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CBD Yoga. It’s a Thing.

By Can Be Done on Monday, October 7, 2019

CBD Yoga is an emerging trend that aims to deliver the best of both worlds. Relaxation from CBD Oil and the zen you feel after yoga. What more do you need? With the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be hard to find time to relax and unwind. The accumulated stress and fatigue can have a direct impact on your health, proper functioning and consequently your overall efficiency. Thankfully, you can always indulge in some mind-relaxing yoga preceded by a healthy dose of CBD oil for a truly therapeutic session. For the uninitiated, we’ll be discussing why you should take CBD oil before you do yoga.

But First, Here’s How CBD Works

First, it is important to appreciate what CBD does for the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS serves numerous cognitive and physiological functions which include memory, appetite, motor function, emotions, fertility, pain and pleasure perception and more. Additionally, CBD interacts with the ECS in a synergistic relationship that positively enhances normal body functions. Yoga, on the other hand, entails breathing techniques, physical exercise and meditation. Its aim is to improve the health of the individual, calm the mind and ultimately achieve happiness.

With that in mind, CBD and Yoga seems like a natural fit. Below are some reasons why you should consider taking CBD oil before your yoga routine.

Natural Weight Loss and Appetite Regulation

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Looking to lose some weight and get fit? Well, you don’t necessarily have to sign up for Marine Corps boot camp to get what you’re looking for. CBD and Yoga are exactly what you need. Taking CBD Oil before a yoga session is a great way to promote healthy weight loss. It improves your metabolism while regulating your appetite via the action of receptor-mediated signals in the ECS. CBD blocks the activation of receptors associated with increased appetite. The net effect is that you eat less while the body metabolizes its energy reserves in the form of fat deposits.

Yoga works you out, which contributes to weight loss. For this reason, CBD Yoga lowers the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Mood Regulation

Yoga aims to ultimately induce feelings of happiness and peace of mind. CBD oil is best known for its effects on the mood and its ability to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. Taking CBD oil before you do yoga provides a double boost to your general feeling of wellness. This allows you to fully be in the moment and get the best out of your yoga session. The meditation component of yoga requires some concentration while CBD helps you focus and channel your inner Zen. Achieving this state of mental relaxation and peace has real benefits on your health and overall well-being. It allows you to finally approach your daily tasks with calmness, poise and newfound energy.

As a result, you will sleep better and wake up energized to take on whatever the day throws at you with a smile.

Relief from Muscle Pain and Soreness

If you’re new to yoga, you may experience some muscle pain on account of the physical component of yoga. Stretching and holding poses takes some getting used to it starts to feel more natural. CBD yoga can take out pain from the equation by allowing you to jump right into the action and therefore, get the best out of each session. It also has excellent pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. CBD provides relief for:

Menstrual pain
Chronic pain that is as a result of musculoskeletal disorders such as scoliosis, arthritis and more
Headaches
Chronic pain caused by cancer
Pain from sports injuries and accidental injuries such as burns and more

Yoga invigorates the body, helping it counter some types of pain. Furthermore, the stretching exercises help treat some pain that arises from tight muscles. An example is the painful cramping associated with menstrual cycles. CBD yoga provides lasting relief during and after the session, thereby giving you the power to carry on uninterrupted.

Immune Boosting Properties of Yoga and CBD Oil

Studies show that yoga is a helpful way of boosting your immune system. Additionally, similar studies on CBD oil show that it has a direct impact on the immune system in the human body. CBD interacts with CB2 receptors in the Endocannabinoid System through a direct link to the immune system. Its effect on the ECS allows the body to ward off infections and deal with stress. Yoga, on the other hand, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and lowers your heart rate. Taking a dose of CBD before a yoga session ensures you get all the benefits listed above long after your yoga session has ended.

CBD Yoga Safety

CBD oil is relatively safe for use in most people with very few exceptions. The only exceptions are:

Pregnant women shouldn’t use CBD products because they put the unborn child at risk
If you are taking medication, it is advisable to consult your physician prior to taking CBD
If you experience any severe reactions to CBD products, cease all use of products

It is worth mentioning that CBD oil does not cause a high. Actually, CBD is known to counter the psychotropic effects of its counterpart THC. Therefore, you get to experience the full health benefits of CBD oil without the buzz.

If you or a loved one are a yogi, give our CBD oil products a try. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the additional benefits that arise from CBD Yoga.

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Can Cannabidiol (CBD) Help Treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

By Can Be Done on Monday, July 15, 2019

The use of CBD for PTSD treatment is a recent hot-button topic that has elicited mixed reactions across the board. But does it work? If so, how, and what are the potential side effects?

Cannabidiol has provided relief for a number of conditions, both psychological and somatic. Can CBD Help With PTSD? If recent studies are anything to go by, we might be staring at a new way to treat PTSD. This would mark yet another addition to a growing list of conditions that can find relief in CBD oil. But first things first, what is PTSD?

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental condition that develops after experiencing a terrifying or life-threatening situation. The condition is common among war veterans, survivors of natural disasters, victims of conflict and people subjected to violence. According to the American Psychiatry Association (APA), PTSD affects up to 3.5% of adults in the United States. The condition can affect people of all ages. However, women are twice as likely to have PTSD when compared to men. The APA further estimates that one in eleven people will get a PTSD diagnosis during their lifetime.

PTSD patients relive traumatic events through flashbacks or nightmares. They also feel sadness, extreme fear and severe anxiety. A feeling of detachment or estrangement from people is also common. Additional symptoms include being easily startled, poor concentration and insomnia. Exposure to reminders of the traumatic event trigger negative reactions leaving patients unable to cope with everyday life. CBD for PTSD is, therefore, a welcome development that may be part of the solution.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound derived from the cannabis species. It is among 113 known cannabinoids and unlike THC, isn’t psychoactive. CBD interacts with the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS) via the CB2 receptors associated with mood regulation and immune response. CB2 receptors are also involved with numerous other physiological functions such as fertility and maintenance of homeostatic balance.

CBD-PTSD Research

A study was conducted on rats exposed to Pavlovian fear-conditioning techniques. The aim was to determine whether CBD can promote fear extinction. The experiments were double-blind, placebo-controlled where one group received a dose of 32mg of CBD. The control group was treated with a placebo. Both groups were then exposed to colored boxes with an electric shock and boxes with no electric shock. Through this process, they were conditioned to fear boxes with an electric charge. At the conclusion, researchers found that the rats dosed with CBD elicited fear extinction.

Second, in a separate study, 11 people diagnosed with PTSD (who were also receiving routine psychiatric treatment) were dosed with CBD by qualified mental health experts. The study took place in an outpatient psychiatry clinic over a period of 8 weeks. The results show that 91% of the test subjects showed decreased severity of PTSD symptoms. Also, patients who initially complained about nightmares reported a dramatic improvement in the quality of sleep.

Both studies show that CBD is a promising treatment to promote fear extinction for PTSD patients. In the human tests, CBD was well tolerated with no instances of adverse effects. None of the participants showed any concerns or the need to have the trials terminated. However, additional tests are necessary to further substantiate the authenticity of the results from the human clinical trials.

How Does CBD for PTSD Work?

PTSD triggers the release of numerous hormones associated with the fight or flight responses, fear and stress. A combination of these hormones puts a patient with PTSD in a perpetual state of extreme fear, anxiety and vivid flashbacks. CBD helps PTSD patients by dampening the fear responses through a process known as fear extinction. Fear extinction is a decline in the response to learned or conditioned fears.

Pre-clinical studies on fear extinction have demonstrated that CBD can indeed provide effective relief from learned fears. This occurs via the disruption of traumatic memory reconsolidation. This means that stored traumatic memories aren’t recalled as originally witnessed, thereby dampening the body’s reaction. As a result, a PTSD patient remembers the original event and how it actually happened differently. Thus, fear responses decrease.

CBD as treatment for PTSD is an option to promote fear extinction and improve the mood of the individual. It also boosts the production of the body’s endorphins or “feel good hormones.” The outcome is a general feeling of wellness, better sleep and consequently better health.

Potential Side Effects and Contra-Indications

Phytocannabinoids come with side effects which may vary from one person to another. CBD’s potential side effects include:

Nausea
Diarrhea
Low blood pressure
Vomiting
Abnormal changes in mood and appetite

CBD may also cause negative drug interactions with a number of drugs prescribed to manage pain. CBD oil and CBD infused products are not a substitute for professional medical care. We recommend that you seek a physician’s opinion prior to self-medicating with CBD oil. Pregnant women should not consume CBD products because CBD permeates the placental barrier, which may harm an unborn child.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a great deal of research is still ongoing, but there is much to be hopeful for. Preliminary studies point towards the use of CBD as a therapeutic alternative for PTSD. PTSD can severely impede a person’s ability to function and increase the chances of substance abuse. Conventional treatments used to treat PTSD involve medication and/or psychotherapy. While it’s still early, CBD has shown promise to treat PTSD, along with a full psychiatric treatment regime.

Hopefully, we’ve answered some questions you may have had regarding CBD and PTSD. Lastly we wish you and your loved ones good health and if you’re in the market for CBD, try some of our full spectrum CBD oil.

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What is CBD Oil and How Does it Work?

By Can Be Done on Friday, June 28, 2019

What is CBD oil? CBD (cannabidiol) has to be perhaps the most discussed topic in recent months. You might also have heard of its purported ability to treat a number of common illnesses that range from anxiety, insomnia and even the management of chronic pain. There are numerous ongoing studies aimed at gathering more data on the efficacy of CBD as an alternative medication. However, how much do you know about CBD oil? In this article, we’ll be discussing what CBD oil is, what it can be used for, the benefits and potential side effects.

CBD oils are a big deal right now and for good reason. Recent studies on opioid addiction treatment and chronic pain management have demonstrated just how effective CBD can be. What most people don’t understand however is, what CBD oils are, how they work and what the difference is from medical cannabis.

Where does CBD Oil Come From?

CBD is sourced from hemp and marijuana, which are both plants belonging to the cannabis species. CBD is water-insoluble but is soluble in lipid-based media such as organic oils and solvents like alcohol. This is why hemp seed oil, coconut oil or olive oil are common carriers (Can Be Done‘s included). Certain cannabis plants are modified to express increased amounts of cannabidiol and lesser amounts of the primary psychotropic agent, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Hemp plants have higher CBD content and very low THC amounts. On the other hand, marijuana plants have high amounts of THC and low CBD.

CBD is first isolated from plant extracts using a number of methods that include oil solvents and alcohol-based solvents. However, extraction using CO₂is better because it gives a higher and cleaner yield with fewer byproducts (Can Be Done‘s preferred method) . The extraction process is fairly simple when there is little to no THC. However, the process involves several more complex steps to remove the THC for THC-rich plant extracts.

What is CBD Oil Used For?

Initial studies have shown that CBD oil has immense therapeutic value. However, cannabis plants have been used for centuries to treat a number of illnesses and for recreational purposes. Some conditions CBD oil has been used to treat include:

Pain relief: In a study, CBD oil provided relief from chronic and acute pain. Which were symptoms of an underlying condition such as Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, musculoskeletal problems and more
Anxiety, depression and insomnia: Studies conducted on individuals suffering from depression, anxiety and insomnia concluded that CBD oil provided relief from symptoms of anxiety, depression and improved their sleep scores over a period of one month
Improved cardiovascular health: CBD oil has been shown to lower blood pressure which is linked to strokes and heart attacks. CBD also helps with weight loss, a factor known to improve cardiovascular health over time
Anti-tumor properties: Studies have suggested the possibility of CBD being an anti-cancer drug. Initial tests on mice showed significant inhibition in the growth of cancerous cells. CBD interfered with the growth and proliferation of tumor cell lines
Treatment of pediatric epilepsy: The FDA has approved the use of a CBD-based drug in the management of epilepsy in children. The drug, Epidiolex, contains 100 mg/mL of CBD and has successfully treated seizures and similar associated symptoms
Opioid addiction: In a study, CBD oil was effective in the treatment of opioid addiction. Subjects were dosed with CBD or a placebo in a controlled experiment. Individuals dosed with CBD oil showed decreased dependence on opioids and cue-induced cravings

CBD Oil and The Endocannabinoid System

CBD oil interacts with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) via the CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are responsible for many cognitive and physiological processes that include memory, mood, fertility, immunity, appetite, perception of pain and maintenance of a homeostatic balance. Since CBD has a low affinity for CB1 receptors, it doesn’t directly interact with the receptors. This is why CBD doesn’t cause a high when consumed. In fact, CBD may reverse the association of THC and CB1 receptors, which actually depresses the symptoms of a high.

CB2 receptors, which are found throughout the body and especially in the immune system, are responsible for CBD oil’s health benefits. These receptors promote endogenous cannabinoid secretion, which supercharges the immune system, enabling the body to fend off infections, reduce inflammation and pain, regulate cellular biochemistry and promote the proper functioning of bodily systems.

Potential Side Effects

Although CBD oils are for the most part well tolerated and considered generally safe, there have been a number of documented side effects. These include

Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Irritation of the skin (if applied topically)
Changes in appetite

Is CBD Oil Right For You?

CBD oils can also cause negative drug interactions with a number of prescription drugs such as painkillers and some antibiotics. We recommend you to seek the opinion of a professional medical practitioner prior to self-medicating with CBD oil. Pregnant women are advised against consuming CBD products as they may cause growth and developmental problems in the unborn child. All in all, long term studies are ongoing to ascertain the safety of CBD oil with prolonged use.

In summary, CBD oil products are a promising alternative to conventional pharmaceutical interventions. It is our sincere hope that this CBD oil guide will help you fill in any blanks and clear whatever misgivings you may have had. As always, we wish you and your loved ones good health and we standing by with quality CBD products to help however we can.

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THC vs. CBD. What is The Difference?

By Can Be Done on Thursday, June 20, 2019

You should know the difference between THC vs. CBD if you’re interested in cannabis products. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are two of the most abundant natural cannabinoids. Interest in the effects, benefits and possible use of cannabinoids has reached epic proportions. Especially after the legalization of recreational and medical cannabis. In this article, we discuss THC vs. CBD, their differences, how they interact with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) and their uses and benefits.

Cannabis plants have been used for recreational and medicinal purposes for centuries. To date, scientists have isolated and characterized over 113 cannabinoid compounds. Cannabinoids are substances that interact with the human ECS. They cause a wide range of effects that vary from person to person. The two most commonly recognizable compounds are THC and CBD.

What is THC?

In order to differentiate between THC vs. CBD, we will first start with THC. THC is the principal psychoactive compound in cannabis and is responsible for the “high” you experience after smoking or consuming a cannabis product. It is a fatty compound that plays a key role in the cannabis plant’s self-defense, primarily against insect predation. THC also protects the plant from ultraviolet radiation as well as environmental stress. Lastly, THC is soluble in most organic solvents such as alcohols and lipids, but has low solubility in water.

THC interacts with the ECS via the CB1 cannabinoid receptor, which is located in the Central Nervous System. It also interacts with the CB2 receptor, which influences the immune system. THC’s psychoactive effects are a result of the activation of CB1 receptors. THC use is commonly associated with side effects such as poor motor coordination, lowered concentration and a decline in short term memory.

Despite its notoriety for being psychoactive, THC has a number of medical applications which include the management of multiple sclerosis where it alleviates neuropathic pain. Additionally, the FDA approved synthetic THC as an appetite stimulant in people living with HIV/AIDS. Its effects on the CB2 receptors also suggest anti-inflammatory benefits. THC is similar to CBD in terms of health benefits. However, the main difference is that CBD does not share THC’s psychotropic effects, which may or may not be preferred.

What is CBD?

CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid. THC isn’t psychoactive and dampens the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD has also received widespread acclaim for its supposed health benefits and potential to treat a number of illnesses. In addition, studies have shown CBD to take the place of medications prescribed for pain, anxiety, pediatric epilepsy, opioid addiction.

CBD is soluble in organic solvents such as alcohol and lipid-based solvents, but not soluble in water. CBD interacts directly with the ECS, similarly to THC. However, the action of CBD on cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 sets off other receptors such as TRPV1 that regulate functions such as inflammation and the perception of pain.

The interaction of CBD with serotonin receptors blocks reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. This increase in serotonin translates to better sleep, improved memory, a general feeling of wellness and a great mood. On the other hand, low serotonin amounts have been linked to depression and anxiety.

THC vs. CBD – Similarities and Differences

CBD and THC are nearly identical in their chemical makeup. Both compounds contain 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. However, the position of a single atom makes CBD non-psychoactive. THC binds directly to CB1 receptors, that triggers signals in the brain. This effect simulates the sensation of getting high. CBD on the other hand, is incapable of binding directly to CB1 receptors. CBD causes the uncoupling of THC and CB1 receptors in some cases.

THC and CBD share many of the same medical benefits. Each can provide some relief from the same conditions that the other can. To date, only one CBD-based drug, Epidiolex (for the treatment of pediatric epilepsy), has been approved by the FDA. Whereas THC is present in many strains of recreational cannabis and is illegal in most parts of the world.

Both compounds have known side effects that include diarrhea, nausea, drowsiness, low blood pressure and may also cause developmental problems in unborn children. Cannabinoids have the ability to permeate the placental barrier, which puts a growing fetus at risk. THC has also been associated with psychiatric effects with long term use.

THC and CBD are active cannabinoids with almost similar properties and benefits. With the exception that THC is psychoactive. Other than that, THC offers almost every other medical benefit associated with CBD use such as pain relief, management of anxiety and more. Research on the safety and efficacy of the medical applications of CBD is still ongoing, but initial results look promising.

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We hope our comparison of THC vs. CBD will help you make informed decisions. Check out our products and try high quality CBD. As always, we wish you and your loved ones good health and we are here help however best we can.

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CBD for Anxiety. Does it Help and How Does it Work?

By Can Be Done on Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Are you thinking of trying CBD for your anxiety? You’re not alone. Millions of people suffering from anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia and PTSD find relief in one particular cannabis-derived product, cannabidiol (CBD) oil. The recreational and medical use of cannabis and cannabis-derived products has picked up the pace in recent months. Today, we will be discussing how cannabidiol oil can help you deal with anxiety and its effects on the endocannabinoid system.

What is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol is among the 113 known compounds isolated from the cannabis sativa plant. It does not get you high. Most people erroneously assume that any cannabis-related product is psychoactive. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. CBD is doesn’t share the same notorious psychoactive properties that its more famous counterpart, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), possesses. So, what good is a cannabis product that doesn’t get you high?

Well, CBD is especially appealing if you’re seeking relief from symptoms of chronic pain and other long-term ailments without the negative effects of THC-laden marijuana or addictive opioids. This is why the use of CBD oil is slowly gaining traction in the health sector.

Scientific studies have confirmed CBD oil to be effective in the management of anxiety and other mental ailments such as sleep. There are many pharmaceutical-grade anxiety medications that are not very popular amongst those suffering from the condition. The most commonly used pharmaceutical interventions prescribed for anxiety have numerous side effects and contraindications. On the other hand, CBD oils offer a safe anxiety management option that is effective.

How Does CBD Oil Help With Anxiety?

The endocannabinoid (ECS) system regulates numerous cognitive and physiological processes. These include the mediation of appetite, mood, pain-sensation, memory, and more. CBD oils are potent anxiety treatments that target the serotonin system.

Most pharmaceutical drugs inhibit serotonin in the brain. CBD works similarly, thereby increasing the availability of serotonin. More serotonin reduces symptoms of anxiety and in certain cases, can even boost the mood of the patient.

However, CBD oil alleviates anxiety without the adverse effects of addictive anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines. In addition to treating anxiety, CBD has safely treated PTSD, insomnia and chronic pain disorders.

CBD is rapidly absorbed and works immediately when consumed orally. There is no proof that smoking or vaping CBD matches the results of oral consumption. So stick to oral consumption to experience the anxiety-dampening effects that CBD oil offers.

Not Just Anxiety – Other Health Benefits of Cannabidiol

CBD oil products offer a host of therapeutic benefits that don’t include a high. CBD oil is potent in the treatment of a variety of anxiety-related disorders, which include:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Social phobia
Various panic disorders
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Mild to moderate depression

However, the benefits don’t stop there. CBD oil has been demonstrated to be effective in the management of Cancer-Related Symptoms such as nausea and pain, chronic acne, and antitumor properties in animal test subjects.

The short-term benefits of CBD oil on anxiety is impressive even though the effects of long-term CBD use is not fully documented. What we do know is that there is a need for safe alternative medicines with low risk of addiction. CBD oil fits the bill.

The FDA approved CBD to treat epileptic seizures. However, the FDA doesn’t regulate the treatment of anxiety with CBD. As a result, it is advisable to start with low doses of CBD with gradual increases over time. You should consult a qualified medical practitioner before trying CBD to correctly determine the appropriate dosage.

Summary

In summary, CBD oils are a major breakthrough in providing natural remedies for not only anxiety, but also a host of other illnesses. The initial benefits of cannabidiol oil are promising although further studies are necessary. Hopefully, more people can experience the relief they deserve from anxiety after its benefits are fully recognized.

Try our products if you suffer from anxiety. At Can Be Done, we provide products that can help you from the outside, but believe that health and wellness begins from the inside. Be kind to others and above all to yourself.

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Is CBD Effective Treatment For Opioid Addiction?

By Can Be Done on Tuesday, June 11, 2019

CBD can be used to manage a myriad of ailments, including opioid addiction. A recent study suggests that CBD could help treat opioid addiction. This study found that CBD significantly reduced cravings and anxiety for heroin addicts, without serious side effects. The reduced cravings and anxiety were even apparent a week after taking CBD for 3 days in a row. More than 400,000 people have died of opioid addiction in the United States alone since the early 2000s. In this article, we’ll be discussing the use, science, and future of CBD as a potential treatment for opioid addiction.

CBD and Opioids

As health practitioners seek to contain the opioid epidemic, the need for an alternative means of treatment has risen. Opioid addiction treatment can be problematic since typical medications are also opioid-based. Preliminary animal studies show promising results for CBD as the solution to opioid addiction. During initial tests, scientists first administered doses of heroin to rats, then recorded the effects that CBD had on those with drug-seeking behavior. Following the introduction of CBD, the rats became less dependent on heroin.

In recent human clinical trials, individuals with known histories of opioid dependency showed significant decreases in opioid cravings after a single dose of CBD. Researchers also noted that CBD lessened feelings of anxiety in the subjects. It is evident that experts require further studies before determining if they can use CBD in conventional medicine. However, initial studies concur that CBD has the potential to be a pivotal instrument in the fight against the opioid epidemic.

The Science Behind Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction has impacted millions of lives and hundreds of thousands of families across America. In order to understand the importance of addiction treatment, one must understand how opioids affect the human brain and behavior. Opioids work via the activation of opioid receptors, which belong to a class of compounds known as G-protein-coupled receptors. These receptors release opioids in the form of endorphins or “feel good hormones.” Endorphins are also responsible for numbing the perception of pain and stimulating a temporary sense of well-being. Over time, the release of endorphins slows down, which prompts the user to increase his or her intake of opioids.

A patient can develop a high tolerance to narcotics over a short period of time; consequently, he or she may require larger doses to experience the same effects. Licensed medical practitioners hardly ever approve of increasing dosages or renewing prescriptions⁠; to a patient immune to regulated opioids, heroin becomes extremely enticing. With compromised pleasure and pain receptors in the brain, patients find that opioid addiction is a slippery slope. But with what we know, we have the potential to well equip patients on the road to recovery.

How CBD Helps in the Treatment of Opioid Addiction

CBD binds to Receptor Types 1 and 2 and also interacts with the 5-HT1A agonist⁠—a subtype of the serotonin receptor. The function of serotonin is similar in a lot of ways to that of endorphins. Recent discoveries hint at a possible relationship between the Serotonergic system and the endocannabinoid system. This new information forms the basis for why CBD could be a viable treatment for addiction. CBD blocks the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, increasing the availability of serotonin in the synaptic space. The more serotonin there is in the synaptic spaces, the better the brain cells are able to transmit serotonin signals. Additionally, serotonin elicits a feeling of well-being, just like opioid-triggered endorphins.

Experts at the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai in New York City conducted a study in which individuals with documented dependence of opioids each took a dose of CBD. Afterward, these individuals were subjected to opiate-drug triggers such as syringes or powder sachets resembling heroin. The test subjects then rated the severity of their cravings and how much anxiety they felt. The results were astounding: the subjects who consumed CBD experienced a significant drop in cravings and overall dependence on opioids. Records also state that their heart rates, blood pressure, and stress levels were well within acceptable levels. The study concluded that CBD and the signals it delivers reduce symptoms of anxiety and eliminate the cravings that drive addiction. Patients also experienced relief from pain, eliminating the need for using opioids to treat pain.

What Does the Future Hold For CBD Opioid Addiction Treatments?

Many additional studies still need to be conducted before we find a definitive solution to the opioid epidemic. Some cases have reported side effects associated with CBD use, which include diarrhea, nausea, headaches, lethargy. At this point, we cannot assert that CBD treatments are 100% safe, but recent studies have found that CBD is not associated with any serious side effects. Long term studies that involve following up on recovering addicts using CBD will be crucial in determining the efficacy of CBD as a treatment for opioid addiction, but initial results are very promising.

If you or a loved one suffer from opioid addiction, our CBD oil products might be able to help you.

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What is Cannabidiol (CBD) and What are Its Benefits?

By Can Be Done on Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Have you noticed the surge in popularity of CBD-derived products lately? It’d be hard not to with all the hype surrounding cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is among 113 naturally occurring compounds isolated from cannabis. It has also been the focus of numerous human clinical trials for treating opioid addiction, pediatric epilepsy, and more. In this article, we’ll be discussing what CBD is, its health benefits, and why you should consider using it.

In 1940, scientists discovered Cannabidiol, a phytocannabinoid that accounts for up to 40% of cannabis-plant extracts. Cannabidiol is sourced from the cannabis family, which includes hemp and marijuana. Hemp is high in CBD and low in THC, which is the compound that makes you feel high. Whereas marijuana contains cannabidiol and higher doses of THC. As a result, it’s nearly impossible to get high off of hemp-based CBD.

Scientists determined its chemical structure in 1963, but did not apply it as a medical remedy until around 2000 because of its association with marijuana. As more states legalize recreational and medical marijuana, the focus shifts to CBD and its potential to treat illnesses.

How CBD Interacts with the Human Body

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a system of receptors that interacts with cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. The system is associated with many cognitive and physiological functions: memory, appetite, motor functions, emotions, fertility, pain and pleasure perception and various others. Phytocannabinoids such as Cannabidiol interact with the ECS in a synergistic relationship that influences normal body functions. Cannabidiol interacts with Cannabinoid Receptors Type 1 and Type 2 (CB1 and CB2).

Activating these receptors promotes good health and helps maintain homeostasis. The action of CBD on CB1 and CB2 receptors sets off other receptors such as TRPV1, which controls critical functions like the regulation of body temperature, inflammation, and the perception of pain. The interaction of Cannabidiol with serotonin receptors blocks reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, increasing the availability of serotonin in the synaptic space. This, in turn, helps reduce anxiety, positively influences mood and reduces dependence on opioids and chronic pain associated with cancer.

Benefits of CBD

Experts can manipulate the ECS using CBD to manage or potentially treat a variety of medical conditions. CBD oil is potent in managing conditions such as:

Opioid addiction
Social phobia
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Lowering blood pressure
Reducing inflammation and relieving pain
Management of various panic disorders
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Researchers have also effectively used CBD oil to manage symptoms from cancer treatment such as nausea, pain, and chronic acne; Tests on animal subjects have demonstrated CBD’s antitumor properties. Cannabidiol is also able to dampen the psychoactive effects of THC.

Possible Risks, Side Effects, and Contra-Indications

While cannabidiol has many documented health benefits, there are some expected side effects and risks associated with its use. We highly recommend seeking the advice of a qualified medical practitioner before using CBD oil. It is imperative that you consult a professional if you are on other medications. Pregnant women should not use CBD because it may enhance the permeability of the placental barrier, putting the developing fetus at risk. Developmental anomalies may also arise if a pregnant woman uses CBD.

Other side effects can include:

Diarrhea
Overproduction of liver enzymes, a marker for liver damage
Drowsiness
Nausea
Vomiting

Conclusion

Conclusive data has yet to come out, but from early studies, it seems that the benefits outweigh the risks. CBD has proven to be useful in managing everyday conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and pain. A study in May 2019 published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that CBD can be used to treat opioid addiction by reducing cravings and anxiety. Its use against PTSD has also earned it a reputation as a reliable alternative to conventional pharmaceutical drugs. Cannabidiol is legal in all 50 states. However, due to its unregulated usage, there aren’t any defined dosages or required testing protocols.

CBD oil can provide the relief you need in a short period of time. Do you have anxiety, high blood pressure, insomnia or pain? We’ve got you covered. Give our products a try and experience the relief and comfort you can only get with good health.