LIVING, THINKING + BEING
CBD FOR COVID + THC "SAFE AND EFFECTIVE FOR ALZHEIMERS" = DIY HEALTHCARE? TADHG STOPFORD:
‘Clinical Trials for CBD’ to prevent Covid-19 based on promising animal data. Low doses of THC may be beneficial in Alzheimer’s disease. In a mouse model, low doses of THC showed beneficial effects, “suggesting low-dose THC is a safe and effective treatment for AD.” MedSafe has just approved a THC rich Type 1 Cannabis as a ‘tea’. You put the flower in hot water, steep, and then add milk. The fats in the milk capture the cannabinoids (which are hydrophobic) and would otherwise stick to the sides of the teapot when it cools. Ask your doctor for a prescription… or grow your own.
DOSING: Start low, go slow, figure it out. Be patient. If using orally, patients put a couple of drops under their tongue morning and night, and add another drop every three to five days until they find the dose that does what they need. Topically, it's applied to the thin skin over veins (eg. wrists and temples) and in the belly button. (NB. The soft tissue under the tongue is a gland that will absorb cannabinoids, so patients usually let the oil sit there for two minutes before swallowing).
DIY Healthcare with Cannabis / Hemp
Because it's illegal; if you want to do DIY, you'll have to grow your own, or get it from your kids. I am not advising you to do either however. In general, it doesn't matter what type of Cannabis you grow because cannabinoids are your body's own medicine. What is most important is how patients use them, and the dose. HOW: For therapeutic use, it's often best to use an oil, which can be applied under the tongue, to the skin, or made into suppositories. (NB, even THC rich suppositories have little to no psychoactivity). These modalities allow for larger, cleaner, doses than smoking. To make cannabis oil cannabis is put into a slow cooker, or similar, with olive oil or MCT oil. This will draw the cannabinoids out. Strain. Cool. Bottle. Cocoa butter is usually added if suppositories are needed for endometriosis, bowel cancer etc. There are plenty of recipes on the internet, have a look if you don't believe me!
52 PONSONBY NEWS+ April 2022
Type 1 cannabis is THC rich “marijuana”. (When HEATED, will usually get you high) Type 2 plants have balanced THC/CBD ratios. (When HEATED, get you less high) Type 3 plants are CBD dominant (Hemp) and Type 4 are CBG dominant. (Hemp: NO HIGH) Cannabis seeds are easily found online. Maybe you should have a look and if you do claim your right to self-health care, use the roots too! It really is a miraculous plant. PN (TADHG STOPFORD) These different types each have different therapeutic profiles, but are all useful. If you have any condition specific questions, send them to learn@thehempfoundation.org.nz
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