Cannabis affects on Arthritis
Cannabis has been reported to have potential effects on arthritis, but it’s important to note that research in this area is still developing, and individual responses may vary. Here are some potential ways in which cannabis may affect arthritis:
- Pain relief: One of the most common reasons people with arthritis turn to cannabis is for pain management. Both THC and CBD, the primary cannabinoids found in cannabis, have been reported to have analgesic properties. They may help reduce pain and discomfort associated with arthritis by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain perception.
- Inflammation reduction: Arthritis is characterized by joint inflammation, and some studies suggest that cannabinoids, particularly CBD, have anti-inflammatory properties. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system and other receptors in the body, cannabinoids may help mitigate inflammation in arthritis and potentially alleviate symptoms.
- Sleep improvement: Arthritis pain can interfere with sleep, and cannabis has been reported to have sedative effects. Some individuals with arthritis find that using cannabis helps them relax and improve their sleep quality. However, it’s important to note that cannabis may also affect sleep patterns and quality in different ways for different individuals.
- Stiffness and muscle relaxation: Arthritis can lead to joint stiffness and muscle tension. Some individuals report that using cannabis, particularly strains higher in THC, helps to relax muscles and reduce stiffness, allowing for increased mobility and flexibility.
While cannabis may offer potential benefits for arthritis symptoms, it is not a cure for the underlying condition. It’s important to work with a healthcare professional to determine if cannabis is a suitable option for your specific situation. They can help you navigate the potential risks, side effects, and drug interactions associated with cannabis use, as well as assist in finding the most appropriate strains, dosages, and administration methods for your needs.
Do cannabis topicals protect you from the sun?
and nourishment, such as moisturizers or antioxidants, they are generally not formulated with sun-blocking properties like those found in dedicated sunscreens.
If you’re looking for sun protection, it’s recommended to use a sunscreen product specifically designed for that purpose. Sunscreens come in various forms, including lotions, creams, sprays, and sticks, and they are formulated to provide effective protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
That said, some cannabis-infused skincare products may include sunscreen ingredients, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which offer physical protection against UV rays. These products may offer a combination of cannabis-based benefits and sun protection. It’s important to check the product labels and look for specific SPF (sun protection factor) values or indications of broad-spectrum coverage to ensure adequate sun protection.
When using cannabis topicals, particularly those without specific sun protection properties, it’s advisable to use them in conjunction with a separate sunscreen product to ensure comprehensive sun protection. Apply the sunscreen first, allowing it to fully absorb into the skin, and then follow up with the cannabis topical for its intended skincare or pain relief benefits.
Remember, consistent use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade are important for maintaining healthy skin and minimizing the risk of sunburn and long-term sun damage.
Delta-8’s Legal High: Loophole or Legitimate Market?
As cannabis products continue to diversify, a new player is rising in popularity: Delta-8 THC. Often marketed as a legal alternative to Delta-9 THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, Delta-8 is making waves in the hemp industry. But with its growing availability comes increasing legal scrutiny, as regulators, producers, and consumers navigate the gray area between hemp and marijuana laws.
What is Delta-8?
Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid found in small amounts in cannabis plants, but most of the Delta-8 products on the market are derived from hemp. This is where the product’s legality becomes murky. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives, provided they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Since Delta-8 can be synthesized from CBD extracted from hemp, it has found a legal loophole to thrive, even in states where marijuana remains illegal.
The Market Boom
In recent years, Delta-8 products—from vape cartridges to edibles—have exploded onto the scene. Marketed as a less potent, more manageable alternative to traditional marijuana, it appeals to users seeking a mild psychoactive experience without the intensity of Delta-9 THC. Retailers across the U.S., both online and in physical stores, are capitalizing on Delta-8’s ambiguous legal status, offering it in places where Delta-9 marijuana is either heavily restricted or illegal.
A key driver of Delta-8’s success is accessibility. For consumers in states without medical or recreational marijuana programs, Delta-8 presents an opportunity to experience THC legally. Sales of Delta-8 surged in 2023, with industry analysts predicting further growth as more companies enter the market.
Legal Challenges and Regulatory Ambiguity
While Delta-8’s legality may seem straightforward under the hemp provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, regulators are grappling with its unintended consequences. Several states have already taken action, moving to ban or restrict Delta-8 products over concerns about safety, lack of regulation, and the potential for abuse. As of 2024, over a dozen states, including New York and Colorado, have enacted laws either limiting or outright banning the sale of Delta-8 products.
One of the biggest challenges lies in regulating the production process. Since Delta-8 is typically synthesized from CBD, some argue that it skirts around natural cannabinoid extraction methods. In response, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a statement in 2020, suggesting that synthetically derived THC, including Delta-8, may be considered illegal under the Federal Analog Act. However, enforcement has been inconsistent, leaving many businesses in a legal limbo.
Another layer of complexity involves consumer safety. Delta-8 products are often sold in unregulated markets, meaning quality control can vary widely. Some reports have emerged of products containing harmful additives or higher levels of Delta-9 THC than advertised, raising red flags for health advocates and lawmakers.
Hemp vs. Delta-9 Marijuana: The Legal Divide
The core of the legal battle between Delta-8 and traditional Delta-9 marijuana lies in how each product is classified under federal law. While marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance, hemp and its derivatives, including CBD, were made federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill—provided they contain no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.
This discrepancy has fueled the rise of Delta-8, which many see as a loophole. Advocates for Delta-8 argue that it’s fundamentally different from Delta-9 in its effects, producing a more subtle, less anxiety-inducing high. Critics, however, maintain that the synthetic creation of Delta-8 from hemp-derived CBD makes it legally questionable, especially as it can produce psychoactive effects similar to marijuana.
What’s Next for Delta-8?
With both the hemp and marijuana industries watching closely, the future of Delta-8 remains uncertain. As federal agencies like the FDA and DEA wrestle with how to regulate these products, state governments are increasingly stepping in to fill the gap. Meanwhile, companies are pushing for clearer guidelines, hoping to avoid the fate of the unregulated markets that preceded them.
For now, Delta-8 continues to thrive, fueled by demand for legal THC alternatives and a rapidly expanding market. But as legal battles and regulatory challenges mount, its future could depend on whether lawmakers choose to embrace it as part of the broader cannabis conversation—or crack down on it as an unintended consequence of hemp legalization.