Martha (name changed) is a 90 year old diabetic who has dealt with skin conditions and chronic pain for quite some time. Her daughter was interested in using CBD (cannabidiol) for Martha for pain as well as her skin issues. She consulted with Martha’s internist who was very positive about Martha using the CBD oil and the physician mentioned that her own husband was using CBD to alleviate his Parkinson’s symptoms. Martha has been taking the oil for several weeks (5 mg two times per day of a full spectrum organic CBD product) and comments that she “feels better” and her itching sensation seems to have improved. She continues to be monitored by her physician as she uses the CBD supplement.
Since Tennessee passed it’s own Industrial Hemp legislation in 2017 the health community here has witnessed the beginning of a brand new supplement market. CBD oil and various CBD based products are sold as food supplements but are unique in that they are cannabis derivatives, which requires special attention in regard to safety as their are two types of CBD products on the US market. CBD also has the potential to alter drug metabolism and may potentially interact with medications.
Hemp is the non narcotic version of the cannabis plant. Federal and state law require that hemp contain less than .3% THC (THC is the substance in “marijuana” that makes people “high.”). During the past four years the US has gradually begun to differentiate between what we call marijuana and the industrial hemp plant which has created an entirely new supplement market. Some experts believe that CBD will become a multi-billion dollar industry in the next few years and Tennessee is currently experiencing an increase in the number of hemp farms to meet this demand.
Since the discovery of the human endocannabinoid system in 1992 by Israeli researchers, there has been growing evidence that cannabinoids may be the key to addressing various chronic illnesses, from chronic pain to anxiety to even more serious conditions like MS and cancer. Unlike medical “marijuana”, CBD derived from the industrial hemp plant cannot get a person “high” and can now be purchased as a food supplement online and from a few retailers and health care providers.
CBD works by allowing the increase of anandamide in the body. Anandamide has been described as the “bliss” molecule. It is a neurotransmitter which increases feelings of well being and potentially modulates our body back to homeostasis, or balance.
Seniors, who are generally taking multiple medications, should be especially cautious regarding potential drug interactions. CBD is very similar to grapefruit in that it may interfere with drug metabolism via the CYP-450 enzyme. This is the main pathway for drug metabolism. It is important to speak to your health care professional before adding CBD or any supplement to your health care regimen as CBD may interact with specific medications.
As with other nutritional supplements caution must be exercised in finding quality products that actually contain hemp derived CBD. A 2017 JAMA study found 70% of CBD products were mislabeled. In early 2018 52 people in UTAH were poisoned after purchasing a bogus CBD product from Vape/Smoke shops in Utah. Currently about 80% of CBD products sold in the US are “marijuana” derived with the other 20% being hemp-derived.Only hemp-derived CBD products are legal in all states.One should also ask for a certificate of authenticity/third party testing when purchasing.This should be included with your purchase or provided via link if purchasing online.It is also important to note that hemp oil and CBD are not the same. CBD may be packaged in hemp oil as a carrier but standard hemp oil or hemp seed oil does not contain CBD. When looking for quality CBD it is important to look for a supplement with no additives or preservatives. CBD should be kept cool and out of the light as heat and light will degrade it over time.
Generally CBD is a very “clean” supplement. The World Health Organization gave CBD a remarkably positive review last year in regards to safety and stated “naturally occurring CBD is safe and well tolerated in humans (and animals), and is not associated with any negative public health effects.”
Although rare, side effects include nausea, dizziness, and sleepiness. CBD is biphasic which means you can get different effects at different serving sizes. A small serving may stimulate an individual while a large serving may make them sleepy.
It’s recommend to start with 3-5mg two times per day and increase if needed. Chronic conditions may require significantly more CBD to achieve a therapeutic effect.One should commit to taking CBD for 90 days in order to ensure that sufficient time is given to assess it’s effect. Responders seem to follow a bell curve with some people being “super responders” who feel an effect within a few days, with most people requiring several weeks to experience a benefit.
FDA Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Tim Webb is a multi generation Nashville native and attended MTSU. He has spent over two decades in the Pharmaceutical and Nutrition industry as a consultant and speaks and writes about nutrition. He is the founder of Go CBD Health.
Tim may be reached at GoCBDHealth@comcast.net and his website is www.GoCBDHealth.com
Sources :
Project CBD
World Health Organization
PubMed
World Health Organization Pre agenda report on Cannabidiol
CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis.Leinow and Birnbaum
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