically studied since 1960?
In this blog post, we will summarise the results of nearly 50 clinical trials that have been conducted since 1980, encouraging you to make trust-based choices regarding your health. I guarantee that after reading this blog post, you’ll have discovered some exciting insights about the world where plants serve as health promoters.
Why Cannabis sativa?
Cannabis sativa has a long tradition of medicinal use. The cannabis plant is known to secrete a resin containing a mix of cannabinoids, primarily Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). By regulating the growing conditions and selecting the appropriate varieties, such as Finola used in our teas, it is possible to reduce the THC content to a minimum (0.2%) and retain only other cannabinoids, predominantly CBD.
CBD has versatile health-promoting properties. The structure and configuration of Cannabis sativa was discovered in the 1960s. Due to its excellent tolerability in humans, lack of psychoactive effects, and low potential for abuse, CBD is an ideal candidate for use in clinical contexts, making it one of the most extensively studied cannabis strains.
You can explore the history of cultivating this wonderful plant in Estonia in our previous blog post.
Now, let’s dive into the key aspect – the cannabis plant contains several other cannabinoids in addition to CBD and THC, but the most heavily studied of them is CBD. Studies have indicated that CBD can exhibit a range of effects, including anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, analgesic, antiepileptic, and immunomodulatory (the ability to regulate or modify the immune system’s response to various stimuli, allowing immunomodulators to both stimulate and inhibit specific parts of the immune system) (link to the study).
CBD may also be useful in treating disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system, as it can reduce inflammation and pain (link to the study).
CBD is an anti-inflammatory that can help reduce the number of cells and molecules that cause inflammation. This can help reduce pain, swelling, and other symptoms of inflammation.
CBD reduces inflammation in various ways
Firstly, it can reduce neutrophil chemotaxis, which refers to the ability of neutrophils to move to the area of inflammation. Neutrophils are white blood cells associated with inflammation (link to the study).
Secondly, CBD can reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines. While cytokines are proteins that regulate the immune system, proinflammatory cytokines promote inflammation. CBD can reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines, which can lead to a reduction in inflammatory symptoms.
Conditions where research has shown positive changes
Anxiety disorder
In 11 separate studies with over 300 participants, researchers observed a decrease in anxiety symptoms, with CBD taken both as a single dose and over an extended period. The effect of different doses was also studied (link to the study).
For example, based on this study, a single dose of CBD significantly reduced symptoms of social anxiety.
Psychotic symptoms
In four studies, it was observed that patients experiencing psychotic episodes, particularly those with schizophrenia, exhibited a significant reduction in symptoms. The effects of CBD were comparable to those of the antipsychotic Amisulpride. CBD was as effective as Amisulpride in alleviating psychotic symptoms, with the added advantage of significantly better tolerability and safety (link to the study).
Other remarkable discoveries
For instance, studies have shown that CBD consumption reduces the urge to smoke cigarettes and enhances cognitive function. It also reduces anxiety before a performance or an exam. In addition, it was found that CBD can help people forget negative experiences associated with anxiety disorders or traumatic events. It may help people cope better with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues (link to the study, see Table 1).
Are there side effects to CBD?
Most studies have shown that CBD has minimal side effects when compared to what would otherwise occur with medication. The main side effect experienced, when administered to patients without anxiety disorder, was a greater sense of relaxation (link to the study). But this is exactly why we’re brewing the tea!
What else should you know about choosing and using CBD?
Concentration
Did you know that only oils concentrated up to 10% are considered natural? Oils with a concentration higher than 10% are categorised as chemically treated isolates. For optimal effectiveness, CBD products with up to 10% concentration are recommended. In the case of CBD, the rule ‘less is more’ holds true. But for some reason, it is human nature to reach for what is considered the ‘strongest,’ without even trying the less concentrated options first. Read more in our blog.
Dosing
We have also observed that CBD is often overdosed. The internet is full of information about the use of CBD oil; for instance, a common yet anecdotal recommendation suggests taking 1 drop for every 10 kg of body weight. In reality, however, individuals vary so much that for some 100 kg people, 4 drops is already too much, but 2 is enough (this requires testing, starting with a couple of drops). We’ve received feedback from customers who prefer our 2% or 4% tea over oil because when sipping on tea, CBD is absorbed more slowly. In contrast, the oil quickly enters the body through mucous membranes.
One size fits all?
As wonderful and versatile as CBD is, there is no panacea that suits one hundred percent of humanity. Take the example of a pharmacy – there are various different medications for the same disease. Based on feedback, we’ve observed that approximately 2% of people initially experience a stimulating effect with CBD. However, no later than after the second use, the tea will produce the desired results.This phenomenon arises from a significant deficiency of cannabinoids in the nervous system. After a long time, the nervous system experiences a sudden burst of nourishment, triggering an opposite reaction in the body. And then there are the 1% of people for whom CBD is not suitable.
Is all CBD the same?
There are excellent oil producers and distributors both in Estonia and abroad, but simultaneously, there are also subpar ones. Before making a purchase, it’s advisable to do a bit of research. Delve into the background of the company and their production methods or the quality of the products they resell. The quality of our locally sourced hemp teas has proven itself over the years, and you can read real user reviews for each product on our website. Our teas are crafted with heart and rooted in our personal experience. Read more about our journey to tranquili-tea.
Dear health enthusiast, we wish you well-informed choices!
Source of the article: https://www.jocmr.org/index.php/JOCMR/article/view/4090/25893083?fbclid=IwAR2fJBEABeeHgi82RQaZZ8qZ2qDIpqgabrYUUlU2LJh_2ylQZcbTbhpEUBQ#R13