Education Portal

With the meteoric rise in popularity of cannabidiol (CBD), a certain amount of confusion exists around the differences between hemp and cannabis.  And despite well-meaning CBD brands trying to clear this up, they sometimes end up spreading misinformation and adding to the confusion even more.

In this article we are going to explore the actual differences between cannabis and hemp, how marijuana fits into the mix and look at some of the most common misconceptions surrounding cannabis, hemp and marijuana.

Cannabinoids can modulate these immune reactions, with some studies suggesting that they can act as either an immunosuppressant, but also immune-boosting effects. In other words, on the one hand, cannabinoids have the potential to relieve symptoms of patients with over-active immune systems, suffering from autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation.  On the other hand, they also can help people suffering from immunodeficiency disorders such as HIV, through its ability to boost white blood counts.

This makes for a complicated and dichotomous relationship between cannabinoids and the immune system that is still poorly understood.  In addition, the actions of cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are mediated primarily by the...

The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Pain & Inflammation

The role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in pain control and symptom relief has been repeatedly demonstrated due to a certain level of independent control and mediation it exerts in the central nervous system and pain signalling system.  Data from various animal studies and clinical trials have shown that the ECS and its primary ligands (a.k.a. endocannabinoids) play a role in pain and pain relief by mediating not only the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors but also other receptors involved with pain signalling. 

Endocannabinoids, Phytocannabinoids & MS

All of us have something known as an endocannabinoid system (ECS) consisting of receptors, neurotransmitters known as endocannabinoids, and enzymes that break these down once they served their purpose (read more about it here ). 

However, endocannabinoids are a special type of neurotransmitter that are able to not only affect “receiver” neurons, but also “sender” neurons.  When a postsynaptic neuron gets triggered, endocannabinoid production is activated, from where they travel “backwards” up the axon towards the presynaptic neuron, functioning like a dimmer-switch that suppresses neurotransmitter release and neural activity.  Essentially, this means that the way in which neural impulses are sent, neurotransmitters are released, and how these are processed by the CNS is primarily mediated by the ECS.

How CBD interacts with other medications, contraindications & side effects

The safety profile of cannabidiol (CBD) has been extensively researched.  Data from studies, laboratory experiments and clinical trials all show that CBD is well tolerated in both animals and humans, even at extremely high dosages.  In fact, to date, not a single report of a CBD overdose or death has been reported.

CBD Oil Dosage for Sleep

In an early study on the effects of CBD on sleep, researchers found dosage that people who do not suffer from sleeping disorders, needed very high doses of around the 600 mg mark while insomniacs only needed doses of a 150 mg to 160 mg of CBD to induce sleep. Therefore, it is suggested to start off with a dose of 40 mg, gradually working up to anywhere between...

As the popularity of medical cannabis and hemp-infused products increases, so too are the different ways in which you can take it - from oils and tinctures, to gummies, creams, vapes, teas, and even toothpicks. 

No wonder then that an increasing number of people are starting to question the efficacy if what many consider more gimmicky products. But also, what IS the best and most effective way to take medical cannabis and hemp products?

Anxiety-related disorders are becoming increasingly common, with 1 in 6 people in the United Kingdom alone, reporting symptoms of anxiety and/or depression each week.  The usual course of treatment often includes heavy duty antidepressants (e.g. duloxetine, venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g. citalopram, fluoxetine, and paroxetine) as well as tranquilizers (the most popular of these being benzodiazepines).

If you're interested in CBD for help with Anxiety, you can shop our collection of suitable Kanaco products here

When will cannabis be legalised in the UK?

Cannabis does have some negatives when used regularly but the same can be said for many substances like alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. 

It's no secret that the strength of cannabis has increased over recent years