CBD

Dispelling Myths: Why CBD Alone Isn’t the Whole Picture for Wellness

Published

1 year ago

December 26, 2023

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There is a stubborn stigma surrounding Cannabis and it no longer is simply that Cannabis has no merit or is an entrance drug, but that the non-psychoactive cannabinoid, CBD, is ALL you need for health, wellness, and other ailments which is not totally true.

While CBD is a wonderful, major cannabinoid and something I take daily, other cannabinoids are also necessary when bringing the body back to “homeostasis” or balance.

If CBD is your primary go-to when using Cannabis, look for one that is Full Plant Medicine. Full Plant Medicine is exactly that, using the full plant.

When she was alive, my beautiful wife Corinne, always a teacher, would wisely use this metaphor. She’d say that single isolate use, “Is like baking a cake and leaving out some other major ingredient(s) like the flour and eggs! They all play an important role when baking a delicious dessert.” The same goes for using CBD only, we leave out other important cannabinoids. As Corinne taught us, they all play a role in healing and bringing the body back to balance.

When it comes to using CBD, Full Plant Medicine contains 0.3 % THC as well as terpenes. Terpenes are the component of the plant, which contain many wonderful properties and are best known for their smells and tastes, like smelling a rose or peeling an orange. These scents in terpenes (1), in Cannabis, many terpenes also play a role in healing. Linalool for example, is from lavender…this helps with calm and sleep. Pinene – the scent from a pine forest, is known for pain relief and relaxation. Limonene – the scent from a lemon – promotes alertness. Many of these terpenes occur naturally in nature as well as in the Cannabis plant.

Thus our latest stigma, that CBD is the “medical” part of the plant while THC is the “recreational” part, is incorrect.

Like CBD, THC helps fight off infections, manages pain, and even regulates moods and appetite. There are approximately 160 +/- cannabinoids in the Cannabis plant which ALL play a role in bringing your body back to balance. Explore other cannabinoids like CBD-A and CBG as they have been shown to help with inflammation, anxiety, and depression—so don’t forget about them!

Yes, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound in Cannabis that gets you high. However, you don’t have to be high/intoxicated to receive the benefits that this Full Plant, major cannabinoid has to offer. The precursor to THC is THCa which is non-intoxicating. THCa (2) is a viable option for the use of this compound without the intoxicating effects while still offering similar benefits in helping with inflammation, and pain, and as a neuroprotectant.

Like any medicine, more is not always better. Age, weight, type of ailment, sensitivities, along with drug to drug interactions should be addressed. When adding THC into your Cannabis routine, try 1 – 2 mg at first. Chances are you will get a bigger buzz from a cup of coffee than a dose of THC at that level.

As we are blessed and/or fortunate to finally have safe access to this plant research, ask questions and enjoy what Full Plant Medicine has to offer.

References

1. Malanca, John. “The Purpose of Terpenes: Nature’s Aromatic Wonders.” United Patients Group, 23 July. 2023, unitedpatientsgroup.com/blog/the-purpose-of-terpenes-natures-aromatic-wonders/.

2. Malanca, John. “Unlocking the Healing Potential of THCA: A Glimpse into Its Therapeutic Benefits.” United Patients Group, 21 Sept. 2023, unitedpatientsgroup.com/blog/unlocking-the-healing-potential-of-thca-a-glimpse-into-its-therapeutic-benefits/.

The post Dispelling Myths: Why CBD Alone Isn’t the Whole Picture for Wellness appeared first on United Patients Group.

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Cannabis

Can CBD Provide Some Foot Pain Relief

Published

1 week ago

February 13, 2025

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It hobbles millions – but CBD could be step in the right direction for foot pain.

Roughly 75% of people suffer some type of foot pain at some point. But can CBD provide some foot pain relief? Foot pain can be debilitating, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life. Conditions like gout, plantar fasciitis, neuroma, neuropathy, and metatarsalgia are common causes of foot discomfort. While traditional treatments often come with side effects, CBD oil has emerged as a promising alternative for managing foot pain. Here’s why CBD is gaining attention for its potential benefits in alleviating foot-related issues.

RELAETD: Is GERD Helped By Cannabis

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce intoxicating effects, making it a safe option for those seeking pain relief without altering their mental state. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating pain, inflammation, and mood.

CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation, a key factor in many foot pain conditions. By minimizing swelling and redness, CBD can help alleviate discomfort associated with conditions like gout and plantar fasciitis.

CBD’s ability to modulate pain perception makes it effective for managing chronic pain. It can increase levels of anandamide, a compound associated with pain regulation, potentially reducing pain perception.

For conditions like neuropathy, where nerve damage leads to pain, CBD’s neuroprotective qualities can help mitigate symptoms. It may reduce neuropathic pain by interacting with receptors in the nervous system.

CBD products come in various forms, including topical creams, gels, and oils, which can be applied directly to the affected area. This localized application avoids systemic side effects and ensures targeted relief.

While more research is needed to fully understand CBD’s effects on chronic pain, existing studies suggest it is generally safe and well-tolerated. Common side effects are mild and include fatigue, decreased appetite, and dry mouth. The FDA has not approved CBD for pain management, but it is approved for certain epilepsy conditions, indicating its potential therapeutic benefits. As research continues to uncover the full potential of CBD, it may become a valuable tool in the arsenal against foot pain, providing comfort and improving quality of life for many.

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Cannabis

The NFL, Super Bowl, CBD And Hemp

Published

2 weeks ago

February 7, 2025

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All eyes are on New Orleans for the Super Bowl. What role will CBD and Hemp play for players and fans?

The big game is in the party Capital of New Orleans this weekend – so what about the NFL, Super Bowl, CBD and hemp? New Orleans is a party capital and know for a good time. Football players and fans love a good times, but what can they do with cannabis while in the Big Easy? For fans, while it is illegal, it isn’t hard to find and CBD and hemp products, including edibles since they are legal.

The National Football League (NFL) has historically maintained a strict stance against cannabis and its derivatives, including CBD, due to its classification as a Schedule I substance under federal law. However, recent developments have shown a shift in the league’s approach, particularly with the increasing acceptance of hemp-derived CBD.

The NFL has taken significant steps towards reevaluating its stance on cannabis, particularly CBD. The league has relaxed its cannabis policy, reducing penalties for players who test positive for cannabis. This shift focuses on ensuring responsible use without compromising health or performance2. Additionally, the NFL has partnered with researchers to study the safety and efficacy of CBD for pain management and neuroprotection from concussions, investing $1 million in such studies.

CBD has emerged as an alternative for pain management and recovery in football. It is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce a “high,” and research suggests it can reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve sleep—critical factors in athlete recovery. The NFL’s acceptance of CBD could pave the way for other sports leagues to reconsider their policies, reflecting broader societal trends toward cannabis normalization.

The NFL’s evolving stance on CBD and hemp reflects a growing recognition of the potential health benefits of these substances. As research continues and public opinion shifts, it is likely that the league will further adapt its policies. The partnership with researchers and the investment in studies signal a commitment to understanding the therapeutic benefits of CBD, particularly in managing pain and protecting against concussions.

As the NFL continues to navigate this complex issue, its decisions could have far-reaching implications for professional sports and beyond.

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back pain

Can Cannabis Provide Some Relief From Chronic Pain

Published

3 weeks ago

February 3, 2025

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Chronic pain can be life changing – from the pain to zapped energy. But can cannabis make a difference?

An estimated 20% of adults in the US and roughly 8 million Canadians experience chronic pain. This condition is defined as pain that lasts for more than three months. It can lead to insomnia and fatigue. If can impact many other parts of life, including mood and the ability to move and body functions. It can also lead to changes in the brain and nervous system, which can make the pain worse and harder to manage. But can cannabis provide some relief from chronic pain?

Medical cannabis (MC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have show promise in managing chronic pain, though efficacy varies by condition and formulation. Research indicates cannabinoids may reduce pain severity by 30–50% compared to placebo, particularly in neuropathic and inflammatory conditions. A 2023 systematic review of 15 studies found CBD alone or combined with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) reduced pain by 42–66%.

Can Cannabis Provide Some Relief From Chronic Pain

Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, modulating pain signaling and inflammation:

THC binds to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, altering pain perception.
CBD enhances anandamide (a natural pain-regulating compound) and activates glycine receptors, potentially reducing localized inflammation.
Combined THC:CBD formulations (e.g., nabiximols) often show superior pain relief compared to single cannabinoids, with CBD mitigating THC’s psychoactive effects.

Clinical Evidence by Condition

Neuropathic pain: THC:CBD sprays reduced pain scores in multiple sclerosis and spinal injury patients.
Arthritis/fibromyalgia: Topical CBD improved peripheral neuropathy, while oral formulations alleviated fibromyalgia pain in 30% of patients.
Chronic back/neck pain: Preliminary trials suggest vaporized cannabis may rival oxycodone’s efficacy.

The good news is studies report 18–29% of patients achieve ≥30% pain reduction with cannabinoids vs. 14–26% on placebo. Effective CBD doses range widely (2.5–1,500 mg/day), and prolonged use may alter drug metabolism. So trend carefully with both CBD and THC. Remember, only THC:CBD combos like nabiximols are FDA-approved for specific conditions; most CBD products remain unregulated.

CBD alone shows fewer side effects (fatigue, diarrhea) than THC-containing products. Notably, real-world data associate medical cannabis with 60% reduced opioid use in chronic pain patients, though long-term safety data remain limited.

While cannabinoids offer a potential alternative for refractory chronic pain, optimal use requires personalized dosing and further high-quality trials targeting specific pain subtypes. Current evidence supports cautious integration into multimodal pain regimens, particularly when conventional therapies fail. Always talk with your health professional when adding something new to your pain management regime.

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