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Valley Wellness Insights
Jahan Marcu, PhD

Our Chief Science Officer and Author, Jahan Marcu, PhD

Valley Wellness Science Blog aka “Valley Wellness Insights”

“Insights" is a Valley Wellness blog dedicated to delving into the world of cannabinoids, offering readers an understanding of the ingredients found in cannabis and hemp products. With a focus on evidence-based information, it serves as an educational platform for the ‘cannabis curious’. Each article features contributions from scientific and industry experts, providing updates and analysis on trends in research, health, wellness, regulatory and policy areas. Whether you're a consumer looking to make informed decisions about cannabis products or a health professional, this blog is intended to provide valuable insights and information that are based in science.

Dr. Marcu is a Cannabis and psychedelics researcher with 20 years of experience and is passionate about analyzing, interpreting, and writing about data that impacts consumers, product safety, regulatory policy, and emerging industries. He has published basic and clinical research in a number of research journals. His work has appeared in Nature, JAMA, and Rolling Stone. He also serves as a court qualified cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid expert witness. For more information please visit www.marcuenterprises.com - which features 10+ years of his archived science blogs!

Nov 21, 2024 admin

Unraveling the Mystery of CHS: An Untamed Frontier in Cannabinoid Science

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a paradoxical condition causing severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain linked to cannabis use, affecting up to 2.75 million Americans. Often misdiagnosed, CHS requires greater awareness among healthcare providers. The article explores its history and potential causes. Advancing diagnosis and research is essential to improving patient care and outcomes.

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Oct 31, 2024 admin

Contamination Concerns in the Legal Cannabis Industry: A Lesson for New Jersey Consumers

Recent reports from reputable sources like The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, and Chemical & Engineering News highlight alarming concerns about contamination in the legal cannabis industry. The issue, particularly mold contamination, but also pesticides and heavy metals, is pervasive in states with established markets such as California, Massachusetts, and Michigan. While these reports … Continued

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Oct 2, 2024 admin

The Dance of CBD with THC - A Little More, A Little Less in Each Step is a Balancing Act of Tempo and Intensity

Valley Wellness Insights (Sept 2024) The Dance of CBD with THC – A Little More, A Little Less in Each Step is a Balancing Act of Tempo and Intensity “Good timing is invisible. Bad timing sticks out a mile.“ — Tony Corinda How do you consume your cannabis or hemp products? Do you take a … Continued

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Sep 3, 2024 admin

From Fast Food to Gourmet: Hemp Takes the Leap from Hotdogs to Haute Cuisine

“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” – Virginia Woolf Introduction The culinary world is always on the lookout for ingredients that not only enhance flavor but also add nutritional value. Hemp, particularly its seeds and seed oil, have emerged as a game-changing ingredient in gourmet food, offering … Continued

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Jul 29, 2024 admin

CBG vs. CBD: The Ultimate Stress Relief Showdown – And the Winner Is...

“In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends.” – Okakura Kakuzo Perhaps you have heard that cannabis and its ingredients can influence mood or anxiety? The research has been clear for more than a decade, that compounds like cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) affect the biological signals in our brain related to anxiety. Occasionally, these scientific … Continued

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Jul 9, 2024 admin

Exploring the Aromatic Diversity of Cannabis Strains: Beyond Terpenes

The world of cannabis is as diverse as it is fascinating, with each flower or extract offering a unique sensory experience. For years, a few terpenes were hailed as the primary contributors to the distinctive aromas of different cannabis chemovars or varieties. However, a groundbreaking study published in ACS Omega reveals that minor, non-terpenoid compounds play a significant role in shaping the exotic scent associated with your favorite strains or varieties of cannabis. This new understanding promises to help change the way we perceive and classify cannabis varieties.

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May 31, 2024 admin

To Green or Not to Green: Navigating Chlorophyll in RSO and Cannabis Extracts

Amidst the vast expanse of cannabis and hemp products, of which there are millions to choose from, Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) extracts emerge as a beacon of contention and hope. Illuminating our desire for something that more resembles the natural world. It is interesting that this simple extract stirred years of significant public and scientific discourse, ultimately leading to the inventor fleeing to Croatia to avoid legal issues surrounding cultivation operations. The absolute truth about RSO is far simpler, and easier to understand than any of the media hype and virulent stories roaming the internet.

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May 1, 2024 admin

Decoding Cannabis and Skin Care – One Product at a Time

The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the biochemical processes of the skin and the effects of various ingredients in skincare products. It examines the active components in Avexia's pain relief lotions, such as shea butter, cocoa butter, sunflower seed oil, and ginger, highlighting their unique benefits and roles in skin health. It provides insights on the properties of cannabinoids like THC and CBD in dermatology, and offers practical tips for selecting appropriate skincare products based on their specific functions.

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Apr 2, 2024 admin

Journal Club – Hemp Research

Discussing recent studies on the public health impact of hemp-derived cannabinoids, emphasizing the need for critical assessment and understanding of the complexities involved. We will discuss preventive strategies and public health policies, including education campaigns, policy recommendations, and clinical guidelines, to mitigate associated risks. The objectives are to evaluate the latest evidence, understand the issue's complexities, and consider the implications for public health, policy-making, and clinical practice.

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Apr 2, 2024 admin

The Journal Club with Jahan Marcu

This event is for healthcare professionals, researchers, public health specialists, regulators, and students interested in pain management and cannabinoid research. It features expert presentations, interactive Q&A sessions, and updates on current research. The goal is to assess cannabinoid-based products for chronic pain and evaluate their implications for public health and clinical practice.

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Mar 29, 2024 admin

Resin and Rosin Cannabis Concentrates: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Mastery

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of terms used to describe various Cannabis extracts or concentrates. Essentially, concentrates and extracts are a form of hashish – a type of cannabis product that has likely been consumed for centuries if not millennia. The focus of this article will be on the difference between rosin and resin, and why these terms are often preceded by the word “live”, such as “Live Resin” or “Live Rosin.”

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Mar 1, 2024 admin

You Should Always Respect your Elder – berries!

As discussed previously, Cannabis is part of a food revolution. As we expand our appreciation of functional foods, we will turn our focus towards two plant products that are part of the Elderberry Wana bits. This product features a blend of the flower & berry from Elder trees and products from the fruit-bearing shrub known as acerola - alongside a 1:1 ratio of THC:CBD. Let’s take a look at these ingredients and see what they might be doing when combined with THC and CBD.

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Feb 16, 2024 admin

Helping our Brains Grow with the Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays important roles in our development by helping neurons or brain cells to elongate and grow into maturity. It is essential for our basic functions that our brain cells elongate to connect to each other, and to other parts of the body. A recent article published in the journal of Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research compiled an impressive amount of data regarding how our body’s biological ECS machinery is necessary for normal brain development.

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Jan 24, 2024 admin

So you ‘Wana’ Bits of Revolution

This article highlights the health benefits of combining THC with other ingredients like reishi mushroom, ginseng, and turmeric, which have been studied for their therapeutic properties. The article also discusses the science behind these combinations, their potential effects, and the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before using such products.

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