• Behind every fruity-smelling package of cannabis gummies is a heartwarming story. Miss Mirum's gummies are packaged with care in brightly colored circular tins, all with fruity tropical flavors. The catchy colors are only just the surface of the company's compelling narrative.

Based in San Francisco, Miss Mirum's is a female-owned company, something more rarely seen in the cannabis manufacturing industry. In addition, their edibles are created by real chefs to ensure maximum quality in the gummies themselves. They claim to use all-natural ingredients, including premium cannabis grown on northern California farms.

While the company offers a limited number of products, quality is their main emphasis. Gummies are available in indica, sativa, and CBD variations to accommodate a diverse range of customers. Furthermore, their website promises that their "decadent culinary creations are made with the utmost care to elevate your mind and mood." Each flavor has a unique description detailing the type of mind or mood elevation offered. For example, the Maui Pineapple Sativa gummies are designed "to energize and inspire," the Wild Mango Indica gummies aim to "create a deep state of rest and relaxation," and the Passion Fruit Punch CBD gummies are targeted "to help soothe pain and reduce inflammation."

In addition to the physical moods that the gummies provide, Miss Mirum's also puts careful deliberation into marketing the mental moods associated with each flavor. The Passion Fruit Punch CBD gummies advertise "reminding you of palm trees and sandy beaches," while the Wild Mango Indica gummies encourage you to "unleash your wild side."

Miss Mirum's products are only available at licensed dispensaries in California. The following Miss Mirum's products are available for sale throughout the state: Maui Pineapple (sativa), Wowie Watermelon (sativa), Passion Fruit Punch (CBD:THC 20:1), Berry Bomb (indica), Wild Mango (indica), and Groovy Guava (CBD:THC 20:1).

​Lately, the health and wellness industry has witnessed a rise in products containing cannabidiol (CBD). These products take a wide range of forms — lotions, sodas, oils, supplements, and, of course, edibles. Much of the general public mistakenly believes that using CBD products is the same thing as taking marijuana. The majority of people don’t actually know how CBD interacts with the body. What is CBD, and why is it so beneficial? 

What is the endocannabinoid system?
The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a vast network of neurotransmitters and receptors that are compatible with a system of compounds (called cannabinoids) found in marijuana. The ECS naturally helps control functions such as pain response, emotions, and appetite. The brain produces its own cannabinoids that fit into special receptors associated with each of these processes. While CBD doesn’t have any high-inducing effects on the brain, it works on a therapeutic level with receptors all across the body.

What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the two most major cannabinoids found in marijuana, the second being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is known for being psychoactive and inducing the feelings associated with being high, while CBD is non-psychoactive and most commonly used for its calming effects. In addition, CBD possesses qualities that counteract the negative side effects associated with THC, such as anxiety or paranoia.

Are CBD and marijuana the same thing?
Many people attach a negative association to CBD because they think that it is the same thing as marijuana. This is not true. While CBD is found in marijuana, it is an active chemical compound that can be extracted from the plant and used for its own medicinal qualities. It is simply one of many pieces that make up marijuana.

Cannabis vs hemp CBD?
A term likely to be associated with CBD products at the store is hemp. Any CBD products sold in convenience stores derive their CBD from hemp sources. One common misconception about hemp is that it is a different species of cannabis. Another misconception is that hemp is “weed.” Hemp is cannabis — more specifically, cannabis sativa — that is bred to have lower THC percentages than the established legal limits (which is less than 0.3% in the United States). Hemp is non-intoxicating and non-psychoactive due to its insignificant THC levels but does contain high levels of CBD, which is extracted for medicinal and therapeutic use.

What are the effects of CBD?
CBD is most commonly used for its medicinal properties — to relieve physical or mental ailments such as inflammation, anxiety, pain, and insomnia. It is a popular alternative to prescription medications. It should be noted that CBD is used to treat, but not cure, medical conditions. Additionally, it is not associated with any negative health effects in the scientific community.

In a nutshell: CBD is an active chemical compound with healing qualities derived from the marijuana plant, but using it is not the same thing as using marijuana or smoking weed. CBD will not get you high, either. Whether it is extracted from cannabis or hemp sources, CBD provides safe and reliable relief to a vast number of chronic medical conditions by interacting with specialized receptors across the human body.

Old cannabis seems like a bit of a bummer. Once it’s aged, it loses both potency and color vibrancy, meaning it wouldn’t be the highlight of a smoking sesh with your friends. However, not many people know that old cannabis is useful in other ways — particularly medicinal ways. It contains a higher ratio of a special ingredient called CBN.

Most people know about tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), the two primary cannabinoids in marijuana. However, the cannabis plant contains over 100 different types of cannabinoids, including cannabinol (CBN). 

Put simply, CBN is aged THC, and is therefore abundant in old weed. As a result, it is non-intoxicating — not the best for getting high at a party — but useful for its range of medicinal benefits. What exactly are those benefits, though?

1. CBN contains antibacterial properties
In a study published in the Journal of Natural Products, five major cannabinoids were tested on strains of MRSA bacteria that had developed a resistance to normal antibiotics. All five cannabinoids, including CBN, exhibited antibacterial qualities against the evolved bacteria strain. This finding offers promise for the use of cannabinoids in a wider range of medicinal applications, including future antibiotics.

2. CBN contains neuroprotective qualities
In a study published in a neurological disorders journal, CBN was tested on rats with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The results showed that CBN was able to delay the onset of the disorder’s effects by a significant amount of time. This finding suggests that CBN and other cannabinoids may be useful in neuroprotective applications, meaning that they would help slow the progression of conditions that erode the brain’s functions.

3. CBN helps increase appetite
A study in the journal Psychopharmacology tested the effects of three cannabinoids, including CBN, on appetite change in rats. CBN was the only cannabinoid out of the three to drastically increase appetite, while the other two either reduced food consumption or had no effect. These results show hope for CBN as a key ingredient in medications that could help increase appetite in affected patients.

4. CBN may be useful for those with glaucoma
The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology published a study examining the effect of several cannabinoids on intraocular pressure in healthy rabbits’ eyes. Most of the cannabinoids used, including CBN, were successful in reducing the pressure. This result may lead to future uses of CBN in glaucoma treatments.

5. CBN works for anti-inflammatory purposes
A study in the FASEB Journal found that CBN acts as a reliable anti-inflammatory agent, among other cannabinoids. This offers promise for the use of CBN in treatment for conditions such as arthritis and localized pain relief. While cannabis is already used for these purposes, further research could be conducted on the use of cannabinoids other than THC and CBD in anti-inflammatory medications.

The cannabis market is not limited to just smokers and medical users. Lately, the healing properties of marijuana have begun expanding their way into new forms, including topical creams and dermal patches. Marijuana is reaching an entirely new audience of people who are looking for pain relief without the intoxicating effects.

What are cannabis topicals?
Cannabis topicals can be lotions, balms, or oils that can be absorbed through the skin to provide relief for conditions such as pain and inflammation. Such topicals are designed to maximize the medicinal benefits of cannabis rather than the psychoactive ones. 

How do topicals work?
Throughout the body, there is a vast network of cannabinoid receptors that respond to both naturally-produced endocannabinoids and cannabinoids from cannabis that make their way in from the outside. Cannabis-infused topicals are able to bind to these receptors in order to bring pain relief to the applied area. The good news is that you won’t get high from using the topical — even if there is active THC in it, it will not cross through into your bloodstream. Instead, the cannabinoids will only provide surface-level relief. Furthermore, most cannabis-infused creams and salves contain THCA instead of active THC, which is the acid form of THC. A handful of studies have been performed exploring the extent of THCA’s medical benefits on patients with various conditions. In particular, some findings that stood out included anti-inflammatory properties (for arthritis and lupus, specifically), anti-seizure and anti-epileptic properties, protection from neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia), relief from appetite-related conditions like nausea or appetite loss, and properties that helped slow down the progression of different diseases and cancer. For topical forms of cannabis that penetrate the bloodstream with active THC, try using a transdermal patch. 

What can topicals treat?
Topicals are best for symptoms like inflammation, muscle pain, joint pain, stiffness, or soreness. They’re the perfect remedy for post-workout aches and arthritic pain. A lot of products on the market contain menthol and peppermint, which provide a cool tingling to the painful area. In addition, topicals have been reported to help other symptoms like headaches, cramps, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

Some topicals are created to mimic a specific strain of marijuana. The producer will try to create a terpene and cannabinoid profile that matches the desired strain, resulting in different ratios of THC, CBD, THCA, and other cannabinoids. CBD and THCA in particular are utilized for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Depending on the ingredients and cannabinoid profiles of various topicals, products may have slightly different effects on the body. The best way to figure out which topical is best for you is to try a few different salves and creams and take note of their effects on your symptoms. There is a growing market for medicinal cannabis, and as more studies are conducted on the topic, consumers will likely see an increase in non-psychoactive uses for marijuana. 

A lot of unorthodox workout trends have risen to popularity in the recent past. For example, goat yoga — yoga in which participants mingle with cute goats who use them like climbing playgrounds as they flow through various poses. Or paddleboat yoga, in which people practice yoga atop paddle boards in the water. On the more controversial side are activities such as ganja yoga and going to weed gyms.

Ganja Yoga
Ganja yoga is the practice of using cannabis before a yoga session to heighten one's experience. Marijuana and yoga go hand-in-hand for a lot of reasons. Yoga places heavy emphasis on mindfulness, mental connections, conscious breath, music, and being in the present moment. Smoking weed before yoga could help enhance all of these individual aspects. The relaxed state and clear-headedness that weed induces helps the user focus on mind-body connections and perform a mental inventory of their subtlest sensations and breathing rhythm. Furthermore, when time starts to slow down after taking cannabis, users can really immerse themselves in the music and savor each present moment. People who have participated in ganja yoga often reported feeling ultra-connected to their surroundings, as well as appreciative of everything their heightened senses picked up — including silence.

Weed Gym
When Power Plant Fitness opened, it was the first of its kind — a gym that blended cannabis with working out. Its motivation? To "integrate cannabis into one's daily routine of wellness," both before and after a workout, and dispel any negative stereotypes about the "evils" of marijuana. It even helps its members create weed-assisted fitness plans and offers a line of athletic edibles "for pre-workout focus and post-workout recovery." Given that a large percentage of cannabis users like to get high before working out for the sense of relaxation and focus that is induced, Power Plant Fitness targeted exactly that clientele with the intent of promoting more motivated, weed-friendly workouts.

However, you don't have to do ganja yoga or go to a weed gym to have a great weed workout. If you're looking for a different vibe while you exercise — a mood booster, less mental tension, or greater mind-body connection — try adding some cannabis to your routine! As always, stay mindful of dosage and the effects that weed has on your body if trying this for the first time.

​At the end of March 2019, CVS and Walgreens decided to carry cannabidiol (CBD) products in select stores. The announcement rose cannabis’s credibility by filling shelf space on some of the largest, US pharmaceutical chains. With a growing shift towards cannabis acceptance in the US and globally, it makes sense for pharmaceutical company to adapt. One survey with over 2,000 respondents showed around 40% of US adults 21 and older are willing to try CBD “under the right conditions”. But there is still a lot of confusion as to what CBD is and how it effects our body. This week’s discussion will center around why a store like CVS and Walgreens would carry CBD items. 

​CBD is a natural alternative to a variety of medication because of the way it interacts with our body. CBD is similar to THC as they provide therapeutic benefits; however, CBD differs since it binds to receptors outside of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). They take many pathways to reach their destination. There are over 65 molecular targets for CBD. Here’s a link to a previous discussion where we brought up the ECS. If you want to go more in depth, search up how a receptor interacts with CBD. Serotonin receptors and vanilloid receptors are a good start. Once CBD binds to a receptor, it has the ability to strengthen or hold the receptor’s message; thereby regulating activity. While CBD doesn’t bind to ECS receptors (CB1 & CB2), it does reduce CB1’s ability to bind with THC. 

​Last year, a panel of US Food and Drug Administration advisors recommended the approval of Epidiolex (CDB medication) for the treatment of two rare forms of childhood epilepsy. While CBD has evident therapeutic effects for epilepsy, the research is lacking for other medical benefits. This is not to say CBD doesn’t work, it merely shows the war on drugs restricted the ability to conduct research and clinical trials on the schedule 1 drug. Studies that try to prove CBDs medical benefits on other conditions aren’t as clear. Most studies are conducted on animals, with very few on humans. Now, more than ever, research is being done to prove the health benefits cannabis can offer. More evidence shows CBD can help with anxiety, pain, sleep Alzheimer’s disease, addiction, nausea, appetite, cancer, etc. 

Even with the growing number of evidence, the survey quoted earlier found seven out of 10 CBD users used a form of THC in the last three months. That’s why our menu contains pure CBD items like the CBD Protabs, as well as CBD and THC ratio items with the CBD Wellness Drops (1:1) and High CBD Wellness Drops (18:1) from Lightly Lifted. Our menu is everchanging, so new items may pop up at any time.

​We hope you were able to learn something new. Be sure to share what you found about CBD and receptors, along with anything else you’d like to share/talk about to peter@bentodelivery.com or by commenting below. We enjoy the conversations we have with our Bento Family, thank you for being part of our 10th weekly discussion!