If you were like me, this medical marijuana business was concerning. How would this affect our future when we as a society spend so much time, energy and resources to keep drugs off our streets and out of our schools? Since Colorado passed Amendment 64 in 2012, a plethora of information and education regarding the medical use of cannabis has been documented to support the use for medicinal purposes. The conversation has greatly shifted from a “forbidden subject” to a mainstream topic in coffee shops and doctors’ offices.
It’s an important conversation and one worth pursuing if you are looking for alternatives to ease inflammation, pain, and anxiety while improving sleep quality. Cannabis is being packaged in many consumer products from topical creams to bath soaks to soda pop. Grandma heard it will help her arthritis and the child with epilepsy has been using it to control seizures. So what’s in this plant and how can it be so beneficial?
There are many benefits to medical cannabis or CBD, short for cannabidiol, or the non-psychoactive form of cannabis. It’s found in both hemp and marijuana plants; however, the hemp plant contains very low amounts of the compound, THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s the THC that causes the psychotropic effects. CBD is the most effective healing compound that produces the cannabinoids. This compound is a great alternative to over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) which have their own long term negative side effects.
Let's talk about the three most common frequently asked questions about CBD:
How does CBD work?
Cannabidiol helps to promote physical and mental relaxation through a system called the Endocannabinoid Receptor System, unique to every human and mammal. Dogs also have this system, so CDB works in dogs, too!! Specialized receptors concentrated in the nervous and immune systems promote balance and homeostasis, improving overall function and wellness including sleep, memory, mood, appetite and recovery.
What conditions can CBD help?
Cannabidiol has been shown to be helpful in treating many conditions. The National Institute of Health has referenced approximately 150 studies in the use of CBD for alleviation of symptoms including anxiety, autism, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, seizures and PTSD. Others have studies that benefit those with multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, colitis, IBS, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, PMS, opiate use and addiction recovery.
Should I talk with my doctor about CBD?
Yes, implementing CBD should include a conversation with your family doctor. If you are taking other prescription medications, oral CBD may alter the way those drugs are metabolized which can change the processing times. Common medications that may need to be adjusted include: steroids, antidepressants, beta blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s), antihistamines and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). To see a more complete list visit: https://cbdoilreview.org/cbd-cannabidiol/cbd-p-450-enzyme/
Whether the conversation about cannabis has just begun or you’ve been part of the discussion, it’s important to get the right information and understand that it can be an option for many people seeking a more natural approach to overall wellness. It’s a beneficial substance whose reputation is moving from creating High to creating Healing. Can CBD be the Ultimate Healer? Let’s keep the conversation going…
If you have questions or need information regarding purchasing CBD products, please feel free to contact me.
Kindly,
Becky
Dr. Rebecca Hoeck PT, DPT, CWC, CIDN, DMI-MPT
Intelligent Motion Therapy, LLC
303.808.9807
drbecky@imtpilates.com