An Explosion on the Market
There is still a lot we don’t know about the cannabis plant and how it affects human health. So far, scientists have identified over 100 cannabinoids or compounds specific to cannabis. Currently, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to nail down the exact health properties of the two major ones, THC and CBD, never mind emerging ones like CBG and CBN. The reason is that for years, federal restrictions have limited the amount of research that has been done on cannabinoids.
That said, there are a lot of indications on the health effects of THC and CBD, the most abundant cannabinoids in cannabis. CBD got a major boost last December, when the 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp and its constituent parts. CBD is the leading cannabinoid in hemp. As a result, purveyors have released a cornucopia of CBD-laden products onto the market. CBD supplements, creams, pills, infused foods, and other products have popped up everywhere in the past few years.
The FDA has warned that many of the claims companies use to market CBD may be inflated. What’s more, some experts say there are products on the market today that contain only a fraction of the amount of CBD deemed effective for treating health issues. So it’s important that consumers read product labels and carefully do their research.
The Case for CBD
The strongest evidence to date suggests that CBD can give sufferers of rare, childhood epileptic conditions, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), substantial improvements. Dozens of cases where children who suffered dramatic symptoms, such as 80-100 seizures a day, saw miraculous results when administered CBD. The impact is so significant, the FDA recently approved CBD-based drug Epidiolex, to treat such conditions.
So far, anecdotal evidence is piling up that CBD is effective in treating depression, anxiety, and insomnia. For the last, cannabidiol may help one get to sleep and stay asleep. CBD is also useful for treating different kinds of pain, according to one study published in the European Journal of Pain. CBD was effective in animal models for reducing the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. In another study, CBD was effective in dealing with neuropathic pain, which is notoriously difficult to treat.
New Findings
One arena only recently considered is CBD’s ability to help smokers quit. Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known to science. Not only can CBD ease the anxiety and depression associated with withdrawal, drawing on a vape pen with a CBD cartridge can mimic the habitual motion of smoking.
There’s even some limited evidence that CBD can help regulate high blood pressure. More research must be done. This was a very small study. And of course, no one should supplant their blood pressure medication with CBD. It’s important to talk to a doctor too, before taking a CBD supplement, as it may interfere with certain medications.
Indications
Cannabidiol may be helpful for treating acne. But little research confirms this. Still, there are indications that CBD is helpful for skin care. In fact, two Australian institutions, The University of Technology Sydney and medical cannabis company Bod Australia, just announced a partnership to develop an anti-aging cream containing CBD..
Lastly, a new study out of the Korea University College of Medicine finds that CBD may help improve the potency of anti-cancer drugs in treating colorectal cancer, the third most common type. But far more research needs to be conducted to confirm these results.
Ai Vacuum
With cannabidiol now legal nationwide, more extraction operations are popping up, taking advantage of the CBD craze sweeping the nation. These businesses require post-processing equipment to finish and polish extracts. That’s where Ai Vacuum comes in. This is the premier supplier of post-harvest equipment.
Few, if any extraction operations can get by without a short path distillation system. We highly suggest the Ai 10-liter model. All the glassware is borosilicate glass 3.3, one of the most durable types around. It’s resistant to cold, heat, and corrosion. Another important feature is its large vacuum jacket. This offers extremely efficient fractioning, while an increased head diameter substantially reduces the risk of clogging. What’s more, PTFE thermo inlet adapters and Viton gaskets resist corrosion, so your kit will last a long time.
Insulation
Properly insulating the boiling flask is key to maintaining perfect temperature uniformity. Fortunately, Ai provides a wide array of solutions. Consider an Ai DomeShield insulating flask cover. These ultra-thick insulators ensure temperature uniformity, protect your flask, and help prevent condensation from forming on the upper half of the flask.
Want to take distillation to the next level? Try one of our new HeatedShields. In addition to the aforementioned benefits, these insulating covers warm your flask. They even come with a quick controller with three settings, for fast and accurate temperature modulation.
Magnetic Stirring
Lots of operations these days are picking up magnetic stirrers. It’s no secret why. These are perfect for decarbing, making topicals, creams, budders, mixing flavor into vape juice, and more. Check out Ai’s latest model, our 0.8-gallon magnetic stirrer with a 5.5″ heated plate.
Another advantage, with a top speed of 2000 RPM–it’s one of the fastest stirrers around. It’s also among the hottest, with a maximum temperature of 350°C. The housing is durable and long-lasting, while the Teflon coated aluminum plate allows for even heat distribution. It even has two thermocouples for more accurate measurements.
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