CBD & Medical Cannabis

Recently, I have had several people ask questions about CBD oil, so I decided it would be good to share some educational material on the subject with you. Please read through the information and watch the video below :)

What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is cannabis without the "getting high" psychoactive effect.

Cannabis Sativa is the same name for marijuana or hemp.

• Hemp by legal definition is less than 0.3% THC. CBD is derived from Hemp.
  

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) – is what makes you “high” by impairing motor function and cognition.
  

• THC content is what dictates the legality of Cannabis.

Research

As can be seen by searching PubMed, the medicinal and therapeutic effects of CBD are becoming more widely studied. Research clearly suggests a possible therapeutic medical effect for a number of conditions, as it is anti-inflammatory and modulates the immune system.

Main ways CBD can help:

• Anti-Inflammatory
• Pain
• Immunomodulatory
• Sleep
• Seizures
• Digestive issues, including:
• Inflammatory bowel disease IBD – preliminary data is promising
• Irritable bowel syndrome IBS – speculatively, may be more helpful for those with IBS – D (diarrhea)
• Neurological issues
• Anti-Anxiety
• MS
• Dementia / Alzheimer’s
• Parkinson’s
• Nerve pain

Cannabinoids and Autoimmune Disease

• Abstract of Cannabinoids and autoimmune diseases: A systematic review can be found here.

Benefits of THC

• Per research, THC may be favorable over CBD for those with oncological involvement.

Contraindications to THC

• THC – Do NOT take THC if you are prone to or have dizziness, anxiety, fragile psyche, or cardiovascular disease.

What to look for with a CBD product:

• Where is it from?
  

• How organically was it raised?
  

• How clean was the processing?
  

• Look for 3rd party certification of analysis, testing for toxins and pesticides.

Quality assurance is important

At the right is a photo of what we currently use in our office.  Note: You get a BIG discount if purchased in our office.


Side Effects of CBD

• When taken orally, CBD can alter other drugs you may be taking, so it is worth asking your doctor.
  

• Paranoia can increase. This is mostly a THC issue (MUCH less so with CBD).
  

• Side effects can also depend on your genetics, as with just about every other supplement, herb and drug.
  

• Too much of ANYTHING is bad (even Oxygen or Water). The same holds true with CBD, so common sense is great to employ as well.

CBD Dosing

• "Start low, go slow."
  

• 5-10 mg of CBD, dosed once to twice per day.
  

• Re-evaluate after a week on a particular dose moving up by 5-10 mg each week to see if you need to increase.

• Most people will end up on just 5-25 mg daily (but please ask your healthcare professional, especially if going for a higher dose).

IMPORTANT NOTE ON THIS SUBJECT:  While I am a physician, please consider this as just educational information and NOT medical advice.  Ask your healthcare provider (or Dr. Kuo or me if we are your healthcare provider) for specifics.

Enjoy the video, and as always, feel free to pass this along!

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or another healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or another healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

Information provided in this article and the use of any products or services related to this article by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO. or any other physician featured in this article. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.