The Fatherless Family and how the plant can help us to be better parents

 

In my opinion the most significant health crisis the world is facing right now is that of “Fatherlessness”.

As a major public health disaster I now believe that every social ill faced by our children in this world is also directly related to fatherlessness.

Statistics reveal that children from fatherless homes are more likely to be poor, more likely to get involved with drugs and alcohol, more likely to drop out of school, more likely to do crime and most importantly these children are also more likely to suffer with health and emotional problems throughout their lives. They are also more likely to become parents while still teenagers thus exasperating the fatherless societal syndrome we are seeing play out today.

Some of the main root reasons for the rise in the fatherless family in our world today are illiteracy, illegitimacy, homelessness, prison, military service, certain fertility procedures and suicide.

Let’s take a look at some of the real consequences of fatherlessness in our world today.

1.   Scarcity is the back door to trauma, addictions and poor health 

If you take a look at the statistics revealed in the US Census Bureau under ‘Children’s Living Arrangements and Characteristics’ you will learn that in America children living in female-headed families with no father, had a poverty rate of almost 50%.

This shows that children living in fatherless homes are 4 times more likely to be poor.

In South Africa an alarming 60% of our children do not live with their biological fathers.

2.   The Fatherless Family is the Gateway to Alcohol and Drug Abuse

 

In my opinion the number one reason why studies show that children from fatherless homes often engage in self-harming behavior and present with high levels of addiction and anti-social behavior is the sense of abandonment and lack of confidence that children experience. This type of trauma can follow a person for a lifetime.

When you walk the streets of Cape Town many young people will tell you how they found affection and encouragement from gangsters. They will tell you straight up that they turned to drugs and alcohol to numb the daily pain. 

In many communities worldwide this is an ongoing pattern that fuels intergenerational trauma and ultimately some form of dependency and even co-dependency.

On average the studies reveal that fatherless children are 70% more likely to take drugs and 76% more likely to do crime. These are the dramatic consequences of fatherless families and their impact on public health.

 

3.   Children living within fatherless families are also living with poor mental and physical health

 

A 2006 study (Hofferth, S.L) looked at 1977 children from age 3 upwards living with a resident father, and showed that these children had far fewer externalizing and internalizing behavioral problems than children living in fatherless families. This study also showed that fatherless children are twice as likely to commit suicide.

The effect of historical changes that led to the destruction of the nuclear family unit also led to a total disregard for the nature of the father-child relationship and the impact of this relationship on human development.

How we show up in life is largely dependent on our overall state of health.

4.   Research reveals that 71% of high school dropouts are fatherless

Children from fatherless families have a greater struggle academically and this results in illiteracy, poor thinking skills and poor decision making skills. According to this research fatherless children are less likely to achieve academic qualifications in adulthood.

5.   Fatherless children are more likely to engage in delinquency and the result is crime

Studies have been carried out to explore the relationship between family structure and the risk of violence in neighborhoods. The results showed that if the number of fathers is low, then there is an increase in teen violence in those neighborhoods.

These studies also show that teenagers who live in areas with higher levels of family integration commit less violence and crime.

In the Journal of Marriage Volume 67 pages 767 to 780 it is reported that children living with both biological parents were less likely to experience sexual assault or to witness other types of major violence in their families compared to children living in single-parent or stepfamilies.

6.   Teenage pregnancy and the impact of illegitimacy

In many poor countries today people are controlled by the social grant and especially the child grant. This has also resulted in many poor families encouraging pregnancy as a means of securing an income for the family.

A lot of impoverished people can only see social grants as a short term solution to their daily hunger that prevents most people from calculating the true costs of raising a child.

In many places today this is the only income they have and the pressure to fall pregnant weighs heavily on young people.

Today in America 1 in 3 children are living without their fathers and the statistics show that teenagers from fatherless families are far more likely to be sexually active compared to teens living with their fathers. (Hendricks CS et al, 2005)

In many communities today the reality is that the dysfunctional family unit has ultimately led to the destruction of the nuclear family

 It is no secret that father involvement makes a huge difference in the emotional lives of children.

In a study of 17 000 children born in the UK in 1958 and who were followed up with at ages 7, 11, 16,23 and 33 revealed that children with involved fathers have less emotional and behavioral difficulties in adolescence and that teenagers who felt close to their fathers go on to have more satisfactory adult marital relationships.

This study also revealed that girls who have a strong relationship with their fathers showed a lack of psychological distress in adult life.

It is ironic that so many families are fatherless due to so-called Cannabis crimes…..and yet I have seen how this plant can heal these families and the millions of fathers who are imprisoned within the system of sadness.

How can Cannabis help to overcome the emotional impact of a father’s absence?

Cannabis can help us to allow ourselves to grieve the pain of growing up without a father. The plant can also help to build our self-esteem by helping us to let go of any guilt that often exists, and most importantly the plant can offer forgiveness. All of these things contribute to having healthier relationships.

I would really like to see a society where we have more “stay-at-home dads” and more fathers who are prepared to mentor fatherless children.

A society that nurtures the idea that single fathers could also be full-time caregivers to their children.

An increasing number of mothers are using Cannabis to help them parent and I encourage fathers to do the exact same!

Women have been using Cannabis to be better mothers since forever because the plant makes them feel better and happier in their bodies and minds.

Calmness and patience are two benefits that are most commonly reported and many mothers report that using Cannabis helps them to get into the headspace where they can patiently help with their children’s homework and activities.

Cannabis calms the nervous system down and helps busy moms to slow down enough to spend quality time with their children in the evenings.

Through responsible adult consumption of the plant so many moms say that they are able to be ‘truly present’ with their children and this inspires creativity.

Managing the often difficult emotions that come with parenting like frustration is easily overcome when you invite Cannabis into your lives

In the same way as some people use alcohol to escape their reality, other people use Cannabis to be more involved in what they are doing and we see this filtering through to the parenting realm.

Even though in my country we have fought decades for the Cannabis for Private Use Bill, it is important to note that it is still a punishable crime to be caught smoking Cannabis or anything in front of a child. So even though most people’s grandmothers are now using Cannabis there is still a huge stigma attached.

One thing I really do not want to see is a society where Cannabis is used against a parent in child custody battles and divorce settlements. We already have had over 50 years of this situation and I have personally been to court many times to help prevent people losing their children because they consume the herb.

Parenting is about consciousness and Cannabis makes us very conscious. If nothing else, it cuts down on alcohol consumption and this is a major win in our society

Conscious parenting and co-parenting is when as adults we let go of our egos, needs, desires and attachments to strive for judgment-free caring of all aspects of our children’s lives with the aim of raising children who are in touch with their authentic selves.

This all adds up to a gentler, calmer and more peaceful style of parenting where parents find ways to truly ‘be’ with their children.

It is interesting that adult-use Cannabis laws have been linked with a decrease in foster care admissions

A study conducted at the University of Mississippi looked at foster care admission in American states before and after adult-use Cannabis was legalized. Bear in mind that recreational use is still not legal in the state of Mississippi.

This study conservatively confirmed that there was at least a 10% reduction in total foster care admissions since legalization. The study also found that admissions due to physical abuse and neglect also decreased after legalization.

This proves that Cannabis legalization definitely reduces many threats to child welfare

Cannabis is already famous for helping people with stress and anxiety and many parents report that the plant helps them to be better parents and co-parents. Cannabis can help parents to overcome sleepless nights as well as the general frustration associated with raising children.

Cannabis is all about human health and happiness and there is a lot of truth in the fact that happy parents raise happy children so I encourage parents to have a look at how the many benefits of the human companion plant can bring more health and happiness into your life.

 

 

 

CBD and corona virus symptoms in 2024

There is now no doubt that CBD (Cannabidiol) can assist us to overcome the "sars virus" that is responsible for the corona.

And as so-called new variants are developed each year, the plant is busy building confidence in the ever emerging power of CBD in the presence of tiny amounts of THC. 

New research reveals that CBD inhibits the expression of the Nucleocapsid (N) protein that is critical for SARS-CoV2 virus replication. And by binding as an agonist to the Cannabinoid receptors, CBD reduces inflammation and lung damage.

In a December 2022 paper authored by Dr Carolyn Shover, she highlights clinical research that proves that Cannabis use is associated with lower severity in patients hospitalized for corona. 

According to the National Institutes of Health, the potential for Cannabis to influence the course of the corona disease was already published 3 years before the outbreak. So even before the virus was released, it was known that CBD could inhibit the sars-cov2 viral infection. 

Cannabis is one of the most powerful antivirals on Earth and it is CBD that possesses the ability to destroy viruses like corona and even HIV as a known potent antiviral itself. 

But all of the plant Cannabinoids are required to be present to achieve this antiviral effect. For example It is known that CBG (Cannabigerol) is equally effective against the alpha and beta variants. So both CBD and CBG are equally effective against blocking cellular entry of the corona virus. 

Always ask for "Full Spectrum" medicine. 

Don't forget that Cannabis through the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) controls our hormone system

All viruses play havoc on the human hormone system by bringing about a number of physiological changes in the body that ultimately affect the immune response.

All of the medical benefits of Cannabis together with the potent antiviral and anti inflammatory effects proves that Cannabis Medicine is capable of reducing the severity of corona virus. 

My patients tell me that their doctors and oncologists are incredibly impressed with the results from consuming low dose CBD on a daily basis and they want to learn more about the medicinal properties of the human companion plant. 

420 Highlights!

This years 3rd Green Cup event at Wacky Woods is promising to be one of the best Canna events of the year! 

Plettenberg Bay Practice at Danki Pa Eco Estate, Rietvlei Road, Plettenberg Bay 

Patient Testimony 

For book sales please contact me on vee.bush@gmail.com 

 

The real risks of male infertility and how Cannabis sativa L can reverse the anti-androgen agenda

For more than 100 years now this world has been pushing the agenda that Cannabis causes male infertility. For the past 45 years I have without fail received weekly panic stricken messages from men requesting information on this government perceived threat. I’ve also been using Cannabis for that long to help people to conceive.

From my perspective men that consume Cannabis have been taking the blame for infertility problems while in reality based on my clinical observations and the science the greatest risk is in fact an under developed female Endocannabinoid System (ECS).

What are the risks of male infertility in modern society?

1.      1. A daily dose of Endocrine disruptors, neurotoxins and carcinogenic compounds

The earliest history of endocrine disruptors goes back to the American pig farmers in the 1920’s when they became concerned about low swine fertility.

As far as pesticides go they all contain hormone disruptors and it’s interesting to note that the Sumerians used sulphur compounds to controls pests 4500 years ago according to the tablets. Sulfates are known hormone disruptors and are now even found in bottled water,

About 3200 years ago the Chinese started using mercury and arsenic in their pest control efforts. Today we have pesticides known as’ glyphosate’ and ‘squamiquart’ that also contain toxic hormone disruptors that are also neurotoxic.  It is said that no one on Earth can escape pesticide poisoning, not even on the North Pole where it has been detected.

Heavy metals, also been around since before creation, also known to block hormone receptors and testosterone production.

2.      2. The modern lifestyle is literally destroying the future of humanity

Caffeine and sugar are known hormone disruptors but more than half the population is addicted to both!

Known disruptors of human and animal hormones include but definitely not limited to BPA’s (Bisphenol A found in all plastic products, windows, eyewear, resins, food cans, bottle tops, water supply), caffeine, peanut butter, alcohol, nicotine, cosmetics, laundry detergents, soap, intimate products, toothpaste, Vaseline/petroleum jelly, toys, carpets, sugar and especially sugar substitutes definitely cause hormonal imbalances.

Even some essential oils like tea tree and lavender contain compounds that can affect the sex hormones.

All pharmaceuticals, pesticides, plasticizers and processed foods, including their packaging contain endocrine disruptors including milk, meat, poultry, cheese, yogurt, yellow oils, grains like bread, oats, crackers, pasta, rice, soya beans and cereals,

All of these items and many more can lower testosterone by increasing the activity of an enzyme called Aromatase. This enzyme converts testosterone into estrogen in men.

Also, all of these hormone disruptors are also carcinogenic and are in my opinion the biggest cause of the radical increase in hormonal cancers we are seeing today like womb, prostrate, testicular and breast cancers.

So not only are these human-made toxins able to cause cancer and disrupt hormones they are also all neurotoxic meaning that they also destroy brain cells.

There is no shortage of scientific papers providing evidence that all of these substances and even substances still unknown to us result in reduced testosterone levels in the blood. 

What happens in the womb during pregnancy?

Even more concerning is the effect of endocrine disruptors on the unborn baby.

In Pallotti et al, scientists explored the potential dangers including the disruption of testosterone production and reproductive tract development.

Maternal exposure to endocrine disruptors is a great risk to the unborn male baby and to the future of humanity. Here is a potent quote from this paper that is quite alarming:

“Maternal exposure during fetal life offers the greatest risk to the developing organism: exposure in this phase is associated with disruption of testosterone production and reproductive tract development, as demonstrated by the in vivo and in vitro detection of multiple anti-androgenic EDCs in fetal life.”

This is the phase in which sex is determined, with differentiation of the reproductive tissues, a fundamental step for the future development and maintenance of reproductive function.

In the male fetus, these processes are dependent on the initiation and maintenance of androgen activity. This may be disrupted by EDCs at various levels, including AR antagonization and interference with the synthesis of steroid hormones Disruption of these processes may thus lead to a risk of damage to the reproductive tissues while the fetus is still in the womb, leading to malformations (hypospadias, cryptorchidism, testicular hypertrophy, reduced anogenital distance), impairment of future fertility (altered spermatogenesis, infertility) and/or even the appearance of testicular tumors.”

Dr Pallotti’s  2020 paper had 97 citations as evidence of the potential dangers of endocrine disruptors to testosterone production, and I am just going to share a few here today for those who wish to do their own research and I really do encourage this. [1-6]

So as you can see the very last thing you need to worry about is Cannabis causing male infertility when you have so many other risks of exposure from governments and corporations.

The main pathway for endocrine disruptors to enter the body is through food, breast milk and water. Small children and the developing fetus are far more likely to be affected by these dangerous chemicals than adults.

The issues surrounding so-called safe low-doses remains highly controversial especially in the face of all the evidence that endocrine disruptors are very UNSAFE not only for us but also for future generations that have not even been exposed yet!

What does the science say about Cannabis and male infertility?

We know that the ECS controls the Endocrine system, the hormone system, and we also know that like most hormones, Testosterone actually increases Endocannabinoid tone. [7-8]

But this is not all! Scientists have also realized that testosterone also plays a vital role in the production of Endocannabinoids in the male body and especially 2-AG that is the human version of CBD produced within the body. [9-13]

There are literally hundreds of journal papers on this topic that prove the vital role of the ECS in sperm production and regulation.

People need to know that Endocannabinoids and therefore Cannabis are actually responsible for the production of human sperm. [14]

This means that a man with an underdeveloped Endocannabinoid System (ECS) will struggle with infertility issues.

Men need Cannabis to supplement their ECS and their sperm production with the human companion plant

Not only does human sperm express EC receptors but Anandamide, 2-AG and other Endocannabinoids are also present in human sperm. So clearly Cannabis has a role to play in human reproduction! [15]

 

The science also proves that there is no difference in testosterone levels between users and non-users of Cannabis. Here is a quote from the paper written by Dr Thistle and team for the Andrology Journal. [16]

“…indicating that recency of use, and not duration or frequency, had the strongest relationship with testosterone levels.

Serum testosterone concentrations were higher in men with more recent marijuana use.”

This paper was very interesting because it was a Danish study on American men and the study involved 1577 men. This study revealed increased testosterone levels among Cannabis using men and especially in respect of recency testing.

And here is a very recent study by Dr Janaina da Silva that was published in the World Journal of Men’s Health in 2023.

I’m a huge fan of Dr Janaina’s work because she also has a passion for exploring heavy metal toxicity and I’d love to just share her bio with you as she is doing incredibly important research in the field of Cannabis Medicine.

“Actually, I am researching the impact of cannabinoids used for recreational and therapeutical purposes on the male reproductive biology of mice and humans. Also, I am investigating the mechanisms that heavy metals can lead to repro-toxicity. My current interests also involve: cancer biology and therapy, cardiovascular diseases.”

Here is the punch line from her brilliant scientific paper:

 “Results: The testosterone production and the spatial distribution of Leydig cells did not change upon CBD and/or THC exposure versus controls after 48 hours or 9 days. The overall tissue morphology of the cannabinoids-exposed testis explants was similar to their control upon 24 hours or 9 days of exposure, a finding confirmed by morphometric analyses on short-term cultures. In line, the number of apoptotic cells was not affected by either 48 hours or 9 days of cannabinoids treatment versus mock. Cannabinoids had no impact on the number of proliferating cells nor on mRNA expression of genes encoding proteins involved in sperm cell differentiation, meiosis, or Sertoli and Leydig functions after 24 hours exposure.

Conclusions: Altogether, these findings show an absence of acute direct effects of exposure to cannabis-derived cannabinoids THC and CBD on testicular testosterone production and sperm cells ex vivo. Further studies are warranted to explore an indirect impact of cannabinoids on testis functions through the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis, as well as the potential effects of long-term exposures.” [17]

Infertility in general is becoming a worldwide health problem and it’s affecting people’s mental health and happiness. It is one of the many massive lies that has been fed to humanity, that Cannabis lowers testosterone. Please do not be afraid to invite Cannabis into your lives and especially into your bedroom.

Endocannabinoid deficiency is real and people need to know how to heal themselves from all kinds of medical conditions and especially infertility.

The proof is irrefutable that even though Cannabis has been helping people to conceive for thousands of years, It turns out that Cannabis has no direct effect on the incidence and evolution of male infertility.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you or a loved one needs any help to nudge their Endocannabinoid System in the right direction.

CITATIONS

[1] (Pallotti F et al, 2020) “Mechanisms of Testicular Disruption from Exposure to Bisphenol A and Phtalates” Journal of Clinical Medicine Volume 9 Issue 2 page 471, 8 February 2020 PMCID PMC7074154 PMID: 32046352 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7074154/

[2] (Kortenkamp A, 2020) “Which chemicals should be grouped together for mixture risk assessments of male reproductive disorders?” Journal of Molecular Cellular Endocrinology page Volume 1 Issue 499, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31525431/

[3] (Gaudriault P et al, 2017) “Endocrine disruption in human fetal testis explants by individual and combined exposures to selectd pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and environmental pollutants.” Journal Environmental Health Perspective 2017 Volume 125 Issue 1 page 11, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28796631/

[4] (Conley J.M. et al, 2018) “Mixed “Antiandrogenic” chemicals at low individual doses produce reproductive tract malformations in the male rate.” Journal Toxicology Science 2018 Volume 164 pages 166-178, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6677127/

[5] (Howdeshell K.L. et al, 2007) “Cumulative effects of dibutyl phthalate and diethylhexyl phthalate on male rat reproductive tract development: Altered fetal steroid hormones and genes.” Journal Toxicology Science 2007 Volume 99 pages 190-202, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17400582/#:~:text=In%20the%20fetal%20male%20rat,critical%20for%20gubernacular%20ligament%20development.

[6] (Howdeshell K.L. et al 2008) “Mechanisms of action of phthalate esters, individually and in combination, to induce abnormal reproductive development in male laboratory rats.” Journal Environmental Research 2008 Volume 108 pages 168-176, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18949836/#:~:text=Mixtures%20of%20phthalate%20esters%20with,during%20sexual%20differentiation%20in%20utero.

[7] (Kristie Conde et al, 2017) “Testosterone Rapidly Augments Retrograde Endocannabinoid Signaling in Proopiomelanocortin Neurons to Suppress Glutamatergic Input from Steroidogenic Factor 1 Neurons via Upregulation of Diacylglycerol Lipase-α” Journal Neuroendocrinology Volume 105 Issue 4, 6 March 2017 PMCID PMC5839320 PMID 27871072 NIHMSID NIHMS852640 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5839320/

[8] (Borgquist A et al, 2015) “The role of AMP-activated protein kinase in the androgenic potentiation of cannabinoid induced changes in energy homeostasis.” Journal Physiological Endocrinology Metabolism  Volume 308, 2015 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25550281/

[9] (Marzo DI et al, 2001) “Leptin-regulated endocannabinoids are involved in maintaining food intake.” Journal Nature Volume 410 pages 822-825, 2001, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11298451/#:~:text=Leptin%2Dregulated%20endocannabinoids%20are%20involved%20in%20maintaining%20food%20intake

[10] (Malcher-Lopes et al, 2006) “Opposing crosstalk between leptin and glucocorticoids rapidly modulates synaptic excitation via Endocannabinoid release.” Journal Neuroscience Volume 26 pages 6643-6650, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16775153/

[11] (Kola B et al, 2008) “The orexigenic effect of Ghrelin is mediated through central activation of the endogenous cannabinoid system.” Journal PloS One Volume 3 page 1797, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18335063/#:~:text=The%20orexigenic%20effect%20of%20ghrelin,of%20the%20endogenous%20cannabinoid%20system

[12] (Kirkham TC et al, 2002) “Endocannabinoid levels in rat limbic forebrain and hypothalamus in relation to fasting, feeding and satiation: stimulaton of eating by 2-arachidonyl glycerol” British Journal of Pharmacology Volume 136 pages 550-557, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1573386/#:~:text=Endocannabinoid%20levels%20were%20compared%20to,2%2DAG%20in%20the%20hypothalamus.

[13] (Yoshida T et al, 2006) “Localization of diacylglycerol lipase-α around postsynaptic spine suggests close proximity between production site of an endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonyl-glycerol, and presynaptic cannabinoid CB1 receptor”. Journal of Neuroscience and Journal of Fertility and Sterility, Volume 26 Issue 18 pages 4740-4751, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6674155/

[14] (Claudia Osycka-Salut et al, 2017) “Anandamide induces sperm release from oviductal epithelia through nitric oxide pathway in bovines” Journal PloS One Volume 7 Issue 2 12 February 2017 PMID 22363468 PMCID: MPC3281848

[15] (M Rossato et al 2005) “Human sperm express cannabinoid receptor Cb1, the activation of which inhibits motility, acrosome reaction, and mitochondrial function” Journal Clinical Endocrinology Volume 90 Issue 2 pages 984-91, February 2005 PMID 15562018 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15562018/

[16 ] (Thistle et al, 2017) “Marijuana use and serum testosterone concentrations among U.S. males” Journal Andrology Volume 5 Issue 4 pages 732-738 PMID 28395129 PMCID PMC5660879 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28395129/

[17] (da Silva J et al, 2023) “The Acute Exposure of Human Adult Testis Tissue to Cannabinoids THC and CBD Does Not Impact Testosterone Production Nor Germ Cell Lineage” World Journal of Men’s Health Volume 41 Issue 4 pages 928-939 PMID 37118951 PMCID: PMC10523127 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37118951/

 

Men's Health 2024 ~ How the plant can help people with balls!

 

For a long time now I have felt that there is not nearly enough focus on how Cannabis can help men and this year I am going to concentrate on Men’s Health Issues.

This won’t be a male/female comparison at all and even though the main differences are all in the same region of the body, upstairs in the brain department we are not that different at all.

On a spiritual level I have witnessed and actively studied the direct attack on the Divine Masculine for decades now….and whether you believe in spirituality or not, you can still see these things playing out in society today.

The majority of people in prison are men, the majority of unemployed people are men, the majority of people who are displaced or homeless are men, and the majority of people committing suicide, are also men.

It is a fact that more than 60% of men do not see a doctor unless something is very wrong!

Our men need better health to thrive today and in my practice I have been able to help so many men recover their minds, reverse chronic conditions and regain their lives back simply by targeting the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).

A word on people in gender transition…

The Cannabis plant knows all about gender transitioning within its own species. We continually find hermaphrodites in our gardens and I have often observed male plants turning female.

And don’t forget about the male plant! In the last chapter of my book I tell a story about a deformed woman who healed herself with a male Cannabis plant and went on to marry a real man.

As a young nurse at Groote Schuur hospital I would help patients to acquire ganja and at one point I had the privilege of working in the transgender surgical ward.

It is so interesting that the Endocannabinoid System controls the Endocrine system, the hormone system and for this reason and my own clinical observations I have absolutely no doubt that the plant can help people to transition not only hormonally but mentally, physically and spiritually as well.

It is known that Endocannabinoid activity starts at the moment of conception but in all honesty I believe that it starts with the production of sperm in the male body

For decades now I am used to getting frequent messages from frantic men wondering if Cannabis will make them infertile. I always tell them to just take a look at my people and you can see how many children Rastafari families have and there can surely be no more doubt.

Male infertility is on the top of my list of key issues pertaining to men’s health and Cannabis.

Other important topics I will address this year are prostrate problems, testicular problems, erectile dysfunction and loss of libido, hemophilia and other rare male conditions, military PTSD, vasectomies, male pattern baldness, snoring issues, color blindness and of course “the male menopause”.

Join me for a series of research revelations as I delve into all the amazing ways that Cannabis can assist men to become more health conscious.

If anyone has a special topic they would like me to address please send me an email to vee.bush@gmail.com

2024 - MEN'S HEALTH FOCUS

 

This year my focus of study and education is on Men's Health and how plant medicine can help men to live their best lives.

Interesting research to follow soon about the impact of the Endocannabinoid System on Men's Health.

I would love to hear any comments or questions you might have on this topic.

Education is Key! 

Cannabis and Fybromyalgia

 Fybromyalgia is one of the most misunderstood syndrome of symptoms of the hyper-pain conditions. Previously known as Fibrositis, meaning inflammation of the connective tissues but today we know that this inflammation extends to the nerve fibres as well.

As a person living with Fybro-M I have realised that this condition manifests differently in almost every patient. I always like to look for the root causes of each patient’s condition and I have now learnt that stress is a 95% catalyst of this condition.

And this is precisely where fibromyalgia becomes ‘misunderstood’. Many people cannot sympathise with people who are in severe pain unless they can see the hole that you are bleeding out of! So a lot of people including doctors do not really believe that patients can have so much pain without any physical evidence of this pain being possible. Patients suffering from fibromyalgia are too often labelled as hypochondriacs, lazy people, attention seeking and so many other negative connotations for people simply suffering with an unseen pain

There is a perfectly explainable reason why some people’s bodies simply cannot endure any stress and in these cases this stress manifests as severe and ‘unexplained’ pain

The common denominator in patients with this condition is a Hypothalamus dysfunction.

The Hypothalamus is the part of the brain with the stress response, anxiety, emotions, and memory and also controls the Pituitary gland that is the main centre of hormone production in the body.

When there is a dysfunction of the hypothalamus the patient has very low serotonin and when serotonin is low this does not only manifest as depression. Low serotonin amplifies stress and magnifies pain and this is why people suffering from fibromyalgia have super low stress thresholds and there is nothing that conventional medicine can do about it without severe side effects of their medicines. .

Some other root causes include the Epstein-Barr virus that many patients also present with. It is generally very difficult to get rid of, but you can also try Essiac tea and colloidal silver. Cannabis is also a powerful antiviral medicine.

Other pathogens include bacterial infections, parasites and also heavy metal toxicity is a big one in people suffering with hyper-pain conditions like fibromyalgia and even rheumatoid arthritis.

Dehydration is a common problem in most of the population, but the reason why it is a root cause in this condition is because dehydration drastically depletes our Tryptophan that is the building block for our serotonin and melatonin, and this bears repetition, that when serotonin is low, stress is amplified and pain is magnified.

Serotonin and Melatonin also control our sleep-wake patterns and any imbalance will contribute to insomnia. And this is the worst symptom of this condition and the most important thing for people with Fybromyalgia is that they get enough sleep. The correct amount of water to consume per day is 35ml per kg body weight.

How does Cannabis help with fibromyalgia?

1.    Pain and Inflammation

Pain is the most debilitating symptom of Fybromyalgia mostly because it affects your mobility and mood. And as someone who is resistant to pharmaceutical drugs, I have found relief in Cannabis Medicine for just over 35 years now.

Cannabis works via the opioid and vanilloid receptors that are the pathway to pain healing in the body.

In my opinion Fybromyalgia is a “hyper-inflammatory” condition and therefore I believe that this root cause is the most dangerous because it can lead to tissue death and end organ damage. So the goal in my practice is to reduce the inflammation as much as possible by increasing anti-oxidant uptake. I like to combine Cannabis with high doses of Vitamin B and D.

Cannabis is a known anti-inflammatory and really helps when those “cytokine storms” occur as a result of the severe inflammation that is part of this condition and we call them “flares”.

2.    Nervous system calming

CBD calms the entire nervous system and here you can treat spasms, spasticity, seizures, cramps and Restless Legs Syndrome

3.    Neurogenesis and Neuro-protection

Cannabis assists the body to generate new brain cells while CBD offers protection against damage to brain cells. With this healing property we can treat brain fog, chronic fatigue syndrome, memory loss and neuropathy. Cannabis also offers neuro protection specifically for the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

4.    Hormone regulation

It is amazing how often this is overlooked by doctors. Since the Endocannabinoid system regulates the endocrine system, Cannabis is extremely helpful in regulating our hormones in times of illness.

Cannabis can increase serotonin and melatonin and increase our ability to absorb Vitamin D. Cannabis can reduce the harmful effects of the stress hormones and also regulates our thyroid hormones.

And remember that when the body is low on serotonin then stress is amplified and pain is magnified.

5.    Gut- brain repair

Everyone suffering with fibromyalgia is also suffering from dysbiosis and most often these patients also have a leaky gut and while many doctors will disagree with me on this but I believe that everyone with a leaky gut also has a leaky brain. So I place huge emphasis on the gut-brain connection.

We must remember that 80% of our serotonin is found in our gut and that 80% of our nervous and immune system is also found in our gut. Cannabis is able to heal the delicate gut lining (one cell thick) and stimulate the correct bacterial growth required for optimal health.

I would also go so far as to say that everyone with fybromyalgia also has unbalanced vagus nerves and you look at my previous paper on how Cannabis helps to offer vagal nerve stimulation.

https://xhosastyles.blogspot.com/2023/02/how-does-cannabis-stimulate-vagus-nerves.html

6.    Hemp Seed Oil

It is a scientific fact that stress not only blocks the Endocannabinoid receptors but also vampirically feasts on our Vitamin B supplies. Many people are walking around with pins and needles in their hands and feet, suffering from terrible neuropathic pain in their feet, this is a sure sign of Vitamin B deficiency and you need to take action.

Vitamin B is responsible for the production of our red blood cells and this is why people who have fibromyalgia also suffer with chronic fatigue syndrome, brain fog and loss of memory. This is because there is a lack of oxygen in circulation due to the lack of the vital vitamin B.

It is known that hemp seed oil is the perfect form of nutrition for human beings as it is packed with all the vitamin B’s and other essential nutrients that we require and that are pretty hard to get from the modern diet that has no nutrient-density.

Hemp seed is also the perfect formulation of Omega fats 3, 6, and 9. Many people falsely believe that because our body produces omega 9 that it is not necessary to supplement. Well, I am here to tell you that this is not true because the body does not produce enough omega 9 to protect us from illness and environmental toxins. Omega 3, 6, and 9 protects us against oxidative stress that leads to cancer by increasing the reactive oxygen species that in turn increases anti-oxidant activity to destroy free-radicals.

In combination, omega 3, 6 and 9 also offer brain protection in particular for the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. This is an excellent alternative for brain health for people who are allergic to fish oil.

I highly recommend that everyone who is suffering with any chronic illness add hemp seed oil to their daily regimen. I also recommend the teachings of Dr Rodger Murphree author of The Murphree Method as I consider him a specialist in the condition of Fibromyalgia.

Every illness is also accompanied by severe depression

In my opinion clinical depression is when the patient no longer feels hopeful about their future, and most people feel like this at least once a day, so you can imagine that a person who can find no relief for chronic round-the-clock excruciating pain might easily become as depressed as the patient facing cancer.

We must remember that serotonin is not only about our mood and feeling happy. This hormone is also responsible for our memory, hunger signals, body temperature, sexual behaviour, sleep as well as our pain response.

It is interesting to note that the name given to our main Endocannabinoid produced by everyone’s brain is Anandamide that is a Sanskrit word meaning “Internal Bliss” in other words “happiness”.

When a patient becomes ill and depressed their Anandamide is also severely depleted and this again not only affects the mood but also all of our vital bodily functions including sleep patterns.

There is only one plant that can give us any form of Anandamide supplement and that is the Cannabis plant because Anandamide is the human version of THC.

Anandamide controls our hormone production and release by balancing our serotonin, melatonin, sex hormones as well as the stress hormones, adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine. Anandamide also assists the body to take up more Vitamin D which is essential for so many functions but in particular for inflammation.

Anandamide is the most abundant neurotransmitter in the human body and when we are ill it is essential to supplement with Cannabis medicine

Cannabis calms the entire nervous system and interacts with our GABA receptors, the limbic and para-limbic systems as well as the vital HPA axis.

One of the main functions of the Endocannabinoid System is Neurogenesis and Neuro-Protection, but it also offers “Neuro-Diversity” that means that the Endocannabinoid System and the plant, takes into account that every human being has a completely unique constitution and that each system is beyond comparison  just like the fingerprints and iris of the eyes.

I would really encourage people suffering from Fybromyalgia to consider giving Cannabis a chance to offer all of her potential benefits to ease your pain and suffering.