THC, THC, and other cannabinoids are quickly becoming more well known and widespread. After the 2018 Farm Bill made cannabis legal in the United States, researchers were finally able to more easily test the capabilities of the cannabis plant and the compounds it produces. From help with seizures 1 to powerful anti-inflammatory properties 2, medical science is uncovering the powerful components of a plant previously considered an illegal narcotic. Cannabis and THC research is still new and ongoing, but studies have shown THC to be helpful in the treatment of a variety of common skin conditions.
The Function of Skin
It is common knowledge that skin is the largest organ in the human body. Not only is it the largest, it’s also one of the most complex. Skin acts as a protective barrier against environmental elements, but is also a source of hormones, contains a number of sensory nerves, and even has its own immune system.
The skin is made of three layers:
Epidermis: The outermost layer of skin is made up of keratinocytes, cells that form together to make the epidermis waterproof and to provide protection against UV radiation, microbes, allergens, chemicals, and hot or cold temperatures.
Dermis: The second layer of skin is made of collagen and elastic fibers, giving skin its distinct elasticity and strength. Inside this layer of skin also reside hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. Assisting the epidermis, this layer also provides a waterproof barrier and regulates temperature. The dermis is responsible for producing hormonal steroids and vitamin D. This is also the layer where the skin’s immune system is located. Inside this layer of skin live immune cells that activate when the skin has been damaged. Along with the immune system, the dermis also houses a dense arrangement of nerve fibers.
Subcutis: The third layer of skin is made up of fats that hold the fuel, insulation, and cushion for the outer two layers.
How THC Can Help
THC interacts with the body via the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is responsible for maintaining the body’s state of homeostasis, meaning if some form of disruption is introduced in the body, the ECS will work quickly to stabilize and correct the system, maintaining optimal functions. All the internal systems need to be in a state of equilibrium for the human body to work effectively.
There are three primary elements that make up the endocannabinoid system:
Endocannabinoids: These are compounds that are naturally produced by the body, but are very similar to the chemical compounds in cannabis, like THC.
Cannabinoid Receptors: These receptors are found on the surface of cells throughout the body. The endocannabinoids the body produces, and any cannabinoids ingested will bind to these receptors. The action of binding allows them to communicate with different systems in the body.
Enzymes: After the endocannabinoids attach themselves to the cannabinoid receptors and the ECS has achieved stabilization in the body, enzymes break down the endocannabinoids to avoid a possible overcorrection.
The endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating several of the most important bodily functions, including the skin system. The ECS works to maintain the balance of skin functions such as production, differentiation, and immunity. Hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and other cell types located in the epidermis create endocannabinoids, which affect all components of the skin and are responsible for its proper function.
Common Skin Conditions and THC
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to grow and divide at an accelerated rate. The division of these cells causes skin to become inflamed and red, with scaly plaques forming around the irritation. The inflamed skin can be sore and itchy, and may crack and bleed. There is currently no cure for psoriasis, but there are a number of therapies that have shown positive results. Besides maintaining a balanced diet and reducing exposure to the sun, THC has also become a popular natural remedy for psoriasis. Studies have shown that THC can help contain the acceleration of skin cell division and also provide powerful anti-inflammatory benefits 3.
Acne
Acne is a skin condition that can affect any person at any age. Often thought of as just something suffered as a teenager, acne is also seen in adults and can be painful and embarrassing. Acne is caused by an increased secretion of sebum and a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes. While sebum is important for skin protection, if too much is produced it can cause acne. Studies have found that THC helps reduce the formation of sebum in sebaceous tissues 4.
As an additional benefit, THC has been shown to have antibacterial 5 and anti-inflammatory properties making it especially useful against the bacterium that causes acne. Acne is often inflamed and painful, so the additional anti-inflammatory benefits of THC could be quite soothing to those who suffer.
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
While this is a condition that usually occurs in children, it can be experienced in adults as well. Atopic dermatitis is more traditionally known as eczema and is more common in the colder months, resulting in red itchy rashes. Corticosteroid creams are prescribed for this condition, however steroids have some less than desired side effects and users often see the issue return after the corticosteroid treatment has ended.
Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory disease, so THC and it’s apparent anti-inflammatory properties have the potential to be effective during treatment. And because the skin has its own ECS system, THC creams applied topically to the skin can be quickly targeted and distributed to ease any discomfort.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition that usually affects the face and scalp area. It presents itself in the form of red scaly patches of skin around the hairline, often showing up behind the ears and sometimes in the elbows and knees. Seborrheic dermatitis is mainly caused by increased production of sebum in the sebaceous glands.
Much in the same way THC can help with acne and psoriasis, it can also help seborrheic dermatitis by slowing the sebum secretion and slowing down the reproduction rate of the sebocytes, cells that make up the sebaceous glands 6.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a common skin condition with symptoms that cause facial redness accompanied by small pimples. It’s also responsible for causing red and watery eyes, dry and swollen skin, and even a burning or itching sensation. It’s also a highly visible condition, so it can be embarrassing to those who suffer. Like other skin conditions, rosacea has no cure and is typically controlled with oral or topical antibiotics and steroid creams.
Because of THC’s potential to work as a powerful anti-inflammatory, it can be an essential addition to a treatment plan for rosacea. As an added bonus, THC has been found to help with stress and anxiety 7, two known triggers for rosacea flare ups.
How to Use THC
THC for the skin is best used topically. While THC does have other therapeutic benefits for the rest of the body, ingesting THC with the intention of using it to assist in skin conditions is not an effective use of the product. Instead, find a quality topical product that can be applied directly to the affected area. As with any skin product, make sure to test it out first. Do a small skin test for a few days before applying the product to a larger area.
It’s also important to check the label on any potential product. Reputable companies will disclose how much THC is found within their products and even provide a COA, or certificate of analysis, upon request, on the product packaging, or on their website.
As THC gains popularity, so do other products trying to ride on its coattails. One such product is often called “cannabis sativa oil.” While it is a cannabis product, it is not THC. It is actually just cannabis oil, which contains only tiny amounts of THC. Unless you’re just interested in it for moisturization, pass on this oil and look for THC oil instead.
Finally, make sure to check state laws. While THC is legal federally, there are some states that have imposed specific restrictions on the possession or transportation of cannabidiol. Check your local regulations before making a purchase.
Cannabis is a growing and newly booming industry. As more and more states legalize recreational cannabis use, and more politicians push for legalization at a federal level, the cannabis job market is seeing a lot of upwards momentum. While much of the country seems to be focused on the increasing job outlook in technology and health care, many are overlooking the incredible expansion happening in the cannabis industry.
The tracking of cannabis job creation is a relatively new process, started about four years ago by Leafly.com. Leafly.com decided to start tracking when they discovered that federal and state economists were not tracking state-legal cannabis numbers at all, for the sole reason that it is still considered federally illegal. When tracking began, the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) didn’t even have a code for cannabis jobs, meaning there wasn’t a way for economists to track how many jobs were in the field, even if they wanted to. While the NAICS has since added a code for cannabis jobs, they are still not very helpful in determining actual numbers and recent data on the growth within the industry. Cannabis retail jobs are categorized with other retail entities like art supply and hot tub stores, while cannabis growers are put in the same category as hay farmers and agave growers. At the surface, it’s easy to see why they could be lumped together with these other industries, however they are very different types of businesses and with cannabis on its way to hitting historic industry growth, it’s important that it is designated and classified correctly.
Understanding the importance of this, Leafly.com added its own team of data collectors and analysts using systems put in place by top level economists and industry-leading firms. The data is compiled state by state using statistics generated from the numbers provided by each state’s regulatory agency.
Current Numbers
As of January 2020, there are more than 243,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs in the legal cannabis industry, a 15% increase from 2019. That means over the previous 12 months, more than 33,00 new jobs were created just in the cannabis industry. What does that really mean? It means that legal cannabis is the fastest growing industry in the United States [1].
Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Illinois are currently the states with the highest increase in cannabis job creation since 2019, with Massachusetts adding over 10,000 new jobs and Oklahoma adding 7,300 new jobs. In fact, Massachusetts now has more legal cannabis workers than hair stylists and cosmetologists. Florida is another state that saw a lot of growth in 2019, which is in part because of its large number of registered medical marijuana patients. With more than 300,000 patients registered, Florida now has the most medical cannabis patients of any state in the country. With so many registered patients, and smokable cannabis flower becoming legal, Florida saw an incredible 93% sales boost in cannabis products in 2019 [2].
States with the Most Jobs
Even though it experienced quite a bit of job loss in 2019, California is still the largest legal cannabis employment state in America. However, Colorado is currently the top per-capita cannabis employer, with 1 in every 165 residents working in the industry. California is closer to 1 in every 980. Colorado has also managed to outperform Washington state, even though both states legalized cannabis in 2012. Compared to the number of jobs in Washington, Colorado has almost 10,000 more people employed in the industry, even though Washington has almost two million more residents in the state [3].
Both Colorado and Washington, however, have reported a very strong job growth number of 8% within six years of legalization and recreational stores opening for business. Not only do these numbers suggest stunning growth opportunities, they also show a strong indication that opening up legal and retail cannabis sales has drawn customers away from illegal sellers while also inspiring those who would not be considered typical users to explore these new products [4].
Cannabis and COVID-19
In a somewhat stunning turn of events, governors and public health officials in states with legalized recreational cannabis declared cannabis sales an essential service in the face of the COVID-19 shutdown of 2020. With other retail establishments being forced close to public safety, leaving only the most essential services like grocery stores and pharmacies open, cannabis finally got some of the recognition it deserves as a medically and therapeutically necessary service. During a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, having continued access to cannabis was an incredible relief to many who require it for their daily needs [5].
Future Outlook
Cannabis had explosive growth in 2018, leading many to gain too much confidence a little too early in the game. With the Canadian market slow to grow, and investment capital waning, and a national vaping warning and subsequent health crisis, layoffs did happen and the industry did slow its growth in 2019 compared to 2018.
Some of the hardest hit states were California and Michigan, two of the largest cannabis markets in the United States. Due to changes in laws and regulations, these two states were noted to have experienced substantial job loss. For instance, a caregiver law in California expired and changed an estimated 8,000 jobs from legal to non-legal. Likewise, in Michigan, a new regulation format changed the status of formally legal dispensaries to being listed as operating illegally. It should be noted, however, that the jobs affected by these law changes are expected to be reinstated within 2 years once the states work out the kinks in the regulation process and correctly relicense all those who experienced a status change [6].
Job Growth
The incredible growth in Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Florida balanced out any losses in other states that may have occurred, and still returned a very impressive increase over 12 months. Job growth in the legal cannabis industry is expected to far outnumber even the fastest growing occupations in the country over the next ten years. For example, wind turbine service techs and solar photovoltaic installers are expected to see an increase of 57%-63% respectively over the next ten years. Compare that to the 250% increase that is expected for the legal cannabis industry [7]!
Beyond American borders, Canada has also seen a dramatic increase in cannabis related jobs and an overall industry boom. In 2018 it added legal cannabis to its industry statistical gathering in preparation for the nationwide legalization of cannabis. One Canadian company actually had to import workers to harvest cannabis, helping Canada see a 200% increase in cannabis jobs in that country [8].
Spending
Cannabis spending is expected to grow to more than $17 billion by 2020, with a projected total of more than $31 billion in 2022 . When consumers purchase retail cannabis, a portion of that money goes to local taxes, which range from 10% to 37% and are used to fund job creation, school construction, drug abuse prevention programs, and medical research. With projected sales in the billions, it’s important to realize how much of that money will go back into the community via taxes [9].
All of the recent job data goes to show the power of the cannabis industry and its almost guaranteed future as an integral and lucrative part of the U.S. and global economies. As further proof of its power, cannabis is expected to help grow the economy, even without any of the concessions that are currently being demanded by other large corporations that are also responsible for playing a part in economic growth. To put it bluntly: the cannabis industry is adding jobs without costing the taxpayers any extra money. The industry is growing and very soon it will be a top contender within the global economy.
The human body is a complex system that requires almost constant upkeep and maintenance. It’s the reason that one simple complication can equal disaster if it’s not dealt with swiftly and effectively. One of the reasons the body is able to maintain a strong state of homeostasis is because of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its ability to detect issues and move quickly to correct them.
However, the ECS itself is susceptible to damage if it’s not maintained properly, which would start a domino effect of other systems also failing to maintain proper stability without the assistance of the endocannabinoid system. One of the most common issues with the ECS is pollutants making their way in. In this article we’ll explain what that really means and how it can be avoided.
The Endocannabinoid System
To begin with it’s important to have an overview of the ECS. As mentioned, the endocannabinoid system maintains homeostasis within the body. If one of the systems it controls experiences some sort of disruption, the ECS will step in and correct the imbalance to bring back equilibrium to the affected system. Human bodies are complex and changes can happen at any time, so conditions need to be kept stable in order for cells to maintain optimal performance.
Within the ECS are endocannabinoids, which are small molecules that bind to receptors and active them. These molecules are very similar to the cannabinoid compounds produced by cannabis plants. The two major endocannabinoids found in the ECS are anandamide and 2-AG. These compounds are made up of molecules within cell membranes and the body is able to produce them on demand.
Endocannabinoid receptors are found on the surface of cells and are used to monitor conditions outside the cell and transmit any information about changes happening within the environment surrounding it. If a large enough change is reported, the ECS will receive the message communicated by the receptors and initiate the proper response to balance the system. Endocannabinoids are able to bind to either of the two main receptors, but the result will depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it binds to.
The ECS also contains special enzymes known as metabolic enzymes. These are used to destroy endocannabinoids within the ECS systems once they have successfully achieved homeostasis within the body. This helps ensure no overcorrection will be able to occur after the need for the endocannabinoid has ended.
While research is still ongoing, studies have so far found the endocannabinoid system to be linked to processes like appetite, metabolism, pain, the immune system, memory, sleep, reproductive function, nerve function and mood and anxiety [1].
The Endocrine System
The human endocrine system consists of a series of glands that produce hormones and also secrete them. These hormones are used by the body for a wide variety of necessary functions, including respiration, metabolism, reproduction, movement, and growth. The glands within the endocrine system produce hormones which are then sent into the bloodstream by tissues within the body. These hormones send specific signals to the tissue, telling them what they should be doing. If the glands produce incorrect hormones or an incorrect amount, diseases can develop leading to health complications down the road. The endocrine system is extremely important to healthy living and any disruption within it can be catastrophic to the rest of the systems within the body, including the ECS.
Endocrine Disruptors
Researchers have begun exploring the link between common pollutants and how they cause a disruption in the endocrine system, which can then lead to a dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system. These disruptors are a large class of chemicals that are defined by how they act in the human body. Endocrine disrupting chemicals have the ability to mimic, block, or interfere with important naturally occurring hormones like estrogen and androgen. The disruption can throw the entire body off balance and trigger a multitude of unfortunate health effects, some of those not appearing for years after exposure.
It’s a difficult process understanding how and why these chemicals have such a dangerous impact on our health and researchers are still studying the effects of them on diseases like cancer and diabetes. They are also studying the link between the endocrine system and the endocannabinoid system. The link between the two systems is clear, with both working to maintain a level of homeostasis within the body and both routinely working alongside other major systems on the body. Both of these systems are also very sensitive to added chemicals, such as the case with the well documented effects of cannabinoids on the endocannabinoid system.
Toxins
There are unfortunately a number of toxins that humans come in contact with on a daily basis that have the potential to act as endocrine disruptors, but some of the most common and most destructive include:
BPA
Also known as bisphenol A., BPA is a well-known chemical that has been used to manufacture industrial plastic for decades. It’s most often found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, such as food and water storage containers.
BPA can seep into food or beverages that are held within storage containers, especially if they are exposed to heat.
DiNP
Diisononyl Phthalate belongs to the phthalate family of plastics, which are commonly added to plastics to make them flexible. DiNP is the most frequently used of the family and is common in many plastic products. It can also be found in items that contain vinyl, wire insulation, gloves, tubing, hoses, and even shoes. It has also been used in inks and pigments, adhesives, sealants, and paints.
DiNP can be gradually released from these products where it makes its way into indoor environments like homes, schools, and offices. It will often settle on floors and other surfaces, while also accumulating in dust and in the air.
Parabens
Parabens are most commonly found in cosmetics where they are used as preservatives. The most common types are methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben which act to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in cosmetic products.
Because of the nature of the products they are contained within, exposure to parabens generally comes from skin contact. Since parabens are commonly found in products like makeup, moisturizers, hair care products, and shaving products, it’s common for contact with the skin to be a daily occurrence.
Studies
A recent study on fish tested the theory that exposure to toxins would cause a disruption to not only the endocrine system, but also the endocannabinoid system. In the experiment, the fish were subjected to the known endocrine disruptors of BPA and DiNP. After 21 days the researchers concluded that the levels of the ECS were altered, specifically in the brain, liver, and gonads as a result of these endocrine disruptors [2].
Another study examined how common pesticides could inhibit the ability of the endocannabinoid system and found that chlorpyrifos and other organophosphate pesticides were in fact able to inhibit the work of the CB1 receptor, an important part of the endocannabinoid system and the receptor that interacts with cannabinoids from cannabis the most often [3].
Another later study noted that organophosphorus chemicals actually blocked the endocannabinoid enzymes MAGL and FAAH, which leads to elevated levels of endocannabinoids in the brain and ultimately threw the cannabinoid receptors out of balance [4].
Conclusion
Maintaining a health endocannabinoid system and a healthy endocrine system are essential to a good life. By avoiding potential pollutants that could endanger both is the first step to keeping the systems in check. Human trials are only just beginning on this topic, but as scientists learn more about the endocannabinoid system and the way it is able to interact with the rest of the body, studies such as these will become more important to understanding the effects of dangerous chemicals and the potential for therapeutic treatments to help assist these systems in maintaining a healthy function.
Cannabis products are seeing legalization all around the country and with the widespread popularity of these products, cannabis use is starting to cross generational lines. What does this mean for the industry, and for its newest customers?
Boomers and Cannabis
A recent study has shown that overall, marijuana and cannabis is on the rise with baby boomers in the United States. Men in particular are finding their way to it as a treatment for a number of different ailments [1]. Why is this so significant? Well, historically older adults have been against cannabis products, even those who a decade ago did not support cannabis legalization have since started to change their minds.
The findings of this study represent the changing attitudes of older Americans across the country when it comes to cannabis and marijuana use. Not only did use of cannabis increase in older adults in states where it has been legalized recreationally, but also in states where it has not. Researchers note that this phenomenon signifies a change in thinking across the entire country.
This particular study looked at three years of data, collected between 2016 and 2018 in adults aged 55 and up. The data comes from 19 states and two territories, and focuses on cannabis use in those participants.
Men between the ages of 60 to 64 were shown to have the highest rates of marijuana use, with the number of men using it jumping to 12.6% in 2018 compared to 8.9% in 2016. The study also showed that during the same time period cannabis use in men between the ages of 65 to 69 and 70 to 74 almost doubled. This is an impressive number in such a relatively short period of time. Research has shown, though, that the rates of cannabis use in women remained steady over the course of the study.
Scientists are still digging into what has caused such a shift recently, but the overall consensus is that more older adults are willing to use cannabis now because of the reduced stigma attached to it, increased availability of it, lowered inhibitions against cannabis, and the ever-growing list of medicinal benefits. Some of the most important of those benefits being help with chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep conditions [2]. As more older adults start to face these issues and also face the risk of certain prescription medications, they find themselves reaching for cannabis products.
Effects of Cannabis on Older Adults
Current research shows that cannabis has much the same effect on older adults as it does on younger. Afterall, it interacts with the body in the same way no matter the age of the user. Cannabis finds its way via the endocannabinoid system, or the ECS. This system controls homeostasis within the body. If the body senses any kind of disturbance happening internally, the ECS will kick into gear and point its resources to that disturbance, working to again bring stability to it. The ECS functions using three primary elements called endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.
The endocannabinoids are chemical compounds found within the human body. These compounds are very similar to the compounds found in cannabis, called cannabinoids. Since the two compounds are so molecularly similar, cannabinoids can easily attach themselves to endocannabinoid receptors.
The receptors are found on the surface of cells throughout the body. When cannabinoids attach to the receptors, they are able to communicate with different systems, ultimately helping the ECS maintain homeostasis.
Enzymes within the ECS are introduced after the receptor and cannabinoid compounds have worked together to achieve the desired level of stabilization in the desired system. Once homeostasis is achieved, the enzymes attach to the cannabinoids and break them down.
Risks
Some are concerned with the possibility of drug interactions when older adults start mixing their medication with cannabis products. A recent study indicated that there is potential for marijuana to interact with certain heart medications when they are combined, potentially putting those users in increased risk of cardiovascular issues. The study also noted increased risk of confusion, dizziness, falls, and other accidents [3]. Everyone adding any sort of cannabis product into their routine needs to speak with their doctor beforehand. It’s not worth the potential risk when it just takes a few moments to ask questions. Research is ongoing and new information is constantly being released, so keeping up-to-date on potential issues, as well as reporting any new side effects to a doctor, are essential right now as the industry grows and spreads to more and more demographics.
Uses
As mentioned earlier, some of the most common uses older adults have for cannabis include uses to help ease pain, anxiety, and sleep conditions. There are many other helpful uses for cannabis, including help with issues related to aging like inflammation, glaucoma, and Alzheimer’s, but we’ll discuss just the most common in this article.
Pain
Arthritis Pain
In the United States 23% of adults suffer from arthritis [4]. Arthritis can affect just one joint or several, and is most commonly seen in people over the age of 65 [5]. Researchers have been studying the benefits of cannabis on arthritis pain and the results are very positive. Their studies have indicated that THC and other cannabis products may help reduce inflammatory pain by changing the way pain receptors react to stimuli [6]. It may also work to reduce joint inflammation and protect the nerves [7]. While there are other treatments for arthritis pain available, many of them have less than desirable side effects. Cannabis can offer a reliable option for pain management without the risk of dangerous side effects.
Back Pain
Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability around the world [8]. Some back pain can be resolved by rest alone, but many other types require treatment for recovery. Instead of taking prescription opioids for back pain, many are turning to cannabis. THC, for instance, has no dangerous side effects, is not habit forming, and has been shown to be an helpful option for managing inflammatory back pain [9]. Using THC along with stronger medications may be able to help a person reduce their need for more potent pills. That means combining THC with stronger pain medication may help cut down on dependency and the harmful side effects that go along with it [10].
Neuropathic Pain
Chronic neuropathic pain comes from damaged nerves, which is different when compared to the tissue pain described above. Research has shown that cannabis may be a treatment option for both types of pain, with many people swearing by cannabis and THC as a treatment for their neuropathic pain, including nerve trauma and widespread nerve damage [11]. Neuropathic pain is one of the most difficult to treat, yet current studies have revealed that cannabis can be beneficial to those patients who have not responded well to pharmaceutical treatments [12].
Anxiety & Stress
Studies have shown that cannabis interacts with two specific ECS receptors found in the central nervous system. Research is still ongoing, but these tests show that the cannabinoid THC may alter serotonin signals, particularly the receptor that has the largest role in anxiety disorders [13].
As mentioned earlier, the endocannabinoid system and THC work hand-in-hand and this is very much the case when it comes to treating anxiety disorders. The ECS is responsible for regulating stress and anxiety in the body, so when the system becomes overloaded, it is up to the ECS to make the necessary adjustments. Researchers believe that introducing cannabinoids to the ECS can have a positive overall effect on anxious behaviors [14].
THC is also believed to assist in neural regeneration [15]. High levels of stress and anxiety for prolonged periods of time can cause damage to the neurons and the brain. In order to correct that damage, new neurons must be formed and new connections made. THC helps boost this corrective process and stimulates growth of new neurons, resulting in reduced anxiety.
Sleep Conditions
There are several factors to consider when investigating cannabis for sleep. First, consumers should determine which cannabis product they would like to try for sleep. Marijuana has been used for centuries as a natural sleep aid [16], however because it does possess psychoactive effects many potential users avoid it. While it is a powerful sleep aid, it may not be for everyone. If consumers would rather avoid the intoxication of THC, they should still be aware that THC contains a terpene called myrcene. This particular terpene is known to act as a sedative [17] and is a powerful addition to cannabidiol.
Another factor to consider is the type of THC being used to assist in sleep. If a consumer decides to use a THC isolate, they will be missing out on the added benefits that comes with using a more inclusive THC product, like broad or full spectrum THC oil. The products that are listed as THC isolate will have all other cannabinoids and terpenes removed, leaving only pure THC. While this might be an excellent product for many other uses, it may not be the best product for someone looking for relief from sleep conditions because then they are missing out on a very special process called The Entourage Effect, which only happens when all cannabinoids and terpenes are allowed to exist together and aid each other in their processes, bringing maximum relief to the user. If even one of those compounds is removed, the beneficial results will be lessened [18].
Risks
Some are concerned with the possibility of drug interactions when older adults start mixing their medication with cannabis products. A recent study indicated that there is potential for marijuana to interact with certain heart medications when they are combined, potentially putting those users in increased risk of cardiovascular issues. The study also noted increased risk of confusion, dizziness, falls, and other accidents [19]. Everyone adding any sort of cannabis product into their routine needs to speak with their doctor beforehand. It’s not worth the potential risk when it just takes a few moments to ask questions. Research is ongoing and new information is constantly being released, so keeping up-to-date on potential issues, as well as reporting any new side effects to a doctor, are essential right now as the industry grows and spreads to more and more demographics.
