XX.IV.XX

And what a memorable #420 this is. While it’s difficult not to think about all the good times and parties and festivals from 4/20’s past, it’s been surprisingly refreshing to wake up to a virtual Zoom sesh with yoga and a DJ in addition to some other amazing online experiences. It’s just a simple testament to what cannabis means to so many of us out there. Even through the COVID-19 crisis, we are continuing the spirit of the cannabis community through virtual experiences and socially distanced outdoor sesh’s with our own joints and vape pens and dab rigs and bongs and bowls and water pipes!

James Henry participated in a Virtual Wake & Bake with Buttah & friends to celebrate Prince AK’s release of Give Me a Light, a hot new single release! The Great American Sesh In featured special guests such as Tommy Chong, Steve Bloom, and Amber Senter and Insidelands 2020 was hosted by Calling MariJane, Nina Parks, and a few other favorite Bay Area cannabis friends. WeedMaps hosted Higher Together - Sessions from Home, a big online virtual experience with live performances from Erykah Badu, Berner, Wiz Khalifa, and many others! Shout out to Morris at SF Roots for coming through in the clutch with some 4/20 goodies for us to share with everyone! We dropped off our special edition XX.IV.XX t-shirts to our retail partners, make sure you order today and get your own!

And in the same breath, Jameshenrysf.com launched our Delivery to customers in the Bay Area! We are very excited to bring you products live and direct from our website, just click Delivery in the top menu. So we’ll be celebrating 4/20 safely fulfilling orders to our amazing customers around the Bay Area! How will you be celebrating the amazingness of this 4/20 holiday? Make sure you FaceTime or Zoom your favorite smoke buddy and #StayHome! Roll one up for your roomie and remember, Spread Love, Don’t Spread Corona!

Most Importantly, it’s been amazing watching how responsible we’ve all been while participating to uphold

the community of cannabis this 4/20

Don’t Spread Corona, Spread Love with

James Henry’s

Guide to

Cannabis &

Staying Home

Did you Know That James Henry Has Premium Flower Selections

For Enjoying Your Cannabis Optimally DUring Any Part of the Day?

From Wake and Bake to Work And Create to Relax and Sleep.

Our Menu is Curated Perfectly for Your Time At Home

During COVID-19. Here are a Few Helpful Steps Below.

Step 1: Don’t Pass the Joint or Share the Vape! Find Peace In Knowing That…You May Not Be Going Anywhere for a While

On Thursday, we hit a grim watershed. The US overtook Italy and China as the country with the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

- Prof. Jeff Sachs, Director | 26 Mar 20

Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University

Yeahhh, even mayors in the Southern U.S. are hitting the vape pens without discretion these days. And that’s perfectly fine, no judgements here, obviously. But we do want to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to become comfortable with restricting movements outside of the home as much as possible for your own safety, your family, and so on. We call this Acceptance. Thus, we do encourage you to take a deep breath and use this time to connect with self and loved ones during this time. The COVID-19 situation has literally turned the world upside down and what can we do besides protect ourselves and acclimate to the change with grace, intention, and most importantly, embrace an inner peace in acceptance that you are in complete control of the situation around you. We recommend our Focus Coast 2:1 CBD-Dominant Flower for this exercise to help you relax without a heavy high.

If you can find the free time, we also encourage you to write your policy makers at the judiciary levels and demand that they release non-violent cannabis offenders immediately. Check out the Last Prisoner Project and the Minority Cannabis Business Alliance for more information on how you can contribute to the conversation.

Step 2: Minimize Stress. Find a Balanced Rhythm That AlLows You to Work & Play

1, Plan Holistically.

2. Get Real with Your Boss & Teammates.

3. Confirm Changing Priorities and Deadlines.

4. Optimize Your Stamina.

5. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate.

- Kourtney Whitehead | 15 Mar 20

Senior Contributor at Forbes

We’re going to say this to those of us whom need to hear this; Thou Shall Not Spend the Entire Corona Epidemic Dysfunctionally High! We will not get on the company video call with red, tiny eyes and a perfect smile! But we will business on the top and pajama on the bottom! Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, we’ve taken an excerpt from Kourtney Whitehead’s piece on Forbes.com with a few steps to help those working from home. Even if you can’t work from home right now, use this time to fill out important financial relief requests, cancel unnecessary monthly charges, learn new information and skills, in addition to working on personal projects that you’ve been putting off. We encourage you to utilize this time to take extra care of yourself, appreciate friends and family more, and take the dog on more frequent walks; socially distanced of course. Finding a balanced work-home life while working from home should be fun and enlightening for you and your family during this time. Avoid watching too much media, just enough to stay informed of important details.

Step 3: Take Care of Your Immune System. Eat Well, Move Well, Rest Well: An Intro to Cannabimimetics

“Cannabimimetics are substances, non-cannabis substances, or practices that stimulate the endocannabinoid system…we have our cannabinoids, then we have everything that falls under the cannabimimetic category, which is nutrition, detoxification, supplementation, physical activity, deep breathing, yoga, meditation, acupuncture…[and more that we discuss with patients].”

- Dr. Rachel Knox - MD, Endocannabinologist

Co-Founder at Advent Academy

As we toss our bags of Reese’s and gummy worms under our desk during the creation of this post, we’re talking to all of our colleagues and neighbors out there when we say what we’re going to say next. That summer body is not going to snack itself into perfection and there are a lot of closed gyms right now! Unless we all agree to snack and eat healthier, we’re going to be spending a few more dollars on new wardrobe pieces and fitness trainers after this. So we want you to have some fun with your healthy snacks! Dr. Rachel Knox describes cannabimimetics above and we are sharing some of our favorite cannabimimetic foods with you. Try wild lavender and holy basil infused in lemonade sweetened with a Kikoko Honey Shot, cinnamon & cloves pair really well in herbal teas as well as add spice to bold flavored meals, rosemary and black pepper with fresh-squeezed lemon juice can really enhance wild-caught fish that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, and kava tea bars are really fun with friends (once we’re allowed to go out and play again). The goal should always be as natural foods as possible while reducing/eliminating excessive intake of processed foods, including processed vegan options.

We always hear that exercise is an important habit to maintain and we can’t emphasize that enough during this time, especially for our colleagues and neighbors sheltering-in-place with family and/or roomies. Physical activity is not only vital to your physical health, but also your mental health and mood. Parents should also be mindful of this and ensure enough movement for little ones at home. We should all be stretching more and taking time to inhale all the good stuff and exhale all the other stuff that we may be thinking about, but can’t control. After your exercise and/or meditation, we recommend relaxing with our Hybrid True Ryder Flower (50/50) which relaxes the body and the mind with a pleasantly high experience or our Retreat Granimals Indica-Dominant Flower which is a great body high that makes you fall in love with your favorite spot on the couch all over again, every time. We encourage everyone to reward themselves accordingly after an amazing work-from-home day, online trainer session, and cannabimimetic balanced dinner. That includes a good night’s rest.

Lastly, and as disheartening as this is, medical experts are advising to reduce, if not negate, smoking and vaping excessively during COVID-19. As the Corona Virus impacts the lungs, excessive smoking or vaping could cause additional stress on the lungs and weaken immune response to combatting the virus. Individuals with compromised immune systems and opioid users are advised to take additional precautions. Thus, during this time, we want to remind our consumers to consume responsibly and optimally. Avoid tobacco or chemically processed rolling papers, potentially try bongs and glass bowls in addition to inhaling slower with shorter breaths to reduce the potential of over-stressing your lungs. Right now may also be a great time to try and/or fine-tune your experience with edibles, tinctures, etc. Infused-ingredients, such as cannabis and CBD butter, may also be fun to experiment with during some of your new-found free time! Check out Jeff the 420 Chef for some amazing inspiration and recipe ideas. At James Henry, our flower and our products help you consume optimally for any part of the day and we want to keep you safe and informed always.

Step 4: Save Time, Be Safe, Order It Online

As the infectious new coronavirus grinds global commerce to a halt, essential businesses can’t just stop, and that includes medical and adult-use cannabis. For California and Colorado’s licensed cannabis stores—which regulators have deemed essential—that means rolling out curbside pickup, drive-thrus, and delivery services to try and break the virus’ chain of transmission.

- David Downs | 25 Mar 20

California Bureau Chief at Leafly.com

In the spirit of social distancing during COVID-19, everything you can order online, order it online and enjoy the front door convenience. Some supplies are a little harder to find than others at the moment, but a lot of our colleagues and neighbors have found luck in some smaller establishments and websites. Luckily, cannabis delivery services are readily available for your essential cannabis and CBD needs. Try Frosty Flowers Delivery, New Life Delivery, and Greenline Delivery for service throughout the Oakland, San Francisco, Peninsula, East Bay (Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Pleasanton), and Southeast Bay. We encourage you to order the James Henry, naturally, and try other amazing products that suit your consumption needs. If you must go out, make sure you protect yourself by keeping hand sanitizer, face masks or handkerchiefs, and sanitizing wipes handy. Get in and get out, maintain being a human being in the process. It’s inherently rude to treat your neighbors like they have rabies or something. We encourage that you speak, make eye contact, pass to the right of each other, etc. Our retail partners are practicing sanitization, social distancing, touch-less and curbside services in Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco for your James Henry Essentials; some are even establishing delivery options including The James Henry Concierge (COMING SOON). Be Smart, Be Safe.

Step 5: Keep Calm & Carry On With Your Life, Creatively and purposefully

There may be shortages of hand sanitizer, toilet paper and COVID-19 test kits (depending on who is talking), but one pandemic survival tool appears to be getting more abundant every day: the kindness of strangers.

- Kate Darby Rauch | 16 Mar 20

Contributor, Berkeleyside

If you’re familiar with the James Henry artwork and the meaning behind the birds speaking to one another, then you know that we are big on community. Our collective lives were already interesting before, but add the COVID-19 pandemic with limited resources and knowledge of protecting ourselves, plus cabin fever and you’ll get something similar to the reality of yourself and others around you. Check on your neighbors, your friends, your family and loved ones often during these times. We have to get through this together as a community and that includes being good neighbors. Take this time to create new art, new music, new and improved habits, and stay calm throughout the process. We recommend combining our Focus Coast 2:1 and our Social Lemon Jack Flowers to help stimulate those ideas without being too energized, but pleasantly blissed and uplifted. During this time, James Henry will be developing content and more products that will provide great experiences during COVID-19 and beyond. Keep your heads up, stay safe out there, (Parents - Remember to Lock Up Your Essentials from the Little Ones Home from School) and don’t forget to consume your James Henry and other products responsibly.

Don’t Spread Corona, Spread Love! BUT don’t pass the joint for now.

Introducing James Henry SF

Curated Premium Boutique Flower

We’re pleased to announce the addition of flower and pre-roll products for our amazing consumers! Our flowers are all hand-picked and curated by our co-founding team who have set out on a mission to show new and experienced consumers alike how (and what) to consume responsibly throughout the day. Similar to food and other nutrients, James Henry SF understands the value of a balanced cannabinoid diet; meaning there exists a plethora of tasty greens from within the cannabis and hemp families with more cultivars being developed every day around the world.

At James Henry, we sourced our current selections from the beautiful Mendocino County and Trinity County of Northern California. Our cultivation partners are generational farms, families, and communities that practice the love of the earth through sustainable farming practices and pouring their hands into the soil. Our co-founding team visits the cultivation sites and farms, meets the cultivators and farmers, tries some of their amazing flowers and products, and curates optimal experiences for our products with cultivar information based on several key quality metrics with the James Henry Product Development System (PDS). Our featured Hybrid selection comes from our friends at Arcanna Flowers, a part of Mendocino Generations, where your flowers were loved in the beautiful countryside by this generational expertise. Interesting enough, the True Ryder is a special cross is named after the cultivators’ two eldest sons. From farm to packaging and beyond, our flowers and pre-rolls are handled with care and love that can be experienced in your products every time.

You will notice that we are really showing off our original James Henry artwork throughout our updated packaging. The James Henry artwork is authentic and original from a Haitian artist inspired to change the world through art, innovative sustainability, and an inclusive global community. One bird in the painting represents an image of yourself and the other represents an image of your neighbor. The halo around you both symbolizes the love and unity that you have for one another, regardless of differences. The sky of blue in the background symbolizes brighter days before the two of you and our global community. This is the beauty of what cannabis does to communities worldwide with people of all ages and backgrounds coexisting in harmony together under the power of life medicine.

That’s right! James Henry SF is Proud To Be Back with More Great Products!

FOCUS

Coast 2:1

SOCIAL

Lemon Jack

RETREAT

Sunset Sherbet

HYBRID

True Ryder

“Sungrown, hand-trimmed, properly cured, amazing flavor, and smooth experiences. These attributes tell us a lot about the love and sweat poured into cultivating your quality cultivars.”

— J. Henry

The James Henry Team wanted to share highlights from one of the world’s largest cannabis conferences at Marijuana Business Daily’s MJ Biz Conference - Las Vegas. This event highlights B2B innovation and education for cannabis business professionals and curious business owners from around the world. The growing support for cannabis legalization and normalization continues as MJ Business Daily reports a record number of attendees with over 27,000 registered participants.

Our very own co-founders were in attendance at the conference with John Henry - COO, James Henry SF participating in an interesting panel discussion that filled a conference room at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Navigating the CBD Maze. The panel discussion focused on sharing legality, efficacy, consumption methods, and other relevant information on both hemp and cannabis CBD products and applications. James Henry SF was honored to participate on the panel with EBB & Flow Farms and Herba Prima Co-Founder/CEO Amy Pascal and East Fork Cultivars Education & Partnership Manager Anna Symonds, both from the Oregon market. The panel was moderated by Marijuana Business Daily’s John Schroyer who asked a series of questions that allowed the panelists to explain full spectrum extracts and isolates, hemp-derived vs cannabis-derived extracts, promising business opportunities for the growing CBD markets, their views on CBD for pets, and more. Guests eagerly listened to the various expertise and advice which included cultivation experiences as well as extraction experiences. Here’s what John had to say about the panel:

It was an honor to share experiences and perspectives on the rise of CBD across the country. While there are plenty of business opportunities, the real power is in helping people learn about the benefits of CBD and how effective use can mean the difference between an average individual, or a patient, and a better quality of life. There are thousands of stories from all demographics where a CBD-enriched endocannabinoid system yields faster recovery times from fatigue, relief from nausea, anxiety, dry skin, and many other common and chronic inconveniences.

For entrepreneurs and businesses looking to participate in the CBD cultivation and product industry, we all have a responsibility to the patients and consumers that re looking for relief from something when they purchase our products. It’s up to us to navigate the local regulatory landscapes in addition to the true science behind developing products that are effective and/or supplemental. But we must always remember the purpose via the quality and care we place into our products and businesses.

Lastly, it was a great pleasure ot participate on the panel with other great entrepreneurs and industry professionals with Marijuana Business Daily. As this was my second year attending, it was an honor to return as a guest speaker at the largest cannabis event in the world!

Cannabis is one of the most complex plants that produce a synergistic effect when consumed with its 113+ cannabinoids, 200+ terpenes, and 100+ natural compounds. All of these elements interact to produce synergistic effects that create relief from pain, anxiety, insomnia, and more. Cannabis is said to be polypharmaceutical producing the entourage effect, or the combined effect of all components in marijuana that work together to produce an effect that is superior to specific cannabis extracts, such as pure THC or pure CBD.

The importance of full spectrum cannabinoid products sparks conversations that are less often discussed, but very important and useful in understanding the therapeutic and medicinal characteristics of cannabis consumption. This understanding enables patients and consumers to utilize cannabis in innovative ways that help reduce and eliminate (for some) the use of OTC and pharmaceutical pills/ointments that may possess undesirable side effects.

Understanding How Cannabis’s Entourage Effect Works

Various ratios of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds create references to identify many cannabis strains/varieties. Extractors and processors mimic and manipulate these combinations to produce products with education that are targeted for specific reliefs. THC and CBD are the primary cannabinoids that the body uses to achieve therapeutic and medicinal benefits. Alone, these cannabinoids may not create much of an enjoyable experience. THC may induce anxiety in some and CBD, as an antagonist of THC, may not create much of an effect at all. Combined at various ratios, THC and CBD work together in an attempt to create a balanced environment for the body’s endocannabinoid system. If we consider THC and CBD as the foundations for therapeutic benefits from cannabis, terpenes would be the construction engineers building the experiences. Terpenes help regulate and maximize the benefits of consuming THC and CBD both therapeutically and medicinally.

How To Use This Information

Some studies have shown that full-spectrum extracts produce 330% more activity than THC alone. This tells us that full-spectrum cannabinoid products are more beneficial than singularly isolated cannabis compounds alone. For example, a cancer patient ingesting isolated THC may benefit from the THC killing cancer cells by causing cell apoptosis, but the patient may not enjoy the euphoric activity that accompanies THC effects. However, if the same patient utilizes full-spectrum cannabinoid products, then the euphoria from the THC is better regulated by the presence of CBD and other terpenes/compounds that are noted to produce a calming effect. A more common explanation is determining sativa, indica, and other information about cannabis products to determine best situations for use; indica properties may create feelings of lethargy and lack of motivation for some consumers during the day while creating a space of clarity and organized thoughts for patients seeking relief from ADD/ADHD symptoms.

It’s very important to understand that all of the compounds found in cannabis work together to provide healing and relief. When purchasing cannabis products, try to select products that contain full-spectrum extracts to ensure a synergistic balance and maximize the many benefits of cannabis consumption. One may find very similar pricing to achieve what some refer to as more bang for your buck. Easy ways to identify these products include verbiage that says full-spectrum or strain-specific or targeted/proprietary blend and similar. If all else fails, don’t be afraid to ask your budtender or research the product before purchasing.

Class is in session, and if you are matriculating in the upcoming years, expect to see medical cannabis in the curriculum. With multiple states coming online to legalize medical cannabis it is no surprise that accredited universities are now adding cannabis to their curriculum. The science in medical cannabis can’t be ignored due to the amount of documented research and case studies that prove it’s medicinal benefits. The beauty of the university's movement to add cannabis to their curriculum is that all of its medical findings can now be explored in a trusted academic setting.

Why Should We Further Cannabis Research?

There are many cases where the medicinal properties of cannabis have reversed and/or cured chronic health conditions that over 133,000,000 Americans may be facing. Dr. Jeff Chen, the head of UCLA cannabis research, and his team of 40 are part of this ever so growing number of intellects and scholars who are invested in the research based on empirical data. Many universities and medical platforms are studying cannabis and its positive response to receptors within the human body. The messaging seems to be the same with all researchers,

"Cannabis may represent a cheap, safe, and effective alternative to certain pharmaceutical drugs for certain diseases" – Dr. Jeff Chen of UCLA.

JamesHenry believes that this research will allow everyone to review the findings and make an informed decision when it comes to their health.

Where Is Cannabis Headed?

States who have legalized marijuana have noticed a decrease in prescription drugs, crime, 911 calls and homicide. The vast information regarding the health benefits of cannabis is causing a ripple effect, and soon, this new paradigm, proven with academia science, will be known as fact. Thanks to modern technology and medical science, information can be shared and explored across the globe with one click of a button.

Universities with Cannabis Education/Research

• University of Washington

• University of California Davis (UC Davis)

• Oregon State

• Dunlap-Stone University

• University of Vermont

• Ohio State University

• Northern Michigan University

• Hofstra

• Harvard University

• Denver University

• Cloverleaf University

• Vanderbilt University

• UCLA

• University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy

• LSU Louisiana State University

• Southern University

• Oaksterdam

What is the Economic Growth of Cannabis?

We’ve explored all of the positive effects that cannabis can have on the human body and overall health benefits, now let’s dive deeper into another little secret. This wonder of a plant has been estimated to bring in $70 Billion dollars by 2021. In its infant stage, there has never been another industry to have had projections like these.

The fact that universities are adding cannabis to their curriculum says a lot about our advancement in the direction of medicine. Here at JamesHenry, we encourage one another to learn from history.

A great historical philosopher once said “Let Thy Food be Thy Medicine.”

And we plan to do just that. At James Henry SF we provide you with the education and the tools to make informed decisions on your medicine of choice.

The Knox Family And Integrative Cannabinoid Medicine

Many are fascinated by the Schedule I drug that is being utilized by an increasing number of peers, medical professionals, and legislatures who find it a viable solution for many chronic aches, illnesses, and therapeutic reliefs. It’s from these reliefs that the term Integrative Cannabinoid Medicine has been coined, which is the use of cannabis to cure ailments and disease. Because of this new perception of cannabis, now both patients and doctors can focus on the preventive and therapeutic aspects of its consumption for health & wellness.

Meet the Knox Family

The Knox family of medical professionals have been shaking the medical cannabis space in an encouraging way for many years. With their compassion and medical expertise, the Knox Family has boldly created a solution to the often criticized 5-10 minute medical marijuana consultation by incorporating primary care into the recommendation process. Their segment on Megyn Kelly shares a heartwarming testimony with worried parents and an infant affected by an inoperable brain tumor.

As a solution, the American Cannabinoid Clinics, co-founded by Dr. Rachel Knox, helped this family when conventional cancer treatment and medicine had failed. The Knox Family and their American Cannabinoid Clinics are giving more and more families hope in cannabis as an effective solution to treat many ailments and illnesses. Check out the link to this amazing interview and get to know the Knox Family of integrative cannabinoid medicine. And as more families realize the power in cannabis, it’s important to ensure that experienced physicians are found that can properly educate and inform patients on how, when and what types of cannabis and products can help balance, regulate and repair the body’s endocannabinoid system for physiological optimization. Click here to schedule a visit or consultation with the American Cannabinoid Clinics.

Knox Family Medicine Values on Cannabis

Thanks to both their advocacy and medical expertise, the Knox family has helped persons from all backgrounds and beliefs, teaching them how to responsibly use cannabis for illness, therapy, and healing.

Dr. Rachel Knox

“We call what we do in the clinics integrative cannabinoid medicine because we know that cannabis is not the thing that’s helping people heal. It is a tool that helps the body really heal itself.”

Dr. Rachel Knox is an international contributor to the medical cannabis community has spoken at the United Nations’ 4th Annual Power of Collaboration Global Summit in 2017 on the efficacy and science of whole plant (cannabis) medicine and holding a seat on the Oregon Cannabis Commission as Commissioner & Vice Chair. As a co-founder of The CannaMD’s and the American Cannabinoid Clinics, Dr. Rachel Knox still makes a great deal of time for patients seeking relevant and experienced cannabinoid care.

Dr. Janice Knox

“All these people are either failed conventional medicine, or conventional medicine had failed them.”

Dr. Janice Knox’s frequently states that her introduction to cannabis-curious consumers was shocking as she was greeted with a wide variety of patients, professionals, and parenting consumers of whom were very different than those that she was expecting to be in search of cannabis’ euphoric high. Her story is amazing as she mentions how her surprise experiences have compelled her to learn and study the endocannabinoid system with its response to phytocannabinoid introduction/supplementation.

Dr. Jessica Knox

“...look at the changes that are happening in these patients; that in a [traditional] primary care clinic, we just weren’t seeing with our own patients.”

Dr. Jessica Knox often recalls her introduction to medicinal cannabis with her sister, Dr. Rachel Knox. When Dr.’s David and Janice Knox would share the success of cannabinoid medicine with their daughters, neither member of the family imagined the clinics that they would govern to provide real comprehensive care while incorporating cannabis-derived treatment options.

Dr. David Knox

“More conventional thought is that cannabis could be used as a last resort, but I really firmly believe there’s a number of conditions that it should be your first resort.”

Dr. David Knox is a firm believer in starting with cannabis as a first resort. Dr. David Knox routinely counsels patients on how to utilize cannabis and cannabis-derived products to help optimize the endocannabinoid system without achieving the often recreationally sought euphoric high.

Are Doctors Allowed to Prescribe Cannabis in 2018?

The direct response to this question is a short, sweet and legal no, doctors cannot prescribe cannabis. In our efforts to keep readers engaged and informed, it’s important to discuss that doctors legally cannot prescribe cannabis. However, if you live in a state where safe access to medical cannabis is available, doctors are allowed to evaluate patients for state-qualifying medical conditions to sign approval, or recommendation, for an issued medical cannabis card that will allow you to access various products to help with those qualifying conditions. In states such as California, a state-issued medical marijuana card can help ease high tax burdens associated with cannabis sales. As a reference, some adult-users are paying taxes as high as 34.5% for cannabis sales transactions. If you reside in the state of California, tell our lawmakers to lower the cannabis use and sales taxes!

Colon Cancer Awareness Month: Schedule Your Screening

In our efforts to acknowledge and support Colon Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to discuss that doctors are unclear as to what directly causes cancer of the colon beyond identifying cell abnormalities that clump together causing noncancerous adenomatous polyps and/or tumors in the final portion of the digestive tract. Colorectal cancer represented 8% of new cancer patients in the U.S. last year. In 2017, this percentage was an estimated 135.4k new cases and 50.2k deaths.

While it may be extremely difficult to determine what causes colon cancer, researchers and doctors suggest that DNA (hereditary factors) and dietary habits (specifically, those high in fat and low in fiber) can greatly increase the risk of developing colon cancer with men (46%) at a higher rate than women (35%). These risks are even higher in persons with a family history of colon cancer or rectal cancer. Screening should commence at age 50 for persons with no family history or symptoms of colorectal cancer and as early as age 30 for persons that have a family history and/or other contributing risk factors.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention

Dr. Olga Obie urges everyone to take more control of their health by knowing their family health history to help inform/guide both self and doctor’s diagnosis, preventing sickness and disease through healthy, organic eating, and focusing on preventative self-care. With this, the American Institute for Cancer Research states that small choices in our daily eating and activity habits could prevent nearly half the new cases of colon cancer each year. Age, weight, and excessive body fat increase risk. In addition, it is recommended to limit alcohol and red meat intake while avoiding processed meats altogether. Foods that contain garlic and that are high in fiber have been shown to reduce dietary risks; 10g of fiber per day reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by 10%. Being active for 30 minutes per day also helps reduce risks while improving weight and mood hormonal balance.

Treatment

Treatments for colon cancer are extensive, ranging from minimally invasive surgery to remove cancerous polyps from the colon wall for early-stage detection to partial colectomy and radiation/chemotherapy for more advanced and invasive cases of colon cancer. Most often, a combination of surgery and radiation/chemotherapy occurs. However, overall health condition may complicate and/or limit options for treatment. The most important prevention factors are the easiest: prevention and early detection. A healthy lifestyle with proper diet, fitness and health screening routines can prevent a great deal of sickness and disease.

Cannabis As A Treatment

The National Cancer Institute has demonstrated in mice studies that endogenous cannabinoid system signaling is likely to provide intrinsic protection against colonic inflammation. This suggests phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids may be very useful at preventing and treating colorectal cancer. At James Henry SF, we truly believe that cannabis should be considered as a primary treatment option for all cancer patients.

Those individuals that have had to support and celebrate family, friends & loved ones battling traditional radiation and chemotherapy treatments will attest to the harsh side effects of treatment options for cancer patients. These harsh treatments sometimes can’t be avoided but in other cases, radiation and chemotherapy can be either avoided altogether or supplemented with cannabis (under a qualified physician’s guidance that understands cannabinoid therapies) to help reduce harsh side effects of nausea, pain, appetite loss and more. Cannabis treatment can also simultaneously destroy tumor cells with THC, repair and build healthy new cells with CBD, and improve the overall quality of healing with its naturally bioavailable compounds. James Henry SF implores all of our patients, consumers and readers to consult informed physicians on cannabinoid therapy as an effective treatment against cancer and other medical concerns. Remember to schedule your screening today!

Our body creates endogenous cannabinoids to promote a homeostasis environment in the body. The irony is that cannabis is federally illegal, yet the body creates the same cannabinoids as the cannabis plant, referred to as endocannabinoids.

Another shocker is that the human body also has many cannabinoid/THC receptors in major organs, such as the brain, gonads, glands, liver, heart, kidney and spleen. Let us not forget cannabinoid receptors are also found in your immune system. The underlying question is: why do we have THC receptors if cannabis plants have no benefits? Dr. Donald Abrams, chief of hematology/oncology at San Francisco General Hospital and leading medical marijuana researcher stated that the human body actually produces its own endogenous cannabinoids, chemicals formerly known and associated with the cannabis plant. These cannabinoids bind to receptors throughout the body that regulate memory, cognition, motor coordination, movement, appetite, and emotions. Scientific research has been done on both animals and humans alike with the same results proving the body benefits from self-produced cannabinoids.

What is The Endocannabinoid System?

The “endocannabinoid system” was first identified by research scientists back in the early 1990’s. Located in our brains and throughout our bodies, the system is comprised of both cell receptors and the chemicals that bind to those receptors. Some of the most primitive creatures on earth have an endocannabinoid system, as it’s the most widespread receptor system within the human body. As such, it regulates important physiologic pathways in the human body, such as cardiovascular activity, gastrointestinal activity, maintenance of bone mass, protection of neurons, pain perception, hormonal regulation, metabolism control, inflammatory reactions, immune function, and inhibition of tumors cells. The varying pathways affected in the human body helps explain why cannabis has so many different effects on people.

Two categories of receptors make up the cannabinoid receptor system:

1. CB1 receptors – these receptors are mostly found in the brain, spinal cord and organs, such as the heart, uterus, small intestine, testis, liver, and peripheral cells

2. CB2 receptors – these receptors are mostly found on cells of the immune system, including T-cells, B-cells and macrophages, and the spleen

What are Cannabinoids and Where Do They Come From?

Cannabinoids, located within the marijuana plant, are the chemical compounds that contain medical and euphoric properties. THC and CBD, the two main cannabinoids, bind to distinct receptors in order to regulate a natural state in the body.

These cannabinoids can be found in three different areas:

1. Endocannabinoids – these cannabinoids are naturally produced by the body on demand, commonly as a response to injury

2. Synthetic cannabinoids – these cannabinoids are considered artificial, as they are produced in a lab setting

3. Phytocannabinoids – these cannabinoids are also naturally produced, they are created by the cannabis plant. Including TCH and cannabidiol, there are more than 113 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant

The interaction between cannabinoids and receptors work in a lock and key like fashion. In this dynamic, the receptor serves the role of the lock and the cannabinoid molecule is the key. A brain and body reaction is triggered when the cannabinoid molecule attaches to the receptor on the cell wall.

Let’s take the area of the brain that controls memories as an example, the amygdala. Memory is affected when cannabinoids bind to receptors on the amygdala. In this case, for those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), memories are affected, as the triggering of the cannabinoid receptor changes brain function.

Source: http://www.canna-centers.com/cannabis-science

The Body Produces Cannabinoids to Promote a Healthy Balance

Whether you are curious about cannabis or are a cannabis enthusiast, the fact is that nature doesn’t make mistakes when it comes to how the body regulates itself. Cannabinoids are vital to our overall health and wellness and are key to aiding our body. This function of regulation allows the cells to maintain optimum levels of performance. Almost every animal has an endocannabinoid system that provides the same homeostasis function. When the body lacks endocannabinoids, the medical term is clinical endocannabinoid deficiency. This deficiency comes with ailments such as IBS, migraines, and fibromyalgia. At the 2016 Cannabis Health Summit Dr. Suni Aggarwal lectured about how endocannabinoids play a role in regulating:

·  Mood

·  Appetite

·  Memory

·  Inflammation

·  Pain perception

·  Muscle tone and movement

·  Extinction of traumatic memory

·  Protection of nerves and brain tissue

·  Bone growth

·  Tumor regulation

·  Baby breast-feeding reward

·  Stress management

·  Eye pressure

·  Gastrointestinal motility

·  Seizure activity

·  And many others

Whether you’re a cannabis enthusiast or are against usage of the plant, the facts are clear: the body naturally produces the same cannabinoids found in cannabis to promote a homeostasis environment.

It’s time to share a few tips on sleeping with cannabis and promoting a better quality of life with sufficient rest. Yes, cannabis does help with inducing and maintaining a good night’s rest, but it’s important to understand what types of cannabis and cannabis products are more suited for these purposes. For example, we definitely wouldn’t recommend our Evening: Social vape pen for a good night’s rest with all of its sativa properties. Instead, we recommend our Weekend: Retreat that contains relaxing indica properties conducive to getting you off to bed at night. But what do you do when vaping or even combusting doesn’t induce the desired counting of sheep at night? We’ll share a few tips below.

Why Do I Need a Minimum 7 Hours of Sleep at Night?

Sleep promotes healthy brain and mood functioning, it regulates energy levels for work and physical activities and promotes overall personal performance such as driving reaction times, social engagement, day-to-day problem solving, etc. Despite all of the positive benefits of sleep,  35% of adults and 68% of high school students experience short sleep duration (<7 hrs) in the United States. In fact, you may fall into this category If you are restless at night or wake up in the middle of the night.  Over the course of the next day, you may find it difficult to maintain energy levels, balanced moods, and productive focuses. These short-term effects are more noticeable today, but can lead to longer-term chronic conditions tomorrow. Lack of sufficient sleep affects children and adults of all backgrounds. In fact, children require sufficient deep sleep to produce the hormones necessary for healthy growth and repair of bones, tissue, and muscle mass. The same hormones promote healthy cell and tissue repair in adults as well.

How Does Cannabis Help With Sleep?

Specifically, indica varieties of cannabis contain specific terpenes that allow the body to experience deeper, euphoric relaxation when combined with the naturally available THC that cannabis plants produce. More common terpenes that are known to possess relaxing and sedative effects are myrcene, linalool, and bisabolol. When selecting cannabis and cannabis products to help with sleep quality, try indica profiles that contain these terpenes.

There are also other cannabinoids that have relaxing and sedative properties to help with good night’s rest. We don’t hear about this cannabinoid too often, but Cannabinol (CBN) is the most sedative cannabinoid known, according to Steep Hill Laboratories. This cannabinoid results from aged or oxidized cannabis and is said to take on similar properties of diazepam, the pharmaceutical reference for Valium. Steep Hill notes that CBN may be an effective substitute for patients and consumers desiring little to no psychoactive effects. The most common products that contain CBN are edibles and tinctures, as aged cannabis is not desired for flower consumption.

Too Much THC Can Inhibit Restful Sleep

While cannabis can help with sleep, it is important to note that studies have shown that frequent use of cannabis has been linked to greater sleep difficulties. The study findings show that while occasional marijuana use doesn't disrupt sleep, heavy (or daily) marijuana use is associated with sleep difficulties. Thus, in the case of cannabis as a sleeping aid, less is more. If you’re a daily cannabis consumer experiencing issues with sleep quality, try consuming more CBD products to help with stress and anxiety while decreasing THC consumption. It’s no secret that cannabis affects individuals very differently. Researchers attribute the variance to both plant and individual genetics. Therefore, figuring which variant is right for you will take some self-experimentation.

Tips For Sleeping With Cannabis

1. Understand that sleep quality starts well before bedtime. Diet and physical habits both play an important role in promoting healthy sleep. A dark, quiet environment promotes better sleep hygiene. Avoid snacking on potentially disruptive foods prior to bedtime, which means saying no to those feelings of the munchies.

2. Indica varieties are better for sleep. Look for varieties that contain the following terpenes: myrcene, linalool, and bisabolol. Avoid sativa varieties before bed.

3. Explore other cannabinoids and ratioed products that combine CBD/THC if euphoric side effects are not desired. If flower or vape consumption is not enough to help with your sleep habits, try CBD:THC tinctures and edibles that are formulated to promote restful sleep. Just be careful not to consume too much.

4. In addition to exploring other cannabinoids, try exploring other herbal solutions to combine with cannabis as well. Chamomile, lavender, and valerian are all calming and relaxing herbs that promote healthy sleep and make delicious teas. Food-grade lavender oil can be ingested, or try aromatherapy solutions with essential oils and candles.

5. Lack of sleep affects mood and should be balanced with supplements such as serotonin or 5-HTP. Certain foods are high in tryptophan which the body utilizes to convert into 5-HTP. These foods include turkey, salmon, kiwis, pineapples, and various grains to say a few.

6. Lastly, relaxing routines prior to bedtime may also help you gain restful slumber. We’ll share with you a relaxing routine with cannabis and cannabis products:

   1. Supplement your diet throughout the day to promote healthy serotonin production and levels. Limit alcohol consumption as this has been proven to negatively affect sleep quality as well. Reduce/eliminate THC consumption during the daytime; try CBD instead. A less stressful daytime makes for an even less stressful nighttime.

   2. Physical activity and exposure to daylight are also important components to consider.

   3. After a nice early dinner, try vaping with our Weekend: Retreat Formulation. If you need more, try a sleep-inducing tincture or edible earlier than later, as consumption prior to bedtime is not as effective.

   4. Once relaxed, but not impaired, a nice hot shower with lavender or eucalyptus body wash is great for taking away more physical stress from the day while incorporating aromatherapy that will also act upon your senses.

   5. Apply your favorite infused topical rub to those achy areas and the bottom of your feet. Put on your favorite pair of socks and you’ll feel lighter on your feet as you start to drift to sleep.

   6. Use a timed insomnia playlist of soft rain, a rolling ocean, and/or other soothing nature sounds.

   7. Try a calming pillow mist to keep the senses in a relaxed state while you dream away.

And there you have it, a recipe for a good night’s sleep. Everybody loves a better slumber. So if you’re up for the challenge, we’d love to hear about your journey to a better rest! Send your stories and updates to info@jameshenrysf.com. Happy sleeping!