Spotlight on Cannabichromene, CBC: The Brain Health Essential

Several studies in the last decade have revealed the substantial role that CBC plays in brain health. CBC which is present in all cannabis, influences the various pathways that neural stem cells take as they mature.

CBC determines which stem cells will mature into new neurons and which cells will form the protective sheath for nerves. CBC also decides which stem cells become astrocytes, important star-shaped brain cells which regulate cerebral blood flow and regulate electrical impulses. Astrocytes also play a crucial role in repairing the brain and the spinal cord after an infection or a traumatic injury.

The latest research classifies CBC as a ‘neurogenesis enhancer’ because of this important ability to allow stem cells to maintain their viability and to differentiate into their various different forms. CBC is being studied for neurodegenerative conditions like dementia, Altzeimers and Parkinson’s Disease.

Cannabichromene (CBC), is categorized as a ‘minor cannabinoid’ because it occurs in small amounts in cannabis, not because it is minor in usefulness or effectiveness. Many cannabinoid studies have shown CBC’s uses in other areas. Not surprisingly, studies on antidepressant qualities of cannabinoids show CBC works synergistically with CBD and THC relieving depressive symptoms.

CBC has been shown to relieve inflammation in several distinct conditions, studies on arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease both returned positive results.

There is hope that CBC will prove to be valuable in many more areas, studies are ongoing in the role it can play in anti-cancer treatments, bone health and inflammatory skin conditions like acne.

While research continues it is worth noting that CBC and other minor cannabinoids are always present in broad spectrum extracts where cannabinoids act together as nature intended. I think of broad spectrum extracts as packed with extra value from all the extra cannabinoids that are present.

CBD-rich cannabis strains usually have between 0.25% to over 1% of CBC present.This translates to 2.5mg to 10mg per gram of cannabis flower, this represents a good supplemental dose of CBC, adding discernible benefits and therapeutic value to CBD-rich products.

Don’t Worry! Be Happy ! The Benefits of Cannabis Medicine

CBD for Anxiety & Aging

By Billee Sharp

When we start to notice gray hairs in the mirror we get a visual reminder that time is moving on for us. Aging is inevitable, that we all know, but the natural progression from middle to old age is not something that we spend a lot of time contemplating in our youth. As I approach my sixtieth birthday the reality of the aging process is on my mind!

The aging process that we all live through is often accompanied by fears and anxiety, the possibility or the actuality of declining physical health can lead us to unhappiness and even depression.

Luckily for us in California, we have access to CBD medication that is recognised for its powerful anti-anxiety effect; from full blown panic attacks to generalized anxiety symptoms CBD, taken at the correct dosage will relieve the troubled mind. However, relieving anxiety is just one of the conditions that CBD can address. Here are some of the other ways that CBD can improve our health through the aging process, in effect, making CBD an anti-aging supplement.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce chronic inflammation, which is a common issue in aging and can contribute to various age-related diseases such as arthritis and cardiovascular disease, in a recent study CBD was shown to reduce high blood pressure after a single dose.

Antioxidant Properties

CBD acts as an antioxidant, helping to combat oxidative stress that contributes to the aging process. This can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially slowing down signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin. Our skin is our largest organ and has cannabinoid receptors at every level. CBD helps our skin retain moisture and protect us from UV damage while also supporting the skin’s ability to repel environmental toxics.

Neuroprotection

CBD has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, preventing and ameliorating symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Studies show CBD, CBN, CBC and THCV supporting brain health by promoting neurogenesis and reducing neuroinflammation. Recent studies in THCV are very encouraging for neurological health, Synergy Wellness’ Cleopatra Blend #135 combines CBD, THC and THCV in a 5:3:1 ratio and #220 CBD:CBN in a 3:1 ratio is popular as a neuro supportive supplement and aid to sleeplessness.

Pain Relief

Chronic pain is a common issue among older adults. CBD alleviates pain by activating the endocannabinoid system which plays a substantial role in reducing painful inflammation.While CBD’s role is that of a healer, THC can produce more immediate and pronounced results , as it is truly analgesic and has a long history as a pain reliever. The two together are ideal, especially for those who desire CBD’s tempering effects of the high associated with THC. Synergy offers many blended tincture options and we are happy to advise you based on the personal details that you share with us.

Bone Health

CBD contributes to healthy bones by supporting bone density, which can be beneficial in preventing conditions like osteoporosis. We recommend all our CBD products for bone health , Our raw CBD capsules #653, are a popular choice as a daily CBD supplement.

Skin Health

Cannabis CBD-infused skincare products help in managing skin conditions common in aging, such as irritation, eczema, skin growths, warts and neglected feet & nails. Its anti-inflammatory, anti microbial and moisturizing properties make it useful for maintaining healthy skin, reducing swelling and promoting healing. Synergy 1:1 CBD:THC Salve is a go-to remedy for skin conditions including sun damage and equally useful for pain relief from muscle and joint pain.

Improvement in Sleep

Insomnia is a common complaint in older people, anxiety can also disrupt healthy sleeping patterns. CBD helps improve sleep quality by addressing the underlying anxiety and promoting relaxation, leading to better overall rest. CBD/CBN combination have a great anecdotal reputation for dispelling sleeplessness (#220). For those with pain related sleep issues or who need more sedation verses relaxation, the addition of THC to CBD or alone can provide an answer to chronic insomnia (#210, 4:1, Indy Moon, & full strength Indica’s)

Non-Addictive Alternative

Unlike some traditional anxiety medications, CBD is non-addictive and has a proven safety profile. This makes it an appealing alternative for individuals seeking relief from anxiety without the risk of dependency or severe side effects. THC, despite its reputation, is not physically addictive. For some, it is not necessarily inebriating either and, if it is, it can always be balanced out with proper dosage or by combining with CBD.

Benefits of Broad Spectrum Cannabis CBD

CBD is not the only cannabinoid that has a direct link to helping the aging body. Research from the Salk Institute in San Diego found that CBN has neuroprotective qualities and was able to reverse damage to neural cells. CBC plays an important role in regulating neural stem cells for brain health and THCV is indicated in treating neurodegenerative conditions. THC, though not affiliated with longevity, is a healthy alternative to opioid pain medications ( no constipation, non addictive and does not require a formal prescription).Using a broad spectrum Cannabis CBD product gives the synergistic advantage of all the cannabinoids present in the plant, think of it as a cannabinoid multi-vitamin!

When our Endocannabinoidal System (ECS) is fully functioning the body is feeding back crucial information that it needs to self-correct! When the mind and the body are at ease and out of pain and sleeping properly, healing and healthy aging are far likelier. As the body ages the benefits of cannabinoid therapy can’t be underestimated. Living in a healthy body is the ultimate goal and by maintaining a healthy ECS and addressing the challenges of aging in the healthiest ways we can find, we give ourselves the best chance to stay strong and active and able to enjoy life to fullest!

We have found that the Valentine X strain is particularly helpful for anxiety and is noted for mental acuity.  Similarly Synergy 4:1 CBD:THC Sativa works well for improving mood and energizing mind and body! 

Accordingly we’re running 25% l price reductions on both #110 Valentine X tincture and #116 4:1 Sativa tinctures through the end of July, 2024.

Sources:

1. Philpott, H.T., O'Brien, M., & McDougall, J.J. (2017). Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis. Pain, 158(12), 2442-2451.

2. Burstein, S. (2015). Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 23(7), 1377-1385.

3. Hampson, A.J., Grimaldi, M., Lolic, M., Wink, D., Rosenthal, R., & Axelrod, J. (1998). Neuroprotective antioxidants from marijuana. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 854, 734-740.

4. Fernández-Ruiz, J., Sagredo, O., Pazos, M.R., García, C., Pertwee, R., Mechoulam, R., & Martínez-Orgado, J. (2013). Cannabidiol for neurodegenerative disorders: important new clinical applications for this phytocannabinoid? British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 75(2), 323-333.

5. Vuckovic, S., Srebro, D., Vujovic, K.S., Vucetic, C., & Prostran, M. (2018). Cannabinoids and pain: new insights from old molecules. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9, 1259.

6. Kogan, N.M., & Mechoulam, R. (2007). Cannabinoids in health and disease. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 9(4), 413-430.

Spring Treats : Golden Elixir & Nettle Soup

The winter months can leave us feeling depleted and run down, sometimes we just need to add a little extra nutritive value to our food to support immunity and our digestive system with nourishment from minerals and nutrients that aren’t always in our regular diet.

Golden Juice is Nurse Lauren's recipe, she recommends it as an anti-cancer support and an incredible immune booster. Another of Lauren’s recommendations is to drink more water, we are all guilty of not drinking enough which hampers the body’s ability to function and to heal.

Juicing certainly provides a great deal of nutritive value in a manageable form, why not try Lauren’s batch recipe and make a supply that will last a a week and see how it makes you feel.

Nurse Lauren’s Golden Juice

• 12 large Grapefruits

• 16 Granny Smith Apples

• 1lb fresh Ginger root

• 1lb fresh turmeric root

  Juice in a masticating juicer for the best extraction, store in the refrigerator and drink as desired.

*Note on Grapefruit* - Grapefruit has an interesting effect on the way our bodies metabolize things. When the liver detects grapefruit enzymes in the bloodstream, it ceases to metabolize anything else until it finishes metabolizing the grapefruit. Because of this, when you consume other nutrients alongside grapefruit they remain in the bloodstream for a longer period of time. This allows the ginger and turmeric and pectin amongst other things to float around in the body and exert their positive effects more efficiently. ALSO… for this reason it is important to check that there are no medications that you are on that interact with grapefruit! Just ask your doctor, they will be able to tell you very easily as it is a common medication interaction that is discussed.

Nettle Soup

The rainfall this year has made the countryside extremely verdant and nettles are flourishing in woods and fields, ripe for the picking. Nettles have the most astonishing amount of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, far more than our regular domesticated dark leafy greens. Nettles have a palatable mild green flavor and despite being a bit of fiddle to prepare make a delicious nutritious addition to your springtime diet.

Pick nettles away from roadsides, look in woods and  near streams, they love fertile soil and are often found on pasture land. Take gloves, scissors and a cloth bag and snip the central sprig s. This way the nettle top will grow back and give a second round of fresh new leaves. The top leaves are the youngest and sweetest for eating, also the most stinging, so be careful!

Collect a bagful of nettles and then blanch them in a large pan of boiling water, this takes the sting out of the leaves. Plunge the blanched leaves into a large bowl of cold water as this preserves their beautiful bright green color. You can snip the leaves off the stem or not bother, it's also edible.

Set your drained nettles aside and make a simple soup base:

• 1 small onion, fine chopped

• 1 medium potato, fine chopped

• Olive oil

• 1000ml Vegetable stock

• salt , pepper, herbs to taste.

Saute the chopped onion and chopped potato in olive oil, when the onion is translucent add the vegetable broth and on a low boil simmer until the potato is soft and falling apart. Then add the nettles and continue to simmer for 5 minutes.

Cool the soup and then blend, add salt, pepper, herbs of your choice.