Let’s Clear The Smoke About CBD

Nowadays, people can walk around their grocery stores, local gyms, or even bookstores, and see CBD promoted items. No longer a “taboo” topic of conversation, CBD has easily entered the main stream, with very little push back. You can find it as an oil tincture, a sleep aid, beauty care, or even gummi bears! But what is it? CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical strain retrieved from the Cannabis plant. The CBD compound is not the same thing as THC either. So lets clear the smoke between the two, pun intended. THC is the active ingredient from the Marijuana plant, and is the compound that gives you the “high” but CBD is derived from the hemp plant. The hemp plant and the marijuana plant are “cousins” of the Cannabis plant. They have similar properties but accomplish different things. And recent cultural shifts have cleared the smoke about using CBD, and brought to light its beneficial properties. More and more people find themselves reaching for their CBD oil as opposed for Advil when they have headaches. Chronic pain sufferers, like those who have had a bad car accident, or a serious sports injury, benefit greatly from the properties of CBD. And there is a very good reason for it; our bodies naturally have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This means our bodies create cannabinoids naturally, even if you do not use cannabis.

These naturally occurring cannabinoid molecules are produced as your body needs them, and bind to pain receptors. For example, if you are experiencing back pain, the endocannabinoid receptor could bind to the receptors found in the spine, to relieve pain. Our bodies are programmed to sense danger and pain, and have naturally occurring responses to these physical stimuli. And just like other organic matter in the human body, these molecules can be broken down, and expelled. While the entire organic process of how CBD interacts with our body’s ECS is not clear, research has begun to reveal that CBD may prevent the break down of the cannabinoid molecules. This allows the positive benefits of our body’s cannabinoid molecules to last longer, and to provide more relief from pain.

Many patients who suffer from chronic pain are hesitant about their use of CBD, let alone opioids. And that may be due to the misinformation they have been presented with (in regards to what CBD is). They’re not trying to “get high,” they’re just trying to find relief. Between their work life and family life, our patients are busy people. Managing chronic pain becomes a third full time job, and needs a holistic approach that easily folds into your life. Pain management should not be another burden. Many patients are fearful of what managing an opiod regimen may look like. It’s better to drink water for your migraine than it is to take a pill. Why not try and do the same thing for your chronic pain? The long term effect of prolonged opiod use has more damaging effects than CBD ever could. Our body’s receptors attach to these cannabinoid cells, and produce anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects. If your pain is chronic, CBD is an incredibly effective holistic tool to aid long-term management. Your options can vary from taking tinctures and extractions, consuming products with CBS, and even applied products topically. CBD can help you have a fulfilled, functioning life, liberated from chronic pain.

Although opioids can be very beneficial for many patients, seek out opioid addiction counseling if you or a loved one has developed an addiction.