CBD AND Pets
BY MS. GRACE GONZALES
CBD has gained popularity due to its boundless health advantages for people. But what about the health benefits CBD offers to our furry companions?
Just like people, pets can feel anxious and stressed at times, which can cause them to behave differently depending on each situation. CBD is known for its calming effects, so it can be a natural method to help pets with anxiety and even fear. Whether they get anxious or scared of loud noises or become stressed during travel times, CBD can help them feel more relaxed and calmer during these times which can be stressful for anyone including man’s best friend.
CBD has a lot of potential as a natural supplement to help manage chronic conditions and has been proven to positively impact the lives of our pets. CBD is derived from hemp and holds immense potential as a natural supplement for pets, offering a range of benefits that can enhance their well-being and even extend their quality of life. CBD works by interacting with a system in their bodies called the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood and emotions. CBD has calming properties that help with stress or anxiety. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to regulate mood and improve emotional well-being in pets. CBD has been known to reduce seizures and anxiety in pets by interacting with ECS and also offers a wealth of additional benefits
including improved skin health and overall wellness.
Some animals have skin problems like allergies, dermatitis, and itching, and CBD can reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. Whether applied on the skin or taken orally, CBD can help pets feel less itchy, reduce redness, and decrease inflammation, which improves the health of their skin. As pets begin to age, they may suffer from chronic pain stemming from arthritis or joint stiffness and CBD can act as a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent, reducing pain and inflammation naturally. Many pets also suffer from seizures and epilepsy which can be very distressing for pet owners. CBD has been studied for its potential in managing seizures in animals. By
interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. CBD may help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, which helps to improve their quality of life.
CBD helps to support the overall wellbeing of pets by maintaining a balanced metabolism and supporting the immune system. Additionally, CBD helps neutralize harmful free radicals which may potentially help to prevent certain diseases and supports longevity in pets. CBD can also support the overall health of pets by helping them to maintain a balanced metabolism and can strengthen the immune system.
CBD is also an antioxidant, which means it can help protect their bodies from harmful free radicals that have been known to cause diseases. After consulting with your veterinarian, you may be able to extend the health and life of your pets with the use of CBD. From anxiety relief and pain management to supporting overall wellness and managing chronic conditions, CBD has proven to be a versatile and effective natural remedy. Responsible pet owners should consult with a veterinarian before introducing CBD products to ensure proper dosage and assess any potential interactions with existing medications. By harnessing the healing power of CBD, we can provide our furry friends with a gentle and natural solution for their health, longevity, and happiness.
The Lone Star State: Texas and The Untapped Potential of the Green Economy
BY CLAY MOORE
In the heart of the land of longhorns and bluebonnets, there’s an economic revolution happening. But it’s not in oil, cattle, or tech; it’s in cannabis. The “Green Economy,” as it’s become known, is booming across the United States, with states far and wide reaping the economic rewards of legalized marijuana. Yet, Texas, the Lone Star State, known for its big sky and even bigger potential, is watching from the sidelines.
Just over yonder in Missouri, they’ve amassed a striking $592.3 million in recreational and medical cannabis product sales since February. Oklahoma, our neighbor to the north, is on track to pile up a staggering $821 million in taxes over the next four years from an estimated $4.3 billion in combined recreational and medical marijuana sales if state question 820 passes. Even Arkansas, a relative newcomer to the medical marijuana scene, has reported sales of over $276.3 million in just 2022.
And let’s not forget Colorado, the Rocky Mountain State that’s been riding high on legalized recreational marijuana since 2012. They’re set to haul in a record $400 million in 2023. In fact, they raked in $131.6 million in total marijuana sales in April alone, with a whopping $32 million in March from recreational sales.
These states, each with a fraction of the population of our own Texas, are proving that the Green Economy is more than just a passing fad—it’s a gold rush, and Texas has yet to stake its claim.
Here in Texas, we’ve got a medical cannabis program, but let’s be honest: it’s got
more restrictions than a dry county on Sunday. Currently, the only products on the market are 1% THC tinctures, gummies, and pills. This red tape isn’t just hamstringing the growth of the medical cannabis sector—it’s costing Texas a Texas-sized chunk of potential economic growth and revenue.
Now, imagine if we opened up a legal recreational cannabis market in Texas. With our population of nearly 30 million, we have the potential to outsell Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Colorado combined. That’s not just a boost to our state coffers; it’s job growth, entrepreneurship, and an opportunity for much-needed criminal justice reform.
Our great state, home to mavericks, innovators, and go-getters, is lagging behind in
this modern-day gold rush. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The Green Economy is here, and it’s as ripe for the picking as a Hill Country peach in July. It’s time for Texas to saddle up and seize the opportunities that the cannabis industry has to offer.
This ain’t just about the economy; it’s about progress, about opportunity, about what it means to be a Texan in the 21st century. The clock’s ticking, and the benefits— economic, social, and cultural—are too big to pass up. It’s high time Texas staked its claim in the Green Economy. Y’all ready?
J HEART CBD
ARTICLE BY STACEY LOVETT
J Heart CBD is a womanowned CBD franchise built out of passion and service from the heart of one Austin entrepreneur.
Connie Hurley opened her first location in Cedar Park in August of 2019 after investing in the cannabis industry and discovering the growing market for CBD in Texas. She has since opened another location in January 2021 on North Lamar Blvd and continues to make natural health and wellness her business. With 30 years experience as an entrepreneur in a variety of fields, including a handful of coffee shops and wholesale distribution on the island of Guam, she made the decision to sell off those businesses to relocate stateside and ultimately invest in this other popular plant pouring her heart into helping fill other people’s cups in life through plant medicine.
Her vision for the business has been to provide products and educate consumers on the benefits of CBD and how it improves quality of life for those who
suffer with chronic pain, anxiety and sleep issues. Connie takes great pride in vetting all of her 25+ vendors and offering a line of premium products to her customers. J Heart offers a wide variety of tinctures, edibles, smokables, topicals and even a pet line with choices in full spectrum, broad spectrum, isolate and delta 8.
The storefront and staff of J Heart CBD is something else she takes great pride in. With a clean, welcoming space, the business caters to introducing a wide variety of customers to CBD products and the staff is committed to taking time to explain all of the benefits and make an educated decision on the best choice possible for their needs.
The storefront and staff of J Heart CBD is something else she takes great pride in.
With a clean, welcoming space, the business caters to introducing a wide variety of customers to CBD products and the staff is committed to taking time to explain all of the benefits and make an educated decision on the best choice possible for their needs.
Employees undergo consistent training and education on all of the up to date research on hemp products so that they are dedicated to providing the utmost service to their clients and all have a passion to help change lives. Another unique feature to the store blends two of Connie’s passions – coffee and CBD. Their in-house espresso bar provides customers with a choice of CBD, or non, brews to purchase while they browse, serving as another comfort of service.
As the general public continues to gain acceptance for CBD and plant medicine, personal anecdotes of success remain the greatest avenue of change that is pushing the industry forward on a larger scale.
Connie and her staff always welcome and share personal stories from their clients in their CBD journey and the story behind the name is a touching commemoration for Connie herself of her daughter, Jessica, whom she lost 8
years ago to drug overdose. The path of natural medicine she took following her loss has been in the spirit of her daughter and Connie is currently seeking out local Austin addiction centers to give back to in community involvement in her name through J Heart.
The 2 locations can be found at 908 W. Whitestone Blvd Unit 300 in Cedar Park and 6719 N. Lamar Blvd. in Austin as well as online at jheartcbd.com
Unveiling the Nutritional Marvels of Hemp Seeds: Elevating Health and Wellness
DR. PEPPER HERNANDEZ ND, PH.D., CTC, CNHP, NHC
BOARD CERTIFIED AND AWARD-WINNING HOLISTIC HEALTH PRACTITIONER
As an expert in nutrition, I am thrilled to shed light on the remarkable benefits of hemp seeds—a nutrient-packed gift from the Cannabis Sativa plant. While often mistaken for cannabis, hemp seeds contain minimal levels of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. In this updated article, we will explore the exceptional nutritional composition of hemp seeds, their impact on health and wellness, and why they deserve a place in your daily diet.D and President of the Texas Hemp Coalition
Hemp seeds are a nutritional treasure trove that I eat every morning in my smoothie and in the evening on my salads. They are easily digestible and considered one of nature’s most nourishing foods. They are rich in essential fatty acids, essential amino acids, and proteins. For individuals following vegan or raw food diets, hemp seeds provide a valuable source of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. These seeds contain all nine essential amino acids, including histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. By incorporating hemp seeds into your existing diet, you can effortlessly meet your dietary needs and elevate your nutritional intake.
Unveiling the Nutritional Facts of Hemp Seeds:
• All 20 amino acids, including the essential ones crucial for our bodies.
• High-quality proteins that strengthen immunity and combat toxins, aiding in the healing process of immune-related diseases.
• Nature’s richest botanical source of essential fatty acids, surpassing flax or any other nut or seed oil.
• An ideal 3:1 ratio of omega-6 linoleic acid to omega-3 linolenic acid promotes cardiovascular health and bolstering the immune system.
• A superior source of easily digestible protein for vegans, raw food enthusiasts, and vegetarians.
• An abundance of phytonutrients offers disease-protective benefits for multiple aspects of our health, including immunity, blood, tissues, cells, skin, organs, and mitochondria.
• The highest known source of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids, which are vital for optimal health.
Heart Health and Cholesterol Management: Hemp seeds play a vital role in supporting heart health due to their composition. They are abundant in essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 fats, which help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. By substituting saturated fats with hemp seeds, you can reduce the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias and heart attacks. Furthermore, hemp seeds produce phytosterols, which aid in lowering cholesterol levels and preventing fat buildup in the arteries.
Amino Acids for Optimal Health:
The perfectly balanced essential amino acid profile of hemp seeds contributes to overall well-being. These seeds contain all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce naturally. By incorporating hemp seeds into your diet, you can supplement your body with these essential amino acids, which strengthen the immune system, reduce disease occurrences, and assist in detoxification.
Hemp seeds are an exceptional source of nutrition, offering an array of essential fatty acids, amino acids, and proteins. By incorporating hemp seeds into your daily diet, you can harness their incredible health benefits, such as supporting heart health, promoting a balanced cholesterol profile, and strengthening the immune system. Remember, hemp seeds contain negligible levels of THC and are safe for consumption. Embrace the nutritional marvels of hemp seeds and elevate your health and wellness naturally.
All information in this article is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources. Please check with your Cannabis Educated Primary Health Care Physician or Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change.
Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, CTC, CNHP is a Naturopathic Nutritionist, Cannabis Therapy Consultant, and the Founder and Education Director of the Cannabis Holistic Institute. To find out more about her private practice, educational programs, videos, and other offerings you can find her on the massive inter-webs, social platforms, or at drpepperhernandez.com.
CBD Payment Processing Made Easy
Texas Hemp Coalition Q&A Column
BY ILISSA NOLAN
Meet Cameron Field, Senior Counsel - Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Why did you get into the hemp industry?
I got into them hemp industry because I already had experience helping agricultural and consumer packaged goods companies navigate regulations and commercial contracts, and the brand new hemp industry at the time needed experienced lawyers to help guide companies through changing regulatory processes and develop sound contracts.
Tell me about your company? What does it specialize in?
I am a senior counsel with the law firm Michael Best. We are a full-service tier one business law firm, meaning we can essentially provide all of legal services a business will need with our network of experienced attorneys across the country. Our cannabis industry group within the firm contains lawyers that specialist in intellectual property, corporate transactions, regulatory work, and litigation.
What is something unique that your business does?
We were one of the first and are still one of the only sophisticated tier one law firms to represent clients in the cannabis industry. There are a lot of boutique law firms in the cannabis industry, some great, some not so great. We don’t only represent cannabis clients, so our attorneys bring perspectives from multiple industries such pharmaceuticals
and agribusiness when they are working with our cannabis clients.
What do you think are the main challenges within this industry?
I see three main challenges right now: 1) a lack of research 2) a lack of uniformity in regulations and 3) lack of capital. Regarding a lack of research, the legislation recently signed by President Biden will help more research in the cannabis space and, in particular for the hemp industry, into alternative cannabinoids. The lack of uniformity in regulations is making it hard for some companies to grow in the space as growth often requires a careful state by state plan and specific marketing and product labelling strategy. Finally, every industry needs capital to grow, and the hemp space has its fair share of challenges in attracting capital. I see investors balk and opportunities in the space because of the changing and lack of uniformity in regulations, which shows how these challenges are not siloed, but interconnected.
What is the most important advice that you would give individuals who
are looking to get involved in this industry?
The hemp industry is a broad industry right now, so my advice would likely change depending on what aspect of the industry they are hoping to be involved in. But the one overarching piece of advice that would hold for the whole industry would be to find good people you can trust to do business with. There are a number of snake oil salesman and profiteers that haven’t been shaken out of the industry yet, so best to do you due diligence and work with credible individuals, of which there are plenty in the industry.
What do you hope to see for the future of the hemp industry in Texas?
I hope Texas becomes a innovator and powerhouse in the manufacturing of hemp products for industrial uses. Our state is growing fast, and how great would it be if more houses could be built or insulated by hemp material grown right here in Texas?
How to contact Cameron:
Cameron F. Field - Senior Counsel - Michael Best & Friedrich LLP | LinkedIn cffield@michaelbest.com
The Texas Hemp Coalition’s goal is to provide industry specific information to growers, processors and entities that are involved in the Texas Hemp Industry. We will serve as an advocacy, educational and networking liaison to reputable entities within the hemp industry. Visit www.texashempcoalition.org for more information and membership availabilities.
BY FRANK J. CHEFF
Acollaboration of multiple hemp builders occurred on Sun July 9th in Manchaca, TX just south of Austin. Phelan Dalton of the Hemp Building Co. of Colorado flew in for the event as General Contractor Paul Carbone’s personal guest and ongoing collaborator.
Phelan and his partner Dan Scowcroft were the first to ever put on a Hempcrete Workshop at the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems CMPBS.org back in May of 2021. Advertised and reported by the Hemp Reporter at that time. Also present are a number of notable Hemp builders and materials suppliers.
Harry Hemp of hemphomes.com who is a builder of current projects pending permitting in Arkansas, Missouri and Washington states. He was accompanied by his friend and crew member Kekaa Nakupendaa from PA who now lives in the Central African Republic. Both of them recently helped Andrew Hancock, who was also collaborating and helping, Andrew is the owner of Lime Life Construction who is finishing his own Hemp Home build on his property in Nemo TX. https://www.facebook. com/profile.php?id=100070681815622 Another builder and entrepreneur who gained new perspective on hemp with all the knowledge and experience was Theo Ross of Dankdog who is looking to build Tiny Hemprecete homes in Central Texas. Also not present, however, contributing was Finally Sabin whose Hemp Eco
Systems/HES mineral binder was used and has been used by all of these builders combined with KANABAT Certified building grade hemp hurd. That has been utilized for decades in Europe after a string of failures when Hemp was reintroduced in the 1990’s by a number of French builders that had the right ideas but trial and error led to a standardization and ultimately a certification of materials in order that the industry can advance and builders can count on materials being uniform and consistent. Here are a few pictures and you can see demonstration video of the spraying of the Hempcrete at the Host’s Paul Carbone’s Instagram page https:// www.instagram.com/hempknowlogy/ Paul is the owner of Hempknowlogy hemp company. Paul is a creative mentor and collaborator for many of these builders as well as researcher and scientist for the hempcrete chemistry involved as well as a developer of new proprietary mixtures of Geopolymer binders for new products being developed as we speak. Paul is the inventor of the “HempcreteJet”
The Hempcrete industry is going through it’s growing pain phase and has begun to gain much traction in the USA and particularly in Texas with multiple builders available now ready to work on projects and a growing and capable workforce that is becoming ever skilled in this very specialized eco building technique. Hempcrete or Hemp-Lime as some refer to it is known for a number of very attractive benefits to consumers. Hemp, as it grows, sequesters a lot of Carbon so is a green eco-concious material. As it petrifies it becomes hard and basically turns to stone, although you can put nails into
Hempcrete Spray Application (Demonstration & Collaboration)
it and other than a render or plaster there is no need for drywall, and the hemp is an insulator and noise deadening material due to it’s dense and oatmeal like consistency when still wet as it’s being applied. Hempcrete is simply hemp hurd or shiv (the tiny woody like pulp pieces) processed to a consistent size and split open to be even more absorbent, this is important and not the case in much of the hemp produced in the USA today.. So the Hemp Hurd is mixed with Lime, Water and sometimes with a binder or clinker. Which is a mineral mix of type of pozzolan or other mineral types that chemically bind all the materials together. The hurd materials were sourced from Chanvra Material also known as American Natural Materials at http:// naturalmaterials.us or http://chanvra.org and is the only Certified Building Grade Hemp hurd available in the USA. This certification does not exist yet in the USA. We hope collaborations like this will help change that and builders begin to demand a standardization. For Hempcrete builders there are two types of application that are commonly used. This type of spraying of the Hempcrete mix is a newer version of building with Hempcrete. Although not only the word Hempcrete is a misnomer so is building with Hempcrete. I was told once by a prolific American Hempcrete builder that you should look at it as “Hemp Insulation installation” because hemp
is insulation, it’s not a load bearing material, a concrete wall is, but portland cement or concrete is not Eco-Friendly either.
The most common technique of Hempcrete installation is referred to as “cast in place” where you have horizontal “form-boards” over your typical vertical framing studs and the Hempcrete builder moves up the wall after repeated filling of the airspace between the boards, encasing the wood framing and tamping the materials tight to eliminate air pockets and squeeze the excess water out. Yes, it’s messy, but necessary. The application is repeated to the top of the wall and is finished by hand by skilled and trained hemp builders. Hemp has many attributes and benefits as well as sequestering carbon and the resulting structures are a clean non toxic environment since the house or building is not off gassing any toxic fumes. Hempcrete is fireproof
and will not ignite. You can find dozens of videos on YouTube showing an acetylene torch left to char a wall for hours on end but it never catches fire, even concrete will char but it won’t ignite as expected. Also Hempcrete is termite resistant, mold resistant, the walls are vapor permeable so they breathe and passively regulate humidity which reduces pressure on utilities and helps HVAC system work most efficiently which is important we Texans know well. So the vapor permeable wall does act as a filter and technically sequesters carbon even in its inert state which is unlike any other building material I can think of. People refer to Hemp homes as being cozy, cave like, some just can’t put their finger on it or articulate it but they like it and know it is calming. Hempcrete if thick enough eliminates thermal bridging.
Hempcrete has an R-Value of between 2.1
- 2.5 per inch depend on the density of the application. Making a 12 inch wall potentially an R-Value of 25-30 If 500,000 new homes were built in the US in 1 year with hempcrete (2,000 square feet each), they would absorb nearly 2 million tons of Carbon, if those same homes were insulated using fibreglass, they would emit almost 500,000 tons of carbon so this is a healthy saving for the planet.
I applaud these pioneers in Texas Hempcrete Home building. There is another project going on right now by Tim White and Texas Healthy homes in Wimberley right now is being finished as well as many proposed so we are expecting many new stories of Collaboration, Cooperation and inclusivity to happen in an around the State of Texas. We hope you will support these groups and please tell others about this important eco friendly building material.
Statins Deregulate the Endocannabinoid System
DR. PEPPER HERNANDEZ ND, PH.D., CTC, CNHP, NHC
DUAL BOARD CERTIFIED AND AWARD-WINNING HOLISTIC HEALTH PRACTITIONER
The Endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system found in all mammals that play a role in regulating a wide range of physiological processes, including pain, mood, appetite, and immune function. The ECS is made up of three main components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.
Endocannabinoids are molecules that are similar in structure to the compounds found in the cannabis plant, known as cannabinoids. The two main endocannabinoids in the body are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These molecules are produced by the body on-demand and are not stored in advance. Receptors are proteins that are found on the surface of cells throughout the body. The two main receptors in the ECS are
CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system and other peripheral tissues.
The third component of the ECS are enzymes, which are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids once they have fulfilled their function. These enzymes are responsible for maintaining the balance of the ECS.
The ECS works by regulating the balance of many different physiological processes in the body. When something is out of balance, such as chronic pain or anxiety, endocannabinoids are produced to help restore balance. The endocannabinoids interact with the receptors in the body to help regulate the process that is out of balance. For example, if you have chronic pain, endocannabinoids will bind to the receptors responsible for pain management and reduce the sensation of pain.
This system allows the body to respond to changes in its environment and internal conditions, such as injury or disease, by restoring balance and homeostasis, thereby helping to prevent or reduce symptoms.
Cannabis and its derivatives, especially whole plant CBD and THC, interact with the ECS and can provide therapeutic benefits. They can interact with the receptors and mimic or enhance the effects of the endocannabinoids already present in the body.
All information in this article is for educational purposes only. Please check with your Cannabis Educated Primary Health Care Physician or Cannabis Therapy Consultant before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change. ~Dr. Pepper Hernandez
Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D. is a Naturopathic Nutritionist, Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Cannabis Therapy Consultant & Cannabis Holistic Institute Founder and Educational Director. To find out more about her private practice, educational programs, videos and other offerings you can find her on the massive interwebs at drpepperhernandez.com.
Go forth, Go Cannabis
Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D., CTC, CNHP, NHC Board Certified and Award-Winning Holistic Health Practitioner http://DrPepperHernandez.com Office Appointments 1.800.420.9358
the statin-based medication ultimately increased cellular endocannabinoid expression, meaning it boosted the levels of anandamide and 2-AG. This can be problematic because excessive endocannabinoid activity “is associated with a plethora of pathological conditions affecting both the brain and peripheral organs and tissues,” the preprint authors explain, citing examples such as “type 2 diabetes, liver and kidney dysfunctions.”
Simivastin Also Stunts a Cannabinoid Receptor
The endocannabinoid system is the ultimate homeostatic regulator. It fine-tunes a wide array of physiological processes that respond to “various intrinsic as well as extrinsic stimulants through a complex cascade of receptor activation, gene expression [and] enzyme reactions.” Thus, when endocannabinoid levels are excessive, cannabinoid receptors will downregulate as a compensatory response. (Chronic cannabis consumption downregulates cannabinoid receptor expression.) And, conversely, when endocannabinoid levels are low or deficient, cannabinoid receptors will compensate by upregulating.
In addition to boosting endocannabinoid levels, simvastatin repressed CB1 and CB2 receptors as well as TRPV1 ion channels, which negatively impacted the endocannabinoid system. CB1 receptors in skeletal muscle cells regulate key metabolic pathways that affect insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. The administration of synthetic cannabinoid receptor antagonists (rimonabant and AM251), which block the CB1 receptor, also increased muscular pain and weakness induced by simvastatin. To summarize: statins cause toxicity by dysregulating anandamide and 2-AG and suppressing CB1 receptor expression, re-
sulting in impaired cannabinoid receptor signaling in myoblasts. But in the future cholesterol-regulating statins formulated with positive allosteric modulators, which enhance CB1 receptor function, may negate some toxic side effects of statins. Further research that explores how statins affect the endocannabinoid system, causing muscular pain and weakness, should be a priority given that 200 million patients around the globe take these lipid-lowering drugs.
Travis Cesarone is a freelance writer and communicator focusing on medical cannabis sciences.
