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Is CBD Legal in Georgia?

Georgia is a beautiful, geographically and culturally diverse nation located in the Caucasian mountains and has access to the black sea. Its location at the edges of Europe and Asia makes it a unique country. Technically it is in Asia. However, culturally most people of the nation associate themselves with Europe.

Like the countries that border large continents, it has a unique culture that mixes different values. Yet, it is a modern, forward-looking, and economically thriving nation.

It has been a part of the Soviet Union and thus a communist country for a long. However, unlike some other ex-soviet republics, it has made excellent progress towards democratization and liberalization. Therefore, no surprise that the legal structure in the country is quite European. After all, the country aspires to join the EU union one day.

It has definitely made much progress in liberalizing the economy and reducing the red tape. It means a clear legal structure, fewer loopholes, no unnecessary regulations, ease of doing business, etc.

Therefore, no surprise that it is among the first ex-soviet nations that began talking about the health benefits of CBD.

It is also among the first ex-soviet nations to simply the process of starting health supplements and even the pharmaceutical business.

Georgia and CBD

Georgia is a pretty friendly and hospitable nation that is counting big on its tourist industry. Thus, it has to improve regulations regarding CBD and cannabis in general.

Traditionally, Georgians also had a different attitude towards mind-altering substances compared to other countries in the region. It is a country that prides itself as a nation that created the wine. It has an ancient winemaking culture – older than many of the well-known global wine producers.

These attitudes perhaps helped the nation to understand the CBD better. As a result, it became the first ex-soviet nation to legalize CBD. But not only that, it is the first ex-soviet nation to legalize the recreational use of marijuana.

So, yes, CBD is entirely legal in Georgia. Not only that, even possession and use of recreational marijuana are legal in the nation. When it comes to the use of recreational marijuana, the law only says that it should be used at home and not in public places like cafes, streets, and so on.

Cannabis was legalized in Georgia by the ruling of the Constitutional Court of Georgia on 30 July 2018. It made it the first ex-communist country in the world to legalize cannabis. Not only that, it is among the hand full of nations in the old world legalizing both CBD and recreational cannabis.

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A Brief History of Georgia Cannabis Laws

Like all ex-communist nations, things have not been as rosy in the nation. However, unlike other ex-communist countries, Georgia has been quite good at carrying out constitutional reforms and liberalizing the economy. As a result, it is among the most liberal nation in the ex-soviet territory. Thus, it was not surprising that it became the first nation to legalize CBD.

It is impressive to see how Georgia could legalize CBD in quite a short time. It may be explained on the basis that it also became the first ex-soviet nation to deregulate the health supplement industry.

For example, in most of the ex-soviet republics, one still has to go through a tedious process of registration of health supplements in the ministry of health. However, in Georgia, things differ, and one only has to prove the product’s safety.

When it comes to CBD and its legalization, it all started in 2015 when many segments of the society and political elite started demanding the legalization or decriminalization of the CBD and even marijuana possession. One of the political parties, the Girchi Party, played a significant role in CBD legalization.

After multiple efforts, the Constitution Court of the nation finally legalized both CBD and recreational marijuana in 2018.

Georgia and CBD law

How to Start a CBD Business in Georgia

Georgia is quite liberal, and starting a CBD business in the nation might not pose many challenges. But nevertheless, it would depend much on the origins of the product.

It is vital to understand that Georgia is not an EU member. But on the other hand, it accepts many EU norms and regulations. It means that in Georgia, CBD is not a novel food, and Georgian authorities would see it as just any other health supplement.

As per Georgian law, if any food product or health supplement is legally produced in the EU, such a product is also good for sales in the nation. Thus, one would need minimum documents. One would need to prove that the product is of EU origin. Additionally, one may need to provide a certificate of analysis to prove the product’s safety.

In most cases, if a product is produced in the EU zone, these documents would be readily available. It means that there are almost no hurdles to starting a CBD business.

However, when it comes to manufacturers located outside the EU, like in other Asian nations, things may differ. For them, also, things are pretty simple. However, they would be better off getting a local certificate of analysis before importing the product. This will prove that CBD product is safe for human use, and it does not contain THC above the universally accepted norm of legal CBD products, which is not more than 0.3%.

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Can I Take CBD Oil to Georgia

Legally the answer is yes, and you can take CBD oil to Georgia if you can prove that it is for personal use. It generally means a single small bottle of CBD oil. However, in practice, things might differ. There are always fears that a person may bring high THC products in the name of CBD oil. It means that there might be some trouble with customs in some cases.

To conclude, Georgia is the first ex-soviet nation to legalize the CBD and even recreational use of marijuana. It means that starting a CBD business in Georgia is relatively simple. Likewise, if the product is produced in an EU nation, it is relatively easy to import and sell. However, if CBD is made outside the EU, some additional documents might be needed to prove the quality and safety of the product.

2023 update:

In Georgia, the legal status of CBD has remained stable, allowing the CBD market to flourish with a variety of popular products.1 However, the authorities approach CBD as a novel food with caution, subjecting CBD-infused products to rigorous evaluations for safety and proper labeling compliance. Emphasizing consumer protection, Georgia is committed to responsible practices as CBD’s potential benefits are explored by consumers and businesses.2 This approach ensures the industry’s growth while ensuring the well-being of the public in this rapidly evolving market.

Contact us if you want to start a CBD business in Georgia, our team of experts can suggest the best way of getting started.

Minor Cannabinoids: Everything You Should Know

Humans have used cannabis for thousands of years for recreation to industrial use. Besides, they also knew that its extract could help in a range of health conditions.

However, the use of marijuana was suddenly outlawed in most parts of the world by mid-20-century. Regretfully, most countries even banned the cultivation of low THC cultivars. Fortunately, researchers started realizing that not all cannabis products harm health. And some are even quite beneficial.

Despite the ban on recreational use of marijuana in the early to mid of the last century, its medicinal use was allowed. As a result, researchers continued to explore its chemical properties. As a result, they understood that this plant has many unique phytocompounds and more than 100 cannabinoids.

However, despite discovering so many cannabinoids, it would be correct to say that science has been slow to explore the health benefits of various cannabinoids. The popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) has not helped in this direction. In fact, the popularity of CBD had even prevented the study of other cannabinoids.

CBD is undoubtedly among the most abundant cannabinoid, and many of its health benefits are known to science. But now, scientists realize that some unique health effects of cannabis plants are due to the entourage effect that occurs in the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes in the plant.

minor cannabinoids and health benefits

What Are Minor Cannabinoids?

CBD, THC, and even CBG are in abundance in many cultivars of the cannabis plant, and thus they are called major cannabinoids.

However, there are almost close to 100 known cannabinoids that are very poorly known to science. Nonetheless, things are not that bad, as science now knows the health benefits of tens of these less common cannabinoids.

These cannabinoids are present only in small amounts in the cannabis plant, and thus science calls them minor cannabinoids. However, in the specific cultivars of the cannabis plant, these compounds are more abundant.

There are many ways of getting these minor cannabinoids, like growing cultivars of the cannabis plant in which they are more abundant or using the knowledge of chemistry to change major cannabinoids to minor ones.

There are even some successful attempts at synthesizing these minor compounds. Thus, they are quite likely to become popular in the future, finding broader use as health supplements.

What Are the Types of Cannabinoids?

There are many types of cannabinoids like neutral cannabinoids, cannabinoid acids, varinic cannabinoids, and many other minor cannabinoids.

Though they might belong to different groups; however, the difference is generally minor. Quite often, shared traits are more than differences. It is because they all have a similar beginning. However, even these minor differences in a chemical structure may sometimes result in a considerable change in health benefits.

minor cannabinoid

What Are the Effects of Minor Cannabinoids?

Although there are hundreds of cannabinoids, there we look at some of the more popular ones. About ten of the minor cannabinoids are more or less well studied by science. Rest are still waiting for science to discover their health effects.

Cannabinol

Cannabinol, or CBN, is one of the earliest known cannabinoids that science discovered way back in 1896. It is a result of the degradation of THC under the influence of UV rays. It means that it is more commonly present in plants abundant in THC.

This minor cannabinoid is quite a potent analgesic and also has anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it is suitable for controlling muscle aches. Science has found it suitable for those living with fibromyalgia in recent years.

Additionally, it is suitable for modulating immunity, reducing the risk of various allergies. Finally, studies show that it is also ideal for controlling glaucoma.

When it comes to metabolic effects, it seems to stimulate appetite.

It is suitable for reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep quality.

Cannabichromene

Cannabichromene or CBC is in abundance in some cannabis cultivars. It appears to have a greater affinity for CB2 receptors than CB1, which means that it affects peripheral organs more than the brain.

Some researchers have studied it for its anti-inflammatory action. In animal studies, it seems to be as good as some of the commonly used medications but without their side effects.

Science has also explored its ability to reduce neurodegeneration, which may be associated with its anti-inflammatory action. Additionally, it seems to stimulate neural stem progenitor cells and thus have a beneficial effect. It may also help in neurodegeneration by modulating the brain’s immune cells and astrocytes. It is quite likely to be good for preventing and managing Alzheimer’s.

Cannabigerol

Cannabigerol or CBG is a precursor of THC and CBD, meaning that these well-known major cannabinoids are formed in the plant through the conversion of CBG. However, as the plant matures, CBG levels decrease. It also means that it has the properties of influencing both the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

It appears to be especially good for reducing inflammation. Researchers have paid particular attention to its role in managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially Crohn’s disease. It may help prevent its exacerbation and help maintain its prolonged remission. It appears to help in multiple ways, from reducing inflammation and boosting NO production to helping fight oxidative stress.

Since it is so good for reducing inflammation, it is also beneficial for brain health and may have a role in neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, it also demonstrated anti-cancer activity in many experimental studies. It may suppress the growth of cancer cells and reduce the risk of metastasis.

Cannabidioloic Acid

Cannabidioloic Acid, or CBDA, has a low affinity for CB1 or CB2 receptors, but it may act on other pathways, including the serotoninergic pathway. Due to its impact on various inflammatory enzymes, it is especially good for reducing pain and inflammation. CBDA is especially good for preventing hyperalgesia or increased pain sensation found in conditions like fibromyalgia.

CBDA also has a potent nausea-reducing effect, which is much stronger than CBD. In addition, it appears to suppress acute nausea quite well and thus can be part of anti-cancer treatment.

Further, some experts suggest that it may be more effective than CBD in controlling seizures. Thus, it is better for those living with conditions like resistant epilepsy.

Cannabigerolic Acid

CBGA is the father of all major cannabinoids that is THC and CBD. It is especially good for those living with metabolic disorders and it may help prevent cardiovascular issues. Studies show it to be good for reducing insulin resistance. In addition, some studies suggest that it is good for relieving nausea and preventing vomiting.

Researchers are also exploring its role in cancer prevention. For example, it may help prevent certain types of cancers like colon cancer and even leukemia.

Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid

Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid, or THCA, is the father of THC. However, it is non-psychotic and thus safe to use for health benefits. In recent years, science has explored its anti-inflammatory action. It appears to be quite good for reducing inflammation caused by various disorders. It is not only good for local inflammation but also systemic inflammation. Thus, for example, one study shows that it may have a role in managing inflammatory conditions like COPD.

Science is also exploring many other amazing effects of this minor cannabinoid-like anti-inflammatory activity and its role in preventing dementia. It may also help prevent seizures and help reduce rigidity in Parkinson’s.

Cannabidivarin

Cannabidivarin or CBDV is suitable for managing seizures due to its impact on various brain centers. As a result, in recent years, it has gained significant attention for treating epilepsy, and many pharmaceutical companies are testing it to manage the condition. At least, early results are highly encouraging, and CBDV-based medications to treat epilepsy may likely get an FDA nod soon.

It is also suitable for other brain disorders like autism spectrum disorders. In addition, it may have a role in managing multiple sclerosis and even in rare conditions like Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Tetrahydrocannabivarin

THCV is good for reducing inflammation, though at present most of the evidence comes from studies in mice. It also showed some promise in managing epilepsy. Additionally, it can help lower blood glucose levels. Some studies have also explored its role in various skin disorders.

One interesting fact to note about THCV is that studies seem to suggest that it is a negative modulator of the endocannabinoid system, which is just the opposite of what major cannabinoids like THC or CBD do. So, it means that it may have a role in managing substance abuse and reducing the side effects of marijuana.

This is undoubtedly not a complete list of all the minor cannabinoids. This discussion only demonstrates how various cannabinoids differ from each other. Exploring the role of each cannabinoid may help create unique health supplements and even medications. In many cases, these remarkable compounds may even help treat some rare disorders like muscular dystrophies or multiple sclerosis.

There are many other minor cannabinoids that science is studying, like Cannabitriol, Cannabicitran, delta-8 THC, and more. What is interesting is how diverse these cannabinoids are in their health effects. Some may boost the function of CBD or THC, others modulate their health effects, while some may even act as antagonists of these well-known major cannabinoids.

To conclude, science has paid much attention to CBD and even THC in the last few decades. However, studies indicate that many minor cannabinoids also possess amazing health effects. Thus, it is now time for science to start exploring these minor cannabinoids and studying how various cannabinoids interact with each other. As we explore these minor constituents of cannabis, we are pretty likely to find some compounds with unique health effects.

If you are interested in learning how minor cannabinoids can help you create unique products, contact us, we would be happy to help you out.

What is Cannabicitran (CBT)?

Researchers have long observed the phenomenon that fresh herbs or whole herbal extract work better than some of the isolated compounds from those herbs. It is because, in herbs, hundreds or perhaps thousands of organic compounds work in synergy with each other.

Since there are so many active compounds in every herb, identifying all of them is almost impossible. Even identifying most of the vital compounds and understanding their mode of the action takes decades, if not centuries.

All this means that we have just discovered the tip of the iceberg. There is still a lot to be understood about the cannabis plant. Each year, the number of active compounds identified in the cannabis plant increases. Researchers have identified more than 500 organic compounds and 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.

What has puzzled researchers is that these hundreds of compounds may sometime enhance the action of each other. Other times they may act just in an opposite way. Therefore, to create a perfect symphony, these compounds must be combined in a specific way, a secret known to nature. But unfortunately, recreating this symphony is still out of the realm of modern science.

cannabicitran uses and benefits

Understanding the “entourage effect.”

In pharmacology, if two drugs boost the action of each other and one plus one becomes more than two, it is called synergy. However, the entourage effect is even more complex and powerful.

When you use certain compounds in an isolated form, they may not work at all. However, when you combine them with one or more than one compound, a new kind of potent health effect emerges. CBD experts call it “the entourage effect.” It is not just about boosting the effect of each other, but many times creating an absolutely new kind of effect.

Thus, cannabidiol (CBD) is good. However, if you combine it with other cannabinoids, CBD may start working much better in many health conditions. But that is not all, and it may even begin helping in health conditions in which CBD does not work when used alone. That is why understanding the entourage effect is so important.

It is vital to understand that it is not essential to combine multiple cannabinoids for the entourage effect. One may even combine CBD with other organic compounds. Thus, for example, adding terpenes to CBD products may help provide designer products, products that are especially good for managing certain health conditions.

For example, new studies show that CBD may work much better in managing mood disorders or anxiety issues when combined with terpenes.

What is Cannabicitran (CBT)?

We know that more than a hundred cannabinoids exist, but they remain relatively unexplored. This is despite the fact that science discovered many of these compounds more than half a century back.

CBD is good, but it is vital to explore the less common cannabinoids in the cannabis plant to create safer and more potent remedies for various health conditions.

Many of these cannabinoids are present in traces in the cannabinoid plant. Thus, extracting them on an industrial scale could be a challenge. But then, with an improved understanding of the cannabis plant, science may find ways to convert more common cannabinoids into less prevalent cannabinoids.

As far as Cannabicitran is concerned, it was isolated from the cannabis plant way back in 1974. Researchers have since then known its chemical structure. They even know that it is structurally quite close to some of the synthetic chemicals.

Interestingly enough, Cannabicitran is also present in many other plants and herbs. For example, one of the studies has identified it even in the flowering plant  Rhododendron anthopogonoides.

It is regretful that Cannabicitran remains a poorly studied cannabinoid despite all the interest. In fact, a search on PubMed, the medical research database of the National Library of Medicine, one of the most extensive databases of its kind dedicated to medical research, returned less than 5 results on searching for Cannabicitran.  That is really low compared to cannabidiol (CBD), with almost 5000 published research articles.

Cannabicitran shares many properties with CBD and is a non-psychotic cannabinoid. It means that quite like CBD, it does not cause a high and it is pretty safe and non-addictive. Additionally, it has a relaxing effect and may help overcome pain.

It appears to be especially good for managing glaucoma. It may help lower the intraocular pressure. This is quite interesting, as very few cannabinoids are so good for glaucoma. At present, only one study has shown its benefit in glaucoma, and there is definitely a need for more clinical studies to confirm its usefulness in the condition

CBT vs. CBD: What’s The Difference?

Cannabicitran (CBT) appears to share many traits with cannabidiol (CBD). Both the cannabinoids are non-psychotic. They have relaxing and pain-reducing effects. In addition, both are quite safe for humans and are non-addictive.

However, unlike CBD, it appears that CBT is better for reducing intraocular pressure and thus more beneficial for managing glaucoma. In addition, it is not clear if it can also help with other eyesight problems.

However, unlike CBD, CBT is much less popular and poorly studied by science. It means that it may have many other health benefits, and future studies will shed more light on them.

cannabicitran uses and benefits

Cannabicitran Benefits to The Human Body

CBT appears to be similar to CBD but with some differences. Thus, it is suitable for anxiety and stabilizing mood and may also help with pain and other health issues.

Further, studies show that it is especially good for eye health and may help prevent or even manage glaucoma. However, in some individuals, it is pretty challenging to treat and may even cause worsening of vision.

Cannabicitran Effects: What’s It Used For?

At present, science has a limited understanding of CBT. But they know that it is good to mix it with CBD. In such cases, it appears to increase the health benefits of CBD due to the entourage effect. However, it is rare to use CBT in its isolated form. Additionally, studies show that it may be particularly good to use along with CBD for those living with glaucoma.

Further, studies show that CBT is good when combined with CBD, especially in vape oils. Some studies suggest that it can help prevent the crystallization of CBD and thus improve the shelf life and effectiveness of CBD vape oil.

To conclude, Cannabicitran (CBT) is one of the cannabinoids researchers discovered way back in 1974. Nonetheless, it remains a relatively poorly known cannabinoid. Therefore, it is good to combine it with CBD for the entourage effect. Additionally, it is good for those living with glaucoma. CBT can also help prevent the crystallization of CBD in vape oils and thus prolong its shelf life.

If you want to know more about creating unique CBD products and learn more about uncommon cannabinoids, get in touch with us.