Daryl C. Rich, D.C., C.S.C.S.

[Core] Chiropractic and Wellness

CoreRoanoke.com

 

You have asked some of the best questions regarding CBD oils. In this blog we are going to answer the most common and interesting questions. Let us know if you have more!

  1. What Can CBD Oil Help With?

It’s important to understand that there is currently no scientific research proving that CBD oil, in any form, can cure diseases. However, there are numerous case studies and testimonials from patients who have claimed that it has helped them with the following conditions: Anorexia, Anxiety, Arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, Asthma, Bipolar disorder, Cancer, Cardiovascular disorders, Chronic pain, Depression, Epilepsy (seizures), Glaucoma, Huntington’s disease, Inflammation, Insomnia, Multiple Sclerosis, Nausea (emesis), Obesity, Parkinson’s Disease, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Schizophrenia, Tourette’s syndrome.

  1. Does CBD really work?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says it does, noting there is some evidence that CBD helps reduce pain, anxiety, and symptoms of psychotic conditions (such as schizophrenia). According to the NIH, the most evidence for CBD effectiveness is helping those who suffer from epileptic seizures. The FDA recently approved the first marijuana-derived CBD (Epidolex) treatment for seizures associated with rare forms of epilepsy.

In our office I see CBD making the largest difference for people with insomnia, pain, and anxiety. It seems to take the edge off people’s anxiety and reduce pain. And for insomnia, it seems to help you get to sleep and stay asleep. But not everyone who uses CBD has success. Because of our different brain chemistries, the level of effectiveness of CBD can be occasionally mixed. The great thing about CBD is that there appears to be little to no side effects and so a trial of CBD rarely has any downside.

  1. Will CBD oil get you high?

We would like to say ‘no’ as a definitive answer, but that depends on the quality of the brand. We have painstakingly researched the products that we carry in our office. These brands are regularly third party tested to guarantee minimal THC in their products, which means you will not get high from the CBD oil. Many other companies on the market do not third party test their products and so NOT ALL CBD oils can we say will not get you high. Be very careful of products purchased off the internet or from local convenience stores. If the CBD seller adheres to the law in Virginia, the 0.3% THC or less, should not be enough to provide even a mild feeling of intoxication.

  1. Will CBD cause me to fail a drug test?

Products that are THC free or have less than 0.3% THC contain a very minuscule amount of the compound that triggers a positive drug test. Most studies show that unless you are taking a large daily dose that your body will not store enough THC to trigger a positive drug test. We have had several patients that have used our products and passed drug screenings for work and for athletic contests. However, everybody is different in the way compounds are stored and eliminated. The safest thing to do is to speak to your employer about their policy and make sure you source your CBD products from reputable companies.

  1. How does CBD oil work in the body?

CBD oil contains compounds found in the cannabis flower known as cannabinoids to affect our neurological, endocrine, and immune systems. They work by imitating compounds our bodies naturally produce, called endocannabinoids, that influence cell activity. Currently, there are two known primary cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are located in the central nervous system, and in some peripheral tissues. They affect appetite, muscle control, pain, cognition, thermoregulation, and our stress response. CB2 receptors are primarily found in immune cells, and at a lower density in the central nervous system. CB2 activation is associated with immune function and immune cell proliferation, inflammation, and pain. Although these two cannabinoid receptors have been studied relatively extensively, there are more cannabinoid receptors being examined.

 

  1. Will CBD interact with my other medications?

At low doses of CBD, less than 150mg total per day, it is unlikely that significant drug-herb interactions will occur. However, it is always possible that drug-herb interactions can occur, and this is more likely the higher the dose. CBD and other plant cannabinoids can potentially interact with many pharmaceuticals by inhibiting the activity of cytochrome P450, a family of liver enzymes. If you are taking medication where maintaining a certain blood level is critical- such as anti-seizure, anti-viral, blood-thinning medications- talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before trying CBD.

  1. How long does it take for CBD oil to work?

There are many factors that can affect how long it takes for CBD oil to work. Your metabolism and your tolerance/experience with CBD seem to play the biggest role. The faster your metabolism is, the quicker you will feel the effects of CBD. On the other hand, the higher your tolerance is, the slower the CBD effects will take hold in your body. Also, the manner that you ingest your CBD oil will affect how quickly you will feel its effects. A topical lotion or edible/drink will often take the longest to feel. However, CBD oil that is ingested sublingually will take far less time. It is a good rule of thumb to estimate that most CBD products will take anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes to start to feel its benefits.

  1. How should you take CBD?

I suggest that you start with a low dose. How much CBD you use depends on the delivery system (whether it’s edible, tincture, or pill, for example) and your individual needs. In our office we offer CBD in a dermal cream, a sublingual tincture, and a tasty gummy. These delivery systems are the most effective for the types of conditions that we mostly see our patients suffering from.

The dermal cream is a great product for those suffering with joint or muscle pain. This version of CBD has won the product of the year award for several years in a row now by the supplement industry. This CBD topical cream works very well for painful joints, muscles, and painful skin conditions. By far, one of the most widely purchased and re-purchased products in our office, this cream continues to outperform other similar topical pain creams. For those looking for specific joint and muscle pain relief you should give this CBD option a try. Start with a very small amount of the CBD cream to cover the painful area. You can apply the cream every few hours if needed.

The sublingual tincture is the best delivery method for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more systemic pain conditions. Pure CBD oil is the most economical way to use CBD oil. This version of CBD is often less desirable than a gummy because of the taste. The taste of CBD oil is similar to flax oil or extra virgin olive oil. However, when someone is taking CBD regularly or in large quantities this version is preferred because of its effectiveness, quick action, and its cost savings.

Most patients find that starting at 5-10mg/day for the first few days is best. This allows them to see how they will respond to the CBD oil. If no effects are noted, they will increase their dose up to an average of 30mg/day. This equates to about ½ of a dropper, twice daily. Doses higher than this can be effective for higher levels of pain. However, lower doses are often more beneficial for those suffering with anxiety. Everybody responds differently to CBD and effective dosages can change with use, generally patients needing less CBD the longer they take it.

The CBD gummy is always a favorite for patients who want a tasty CBD product that produces effective results. This version of CBD can take a bit longer for the effects to be felt. Approximately 30-45 minutes after consumption and you should see the impact of the gummy. The CBD gummy also comes in two different versions. The traditional CBD gummy is a great choice for episodic anxiety and pain as it produces a nice calming effect. The CBD/CBN gummy has a deeper relaxation effect making it ideal for those struggling with sleeping. This mixture of regular CBD with another cannabinoid, CBN, creates this highly effective calming sensation. What is the best about this product is that it does not create a drowsy feeling like many sleep aids produce. This product has been widely used in our office for several years and is loved by many patients.

Conclusion:

CBD oil is a powerful tool that can provide relief for many different conditions. CBD oil has been so widely used now by so many people that its usefulness and effectiveness is no longer questioned. What is hard to predict is simply how well it will work for the specific condition that each patient desires. At [Core] we are here to assist you in helping you make the best decisions in your wellness journey to see you become healthier than you have ever been.


Daryl C. Rich, D.C., C.S.C.S.