Opinion piece: "Cannabis law reforms would let chronically ill people like me live in less pain and more dignity" by an ME patient

https://inews.co.uk/opinion/cannabi...cally-ill-people-like-live-less-pain-dignity/

 

I think that is correct.

 

"When trying to wrap your head around the differences between hemp and cannabis, it is important to begin with this simple concept: Both hemp and cannabis ultimately come from the same plant… "

"According to a 1976 study published by the International Association of Plant Taxonomy concluded “both hemp varieties and marijuana varieties are of the same genus, Cannabis, and the same species, Cannabis Sativa. Further, there are countless varieties that fall into further classifications within the species Cannabis Sativa.”

"However, depending on how the plant is grown and utilized will determine which term is correct. For instance, the term cannabis (or marijuana) is used when describing a Cannabis Sativa plant that is bred for its potent, resinous glands (known as trichomes). These trichomes contain high amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid most known for its psychoactive properties."

"There is a big difference between hemp seed oil and hemp/CBD extract. Hemp/CBD extract is the main ingredient in popular products like Charlotte’s Web and other CBD-specific brands. Products containing hemp/CBD extract do have a wide range of cannabinoids, just limited to no THC.

Hemp, on the other hand, is used to describe a Cannabis Sativa plant that contains only trace amounts of THC. Hemp is a high-growing plant, typically bred for industrial uses such as oils and topical ointments, as well as fiber for clothing, construction, and much more."

 

As I understand it, the best results come from oils with both high levels of CBD and THC. You need above the legal amounts of THC to activate the most potent effects.

So the stuff these people are using is overseas stuff that's much more potent.

 

I have never understood why governments don't control the supply, tax it, and make a fortune.

 

I'd give up my prescriptions and be the first in line!

 

I thought that the amounts of THC contained in modern stuff were excessive, and responsible for addiction, etc?

 

There's some interesting info here:

https://www.leafscience.com/2017/11/22/thc-cbd-difference/

 

Sure, THC is addictive, but current legal CBD blends are like 0.2% or something. There's some evidence that it needs to be at least 5% to get the best benefits, because the THC increases the positive effects of CBD (especially for pain).

A doctor talks about it here: https://www.quora.com/Does-CBD-oil-need-THC-in-it-to-work-on-pain. He suggests a 20:1 ratio of CBD:THC as ideal.

I believe it's called the 'entourage effect' (nothing to do with Mark Wahlberg, thankfully).

 

I recently bought some of the Holland and Barrett 5% stuff (it was half price) out of pure interest. I can't say that I've noticed a difference but I wasn't necessarily expecting to find one.

There are sites (outside the UK) that sell (what looks like) stronger stuff (without THC) so I still have an open mind on this.

I've seen enough closed mindedness in the medical profession to teach me to maintain an open mind.

 

There's a 40% one you can get online legally. I can tell the difference, but it's nowhere near as good as the real thing. Sadly, the real thing exhausts me far too much and I don't fancy moving to the Netherlands to get a safe and regular supply.