Canada Becoming A World Leader In The Emerging Global Medical Marijuana Industry

Canada Becoming A World Leader In The Emerging Global Medical Marijuana Industry
While the progress with legal medical and recreational marijuana in the United States continues to make headlines around the world, Canada has been quietly establishing itself as a world leader in research opportunities as one of only 3 countries in the world with a carefully-monitored, national medical marijuana program.

5 Must-Know Facts About Cannabidiol (CBD)

Chemical structure of cannabidiol. 

(Photo:Wikimedia Commons)

5 Must-Know Facts About Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD, or cannabidiol, is quickly changing the debate surrounding the use of marijuana as a medicine.

Most people have heard of a chemical called THC, which is the ingredient in marijuana that gets users high. But recently, attention has shifted to another compound in marijuana called CBD — and for good reason.

Because while doctors can’t seem to look past certain side effects of THC, CBD doesn’t seem to present that problem. On the other hand, evidence of CBD’s medical benefits continues to grow.

Here are five facts that you should know about this unique compound:

How Long Does THC Stay In Your System?

How Long Does THC Stay In Your System?

The amount of time that your body retains traces of marijuana depends on a number of factors, including how often you smoke and your metabolism rate:

1. THC vs. THC-COOH
2. Length of Detection Period
3. Occasional Users
4. Frequent Users

Indica vs. Sativa: Understanding The Differences

Indica vs. Sativa: Understanding The Differences

Indica and sativa are the two main types of cannabis. Here’s how to tell them apart.

Cannabis is one of the oldest crops known to mankind, with records of its cultivation dating back thousands of years.
Today, it is widely accepted that marijuana has two different species: Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. Cross-breeding of the two types has led to a wide variety of hybrid strains with unique characteristics.
The differences between indica and sativa remain a subject of much debate, especially among scientists who study the plant. However, most agree that indica and sativa plants are distinct in a number of ways.

Scientists Believe THC May Offer New Form Of Gene Therapy

(Photo: zentilia/Shutterstock)

Scientists Believe THC May Offer New Form Of Gene Therapy
Researchers from the University of South Carolina are exploring the potential of marijuana compounds to fight disease through gene-modifying activity.

Marijuana May Turn Off DNA Linked To Skin Cancer And Other Diseases

Marijuana May Turn Off DNA Linked To Skin Cancer And Other Diseases

Marijuana may be the key to treating a wide range of skin diseases at the gene level, according to new research from Italy.

Study: Marijuana May Reduce Risk of Erectile Dysfunction

(Photo: Zach Klein/Flick

Study: Marijuana May Reduce Risk of Erectile Dysfunction
A new study suggests that marijuana may help prevent erectile dysfunction in individuals most at risk.

One of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction is high cholesterol, which can clog blood vessels and weaken blood flow to the penis. Over time, it may also result in abnormal tissue build up, leading to permanent dysfunction.

Study: CBD May Reduce Pain, Slow Disease In Breast Cancer Patients

Study: CBD May Reduce Pain, Slow Disease In Breast Cancer Patients

(Photo: nextnature.net)

A new study suggests that a compound in marijuana could help manage pain as well as slow disease progression in patients undergoing breast cancer treatment.

While cannabidiol (CBD) has shown anti-cancer effects in previous studies, recent research from Temple University’s School of Pharmacy in Philadelphia and the California Pacific Medical Center points to a more comprehensive role of CBD in cancer therapy.

Study: Cannabidiol May Improve Sleep In Parkinson’s

Cannabidiol May Improve Sleep In Parkinson’s

(Photo: Ian MacKenzie/Flickr)

An ingredient in marijuana may help Parkinson’s disease sufferers overcome sleep problems, a new study has found.

In a small 6-week case series, investigators from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil administered cannabidiol (CBD) to four patients with Parkinson’s disease who also showed symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder.

Published last month in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, all four patients experienced a significant reduction in symptoms following treatment.

Marijuana, REM Sleep, and Dreams

Marijuana, REM Sleep, and Dreams

(Photo: cblue98/Flickr)

Marijuana can affect how often you dream by rearranging your sleep cycle.

People who smoke marijuana before bed often struggle to recall their dreams the next morning. Yet, when these individuals stop smoking, they tend to experience more vivid dreams than before.

Marijuana is known to affect various aspects of sleep, including activities that are not involved with dreaming. But there’s a simple reason why marijuana users tend to have less dreams.