Monthly Archives: January 2022

It has been a stormy start to the year for tennis world number one Novak Djokovic. Or, as memers like to call him, No-vax Djo-Covid. The Serbs anti-vaccination stance was known all through the pandemic, but the matter came to a head as he was denied access into Australia to play the calendar years first grand slam.

Though a federal court has ruled that the governments cancellation of his visa despite him getting a medical exemption from Australias strict vaccination mandate was illegal, the saga is far from over.

Nevertheless, Djokovics refusal to get vaccinated has once again brought to the fore his unorthodox beliefs and lifestyle.

The 34-year-old has frequently dismissed modern medicine and has been a proponent of alternative medicine for recovery and treatment.

Djokovic is known to make trips to Visoko in Bosnia where he meets businessman Semir Osmanagic, who claims the ancient man-made structures in the area have healing powers.

The player is also a long-time student of Chervin Jafarieh, an anti-science wellness guru, who is believed to be behind Djokovics anti-vaccine stance. The wellness guru is against militarism, urbanization, carbon combustion, mining of metals and toxic materials, manufacturing of chemicals and biological poisons, which leads to his scepticism of modern medicine.

Last year, Djokovic was ridiculed for discussing with Jafarieh on a public forum how he could alter the composition of water and food through the power of positive thinking.

I've seen people and I know some people that through energetical transformation, through the power of prayer, through the power of gratitude, they manage to turn the most toxic food or the most polluted water, into the most healing water, said Djokovic during the interaction.

Because water reacts and scientists have proven that molecules in the water react to our emotions to what is being said.

Jafarieh was reportedly selling $50 bottles of Advanced Brain Nutrients at the time.

In an interview with podcaster Jay Shetty, Djokovic described the importance of spiritual teachers and Reiki healers in his life, saying that they had helped him and his wife to open our minds, even more, to understand how we can have internal conversations with ourselves.

Djokovic also attributes much of his on-court success to giving up gluten after a Serbian nutritionist Dr Igor Cetojevic held a piece of white bread against his stomach as a test in 2010. He once said that he followed a strictly plant-based diet.

Djokovics road to greatness may have involved the quirks of alternative medicine and wellness gurus, but all of those stayed as personal choices that nobody cared about. Until the pandemic hit and an ill-fated Adria Tour in 2020 exposed the effects of his beliefs on others around him. History will remember him as one of the greatest athletes of the 21st century. Science will remember him as a denier.

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Anti-science Djokovic: Of gurus, alternative medicine and more - The Week

People may find it difficult to discern the facts about vaccines with the extensive amount of health misinformation disseminated on websites and social media.

Accuracy and truth, according to a new study involving three countries, including the United States, has been found by individuals who rely more on mainstream news. Meanwhile, people who depend on social media or less-established forms of alternative health media are more likely to subscribe to false beliefs about health.

In a study published in Health Communication, experts from the University of Michigan, National University of Singapore and Koc University in Turkey said the findings shed light on the conditions under which digital media use can help or hinder the tendency to believe in health misinformation.

These findings also show that extensive reliance on social media and alternative health media for news mostly overwhelms the individual differences in predicting misinformation belief, said Scott Campbell, the Constance F. and Arnold C. Pohs Professor of Telecommunications in the U-M Department of Communication and Media.

Campbell and colleagues also investigated how different thinking styles can support and suppress the links between media use and health misinformation belief.

The findings show that in addition to social and alternative media use for health information, those most susceptible also tend to place a high degree of trust in their own intuition when encountering new information (faith in intuition) and prefer to make sense of new information in elaborate and structured ways (need for cognition).

These personal styles interact with media use to predict whether people are likely to believe false information about health and health care, the researchers say.

More than 3,600 participants in Singapore, Turkey and the U.S. disclosed their beliefs about vaccines, genetically modified foods and alternative medicine. The information sources involved mainstream (or legacy) media, social media and alternative health outlets, which advocate homeopathic remedies over conventional medicine.

This emergent pattern underscores the possibility that institutional news sources could better protect from the spread of misinformation than social media, perhaps because of editorial gatekeeping differences across news, social and alternative media, Campbell said.

Study co-authors include Yuanyuan Wu and Ozan Kuru of National University and Lemi Baruh of Koc University.

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Mainstream news more reliable than social, alternative media for accurate health information - University of Michigan News

CHAMPAIGN, ILL (WAND) : Illinois racked up $1.38 billion in Cannabis revenue and Champaign Dispensary nuEra is feeling that high.

According to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the $1.38 billion is more than double the total from 2020. Alex Carretto, the the nuEra Campustown General Manager, tells WAND their growth is rapid and it's only up from there. "We've been growing each month, so each month is getting better for us, with the new year we're looking for Spring semester coming, with the students and everything coming back." He says it's not only students but the rest of the community is contributing to their widespread success.

Recreational sales hit a record high in December 2021. Sales hit $138 millions just that month. Carretto says those record high numbers come mainly out of more curiosity regarding the benefits of Cannabis. "The pandemic has a lot to do with it. People are looking for alternative medicine and you know they've kind of leaned on cannabis for that," and many are leaning on nuEra as well.

nuEra dispensaries are exploding across the state, Carretto says nuEra is doing fantastic numbers as a company, "revenue has grown by 44%" in 2021. He mentions as more adult-use dispensaries open up across the area, "it's going to be more accessible, numbers will keep growing."

Cannabis was legalized in Illinois on January 1st, 2021. With it's proven success in the state, nuEra says it's an ever growing industry. "We just want to expand, cover as much of the state as possible and provide the best services we can." Carretto says," It's really exciting to be in an industry that's fresh brand new and just being able to see it grow and just see it rise, rise and rise."

State law requires 25% of Marijuana tax dollars to go to programs aimed at helping people with legal aid, youth development and prison re-entry.

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Marijuana sales booming in Illinois and nuEra is feeling the impact - WAND

Thailand was not always a progressive place for cannabis policy. However, it has certainly made up for lost time.

It was the first country in its entire region to legalize cannabis for medical use, withThailands medical cannabismodel including a provision for all households to cultivate cannabis and sell it.

Thailands government even issues very low interest loans for aspiring cannabis cultivators. Considering how harsh the regions cannabis laws are, Thailands cannabis policy is particularly inspiring.

Adult-use legalization is on the horizon in Thailand. If the government has its way, Thailand will have local strains registered at the international level.

RELATED:Other Countries Should Copy Thailand's New Cannabis Cultivation Model

The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine hasannounced plansto register local cannabis strains as national heritage items, after which Thailand will pursue Unesco recognition.

According to Unescoswebsite, UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in education, sciences and culture.

The Department of Traditional and Alternative Medicine has analyzed 30 strains that are dominant in the country, recorded the DNA of each strain, and will use the related information to register geographical indications.

The move is timely, withThailands Ministry of Public Healthindicating in recent weeks that the government plans to pursue full legalization in 2022.

Thailand is obviously not the only region of the planet where particular cannabis strains are synonymous with the country itself.

Jamaica is well known for its cannabis varieties, as are South American countries like Colombia and its famed Colombian Red strain.

Mexico, which is also pursuing ambitious cannabis industry plans similar to Jamaica and Colombia, is famous for such strains as Acapulco Gold, Michoacan, and Oaxacan.

Many regions of the world are home to world-class cannabis strains, and even though those strains have spread throughout the world, they will always be known for where they originated.

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Thailand Could Lead the Way for International Strain Registration - Green Entrepreneur

T WIN FALLS The holidays are behind us, the new year has begun, and now the Magic Valley is in its darkest, coldest season. It is easy to want to hunker down and hibernate this time of year, and for some, that can add up to a case of the winter blues.

Seasonal depression can take a toll on productivity at work, hamper personal relationships, and add stressors to already hectic lives. If you find yourself waking up on dark winter mornings feeling nervous or stressed out before the day has even begun, consider taking a cold shower.

Jaime Goffin is a licensed clinical social worker with a private practice in Twin Falls. As a therapist, she is always reading research about physical mechanisms that regulate emotion, one area of research that examines the role of the nervous system on seasonal depression. Goffin said that research shows that a cold shower in the morning can be as effective for mild depression or seasonal blues as taking an antidepressant.

What that cold shower does is it regulates the vagus nerve, Goffin said. If you think about people waking up and already feeling unmotivated, or even, when people wake up theyre already experiencing anxiety.

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The vagus nerve is one of the bodys central nerves, running from the base of the brain all the way down to the pelvis. The vagus nerve is associated with the heart, lungs and digestive tract, and some research shows that stimulating the vagus nerve is one way to achieve a sense of safety and well-being.

Another key way to keep the vagus nerve in a prime stimulated state is exercise, Goffin said.

When our body moves it sends a message that we are OK, Goffin said. (One thing) Im a huge believer in for getting through the winter is daily movement. And if you can get some of that outside when theres a little bit of sunlight, even better.

Like many therapists in the Magic Valley, Goffin sees an increase in clients seeking therapy during the winter months. While there is no substitute for therapy when facing mental health issues like depression, trauma or crisis, small changes to daily routines can help relieve some symptoms of mild seasonal depressions like the winter blues.

Goffin said part of coping with the mid-winter blues is becoming intentional about including some small lifestyle changes that can contribute to positive mood changes. Those small changes can be easy to do, and stack up to create a positive response to blue moods brought about by cold dreary days.

Starting the day with a bit of time outside around sunrise can help jump-start our bodies, Goffin said.

Most people arent getting any light exposure at sunrise and also in the evening, Goffin said. Most people are waking up in the dark, so were naturally not getting some of that vitamin D sunlight.

By getting outside around sunrise, the blue light stimulates the brain in ways that is hard to reproduce with artificial interior lighting of the home or workplace.

Another thing to watch for is whether or not youre getting enough sleep.

Sleep is probably our best medicine, Goffin said. If you look at mental health issues, people not having good sleep is probably the most common denominator.

Goffin cautions that major depression and other serious mental health issues would benefit from more involved therapy.

Robin Bailly echoes the advice that staying active through the dark cold months can make a huge difference in seasonal depression.

When people are more active, regardless of when its winter and the sun isnt out, or when its nice out, if people get outside, it completely changes their mental health, Bailly said. Even if its cold outside, standing outside for three to 10 minutes is going to change your mood, regardless of whether the suns out or not.

Bailly started as a counselor in 2012. In 2019, she started adding more energy work into her practice, using essential oils and guided meditation. Bailly has also begun using a Japanese energy therapy called reiki to complement other therapeutic techniques at her private practice Of The Earth, which she conducts at Float Magic.

The theory behind reiki is that energy in the body can become stuck. Reiki is a way to help move that energy out of the body.

The biggest thing people experience is complete relaxation, Bailly said. And when were relaxed, theres less stress. When theres less stress theres less pain, when we have less pain our body is able to heal better, when were not experiencing emotional pain were not depressed, were not anxious, were not feeling helpless or hopeless, and thats why reiki helps with that. Because its moving that energy in the body.

Reiki is starting to be seen in hospital settings more and more. The Washington Post reports more than 60 U.S. hospitals have adopted Reiki as part of patient services, according to a UCLA study, and Reiki education is offered at 800 hospitals. According to Bailly, reiki in hospitals is used more because it helps with pain. They are also using it in palliative care, cancer care and after surgeries because it has been shown to help the healing process.

Im not saying reiki is going to cure your depression, Bailly said. Its complimentary, meaning, its going to help that energy move, so that then you can deal with the emotions that arise that create the depression.

Meditation is another way people seek to balance thoughts and emotions to supplement a balanced lifestyle. Most people have heard of meditation, but for some who have the impression that it requires a totally quiet mind, the idea can be daunting.

In a recent Facebook post, the South Central Public Health District highlighted visual meditation as an accessible way for people to approach the practice. The post linked to a free course from the Carnegie Museum of Art, using artworks as s basis for visual meditation.

Health district spokesperson Brianna Bodily said that little easy steps toward something like meditation can make the practice seem less daunting.

Often when youre facing a mental health struggle, sometimes just getting started on some of those coping mechanisms can be the hardest part, Bodily said. When you think about some of the things that can be extremely helpful like meditation, exercise, eating healthy it can feel extremely overwhelming. So understanding there are simple tiny steps you can take that can help you get to that point where its more of a habit, something that isnt quite as overwhelming or scary, that can help you take those initial steps to take to get to a better mental space.

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health crisis, the Idaho suicide prevention hotline can be reached by phone at 800-273-8255 or text 208-398-4357.

Twin Falls has a 24-hour crisis center for individuals who might harm themselves. There are trained professionals who can help keep individuals in mental health crisis safe for 24 hours while helping to connect them to further treatment.

High school students Madilynn Abramowski, front, and Halle Silvester attempt to slide down a grade into Rock Creek Canyon with a little help from Brystal Brady on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 4, 2022, in Twin Falls.

Sarah Burrill sleds down a hill Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 4, 2022, in Twin Falls.

Sisters Kayla Burrill, 20, Emma Burrill, 8, build a snowman Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 4, 2022, in Twin Falls.

High school students Madilynn Abramowski, front, and Halle Silvester attempt to slide down a grade into Rock Creek Canyon with a little help from Brystal Brady on Tuesday afternoon in Twin Falls. See more snow photos and get the latest forecast at Magicvalley.com.

A man rides his bike down a very slick and snowy 3rd Avenue West on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 4, 2022, in downtown Twin Falls.

Andrew Burrill, 15, snowboards down a hill Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 4, 2022, outside of I.B. Perrine Elementary School in Twin Falls.

Tristan Cota, 13, lies inside his snow fort as Cameron Cota, 16, builds up the ceiling of the structure Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, in their front yard in Twin Falls Idaho. The fort was twice as large before the roof caved in. 'This is why the rebel base on Hoth was a bad idea,' Cameron says as she references the Star Wars movies.

Presly Stanger, 4, takes a bite of snow while her mother, Katie, uses a ski harness to help her learn how to ski as they descend the Wizard Run at Magic Mountain Resort in the South Hills on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012.

Lillian England, 13, sleds down an embankment Thursday afternoon, Dec. 25, 2014, on the College of Southern Idaho campus in Twin Falls.

Keli Park and Evan Park ride snow bikes at Magic Mountain Ski Resort south of Hansen in 2009.

Robert England sleds down an embankment with his son Nathan, 5, Thursday afternoon, Dec. 25, 2014, on the CSI campus in Twin Falls.

DREW NASH TIMES-NEWS Tate Stanger, 5, rides an inner tube down a hill Saturday Dec. 22, 2012 at Magic Mountain Resort near Hansen.

A moose runs down the road as it tries to find a way to get over the snowbanks Saturday near Fairfield.

Special Olympics athletes Dustin Houston, left, and Kolton Dalton spring on snowshoes in the 200m snowshoe event during the Winter Special Olympics Saturday, Feb. 27 at Magic Mountain Ski Resort.

DREW NASH TIMES-NEWS Derek Davis and his son Brody Davis, 4, head straight for photojournalist Drew Nash as they slide down a hill on an inner tube Saturday Dec. 22, 2012 at Magic Mountain Resort near Hansen.

Betsy Mizell finds the snowshoeing pretty easy as long as shes heading uphill. It got a little more difficult when sidestepping across a hill.

Evan Park rides a snow bike down the slopes of Magic Mountain Ski Resort Saturday morning south of Kimberly.

Sledding in Burley.

A snow groomer passes a row of snowmaking guns on the slopes of Bald Mountain on Wednesday at the Sun Valley Ski Resort. All of Sun Valleys 522 snowmaking guns have been replaced by state-of-the-art guns, which are a third more efficient than the old ones.

Members of the ski patrol ride the lift up to the top of the mountain Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, during opening day at Magic Mountain Resort in Kimberly.

Cross-country skiers on Dec. 30 use the gentle descent of the snow-filled 500 Road, where High Desert Nordic Association volunteers keep a ski trail groomed.

Jeff Anderson, with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, prepares to test snow Wednesday at the Magic Mountain SNOTEL station. The snows depth is 56 inches on the ground at the station.

Trevor Larimer, of Twin Falls, gets some air off a jump Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, during opening day at Magic Mountain Resort in Kimberly. Larimer, who's been snowboarding for 20 years, says he tries to make it out for every opening day.

Levi Valdez, 5, sleds down a hill at the College of Southern Idaho on Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, in Twin Falls.

DREW NASH TIMES-NEWS Nampa resident Brandon Mullins skies to the lodge during the last snow day at Solider Mountain Saturday, March 16, 2013 near Fairfield.

ASHLEY SMITH TIMES-NEWS Ralph West, 9, walks along Filer Avenue East on Friday with snow ball he picked up on his walk home. West picked up the snow to make sure he would have enough at his home.

Tracks left by Thursdays skiers at Soldier Mountain near Fairfield crisscross down the slopes. Skiers who showed up for opening day said they wouldve liked to see more snow on the mountain, though most said they were just happy to be on the slopes. The resort had remained closed since a March 2009 fire razed its lodge.

Clara Doetsch, 7, sleds down an embankment Thursday afternoon, Dec. 25, 2014, on the CSI campus in Twin Falls.

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Blues-busters: Beat the winter blahs with these hot takes on alternative therapies - Times-News

New York, Jan. 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global Herbal Medicines Industry" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06031785/?utm_source=GNW Offered in tablets, powder, capsules, and tea forms, these products have few or no side effects and present a safe alternative to standard options to improve health and organ function. Growth in the global market is being spurred by increasing attention on self-care, rising awareness and influx of significant investments for R&D activity. Market growth is augmented by increasing awareness regarding negative effects of using allopathic medicines as well as compelling health benefits of herbal medicines. Factors such as rising attention on natural products, increasing aging population and rising cases of chronic disorders are providing a significant impetus to the global market. The outbreak of Covid-19 has also provided an opportunity for herbal medicine manufacturers to increasingly roll out herbal products that boost immunity. Growth is supported by increasing focus on products that offer digestive support, stress relief and better immunity health. The market growth is also favored by increasing attention on personalized medicines and easy availability of herbal supplements. On the flip side, lack of a proper regulatory framework and low level of awareness about these products remain major barriers to the market growth.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Herbal Medicines estimated at US$110.2 Billion in the year 2020, is projected to reach a revised size of US$178.4 Billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 8.1% over the analysis period. Herbal Pharmaceuticals, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to grow at a 8.6% CAGR to reach US$84.1 Billion by the end of the analysis period. After a thorough analysis of the business implications of the pandemic and its induced economic crisis, growth in the Herbal Functional Foods segment is readjusted to a revised 7.9% CAGR for the next 7-year period. This segment currently accounts for a 25.4% share of the global Herbal Medicines market. Known for medicinal properties, leaves from herbal plants are extracted to produce numerous herbal supplements. Herbal pharmaceuticals, and supplements contain whole plants or individual parts of plants used to prevent or treat illness or disease. Besides offering reliable treatment medications for a range of health disorders, medicinal herbs are also ideal for use in food and beverage products as health consciousness is poised to remain as one of the important aspects of modern population.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at $22.8 Billion in 2021, While China is Forecast to Reach $32.9 Billion by 2026

The Herbal Medicines market in the U.S. is estimated at US$22.8 Billion in the year 2021. The country currently accounts for a 18.4% share in the global market. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach an estimated market size of US$32.9 Billion in the year 2026 trailing a CAGR of 10.8% through the analysis period. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 7.4% and 7.1% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 6.5% CAGR while Rest of European market (as defined in the study) will reach US$35.8 Billion by the end of the analysis period. The demand for herbal supplements has been predominantly concentrated in the West, due to relatively high levels of health consciousness, and widespread and easy access to products. An ageing population, changing health perception and the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance are driving the demand for herbal supplements and remedies. Major factors driving growth in emerging countries include expanding population base, growing tendency of living healthy among consumers, increasing consumer awareness about wellness and dietary requirements, and growing demand for natural remedies. Growth in the region is supported by cultural affinity to herbalism and strong consumer confidence in the efficacy and safety of herbal ingredients.

Herbal Beauty Products Segment to Reach $20.2 Billion by 2026

Medicinal herbs offer highly functional ingredients for manufacturing beauty products and cosmetics. Herbal ingredients provide reliable ingredients to enrich the cosmetic products and deliver much better functionality than regular chemicals-based cosmetics. The increasing uptake of these herbal products is credited to rising consumer awareness regarding negative implications of inorganic cosmetics ingredients. In the global Herbal Beauty Products segment, USA, Canada, Japan, China and Europe will drive the 4.8% CAGR estimated for this segment. These regional markets accounting for a combined market size of US$11.4 Billion in the year 2020 will reach a projected size of US$15.8 Billion by the close of the analysis period. China will remain among the fastest growing in this cluster of regional markets. Led by countries such as Australia, India, and South Korea, the market in Asia-Pacific is forecast to reach US$2.7 Billion by the year 2026, while Latin America will expand at a 5.8% CAGR through the analysis period.

Select Competitors (Total 234 Featured)

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06031785/?utm_source=GNW

I. METHODOLOGY

II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. MARKET OVERVIEW Impact of Covid-19 and a Looming Global Recession 2020: A Year of Disruption & Transformation As the Race between the Virus & Vaccines Intensifies, Where is the World Economy in 2021 EXHIBIT 1: World Economic Growth Projections (Real GDP, Annual % Change) for 2020 through 2022 Role of Herbal Medicine in the Fight against Covid-19 Pandemic Leads to Increased Consumer Focus on Health and Wellness Products, Driving the Consumption of Herbal Supplements and Foods Heal Thyself Motto amid COVID-19 Drives Uptake of Herbal Medicines Herbal Medicines on the March as Mutant Versions of COVID-19 Virus Emerge A Regional Overview of How Herbal Medicine has Gained Attention Amid the Pandemic A Prelude to Herbs Herbal Medicine Market Insights Outlook Geographic Landscape An Overview of Select Markets Japan China China Gives Green Signal to Herbal Medicines to Expand COVID-19 Treatment Options India Salient Factors Establishing Phytopharmaceuticals as Promising Niche Market in India South Korea Cuba Africa Thailand Why Few Herbal Medicines have Secured Approval as Prescription Medicines? Recent Market Activity World Brands

2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS

3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Market to Gain from Mounting Concerns Over Side Effect Profile of Synthetic Drugs Shifting Preference towards Traditional Medicines to Widen the Addressable Market Rising Uptake of Medicinal Herbs Enriched Functional Foods Herbal Supplements Gain Traction Leaves, Roots Extracts Thrive Well Key Trends and Products Shaping the Herbal Supplements Market Rising Popularity of Curcumin & Turmeric Products Consumer Focus on Self-Care Organic Products Nutritional Deficiency & Sedentary Lifestyle Open New Avenues Ashwagandha: A Star Performer Fall of CBD Products Adaptogens: Growing Role as a Stress Buster Natural Garlic Herbal Supplements Gain Interest for Keeping a Healthy Heart Ginkgo Biloba Gains Popularity for Treatment of Blood Disorders and Memory Disorders Echinacea Gets Popular for Immune Stimulating Properties St. John?s Wort for Depression and Mood Disorders Ginseng Supplements for Energy Boost Ayurvedic Supplements Go Mainstream Research Evidence Supports Positive Role of Herbal Remedies in Boosting Immunity and Stress Management Changing Demographics and Growing Emphasis on Preventive Healthcare Boost Prospects Demand for Traditional Chinese Medicine Surges amid the Pandemic New Technologies Transform Chinese Herbal Medicine Indian Ayurveda to Witness Rapid Worldwide Growth led by the Pandemic Demand for Ashwagandha Containing Supplements to Soar Growing Opportunities for Herbal Medicines in Beauty & Cosmetics Sector Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance Drives Opportunities EXHIBIT 2: Deaths from Antimicrobial Resistance to Increase by 2050 With Depression Increasingly Becoming a Common, Herbal Alternatives Gain Attention EXHIBIT 3: Anti-Depressant Market: Percentage Share Breakdown by Depressive Disorder Type Herbal Supplement Usage in Dentistry Surges amid Concerns Rising Aging Population Drives Demand EXHIBIT 4: Aging Population Steps-Up The Burden on Healthcare: Global Aging Population Statistics for the 65+ Age Group in Million by Geographic Region for the Years 2019, 2025, 2035 and 2050 EXHIBIT 5: Global Cost of Chronic Diseases (In US$ Billion) for the Years 2018 and 2030 Unique Healthcare Needs of Women Propel Demand for Various Herbal Supplements Increasing Focus on Weight Management Spurs Demand for Herbs that Aid Weight Loss Epidemic Proportions of Obesity Lead to Increased Focus on Weight Management EXHIBIT 6: Obesity Prevalence Rate (%) in Select Countries for the Years 2019 and 2030P EXHIBIT 7: Global Obesity Epidemic: Percentage of Overweight, Obese, and Severely Obese Adults for 2014 & 2025 Increasing Prevalence of Chronic & Lifestyle Diseases Enhances Consumer Demand EXHIBIT 8: Global Cancer Incidence: Number of New Cancer Cases in Million for the Years 2018, 2020, 2025, 2030, 2035 and 2040 EXHIBIT 9: Global Breakdown of Total Number of Cancer Cases by Type: 2020 EXHIBIT 10: World Diabetes and Population Statistics (2019, 2030 & 2045) EXHIBIT 11: Global Annual Medical Cost of CVD in US$ Billion: 2010, 2015, 2020, 2025 and 2030 Urbanization Trend Drives Uptake of Herbal Supplements EXHIBIT 12: World Urban Population in Thousands: 1950-2050P Regulatory Regime for Herbal Medicine The EU Regulatory System for Herbal Medicinal Products Emerging Demand for CSR and Sustainable Sourcing Key Challenges Hampering Growth Prospects for Herbal Medicines and Supplements Risk Drug Interactions between Herbs and Conventional Drugs Challenge Market Prospects Safety Assessment and Registration Requirements Restrict Herbal Medicinal Market

4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE Table 1: World Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 2: World Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 3: World 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets for Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

Table 4: World Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Pharmaceuticals by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 5: World Historic Review for Herbal Pharmaceuticals by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 6: World 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Pharmaceuticals by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

Table 7: World Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Functional Foods by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 8: World Historic Review for Herbal Functional Foods by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 9: World 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Functional Foods by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

Table 10: World Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Beauty Products by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 11: World Historic Review for Herbal Beauty Products by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 12: World 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Beauty Products by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

Table 13: World Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Dietary Supplements by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 14: World Historic Review for Herbal Dietary Supplements by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 15: World 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Dietary Supplements by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

Table 16: World Current & Future Analysis for Capsules & Tablets by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 17: World Historic Review for Capsules & Tablets by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 18: World 15-Year Perspective for Capsules & Tablets by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

Table 19: World Current & Future Analysis for Powders by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 20: World Historic Review for Powders by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 21: World 15-Year Perspective for Powders by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

Table 22: World Current & Future Analysis for Syrups by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 23: World Historic Review for Syrups by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 24: World 15-Year Perspective for Syrups by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

Table 25: World Current & Future Analysis for Extracts by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 26: World Historic Review for Extracts by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 27: World 15-Year Perspective for Extracts by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa for Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

III. MARKET ANALYSIS

UNITED STATES Table 28: USA Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 29: USA Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 30: USA 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Category - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements for the Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

Table 31: USA Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Form - Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 32: USA Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Form - Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 33: USA 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Form - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts for the Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

CANADA Table 34: Canada Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 35: Canada Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 36: Canada 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Category - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements for the Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

Table 37: Canada Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Form - Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 38: Canada Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Form - Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 39: Canada 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Form - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts for the Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

JAPAN Table 40: Japan Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 41: Japan Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 42: Japan 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Category - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements for the Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

Table 43: Japan Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Form - Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 44: Japan Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Form - Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 45: Japan 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Form - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts for the Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

CHINA Table 46: China Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 47: China Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 48: China 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Category - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements for the Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

Table 49: China Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Form - Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 50: China Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Form - Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 51: China 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Form - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts for the Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

EUROPE Table 52: Europe Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Geographic Region - France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia and Rest of Europe Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 53: Europe Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Geographic Region - France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia and Rest of Europe Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 54: Europe 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia and Rest of Europe Markets for Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

Table 55: Europe Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 56: Europe Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 57: Europe 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Category - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements for the Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

Table 58: Europe Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Form - Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 59: Europe Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Form - Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 60: Europe 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Form - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts for the Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

FRANCE Table 61: France Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 62: France Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 63: France 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Category - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements for the Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

Table 64: France Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Form - Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 65: France Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Form - Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 66: France 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Form - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts for the Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

GERMANY Table 67: Germany Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 68: Germany Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 69: Germany 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Category - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements for the Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

Table 70: Germany Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Form - Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 71: Germany Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Form - Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 72: Germany 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Form - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts for the Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

ITALY Table 73: Italy Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 74: Italy Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 75: Italy 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Category - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements for the Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

Table 76: Italy Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Form - Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 77: Italy Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Form - Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 78: Italy 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Form - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts for the Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

UNITED KINGDOM Table 79: UK Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 80: UK Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 81: UK 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Category - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements for the Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

Table 82: UK Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Form - Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 83: UK Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Form - Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

Table 84: UK 15-Year Perspective for Herbal Medicines by Form - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for Capsules & Tablets, Powders, Syrups and Extracts for the Years 2012, 2021 & 2027

SPAIN Table 85: Spain Current & Future Analysis for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through 2027 and % CAGR

Table 86: Spain Historic Review for Herbal Medicines by Category - Herbal Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Functional Foods, Herbal Beauty Products and Herbal Dietary Supplements Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Sales in US$ Million for Years 2012 through 2019 and % CAGR

The rest is here:

Global Herbal Medicines Market to Reach US$178.4 Billion by - GlobeNewswire

Even as an increasing number of Americans have come to accept the use of cannabis, one thing that hasnt budged much is how accessible it is. Sure, more states are legalizing the stuff every year, but even where weed is legal, you cant just walk into the corner store and buy it alongside some toilet paper and a bottle of winewith the exception, in many states, of CBD and delta-8 THC products.

Loopholes in the 2018 Farm Bill freed up the production of hemp-derived products at the federal level, which resulted in an explosion in the market for CDB oils and other CBD-based products. And CBDs skyrocketing popularity and sorta-legal nature led to a surplus of the stuff, and old techniques used to derive intoxicating THC alternatives like delta-8 THC from hemp in a lab setting suddenly gained new commercial applications. Thanks to its hemp-derived origins, delta-8-THC became federally legal, and enjoys the same juicy loophole status as CBD in some not-so-cannabis-friendly areas of the country. Delta-8 THC products, from gummies to vapes, are now shipped and sold all over, even where weed remains illegal.

But delta-8 THC is not the only other intoxicating form of original THCaka delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. As weed is studied more and past research is revisited, more different types of THC are being developed in labs and discovered in cultivars. You can now also order products containing THC-O and THC-V, for examplebut how are these substances different from one another, and how can you make sure they are safe to use?

While weed has been smoked or eaten for thousands of years, names for their individual compounds came along much later. According to Weedmaps, THC was genetically mapped in 1964 by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, after he identifed CBD in 1963. These are just two out of hundreds of cannabinoids, which can be either synthetic, plant-derived, or made by the body.

The cannabinoids we are aware of are able to modulate the bodys endocannabinoid system. THC is a phytocannabinoid, or a plant-developed cannabinoid; our bodies also make their own cannabinoids, like anandamide, known to kick in when youre doing a rigorous workout. Synthetic cannabinoids have also been lab-developed using scientific processes to convert chemicals into cannabinoids, or one cannabinoid into another.

There are countless endocannabinoid receptors all over the body, and its wild that even after years of study, we dont have a full picture of the human endocannabinoid system. But we do know that cannabinoids can influence appetite, body temperature, sleep patterns, and more.

The THC made popular by the original methods of cannabis consumption (smoking, eating) is produced in the living plant as THC-A, or Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid, which needs to be decarboxylated by either drying, time, or heat (smoking!) to convert into psychoactive delta-9 THC. This occurs naturally in the curing process, or is engineered by the creation of edibles, extraction, or the vaping/combustion process.

A rare, sought after cannabinoid from the THC family is THC-V, which only occurs in very specific cultivars like Durban Poison. Nate Ferguson, Chief Product Officer at Jetty Extracts, keeps an eye on the minor cannabinoid space as part of his expertise in cannabis extraction.

As Ferguson told us via email, the effects of THC-V are very different from that of delta-9 THC, [which is] the most common cannabinoid that we all know and love. The effects are energizing and uplifting. There are also some potential medical benefits that are being researched including, appetite suppressing properties, or as a stimulant replacement.

Legitimate medical research could be exploring these phytocannabinoids for their potential, but THC carries the stigma of all weed, and with it, federal illegality (despite state legalization), and all of those associated barriers to study.

Ferguson thinks that unique cannabinoids are of interest due to their potential for meeting health needs. Most consumers searching out these rare cannabinoids are looking for medicinal benefits or a pointed effect, he notes. And, sure, some people just want to get high. Whats wrong with that?

As noted above, delta-8 THC is another child of the Farm Bill, yet its not exactly new on the scene. According to Chemical and Engineering News, a trade publication for chemists and entrepreneurs, using simple chemistry reported in the 1960s, the industry...started experimenting with ways to convert CBD into delta-8-THC. The resulting products target consumers who are looking to relieve stress and anxiety, especially those who dont want to use traditional cannabis products or those who live in places where cannabis products are not legally available.

Essentially, patchwork legality and market forces have created an alt-weed space where, as long as the extracts or synthesized cannabinoids come from CBD first extracted from low-THC hemp (as opposed to high-THC cannabis), they exist in the same grey area as CBD does. Cannabis plants do produce delta-8-THC, but in small numbers that would waste too much biomass to obtain; by synthesizing delta-8 THC from CBD, brands are actually widening THC access, not to mention mainstream cannabis acceptability.

How does delta-8 compare to cannabis? Its hard to saymany users report it has more mild effects (one purveyor claims in its marketing that its products carry fewer of the negative effects of THC, like laziness and paranoia. But its effects can reportedly be wildly inconsistent. And delta-8 isnt the only alternative around.

THC-O, aka THC-o-acetate, like delta-8 THC, also occurs naturally in trace amounts, but is more commonly synthesized from cannabinoids derived from low-THC hemp. According to the industry advocacy site delta8.com, it is rumored that THC-O is roughly 3 times more potent than regular THC, which is the kind of dubious phrasing that tells you exactly how much rigorous study has gone on.

We asked Phiton Nguyen, president of Qwin, a company that makes a variety of hemp-compliant cannabis products, including delta-8 and THC-O taffy, syrups, and other alt-weed products, to explain precisely what THC-O is, what it does, and why customers are interested in it.

What we see on the mass market are isolated forms of these cannabinoids. THC-O is also one of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis, short for THC-O-acetate, which has a milder and very different effect than delta-9, he says. From our experience, it produces a psychedelic experience giving users mild visuals and enhanced vision.

Of course, your own experience may vary, as with the use of any drug, legal or notwhich might explain why Nguyens touts milder effects while delta8.com promises three times the potency. For their part, Qwin products are created in a facility in Long Beach, California, a regular cannabis hub, though their SKUs dont end up at the same dispensaries as their neighbors. Nguyen says the family-owned business was created after cancer caused them to consider cannabis as an alternative treatment method.

Were huge advocates for plant-based medicine, Nguyen says. We want to give people access to cannabis who need it but [who] dont have a local dispensary or dont want to buy it on the black market where they cant verify the quality of the product.

Other forms of hemp-derived THC are also emerging, including delta-10 (reported to be less potent than delta-8) and THC-P (discovered in late 2019, and said to be 33 times more effective at binding with cannabinoid receptors, delivering an intense and intoxicating experience). But as in the CBD industry, the line between fact and marketing claims can be pretty blurry, and it can be hard to determine how the products are being produced and whats actually in them. Still, while traditional cannabis advocates tend to be against these alt forms of THC or hemp derived solutions, preferring to pursue national legalization, but the demand for them is there for a reason.

People want access to cannabis so badly that they are succumbing to subpar products made with potentially hazardous byproducts, according to the FDA. All of these cannabinoids, both synthetic and naturally occurring, have been studied by the military industrial complex for almost a century, but wider research needs to take place to not only deem safe quantities and processes, but to eradicate a taboo that creates chaosand the potential for unsavory characters to put K2 synthetic marijuana in a gummy and call it wellness.

While many of these alt-weed products are available across the country or can be ordered online, all commercial cannabis products, whether sold online, in dispensaries, or as general merchandise, should always be made in safe settings, and quality ensured via testingpractices that are only common among reputable brands.

When exploring these products, always look into who made themand via what methods and what what safeguardsbefore ingesting them in the hopes of achieving a particular outcome, even if it is just getting high. Its never a bad idea to research the latest cannabis and hemp rules in your state, too: while delta-8-THC is regularly added to dispensary offerings in states like California, New York is cracking down on the stuff, and recently passed a law that made its sale illegal, despite the states legalization of recreational cannabis. Cannabis prohibition is still very real in some places and you dont want to face legal troubles over a THC-infused confection if you can avoid it.

Read the original here:

Do 'Legal' Weed Alternatives Really Work? - Lifehacker

In Austin, Texas, Marika Alvarado is attempting to keep the teachings of Indigenous healers alive through the generations. Her work, which was passed down from her mother and grandmother, she realized, would end with her. Alvarado, a Lipan Mescalero Apache medicine woman and healer, began the Of the Earth Institute of Indigenous Cultures and Teachings and offers a certificate-granting course to instruct others in the craft.

The course, which Alvarado has taught to 25 students so far this year, is focused on holistic healing and Apache traditions. For 6 months, she instructs her students on plant-based medicine, nutrition, and other natural remedies.

"As a child, I was taught the traditional way, as my family tended those who came to them in need," she notes on her website. "I am here to help in the healing of others and to pass on these teachings I have been given."

For Alvarado, becoming a healer was predecided. At birth, her grandmother foretold that she would one day be a healer. When Alvarado was 5 years old, she began seeing the spirits of her ancestors. Soon after, she began shadowing her mother and grandmother, learning their methods and the lessons that had been handed down to them through generations.

When her grandmother and mother died, it all changed.

"Suddenly, I was standing alone," she said to the Houston Chronicle. "I have my own medicine that will die with me because there are no Apaches to pass it on. I would hate to know that it gets lost."

Marika Alvarado, a Lipan Mescalero Apache medicine woman and healer, began the Of the Earth Institute of Indigenous Cultures and Teachings and offers a certificate-granting course to instruct others in the craft.

Alvarado's solution was to begin passing it down to others, the same way that her grandmother and mother did for her.

"I believe that I should teach all people who have the dedication and spiritual will to use these teachings as Mother Earth and the generations before me intended," she said on her website.

During the time between her training and her decision to begin equipping the next generations of healers, Alvarado offered alternative healing at Lone Star Circle of Care Clinic in Austin. There, her work focuses on treating people with care. It's not purely medical according to the Chronicle, Alvarado's sessions often start with her offering a cup of tea to people and just talking.

Her traditional approach, she told the Chronicle, isn't meant to be the replacement for Western medicine. It's supposed to be an alternative and that the two methods should work in tandem with one another.

Alvarado's work in healing and teaching exists to pass down what she's learned, as well as the legacy of Indigenous healers before her. Her course, as listed on her website, is meant for people who have felt the calling to heal.

"We need to be the shift," Alvarado told the Chronicle. "We need to educate and let everyone know what we do, how we do it, and how we do it with plants."

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Handing It Down: The Craft of Indigenous Healing - Medscape