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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

[email protected]


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

  • First and last name
  • Home and billing address
  • Telephone number
  • Gender
  • IP address
  • Email address
  • Date of birth

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

  • First & last name
  • Gender

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

  • Email address

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: [email protected].

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to [email protected].

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

  • Revoke the consent you have granted;
  • Access personal data;
  • Rectify personal data;
  • Delete personal data;
  • File a complaint or a writ for the protection of your rights before the Spanish Data Protection Agency;
  • Be notified of any security incident that may affect your rights;
  • Limitation of processing;
  • Portability.
By Luke Sumpter


We wouldn’t last very long without our immune system. We’re constantly surrounded by bacteria, fungi, and viruses that would jump at the chance to access the resources within our cells. Our immune system comprises numerous organs, cell types, and proteins that provide several lines of defense against these external threats. However, they aren’t always enough to stamp out an infection before it takes hold. We all encounter colds, flu, and other infectious illnesses every now and then, but the genius of our immune system ensures that we’re better equipped to deal with them next time.

In order to reduce the likelihood of getting sick, many people look for ways to boost or modify their immune system through nutrition, exercise, lifestyle adjustments, and supplements. While science supports some of these strategies, others are treated with more scepticism. But where does cannabis fall on this spectrum? Can the herb help to bolster our cellular defenses and prevent or minimise infections? Or does it make matters worse? Below, we explore these questions and more.

How the Immune System Works

Before we get into how cannabis could impact immunity, let’s quickly cover how the immune system works. Our physiological defenses feature two primary categories: innate immunity and adaptive immunity.

We are all born with an innate (or general) immune system that serves as the first line of defense against pathogens entering the body. It comprises barriers such as the skin and the mucous membranes (the inner lining of the nose, mouth, lungs, and other organs and cavities) that physically prevent the movement of pesky germs.

These biological walls also harness enzymes, acids, and mucus to discourage the formation of bacteria and viruses. Scavenger cells known as phagocytes also make up the innate immune system. “Phago” stems from the Greek “phagein”, which means “to consume”. Phagocytes live up to their name by enveloping and “eating” intruding pathogens.

Whereas our innate immunity uses a scattershot and unselective strategy to destroy invaders, our adaptive (or acquired) immunity works much more specifically to tackle intruders. If our innate defenses fail, the adaptive immune system arrives as backup and begins to identify the pathogen and create specific antibodies designed to kill it.

Below are the two main players involved in this process:

T lymphocytes
These cells activate other immune cells, detect and destroy cells affected by viruses, and form “memories” of pathogens to ensure future immunity.
B lymphocytes
Forged in the bone marrow, these cells transform into plasma cells and churn out large numbers of antibodies—compounds made from sugars and proteins that are specifically designed to attach to and destroy an antigen.

Cannabis, the Endocannabinoid System, and Immunity

The immune system doesn't work in isolation—nothing in the body does. If you know a thing or two about cannabis, you’ve probably heard of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Researchers came across the components of this system while studying the effects of cannabis on the body. Eventually, they figured out that its components show up all over the body, from the brain and bones to the skin, digestive system, and immune system. They deemed the ECS the “universal regulator” of the human body, as it helps to keep everything in a state of balance, otherwise known as homeostasis.

The classical ECS features two receptors (CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids that act as signalling molecules (anandamide and 2-AG), and enzymes that build and break down endocannabinoids. These components are also found throughout the immune system, where they help to control immune function, drive homeostasis, and modulate the immune system. A wide array of immune cells feature CB1 and CB2 receptors, including B cells, natural killer cells, monocytes, and CD8 and CD4 lymphocytes. Endocannabinoids bind to these sites and help to regulate processes such as the inflammatory response[1].

Cannabis, the Endocannabinoid System, and Immunity

Can Smoking Weed Weaken the Immune System?

Some cannabis users, especially those with overactive immune systems, consume the herb in an attempt to tame their symptoms. However, emerging research suggests that cannabinoids—a large group of constituents found in the plant—could also dial down immune function in healthy populations. In theory, a dampening of the immune system following cannabis use could predispose users to respiratory infections.

Researchers have only scratched the surface regarding the interactions that take place between cells and receptors of these systems and the plethora of compounds found within cannabis flowers. Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD certainly influence the immune system, but exactly how they do so remains unsolved.

Preliminary investigations[2]suggest that cannabinoids modulate immune function throughout the body, from the periphery to the brain. Researchers are looking to see if these compounds can influence T cells (a type of white blood cell that fights infections) and cytokines (communication molecules secreted by immune cells).

Ongoing studies are assessing the use of cannabis for autoimmune conditions. This group of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, are caused by a malfunction within the immune system that directs cells to attack tissues within the body. Researchers are exploring the potential mechanism of action[3] of cannabinoids to reduce inflammation and immune cell activation to protect against this self-inflicted damage.

Although helpful in certain clinical scenarios, if cannabinoids do prove to reduce immune cell activation, this opens up the possibility that these compounds could compromise our bodily defenses under normal circumstances, increasing the risk of impaired immune function[4] and respiratory diseases.

CBD and the Immune System

So, where does cannabidiol stand when it comes to weed and the immune system? Does CBD help the immune response? Or does it play a role in lowering its activity? Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t have much affinity for the primary receptors of the endocannabinoid system. However, preliminary research shows that the molecule might elevate endocannabinoid levels.Little evidence claims that CBD works to boost the immune system, but ongoing studies are looking to determine the immunosuppressive propertiesof the cannabinoid.Thorough human trials are needed to determine if CBD can produce notable effects in patients with autoimmune conditions.

How Cannabis Affects the Immune System

The intimate link between the ECS and the immune system opens up the possibility of cannabis working as a modulating agent of our physiological defenses. You see, endocannabinoids (those found in the body) and phytocannabinoids (those found in plants) share a similar structure. This means that external cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, are potentially able to bind to ECS receptors, influence enzyme activity, and generally mimic endocannabinoids. As our endocannabinoids hold significant influence over our immune system, plant cannabinoids might serve as a way of “hacking” the ECS when it comes to immunity.

  • Autoimmune Disorders

Sometimes the immune system goes haywire. In the case of autoimmune diseases, the cells that are supposed to protect us from outside invaders start to turn on our own bodily tissues; they mistake joints, skin, and nerve cells for aggressive bacteria and viruses. This self-inflicted damage leads to inflammatory cascades that result in symptoms such as fatigue, achy muscles, fever, hair loss, and rashes. Common autoimmune conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis.

Early research has pitched cannabinoids against inflammation involved in autoimmune disease progression. Animal and cell studies also suggest that cannabis could exert an immunosuppressive effect.

How Does Cannabis Affect the Immune System?
  • Cannabis and Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) also falls into the autoimmune category of diseases. The condition gives rise to symptoms of fatigue, pain, and muscle spasms as immune cells begin to attack the brain and nerves. The exact cause of MS remains unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is likely to blame. Researchers are eager to find out if cannabinoids can benefit the condition in any way, from neuroprotection to reducing immune activation. The medical advisors of the MS Society also believe that medical cannabis could help around 1 in 10 patients when it comes to muscle spasticity.

The spasticity associated with MS can also result in an overactive bladder, causing increased frequency and urgency of urination. Ongoing studies are looking to see if cannabinoids could help patients in this area. However, the results are mixed so far. Cannabinoid receptors certainly play an important role[5] in the urinary bladder, but research published in The American Journal of Medicine suggests that cannabis use may increase the risk[6] of an overactive bladder. Despite this data, other studies continue to assess the effects of cannabis extracts[7] on incontinence in patients with MS.

How Does Cannabis Affect the Immune System?
  • Risk of Viral Infection and Immunosuppression

If cannabis interacts with the immune system in a way that suppresses it, could it give viruses and other infectious pathogens an upper hand? It’s a possibility. Because of this effect, cannabis could predispose long-term and heavy users to an increased risk of acquiring and transmitting infections, and impaired immune function in general.

Even more worrisome, limited research also suggests that long-term cannabis use could trigger myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which suppress the immune system and may increase the odds of cancer. However, despite their effects on the immune system, ongoing studies are exploring some cannabis compounds for their impact on pathogenic viruses and bacteria.

  • Cannabis and HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) primarily spreads through unprotected sex. Once it enters the body, the pathogen acts as a parasite that lays waste to the immune system. In the early stages of infection, HIV causes flu-like symptoms and a significant reduction in CD4+ T cells that help to recruit other immune cells when faced with an infection. Following these initial symptoms, the virus continues to replicate but may not cause further symptoms for several years. Under the surface, however, it continues to impair and weaken the immune system, eventually causing a person to become immunocompromised.

Because researchers are exploring the immunosuppressive effects of cannabis, it seems logical that people living with HIV should avoid the plant. However, surveys show that many of them use the herb[8]. As well as trying to figure out the dangers of cannabis in HIV patients, scientists are also seeing if cannabinoids can help to reduce viral replication and improve T cell counts[9].

How Does Cannabis Affect the Immune System?
  • Neurodegenerative Conditions

The autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis is characterised by neurodegeneration. Immune cells launch an inflammatory attack against the central nervous system. During this process, the cells develop a particular affinity for myelin—the protective and insulating coating that encases nerve cells. Over time, this assault damages the myelin and the nerve itself, which can cause problems with nervous system firing. Ongoing studies are looking at a potential neuroprotective effect[10] of the CB1 receptor and compounds that bind to this site.

How Does Cannabis Affect the Immune System?
  • Cannabis and ALS

ALS, short for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurological disease that targets the brain, nerves, and spinal cord. The early stages of the disease cause weak, tight, and spastic muscles. Sadly, the condition eventually progresses toward fatal paralysis. The exact cause of ALS remains unknown; some researchers believe it has an autoimmune aspect, whereas others reject this theory. However, research published in the journal Frontiers of Neurology found alterations in immune cell counts and cytokine levels in patients with the disease. This suggests that immune activation plays a role in a subgroup of ALS patients.

Currently, researchers are examining cannabinoids as possible therapeutics for ALS. In particular, they’re testing the compounds for their potential to reduce neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity (toxicity caused by the excessive firing of neurons), and oxidative damage. The ability of cannabis to suppress elements of the immune system could also prove helpful if future studies determine a solid correlation between autoimmunity and ALS.

  • Coronavirus

SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19, changed the world. Despite the worldwide vaccine rollout, cases continue to rage in many regions, and researchers are still on the hunt for therapeutics.

Some research teams have decided to probe cannabis for potentially useful molecules. Although certain cannabinoids may dial down the immune response, others are being explored for their direct effect on virus particles. Additionally, the deadlier end stages of COVID-19 are driven by inflammatory storms.

Currently, researchers from Portugal are testing blends of CBD and terpenes[11] against SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. Other researchers are testing[12] the cannabinoid acids cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) against SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells.

How Does Cannabis Affect the Immune System?

Is Cannabis Good or Bad for the Immune System?

We don’t have enough data to provide a confident answer to that question. Some evidence suggests that the herb has immunosuppressive properties that could be beneficial; however, if this is true, it could also potentially cause problems in those with compromised immune systems, as well as healthy individuals that use the herb often. The bottom line: we need more human trials to ascertain a clear-cut answer.

External Resources:
  1. Endocannabinoids and immune regulation - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Cannabinoids and the immune system: an overview - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. Cannabis and Autoimmunity: Possible Mechanisms of Action - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. The Link between Cannabis Use, Immune System, and Viral Infections - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. Cannabidiol for neurodegenerative disorders: important new clinical applications for this phytocannabinoid? - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. Cannabinoids and autoimmune diseases: A systematic review - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  7. About cannabis and MS | MS Society https://www.mssociety.org.uk
  8. Functional role of cannabinoid receptors in urinary bladder - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  9. Relationship Between Marijuana Use and Overactive Bladder (OAB) https://www.sciencedirect.com
  10. The effect of cannabis on urge incontinence in patients with multiple sclerosis: a multicentre, randomised placebo-controlled trial (CAMS-LUTS) - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  11. The Safety and Efficacy of Marijuana in Persons Living with HIV - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  12. Cells | Free Full-Text | Cannabinoids Reduce Extracellular Vesicle Release from HIV-1 Infected Myeloid Cells and Inhibit Viral Transcription https://www.mdpi.com
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.
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