Is CBD for Me?

Have you been wanting to learn more about CBD- the multi-cure, plant-based medicinal the world is talking about?  Several years ago I attended the Cannabis Science Conference in Portland to learn how this plant can relieve pain, stress and other medical conditions commonly managed by expensive, addictive, and often toxic pharmaceuticals like opioids.  I also used CBD to aid in my knee surgery recovery, as an alternative to taking ibuprofen and other pain medications with undesirable side-effects in the body. 

CBD (or cannabidiol) is a naturally-occurring compound in the cannabis, or marijuana plant.  Unlike THC, a psycho-active compound also found in the same plant that can make the user feel intoxicated, CBD activates and imitates the endocannabinoid system present in all mammals – a system that helps to regulate hormone production and keep the body in homeostasis through normal cell communication.  Metabolism, energy, immune function, memory and more are improved when the the body produces endocannabinoids.  On a bio-functional level in the body CBD is very similar to acupuncture with it’s overall harmonizing and healing effect.

CBD is gaining credibility and results in natural medicine as more studies show its efficacy treating ailments and conditions like chronic pain, insomnia, depression, PTSD and anxiety.  By acting on the brain’s receptors for serotonin, CBD may help improve mental health disorders by regulating mood and behavior and it can relieve pain and even reduce acne by reducing the inflammatory response in the body.  More specifically, CBD prevents the body from breaking down the compound anandamide, which is associated with pain regulation.  Pain is reduced with a higher concentration of anandamide in the bloodstream.

One of the most clinically-studied uses for CBD is in treating neurological disorders and reducing seizures in epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.  In June 2018, the FDA approved a CBD prescription oil for treating two types of epilepsy.  Studies are showing improved quality of life and sleep for Parkinsons patients using CBD and prevention of neurodegeneration and cognitive decline with those predisposed to Alzheimers disease.

How much and when should you take CBD?

Dosage for CBD is on individual basis depending on your weight, body chemistry, diet, and the type of condition you’re trying to treat.  CBD is often more alerting in small doses and more sedating in higher doses.  It’s best to start with the lowest effective dose (~25 mg, twice daily) and add more as needed until you get the desired results.  A typical serving size of a CBD hemp extract by dropper or spray will contain between 10 to 35 mg CBD, depending on the potency you buy.  Higher potency CBD products cost more, but require smaller doses.   If you are using CBD for sleep you can start with one serving size and see if that is enough for you.  But I don’t recommend testing CBD for the first time in the evening, as too low of a dose could be stimulating for some. 

Starting at a low dosage allows you to slowly adjust upward until you feel that your symptoms have improved.  CBD is safe to consume and has no toxic levels, but side effects of higher doses might include diarrhea, changes in appetite and fatigue.  You might find it useful to record your daily experiences in a notebook so you can accurately narrow in on what product and dosage works best for you.

For the past 2 years I have been prescribing CBD to my patients to relieve their pain, sleep conditions and general anxiety – with outstanding results!  I carry quality-sourced, lab-tested, zero THC, and affordable CBD in topicals, oils, tablets and capsules at my office.  Tikva CBD is the medical grade full-spectrum product I offer and CBD-Md is a high quality CBD isolate product with no trace of THC for those who are drug-tested. 

If you have any questions about CBD or the other herbal products I recommend at BlueSoulSpace, feel free to email us or schedule an appointment.