CBD and Addiction

Cannabidiol or CBD is something that comes with a lot of research, and applications. Here, we’ll discuss how it can help with possibly combatting addiction. It’s a fascinating and powerful part of us, and it’s something that definitely is a big issue for plenty of people. But let’s look at it from a different perspective. How can CBD assist with this? Let’s find out. 

What addiction is 

It’s basically compulsive behavior and doing something even though you may not want to, but you’re not able to stop it. Spending money too much, doing something on instinct without realizing it, continuing behaviors not good for you, getting cravings from this, and even making excuses are all signs of it. Sometimes, it’s triggered because your brain’s reward mechanisms are releasing dopamine, so they will definitely trigger these points, making it easier for you to get addicted for the long-term. 

Can CBD Help though? 

Does it have any place in treating substance abuse disorders, where you have to compulsively have a substance, much to the problems that come with it? Well, so far all the studies are in their early stages, so it’s too early to discuss what CBD may play in the realm of addiction. But the research is becoming stronger than ever, and it does have a variety of applications, including interactions to the way the addictive system works. 

The role of this is definitely complex, and it does offer a lot of different systems, including dopamine, dopaminergic systems, and even the serotonin that works with addiction. It can possibly impact these, interacting with your receptors in order to create more beneficial effects. Some of the different disorders that are there, which you can combat through the use of CBD, include the following: 

• Cocaine 

• Tobacco 

• Alcohol 

• Meth

• Heroin or opiates 

• Cannabis or THC 

This is something that definitely plays a huge part in your dopaminergic system, and it can help with creating neurogenesis along with neuroprotection, helping your brain fight off those addictive properties. There is serotonin as well, which is something that’s a bi neurotransmitter and is responsible for sociability and happiness and is playing a major role in addiction as well. 

It’s something that animals deal with, where they don’t get enough serotonin, and it can cause addictive behaviors to form, and that reversing this may make those who are more susceptible to addiction less as a result of this. 

Some studies have found that the serotonin reuptake and the inhibiting of this is a big part of combatting addiction, since it can reduce both anxiety and stress, two major triggers that play a role in addiction, so it’s something that’s not only serotonergic, but it also may help with the way the neurotransmitters work. It also will modulate your dopamine response. It may play a role in the CB1 and CB2 receptors, along with the TRPV1 receptors, which are all constantly being looked at in a relationship to CBD. 

Currently the findings aren’t totally there, but it’s something that could be used to modulate, and play a good role in managing, along with overcoming various addictions. Is it safe though? In general, it’s pretty safe, to the point where even the FDA has drugs with it that are approved for treatment of conditions, which in turn involve CBD. We don’t know if there are super long-term effects, but so far, the results are promising, safe, and looking better than ever. CBD may play a role in the future of a person’s health and wellness, and right now, we have to wait and see the bigger picture.

Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid Strains - What You Need to Know

When it comes to using marijuana for the first time, it can be a little bit overwhelming. It seems like there are a million different products and strains available at any given dispensary. How on earth are you going to choose the right one? Well, as the United States’ acceptance of medical marijuana continues to grow, medical patients have better resources in figuring out the difference between marijuana strains and which ones are best for them. 

There is a lot to know about different strains of cannabis, especially now that there are well over 700 strains that have been developed and introduced in the North American market. If you are looking for a little bit of insight into how strains work and some of the things you need to know about them, then you have come to the right place, my friend. 

Today, I wanted to take some time out of my busy schedule to write a beginners guide to sativa, indica, and hybrid strains. If you did not already know, those three categories are basically what every type of marijuana strain will fall into. It is important to know the difference between strains and how they can affect and benefit you, whether you are a medical weed user.

So firstly, let’s talk about sativa. Sativa strains are most generally associated with what is called a “head high”. This type of marijuana strain is great for increasing energy levels and focus, which makes them a popular choice for daytime and social use. Say you are going to a concert with some friends and want to light up a joint beforehand - in that case, sativa is the way to go. Sativa users usually experience lighter and happier moods, euphoric highs, and increased levels of creativity and thought. 

However, sativa strains can also cause some unwanted side effects in some patients, specifically things like rapid heart beat, anxiety, and even insomnia. It is best to not take any sativa cannabis before you try to go to bed, since you will likely experience racing thoughts and increased energy levels. 

There are certain medical benefits for sativa strains specifically, especially for people that tend to lose focus or motivation. Sativa strains have been used by patients with ADHD and ADD due to the way it lowers their symptoms and increases focus. When using sativa, make sure that you are careful with how much you smoke and the specific strain that you use. Popular sativa strains include Sour Diesel, Durban Poison, Lemon Haze, Green Crack, and Panama Red.

Indica strains differ from sativa strains in a lot of ways. Primarily, the type of high that one experiences from an indica strain is less of a head high and more of a body high. Indica strains are great for a night at home when you want to relax on the couch or head to bed early. This type of marijuana will leave your body feeling warm and tingly, and it’s almost impossible to find an uncomfortable position on the couch after smoking enough indica. 

Most people use indica strains at night due to how relaxing and calming they are - you will definitely want to fall asleep early. Indica strains also have a lot of great medical benefits, especially when it comes to reducing stress and anxiety. Since indica helps people to relax, many patients use it to reduce their pain levels before going to bed which can help people with insomnia. Popular indica strains include Hindu Kush, Granddaddy Purple, Northern Lights, and White Widow.

When it comes to picking the right strain, I suggest picking a hybrid of the two. Hybrids are great because they combine both sativa and indica, making for a great mix of body and head highs.