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 […]

Delta-8-THC & Delta-10-THC: Effect, difference & law

The most important thing: Delta-8-THC is not a natural cannabis substance – it is almost exclusively produced synthetically from CBD. FDA analysis 2021 found dangerous impurities. In Germany it is not “legal THC” – legally it is considered a narcotic. At a glance: Delta-8-THC hardly occurs naturally in plants – almost all products are produced […]

Cannabis forms of consumption: Joint, vaporizer, oil & concentrates

The most important thing: vaporizers deliver 40-56 % bioavailability compared to 25 % with a joint – without tar, without CO, without benzenes. For medical users, vaporizer or sublingual oil is the most pharmacologically sensible way. At a glance: Vaporizer delivers 40-56 % bioavailability – more than twice as efficient as a joint Sublingual oil: […]

Cannabis & body weight: Why stoners are slim

The most important thing: although cannabis increases appetite, users have on average 25% lower obesity rates than non-users. Background: chronic use leads to CB1 downregulation and increased adiponectin. At a glance: Paradox: Cannabis users have 25% lower obesity rates than non-users Chronic use → CB1 downregulation → Metabolic reset of the ECS CBD converts white […]

Cannabis for PMS & menstrual pain

The most important thing: CBD inhibits COX-2 – the same enzyme as ibuprofen – and activates CB1 receptors directly in the uterine muscles. It also has an anxiolytic effect via 5-HT1A. Survey data show 7.6/10 efficacy for menstrual pain. At a glance: CBD inhibits COX-2 – the same mechanism as ibuprofen, but without gastrointestinal risk […]

Entourage effect: How cannabinoids & terpenes interact

The most important thing: According to the study, full-spectrum cannabis requires a lower dose for the same epilepsy control as CBD isolate (Pamplona 2018). Why? Cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids work synergistically – this is the entourage effect. At a glance: Full-spectrum needs lower dose than CBD isolate for same effect, according to study Terpenes such […]

Cannabis during the menopause: CBD, hormones & studies

The most important thing: oestrogen directly regulates anandamide levels in the brain. If oestrogen falls during the menopause, anandamide also falls – which explains hot flushes, sleep disorders and mood swings neurobiologically. At a glance: Oestrogen directly regulates anandamide levels – menopause = ECS dysregulation 79% of women surveyed report symptom relief from cannabis (Dahlgren […]

Cannabis edibles: effect, duration & dosage explained

The most important thing: THC is converted in the liver to 11-hydroxy-THC – a metabolite that is up to 3× stronger than THC itself. This explains why edibles have a more intense effect and why topping up after 45 minutes is the classic mistake. At a glance: THC → 11-hydroxy-THC in the liver: up to […]