CBD Health

(March 24, 2021) ST. LOUIS, MO – BeLeaf Medical is a proud partner of Saint Louis University’s School for Professional Studies (SPS) in developing the university’s Cannabis Science and Operations certificate. Launched in 2020, the program is designed to train students in all aspects of the cannabis industry and understanding of the pharmacological properties of cannabis.

In 2018, Missourians voted to legalize cannabis for medicinal purposes. Since then, licenses for the manufacture and sale of medicinal cannabis have been issued nationwide, including 70 in the St. Louis area.

“Legalized cannabis is projected to be a $ 150 billion industry by 2025,” said Tracy Chapman, Ph.D., dean of the SLU’s School for Professional Studies. “In addition to Missouri, thousands of jobs are being created across the country, creating a growing need for skilled workers to support and sustain this fast-growing industry.”

The SLU certificate program is the first of its kind in the country and is taught by professionals from the industry as well as experienced SLU faculties. The program covers all aspects of the medical cannabis industry, including cultivation, manufacture, dispensing, plant science, compliance, and operations. In just eight months, the program has enrolled around 300 students from 35 states and Puerto Rico and continues to grow. The first cohort of students will graduate this summer.

“Partnering with a highly respected university like SLU provides high quality education and preparation for employees, those looking to start careers, and those looking to advance their careers in the industry. Career opportunities are numerous in the cannabis space, and the demand for talent is increasing daily, both at the state and national levels. Certification from an exceptional educational institution like SLU offers great benefits to cannabis owners across the country, ”said Mitch Meyers, CEO of BeLeaf Medical. “A well-trained workforce for this new, expanding industry is very important for starting and growing companies. We sat down with Dean Chapman and her team in 2019 to discuss this plan, share our expertise and have been involved with curriculum and planning ever since. “

About BeLeaf Medical: BeLeaf Medical Company is a leader in the medical cannabis industry in the state of Missouri. With years of experience in multiple states, we are able to bring the very best cannabis flowers and manufactured products to market. We have curated the highest quality genetics of popular flower varieties. Our cultivation facilities use proven high-tech methods to grow medicinal varieties of the highest quality. BeLeaf Medical products are specially designed with medical conditions in mind. To ensure a consistently high quality product, we apply strict Good Manufacturing Practices. BeLeaf Medical Dispensaries offer a variety of products and knowledgeable staff to help customers find the best solutions.

About the School for Professional Studies at Saint Louis University: Classes at the School for Professional Studies are typically offered in expedited eight-week sessions and are aimed at busy adults with affordable tuition and hands-on online courses. In the tradition of excellence at Saint Louis University, the School for Professional Studies is aimed at students with adult life circumstances to complete Bachelor, Master and Certificate programs from the globally recognized SLU.

For immediate release: Tracy Polansky

314.604.1916 tracy@polanskygroup.com

Customers find answers to CBD questions in collaboration with doctors

Lincoln, NE

03/09/2021

Contact: Shiva Kumar, CBD Remedies, (402) 890-4871

cbdremediesus@gmail.com

CBD hit the big time. Brands from Coca-Cola to Big Pharma add the natural remedy to everything from lime toothpicks to bath bombs. But there is still a deep knowledge gap among consumers about how to use it safely and effectively.

That hasn’t stopped big brands from bringing out an overwhelming number of CBD product lines, but it has stunned many consumers. Now the CBD industry is hiring its own experts to gain consumer trust.

In Lincoln, Nebraska, CBD Remedies contracts with doctors to advise their clients on how to use CBD for mood disorders and pain.

Selling a variety of top-notch CBD products, the company is committed to getting CBD right. They have a deep understanding of their products, from the farm to the table. They know the cannabinoid profiles, are strict in labeling and check to see if they have been tested by third parties.

However, your customers still have urgent questions: is it safe to take CBD with medication? Does it have any side effects? Is it okay for pets?

In a groundbreaking step, CBD Remedies partnered with a doctor and a PhD student. Expert in cannabis medicine so clients can get answers.

“We’re well ahead of the curve in this regard,” said Shiva Kumar, co-owner of CBD Remedies. “Working with doctors is key to growing and sustaining the CBD industry. We try to develop a methodical process to buy safe, trustworthy brands. “

“Most doctors have no knowledge of natural remedies, and especially CBD. Her specializations are in different areas, ”said Dr. Amanda McKinney, MD who has specialized training in cannabis medicine. “People have nowhere to do to acquire this expertise. It’s hard to sort through on the internet. “

“The CBD industry is still working with a lot of anecdotal knowledge rather than knowledge based on scientific literature,” said Dr. Andrea Holmes, Ph.D. Scientist, co-founder of a hemp extraction company. “Customers feel comfortable talking to someone who has a credential and has studied it for years.”

CBD Remedies customers can now go online and schedule a consultation with the doctors for an affordable fee. You can ask about anything from dosage to side effects.

“It’s the future of the cannabis industry,” says Holmes. “We’re just scratching the surface. We are one of the few practices in the nation with this business model. “

Many CBD products are ineffective while others are powerful drugs, she explained. “It’s like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Everyone wants the gold even if their product is not effective. For example, why is it in eyeshadow? However, cannabinoids are great for reducing inflammation or as an antimicrobial toothpaste. “

McKinney and Holmes have consulted with major CBD companies in the US and UK and helped with projects in Thailand and Nepal.

They also teach online through Doane University in Nebraska. There was an explosion of interest: around 23,000 people took part in their online cannabis certification program from 166 countries around the world.

They’re a perfect choice to fill in a gaping hole left by the FDA, Kumar said. “The FDA already has a lot on its plate and there is a delay in providing guidance to the booming CBD industry, which is still heavily unregulated,” he said.

Nanotechnology has been a powerful source of innovation in the cannabis industry and has removed one of the greatest barriers to the realized potential of cannabinoids – their hydrophobic nature and their low bioavailability.

An overview of the advances in this niche was published in the journal Advances in lipid research and highlights nanotechnology in relation to food and nanoemulsions.

Advantages of nanoemulsions

The two most common types of nanoemulsions are oil-in-water (O / W) and water-in-oil (W / O). O / W nanoemulsions consist of small oil droplets that are dispersed in water, while W / O nanoemulsions have the reverse structure, with small water droplets dispersed in oil.[1] Nanoemulsions are in the middle of the emulsion size spectrum between emulsions and microemulsions and as such form a happy medium.

From a kinetic point of view, because of their smaller size, nanoemulsions are much more stable than emulsions, which “reduces the tendency towards gravitational separation”.[1] This quality extends the shelf life. The smaller the droplets, the faster and more completely they are digested in the gastrointestinal tract, which increases and decreases the onset time.

Conversely, their larger size offers several advantages over microemulsions. They can be formulated from a much wider range of ingredients, and most importantly from natural emulsifiers, as opposed to the synthetic surfactants which are a driving force behind microemulsions.

Approaches to the production of nanoemulsions

There are two main approaches to making nanoemulsions: low-energy and high-energy.

Low energy processes rely on a spontaneous emulsion triggered by a specific change in the composition or temperature of a system containing oil, water and surfactant.

In contrast, high-energy processes use intense mechanical forces to set the emulsion in motion.

Nanoemulsions based on natural ingredients

This is an increasing demand and an increasing scientific interest in nanoemulsions that are made entirely from natural food ingredients and especially vegetable rather than animal based, such as oils, phospholipids, proteins, polysaccharides, biosurfactants or saponins from vegetable materials.

This is very difficult with low energy methods because these natural ingredients alone are not soluble enough to spontaneously emulsify. However, high energy methods work with a wide variety of emulsifiers.

“Typically, vegetable-based emulsifiers must be highly water-soluble, surface-active, rapidly adsorbing, and present in a concentration high enough to cover all of the oil droplet surfaces formed during homogenization,” the review authors say.[1] “Nanoemulsions are highly effective in increasing the bioavailability and bioactivity of orally administered hydrophobic bioactive agents.”

More research in this area can lead to products with a higher bioavailability of cannabinoids and thus a faster noticeable effect.

Credit: Wikipedia

Image source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ec/Nanob.jpg

reference

1. McClements, DJ. Advances in Edible Nanoemulsions: Digestion, Bioavailability, and Potential Toxicity. Advances in Lipid Research. 2021; 81: 101081.

In the United States, opioid overuse and abuse has skyrocketed in recent years, as tens of thousands of Americans die from opioid-related overdoses each year. According to the National Institute on Drug AbuseApproximately 21% to 29% of patients prescribed opioids for pain management abuse them, and between 8% and 12% develop an opioid use disorder.

To address the ongoing problem of opioid addiction, many patients and physicians are increasingly turning to medicinal cannabis to curb opioid use while relieving chronic pain. However, there are currently no guidelines on how to get rid of opioids or use cannabinoids effectively to properly relieve pain.

In a recently in the International journal of clinical practiceResearchers used a five-step Delphi procedure to develop recommendations on how and when to use cannabinoids in the presence of opioids to control chronic pain, and ultimately limit opioid use using cannabinoid titration.[1] The Delphi process is a technique of reviewing and summarizing the opinions of various experts to develop a consensus guide.

Regardless of the physical or psychological intervention, the researchers agreed that cannabinoids could be a viable option for patients with chronic pain who do not experience adequate pain relief from opioid use, especially those who experience complications related to opioid use occur. There are no age restrictions on eligibility.

Instructions for using cannabinoids:[1]

• Cannabinoids should be avoided in pregnant / breastfeeding individuals or in the presence of cannabinoid side effects
• During the day, an oral extract consisting primarily of cannabidiol (CBD) should be used
• Patients may be able to add tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as needed with a starting dose of 0.5 mg to 3 mg. The dose can be increased once or twice a week to 1 mg to 2 mg to a maximum of 30 to 40 mg per day
• Smoking was discouraged and vaporization was recommended instead for breakthrough pain

Instructions for Opioid Rejuvenation:[1]

• With an improvement in function and less need for medication to combat pain, opioid rejuvenation can be initiated by 5-10% every 1 to 4 weeks
• The aim is to reduce pain intensity by at least 30% and the opioid dose by at least 25% and to achieve a significant improvement in function and quality of life

Healthcare providers should monitor the patient’s progress once or twice a month and every 3 months after stabilization. You should also evaluate other medications or recreational substances the patient is taking to minimize side effects or interactions.

This review can help healthcare providers and patients optimize their outcomes by providing guidance on how to properly administer cannabinoids and tapered opioids for safe pain relief.

Credit: Brent Barnett

Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/cannabis-pot-weed-marijuana-drug-2152602/

reference

1. Sihota A et al. Consensus-based recommendations on cannabinoid titration and opioid rejuvenation for chronic pain control. Int J Clin Pract. 2020; e13871.

Now that cannabidiol (CBD) is readily and legally available for research purposes, more and more studies are being conducted into the medicinal properties of the cannabinoid. The results of many of these studies have shown that CBD offers a wide variety of health benefits for treating a wide variety of diseases.

In a 2020 study funded by the British Medical Association Foundation’s Margaret Temple Award for Medical Research, a team of researchers examined the effects of CBD on cerebral blood flow (CBF) and its relationship with memory.[1]

Healthy and strong CBF is important to human health. A decrease in CBF in the hippocampus, a key region in the brain that supports learning and memory, has been linked to a variety of diseases.[1] If CBD affects CBF in certain regions of the brain that are important to memory, it could have a number of useful uses.

In this study, the researchers recruited 15 participants for a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study, including nine women and six men.[1] The subjects received either 600 mg of oral CBD or a placebo (inactive substance) in gelatin capsules on different days.

Three hours after taking CBD or placebo, the researchers measured the regional CBF at rest. They also tested working memory using the digit tension and N-back tasks and episodic memory with a prose recall task. These are common tests used to clinically assess learning and memory function.

Although the memory tasks showed no significant drug effect, the researchers found that CBD increased CBF in the hippocampus.[1] Many diseases are made worse or caused by decreased blood flow to the hippocampus, including Alzheimer’s and neuropsychiatric disorders.

It is important to note that these results contradict the results of other studies. While measuring CBF is an important way of looking at brain function, there are many different factors that affect CBF levels and so it is not directly related to function as CBD does not affect memory performance.

Credit: Anna Shvets

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-white-and-black-wall-decor-4226139/

reference

1. Bloomfield M et al. The Effects of Acute Cannabidiol on Cerebral Blood Flow and Its Relationship to Memory: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study Using Arterial Spin Marking. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 2020; 34 (9): 981- 989

Two cannabis industry powerhouses are on trial after Canopy Growth Corporation filed a lawsuit against GW Pharmaceuticals, the company that makes cannabidiol (CBD) -based drug Epidiolex^®, last December. Canopy claims it has exclusive rights used to the extraction process to make the drug.

Larry Sandell, a patent attorney in Washington DC, said Forbes that the Canopy patent “largely covers CO₂ Extraction, the most widely used and perhaps the most important extraction technique. “

Canopy supports his claim with hers patent Granted in 2020 to protect his right to control a certain type of cannabinoid extraction in the United States. The company’s original patent, issued in 2014was significantly narrower in scope. If the lawsuit is successful, it could have far-reaching consequences for cannabis companies outside of GW.

“It could really be a huge threat to the extraction industry… Although there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of liability for breaches, CO₂ With extractors, this anvil can essentially hang over your head if business goes on. ” said Sandel.

If Canopy wins its suit, it will have a huge advantage over its competitors. Many CBD companies use the proprietary extraction method. Canopy could potentially decide to defend its patent by filing a series of lawsuits following its GW case.

Epidiolex^® is currently the only cannabis-based drug (that is not a synthetic drug) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, GW has also developed other cannabinoid therapies that are currently being tested in trials.

And GW isn’t the only company taking this path. Several other pharmaceutical companies are currently conducting clinical trials for their own cannabinoid-based drugs, which will also be submitted for approval if tests show positive results.

In the Canopy lawsuit specified“This case is not about restricting patient access to Epidiolex®. Rather, Canopy is doing this to stop GW’s knowledge and unauthorized use of Canopy’s intellectual property.”

Unfortunately, if Canopy wins the suit, it could restrict patient access.

“For political reasons, we do not comment on pending legal disputes, except that we are convinced of our position based on our preliminary examination of the complaint and will vigorously defend ourselves against this lawsuit,” said a GW spokesman said.

Credit: CQF avocado

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/scrabble-tiles-613508/

A study published by the Biomedical Research Institute at the University of Cordoba found that Delta-9

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) shows promise in relieving inflammation associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NALD), which is common in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and dyslipidemia.[1]

NAFD is widespread in the western world and affects approximately 25% of the US population. Essentially, liver disease develops due to the build up of fat in the liver. As the name suggests, this damage is not caused by high alcohol consumption, but rather by a high-fat diet.

Because many cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory properties, the researchers used a preclinical model to study the effects of THCA, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid acid, on NAFD.[1] Mice were given a 23 week high fat diet to induce liver fibrosis and THCA was given during the last three weeks of the diet. Cellular and genetic analyzes were used to determine the presence of liver damage or fibrosis.

The researchers found that THCA “significantly decreased” liver fibrosis and inflammation by reducing body weight and improving glucose tolerance.[1] They concluded that THCA could prevent liver fibrogenesis, suggesting potential future uses in humans.

While the results of the study are promising, much more research is needed before any definitive conclusion regarding THCA and NAFD can be drawn.

This study was published in bioRxiV, a magazine that publishes preprinted forms. This means that the study has not been peer reviewed or that other experts in the field will review the results and determine whether the work is suitable for publication. Therefore, it is always worth rereading the study once it has been properly reviewed and published in its final form. Take this into account before drawing any conclusions about the results.

bioRxiV notes:: “As a reminder, these are preliminary reports that have not been peer-reviewed. It should not be considered conclusive, directing clinical practice / health-related behavior, or reported as established information in the news media. “

Credit: Artem Podrez

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-looking-through-the-microscope-5726834/

reference

1. Carmona-Hidalgo B. et al. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid significantly reduces liver fibrosis and inflammation in mice. Phytomedicine. 2021; 81: 153426.

A recent study shed light on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that explain how cannabidiol (CBD) promotes skin health.[1]

To explain these mechanisms, we first need to introduce terminology:

Oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species can damage the skin.[1] The core factor Erythroid 2-like 2 or NRF2 is “the main regulator of antioxidant reactions”. NRF2 targets several genes that affect the antioxidant response, including heme oxygenase 1 or HMOX1, an important protective enzyme.

Still with us? Good!

NRF2 has a positive effect on the HMOX1 function, while BTB and CNC Homology 1 or BACH1 have a negative effect on HMOX1.[1]

Where does CBD fit into this picture?

Previous studies showed that CBD stimulates HMOX1 expression in different cell types. Therefore, the researchers wanted to find out whether CBD has the same effect in keratinocytes, the cells on the top layer of skin, and whether it also affects BACH1 and NRF2.

Using molecular techniques, the researchers found that CBD affects these goals in different ways by:[1]

• Stimulation of HMOX1 expression in keratinocytes
• Inhibit and dismantle BACH1
• Influencing HMOX1 levels by influencing NRF2

The researchers hypothesize that this pathway could explain CBD’s antioxidant properties, meaning that NRF2 activation could be an indirect result of its effects on BACH1.

“We have for the first time identified the main pathways that are regulated by CBD on human primary keratinocytes … which may explain some of the possible beneficial effects of CBD on the skin,” the study’s authors said.[1]

While many people are already using CBD themes for skin conditions, these results show how CBD can work on the skin Molecular level to promote skin health:

“Our validation of CBD as a BACH1 inhibitor suggests that a CBD treatment a) would protect the skin from external influences: e.g. B. from damage caused by UVA irradiation; and b) in a variety of skin diseases, e.g. In eczema or atopic dermatitis. “[1]

In an interesting and perhaps surprising side note, the scientists point out that CBD might actually do more damage as well when it comes to psoriasis. This is because the pro-proliferative effects of CBD can flow directly into the keratinocyte overgrowth that defines psoriasis – meaning that CBD may be better than others for certain skin conditions.

Credit: Aleksandar Pasaric

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-woman-s-face-2464535/

reference

1. Casares L, et al. Cannabidiol induces antioxidant pathways in keratinocytes by targeting BACH1. Redox Biol. 2020; 28: 101321.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a major crackdown, Operation CBDeceit, against falsely advertised CBD products.

The FTC targeted CBD companies who produce and market oils, balms, gummies, coffee, and other items. The companies claimed their products could treat cancer, Alzheimer’s, hypertension, and heart disease.

Many CBD companies don’t realize that all content associated with their product, including labeling, websites, emails, social media, etc. make them liable for false claims. To avoid being penalized and called out by the FTC, brands must never make claims about CBD’s ability to treat specific conditions. This will only hurt the brand’s reputation and consumer trust.

“The six settlements announced today send a clear message to the burgeoning CBD industry: Don’t make spurious health claims that are unsupported by medical science,” Andrew Smith, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection said in a statement. “Otherwise, don’t be surprised if you hear from the FTC.

The FTC is requiring each company to remove all false labels. Also, a portion of the companies will have to a pay a fine to the FTC. The companies included Epichouse LLC (First Class Herbalist CBD), Bionatrol Health, LLC, CBD Meds, Inc., and others.

In one case, Steves Distributing, LLC will be required to pay the FTC $75,000 for misleading health claims.

Operation CBDeceit is the first ever crackdown in the CBD space by the FTC with plans for more operations in the future. It appears as if the burgeoning and unregulated CBD industry is turning over a new page and finally landing within the auspices of the federal government.

As CBD users are become more informed, they will know what to look out for. It’s in the best interest of both consumers, brand integrity, and the overall health of the industry to not overpromise any CBD effects but rather focus on making clean quality products.

Image Credit: Clker-Free-Vector-Images

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/vectors/federal-trade-commission-seal-36081/