A medical doctor from the McMaster University Center for Medical Cannabis Research found that alcohol consumption is most definitely worse for humans in the long-term.

Jason Busse is the associate director of the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medical Cannabis Research at McMaster University which is currently doing research regarding the use of cannabis.

However, Dr. Busse already finished several other research studies, one of which is particularly important for future generations, and the way they view cannabis and alcohol consumption.

So far, the popular opinion in a lot of places is that cannabis is far more dangerous than alcohol, given how cannabis has been illegal for much longer than alcohol.

That is, in fact, not true as we now know. Dr. Busse conducted a study in which he confirmed that the long-term effects of alcohol are far worse than those of cannabis.

Not only that, but Busse also reminded the public that people actually die simply by drinking too much alcohol.

Death due to alcohol intoxication is not that uncommon, even though you rarely hear about it.

“You can drink yourself to death. You can binge drink and die fairly quickly. It doesn’t happen often but it does happen,” Busse said. “Cannabis, on the other hand, you can’t fatally overdose on.”

Dr. Peter Selby, Chief of Medicine in Psychiatry at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health said that the short-term risks of both cannabis and alcohol depend on the amount, how often you have it and how fast you consume it, as well as who you’re with and what you’re doing.

Long-term issues far worse with alcoholics

Busse and Selby agree that alcohol is far worse long-term than cannabis could ever be. Alcohol simply causes much more, and much tougher health issues than cannabis ever could.

“You’re more likely to become addicted to alcohol. You’re more likely to suffer a disability due to alcohol,” said Busse.

However, they also warned that consuming cannabis doesn’t come without any consequences either.

Selby reminded that if users really care about health that much they should restrain from using either.

According to Selby, neither alcohol nor cannabis have medical properties, but rather personal benefits in the short-term.

I don’t really think that way of cannabis as it was found to have many medical benefits which have been proven in multiple studies.

However, I also believe that his point was more of a warning about the consequences of using these substances, rather than disputing their true medical properties.

Either way, scientific studies relating to effects of long-term cannabis use are required now more than ever as cannabis is getting legalized in more places.

Source: Expert claims alcohol is more detrimental than weed in the long term

Sleep issues can be a real torture—when you experience a lack of rest your body and, more importantly, your mind is unable to function normally. This can have devastating effects on your general well being.

Before we explain how cannabis can be beneficial for alleviating insomnia, we’ll discuss insomnia in general and outline some of the main causes of sleeplessness.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia (otherwise known as sleeplessness) is a sleep disorder defined by either having difficulty falling asleep or difficulty remaining asleep.

The aftermath of insomnia usually includes daytime drowsiness, depressed mood, irritability, low energy levels, and a generally pessimistic and negative attitude.

The potential hazards of insomnia can include difficulties with learning and maintaining focus, and impaired motor skills which can lead to serious accidents.

Insomnia is associated with stress, chronic pain, heart disease, menopause, and can also be caused by excessive use of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.

The best way to treat insomnia without resorting to the use of prescription medication (which can be addictive and can have serious side effects), is to practice good sleep hygiene, which is a regular daily exercise regimen, frequent exposure to sunlight, and a consistent bedtime and wake up routine.

The state of your bedroom is also very important, it should be clean and well aired out, quiet and dark.

Insomnia usually affects the elderly more than young people, but over the last decade, increasing numbers of young people are being afflicted. Studies also suggest that women are more likely to experience insomnia, as a result of their sleep cycle running earlier than men’s.

There are several different types of insomnia.

Sleep-onset insomnia is manifested by being unable to fall asleep at the beginning of the night’s rest and is closely associated with anxiety-related disorders.

Maintenance insomnia is the inability to remain asleep. People who suffer from this type usually don’t have problems with sleep-onset, but once they fall asleep, they wake up very easily and have a very hard time falling back to sleep.

Acute insomnia is a brief episode of sleeplessness, usually caused by a dramatic event, either positive or negative. There is usually no need to treat acute insomnia since it generally resolves by itself.

Chronic insomnia, on the other hand, is a long-term disorder, doctors usually categorize chronic insomnia as having issues sleeping at least three nights per week, over at least a three-month period.

And lastly, co-morbid insomnia is when your sleeplessness is linked with another condition, such as depression or anxiety, which are both known to cause problems with sleep. Chronic pain is also closely connected with insomnia, chronic pain sufferers are often unable to completely relax and fall asleep because of the pain they’re experiencing.

Here’s how to properly use marijuana for insomnia

Marijuana can be used to battle insomnia. But it’s important to choose the right variety of cannabis and to consume the right amount at the right time.

Science behind the deep sleep of cannabis

There are four main phases of sleep, which include:

• The half-awake stage (first 10 minutes of sleep)
• The light sleep stage (heart rate slows down, body temperature drops)
• The deep sleep stage (35-45 minutes after falling asleep, it’s the most important part of our sleep, where real rest happens and the body creates the energy for the following day)
• The REM (rapid eye movement) stage (dreams start occurring, usually happens after 90 minutes of deep sleep)

When we are under the influence of cannabis (THC to be more exact), research has shown that we fall asleep more quickly, which lets us spend more time in the third phase of sleep. This increases regeneration and heightens energy levels during the following day.

That extra time spent in the third sleep phase also diminishes the duration of the REM stage and because of this many of us have the impression that we don’t dream when we’re high.

Which type of pot should be used

For insomnia, all you need to know is that indica flowers are the way to go, as they have the strongest sedative qualities.

Indica flowers tend to have a really dark-green shade, unlike the sativa strains, which are vibrantly light-green.

The bud structures of the two subspecies are also quite different, the indica flowers have a condensed and firm bud form, while sativa flowers are looser with a string-like appearance.

Smoking indica-dominant hybrids is also an option, but pure indicas are definitely the best possible solution for insomnia because the balance between cannabinoids and terpenes in indica varieties offer the greatest relaxation and serenity.

When to smoke (or vape)

Aside from choosing the correct strain, it’s also very important to perfect the timing of cannabis ingestion to get the best results. Quantity is the third crucial factor, but we’ll get to that a bit later on.

I suggest that you smoke a medium-sized joint anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes before the time you want to fall asleep.

Vaping is also a good choice (if you find a good vaporizer like Pax 3 for example), but you should definitely steer away from edibles if you’re consuming cannabis for insomnia because the duration and intensity of the high caused by edibles are just too great for this specific need.

The reason why you should wait an hour or an hour and a half between the smoking/vaping session and going to sleep is that you need to give your mind some time to overcome the psychoactive sensations of THC.

For instance, if you go right to bed after smoking, your brain will be running like crazy, even though your body is pleasantly calmed and relaxed. This is because THC causes the breaks between the firing of neurons to become practically non-existent, and because of this we get the impression that we’re thinking very fast, and in fact we really are.

If you want to find out more on this subject, and several other canna-related phenomena head to the article on the connection of cannabis and creativity.

Besides the quickness-of-the-mind effect, indica will also produce a powerful couch-lock feeling, which can be described as a very sedated bodily sensation, extremely suitable for the slumber you’re trying to induce.

The trick is to wait for your body to “spend” all the THC, and just slip into sleep while the “couch lock” is still happening.

Personally, I can have real difficulty moving from the couch to my bed, let alone going to brush my teeth and floss, that is how sedating a good indica can be.

The Promise of Cannabinol (CBN)

Cannabinol (CBN) is one of the cannabinoid compounds unique to cannabis and is a minor constituent of practically all Indica strains.

Just like CBD, CBN doesn’t produce the potent mind-altering effects of THC, but it offers numerous health benefits including anti-insomnia, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, pain diminishment and also acts as an appetite stimulant.

Cannabinol is found in very minuscule amounts in every strain that contains it (around 1%), and to my understanding growers haven’t started experimenting to bring about more CBN in plants, nor are there any CBN extracts or oils yet.

CBN was actually the first isolated cannabinoid (long before THC and CBD), and what’s also pretty interesting about this compound is that THC turns into CBN after long exposure to air (or more precisely, oxygen).

These two cannabinoids are almost identical, except for 4 hydrogen atoms that THC molecule has, which get separated from it after prolonged exposure to air, light and heat.

THC molecules lose their hydrogen atoms over time and become CBN compounds, and because of this badly stored cannabis is far more sedative than when it’s properly kept – because THC transforms into CBN.

I do not advise you to leave your pot for long periods of time in the open, as mold or other fungi cultures can start developing on it (especially if the area is humid and warm), which is definitely not good for you.

Best cannabis strains for insomnia

I’m going to recommend some strains perfect for inducing sleep but if you’re unable to find any of these strains in your area, just stick to purebred indicas – indicas are absolutely the best choice for relaxation and sleep.

Purple Kush

With a whopping 27% tetrahydrocannabinol, this full-blooded indica is a mixture of Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani. As one of the most popular sedative medical strains around, you can count on Purple Kush to place you in a deeply relaxed state every time. Expect a powerful couch-lock, and because of its superb pain relieving quality, this is a go-to strain for patients around the globe.

G-13

The origins of the G-13 strain are completely shrouded in secrecy, the popular theory is that the Central Intelligence Agency developed it during the ’60s. This, of course, cannot be verified, but the mystifying aura certainly helps make this heavy indica a fan-favorite. With THC ranging from 20% to 24%, you can expect a cerebral euphoria with a twist of potent sedation. Just make sure not to consume too much, start light and slowly work your way up.

Kosher Kush

Created in California by DNA Genetics, this 100% indica has a very distinct lemony flavor. THC levels are anywhere from 20% to 25%, so you can count on sedation from this strain. Besides the couch-locking, you can also expect a strong cerebral uplift, so hanging out with friends or watching a fun movie is a good option before calling it a night while high on Kosher Kush.

MK Ultra

Another CIA-esque strain, MK Ultra was named for the infamous mind-control program conducted by the Agency during the ’50s and ’60s, and with a name like this, you know you can expect one hell of a buzz. The THC content can be up to 23%, and the strain – a cross of G-13 and OG Kush – delivers supreme numbness which will make your insomnia disappear.

Critical Kush

This strain is a cross-breed between Critical Mass and OG Kush, with THC levels that range from 20 to 25%. This indica has a wonderful lemony-pine flavor and offers a serene therapeutic tranquility perfect for insomnia, but also for diminishing stress and anxiety issues.

God’s Gift

Even though it has a cringe-worthy name, you can expect a lot from this strain. Created in California during the 1990s from Grandaddy Purple and OG Kush, its THC levels range anywhere from 18% to 25%, and it is truly another fabulous sedative specimen. You can also expect some munchies from this one, just don’t eat too much sugar, because that might keep you awake.

Grandaddy Purple

As one of the most popular indicas around, Grandaddy Purple owes its lineage to the also-famed Purple Urkle and Big Bud strains. The THC content can be as high as 23%, so be sure to expect a powerful kick. The flavor of this strain really makes it a well-rounded product, with some delicious sweet and fruity notes that your taste buds will appreciate.

Source: Marijuana for Insomnia: 7 Best Strains for Deeper Sleep

RedeCan said Thursday that it was recalling its B.E.C. strain of cannabis. All of the complaints involved 3.5-gram bottles of B.E.C. with lot code 4B2L3 sold through the Ontario Cannabis Store.

Federal regulations require cannabis producers to retain a sample of every batch they send to market. RedeCan said its sample of lot 4B2L3 shows no evidence of mold.

The company said it was dealing with the matter “seriously and urgently” by issuing a recall of all batches of B.E.C. Additionally, RedeCan said, the 7,400 remaining bottles from that batch will undergo third-party testing.

“Even one complaint is too many. And if there’s a problem we will fix it,” the company said in a press release.

While the company deals with figuring out how one of its products may have grown mould, one Toronto man claims to have found another problem in several RedeCan strains he purchased: tiny insects.

Mark, who does not want his last name published because of concerns it could make it difficult for him to enter the U.S., ordered RedeCan products on the first day marijuana was legalized.

It was part of a much larger order put together by Mark and his friends, who jointly run a website reviewing different strains and monitoring price fluctuations.

After somebody watching one of his videos reviewing a RedeCan product claimed to have spotted bugs on his buds, Mark opened the rest of his RedeCan cannabis to investigate.

He published photos and a video showing his findings – black spots he claimed indicated insects on every single strain.

“It looks like each and every single one of them has bugs in it,” he said in the video.

But RedeCan said the black spots are not bugs — they’re protein carbohydrates introduced to the cannabis during the production process.

“There are no dead bugs in RedeCan product. There are no holes that have been burrowed by insects,” the company said in a statement.

The company says all of its products are irradiated and tested by a third party before they are packaged, sealed and shipped to distributors.

According to RedeCan, “benign insects” such as ladybugs are used as a weapon against more hostile insects attracted to cannabis plants. Those insects are then removed as the cannabis is processed.

“It is a solution which is environmentally friendly, efficient and healthy,” the company said.

SOURCE: DailyHive

Under the new regime, commercially-made edibles remain banned to allow the federal government opportunities for public consultations and “to address the unique public health and safety risks associated with cannabis edibles and concentrates (for example, the risk of cannabis edibles accidentally being ingested by children).”

According to Health Canada, edibles will be “permitted by no later than one year following the coming into force of the [Cannabis] Act,” which means that most Canadians will be relegated to home kitchens to DIY their own cannabutter and cooking oil until October 17 of 2019–as if Canadians actually have any cannabis to spare amidst widespread shortages and a nationwide postal strike.

Nevertheless, ready-made edibles are available in Ontario.

About 30 minutes from Cobourg, along a stretch of County Road 45 dubbed The Green Mile (or Mashkiki Trail), find Medicine Wheel Natural Healingand the Healing House, along with a handful of other cannabis stores, that are owned and operated by members of the Anishinaabe band of the Ojibway Nation.

The stores in Alderville, which are legal under the laws of Canadian indigenous sovereignty, are the only physical points of purchase in Ontario where private, provincially regulated retail will not launch until April of 2019.

Concentrates, Topicals, Edibles & More

These stores carry a number of products not stocked by the OCS and the selection spans the gamut of flower, and concentrates–including oils, but also resin, shatter, and hash–as well as cannabis-infused topicals, and most notably, food and beverage.

Medicine Wheel Natural Healing, in particular, offers an expansive range of products and is in the process of adding a commercial bakery to its operations.

Rob Stevenson, the store’s owner, shares that plans for a line of healthy infused foods and low-dose treats are in the works, but for now, customers will find a display case stocked with caramels, cookies, bars, and tarts, along with chocolate bars, teas, and more.

During a recent visit, gummies were sold out, but neighbouring businesses had gummies and other sugary options and beverages in abundance.

Here’s where to find cannabis-infused edibles in Ontario:

NAME	ADDRESS
Medicine Wheel Natural Healing	8986 County Road 45, Roseneath, ON
Healing House Medicinals	8965 County Road, Roseneath, ON
To Greener Grass Dispensary	8987 County Road, Roseneath, ON
The Green Room	8804 County Road, Roseneath, ON
Neejee’s Natural Medicine	8662 County Road, Roseneath, ON
Totem Pole Dispensary	8454 County Road 45, Roseneath

Source: Where to Find Cannabis-Infused Edibles in Ontario

Source: From Point A to B: How to Transport Cannabis by Car

It’s a great time to be part of the cannabis culture and industry, and it’s an even better time to be a woman in the Cannabis space! Earlier this month, three more American states welcomed cannabis legalization, and the anti-cannabis Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has been a thorn in the industry’s side, resigned from office.

Then, this past week while hundreds of industry professionals visited Las Vegas for the annual MJ Biz Conference, there was another event happening in Vegas that brought women in cannabis from around the world together for an empowering and educational event!

Stacy Thompson hosted the first ever Women in Cannabis Conference and featured speakers such as Wanda James, Larisa Bolivar, Dr. Dina, and Renee Gagnon.

Stacy is a female cannabis entrepreneur from the state of Michigan who is also the founder of Canna Closet. Canna Closet is an at-home educational option for individuals looking to learn more about cannabis products, consumption methods, and devices for ease of utilization in the comfort of their own homes. The company has grown across the U.S. employees across the country.

The first ever Women of Cannabis Conference was attended by hundreds of women in cannabis from around the world. The event allowed for extensive networking and educational opportunities amongst attendees. I had the chance to speak with a few attendees of this event and MJ Biz Con. Here is what they had to say about the event and what it meant to them!

“Bringing together women from around the globe for a day of connecting, bonding, collaborating the day before the MJBiz Conference was my idea to help build bridges in this industry!

We brought together trailblazers and those interested in just getting started and really started a ripple effect that I look forward to seeing what happens next! We are looking to do this again in Toronto in the spring!”

– Stacy Thompson – Founder and Coordinator

 “With the downwards trends in women leadership making the news, this gathering (The Women of Cannabis Conference) is a sign of good things to come.”

– Renee Melodie Gagnon – Speaker

“It was nice to see all the women in the industry come together and support one another. This is how we grow. Women helping women. Sharing education will help end the stigma associated with cannabis.”

– Katree Saunders – Attendee

 

“MJBizCon grows substantially each year showing how fast we are legitimizing ourselves as an industry. My favorite part is reuniting with so many of my beloved Canna-fam.”

– Larisa Bolivar Speaker/Attendee

Cannabis is coming out of the closet, and it is being welcomed with a warm embrace by millions of women, men, and children around the world. As this community and industry grows, we are seeing and embracing our role as women in this space more and more each day.

The medical cannabis nurse

One of my (s)heroes is Cathleen S. Graham, also known as Cannabis Nurse. She is a registered nurse and certified hospice/palliative care nurse who is well-versed in the scientific and medical aspects of cannabis. Through her work as Cannabis Nurse, she is bringing cannabis education to the masses in the state of Michigan.

Learn more at cannabisnurse.com.

Are you a woman in cannabis? If so, I would love to learn more about your story and what events such as this mean to you! There are thousands of women that are standing up against prohibition and creating future generational wealth for their families thanks to the legalization of this plant. It is a great time to be on the right side of history, and I would love to help share your story with the world!

Article courtesy of Expert Joints. Written by AshleyP from CannaLance (Canna-Lance.com, @CannaLance, @MJWriter87)

Source: Women in Cannabis: The Right Side of History – Cannabis Life Network

Canada has been waiting for a boom in jobs within the cannabis industry for a long time. However that may never come because most people who tried those jobs aren’t so thrilled with them.

One of the big parts of recreational cannabis legalization was more jobs—the industry was supposed to create thousands of jobs, but it didn’t.

Well, it did create lots of jobs, just not the kind most people thought it would. Also, the jobs that are out there are not appealing to Canadians at all.

Namely, one of the biggest cannabis producers in Canada, Aphria, is having trouble retaining its employees. And they are not the only cannabis producer faced with this problem.

The greenhouse effect

Industry insiders believe that this problem won’t be isolated to Aphria, but rather to all producers that are heavily reliant on greenhouses.

The real reason for that is that employees can’t work in the conditions created by the greenhouse. Greenhouses are known to produce high amounts of heat within.

So, if the work is somewhat less than what they thought, the employees leave.

Vic Neufeld, CEO of Aphria, said that locals working in their Leamington facility are very hard to retain.

This happens to be one of the reasons why Aphria lost a crop of over 14,000 plants this summer.

“We hired 52 bodies on a Monday — by Saturday, we had eight left,” said Neufeld. “The locals have never worked in that environment.”

Aphria hired a lot of locals this summer for low-level jobs the company said were being paid competitive compensation rates in the agricultural sector.

However, we now know that the lack of that same labor caused the company to make a huge loss in the production department.

Neufeld said that the company had to fight for the right to be included in the Agricultural Worker Program.

This will serve as a way to “import” workers from other nations with warmer climates. Theoretically, those workers won’t have any issues working in greenhouses.

That means that because Canadians are used to cold weather and can’t really work in greenhouses, people from Spanish-speaking countries are likely to be brought in to help.

Why are Canadians leaving those jobs?

From what information I managed to collect on the internet, there are 3 reasons why Canadians are quitting these jobs:

• Low wages
• Poor conditions
• No unionization

I’ve talked to a source that requested not to disclose his name as he was previously a part of the cannabis industry and wishes to work there, just not for Aphria.

From our conversation I’ve concluded that my source is college educated and doesn’t have much work experience.

My source said that the company he worked for, Aphria, firstly didn’t offer working conditions. He went as far as to call them inhumane.

I haven’t visited their greenhouse facility, but the concept of a greenhouse is familiar to me. Greenhouses create a hot, humid environment that is often very stinky.

Throw in weed in that combination, and you could see how this is quickly approaching inhumane conditions.

Secondly, wages were much lower than what most people thought they would be in a booming industry.

The average salary of a greenhouse employee in Canada is $22,425 per year or $11.50/hour.

“They should pay a good wage and keep the jobs in country. The producers are just low-balling the employees into quitting, and then they bring over Mexicans and other foreigners to do the work. This is honestly ridiculous…”

Jobs in other departments such as sales, customer service, retail and such are just now starting to grow in demand.

Lastly, the employees working these jobs are not unionized in Canada. Unions make a difference both at work and in the quality of life because they bring a sense of security.

Canada’s unionized workers earned $5.28/hour more than non-union workers, and women earn a significant $7.10/hour more when being a part of a union.

So, until there’s more position versatility, unionization, and better conditions for the workers, Canadians will have a tough time entering the cannabis industry.

On the other hand, if they don’t fight for their own jobs, the foreigners are more than ready to take over in the meantime.

Source: Why working in weed greenhouses is not appealing to Canadians

Source: Canada’s Cannabis Legalization By The Numbers – Lift & Co.

That study, titled “Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs,” was led by Dr. Joseph Wakshlag of Cornell University. Wakshlag and colleagues measured the effects of a particular hemp-based cannabidiol product—ElleVet Sciences’ proprietary hemp oil blend—on pain and arthritis in a small sample of dogs.

The results were remarkable: More than 80% of the dogs in the study saw significant decrease in pain and improved mobility.

Few Other Studies

That’s only one study, though. As promising as it is, nobody should rely on a single study to decide on the right path for them and their dog or cat. And unfortunately, when it comes to pets and cannabinoid-based medicine, only a small number of studies have ever been published. (A search of the leading medical research databases turned up a grand total of four.)

Understanding the political, ethical, and scientific implications of using medical cannabis and hemp in animals is more urgent than ever, and there’s a lot to unpack.

Most Vets Can’t Touch CBD

You should know this up front: In most states, a veterinarian is not allowed to prescribe or recommend a cannabis product for your pet, regardless of the vet’s personal or professional opinion. Each state has its own veterinary board, and that board adheres to federal law concerning medical cannabis.

Even in California, where state law makes cannabis legal for all adults, the California Veterinary Medical Board clearly states: “There is nothing in California law that would allow a veterinarian to prescribe, recommend, or approve marijuana for treating animals. Veterinarians are in violation of California law if they are incorporating cannabis into their practices.”

Leafly spoke with Dr. Gary Richter, a veterinarian based in Oakland, CA, about this issue in 2017. At the time, Richter had mentioned an online petition he was working on to get a “compassionate care” law for animals in his state. Recently, Dr. Richter confirmed that a bill of this sort has recently passed through the state legislature and was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown.

“I’m happy to report it was signed on Sept. 29,” Richter said. “It goes into effect Jan. 1 next year. The bill was far from perfect but it is a huge step in the right direction and the first of its kind in the nation.”

In most states, a veterinarian is not allowed to prescribe or recommend a cannabis product for your pet.

Richter says he’s spent the last year in the political sphere, advocating to allow the use of medical cannabis for pets because he’s seen first-hand the benefits of its use. And yet, under current California law, veterinarians risk having their licenses revoked if they actively recommend a medical cannabis product to an animal’s owner.

“Almost anything that cannabis would be used for in a human, from a medical standpoint, has the potential to be equally as valuable in dogs or cats,” Richter said. “Pain, inflammation, arthritis, gastro-intestinal related things, stress, anxiety, seizures, cancer, you name it. We’ve seen the benefits in all of these areas. But if a vet talked about cannabis for pets, they literally did so at their own peril as far as the Veterinary Medical Board is concerned.”

Illegal States Are Tough

It’s even worse in states where cannabis is illegal for any purpose. For instance, contributing her own data to cannabis research has been almost impossible for Dr. Dawn Boothe, an internist and clinical pharmacologist at Auburn University in Alabama, according to an article published earlier this year in VINNews, the web site of the Veterinary Information Network.

“At Auburn University in Alabama, Boothe, the clinical pharmacologist, has had difficulty getting her clinical work off the ground, owing to the legal morass,” wrote reporter Edie Lau. “Alabama is one of 20 states where marijuana remains illegal for any purpose, although the state in 2016 created an industrial hemp research program overseen by its agriculture department.”

The DEA’s position on cannabis is clear: The agency holds that all cannabis-derived products, including CBD, are subject to the same restrictions as marijuana with substantial THC content. That means researchers are forced to jump through the additional hoop of applying for a federal permit to handle a controlled substance. Which makes it all the more difficult to conduct research on cannabis.

A Handful of Published Studies

As difficult as it is to research cannabis, a number of scientists have persevered and published solid peer-reviewed work. Their surprising results have piqued the interest of vets and pet owners alike.

“If my dog ever has chronic arthritis, this would be one of the things I’d definitely use.”

Joseph Wakshlag, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Until very recently, there was little-to-no data on the effects of cannabis in dogs. As recent as April 2017, American Veterinarian stated, “Concerning to many veterinarians is the lack of peer-reviewed clinical studies proving the efficacy of cannabis products for animals, yet another consequence of marijuana’s status as a controlled substance.”

The angle that has gotten the most vetting is that of marijuana’s toxicity to animals—in other words, dogs or cats accidentally eating their owner’s supply. Indeed, as far back as 2004, a study found that marijuana poisoning was possible in dogs, based on a milligram per kilogram, or weight proportionate, dosage.

That 2004 study found that “From January 1998 to January 2002, 213 incidences were recorded of dogs that developed clinical signs following oral exposure to marijuana, with 99% having neurologic signs, and 30% exhibiting gastrointestinal signs.”

The study in particular gauged what “poisoning” looked like in the animals. Researchers cited gastrointestinal signs as primarily vomiting, and neurological signs as depression, tremors, seizures, disorientation, hyperactivity, or stupor. Prior to this study, there were only a few surveys of cannabis-smoking teenagers who’d exposed their pets to secondhand THC.

Most Research Focused on Harm

Through the 2000s, there were only a few studies done on cannabis and dogs, all mostly corroborating the plant’s mild toxicity. The authors of a 2013 study conducted by a veterinary hospital in Denver the observed that “although the drug has a high margin of safety, deaths have been seen after ingestion of food products containing the more concentrated medical-grade THC butter.”

Even so, this recent Cornell study on cannabidiol and arthritis in dogs has given scientists an even deeper understanding of how cannabis works in the body of animals and by extension, humans, especially when it comes to absorption and dosage. And other studies currently underway, including several more by ElleVet Sciences and Wakshlag as well as by researchers at Colorado State University, are looking like they will take these new discoveries even further.

Dogs Absorb CBD Differently

Previous to this study on ElleVet Sciences’ hemp oil in dogs, the effects of cannabis in dogs had been measured by giving them pills on a fasted stomach. What that 1988 study found is that the form of CBD administered was poorly absorbed and did little to help the dog.

“ElleVet came to us and were looking for a [scientist] that was open to doing a pile of studies on oil absorption for their cannabinoid-rich hemp, for the molecule called CBD, and they also wanted to do a clinical trial if we could find that it would be absorbed well,” said Cornell’s Wakshlag. “We did an initial study for absorption in a handful of dogs and it seemed to be absorbed pretty effectively compared to some of the older literature that was out there, which was surprising.”

Wakshlag says it’s the oil base that accounts for the difference in result. As opposed to the previous studies where CBD was administered intravenously or as a powder in a gelatin capsule, the team at Cornell found that cannabidiol was more easily and fully absorbed with a lipid carrier, or oil base.

What About CBD Dosage?

Another big challenge when it comes to cannabis and pets is finding the right dose for each animal. For CBD-only products, like the hemp oil from ElleVet Sciences, if they don’t offer a sufficient amount of CBD or if the CBD isn’t well-absorbed by the animal, you won’t see any change in the pet.

Thus, for Wakshlag, dosage was a prime concern, especially because there are several companies distributing nutraceutical derivatives of industrial hemp for pets, despite little scientific evidence regarding how to safely and effectively dose a pet orally.

“The dosing [in our study] was basically modeled off of other doses that seem to have worked in a handful of studies in humans – somewhere between 1-5 mg per kg body weight,” said Wakshlag. “So, we chose 2 mg because we wanted to hopefully see a clinical effect and, number two, we couldn’t make it so that it was so expensive that it couldn’t be used. In the end, we chose 2 because that would be a pharmacologically effective dose, and it wouldn’t be so expensive that it would preclude people from actually using it or buying it.”

THC Is Trickier

Wakshlag and his colleagues were able to find a good dose of a specific CBD-only product. The stakes change, though, when you add THC into the mix.

The THC issue isn’t a settled question.

“THC is actually toxic for dogs. So, of course we wouldn’t want to give dogs THC at all,” said ElleVet’s founder Amanda Howland. For that reason, ElleVet’s products, including the oil used in the Cornell study, are all hemp-based. (Hemp is defined as cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC content.)

The THC issue isn’t a settled question, though. Oakland veterinarian Gary Richter believes in the efficacy of THC as medicine in animals. Richter says he’s seen its benefits in his own dog, Leo, to whom he gives cannabis preparations like tinctures and hashish. Richter also works to educate vets and pet owners about cannabinoid medicine through webinars, lectures, and online continuing education courses.

“The research is very, very clear from the human literature standpoint that there’s medical benefits to THC,” Richter told Leafly during a phone interview from his office in California. “And while certainly the relative sensitivities are different for people versus animals, we all have a very similar endocannabinoid system. There is no reason to think that THC is beneficial in people when it’s somehow poison to dogs and cats.”

“The thing that troubles me,” Richter added, “is that you’ve got animals out there that could be benefiting from products with THC in them, and not only are pet owners shying away because of this information but you’ve got veterinarians that are believing this and saying that you should never give an animal something with THC in it. Honestly, that’s a real shame. The truth is that I have a whole cabinet full of pharmaceuticals that if used improperly could cause harm, and nobody seems to have a problem with that.”

Seeking the Right Cannabinoid Combo

Instead of abstaining from THC altogether, Dr. Richter advises doing research into whether THC might help your pet’s particular ailment—and if so, starting with very small doses. Always look to the absolute amount of THC as the limiting factor in your dosing, he said.

“The two big players are THC and CBD, but there are so many other compounds within cannabis,” said Richter. “There are other cannabinoids and terpenes and there are things in the product that are going to vastly change its behavior as a medicine. Depending on what’s being treated, the first question is: What is the most ideal combination of these various compounds that will benefit an animal?”

Overall, Richter says the best way to keep your pets from getting sick from cannabis is to consult with a veterinarian as they dose—and with the new California law he helped pass, starting Jan. 1 vets throughout the state will be able to weigh in to help their patients.

“The crazy thing about it is that the vets have been restricted from getting involved—like, from telling someone if the CBD product they bought is good or bad,” Richter added. “We hadn’t been allowed to talk about it. It was crazy that the 16-year-old kid at PetSmart could give you that advice, but I couldn’t.”

Amazing Turnarounds

With type of treatment and dose in mind, the results of medical cannabis in dogs and cats with a variety of ailments has been very promising.

“He went from having multiple seizures per week to having one or two per month.”

Gary Richter, Oakland veterinarian

The recent ElleVet and Cornell study showed that once the right dosage is determined for your pet, cannabidiol can improve pain due to arthritis. The study involved a small sample size—only 16 dogs, all with a lot of pain from chronic arthritis in the Cornell study, and each dog saw significant improvement.

“We had one that the owner was really ready to euthanize the dog and this trial was a last-ditch effort,” said ElleVet founder Howland. “Once she was in the test group, the dog did so well and completely turned around. It’s almost two years later and she’s still alive and doing well.”

“I believe we really scratched the surface in regard to how this could be used from an overall pain perspective,” said Joseph Wakshlag, leader of the Cornell study. “If my dog ever has chronic arthritis, this would be one of the things I’d definitely use.”

Calming Seizures

Gary Richter’s own dog, Leo, suffers from seizures that are the result of brain damage that occurred during a dog attack. After trying multiple pharmaceutical medications, the Oakland veterinarian put Leo on a cannabis preparation. Richter observed a marked change. “Almost immediately his seizure frequency decreased,” he said in a blog post on his website. “He went from having multiple seizures per week to having one or two per month.”

Research at Colorado State University, one of the nation’s leading veterinary research institutions, is beginning to back this up. One study underway at CSU is testing the use of CBD on dogs with epilepsy. In July, Stephanie McGrath, a neurologist at CSU’s James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, came out with “promising” preliminary data from a CBD clinical trial. McGrath plans to share further results of this trial and another one CSU is performing for osteoarthritis later this year.

Off-Label Uses Are Spreading

In addition to the research at CSU and other institutions, there are more and more anecdotal accounts of cannabis-based medicine helping dogs with behavioral and gastrointestinal issues as well.

“ElleVet is science-oriented so we don’t advertise the product for anxiety,” said company founder Howland. “But it really does have a great anti-anxiety affect. We’ve had a number of vets in Florida try it with some of their patients who really freak out during thunderstorms. We had amazing reports about dogs who’d [previously] hurt themselves or throw themselves through windows during thunderstorms; it’s really calmed them. We’ve also seen results with irritable bowel, it’s pretty well-documented for humans of the anti-inflammatory affects and how well it works for autoimmune disorders like Crohn’s disease. That’s an area we’d like to study more. It’s a great secondary effect.”

Wakshlag and ElleVet have plans to do more studies on different types of pain. Three studies at the University of Florida are set to begin this fall, specifically looking at cannabis in oncology and post-operative canine patients.

What About Cats?

So far, cannabis looks to be helpful to some sick dogs. But what about cats?

Unfortunately, there isn’t much data when it comes to cannabinoids and cats.

ElleVet is the only company that has done a long-term clinical and pharmacological study on cats, using their own products. Otherwise, the available data primarily focuses on the toxicity of accidental cannabis doses in cats.

Though research for cats still lags behind dogs, leading cannabis researchers have plans to begin studying cats in earnest.

ElleVet did find their propriety hemp blend to be helpful to cats, but Howland stressed that cats respond much differently to cannabis than dogs.

“Cats are absolutely not small dogs,” she said, “and they metabolize things very differently. Cats can’t take any of the drugs that dogs take for pain. Their livers just don’t tolerate it.” If a human tries to help an ailing cat by giving it a canine pain reliever, “they can get very sick. There are very few pain options for cats that are safe. So we did a long-term safety study to determine that [our products] are safe for cats.”

What they found is that for the treatment of anxiety, cats responded better to cannabinoid medicine than dogs. Cats also saw decreases in pain from arthritis and other problems, like dogs. But the half-life of their hemp oil is only two hours in cats, meaning they need a much higher dose more frequently than a dog of the same size.

Though research for cats still lags behind dogs, leading cannabis researchers have plans to begin studying cats in earnest. ElleVet, for instance, has one cat study underway for pain, and another testing whether cats with chronic UTIs are helped by lowering their anxiety levels with cannabinoid medicine.

Curious? Do Your Own Research

Many pet owners are curious about cannabis-based treatments for their ailing companions. The market for CBD products for dogs and cats is booming. But Richter acknowledges that changing the attitude of medical professionals toward the use of medical cannabis with pets is slow, hard work, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.

“We’ve seen the benefits in all of these products,” said Richter. “The science is here, but as is typical with the medical community, you’re going to have a pretty sizeable group in the medical community that will refuse to accept any of it until it’s documented in research.”

Still, he trusts that the research will continue to show cannabis as a positive medical option for the treatment of dogs and cats. Because of that, Richter and many others who’ve seen the firsthand effects of cannabis medicine in animals, don’t see a point in waiting to start helping pets.

“While I am certainly a person who’s a proponent of the research,” he said, “just because the research isn’t there doesn’t mean you can or should ignore something that’s completely obvious and right in front of your face.”

Source: The Science Behind Giving CBD & Cannabis to Cats & Dogs | Leafly

It’s full steam ahead in Canada’s cannabis sector, with reports of consumer demand reaching and breaching industry expectations within the first week of legalization.

October continued the trend of exuberance in development of the nation’s new cannabis retail infrastructure, virtually matching the previous month’s record-breaking volume of new cannabis job listings.

Corporate and tech roles

Intermediate roles are the most abundant among corporate listings this month, but a few entry-level opportunities have made it onto the boards.

Business development coordinators are needed at Ascent Industries in Maple Ridge, B.C., and at a licensed producer in Toronto. Also in Toronto, Lift & Co. seeks an account executive, a project manager, and two product marketing managers.

Front desk receptionists are needed at N D Supplies in Richmond, B.C., and at Indiva in London, Ont.

TLG is hiring a Toronto-based YouTube influencer/personality to host videos pertaining to their vaporizer products, while Whoa! Is Media Inc. seeks a social media coordinator in Victoria, B.C.

FIGR Cannabis has an opening for a brand ambassador in Charlottetown, P.E.I., while Wolf Grinders Inc. seeks a business development representative for their offices in Edmonton, Alta.

In Toronto, a creative strategist is needed at Merry Jane, and a digital content writer is needed at CannaRoyalty Corp.

Content managers are being sought by Bow Valley College in Calgary, Alta., by Beleave in Oakville, Ont., and by HelloMD in Toronto.

Analysts are in demand in Vancouver and Toronto. A business development analyst is needed at Emerald Health Therapeutics in Vancouver, as well as an investor relations analyst at Harvest One. In Toronto, a sales intelligence analyst is needed at Aphria.

Kalen Corp is hiring a comptroller in Toronto, while EnWave Corp has an opening for an intermediate accountant at their office in Delta, B.C.

Senior roles abound as well in Toronto. Lift & Co. seeks a director of investor relations, and a Toronto-based licensed producer seeks a VP of facilities.

A communications manager is needed at Sundial Growers Inc. in Calgary, Alta.

In public sector roles, the government of Nunavut seeks an assistant deputy minister of fiscal management overseeing the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission, while Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis seeks a records management supervisor in St. Albert, Alta.

Farming and production

In senior production roles, a licensed producer on the Sunshine Coast of B.C. seeks a master grower, Sundial Growers seeks a production manager for their facility in Olds, Alta., and Natura Naturals seeks a greenhouse labour supervisor for their facility in Leamington, Ont.

Also in Leamington, Aphria seeks a manager of cannabis processing, while a chief horticulturalist is sought for a licensed producer in Edmonton, Alta.

While few intermediate production roles were posted this month — including an experienced grower at 7 Acres in Tiverton, Ont., and a production specialist at Breathing Green Solutions in Wentworth, N.S. — the vast majority of recent production opportunities have been entry-level positions in farming, trimming, and packaging.

Sanitation and equipment prep techs are needed at Sundial Growers in Olds, Alta., and at Greenseal Cannabis in Stratford, Ont.

Junior growers are needed at Emerald Health Therapeutics in Saint-Eustache, Que., and throughout Ontario: at Emblem Cannabis in Paris, and at Peace Naturals in Stayner.

Harvest team members are also needed at the Peace Naturals facility in Stayner, Ont., as well as at Aurora in Nisku, Alta., and in British Columbia at United Greeneries in Duncan, at Tilray in Nanaimo, and at The Flowr Corporation in Kelowna.

Packaging workers are likewise in demand throughout B.C.: at United Greeneries in Duncan, at Tilray in Nanaimo, at Farm Dispensary in Vancouver, and at The Flowr Corporation in Kelowna. Packagers are also needed at Aurora in Nisku, Alta., and at The Hacienda Co. in Toronto.

Muskoka Grown is hiring for three roles: grow technician, sanitation facilitator, and and technical support specialist. To apply for a position in person, applicants can visit Muskoka Grown at the Muskoka Natural Food Market in Bracebridge, Ont. on Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sales and distribution

Entry-level retail opportunities remain high in volume, with sales reps needed nationwide.

Multiple cannabis retail openings are available at the BC Liquor Distribution Branch in Richmond, B.C. Sales representatives are needed at Emerald Health Therapeutics and Anandia Labs, both in Vancouver.

Retail sales staff are also needed at The Bud King in Edmonton, Alta., Cannabis Supply Co. in Kitchener, Ont., and at Canopy Growth in St. John’s, Nfld.

A customer service representative is needed at Nova Cannabis in Edmonton, Alta.

An opening exists for a cannabis delivery driver at Micro Grown in Burlington, Ont., while a warehouse worker is needed at CannMart Inc. in Toronto.

The BC Liquor Distribution Branch is hiring 18 cannabis consultants for their retail store in Kamloops, B.C., while francophone part-time and full-time cannabis consultants are needed at Société Québécoise du Cannabis in Montreal.

In intermediate positions, sales coordinators are needed in Vancouver at Emerald Health Therapeutics, in Saskatoon at Cannica Wholesale, and anywhere in Canada for a virtual remote position at Cannabiz Media.

For senior roles, retail store managers are needed at Cannabis Cowboy in Didsbury, Alta., and in Regina, Sask.

Société Québécoise du Cannabis seeks a director/branch manager and an assistant director/branch manager, while a VP of sales is being sought by Keirton Inc in Surrey, B.C., and by The Leadership Agency in Toronto.

Clinical services, research, and laboratory roles

As always, quality assurance personnel are in consistent demand, with QA staff needed in Toronto and Tiverton, Ont. and in Oliver, B.C.

An extraction tech is needed in the B.C. interior, while a research analyst is needed at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto.

Harvest Medicine seeks a medical office assistant/receptionist in Calgary, Alta. Cannabis counsellors are needed at Canadian Cannabis Clinics in Medicine Hat, Alta., while MD Connected seeks a medical cannabis educator in Toronto. A lead licensed practical nurse is sought by Nalanda Health in Calgary, Alta.

Quality assurance managers are needed at Farm & Florist in Vancouver, at Viridis Natural Health Products in Edmonton.

In R&D roles, Aurora seeks a deputy data collection assistant at their facility in Pointe-Claire, Que., while RedeCan seeks a laboratory assistant in Fenwick, Ont.

A francophone planning, programming, and research officer is being sought for CISSS de la Gaspésie in Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Que., and in Toronto, Avicanna Inc. seeks a scientific writer.

In Mississauga, Inflamax Research has posted an open call for clinical trial volunteers to be compensated up to $1,350 to participate in their Ontario research study.

Open call for resumes

For those keen to join Canada’s cannabis workforce, Cannabis At Work has posted an open call for resumes from any applicants who would like to be considered for suitable positions across the country. If you haven’t found the perfect cannabis job, the perfect cannabis job might find you.

As always, for the most up-to-date listings check your local classified resources, and national job boards such as Cannabis At Work, SimplyHired, Indeed, and the Government of Canada’s online job bank. And of course, check jobs.lift.co for opportunities to join the Lift & Co. team.

Source: Cannabis Jobs In Canada: Who’s Hiring In November 2018 – Lift & Co.