Entries by Stephan

Cannabis & testosterone: effect on male fertility

The most important thing: Daily cannabis use is a problem when trying to conceive: Gundersen 2015 shows up to 52% lower sperm concentration. All effects are reversible after 3 months of abstinence – spermatogenesis takes 74 days. At a glance: Weekly consumption: 28% lower sperm concentration (Gundersen 2015, n=1215) All sperm effects completely reversible after […]

Cannabis quality: laboratory tests, pesticides & contamination

The most important thing: 15-25% of black market cannabis contains pesticides above EU limits. Medical pharmacy cannabis must meet GMP standards and comes with a Certificate of Analysis. Mold on cannabis can be life-threatening for the immunocompromised. At a glance: 15-25% of black market cannabis contains pesticides above EU food limits Pharmacy cannabis: GMP obligation […]

Retinol: effect, application and the best products for radiant skin

Retinol is the best-studied anti-ageing ingredient of all – and yet it makes most people nervous. Rightly so? Not if you know how to use it. Used correctly, retinol is unbeatable against wrinkles, pigmentation spots and a dull complexion – and a perfect ingredient in the Glass Skin routine. What is retinol and how does […]

Home cannabis cultivation: rules according to CanG

The most important thing: Since the CanG (April 1, 2024), 3 cannabis plants are legal at home. 50 g possession allowed in the home. 25 g may be passed on free of charge. Sale, commercial cultivation and transfer to minors remain criminal offenses. At a glance: Legal since CanG (April 1, 2024): 3 plants at […]

Cannabis microdosing: low doses of THC & CBD

The most important thing: THC has a biphasic effect: 1-5 mg can have an anxiolytic and focusing effect. 20-25 mg+ can trigger paranoia and anxiety. Anyone using cannabis for medicinal purposes needs a minimum dose – not a maximum. At a glance: THC has a biphasic effect: 1-5 mg anxiolytic and focusing, 20+ mg can […]

CBN (cannabinol): Sleep sedative & effect explained

The most important thing: CBN is formed when THC oxidizes – through UV light, oxygen and heat over months. Old cannabis contains more CBN. CBN is weakly psychoactive and has a sedative effect mainly in combination with THC – not alone. At a glance: CBN is produced exclusively by oxidation of THC – UV light, […]

Cannabis for ADHD: THC, CBD & concentration – Studies

Most important: 20-30% of all adults with ADHD self-medicate with cannabis. Pharmacologically plausible: ADHD is associated with anandamide deficiency, CB1 directly modulates dopamine. Survey data shows 55% report better concentration. At a glance: 20-30% of all adults with ADHD self-medicate with cannabis Mechanism: ADHD is associated with anandamide deficiency – CB1 directly modulates dopamine For […]

Luxury watches for men: an overview of the best brands and models

Luxury watches for men are more than just timepieces – they are masterpieces of craftsmanship, status symbols and in many cases better investments than gold. Anyone investing in a luxury watch needs an overview of brands, references and price ranges. There is a special Rolex Submariner buying guide for the Submariner. What is a luxury […]

CBG (cannabigerol): effect, studies & application

The most important thing: CBG is the biosynthesis precursor of all cannabinoids – CBGA produces THC, CBD and CBC. Only traces are present in mature plants. CBG acts via CB2, α2-adrenoceptors (glaucoma) and has a direct antibacterial effect against MRSA. At a glance: CBG is the biosynthetic precursor of all cannabinoids – CBGA produces THC, […]

Cannabis decarboxylation: activating THCA to THC

The most important thing: raw cannabis flowers do not get you high. THCA (the natural form) hardly binds to CB1 receptors. Only heat (120°C, 35 min) produces active THC through decarboxylation. This happens automatically when smoking. At a glance: Raw cannabis does not get you high – THCA hardly binds to CB1 receptors Optimal decarboxylation: […]

Capsule wardrobe: building the perfect basic wardrobe

Capsule wardrobe – a term that has been causing a sensation in the fashion world for years. The concept is simple: instead of an overstuffed closet, you focus on a few high-quality basics that can be combined flexibly. The result: perfect outfits every day with half the effort. If you also want to master layering […]

Cannabis in sport: CBD, regeneration & doping test

The most important thing: CBD has been removed from the WADA banned list since 2018 – THC remains banned (150 ng/ml limit in competition). CBD inhibits COX-2 like ibuprofen, improves sleep quality and modulates cortisol – without the risk of tolerance. At a glance: CBD removed from the banned list by WADA in 2018 – […]

Cannabis & heart: cardiovascular risks explained

The most important thing: THC increases the heart rate by 20-50 bpm by activating the sympathetic nervous system. In healthy boys: harmless. In coronary heart disease: risk of heart attack increases 4.8-fold in the first hour. CBD, on the other hand, lowers blood pressure. At a glance: THC increases the heart rate by 20-50 bpm […]

THC tolerance: how it develops and how to reduce it

The most important thing: Hirvonen 2012 PET study: Daily cannabis users have 15-20% fewer CB1 receptors in the cortex. This is the neurobiological cause of tolerance. After 4 weeks of abstinence: measurable recovery of receptor density. At a glance: PET study: daily users have 15-20% fewer CB1 receptors in the cortex (Hirvonen 2012) After 4 […]

Cannabis & immune system: CB2 receptors & inflammation

The most important thing: B cells have the highest CB2 density of all immune cells. CB2 activation by cannabinoids shifts macrophages from pro-inflammatory (M1) to anti-inflammatory (M2) – a central mechanism in autoimmune diseases. At a glance: B cells have the highest CB2 density of all immune cells – ECS is deeply integrated into the […]

Cannabis in palliative care: pain & quality of life

The most important thing: cannabis reduces the need for opioids in palliative patients by a median of 44% (Mechnik 2018). Dronabinol and nabilone are approved for chemotherapy nausea. Since 2017 on BtMG prescription with SHI reimbursement option. At a glance: Dronabinol (THC) and nabilone are officially approved for chemotherapy nausea Cannabis reduces the need for […]