Author: michaelcs

The term glaucoma is a group of diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging the optic nerve, a nerve in the back of your eye.

One of the major risk factors is intraocular pressure – elevated pressure in the eye. An abnormality in the eye’s drainage system can cause fluid to build up in the space between the lens and the cornea in the front of the eye, leading to excessive pressure that causes damage to the optic nerve.

Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the condition until symptoms appear. Therefore, it’s very important to undergo annual eye pressure checks after the age of 40 to be able to intervene promptly and slow down the disease.

Types of Glaucoma and Symptoms

The symptoms caused by glaucoma are highly variable, depending on the type of glaucoma, and they generally appear in the more advanced stages of the disease:

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma:this is the most common form (60-70% of cases). Its progression is usually slow and linked to ageing. Most people don’t realise they are affected. In this type of glaucoma, the external field of vision is impaired, characterised by patches or blind spots.
• Closed-Angle Glaucoma: this is characterised by a very rapid progression, accompanied by symptomssuch as severe headache, nausea, vomiting, intense pain and redness in the eyes, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, and loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Secondary Glaucoma:this occurs as a result of other diseases, such as diabetes or hypertension, or after eye treatments. Symptoms manifest as blurred vision with halos around lights.
• Congenital Glaucoma: this is a very rare form that affects young children. Given the age of the patients, it’s often difficult to recognize the symptoms (large eyes, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light (photophobia), eyes that jerk or appear watery, and/or squint).

Treatments

Although glaucoma is currently incurable, its progression can be slowed down and controlled by adequate therapy. The available therapies aim to reduce eye pressure by applying eye drops when the disease is in its initial stages, followed by laser treatment or surgery in cases of advanced degeneration.

However, pharmacological treatments may not be suitable for all patients and can cause side effects such as redness, irritation and pain in the eyes, nausea, headache and dry mouth.

Glaucoma, Phyto-cannabinoids, and Endocannabinoids

Many studies suggest that natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity can be a valid aid in the treatment of glaucoma.

Among natural compounds that have properties of this type, phyto-cannabinoids (Molecules derived from the Cannabis plant) have interested the scientific world as a possible anti-glaucoma treatment since the 1970s.

Clinical and preclinical studies have shown that the administration of THC, one of the main cannabinoids with psychotropic (hallucinogenic) effects, significantly decreases eye pressure, but this effect is only temporary (between 2 and 4 hours) and requires repeated use.

Further studies have investigated the potential of cannabidiol (or CBD), the second best-known cannabinoid. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t induce hallucinogenic effects and its pharmacological properties (such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving) have been widely effective to treat many conditions. However, until now at least, CBD hasn’t been used to treat glaucoma.Some studies suggest that CBD may increase eye pressure instead of decreasing it.

As a store that sells the best CBD products Australia has to offer, we don’t recommend using any products without consulting your doctor first, especially if you have any medical conditions or take medication.

However, there are some very encouraging results from clinical studies that have evaluated palmitoylethanolamide (or PEA) as a possible therapeutic option in the treatment of glaucoma. PEA is a cannabinoid that is naturally produced by your body with anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, anti-microbial and neuroprotective activity, and its levels decrease significantly in patients suffering from glaucoma.

Several clinical studies have demonstrated that PEA supplementation in glaucoma patients can decrease eye pressure without inducing toxic effects or side effects even after six months of treatment. Furthermore, this effect appears to be long-lasting and persists even after PEA discontinuation.

The evidence at our disposal, therefore, indicates that, unlike THC and CBD, PEA has potentially beneficial effects in the treatment of glaucoma:

• Increases the drainage of the fluid between the lens and the cornea, the accumulation of which increases eye pressure.
• Induces the dilation of the ophthalmic artery, which decreases pressure around the eye.
• Induces neuroprotective effects both in the central nervous system and in the eye.

Final Thoughts

Although scientific evidence doesn’t yet recommend THC and CBD to be considered valid tools for the treatment of glaucoma, other cannabinoids such as PEA show very promising results. Further studies are needed to clarify which cannabinoids can be useful as an anti-glaucoma treatment.

As a premium and reputable retailer, Down To Earth recommends that you consult with your doctor before you consume or use cannabis products, especially if you have any medical conditions or take medication.

If you’re looking for the best CBD shop online and the best CBD products Australia has to offer, Down To Earth is the way to go. We’ve got a full range of CBD products that are tested by independent labs to ensure their quality. You can find these independent lab reports on our website.

If you need more information, drop a comment or contact us. Remember, we’re here to help!

The eternal question!

Many of you are asking again and again: How old do I have to be to use CBD?

We hear a lot about CBD and other powerful cannabinoids in the media and also on the internet. But what is the age limit? When can you start using CBD?

This is something we hear really often and the answer is: it depends.

We’ll give you the information you need to know how you can take CBD and make an informed decision on when and how to buy hemp oil and other hemp products.

From What Age Can I Use CBD?

The type of CBD product you’re using will determine the age you can start using CBD. While cosmetics and care products with CBD are freely available in Australia without age restrictions, it’s more complicated with other CBD products. For example, you can’t buy CBD oil online in Australia if you’re under 18.

If you want to start using CBD as a dietary supplement, such as CBD soft-gel capsules or classic CBD oils, the supply and sale of these products are strictly regulated from the age of 18 upwards. It’s also important that the cannabis product has less than 0.2% THC. If it has a higher percentage, it’s no longer considered a hemp product, but a narcotic. It gets a little more complicated with unprocessed hemp flowers, also known as CBD flowers.

If you want to buy CBD oil in Australia, you should ensure that the seller is trusted and only sells premium products like we do at Down To Earth.

Are There Exceptions to the Age Rule?

No, there are no exceptions to this rule for over-the-counter products for oral use and CBD hemp flowers are strictly prohibited for children and adolescents under the age of 18.

The only exception is made for medicinal cannabis products for under 18s that are prescribed by a doctor to treat conditions such as epilepsy.

Is CBD of Concern For Older People?

No, cannabidiol is also fine to use for older people. However, as with all CBD products, you should discuss your personal situation with your doctor, especially if you have any medical conditions or take medication.

Why Is CBD 18+? 

Since cannabidiol is a cannabinoid, its sale and consumption are strictly regulated from the age of 18 and up. On one hand, this is because many CBD products also contain trace amounts of THC.

Because THC is psychoactive and intoxicating, and is classified as a narcotic, any product containing trace amounts of THC is strictly regulated. But THC-free full-spectrum CBD oils, for example, are also only available for those above 18. This is the only way to ensure that CBD products are used responsibly.

How About Other Cannabinoids? 

In addition to CBD and THC, there are 112 other cannabinoids. Their modes of action are still not well known. Like CBD and THC, CBG or Cannabigerol is a cannabinoid that interacts with the endocannabinoid system. In addition to CBD oils, CBG oils and flowers are only available from the age of 18. The same regulations for CBD and THC apply to all other cannabinoids.

We expect that more cannabinoids will be researched in the near future. We also think that in a few years there will be a wide range of different cannabinoid products on the market to assist with a range of conditions.

But what we do know is that the only way to buy CBD oil in Australia is from Down To Earth – we only sell premium CBD products.

Final Thoughts

• Cannabinoids in cosmetics are not age-restricted (excluding THC)
• Dietary supplements with CBDare generally available from the age of 18 and over
• Thereare prescription medicines with CBD for under 18s to treat conditions like epilepsy
• CBD can also bring benefits for older people
• Discuss with your doctor beforehand you consume CBD products

At Down To Earth, you can buy CBD oil online in Australia in addition to many other CBD products. All our products are tested by independent labs to ensure their quality and purity. You can find these independent lab reports on our website.

Before you buy CBD oil in Australia or any other CBD products, make sure the store is reputable, like Down To Earth. We only sell premium CBD products.

Just ask our customers! We have almost 5000 independently verified reviews, with a 4.85/5 store rating and 4.74 product rating. We’re proud to be a seller of premium CBD products and we’re proud of our outstanding customer reviews. But we’re not surprised – we know we sell the best CBD products in Australia!

If you have any questions or need more information, drop a comment, contact us, or check out our blog. We’re here to help.

Looking for a way to spice up your sex life? CBD may be able to help!

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the cannabis plant. It doesn’t cause the “high” associated with marijuana – the high comes from a compound called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

CBD has many benefits for both the body and mind, such as relieving anxiety and nausea, helping athletes recover quicker and increasing relaxation and general wellbeing. This is why manufacturers have isolated CBD – removed the THC – and added it to many products.

But CBD can also help you in the bedroom, especially with increased libido and lubrication.

How Does CBD Affect Libido?

To understand how CBD might help put that spark back into your sex life, we need to understand how CBD works in the body.

Inside your body are tiny receptors that are part of a whole system that scientists call the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Although CBD doesn’t “open” them directly, it can trigger a series of reactions in the body that stimulate the ECS.

The Investigation

According to a 2009 article, researchers found ECS receptors in sexual reproductive organs, such as the testicles as well as in the brain.

Other studies have found that cannabinoids like CBD and THC may increase libido, while others have found that they decrease it, so there’s still a need for more research.

Other research suggests that CBD products may improve libido by reducing anxiety, as it has anti-anxiety properties. Some people have sexual performance anxiety, which causes their libido to drop. By relieving anxiety, sexual desire and performance can increase.

Does CBD Have Other Sexual Benefits?

There isn’t a lot of research on CBD and sexual benefits, but there are emerging products on the market designed to help with the following sexual problems.

Remember, everyone is different, so CBD and THC will have different effects on different people. Some of us definitely turn into horn dogs after using cannabis, while others don’t.

Erectile dysfunction 

Ayurvedic practitioners have used Cannabis sativa, the plant from which THC and CBD are derived, for many years to improve ejaculatory function and sexual performance.

The exact way that CBD can help erectile dysfunction is still not fully known. One theory is that CBD might help relax blood vessels and promote blood flow. Better blood flow to the penis can alleviate erectile dysfunction and promote longer sexual intercourse.

Bad Lubrication

For those who struggle with dryness and painful sex, adding a lubricant can improve sexual performance and relieve pain. Many manufacturers of CBD cosmetic products make lubricants that incorporate CBD as a means of enhancing lubrication and therefore sexual pleasure.

Researchers have studied the effects of topical CBD as a dermatological treatment. According to several studies, topical CBD is credited with anti-inflammatory properties, which may make sex more comfortable. However, there are no specific studies on CBD and lubrication.

Low Sexual Desire

Another theory is that cannabis affects sexual desire directly in the brain. A 2017 study on cannabis users found that cannabis activated the part of people’s brains that controls sexual arousal. The authors concluded that cannabis use may be helpful for people with low sexual desire.

Faster Recovery

There are many positive effects of CBD for Athletes due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps the muscles to recover faster. That’s why CBD for Sports is common nowadays. This fast recovery can also be very helpful after sexual intercourse.

Is There Any Downside to Using It?

The potential side effects of CBD often depend on how it’s used.

Some people may have an allergic reaction to CBD or to the components used to make the product, such as oils or fragrances. Other side effects may include stomach pain, loss of appetite, and fatigue after using CBD, but the symptoms are usually mild.

Although CBD has been attributed to certain benefits when it comes to sex, more research is needed, including regarding how the use of the cannabis plant may affect fertility. A 2006 research review published in the journal Endocrine Reviews listed some of the known side effects that CBD marijuana use has on fertility, such as:

• Loweringcertain hormone levels in men and women
• Decreasingthe normal development of sperm in men
• Affectinga woman’s normal reproductive cycle, including ovulation.

Scientists still don’t know if the effects on fertility are caused by CBD, THC or some other component of cannabis.

How CBD Can Be Used in Your Sex Life?

You can incorporate CBD products into your sex life in several ways. Some examples are the following:

• Using a CBD massage oil or a medicinal balm for foreplay
• Apply a CBD medicinal balmto reduce dryness and increase pleasure
• Using a CBD oil before sex to relieve anxiety and increase sensations.

Final Thoughts

CBD products designed to enhance sex are starting to become available. Since CBD products currently don’t have many side effects, they may be worth a try if you’re looking for ways to give your sex life a boost.

At Down To Earth, we sell the best CBD products including medicinal balm in Australia. Don’t just take our word for it, check out our customer reviews. All our products are tested by independent labs to ensure their quality and purity. You can find these independent lab reports on our website.

So next time you want to bring the sexy back into your sex life, try one of Down To Earth’s premium CBD products.

You’ve heard of “the munchies”, a term indicating an irrepressible and uncontrolled impulse linked to the use of cannabis and which causes an increase in appetite after consuming cannabis, even on a full stomach.

In this article, we’ll explore “the munchies” and how to manage them effectively.

What Are “The Munchies” And Why Using Cannabis Makes You Hungry?

The munchies is when, after consuming cannabis, you feel the urgent need to eat, usually comfort food or junk food.

If you’ve ever experienced the munchies, you’ll know just how strong the pull to eat is.

To fully understand the munchies, we need to understand the causes and symptoms. Yes, we’re getting (briefly) scientific!

The munchies are caused by THC. THC is one of the compounds present in cannabis that causes the “high” feeling. THC deceives the brain by altering the perception of the sense of hunger and also the sense of smell. This happens because THC stimulates neurons normally responsible for suppressing appetite.

An American study has identified the links between marijuana consumption and appetite: the neurons responsible for creating the prohormone pro-opiomelanocortin or POMC, stimulated by cannabinoids, arouse appetite in a person even if you’ve eaten and have the “full” feeling after a meal. In other words, THC “deceives” the brain into thinking you’re hungry.

When POMC neurons are activated by cannabinoids, they stop releasing the hormones which make you feel full, and which normally stop you feeling hungry.

The Munchies: When They Start, How Long They Last, And How to Manage Them

As a rule, the munchies tend happen between 30 minutes to about 2 hours after consuming cannabis.

Each person is different and the type of cannabis consumed also plays a role in how a person experiences the munchies. In fact, different types of cannabis, for example sativa dominant, indica dominant or a hybrid mix, contain different percentages of THC, which can lead to varying levels of hunger.

How you consume cannabis also affects how you experience the munchies. Vaping cannabis can increase THC ingestion by up to 46% more than smoking cannabis, which therefore would lead to more intense munchies.

The munchies caused by taking cannabis through CBD Skincare or edible products will be less intense than vaping or smoking, but can still happen.

Knowing how the munchies work will allow you to manage the effects.

The first thing you should do is ensure you have a good diet and eat regularly throughout the day. And don’t consume cannabis on an empty stomach!

If the munchies persist even with a full stomach, it’s important to try to distract attention from food in some way. Maybe a walk, a bike ride, reading or watching something.

Chewing gum can also help, with the chewing action often enough to deal with the feelings of hunger.

A further alternative may be to change the type of cannabis taken. To reduce the munchies, you could try cannabis with a higher concentration of CBD or THCV to THC, or try fixed dosage products such as edibles and CBD skin care products. A hemp skincare product, for example CBD skin serum, will probably provide you with all the benefits you want without munchies in most cases.

Final Thoughts

Whilst you might get the munchies, it’s important to know it’s not actually real – the body isn’t hungry, the brain has just been “tricked” by the THC into thinking the body needs food.

By trying some of the strategies mentioned above, you can manage the munchies effectively.

Remember, you should consult your doctor before using any CBD products including edibles and CBD skin care products, especially if you have any medical conditions or take medication.

At Down To Earth, we sell the only premium CBD products. All our products are tested by independent labs to ensure their quality and purity. You can find these independent lab reports on our website.

Subscribe to our blog and give us a holler if you have any questions. We’re here to help.

In recent years, CBD oil has exploded in popularity for the many benefits it can bring for many conditions. So when is the best time of day to take CBD?

Well, that depends on what you’re taking CBD for and your body. Experts believe that both the dose and the time of day can influence how your body responds to CBD. And remember, we’re all unique humans, so what works for someone else may not be the same for you.

In this article, we’ll give you the answers on what’s the ideal time of day to use CBD oil and how to make your routine the most effective depending on each situation.

Why Should You Use CBD Products?

People use CBD products for a variety of reasons, from seeking help to relieve specific symptoms such as pain, anxiety, nausea and acne, to regulating mood and appetite, or simply looking for something to increase energy and general wellbeing. Full-spectrum CBD oil may assist with all of these.

Okay, some quick science talk. CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system in a matter of minutes, yet the most noticeable effects come with long-term use. CBD is also an adaptogen, which means that it can enhance your daily life without any negative side effects.

How Much CBD Is Recommended to Use?

Each person is different, in terms of your body, your body chemistry, your goals with CBD, your symptoms and their severity, so the optimal dose of CBD will vary.

The important thing to know is what dose works for you, in terms of both how much and how often you use CBD.

CBD doses are measured in milligrams and can range from 2 mg to 300 mg per day depending on your needs. Another factor that determines the optimal dose is the method of administration.

At Down To Earth, we recommend starting small and increasing the dose as required. This is the best way to determine the ideal dosage for you.

When to Use CBD Oil: What Is the Best Time of Day to Use CBD?

There’s no perfect time of day to use CBD oil, the ideal time is going to be when you feel like CBD fits best into your routine.

Many people prefer to use their CBD product in the morning and others prefer it at night or before bed. However, most users choose to use CBD throughout the day to maintain regular concentrations of endocannabinoids in their system.

CBD In the Morning

Relax Your Muscles

The body is as important as the mind. When your body feels a little stiff after a restless night, you can use CBD oil in the morning to relax your muscles. Some studies confirm evidence that CBD may help reduce inflammatory states.

Improve Concentration

If you find it difficult to focus, CBD can help promote a healthy state of balance and a sense of calm, thereby helping to improve concentration. Morning is the best time of the day to use CBD oil if you want to stay focused and improve concentration.

Effective Morning Training

Use CBD balms before training in the morning to stimulate concentration and warm up your muscles. You can also use CBD oil after training to speed up your body’s regeneration processes and help it rejuvenate after a hard training session.

What CBD Can Do at Night?

Wake Up Rested

CBD could help maintain healthy sleep cycles and may also influence different stages of sleep. For example, studies have shown CBD can help reduce REM sleep disorders such as jerky body movements, tremors, vivid dreams, and vocalisations.

Helps You Relax 

CBD is a great choice to relax your mind and body at night if you feel tired and anxious after a hard day.

Eliminate Thoughts Before Bed

CBD can help you feel calm and relaxed, helping you control all the worrying thoughts or stressors that many of us experience when trying to sleep.

Final Thoughts

While there’s no definite answer to the question of when the best time of day is to use CBD oil, the tips above should help you decide when the best time for you is. It’s important to listen to your body and know what specific symptoms or goals you wish to use CBD for so you can find the optimal time of day to use CBD oil, whether it’s morning, evening or during the day.

You should always start with a low dose and increase gradually until you find the optimal dose for you. Full-spectrum CBD may be the best choice for you if you don’t know which product to use. However, you should consult your doctor before trying any CBD products, especially if you have any medical conditions or take any medication.

Our customers love our full-spectrum CBD – in fact they say it’s the best full-spectrum product Australia has to offer! You can buy full-spectrum products and other CBD products easily via our online store. All our products are tested by third-party labs to ensure their quality and purity. You can find these independent lab reports on our website.

Subscribe to our blog or reach out if you have any questions.

CBD ya later!

If you’ve ever wondered about THC-free CBD (cannabidiol) oils or products, you’re not alone. Many people want the benefits of CBD without the psychoactive effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is what gives the “high” feeling when using regular cannabis, but if you need to drive, use machinery or get drug tested for work, you need a CBD without the THC.

Hemp-derived CBD oil only contains a trace amount of THC (up to 0.2%), which is not enough to trigger the high feeling. However, THC can accumulate in the body over time, which may make it detectable on a drug test.

To meet the needs of users, at Down To Earth we’ve expanded our collection with a product known as CBD isolate, so you can enjoy hemp oil THC-free.

CBD isolate consists of purified CBD that doesn’t contain THC or other cannabinoids. This product also contains no terpenes, which means CBD isolates are odourless. This makes CBD isolate perfect for people who want the many benefits of CBD oil with the peace of mind that no trace amounts of THC are present or will show up on a drug test.

The CBD isolate isn’t the only product that produces THC-free oil, there is also broad-spectrum extract which consists of a wide range of THC-free cannabinoids and terpenes.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about THC-free CBD oil.

CBD and THC Have Different Effects on the Endocannabinoid System

Okay, we’re gonna get scientific, but we promise it’ll make sense!

The main difference between CBD and THC and how they affect your body via the endocannabinoid system is the way they target cannabinoid receptors.

THC directly binds to the CB1 receptor, the highest concentrations of which are found in the brain and central nervous system. This allows THC to cause feelings of happiness and euphoria.

THC has an almost identical molecular structure to anandamide, one of the two main endocannabinoids. This molecule is also attributed to feelings of calm, happiness and euphoria.

When THC is consumed, the brain is “tricked” into thinking more anandamide is circulating in the system, triggering the euphoric high. Excess THC in your system can cause side effects, such as temporary anxiety, paranoia and difficulty sleeping.

The way CBD interacts with your body is a little different.CBD binds to cannabinoid receptors and signals the endocannabinoid system to release more anandamide. CBD might also allow anandamide to circulate in your system longer by blocking an enzyme that breaks it down. However, it doesn’t lead to abnormal anandamide levels and therefore doesn’t trigger the high feeling, regardless of the dose.

CBD works where it’s needed most and can ensure a healthy concentration of endocannabinoids in your body without any mind-altering effects.

Does THC-Free CBD Oil Work?

At this point, you may be wondering if removing THC from CBD oil makes the product less effective.

To answer this question, we need to explain the “entourage effect”.

The “entourage effect” is an idea proposed by Dr. Ethan Russo, who states that different types of cannabinoids work better together than alone. Even traces of THC in CBD oil extracts can influence how CBD oil works.

Full-spectrum CBD products contain all of the cannabinoids of the hemp plant, including a small amount of THC. The presence of THC enhances some of the benefits attributed to CBD by allowing your body to process this cannabinoid more efficiently.

Several studies have shown that CBD-enriched cannabis extracts could be more effective in reducing inflammation and physical discomfort, which is why athletes love it. Instead, CBD on its own may lose its effectiveness when a certain dose is exceeded. Full-spectrum extracts can prevent this.

However, THC-free CBD oil can still be beneficial even if some of the other benefits provided by other cannabinoids and terpenes may be lost. Currently, the research is too limited to conclude whether CBD isolate is less effective than full-spectrum CBD, but what we do know is that CBD isolate does have many benefits.

If you want to take advantage of the entourage effect with THC-free products, try looking for a broad-spectrum CBD extract.

Final Thoughts

The CBD market has grown enormously in recent years. There are more and more products designed to suit different types of CBD users, you can find CBD cosmetics, CBD flowers, oils, and much more.

Some studies suggest that CBD oil is processed more efficiently in the presence of small amounts of THC, but if you need to have zero THC in your system for certain workplaces, to drive or operate machinery, then a CBD isolate – a THC-free oil – may be the best choice for you.

You should also consult your doctor before using any CBD products, especially if you have any medical conditions or if you’re on medication.

At Down To Earth, we sell only premium CBD products. All our products are tested by independent labs to ensure their quality and purity. You can find these independent lab reports on our website.

Subscribe to our blog and reach out if you need any more information.