This blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician. The readers should regularly consult with their primary care practitioner in matters relating to health, disease, any symptoms, medications, and supplements. The information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is recommended you speak with your primary care provider before making any changes regarding your health.
Cannabis Clarity and CBD
Since April is National Cannabis Awareness Month I thought it would be appropriate to write a post related to this hot topic. In all honesty, I was not well informed on cannabis until doing some recent continuing education and research. The information out there today can be overwhelming, so allow me to clear the smoke and provide some clarity.
I’m
hoping to simplify a few terms that you may hear such as hemp, CBD oil,
marijuana, and THC. Some think that
anything related to cannabis is illegal or all about getting high. That is only partly true. This article sheds some light on the confusion
surrounding this popular subject. You will learn about your body’s own cannabinoid system, the
difference between marijuana and hemp, the legality of cannabis, and CBD oil benefits
and tips on how to find a good quality CBD oil.
You may be familiar with some of the varieties
of the cannabis plant including hemp and marijuana. These plants consist of varying chemicals
called cannabinoids. Some cannabinoids
you may have heard of are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). What you may not have heard is that we have
our own endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our body as discovered by Raphael
Mechoulam in 1992. The “runner’s high” is
actually due to our endocannabinoid receptors being activated during prolonged physical activity. The ECS receptors encompass several systems of
the body including the nervous, gastrointestinal, and immune systems. ECS
receptors can be found in specific organs such as the, pituitary,
thyroid, and adrenal glands, the brain, liver, lungs, and kidneys just to name a few.
So what does the ECS do? I was quite
impressed with its broad function. Homeostasis or “balance” is its main
role. It is involved in inflammation and
anti-inflammatory signaling, inhibiting and stimulating the nervous system, fat
storage and release, energy uptake, immune response, management of blood sugar,
blood pressure and hormone levels just to name a few. There are many cannabinoid receptors in the
body, but CB1 and CB2 are the most studied.
So we have
endocannabinoids in our own bodies. In
nature, there are phytocannabinoids (meaning cannabinoids derived from plants).
Hemp and marijuana plants are similar in that they are both considered cannabis
plants. The difference is that hemp contains <0.3% THC. The THC content in marijuana can vary widely, but contains 50% THC
on average according to NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse). That is
quite a difference! THC is responsible
for the euphoria or high. Besides the
THC content, another difference between
hemp and marijuana is legality issues. Marijuana law varies among
states. At least 30 states and DC have
some sort of medical or adult use laws on the books. That number is probably changing as I write
this. You can check out your state law here.
On the other hand, hemp is
legal in all 50 States per the 2018 Farm Bill.
It is managed by the Department of Agriculture as a crop and interstate
commerce is allowed. Only cannabis with
<0.3% THC can be legally classified as hemp. Hemp was primarily known for
its fibers and industrial use, but now it may be known more for being a popular
source of CBD oil.
So what is up with all the hemp
hype? Well, there are many benefits from CBD oil extracted
from hemp. First of all, it can be used safely without the psychoactive
effects from the high concentrations of THC found in marijuana. The sources I have read seem to agree that
the trace THC in hemp is not enough to trigger most drug tests. Benefits
include improved mood, increased calmness, improved sleep, more resistance to
stress, decreased inflammation, and decreased pain. There is evidence that it
is beneficial in treating anxiety, PTSD, seizure disorders (especially in
children), and schizophrenia. Those with
immune dysfunction illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia,
and chronic Lyme may also benefit.
Currently there are clinical studies involving CBD oil in treating
inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. As if that’s not enough, according to The
National Cancer Institute (NCI,) early studies are showing potential for
cannabis use in cancer treatment and the NCI has concluded that cannabis can
enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Click here
for more information on cannabis and cancer
patients.
Side effects from hemp-derived CBD
are uncommon and mild
and may include tiredness, loose stools, mild changes in weight (gain or loss).
Trials show it is remarkably safe and has a better side effect profile than
current medications used to treat psychoactive and seizure disorders. There have been no signs of potential for
abuse and no withdrawal symptoms. Again,
this is regarding hemp-derived CBD oil NOT marijuana which contains much
higher levels of THC. Therefore, unlike
hemp, using marijuana can lead to dependence and addiction according to NIDA
(The National Institute on Drug Abuse).
As always, you should discuss all supplements with your physician. CBD (along with 60% of medications) is metabolized by the CYP450 liver cytochrome. Putting the science aside, this means that in taking CBD, blood levels of certain medications (such as blood thinners) may either increase or decrease. Therefore, dosages may need to be adjusted and blood levels of medications monitored. So again, you would want to discuss that with your physician.
As always, you should discuss all supplements with your physician. CBD (along with 60% of medications) is metabolized by the CYP450 liver cytochrome. Putting the science aside, this means that in taking CBD, blood levels of certain medications (such as blood thinners) may either increase or decrease. Therefore, dosages may need to be adjusted and blood levels of medications monitored. So again, you would want to discuss that with your physician.
So if you
are thinking CBD oil is something that could benefit you, keep in mind not all oils are created equal. CBD oil is for sale online and also at brick
and mortar places such as health food stores, gas stations, and even barber
shops. It is also sold by some physicians. Please shop carefully! Here are a few things to consider.
1. The supplier should be able to tell
you or provide on the label the CBD concentration (milligrams per ounce).
2. The label should contain the CBD:THC
ratio and a batch number (for quality control)
3. Consider the extraction method: Vapordistillation and CO2 methods are
preferred
4. Full Spectrum will
provide not only CBD but other cannabinoids such as turpenes and THC which
enhance the effectiveness of CBD thus requiring less per dose. CBD isolate is CBD only. Broad Spectrum CBD contains other
cannabinoids but no THC.
5. Organic farming methods that include clean
water and are free of pesticide use are preferred.
6. The product should be tested and
verified as being free from mold, bacteria, pesticides and other additives.
So since we
have our own endocannabinoid system, are
there ways we can optimize that system on our own without supplementing? Absolutely! Having a balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty
acids and plenty of flavonoids (nutrients from fruits and vegetables) in your
diet are both important in supporting the ECS.
Exercise increases cannabinoids as well.
Stress, on the other hand, can cause the ECS to become deficient.
The science out there is far greater and more
complicated than what is encompassed in this blog post. There are still cannabinoids to be discovered
and researched. I believe we are just on the brink of understanding the benefits of
cannabis and how its unique components can work together for specific
illnesses. Some may think of
cannabis as an alternative treatment only recommended by alternative healthcare
providers without scientific backup.
However, in my research, I was surprised to find support for its use
across the board from MDs to NDs (naturopathic doctors). The healthcare community, both traditional and
alternative, have shown excitement about the compounds contained in cannabis. There
is definitely a “buzz” in the air regarding the potential for this ancient
plant!
Remember: It's your body, your health, your life. YOU are your best advocate!
Remember: It's your body, your health, your life. YOU are your best advocate!
For more information from my sources
and/or further reading, check out these helpful links/resources below.
https://www.nurse.com/ce/medicinal-cannabis-what-healthcare-professionals-need-to-know
https://rawlsmd.com/health-articles/science-behind-cbd-everything-want-know
https://rawlsmd.com/health-articles/science-behind-cbd-everything-want-know
Best in Wellness,
Marianne
Share your comments below or contact me directly at mrbush1990@gmail.com
Scroll below to share via Facebook, Email, Twitter
Share your comments below or contact me directly at mrbush1990@gmail.com
Scroll below to share via Facebook, Email, Twitter
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." (Romans 12:12)
Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician. The readers should regularly consult with their primary care practitioner in matters relating to health, disease, any symptoms, medications, and supplements. The information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is recommended you speak with your primary care provider before making any changes regarding your health.
No comments:
Post a Comment