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How CBD Can Help With Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

How CBD Can Help With Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

 

We want to share four amazing ways cannabis can help treat Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which is a neurodegenerative autoimmune disease. In other words, it’s a disease in the nervous system that directly affects the brain and the spinal cord. It damages the material surrounding and protecting nerve cells, the myelin sheath, causing blockage and delayed messages between your brain and body. But we’re here to tell you which properties of cannabis can help fight against MS symptoms.

 I. Anti-inflammatory

A primary symptom of MS is inflammation of neural tissue. Fortunately, one of the many reasons we encourage the medicinal use of cannabis  is  the  anti-inflammatory  property of cannabinoids. Due to MS, the immune cells  attack  the central nervous system, leading to inflammation of the myelin sheaths. When activated, these immune cells release cytokines, pro-inflammatory proteins, which cause extensive inflammation in the brain. Premium Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant, can deactivate the immune system to prevent these attacks on the nervous system.

2. Spasticity

In spasticity, the muscles become stiff or rigid with exaggerated, jerky reflexes of the tendons. This condition interferes  with most forms of locomotion: walking, balance, speech, involuntary spasms, as well as for movements requiring precision or balance. CBD works by mimicking the body’s own biochemicals – called endocannabinoids and bio-chemically help balance the system by modulating neuro­ receptors. In the case of spasticity, muscular nerve misfiring is halted or reduced in many cases.

3. Pain Relieving 

The pain caused by Multiple Sclerosis  is the most common and debilitating symptom patients experience. And just as inflammation and pain come as a package, CBD oil also helps to relieve the intense pain.The inflammation of the neural tissue leads the tissues in the body to swell up, become aggravated and result in deterioration. Nerve cells will send pain signals throughout the body as the tissues breakdown. Through its ability to directly reduce immune responses and cease inflammation, cannabis is able to help reduce pain for MS sufferers.

4. Aids Digestion

A common, but not widely-known symptom in Multiple Sclerosis patients takes place in the stomach. Because 70% of the body’s immune cells can be found in our gut, gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain, constipation, abnormal bowel movements, and problems with digestion occur.

As afore­mentioned, CBD engages with the immune  system to calm the inflammation stirring up in the abdominal area.

CBD acts as bridges between the body and the brain, bridges that have been destroyed by MS. When connected to the right location, CBD can aid in the regulation of any bodily system. As CBD connects to CB2 receptors in the peripheral nervous system, which controls functions in the stomach, it works as an anti-inflammatory agent for your body to allow for a relaxed digestive system.

 

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Benefits of CBD & THC to Help with Arthritis Pain Relief

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What is Arthritis? 

Affecting over 50 million people a year, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. The two most common types include: 

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis, a chronic progressive disease that causes major inflammation in joints leading to immobility, painful deformity, and swollen, stiff joints in the feet, wrists, fingers, and ankles. 
  • Osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease that causes pain and stiffness in joint cartilage and bones affecting mostly the hip, knees, and thumb joints. 

Most people ages 25-45 suffer from the symptoms of swelling and intense pain brought on by the inflammation. 

What causes Arthritis?

In the case of Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune disease, the body’s immune system attacks normal tissue while invading pathogen caused inflammation. This inflammation damages the lining of the joints, spreads to the cartilage and bone, and gradually causes immobility and deformity through its destruction. 

Factors such as smoking, obesity, environmental exposures, age, and family history may all increase someone’s risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. 

Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time due to deteriorating cartilage. The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age. Other contributing factors include obesity, joint injuries, and physically demanding occupations. 

How does CBD & THC help?

Recent studies have shown that the entourage effect of CBD & THC can help relieve the symptoms of chronic pain brought on by arthritis. Results showed that CBD oil treatment effectively slowed down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and created significant improvements in pain and inflammation for osteoarthritis patients. 

As we know, both CBD and THC are pain-relieving agents; the medicinal use of cannabis is shown to fight inflammation in nerves and joints by activating the pathways of CB2 receptors. There are also immune-boosting functions of CB2 that are activated by the proper use of CBD, which enables it to help autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and also allows it to moderate the intoxicating effects of THC during the entourage effect (the effect chemicals can have on the human body only through combination). 

While more research must be done, findings so far have been encouraging. Let us know your thoughts and check back to learn more about other ways CBD can benefit you. 

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Cannabis and the Opioid Epidemic

Cannabis and the Opioid Epidemic

What if you could replace synthetic prescription pills with a natural alternative?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of many compounds called cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Due to its non-psychoactive properties CBD has been explored for potential in treating neuropathic pain and inflammation. There’s also promising evidence that CBD may be useful in treating substance use disorders including addiction to opioids, cocaine, nicotine, and amphetamines.

More than 115 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. This epidemic is the number one cause of accidental death and is devastating American lives, families, and communities. Not to mention the increasing economic burden incurred from overdose deaths related to prescription drugs.

However, rather than reaching for the nearest pill bottle, more and more people are choosing cannabis as a natural alternative for pain management. Premium CBD has been shown to provide the same relief of prescription pills only without the major long-term side effects.

A study published in July 2016 in Health Affairs showed that the use of prescription drugs for which marijuana could serve as a clinical alternative “fell significantly” saving hundreds of millions of dollars among users of Medicare Part D. These findings reinforce the possible therapeutic benefits of non-psychoactive cannabinoids. This also suggests that the main use for CBD is for pain management, which if regulated properly, could be a more effective and safe alternative to treating pain.  

 

 

[/column][column grid=”2″ span=”1″] Because of this, many athletes are pushing for the right to use cannabis products as part of their recovery process from sports related injuries. Former NFL player, Jim McMahon has passed his injury-prone days on the field but now thanks medical cannabis for helping him get off narcotic pain pills. He highlights that sports medicine would greatly benefit from a natural pain reliever such as CBD, due to the increasing number of athletes coming out of their careers addicted to opioids. Additionally, there have been signs of reduced opioid-related abuse, treatment admissions, and deaths in areas with access to medicinal cannabis access, according to the Journal of Health Economics.

As cannabinoids continue to show promising evidence of reducing the likelihood of a drug relapse, our focus should remain on educating others of alternative medical options to treatment of pain.

 

Follow us on social media to learn more about the health and wellness benefits of CBD. 

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Medicinal Cannabis Helps Provide Relief for Parkinson’s Disease Patients

April marks Parkinson’s awareness month. How does this relate to medicinal cannabis? 

Recent studies have shown the positive effects of cannabinoidsand various blends of terpenes that inproper ratios can have positive effects on Parkinson’s patients by providing significant relief from the disease’s most debilitating symptoms.  

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the dopamine producing neurons in the brain, progressively, causing dopamine levels to drop and seizing overall production of dopamine. Common symptoms include tremors as well as shaking of limbs and hands, rigid muscles, sleep issues, muscle spasms, balance loss, cognitive function problems, and dementia or memory loss. A patient suffering from these symptoms must cope with impairment of motor control.

The endocannabinoid system is essentially a large cell receptor system in the body, and the use of cannabinoids engages this system. As we know, the endocannabinoid system is responsible for the regulation of almost everything including mobility, the immune system, sleep, memory, and appetite. The cannabinoids have neuro-protectant, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for managing Parkinson’s disease. When activated, the endocannabinoid system has a neuroprotective effect that attempts to mitigate neural damage that Parkinson’s disease brings on.

Let’s get specific.

There are exactregions of the brain the cannabinoids are connected to that aid in the relief of symptoms. The primary region of the brain affected by Parkinson’s, the basal ganglia, has a high concentration of CB1 receptors that can be activated by and binds with THC, most abundantly found in cannabis. If used on its own, THC can actually worsen motor symptoms, which is where the entourage effect comes into play.

Both THC and CBD are needed in a ratio in order for CBD creams to work effectively. The interactive relationship between the two cannabis compounds is often referred to as “the entourage effect,” which describes the effect chemicals can have on the human body only through combination.

While THC and CBD alone can help relieve specific symptoms of stress or nausea, when combined and blended with other cannabinoids, Premium CBD can reduce the hallucinatory effects of THC and can strengthen each other’s effects. Therefore, when multiple components of cannabis interact together, it’s able to generate a much stronger influence on health and become more medically beneficial.

The benefits medicinal cannabis provide for Parkinson’s patients include:
  • Arthritis relief
  • Anti-inflammatory agents
  • Anti-psychotic effects
  • Relief from neuropathic pain symptoms – pain caused by damaged nerves
  • Sleep aid

CBD has also been shown to have neuroprotective and anti-psychotic impacts on Parkinson’s disease patients, enabling them to experience improvements in movement impairments and sleep disturbances. Overall, it appears the entourage effect of CBD and THC have a promising future in aiding those suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

Cannabis as a Treatment for PTSD

Cannabis as a Treatment for PTSD

 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any event that results in psychological trauma. 

For some, PTSD develops right after a dangerous event or a frightening, shocking experience. Additionally, those with a family history of depression or anxiety may be more likely to suffer from PTSD. Abuse, car accidents, and combat are just a few examples of events that may lead to PTSD.  Researchers are finding new avenues to treat PTSD with the aid of further discoveries in our body’s endocannabinoid system, a biological system regulating mood, brain activity and immune response. Studies have shown that a deficiency in cannabinoids may be a contributing factor to PTSD to which cannabis is a fast-acting support that may help replenish these missing cannabinoids to relieve harsh symptoms. Affecting nearly eight million Americans, symptoms of PTSD include: irritability, trouble sleeping, poor concentration, phobia of people, places and experiences that trigger memories of the trauma. Currently, there are two categories of treatments; therapy and medication. Unfortunately, those that fall into the medication category are joined by a host of side effects. With roughly 1 in 5 veterans suffering from PTSD, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is sponsoring a medical research study with none other than Dr. Sue Sisley, an Iraqi War veteran who has exclusively used cannabis to treat her PTSD symptoms since 2010. Dr. Sisley’s PTSD research project represents what many have noted as the “first definitive U.S. research on whether marijuana can help manage veterans PTSD.” (Marijuana.com) The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has also shown interest in recent “helpful” studies that highlight medicinal cannabis as a treatment option. While not permitted to recommend or prescribe the use of CBD oil, VA doctors are encouraged to discuss cannabis as an option for treating PTSD, in states where it is legal. However, more clinical trials are needed in order to provide medicinal cannabis access for all veterans.

Seniors and the Benefits of CBD

As we continue to move forward in legalizing and demystifying cannabis, senior citizens are not only the fastest growing demographic for its use but more and more products are being tailored to the aging population. From 2013 to 2014, the number of cannabis users over the age of 55 increased by 53%, and is still on the rise today, according to CBS News (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/seniors-marijuana-use-fastest-growing-pot-users-prescriptions/). The identity of cannabis users is more widespread now than ever; as there is no longer a ‘stoner’ persona lingering over the therapeutic plant. 

But can premium CBD really improve the quality of life for senior citizens?

CBD, a compound found in the cannabis plant is non-psychoactive with anti-inflammatory properties that welcome the use of seniors without getting them high. From topical creams, ingestible tinctures, to oil vapors, CBD now offers more inviting deliverables while steering away from the traditional smoker or edible consumption. However, its not just about the variety of ways people can consume cannabis but also the variety of ailments that can be improved by, the responsible use of cannabis.

Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research examined a prospective study of nearly 3,000 patients over the age of 65 to research the therapeutic effects of cannabis. While poor sleep quality, pain management and cancer were the most notable reasons for cannabis use, they noted that after six months of treatment 93.7% reported improvement in their condition, in addition to reducing their use of prescription narcotics. Other results included a reduced pain level from a median of 8, on a scale 0-10, to a median of 4. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29398248) Many users mentioned that they actually prefer using cannabis over traditional prescription drugs and believe that it is just as effective, if not more, at managing pain. 

Reasons Why Seniors Should Use CBD :

Pain Management – Anti-inflammatory agents aid in joint therapy and reduce inflammation to relax muscles

Improved Cognitive Function – Promotes neurogenesis and fights against premature cell death caused by degenerative conditions

Reduce Prescription Medications – Cheaper, easier, and safer to use than many other prescription drugs

Bone Growth – Cannabinoids prevent age-related osteoporosis and promote bone health by regulating CB receptors within the bone marrow

Immune Support – Cannabis regulates the immune system to prevent tissue destruction

Digestive Health – CBD stimulates cells in the gastrointestinal lining 

Heart Health – Moderates cardiac dysfunction, oxidative stress that increases blood flow, scar tissue, and balances cell death signaling pathways in diabetic cardiomyopathy

*These medical statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

“In an age where a physician often prescribes a different medication for each symptom, cannabis, as a comprehensive treatment that affects several symptoms, becomes a desirable therapeutic option,” as stated by researchers. The whole-body homeostasis effects of CBD and its interaction with the endocannabinoid system provides an natural treatment option without the side effects of prescription medications. While CBD can’t reverse side effects of aging, it can encourage a more active lifestyle for seniors while leading to an overall improved quality of life.

Oncology Massage and CBD

Is the combination of premium infused CBD topicals and oncology massage the ultimate match?

For years it was thought to be taboo to perform massage on clients with cancer. Why? There were concerns that massage might spread cancer, yet others thought massage was appropriate only with a physician’s consent. With so many options, therapists opted not to provide this much needed service.

Today, that’s no longer the case. Incorporating certified oncology massage programs into your practice is one of the hottest new trends in the industry. Established in 2007, new Oncology Massage practices have dawned and now the Society for Oncology Massage and several continuing education providers offer certification programs for therapists to provide this much needed massage therapy safely and with confidence.

This practice is a specialization of traditional massage and is awarded after a therapist has had extensive training for anyone undergoing cancer treatments, in recovery, survivorship, and post treatment. Many of the body’s responses to cancer and its treatment require modifications to traditional massage therapy. While enrolled in an oncology massage program, therapists learn the tools and techniques to work on clients with cancer in any setting.

Therapists certified in oncology massage know how cancer treatments impact the body, as well as the best approach for each client. They know patients are dealing with stress, loss of sleep, nausea, as well as physical side effects of treatments and surgery. And while massage can’t treat cancer it can help reduce the side effects of treatment and improve a person’s quality of life and well-being.

Plant-based CBD brings its own natural pain relief and anti-inflammatory healing properties. When paired with massage, it can make a massage healing session even more powerful. Today, more Oncology Massage Therapists are incorporating CBD massage oils into their treatment sessions.

Can a CBD Oncology Massage help you or someone you know? Search for a trained therapist in your area. If you want to know if your massage therapist in properly trained in oncology massage, ask them these qualifying questions.

What is CBD?

“CBD (Cannabidiol) is a compound found in the cannabis plant that is devoid of psychoactive activity, with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic and chemopreventive activities” (National Cancer Institute).

There are hundreds of natural compounds found in the cannabis plant, most commonly known is the infamous “high” inducing compound THC. Since Dr. Mechoulam’s discovery of CBD and THC over 50 years ago, CBD has gained the spotlight as evidence of its medical benefits continue to grow. Not only can CBD actually counteract the psychoactive effects of THC, but it is a key player in resolving issues related to chronic pain, skin care, cognitive function, and anxiety when dosed responsibly.

Curious about how CBD works? It all relates to our endocannabinoid system (ECS). This natural-occuring biological network regulates numerous physiological processes including our stress response, intestinal functions, and glucose metabolism.

Still curious about the science behind CBD, check out our endocannabinoid blog for more information.

Here are some noteworthy benefits* of CBD….

Promotes Healthy Cognitive Function: CBD assists with memory, headaches, brain fog, focus, and learning. 

Promotes Healthy Joint Function: CBD helps decrease chronic joint pain and suppress muscle spasms, allowing for easier mobility. 

Promotes Overall Well-being: CBD is non-psychoactive, yet users experience an overall sense of well-being, calm and relaxation.

Helps Reduce Nausea and Vomiting: CBD activates a neurotransmitter that decreases the sensation of nausea.

Combats Anxiety and Depression: CBD binds to serotonin receptors to elicit an anti-anxiety effect. 

Improves Skin Complexion: CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to protect against free radicals and prevent the build up of dead skin cells. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

CBD oil and the entourage effect of THC is paving its way through history as more health benefits are discovered with each new study; whether you’re looking to clear up a skin disease or are suffering from chronic pain, CBD can help. However in order to allow CBD to mold into the major health benefactor its capable of becoming, we must end the stigma against cannabis.

We believe Everyone Deserves the Medicine They Need” therefore, our mission is to educate others about the responsible use and medicinal benefits of cannabis.