… Absolutely not. Cannabidiol, or CBD has non-psychoactive properties, meaning it will not create a body or cerebral high. Personally, I don’t enjoy the feeling of being high (yes, Mom and Dad, I have tried the “wacky tabacky”). While cannabis use remains highly debated, the incredible clinical applications of cannot be overlooked.
CBD is most often consumed orally or applied topically, each offering different benefits. When consumed orally, CBD is a neuroprotectant, an effective anti-inflammatory, alleviates anxiety, fights cancer, and combat seizures just to name a few. When applied topically, it can mitigate pain, even moderate to severe, and also act as an anti-inflammatory.
What's also extraordinary is that our bodies also make cannabinoids; CBD is just one of a hundred plus known cannabinoids. The human body has an endocannabinoid system, another body system just like our nervous system, circulatory system, etc. Very simply put, this system extends from our brain throughout the body with receptors that respond directly to external cannabinoids. The two major cannabinoids derived from the marijuana plant are THC, the psychoactive, get you high form, which might I add is therapeutic for some, and CBD. This domain is just beginning to open, and is an exciting time for "alternative" medicine in an opioid epidemic, pharmaceutical drug laden world.
Professionally, I have found my patients respond favorably to the topical CBD lotion that I use as an adjunct during treatment. This lotion was also a saving grace for my boyfriend who had two significant shoulder surgeries this past year. It decreased his need for narcotics and provided nearly instant pain relief from moderate pain to minor aching during his recovery process. Personally, I use CBD oil sublingually every night. I didn’t realize the significance of CBD until I missed a night. I not only had difficulty falling asleep, I had difficulty staying asleep. For me, CBD allows me to achieve a deeper, uninterrupted, restful sleep filled with dreams. Also, I feel less inflamed with routine consumption and have an easier time remaining calm during periods of high stress.
I believe CBD is a pretty magical compound that has healing and protective properties making it suitable for everyone. If you'd like more information, please reach out! My favorite brand is organically grown and clean extracted, Physicians Preferred products. Topical CBD is now available for purchase in office and coming (very) soon at Performance Physical Therapy's Store
photo credit: Quincy Dein