Who would have thought a year ago that the world would resemble a post-apocalyptic movie? Or an existential horror film where the main protagonists are medical staff in overcrowded hospitals, or researchers finding innovative solutions to save millions of lives in the greatest health crisis of the modern era….
But who knows, maybe a hero has returned to save the day – this one from the plant kingdom. We have a dream that one day even the most conservative countries will again welcome and embrace cannabis. The plant has been known to humankind for many thousands of years; it may even have played a crucial role in the evolution of our species.
The versatility of its healing properties is manifest by the existence of the endocannabinoid system in our body, with its receptors located at the cells of the nervous and immune systems. The endocannabinoid system regulates many processes, including pain sensation, appetite, mood, muscle tone and immune function.
Its receptors are activated by endocannabinoids commonly produced from within the body – or by the phytocannabinoids present in cannabis.
Obviously, it is too early for conclusive claims that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD may have a vital role in the prevention and treatment of Covid-19. However, there are very promising signals from studies in Canada, Israel and from clinical use in Austria.
As has been documented in the past, both cannabinoids have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Cannabidiol (CBD) can regulate the extreme immune reaction known as the “cytokinin storm”. When used wisely, cannabinoids may become one of the safe and easily available tools to handle this as well as other exigencies. Including the opioid crisis and the increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics.
Prosperity within reach
Yes, we, all of us – cannabis researchers, entrepreneurs, growers and users alike – have a dream. And the implications of this dream even reach beyond human wellbeing. Hemp is a great sustainable source of fiber and food and can be used literally in all areas of our existence.
The states and countries that have legalized not only hemp production but also medicinal and recreational use of cannabis (we are refraining from the tainted term marijuana) are prospering today: new jobs are being created on a massive scale, public safety has increased, and tax revenues are being used to support youth education, just to mention a few benefits.
There is no other plant whose contribution to the inhabitants of this planet may reach such heroic heights. The array of benefits associated with cannabis expands with every new study, especially in the field of medicine. And this is where Cannabis Therapy magazine comes in.
With our highly experienced and ever-growing international team of doctors, pharmacists and journalists, based around the Czech print bimonthly Konopí [Cannabis] since 2018, we systematically explore the shifting frontier of knowledge on cannabis and pass this knowledge on to others.
In this online magazine, we hope to regularly broaden the horizons of our global readers. Both common medical users finding relief in this tried and tested herbal medicine, as well as medical professionals and other experts who want to be updated about the latest knowledge in a simple, yet comprehensive way.
Dreaming or not, please enjoy this issue with its special emphasis on CBD, the cannabinoid that redefined the market with medical products made from cannabis.
Author: Bob Hysek, Editor-in-Chief
Source: Cannabis Therapy Vol. 2
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