July 26, 2020: What We Know about CBD

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Cannabidiol (aka CBD) products are on the rise, popping up on shelves in topical or edible forms with claims of healing powers. But, what do we know about CBD and are the claims factual? This week, we’re going to talk about what we know about CBD.

Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis flower. Note, this is not the stuff that gets you high, that’s the cannabinoid THC, tetrahydrocannabinol. The many cannabinoids found in cannabis all have different reactions in the body, but the main goal for all of them is homoeostasis.

The increase in states legalizing cannabis for medical purposes has driven research, both from the government and from patients and physicians, on the cannabis plant that has been around for centuries. CBD has been identified as a therapeutic treatment alternative for chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, depression, and an extensive range of maladies like arthritis, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, PTSD, colitis, Crohn’s, and skin diseases to name a few.

But how does it work?

Our body has a sophisticated regulatory system known as the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system regulates a broad range of physiological processes like our mood, energy level, intestinal fortitude, immune activity, blood pressure, bone density, metabolism, stress, hunger, how we experience pain, and more. If this system isn’t functioning properly, the consequences lead to disease. CBD and other cannabinoids mimic and supplement the endogenous cannabinoids slowing and, in some cases, stopping disease progression.

The FDA recognized cannabidiol as an actual medicine in June 2018, approving Epidiolex, a pharmaceutical CBD formulation, as medication for pediatric seizure disorders. Once it had FDA approval, the DEA removed Epidiolex from the Schedule 1 classification of drugs, which includes the most dangerous drugs with no medical value. 2018 also saw the legalization of hemp (cannabis with less than .3 percent THC) cultivation, resulting in the rise of hemp-derived CBD. The addition of hemp-obtained CBD and the creation of pharmaceutical formula CBD has created a mass market of products found anywhere from the gas station, coffee shops, boutiques to health clubs and chiropractic offices. The quality may vary on these.

The evidence of CBD’s healing properties is no longer as questionable as more studies come to light, but how to optimize the benefits can be. There is compelling research CBD that works best with the full spectrum of the cannabis cannabinoids including THC, but because of the legalities issues, the research is skewed. Medical professionals have little knowledge or expertise on the issue to recommend dosages, uses, risk factors, or how it interacts with other medications.

Though the information is promising, most of what we know about CBD has been through trial and error. If you’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition that may benefit from CBD therapy, it’s best you discuss it with your doctor first. You may find relief in CBD therapies for what ails you, especially as more research is coming to light with conclusive documentation for the healing potential.

Next Sunday, we’ll talk about how you can enjoy the poke bowl trend with some tips for making them healthy.

Want some expert help with reaching your health goals painlessly? Check out my programs! We’ll get everything taken care of in a way that fits into your current lifestyle so you never have to think about your health again.

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I hope you have a wonderful week,

Kelly

Kelly Morgan, Ph.D.

Tsirona - www.tsirona.com

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