A Cannabis-Friendly Veterinarian Shares His Tips for Giving CBD to Pets

Sara Ritchie
Feb 13, 2019

When pets get ill or experience anxiety, most owners would do just about anything to fix the situation, so it’s not surprising that many pet owners have tried giving medical marijuana to their furry friends. Now veterinarians are starting to follow suit. As more and more research has come out in support of using medical marijuana for pets, veterinarians like Dr. Robert Klostermann have begun giving the cannabis compound cannabidiol (CBD) to their four-legged companions.

“My interest in CBD as a treatment option for pets was piqued when the opioid epidemic really started coming to light,” Dr. Klostermann told Civilized. “As more evidence started to come out about the addictive nature of opioids, I started looking into alternatives for pain management. Based on research that was coming out of Cornell and Colorado State, CBD seemed like a good supplement to the practitioners’ tool kit and a better alternative for pain management.”

And that goes for animals as well, which can also reap the mental health benefits from CBD.

“I also have two older dogs, and one of them has developed separation anxiety in his old age, so I decided to see if CBD could help,” Klostermann added. “After one week of treatment, I really noticed a difference in my little dog.”

And his anecdotal observations are gaining support from recent studies.

“The evidence is limited, but there is now evidence that reveals CBD can be helpful for certain ailments, and that’s something that we didn’t have before.”

Right now, research points to CBD as a useful treatment for pain management, anxiety and seizures in pets. But future studies could find it helps with many other conditions.

How to give CBD to your pets

Dr. Klostermann likes to give his dogs CBD-infused chewies as a treat and treatment. But there are many options to give this product to your pet. There are pastes and liquids, as well as the treats that Klostermann’s dogs are fond of.

However, owners should keep in mind that CBD is still a medicine. And with any medication, you have to watch your pet for signs that the treatment isn’t causing complications.

“Like any drug, there are impacts on the patient,” Klostermann told Civilized. “Some will get diarrhea, and even more likely constipation. Owners need to be aware of this so they can ensure their pets are getting enough hydration and, if needed, something to help move things along.”

But aside from those gastrointestinal issues, there aren’t many contraindications be wary of with CBD. And there have never been any reported deaths from it. So if your pet does ingest too much CBD, the best thing to do in many cases is to let it run its course.

“I treated a pet once many years ago who had gotten into his owner’s stash, and really they just need to metabolize it off. So, in those cases you monitor the pet to make sure they are eating and drinking and look to ensure they aren’t in distress.”

Pushback in the industry

For pet owners, one of the biggest complications in using CBD is finding a veterinarian who is willing to discuss the treatment, which is still stigmatized due to cannabis prohibition.

“When I have tried talking to people about using it as treatment, most people have been hesitant due to the legalities,” Klostermann said. “When I was practicing, no one wanted to lose their licence by encouraging the use of this product.”

And he faced opposition from his local Vet’s Association, which discourages CBD treatments.

But now that he’s retired, Klostermann does’t have to worry about repercussions. “I am in a position now where my livelihood isn’t contingent on this anymore,” he explained.

Klostermann added that more vets are willing to talk about CBD after the federal government passed the 2018 Farm Bill, which permanently removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as well as its byproducts, including CBD.

Those willing to discuss CBD do not include that Vet’s Association, which will refer you to their lawyer if you inquire about medical cannabis for pets. But as legalization continues to spread across the country and stigmas are dismantled, the association’s position could change over time.

 

Original Article found at Civilized

The post A Cannabis-Friendly Veterinarian Shares His Tips for Giving CBD to Pets appeared first on CBD For Life.

Benefits of CBD Water Pre and Post Workout

You’ve heard the saying many times: “Drink at least eight full glasses of water per day for optimal health.” Yes, drinking plenty of water is absolutely an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, especially if you’re heavily active.

But more specifically, how can CBD infused water be incorporated into an active lifestyle? How can it be beneficial for both pre- and post-workout regimens?

What is CBD Water?

For those unfamiliar with CBD, this compound is one of the most abundant cannabinoids in cannabis plants, along with THC. But unlike THC, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that does not leave users feeling stoned.

Ongoing studies continue to show how CBD can provide a slew of health benefits for the mind and human body and can be an effective supplement to take for the active individual for many reasons.

Several athletes are including CBD into their training regimens, including professional athletes. But while active people have several different CBD formats to choose from, CBD water is one of the newer ones that’s showing promise.

Basically, CBD water is that which has been infused with CBD oil. In addition to CBD capsules, tinctures, edibles, and vapes, CBD water is just another type of CBD-related product that athletes may take to help with their pre- and post-workout regimes. And considering it simply needs to be consumed like regular water, CBD water seems to be a convenient way to take advantage of all that this cannabinoid has to offer.

CBD water is made with sophisticated technology referred to as “nanotechnology.” This state-of-the-art technology is designed to help make cannabinoids like CBD more easily absorbed within the body. While not necessarily reserved only for CBD products, nanotechnology provides users with a way to make the most of their CBD water.

What is Nanotechnology as it Relates to CBD Water?

Thanks to nanotechnology, scientists are able to take CBD and create extremely tiny “nanoparticles.” By doing so, the tiny particles are so small that they are more quickly and effectively absorbed into the bloodstream.

As such, this makes the CBD more “bioavailable” in the body, which simply means more of the substance is able to be absorbed without having to take as much of the product. CBD does not have to pass through the digestive system before taking effect in the body.

The smaller substances are reduced to tiny particles that are one-millionth their original size, making them better able to pass through gaps that they may have been unable to go through when they were larger in size. The much smaller size of CBD molecules thanks to nanotechnology allows them to reach the cells of the body a lot faster and more efficiently. CBD is then more readily accessible by the cells and takes effect much faster. That’s the power of CBD water.

What Are the Pre- and Post-Workout Benefits of CBD Water?

Those who lead an active lifestyle likely follow a specific diet and include certain supplements in order to achieve greater results. Perhaps such a demographic may want to consider adding CBD water into the mix in order to take advantage of the following benefits.

Pain relief. One of the most common reasons why users take CBD is to counter the effects of pain they may feel as a result of any number of reasons. People with arthritis and other degenerative diseases have been using CBD topicals to successfully to alleviate the pain associated with their disorders.

But athletes, too, can experience effective pain relief from CBD water. It’s no surprise that those who are extremely active tend to experience some degree of discomfort in their muscles and joints after an intense workout. By having CBD water readily available before, during, and after a workout, active individuals can deal with their pain in an effective yet safe manner rather than depending on NSAIDs to do the trick.

CBD’s ability to relieve pain is the result of its ability to interact with receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and mimic the role that naturally-occurring endocannabinoids play in the body.

The ECS plays a role in balancing a number important bodily functions, including pain. When CBD oil is introduced into the body, it influences how the ECS’s receptors behave and can help to reduce pain in the body, which can prove to be extremely helpful for the active individual.

Quick recovery. Active individuals may find that they’re unable to return to the gym or training field too quickly after a vigorous workout as a result of pain or muscle soreness they experience. But an increasing pool of research is showing how CBD can be an effective means of slashing recovery time required between workouts.

In fact, some professional athletes are using CBD for this very reason. Because of CBD’s ability to alleviate pain and inflammation, those who lead an active lifestyle can return to training with shorter periods of rest. Further, CBD may also play a role in renewing muscle tissue, which can help to effectively combat muscle soreness and get athletes back to their training faster.

Nutritional supplementation. CBD water is packed with vital vitamins and nutrients, including B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, Omega-3 and -6, fiber, amino acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

All of these play a vital role in maintaining a healthy body, and rather than depending on traditional supplements to access them, athletes can simply drink CBD water both before and after their workout to replenish the body with what it may be lacking from a nutritional standpoint.

Final Thoughts

The studies that have already done on CBD are very promising and exciting, and innovative products like CBD water make this cannabinoid even easier to take and more effective on the body. Anyone who leads an active lifestyle would stand to benefit from what CBD water has to offer. It’s an easy and convenient way to benefit from CBD, making both pre- and post-workout tactics more effective.

CBD Oil or CBD Cream for Pain, Which is Best?

It’s hard to ignore to possibilities that CBD has to offer in terms of health and wellbeing.

While clinical trials continue to be a bit of an obstacle here on US soil, they’re still being done, and the results are extremely promising. In particular, CBD has been shown time and time again to be highly effective in treating pain, and more and more people are using CBD products to alleviate their pain caused by any number of underlying issues.

CBD can be consumed in any number of formats, including tinctures, oils, capsules, edibles, topical creams, vapes, and even water. But which format is more effective at treating pain? More specifically, is CBD oil or cream better for pain alleviation?

How Does CBD Work to Reduce Pain?

CBD – or cannabidiol – is found in great abundance in the cannabis varieties. Both CBD and THC – another cannabinoid found in high levels in the cannabis plant – have miraculous effects on the body that rival even the most powerful and well-recognized pharmaceuticals.

But while THC induces feelings of euphoria and alters the mind, CBD does not possess such psychoactive properties. Both of these cannabinoids take effect in the body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is made up of cannabinoid receptors and their associated metabolic enzymes.

The ECS plays an integral role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. When certain processes are out of balance, a disease can ensue. That’s precisely why pain is experienced. But by putting the body back into balance, symptoms such as pain can be effectively alleviated.

Cannabinoid receptors of the ECS are found all throughout the body on the surface of cells, while endocannabinoids interact with and activate these receptors. CBD can mimic the activity of these endocannabinoids that are naturally produced in the body to induce similar effects, such as pain alleviation.

The receptors of the ECS essentially sit on the surface of cells and are in tune with conditions occurring outside of the cell. They can transmit information about any changes in conditions to the inside of the cell, which initiates a cellular response to deal with these stressors.

When THC is consumed, it binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, which is what causes users to get high, while still providing certain health benefits. But CBD does not directly bind to these receptors and instead indirectly interacts with the CB2 receptors that are found mainly in the immune system, though they (along with CB1 receptors) are also found throughout the body.

The ECS is directly responsible for regulating specific responses in the body, including pain control, among many others. When CBD is consumed, it takes on the role of endocannabinoids to reduce pain resulting from an imbalance in the body.

The body is encouraged to use both CBD and its naturally-occurring endocannabinoids more efficiently to regulate pain. That’s why so many people have already been able to effectively treat their pain without the need for potentially-addictive NSAIDs and opioids.

CBD has the amazing capability of alleviating various levels and types of pain, including arthritis and joint pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, muscle soreness, cramps, tendonitis, and even headaches.

The question is, what’s better for pain: CBD oil or topical creams?

What is CBD Oil?

As already mentioned, CBD products come in a variety of formats, including CBD oil. This specific product varies in potency, though it is said that oil formats tend to be more potent than most types of CBD products.

CBD oil can be extracted from both the hemp or marijuana plant, though the latter will typically come with a level of THC that will likely produce some sort of mind-altering effect. Further, marijuana-derived CBD with THC levels over 0.3% is considered illegal on a federal level as well as in many states where marijuana has yet to be legalized.

There are a few different ways to extract CBD oil, though the CO2 extraction method tends to result in the purest CBD oil. This extraction method involves the use of carbon dioxide in an environment of very cold temperatures and high pressure. Such an extraction method not only result in a pure form of CBD oil, but it also tends to come with far fewer solvents and residue that may be left behind with other methods of extraction.

CBD oil is usually taken orally under the tongue using a dropper, after which it is absorbed through the mucous membranes and directly enters the bloodstream without having to go through the digestive system.

What is CBD Cream?

A few different topical formats can be made with CBD, including creams. These are produced with the extracted oils from the hemp or cannabis plant that is then infused into a topical base. Like CBD oil formats, the CBD from creams interacts with the CB2 receptors of the ECS to provide pain-relieving effects.

CBD creams differ somewhat from ointments and salves in terms of their consistency, texture, and sometimes even their potency. For instance, ointments tend to be thicker in consistency and may even be considered to be more potent in terms of CBD content. Creams, on the other hand, have a looser consistency and are usually water-based.  

Rather than being consumed orally like CBD oil, creams are applied directly to the site of pain. The cream is rubbed onto the skin, after which the CBD infused in the product is absorbed into the skin to take effect.

Which Format is Better For Pain: CBD Oil or Cream?

Both CBD oil and cream work quite well for pain relief. Creams can be applied directly to the area where the pain is felt for more targeted pain relief. However, it may take a while longer for the effects to be experienced as the CBD is absorbed into the skin.

CBD oil, on the other hand, may provide slightly faster effects because of its ability to bypass the digestive system and go straight to the cells of the body to take effect. In the meantime, CBD oil may also alleviate any other symptoms that the user may be experiencing, including anxiety, sleep disorders, or poor appetite.

That said, there are proponents for both types of CBD formats who claim that either product is highly effective at alleviating pain. And when taken together, both CBD oil and cream can have a synergistic effect on the body.

Final Thoughts

Both CBD oil and cream have shown to have powerful effects on alleviating pain. They each have their own unique benefits and can both be used to relieve pain, regardless of what the source of the pain may be. Ultimately, the choice between which format to use will depend on the users’ specific preferences, as they are both highly effective in reducing pain and many other discomforts.

CBD and Its Complex History

CBD and the boom of legal marijuana may be blowing up headlines in daily news, but the history of cannabis and its use in medicine goes way back – try more than 10,000 years back. For centuries people seeking natural medicine, royalty, and medical professionals alike have turned to cannabis for its benefits to health. Despite common misconceptions, CBD itself has only been around for less than 80 years since its discovery in 1940, and it’s not yet fully legal.

 

A Brief History of Cannabis Throughout the Ages

Some of the first cases of marijuana use can be traced back to what is now the regions of Romania and Taiwan, with evidence dating back 5,000-10,000 years. For hemp use, most of the initial evidence can be traced back to ancient China. From around 6000 BCE and beyond, hemp was used to construct tools, clothing, and shoes, and was also added to food.

 

It wasn’t until around 2700 BCE that there was a written record of hemp being used as a medicine. Such records revealed that Emperor Shen-Nung of the Sung dynasty developed his own hemp oils, to be used as topical ointments for pain relief.

 

In the United States, cannabis was widely used as a patent medication during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Federal restrictions of cannabis use didn’t come about until 1937, with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act. No longer considered to have medicinal uses, criminal penalties for possession of marijuana and hemp became increasingly standard.

 

This was especially true following the Boggs and Narcotic Control Acts during the early to mid-1950’s. Such legal restrictions on cannabis (including the Controlled Substances Act of 1970) have contributed to limitations on cannabis research by restricting its availability for academic research.

 

The Introduction of CBD

 

In the age of Reefer Madness (released in 1936), cannabis was wrongfully viewed as a highly addictive drug, causing manic side effects and psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia in its users. Hemp was mistakenly viewed as being just as high-inducing as marijuana, which is one of the widest misconceptions about cannabis that survives to this day. Only until recently, hemp was classified as highly addictive with no medicinal value (a Schedule I drug) – along with marijuana, heroin, and cocaine.

 

Oddly enough, the team responsible for CBD’s discovery, headed by Roger Adams at the University of Illinois, hadn’t even realized what they had discovered in 1940. It wasn’t until the later years following CBD’s discovery that Adams and his team began to research the cannabinoid and its benefits. Even though CBD was discovered more than 20 years before THC, THC remains the widespread focus of cannabis, and tends to govern the manner in which many people view hemp and cannabis as a whole.

 

CBD Today

Today, hemp-based CBD can be purchased fairly freely in most states – in various tobacco shops, from online distributors, and in any recreational marijuana dispensary. It’s even possible to obtain hemp-based CBD on amazon, despite their loosely enforced “no CBD” rule. Even so, it is usually of low quality, and you’re better off with products from CBD For Life.

 

It was a very different world even 100 years ago in regard to cannabis, and we’ve come a very long way since then. For example, you surely couldn’t mail CBD as you can today without serious legal repercussions, as hemp was considered equal to marijuana despite having no mind-altering effects.

 

Despite some progress, laws are hazy as to CBD’s legality in many ways. Even so, the progression towards freeing hemp’s status as a psychoactive drug is promising. In December 2018, the Farm Bill was passed, enforcing measures that would allow the growth of industrial hemp crops in the United States.

 

What this Means for CBD

As opposed to much of the sensationalism surrounding the Farm Bill, CBD is not yet fully legalized. Though the bill does remove hemp as a Schedule I drug, this does not extend to CBD, or any cannabinoid which does not comply with the laws outlined in the Farm Bill. According the bill, any cannabinoid derived from hemp is legal only if the product is derived from a hemp crop that complies with federal and state regulations.

 

Unfortunately, any cannabinoids produced for sale outside of these regulations uphold a Schedule I classification under federal law, and therefore remain illegal under certain state and federal laws. Only one exception is made to this stipulation, for pharmaceutical-grade CBD products. Currently, the only pharmaceutical drug that meets this description is Epidiolex, a newly released CBD medication, used for the treatment of epilepsy.

 

A Variety of Products

 

Despite the difficulties in obtaining hemp and marijuana for scientific research, many studies have been conducted on the medicinal benefits of CBD throughout the past few decades. Through such research, it has been found that CBD and pain management go hand-in-hand, which is one of the reasons by which many CBD users seek out various CBD products in the form of tinctures, topical ointments, capsules, waxes, and isolates.

 

In a growing industry, it is best to research the CBD manufacturer, and ensure their products are trustworthy and completely THC free. For example, CBD for Life ensures all products are THC free and are free of toxic additives. By using such products as CBD for Life’s Phyto cannabinoid Rich Hemp Tincture, you can ensure you’re not only contributing to a trusted manufacturer, but you’re contributing to a high standard of quality in the industry.

 

In the End…

 

As the market for CBD grows, so do scientific studies on its medicinal use. As history suggests and as numerous studies continue, multiple sources can vouch for CBD’s low side effect profile and its ability to treat pain and other health-related ailments.

 

Though the acceptance of CBD for medicinal use has been slow, especially in regard to legal status, the evidence of its medicinal value is undeniable. CBD as an all-natural, plant-based compound, does carry the ability to assist in the management of many illnesses and disorders with no side effects, and may very well be a strong alternative to modern medications.

 

Resources

 

https://cbdeducationonline.com/can-cbd-be-mailed/

 

https://cbdeducationonline.com/best-cbd-hemp-oil-products-on-amazon/

 

https://cbdeducationonline.com/cbd-and-pain-management/

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5312634/

 

http://www.advancedholistichealth.org/history.html

 

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2018/12/14/the-farm-bill-hemp-and-cbd-explainer/

 

https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R45275.pdf

 

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The Latest Medical Research into CBD Hemp Oil Benefits

Scientists have long understood that each cluster of the human body’s neurotransmitters works in varied ways. But it wasn’t until a group of scientists dedicated years to studying the effects of marijuana on people that they discovered a new neurotransmitter system. They called this system—where the effects of marijuana are felt—the endocannabinoid system (ECS), in honor of the cannabis plant.

 

CBD’s role in the body

The endocannabinoid system is one of the central nervous system’s critical communications structures which, as we are learning, controls physical and mental actions, reactions and moods. Chemicals that work within it to control these factors are called cannabinoids, and many are naturally produced by our bodies.

The active ingredient that causes mood-altering behaviors in cannabis sativa is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Scientists discovered that THC affects the body’s neural responses by attaching to cannabinoid receptors strongly, interfering with the body’s natural processes and throwing things off balance. However, there was one critical, official discovery that the researchers didn’t expect. Another extract from the cannabis hemp plant, cannabidiol (CBD), had incredible medical therapeutic effects on the body without any of the mood-altering effects of its sister extract. CBD oil achieves these effects by binding only weakly, and modulating the activities of the ECS in different ways.

Of course, history is our best teacher, and learned men since the time of the Ancient Greeks and Romans had noted hemp oil’s benefits. What we now call CBD has long been treating anything from pain to depression.

But as hemp seed oil became increasingly and negatively associated with marijuana, its beneficial properties were largely forgotten or ignored. Today, however, things have most certainly changed.

 

cbd research plant

The current use of CBD hemp oil within the medical community.

Hemp itself has undoubtedly come a long way in public acceptance over the past few years. In December 2018, largely through the active lobbying of GOP Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, commercial production of hemp became federally legal in the United States. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, more commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill, was the legislation that made it happen.

There are still legal concerns regarding state-by-state regulations and transportation across state lines, but this action has opened up the possibility for reputable companies to produce and promote CBD medical products. And the effects within the medical community are already proving to be enormous.

 

Childhood epilepsy

In June 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially approved its first cannabis-derived drug. Epidiolex is a CBD medical solution for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. Crucially, CBD is proving to succeed where traditional medicine has not: both syndromes are resistant to traditional anti-seizure medications. However, in numerous studies, CBD has been shown to reduce seizure incidence and in some cases, abort them entirely.

 

the latest cbd research man leaning head against wall

Chronic pain

According to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (IOM), over 100 million people across the U.S. suffer from widespread chronic pain. CBD is proving to be useful in this area; researchers believe it’s due to its anti-inflammatory effects and inhibition of neuropathic pain. Studies are ongoing since 2006 when the first trial offered conclusive evidence that a CBD-based drug, Sativex, reduced both inflammation and pain.

In 2016, a study from the European Journal of Pain using rodent subjects reached the same conclusion. Excitingly, none of the subjects in either study demonstrated side effects alongside the hemp oil benefits.

 

Multiple Sclerosis

Early studies with mice are proving very positive in treating autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) with CBD medical lotion. This is the model that’s typically used for studying multiple sclerosis in humans. The lotion, applied topically, proved to help delay the muscle loss or even regain the use of some paralyzed limbs. Seemingly, the CBD served as an effective counter agent to the damage caused by EAE.

 

Anxiety and depression

CBD doesn’t just treat outward symptoms; one of its most popular uses is as an anti-anxiety/depression agent. CBD works within the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 receptor, which is the part of the brain which controls serotonin signals. This means that CBD may be able to be used as an alternative to the traditionally prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Zoloft and Prozac. There is even early research showing further benefits in this area, with hemp oil and other CBD medical products helping to control or manage additional mood-related conditions. These include social anxiety disorder (SAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and even anxiety-linked insomnia.

 

The future looks promising.

It’s still early days in the world of medical CBD breakthroughs (vastly due to the long-delayed clearing-up of issues related to its legality). However, numerous and extremely promising studies are actively ongoing. These include fascinating theories such as whether CBD can help to reduce blood pressure, and its effects on general cognitive function. Click on the image below to see an infographic with a handy overview of up-and-coming CBD-related research.

 

cbd research infographic

Learn more about what CBD can do for you!

CBD’s wide range of medical effects and health benefits are becoming ever more widely acknowledged, within both the medical community and amongst mainstream consumers looking to reduce or transition from traditionally prescribed and often highly addictive painkillers.

Interested in learning more about CBD and its benefits? Contact CBD For Life today! We provide high-quality CBD products for anyone interested in a holistic approach to wellness.

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Off Season Training with CBD Oil for Pain

Athletes are almost always in pain. And depending on the type of sport involved in, certain athlete’s pain levels can be too much to tolerate without some form of therapeutic or medicinal intervention.

It’s not uncommon for athletes to take NSAIDs and sometimes even opioids to manage their pain. They may also participate in regular bouts of physical therapy or sports training to effectively manage their pain and keep their range of motion in check.

But the pain can continue long after the season is over. Even during the off-season, athletes may continue to feel some level of discomfort. After all, the training doesn’t end on the last day. Training will typically continue for athletes to stay in shape and maintain their level of performance so that when the first day of the following season arrives, they’re ready for it.

In the meantime, pain and discomfort can continue. But rather than popping pills, athletes can ditch the ibuprofen or opioids in favor of something more natural yet still just as effective: CBD oil.

CBD Oil as an Alternative to Traditional Pain Medications For Athletes

Cannabis oil has long been used as an alternative to conventional pain medication, though it has been traditionally met with criticism and objection. But study after study on the effects of cannabinoids on the body have continued to strengthen the argument that cannabis compounds are an effective, natural, and safe alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals.

In particular, CBD has been shown to have incredible effects on the body. The symptoms that this specific cannabinoid can alleviate are far-reaching, including pain.

Although research on CBD has been somewhat slow to gather because of the federal government’s stance that marijuana is a Schedule I drug, researchers based in the US are having a bit of a challenge obtaining funds to support ongoing studies. That said, other countries that have adopted cannabis and its research are pointing to this plant and its derivatives as a phenomenon in the world of medicine.

But even though cannabis and anything derived from it are considered federally illegal, athletes can still gain access to CBD for pain management without fear of repercussions. Just recently, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its banned substances list. Thanks to such a monumental change, many athletes are turning to CBD instead of traditional pharmaceuticals for their pain, even during the off-season.

How Does CBD Work to Alleviate Pain in Athletes?

Whether from injury, chronic overuse, inflammation, or any other source, pain in athletes is widespread. But thanks to innovations on the study of cannabis and its derivatives – including the non-psychoactive CBD – athletes can safely take CBD and experience powerful effects that rival some of the more popular medications out there.

There is plenty of evidence that suggests that CBD can be effective for reducing pain, and many athletes who have already incorporated the use of CBD already know what it can do for them. Some professional athletes – like MMA fighter Nate Diaz and NFLer Derrick Morgan – have even come out in public to tout the benefits of using CBD over any other type of substance for pain mitigation.

Some studies have even suggested that CBD may serve as a neuroprotectant, which means it may have the ability to protect the brain from traumatic injury from extreme contact. By acting as a neuroprotectant, athletes in contact sports may be able to protect their brains from the damaging effects of concussions by incorporating CBD into their regimens, both on and off the field.

CBD’s ability to relieve pain in athletes stems from its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the body. This particular system is tasked with regulating the body’s response to a number of stressors. Among these responses includes pain and inflammation, which are common symptoms that athletes tend to experience as a result of vigorous physical demands.

The ECS is made up of some receptors located throughout the body. Its naturally-produced endocannabinoids interact with these receptors to initiate an appropriate response to stressors. In turn, symptoms such as pain can be alleviated.

CBD can mimic the effect that these endocannabinoids have with the receptors of the ECS. But rather than directly binding to these receptors and activating them – which is what the psychoactive cannabinoid THC does – CBD only interacts with these receptors without actually binding to them. As such, the appropriate response is initiated without causing the user to get high.

Where Can Athletes Obtain High-Quality CBD Oil?

Like any other supplement, athletes are encouraged to do a little research on the CBD product they intend to buy. Before making a purchase, it’s important for consumers to ensure they’re buying from a reputable CBD oil manufacturer that is completely transparent about their products.

Further, each product should have clear labels that stipulate precisely what the CBD hemp concentration is and whether or not any THC is present. Finally, consumers should make sure that the product they purchase comes with a third-party lab result that will outline important factors such as potency, pesticides, and residues.

While CBD oil can be a fantastic and effective alternative to traditional medications for athletes during the off-season, the product is only as good as the manufacturer producing it.

Hemp or pot? Cannabis company sues over seizure of truck in Idaho

Big Sky Scientific wants its product released, and an apology

BOISE, Idaho — A company has filed a lawsuit against Idaho State Police and Ada County after authorities seized nearly 7,000 pounds of cannabis from a truck headed to Colorado, the Idaho Statesman reported.

Authorities who stopped the truck said it was filled with marijuana, but Big Sky Scientific LLC, which was shipping the product to Colorado, said in the lawsuit that it’s industrial hemp, which is now legal under the recently passed U.S. Farm Bill.

Hemp is a non-psychoactive cousin of marijuana. Both hemp and marijuana are cannabis plants.

Big Sky wants its product returned and wants an admission of wrongdoing from the Idaho authorities, according to the Idaho Statesman.

The truck’s driver, Dennis Palamarchuk, 36, of Portland, Oregon, was arrested and charged with a felony.

The truck was stopped on Jan. 24 as part of a routine, random commercial vehicle safety inspection between Boise and Mountain Home, ISP spokesman Tim Marsano said. The driver’s bill of lading — a document that details the cargo in the shipment — said the trailer was carrying 31 bags of hemp.

Hemp and marijuana plants look and smell similar, but hemp plants typically contain less than 0.3 percent of THC — the psychoactive chemical in marijuana — while marijuana plants generally contain anywhere from 15 to 40 percent THC.

The plants also have different uses: Hemp can be used to produce a variety of products including food, industrial oil, paper, flour and clothing.

Marijuana plants are often grown for their THC content, and are legal in Oregon, Washington, Colorado, California and several other states but are illegal in Idaho.

The trooper detected a strong odor of marijuana during the inspection and opened one of the bags and performed a field test, Marsano said.

The test showed the plant to be a marijuana plant, and a subsequent team of K9 drug-detection dogs that arrived also indicated that marijuana was present, he said.

Marsano could not say how low of a THC content will generate a positive result by the field tests or whether the dogs were trained to differentiate between marijuana and hemp.

Still, he said transporting anything containing THC is a chargeable offense in Idaho.

Testing on the plant matter is being expedited, Marsano told the newspaper Friday.

Original Article by MarketWatch

The post Hemp or pot? Cannabis company sues over seizure of truck in Idaho appeared first on CBD For Life.

CBD for Pain Relief: The Future of Recovery for Athletes

As an athlete, pain is often a typical side effect of sports. Whether it is the result of chronic overuse or from an acute injury, the pain just seems to be part and parcel of the world of athletics, especially on a professional level.

The problem with pain is that it can not only hinder their training, it can also impede on their game-time performance. Unfortunately, as athletes get older and retire, the pain often lingers. In fact, it’s quite common for retired athletes to suffer from chronic pain long after retirement.

CBD as an Alternative to Traditional Painkillers

Athletes have traditionally been prescribed pharmaceutical medications to alleviate pain. NSAIDs and opioids have long been the go-to sources, but while they may be effective at treating athletic pain, these medications are not without their side effects. In addition to stomach discomfort, ulcers, and even kidney damage, they can also be highly addictive.

However, more and more athletes are discovering CBD oil benefits as an alternative to such medications — and they’re finding that it is just as effective – if not more so – than traditional medications. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil has been shown to work wonders in the bodies of athletes and the general public as well.

Because of the increasing number of studies proving the anti-inflammatory and pain-alleviating effects of CBD, this cannabinoid is quickly becoming the substance of choice among athletes, both professional and amateur.

CBD For Pain in Athletes

Instead of taking NSAIDs or ibuprofen – which may be linked to a host of issues – CBD has been shown to be effective at reducing pain. Users can take as much as 1,500mg of CBD per day without experiencing any negative side effects.

Pain and inflammation can keep athletes off the field and slow down their recovery. But there is mounting evidence to show that CBD can reduce such inflammation, lessening the pain that typically comes along with it.

Further, CBD can help speed up recovery among athletes who take it. According to one specific medical article, CBD may be able to stop the body from absorbing anandamide, which is a compound linked to pain regulation.

Anandamide that is present in the blood in elevated levels can lower the severity of pain experienced, but if it is absorbed, it can’t have as potent an effect on reducing pain.

CBD is also known to reduce pain because of its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. This system is tasked with regulating responses in the body from various stressors, including pain and inflammation for sore muscles. More specifically, CBD interacts with the receptors of the ECS, which help to reduce the level of pain experienced.

When pain levels are reduced or eliminated altogether, recovery can begin.

Athletes Are Voicing Their Support For CBD

An increasing number of athletes are speaking out about their support for CBD and are admitting to including it as part of their regimen. NFL players Eugene Morgan and Derrick Morgan both hopped on the bandwagon in support of CBD research for both active and retired players.

Not only do these particular NFL players promote the use of CBD as a pain reliever, but they’re also voicing their thoughts about how CBD can potentially help protect the brain from a traumatic brain injury that is often suffered by professional football players and other athletes participating in contact sports.

Former NFL defensive end Marvin Washington is also a supporter of CBD use among athletes. Washington never took CBD while active in the NFL, though he now claims to use it after retiring. He’s challenged the Controlled Substance Act and the Department of Justice’s position on CBD as well as cannabis as a whole. Washington claims to use CBD on a daily basis to alleviate any pain, soreness, arthritis pain or muscles spasms he feels from playing football and because of the aging process.

Weakening the Stigma Attached to CBD

Because of CBD’s link to cannabis, there continues to be a stigma around it. That’s why it has long been banned from both professional and amateur athletics. Cannabis is still federally illegal, though many states have legalized it both for recreational and medicinal purposes.

But the argument against cannabis has little to do with CBD, since the latter has no psychoactive properties and therefore doesn’t get users high. As such, CBD has no effect on a person’s behavior or an athlete’s performance on the field or court.

Yet progress is being made in the world of sport, with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) dropping it from its list of banned substances for competitive athletes.

How Can Athletes Benefit From CBD?

In addition to alleviating pain and inflammation, CBD may also prove to be highly effective at providing a slew of other benefits for athletes, including the following:

  • Anti-anxiety effects before participation in sport
  • Improved sleep
  • Improved mood
  • Increased mental clarity

Whether taken as a capsule, topical cream, tincture, vape, or edible, CBD can be a great supplement for any athlete to include in their daily regimen, especially those who experience pain as a result of their participation in sports.

MMA Fighters Looking to CBD Oil for Recovery

Imagine all the physical trauma that MMA fighters endure, both while competing and training. That’s the name of the game with MMA fighting, but when the matches are over, athletes are typically left to deal with a plethora of aches and pain.

But rather than reaching for NSAIDs or other common painkillers that can have negative side effects, these athletes can use something much safer and more natural than pharmaceuticals: Cannabidiol (CBD) oil.

How Does CBD Oil Work to Combat Pain?

Several studies have already been conducted on the effects of CBD hemp oil on the mind and body, and research is constantly uncovering new data. As of late, CBD hemp oil has been found to be effective for a variety of different purposes, including alleviating pain and inflammation.

That’s exactly why many athletes such as fighters use Cannabidiol oil. But how does this cannabinoid work to reduce pain?

The studies that have been conducted thus far point to CBD’s ability to work with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. This system produces its own cannabinoids and has receptors that these chemicals interact with. When cannabinoids are introduced to the body from external sources – such as CBD from the cannabis plant – they can mimic what the body’s natural endocannabinoids can do.

The ECS has been implicated in many different physiological functions and responses in the body, including pain. It is made up of a host of receptors throughout the body, primarily in the brain and immune system. When CBD interacts with these receptors, a number of things can happen, including pain alleviation.

For this reason, CBD oil can have powerful therapeutical effects in the body and can be used as a useful alternative to traditional medications that are also meant to reduce pain and inflammation.

Today, you’ll find an increasing number of MMA fighters touting the benefits of CBD oil and claiming to use this cannabinoid to help them deal with their pain and recover faster so they can get back in the ring sooner.

MMA Fighters Choosing CBD Oil Over Traditional Medications For Recovery

The following MMA fighters have already been using Cannabidiol oil to alleviate pain and speed up their recovery, and it’s just a matter of time before we’ll be hearing of more.

Nate Diaz

This MMA fighter is not only brave enough to participate in this vicious sport, but he’s also courageous for coming out and admitting to using CBD oil before this cannabinoid started gaining acceptance. In fact, he actually vaped CBD oil right in front of the media during a post-fight press conference.

When asked what he was vaping, Diaz quickly and honestly replied, “CBD oil.” He wasn’t afraid to admit that he uses something that many still view as nothing more than a drug, he also used it publicly. At the time, he opened himself up for risk of being penalized for vaping CBD in public, because at the time it was still considered a banned substance.

Since then, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has dropped CBD from its list of banned substances, probably in part due to the support Nate Diaz. He backs its use and encourages other athletes to do the same, because of its incredible benefits without any unnatural performance-enhancing or mind-altering effects.

Diaz explained to the press that CBD products helps him with the healing process and inflammation after intense training and fights. He claims to use CBD oil both before and after fights and training to combat pain and speed up recovery so he can hit the ring faster.

Brandon Vera

American-born Filipino MMA fighter Brandon Vera is an active supporter of CBD oil for recovery in sport. He’s been featured in interviews with CBD oil supplement companies and talks openly about CBD in interviews with reporters. He has formerly competed for UFC and WEC and is the 2005 WEC Heavyweight Grand Prix Champion and the current ONE Championship Heavyweight Champion.

Vera has discussed how athletes who participate in particularly rough sports can relieve their pain while enhancing their performance and health benefits. He’s particularly vocal of his support for CBD because of its non-psychoactive properties, unlike THC which also has its place in the world of medicine and sports therapy.

Users of CBD products can reap all the rewards of including cannabis compounds like CBD in their regimes without the mind-altering effects that tend to come with THC products.

Bas Rutten

Former MMA world champion Bas Rutten has hailed CBD oil as a potent anti-inflammatory substance that he favors over traditional anti-inflammatory medications. He fully supports the use of CBD oil products over opioids, in particular for pain management. Not only does CBD oil rival the pain-relieving effects of opioids, but it also does so without the risk of addiction. In fact, Rutten was once addicted to opioids that he was using to treat chronic pain. Luckily, he managed to find an alternative to pain in the form of CBD oil which not only conquered his pain but his addiction as well. Rutten believes that had he been introduced to CBD oil in the first place, he wouldn’t have risked becoming addicted to painkillers.

Final Thoughts

Cannabis and its cannabinoids may still have some level of stigma attached to them, but people like the above-mentioned MMA fighters who are publicly speaking out about the benefits of CBD oil are helping to weaken such stereotypes.

With real-life examples of how CBD oil can help with pain and recovery in the world of sports, it remains to be seen how many more professional fighters – and athletes in general – will continue to come out of the woodworks as supporters and users of CBD oil.

GDPR

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