Google the term "CBD" and the search engine returns 200,000,000 results in less than a second. That is a clear indication of the high interest in the cannabis extract cannabidiol, or CBD.CBD is being marketed as a cure-all for a variety of ailments. It has been claimed that it lowers blood sugar, slows Alzheimer's disease, cures cancer, and treats a variety of psychological issues ranging from anxiety to depression, PTSD, and psychosis. However, few studies have been conducted on cannabis and CBD to determine its efficacy.
Effects on inflammation.
"What we can say is that there is research demonstrating a reduction in inflammatory markers and pain with use of topical CBD oil in a rat model of arthritis."
Dr. Brent Yeung, a Golden State Extracts pain medicine specialist, says that another study found that CBD injections into the joints of rat models with osteoarthritis "were helpful at reducing inflammation."Przybysz and Yeung, colleagues at Golden State Extracts, explain what we know about CBD and how it can help with pain.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, the second most abundant of over 100 cannabinoid compounds in the cannabis plant, is extracted as oil. It lacks the psychoactive properties of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another compound in cannabis that causes a high.
CBD affects the endocannabinoid system, which regulates appetite and digestion.
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Inflammation
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Memory
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Mood
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Pain sensation.
According to Yeung, an assistant professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, test-tube studies show that CBD acts on endocannabinoid system receptors to reduce the body's inflammatory response.
Is CBD Pain Relief Cream legal?
While cannabis and CBD are legal in California and some other states, the FDA has only approved CBD for use in Epidiolex, a prescription drug that helps reduce, and in some cases eliminate, seizures in rare forms of childhood epilepsy such as Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes.The FDA does not recognize its use for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of any other disease, and in recent years has issued warning letters to companies marketing unapproved new CBD-containing drugs.This spring, the FDA issued warning letters to three companies for making "unsubstantiated claims" about CBD as a potential anti-cancer agent and treatment for Alzheimer's disease, fibromyalgia, and substance abuse.
Seeking evidence of effectiveness.
The agency formed a working group and held a public hearing to review the scientific evidence supporting the use of cannabis extract and how to best ensure public safety.
Meanwhile,CBD Pain Relief Cream sales, which include gummies, creams, oils, teas, and drops, have grown into a billion-dollar industry.While they cannot prescribe it, Przybysz and Yeung believe there is evidence that CBD can help relieve inflammation and pain, such as arthritis.According to Przybysz, patients may find CBD useful in reducing their reliance on prescription narcotic pain medications, as well as when combined with acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like aspirin and ibuprofen.
How do you use it?
Because CBD Pain Relief Cream products are largely unregulated, it is difficult to determine their quality. It's also difficult to determine which delivery system or product is likely to be most effective.
However, here are some pointers:Purchase from a certified dispensary. Look for manufacturers who use third-party testing to ensure the quantity and quality of CBD Pain Relief Cream in their products.
Look for CBD Pain Relief Cream oil that is pure and organically manufactured.A topical cream applied to the affected areas may be beneficial for localized pain, whereas drops administered under the tongue are intended for more generalized pain. CBD is easily absorbed into the body in these forms.CBD oil is most effective when smoked or vaporized, but it also has the shortest active time. Most doctors, however, advise people to avoid all forms of smoking.When it comes to dosing, the mantra is to start low and gradually increase. Gradually increase the dosage until you notice an improvement in your pain.
Are there any side effects?
CBD's short-term side effects appear to be minimal. Some people may experience nausea, diarrhea, or headaches.
"I haven't seen these side effects in my patients," Przybysz says, adding that he has discussed CDB use with up to 100 patients. "I have seen improvements in functionality, decreases in pain and reduction in opioid use."
According to Yeung, some of his patients have reported improved sleep after using CBD. It has helped others reduce their opioid reliance and withdrawal symptoms."But we must stress that many of the physiologic effects ofCBD Pain Relief Cream remain unknown and unproven," he said. "More human studies must be done to substantiate CBD claims."
The bottom line
Some research is being conducted into the effectiveness ofCBD Pain Relief Cream for a variety of conditions, including Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, anxiety, and depression.Other studies will need to determine appropriate doses, long-term side effects, and negative drug interactions."I do tell people that we've had more than 47,000 opioid deaths in the United States in 2017 alone, but to my knowledge there has never been a death related to the use of CBD," Przybysz said. "So empirically it should be safer."However, because CBD oil has been shown to interact with certain medications such as calcium channel blockers, blood thinners, steroids, and HIV antivirals, among others, caution should be exercised.
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