As cannabis users, we know that CBD works wonders to alleviate aches and pains caused by inflammation. So, could those same anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol now help treat lung damage caused by COVID-19?

That’s the question disease experts from the University of Nebraska and the Texas Biomedical Research Institute are encouraging scientists to explore, as coronavirus infections continue to devastate the world — but the United States, in particular.

The authors of a peer-reviewed article for the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity state there is currently no scientific evidence that exists showing that cannabis can effectively treat COVID-19. Therefore, researchers should begin studying the treatment potential of the plant immediately, the study’s authors write.

The article points out that “CBD has shown beneficial anti-inflammatory effects in pre-clinical models of various chronic inflammatory diseases.” The authors also note that CBD can increase the production of infection-fighting proteins released by humans and animals, and can also help quell anxiety in patients undergoing coronavirus treatment.

Talking to CBS News, Emily Earlenbaugh of the firm Mindful Cannabis Consulting

said COVID-19 is known to cause a phenomenon called “cykotine storm” in patients — a condition when the body produces too many cykotines, which are naturally occuring immune system mechanisms that create inflammation to fight off infection.

The effects of excess cykotines, however, can include fever spikes, nausea, extreme fatigue, and even death caused by organ failure. Earlenbaugh pointed out that previous research indicates that CBD is an IL-6 cykotine inhibitor, meaning that it might be effective in slowing down or reducing the activity (and, thus, severity) of cytokine storm.

“CBD has very few side effects,” Earlenbaugh said, “so it’s something that’s being looked at as a much more mild treatment that still has a lot of anti-inflammatory powers.”

Earlenbaugh explains that we are still pretty far away from studying the impact of cannabis on COVID in humans subjects. So, she cautions against rushing to cannabis as a treatment for coronavirus until scientists can come up with definitive findings. 

“[A] reason for caution,” Earlenbaugh said, “is that cytokines are important in fighting off infections. So, we don’t want to reduce them as a preventative measure or in early stages of the infection.”

In fact, Earlenbaugh notes that some researchers have even warned against using cannabis early on in the infection stages, as it could cause negative side effects. So, while the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis could be effective in treating COVID-19, more research needs to be done. 

As cannabis users, we know that CBD works wonders to alleviate aches and pains caused by inflammation. So, could the same anti-inflammatory properties help treat lung damage caused by COVID-19?

That’s the question disease experts from the University of Nebraska and the Texas Biomedical Research Institute are encouraging scientists to explore, as coronavirus infections continue to devastate the world — the United States, in particular.

The authors of a peer-reviewed article for the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity state there is currently no scientific evidence showing that cannabis can effectively treat COVID-19. Therefore, researchers should begin studying the treatment potential of the plant immediately, the study’s authors write.

The article points out that “CBD has shown beneficial anti-inflammatory effects in pre-clinical models of various chronic inflammatory diseases.” The authors also note that CBD can increase the production of infection-fighting proteins released by humans and animals, and can also help quell anxiety in patients undergoing coronavirus treatment.

Talking to CBS News, Emily Earlenbaugh of the firm Mindful Cannabis Consulting said COVID-19 is known to cause a phenomenon called “cykotine storm” in patients — a condition when the body produces too many cykotines, which are naturally occuring immune system mechanisms that create inflammation to fight off infection.

The effects of excess cykotines, however, can include fever spikes, nausea, extreme fatigue, and even death caused by organ failure. Earlenbaugh pointed out that previous research indicates that CBD is an IL-6 cykotine inhibitor, meaning that it might be effective in slowing down or reducing the activity (and, thus, severity) of cytokine storm.

“CBD has very few side effects,” Earlenbaugh said, “so it’s something that’s being looked at as a much more mild treatment that still has a lot of anti-inflammatory powers.”

Earlenbaugh explains that we are still pretty far away from studying the impact of cannabis on COVID-19 in humans subjects, however. So, she cautions against rushing to cannabis as a treatment for coronavirus until scientists can come up with definitive findings.

“[A] reason for caution,” Earlenbaugh said, “is that cytokines are important in fighting off infections. So, we don’t want to reduce them as a preventative measure or in early stages of the infection.”

She notes that some researchers have even warned against using cannabis early on in the infection stages, as it could cause negative side effects. So, while the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis could, in theory, be effective in treating COVID-19, more research must be done. 

A Doctor And Chronic Pain Survivor Talks About The Benefits Of Cannabis

With over a decade of experience, Dr. June Chin has focused on interactive osteopathic medicine for individuals with epilepsy, cancer, and autism.

The post A Doctor And Chronic Pain Survivor Talks About The Benefits Of Cannabis appeared first on The Fresh Toast.

In 2017, researchers at Stanford University officially confirmed what cannabis consumers have known for a long time: cannabis can enhance your sex life. 

To reach their conclusion, researchers surveyed more than 55,000 cannabis consumers, who, on average, had sex about 20% more than their non-consuming counterparts. But let’s get to the nitty-gritty. Sometimes, even sex can be too much of a good thing. But that can be fixed by buying something that should be in every person’s nightstand for a sexy night in: a good, quality lubricant. 

Some shy away from using lubes with their partner for fear it will signal a lack of desire. However, one Indiana University study found that 70% of 2,453 women surveyed said that using lube made sex a more pleasant and enjoyable experience. 

Lube could be a game-changer for women experiencing perimenopause or menopause, phases that include lower sex drive, vaginal dryness, and discomfort during sex. For men, being well-lubricated can enhance pleasure and prevent vaginal abrasions and penile friction burns. Some medicines, as well as being anxious or stressed out, can interfere with a pleasurable sexual experience. Bonus for everyone: lube can help sex last longer and feel better. 

But what about CBD lube? Does adding this non-intoxicating cannabinoid to lubricant make for better sex or solo play? 

Dr. Rachel Knox, an endocannabinologist and cannabinoid medicine specialist, told Weedmaps that there is little research on lubricants in general, much less the tiny niche dedicated to CBD lubricants. 

However, she points out that there is a lot of research on CBD in general. “There has been a great deal of research on the effects of CBD on the physiology of the body, including its effects on vasodilation, muscle relaxation, anxiety, and inflammation, which are all relevant to the conversation around creating and choosing a great intimacy oil.”  

What is CBD lube used for? Is it safe?

Generally speaking, people are most interested in using CBD lube, and weed at large, to enhance sex, generally speaking. This could be either to get more pleasure from a sexual experience, or to reduce pain. 

“My interest in [using cannabis for sex] came from the many patients that I see in my clinic who have confided in me that using marijuana treats their sexual problems,” gynecologist-obstetrician Dr. Becky Kaufman Lynn told Weedmaps News in a previous article. “I have seen [cannabis] used in women with chronic pain disorders that lead to painful sex, women who experience difficulty with orgasm or an inability to orgasm, and women who use it to improve their libido, which may not match their partner’s libido.”

Lubricants in general start with a base of water, oil, or silicone. From there, lube makers can add other ingredients like CBD to differentiate themselves on the market. However, many lubes contain preservatives and chemicals which could disrupt a woman’s pH balance and potentially cause infection. Additionally, not all lubes are sperm-friendly and may interfere with women trying to get pregnant.

Some CBD lubes (and lubes in general) have preservatives, chemicals, or natural stimulating ingredients like cinnamon or ginger that could be irritating to the nether regions. Lest we forget, CBD lube is applied locally, so there will be some systemic absorption. CBD may reduce or increase the effectiveness of your medications, an important consideration, especially if that medication is birth control.  

When deciding on a lube, make sure that the base will not break down latex condoms. For example, a popular base for CBD lube is coconut oil. This repurposed health food ingredient may break down the latex in condoms and promote yeast and bacterial growth. It will also stain your sheets, so throw down a towel first. 

However, when used as intended, lubes are safe. 

Does CBD Lube get you high? Does it help sexually? 

Since CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, it doesn’t give you the traditional “high” feeling most THC-based products do. This can make it difficult to tell if CBD lubricant is working at all. 

Dr. Brandye Wilson-Manigat M.D., a South Pasadena-based obstetrician-gynecologist, told Shape Magazine, “we do know that the relaxing and anti-anxiety inducing properties of CBD may facilitate a woman being more receptive to sexual activity.” 

While CBD lube makers are quick to point out positive reviews on their websites, CBD review outlet Review Remedy surveyed more than 1,000 people about CBD and their sex lives. Sixty-eight percent of survey takers said that CBD, regardless of how they used it, improved their sexual experience, helped them relax, or improved their overall mood. 

But when it comes to high-quality clinical research on the effectiveness of CBD lube and sex, the research simply doesn’t exist. In addition to cannabis research lacking due to it’s scheduling and complications with the federal government, women’s sexual health is also, unfortunately, lacking.  

And yet while people find success using these products, Dr. Knox thinks that something to consider with CBD lube and sex is the placebo effect, “when people use something that they expect to make them feel good, they often do.”

Below, check out three CBD lubes we currently love.

Foria Awaken

This vegan/gluten-free/organic formula uses organic MCT coconut oil as its base — making it incompatible with latex condoms. Made with broad-spectrum hemp-derived CBD and organic botanicals, this lube is designed to support blood flow and increase sensation and lubrication. It also features 9 plant-based aphrodisiacs. Foria recommends applying 15 minutes before getting busy to let all the warming effects kick in. 

Quim Smooth Operator

Smooth Operator is aloe-vera based and condom safe. Formulated using full-spectrum CBD hemp oil, this lube could help increase blood flow, decrease inflammation and pain, and promote relaxation. Quim recommends applying the serum at least five minutes before play. As a bonus, Smooth Operator is 100 percent organic and vegan. 

Kush Queen Ignite

This lube is going old school with Ignite, a water-based lubricant that comes in both THC or CBD formulations. Though it is not a plant-based oil, it is paraben-free, petrochemical free, latex compatible, and non-staining. A benefit of using Ignite, in addition to it being safe with condoms and non-staining, is that you don’t have to apply and wait for it to marinate. 

Written by Mary Jane Gibson and Erin Hiatt. Featured image by Matthes Trettin/Unsplash

The post CBD lube could be a game-changer for your sex life. But there's still a lot of skepticism. appeared first on Weedmaps News.

Could COVID-19 Lead To Another Spike In Drug Overdose Deaths?

Since 1990, more than 700,000 people have died due to drug overdoses, mostly driven by the opioid epidemic.

The post Could COVID-19 Lead To Another Spike In Drug Overdose Deaths? appeared first on The Fresh Toast.

Can CBD Treat Your Pet’s COVID-19 Anxiety?

Despite your dog’s happy face every morning, some new data finds that they might also be influenced by the pandemic.

The post Can CBD Treat Your Pet’s COVID-19 Anxiety? appeared first on The Fresh Toast.

Video: The Science Of Cannabis And CBD With Four Leading Experts

Groundbreaking new human studies are about the change what we understand about the underlying biological mechanisms of cannabis and CBD.

The post Video: The Science Of Cannabis And CBD With Four Leading Experts appeared first on The Fresh Toast.

CBD And How It Works With Your Body’s Built-In Cannabinoid System

Chronic or acute pain, stress, fatigue: CBD works in the body in all of these situations, because of the existing endocannabinoid system.

The post CBD And How It Works With Your Body’s Built-In Cannabinoid System appeared first on The Fresh Toast.

Does Dakota Johnson Smoke Weed?

Last year, the “50 Shades” actress was photographed holding a MedMen shopping bag. Does that mean she smokes weed? 

The post Does Dakota Johnson Smoke Weed? appeared first on The Fresh Toast.

Mindful Movement Can Help You Change Your Relationship With Fitness

Many people equate working out with a form of punishment, utilizing movement as ways of burning calories and changing their bodies.

The post Mindful Movement Can Help You Change Your Relationship With Fitness appeared first on The Fresh Toast.