Following in the footsteps of its neighbor New Jersey and three other states in the 2020 election cycle , New York has now become the 15th state* (see note below) to legalize adult-use (or recreational) marijuana. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law Wednesday morning, saying in a later statement, "This is a historic day in New York, one that rights the wrongs of the past by putting an end to harsh prison sentences, embraces an industry that will grow the Empire State's economy, and prioritizes marginalized communities so those that have suffered the most will be the first to reap the benefits." Cuomo was not always so onboard with cannabis legalization, using the old "gateway drug" chestnut as recently as just a few years ago, but after being challenged in the 2018 primary by pro-legalization candidate Cynthia Nixon, it seems his position began to evolve. It could also have to do with recent scandals and a desire on Cuomo's part to regain some goodwill, many say . Whatever his true motivation, it is a major victory for longtime advocates like Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and State Senator Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan), who sponsored the bill, and of course the good people of New York. New York's prominence in the American consciousness and marketplace could also lead to further legalization throughout the United States, as well as on a federal level, industry insiders say. New York is now one of the few states with legalization legislation focused specifically on racial and economic equity, addressing the massive problem of the disproportionate numbers of people of color incarcerated on marijuana-related charges, which organizations like the Last Prisoner Project have been trying to change for years. Under the new bill, 40 percent of tax revenue from New York's future legal marijuana sales will go to communities in which Black and Latinx people have been arrested on these charges in disproportionate numbers . New Yorkers convicted of offenses no longer criminalized under the new legislature will have their records automatically expunged, and the law was also designed to help those with past convictions and those currently working in the illicit cannabis trade to participate in the legal industry instead. Some Republican lawmakers are not enthused about the passage of this bill, with many expressing concern that it will lead to a drastic increase in vehicular accidents due to more people driving under the influence of marijuana. Despite this ungrounded criticism, lack of conclusive evidence shows that this is the case in the other states that have already legalized recreational use of marijuana. Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt had a different criticism, claiming: "This deal legalizing marijuana is the result of closed-door discussions between leaders of one political party and a governor who is engulfed in scandal. The outcome of these partisan negotiations is a deeply flawed piece of legislation that will hurt the health and safety of New Yorkers." However, it will only be legal to smoke or vape cannabis in the same places in which it is already legal to smoke tobacco, so there doesn't seem to be any increased health risk there. There are, of course, numerous provisions to the law that anyone who doesn't believe in total prohibition would find reasonable. The law provides for no more than three ounces of flower for individual use, or 24 grams of concentrates, such as oils or edibles, and it will be banned everywhere tobacco smoking is forbidden, as well as in motor vehicles, further deflating the Republican argument about impaired driving. For those on the more progressive side of the aisle, this can only be seen as a long-delayed victory. “I cannot be more proud to cast my vote to end the failed policies of marijuana prohibition in our state and begin the process of building a fair and inclusive legal market for adult-use cannabis,” Krueger said in the State Capitol. “It has been a long road to get here, but it will be worth the wait.” *New York should have been the 16th state to legalize recreational marijuana use but the law passed in South Dakota last November is currently being challenged by the state's Supreme Court.

With such a variety of different types of CBD edibles and other ingestibles available at Simply Crafted - from gummies to tinctures, syrups, softgels, and isolate powder - it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Depending on what you are looking for in a CBD product - whether you want to relieve anxiety , pain , trouble sleeping , or other issues, or you just enjoy its relaxing effects - we can undoubtedly provide what you need. Here is a handy guide to some of our best edibles. Most Popular - 25mg Gummies Combining premium CBD extracts with natural sweeteners, our organic gummies are both tasty and potent, but not too potent for beginners. Each soft, chewy gummy contains 25mg of full-spectrum CBD, and they are bursting with great flavor, and delectably dusted with fine granulated sugar, for an incredibly satisfying treat. They are available in 4 , 10 , 20 and 40 count packages. Best for Beginners - 300mg Tincture Our 300mg CBD oil is great for first-time users , whether you want to relax and calm yourself before going to bed, or if you're looking for the perfect way to start your day. Our Day & Night Bundle is a great, cost-effective way to do both, and we also have delicious, invigorating Peppermint and Vanilla blends, all of which are rapidly absorbed and easily digested, as well as free from any pesticides, solvents, or chemical fertilizers. Best for Experienced - 3000mg Tincture With the same great formulas as our 300mg and 1500mg tinctures, the 3000mg tinctures allow more experienced users to enjoy higher doses. At 30mg per dose, our Peppermint and Vanilla tinctures are made from pure hemp CBD in a base of solvent-less MCT Oil derived from organic coconuts, with pure peppermint and vanilla extracts. Our Daytime and Nighttime tinctures include a graduated dropper marked for 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, and 100mg doses, so you can easily get just the right amount. The Extra Strength NightTime CBD tincture is made with a calming blend of lemongrass, chamomile, and lavender infused in MCT and CBD oil, and our Extra Strength DayTime CBD tincture is an all natural blend of pure CBD oil, organic MCT oil, bergamot, lemon, rosemary, and frankincense, providing natural stimulation and energy. Best for Sleep - 25mg CBD Softgels w/Melatonin Along with the Simply Crafted Nighttime Tinctures, one of the best products for putting your mind into a naturally relaxed state that is conducive to restful and deep sleep is our 25mg CBD Softgels with Melatonin. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates the night and day, or sleep-wake, cycles, so supplementing your own body's natural levels at just the right time can greatly increase your ability to sleep deeply and soundly through the night. Made with full-spectrum CBD, each softgel includes 25mg of pure CBD extracts. Cold-pressed and easy to digest, these softgels start showing effects within minutes of consumption. Our proprietary water-soluble nano-emulsion CBD extracts are easily absorbed by the body, and combined with melatonin to give you an immediate feeling of relaxation, calmness, and the gentle arrival of sleep. Available in 10 or 30 count packages. Best for Pain - 25mg CBD Softgels w/Curcumin Like all our premium CBD Softgels, these are enhanced through nano-emulsion technology for better absorption and contain 100% full spectrum CBD, but these also combine the healing powers of CBD with those of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, which has been used as medicine for centuries all over the world. Curcumin has been used to treat everything from hay fever to digestive problems, and is especially helpful in treatment of arthritis and chronic pain . Most Versatile - 99.9% Pure Hemp Isolate Powder With no taste or odor, CBD Isolate Powder blends into coconut, palm, and avocado oils. It can also be added to your morning coffee or post-training smoothie, sprinkled on a salad or other foods, or ingested by placing under the tongue and allowing to dissolve, much like a tincture. It can even be used as a topical solution and applied by massage directly to sore muscles , or infused into oils for vaping . With all these potential uses and more, CBD Isolate Powder is the purest, most versatile edible in the Simply Crafted collection. Best Flavor - CBD Strawberry Syrup The opposite of flavorless, our natural strawberry syrup is bursting with fantastic deliciousness! Infused with full-spectrum CBD and crafted using a proprietary water-soluble nano-encapsulated cannabis oil. This extremely versatile way to microdose or mega-dose makes it perfect for both beginning CBD users and experienced ones as well. Use the included dosing applicator to easily dose from 1-10mg (or more). Mix into just about any beverage including sparkling water, tea, smoothies, etc. Or, add to ice cream, yogurt, or kefir for a delicious medicated treat. The possibilities are endless with Simply Crafted CBD Syrup!

With the results of the 2020 election clearly showing that the United States is moving away from the criminalization of cannabis --on both sides of the bipartisan political divide--one organization that has been at the forefront of cannabis criminal justice reform is the Last Prisoner Project (LPP). Since its inception in 2019, the LPP has been fighting not only for the continued process of legalizing cannabis throughout the nation, but also for a day when the last prisoner unjustly incarcerated for non-violent cannabis-related "offenses" is free and successfully integrated back into society. The Last Prisoner Project was founded by brothers Steve and Andrew DeAngelo , who together in 2006, opened one of the first legal cannabis dispensaries in the United States. Steve became known as the "Father of the Legal Cannabis Industry" and Harborside became known as a positive and beneficial addition to the city of Oakland, California. "We were donating money to the community," Andrew has said, "and we also had a program where we gave people free weed for writing letters to cannabis prisoners." The DeAngelo brothers knew that they had to do more, though. They founded the Last Prisoner Project " out of the belief that if anyone is able to profit and build wealth in the legal cannabis industry, those individuals must also work to release and rebuild the lives of those who have suffered from cannabis criminalization." To do this, they focus on three key initiatives. First, of course, is prisoner release ; but with the stigma that surrounds incarceration in our society, that's only the beginning of true freedom. The second crucial initiative is record relief , which means pardons and clean slate initiatives for all those convicted of offenses that are no longer considered criminal. Finally, it is imperative to create a stable re-entry into society for former prisoners, which the LPP works toward through scholarship programs and employment mentorship. The Last Prisoner Project is made up of a large team of not only leaders in the cannabis industry, but also criminal and social justice advocates, policy and education experts, and advisors of all sorts that include famous faces like actor Jim Belushi, and musicians Melissa Etheridge and Damian and Stephen Marley. In addition to those more directly involved in the cannabis industry, the LPP also has a number of celebrity ambassadors, from comedian Doug Benson to television personalities like Montell Williams and Bill Maher, as well as athletes like Anna Symonds and Ricky WIlliams. Celebrities--they're just like us! They too believe that no one should be imprisoned for cannabis. Today, the letter writing program that started it all continues, and the Last Prisoner Project has partnered with numerous organizations in the cannabis community, including Leafly, Grav, Ascend Wellness, and Green Thumb Industries, to name a few. They also have a nationwide campaign for donations at cannabis dispensaries, through their Roll It Up for Justice program, with participating dispensaries in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Washington. These and other businesses and individuals agree that anyone who is fortunate enough to profit from the cannabis industry, or even to enjoy the benefits of its continuing legalization, "has a moral obligation to give back to those still suffering due to the devastating effects of prohibition." It's an important mission statement, and one with the power of an idea whose time has come. The LPP is leading the way to a brighter future for the wrongly convicted, and for the cannabis industry as a whole.

With the 2020 election cycle now over (all but the recounts and legal battles, at least), many of you might be celebrating the results, while more than a few might be disappointed, for... whatever reason. Maybe you're sorry Kanye didn't make it onto more than 12 states' ballots, maybe you're discouraged by the fact that the race was so close, or maybe you're just glad the campaign process is finally finished. However you feel about the overall results, though, one thing we can all be happy about is the fact that the movement for cannabis legalization scored a big victory on November 3rd. It is impossible to see this as anything but a bipartisan victory, too, with all marijuana legalization measures in five different states (Arizona, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota) passing by significant margins. Despite political establishment opposition in Mississippi, for example, their propositions for allowing medical marijuana and establishing a medical marijuana program were both approved by over 67% of the voting populace. Their Republican governor, Tate Reeves, tweeted his opposition to these bills earlier in the week, but the people have clearly spoken. In Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota, adult-use (or recreational) cannabis has been legalized, which makes a total of 15 states in which marijuana is now legal in this capacity. Mississippi and South Dakota have also legalized medical marijuana, and Oregon (which legalized medical marijuana in 1998 and recreational use in 2014) passed bills legalizing the medical use of psilocybin (mushrooms) and decriminalizing small amounts of all other drugs, including heavy narcotics. Anyone familiar with the lies and propaganda spread in order to keep marijuana illegal for so long will surely see all of this as a massive victory for individual freedom. Unfortunately, some who don't see things this way are some of those who also scored big victories in this election, such as Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, a "one-man 'no' machine" who will likely continue to oppose legislative measures to legalize cannabis on a federal level. In fact, McConnell may not have much of a fight over this issue, at least not from our newly elected president, who still opposes marijuana legalization in favor of mere decriminalization . Joe Biden has publicly changed his views on whether marijuana is a "gateway" drug, and admitted that he has been "part of the problem" (an understatement given his part in the War on Drugs ), but it is as important as ever that we as citizens hold our elected officials accountable for the changes we want to see. Even with many of the important seats in Congress and the Supreme Court still filled by anti-cannabis Republicans (and more than a few Democrats as well), and with commanding wins in this election from the likes of McConnell and Lindsey Graham, it's hard not to be encouraged by these big wins for cannabis legalization. Regardless of how they may still feel about it, the people have spoken, and what has been said by an overwhelming majority on all sides of our divided nation is that marijuana should be legal for adults to use medicinally and recreationally. A wide range of celebrities, from Jim Belushi to Jay-Z , have invested in the cannabis industry in big ways that will only help to make it more mainstream, and organizations like the Last Prisoner Project are working hard to undo the injustices of the American Drug War, as these oppressive laws are inevitably changed. With record voting turnout and surprisingly progressive results from a number of historically more conservative states, there is good reason to hope that a brighter day is on the horizon. Ultimately, all of our elected officials work for us, and with so many of us (Democrat, Republican, or otherwise) enjoying the benefits of the cannabis plant, a time is fast approaching when the outdated prohibition of this natural resource will go the same way as the ill-advised prohibition of alcohol that began a century ago.

Cannabis research is in its infancy, so it's no surprise how many misconceptions there are regarding marijuana. This is largely due to the fact that until recently marijuana and its derivatives (such as CBD) had been prohibited in the US and most other countries. Still, studies have already debunked several different myths about marijuana. Myth #1: Marijuana Makes You Lazy The classic portrayal of a stoner leads you to believe that marijuana makes you lazy, but this simply isn't true. To better understand its effects, you need to understand the difference between indica and sativa, as well as the terpenes of each strain. There are two variations of cannabis, indica and sativa. However, due to a large amount of cross-breeding, most strains found today will be some sort of hybrid, which may lean heavier one way or the other. A strong indica lends the image of the lazy stoner, as it's known for its relaxing and sometimes sedating effects, whereas sativa is known for its uplifting and energetic effects. Neither strain is sure to have either of these effects, though. Along with whether the plant is a sativa or indica, the actual strain of cannabis and what terpenes it contains will play an important part in its overall impact. Cannabis is a complex plant that has many different terpenes causing several very different reactions. These chemicals that are also naturally found in your body's endocannabinoid system interact differently from person to person. This plays a crucial role in determining how a particular strain will make you feel. So to simply say "marijuana makes you lazy" is a lazy way of looking at it. Marijuana can certainly be said to be sedating, which is why many choose to medicate with it instead of taking pills, but it can also be uplifting, therapeutic in several ways, or just help you have a good time! Myth #2: Marijuana Is A Gateway Drug Since the 1960s, pot has been portrayed as a gateway that leads to more dangerous drugs. However, recent studies have shown this simply is not the case. Even as early as the '80s, when cocaine use soared and pot use plummeted, there was strong evidence to refute this idea. On the contrary, marijuana can actually be used to replace more harmful habits, such as alcohol, tobacco ,and heavy narcotic use. Marijuana became an increasingly popular drug during the '60s, largely among people considered to be hippies or other members of the anti-establishment movement. In the '80s this idea of pot as a gateway drug began to unravel, as cocaine use took off and marijuana use went in the opposite direction. D.A.R.E. was one of the last onslaughts of this war. Studies of other countries in which marijuana is not prohibited clearly show no tendency towards higher narcotic use. These countries instead only provide evidence that the prohibition of cannabis causes more crime, and the gateway effect only applies to the illicit sale of marijuana. Myth #3: Cannabis Use Causes Crime This is probably the most laughable myth about marijuana. The notion that cannabis causes crime can be traced back to after its prohibition in the 1930s. It's highlighted well in features like Reefer Madness , in which cannabis users are depicted as sex-crazed lunatics. This was perpetuated up into the '80s, when it reached its peak during the "War on Drugs." Today studies have shown that cannabis users are actually less likely to commit crimes, due to a decrease in aggression among users. In addition, the states that have already legalized recreational use have all reported a decrease in overall crime. However, in areas where marijuana is illegal, there is a tendency for drug dealers to fall victim to the gateway effect mentioned earlier. Unlike cannabis users, studies have shown that marijuana sellers on the illicit market are likely to switch to selling narcotics, such as cocaine, meth, and pharmaceuticals. This declines drastically when recreational marijuana is legalized, as does possession. The reality is, cannabis only really causes crime when it's a crime to use cannabis. Myth #4: Marijuana Causes Memory Loss While it is true that marijuana causes short-term memory loss, studies have shown this is only true while under the influence. No conclusive evidence has shown that this continues after the effects of the marijuana wear off. Furthermore, when it comes to long-term memory and other cognitive abilities, studies have actually shown marijuana to be beneficial. Cannabis use is believed to help deter the onset of Alzheimer's, as well as improve other neurotransmitter functions. On top of its FDA-approved application for use in the treatment of epilepsy, it's also used to treat PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia (which, ironically enough, it used to be thought to cause). As more studies are conducted, researchers are realizing there's still a lot to be learned about marijuana and its different effects on the brain. CBD extract and its ability to increase a user's focus has been an important part of this new research. Myth #5: Cannabis Is Just Used To Get High The more the public learns about cannabis and its derivatives, such as THC and CBD, the more this myth is debunked. You may already be aware of the difference between THC and CBD : the former is associated with the effect of being high or intoxicated, while the latter is used to treat various ailments and is non-psychoactive. Neither of these notions are entirely true, though. The idea that THC gets you high is accurate. However, as most people know, THC is also widely used to treat several medical conditions. In addition to its intoxicating effects, THC is known to help symptoms of nausea, extreme distress (PTSD), and chronic pain, just to name a few. The many uses of THC are only beginning to be understood, as more states legalize marijuana and more studies can be conducted. The second idea, that CBD is non-psychoactive, is completely inaccurate. The fact that CBD is used to treat anxiety , depression , epilepsy , and several other cognitive disorders shows it clearly has an impact on our psyche. Without these properties, CBD wouldn't be effective as a sleep aid either, or in many of its other applications. Understanding the different ways in which THC and CBD interact with your body is important if you're considering using marijuana, or switching what you currently use. It's also important to learn how the different terpenes may affect you. In the end, though, you'll just have to experiment and see how the different strains and forms make you feel, and just go with whatever works best for you.

Much like everything else in 2020, this year’s upcoming presidential election is strange and unprecedented. If you live in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, where Simply Crafted CBD is based, you may be aware that Kanye West is on your ballot, for example, which is only true in 11 other states. You may also have noticed, if you have already received a mail-in ballot or checked a sample ballot online, that there are two major parties in Minnesota with platforms focused on the reform of our state’s marijuana laws. These are Legal Marijuana Now and Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis, and this article will take a look at each of them, their histories and principles, and how they could affect this fraught election cycle. Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis is the older of the two parties, having been created in 1986 with a democratic-socialist base and a focus on legalization issues. It is Minnesota-based, with previously active branches in Iowa and Vermont. Legal Marijuana Now was established in 1998 on many of the same principles, and is in fact an offshoot of the Grassroots party as well. They have currently active branches in Iowa, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Wisconsin, as well as Minnesota. In addition to cannabis legalization and social-democratic causes such as environmental stewardship, labor unions, anti-war efforts, and minority rights, Legal Marijuana Now also has a strong focus on increasing voter turnout in elections. Both parties have run presidential candidates in past elections, with the Grassroots party’s Jack Herer in 1988 and 1992, Dennis Peron in 1996, Denny Lane in 2000, and Jim Carlson in 2012, and Legal Marijuana Now’s Dan Vacek of Minnesota in 2016, and Howie Hawkins of New York on the ballot this year as the Green party candidate. Locally, Legal Marijuana Now candidate Adam Weeks died in late September, which will necessitate a total reset of the 2nd Congressional District race, due to a state law dictating a special election if any candidate dies within 79 days of an election. This law was enacted as a result of the plane crash that killed Senator Paul Wellstone 11 days before the general election in 2002. Weeks, like the aforementioned Kanye West, was a controversial candidate, as are many of those running on these two progressive tickets, and for some of the same reasons. Like Kanye, many of the Legal Marijuana Now and Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis candidates have been accused of diverting progressive votes away from the dominant Democratic-Farmer-Labor party. Weeks was even accused, in the months before his death, of being a secret Republican running specifically for this purpose, to siphon votes away from the DFL, and he’s not the only one. Robyn Smith , the Legal Marijuana Now state Senate candidate in the northeast Minnesota race, has been candid about having been recruited to run for the party by an unnamed Republican, as well as her support of Donald Trump, her disdain for Democrats and the Black Lives Matter movement, and her willingness to divert votes away from her DFL competitor, Rita Albrecht. There is concern about this sort of thing within the parties themselves, as well. As District 55A Legal Marijuana Now nominee Ryan Martin has pointed out, now that the legalization parties have achieved major party status, “anyone can run, and clearly the Republicans decided to run all these candidates for this spot and most of them don’t even favor legalization and are just running to siphon votes away from the Democratic party.” The truth may be more complex, though. Weeks is a good example, as many of his past social media posts would seem to indicate Republican leanings, while later statements reflect more of a disillusionment with both of the dominant parties. In a statement to KARE , Weeks wrote, “Congressional Democrats and Republicans are in essence two sides of the same coin, offering opposing rhetoric, while, in practice, legislators from both parties simply do the bidding of the multinational corporations which fund their campaigns.” His more recent social media posts reflect core values of the legalization movement as well, such as opposition to the disproportionate incarceration and abuse of Black citizens due to the so-called “War on Drugs.” This is perhaps the most important facet of the legalization movement. With so many steps having already been taken toward the full legalization of cannabis, and so many people profiting from the sales of this no longer entirely forbidden plant, it is shameful for so many American citizens to still be serving time for these harmless “offenses.” Though it can be just as difficult to navigate the candidates representing this crucial progressive movement as it is to navigate every other aspect of the corrupt electoral process, the legalization movement is essential for universal human freedom. If you live in one of the states that can vote directly on legalization propositions in this election (Arizona, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota), we encourage you to research those initiatives and do what you can to support legalization, and if you live here in Minnesota with us, look into the Legal Marijuana Now or Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis candidate in your district and consider giving them some support.

What Is The Endocannabinoid System? The endocannabinoid system (ECS) belongs to the neuromodulatory system, which is responsible for the development of the central nervous system (CNS). It also plays a role in the conduction of nerve impulses at the synapses, and responds to endogenous and environmental hazards. The components of the system involve enzymes, cannabinoid receptors, and endogenous cannabinoids. The major cannabinoid receptor is the CB1 receptor; however, CB2, transient receptors, and peroxisome proliferator receptors also play intricate roles. A series of events occur when endogenous cannabinoids bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors. The endocannabinoid receptors are located at both central and peripheral sites. The CB1 is scattered all over in the brain and plays its role in motor control, emotions, and motivated behavior. In the peripheral system, the receptors are located in the GI tract, adipose tissue, pancreas, liver, skeletal muscles, and the reproductive system. The CB2 receptor only participates in the immune system, maintaining its function. Studies show that when exogenous cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol interact with cannabinoid receptors, they give rise to some biological effects. Recent research has demonstrated the endocannabinoid system’s role in synaptic plasticity and how it affects schizophrenic patients. Types of Cannabinoids Cannabinoids are classified into three categories: Phytocannabinoids, which are extracted from the cannabis plant Endogenous cannabinoids, which are produced within the human body Synthetic cannabinoids, which are manufactured in a laboratory Functions of the Endocannabinoid System The ECS plays a wide range of roles in the body. The bodily processes affected by this system are listed below. Energy Balance Studies have suggested that ECS dysregulation leads to obesity and metabolic syndrome. This makes the use of CB1 blockers to treat cardiometabolic risk factors in obese and overweight individuals an effective option. Moreover, phase III clinical trials have illustrated that therapeutic drugs are seen to regulate the intra-abdominal fat tissue levels, along with glycemic and inflammatory variables. The CB1 present in the hypothalamus nuclei maintains the body's weight-energy balance. The ECS regulates metabolism by maintaining appetite, food ingestion, and glucose metabolism. CB1 blockers elevate the adiponectin production in adipocytes, which in turn gives rise to free fatty acid clearance. This could fight obesity and the cardiovascular risk factors linked to it. The receptors in the pancreas stimulate β-cells to ramp up insulin production. With the clinical trials conducted so far, activation of the ECS has been shown to reduce insulin resistance, the pathological process that is, in essence, responsible for uncontrolled glucose levels in people suffering from type II diabetes. Resultantly, the body’s own insulin binds with the cells and reduces the blood sugar levels. Malignancies Cancer can be a life-threatening disease and requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. The endocannabinoid system plays a vital role in keeping homeostasis in the body, as well as controlling the overgrowth of cancer cells, which aids in cancer treatment. Synthetic cannabinoids have been found to decrease the negative effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients, which include weight loss, neuropathic pain, nausea, and vomiting. Moreover, phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids have the ability to arrest cancer cells. Not just that, they also interfere with angiogenic and metastatic pathways, which slows down the progression of metastatic disease. Pain Perception and Inflammation The feeling of pain is manifested by the release of cytokines acting on local nerves. Cytokines, in combination with inflammatory mediators, dominate the immune response and sensations of pain. The endogenous cannabinoids have been found to block these sensations. They have an immunomodulatory effect on both pain and inflammation. Studies and clinical trials have suggested that therapeutic and synthesized cannabinoids are useful in the treatment of patients suffering from chronic arthritis and musculoskeletal pain. CBD (cannabidiol) industries offer a wide range of products, including balms , salves , gels , and edibles that are said to act as pain relief. Unlike other pain relievers, CBD is purely organic and free of all hazardous substances . Temperature Regulation Endocannabinoids have been shown to act on temperature-sensing receptors in the hypothalamus, known as TRPV1 channels, which are involved in thermoregulation. Anandamide, an endocannabinoid, has also been found to activate TRPV1 on sensory neuron terminals, and subsequently cause vasodilation, which results in increased blood supply to the skin and causes excessive heat dissipation. Autonomic Nervous System The role of endocannabinoids in the autonomic nervous system is well understood. The CB1 receptor is expressed presynaptically in the neurons that innervate internal involuntary organs. Cannabinoid-mediated inhibition of electric potentials results in a reduction in noradrenaline release from the sympathetic nervous system. Other studies have found similar effects in endocannabinoid regulation of intestinal motility, including the innervation of smooth muscles associated with the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Skin Disorders After long studies and researches, medical science has concluded that phytocannabinoids and CBD-infused products can also be used on the skin to prevent and treat many different skin problems, irritations, and complications. The mode of action is the same as for all other treatments. It just entails the binding of endocannabinoid receptors with those of the CBD. This can occur from topical application of CBD products .