cbd research - Page 2 of 3 - Eden Organics Idaho

February 5, 2020

CAN CBD REDUCE CHOLESTEROL?

We hear so many claims of what CBD can do that we often have to stop, take a breath and rely on actual research to determine the efficacy of CBD and the claims surrounding it.

As to whether or not it reduces cholesterol, there is no definitive evidence to indicate that it does. However, having said that, I do have to mention that CBD does aid in promoting a healthy heart.

CBD AND HEART HEALTH

According to an article on the web page Healthline, “CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties may be able to reduce risk factors that can lead to heart disease, like high blood pressure. It may also be able to reduce the risk of related conditions, like stroke. In a 2017 study, healthy human volunteers were subjected to stress and then given a dose of CBD. The CBD lowered their blood pressure, as compared to volunteers given a placebo. However, non-stressed individuals saw no such improvement.”

Heart disease increases the risk of stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke is when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain.

A 2010 review found that CBD may help protect stroke patients from brain damage and even aid recovery by boosting brain function.

It is important to note that the findings of studies on stroke recovery were on animals and that we need more research on the effect of CBD on human stroke patients.

A 2016 study showed that CBD may reduce autoimmune myocarditis. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties are important for a healthy heart. Myocarditis is inflammation in the heart which creates a condition where the heart can not pump properly. Since CBD in effective in reducing inflammation, it can help with myocarditis.

The study also found that CBD reduces oxidative stress, which is a condition related to inflammation.

CBD CAN HELP WITH KEEPING YOUR HEART HEALTHY

CBD can help us keep a healthy heart; however, it is no substitute for a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced, healthy diet, exercise, a good night’s sleep, and a reduction of stress. CBD can help with some of these but is not a panacea.

February 3, 2020

CBD AND LUPUS

Recently we had a customer come into the store and ask about CBD and its effect on Lupus. Since CBD is effective in helping to reduce inflammation and aiding in pain reduction, we suggested the customer try it. Subsequently to that occasion, I have been researching the efficacy of CBD on Lupus symptoms. Here is what I have found so far.

NOT A LOT OF RESEARCH SPECIFIC TO LUPUS

From a web site entitled ‘Lupus Corner’, we have, “Studies on cannabis have found potential for using CBD oil as a way to reduce lupus symptoms. Many of these studies are conducted with small numbers of participants or rely on anecdotal reports. However, the research is beginning to paint a compelling picture regarding the efficacy of CBD.

A 2010 review published by the HHS government agency details the effects that cannabinoids have on the body. CBD goes directly to the immune cells and cause weak or damaged cells to die off. They also suppress T-cell responses, a major source of inflammation. This weakens the immune response, protecting cells from being attacked by the overactive immune systems of people with lupus. A 2015 report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association that looks specifically at multiple sclerosis implies that CBD may also directly protect nerve cells from autoimmune damage.” Later in that article they stated, “There are many clinical trials in the works on how CBD oil might help with inflammation. For now, though, we have a plant extract with a high potential to help and a low potential for habit formation and side effects. As interest and funding increases for using CBD oil to treat autoimmune disease, this evidence will come.”

ANOTHER TESTIMONY

Janeen Qadri Board Member – Lupus Alliance of Upstate New York, has a degree in health sciences that she uses on a daily basis. She stated, “I thoroughly research it, speak to professionals in the field, and use CBD and cannabis myself. Cannabis education is one of my passions!” She continues, “Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural game-changer for anyone suffering from chronic inflammation, chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, and even cancer. Lupus sufferers find cannabis and CBD to work a million times better than any other medication and there are no side effects that will hurt us.”

CONCLUSION

Well, actually, we don’t really have a conclusion on the efficacy of CBD on lupus. Without the actual research to give us a definitive answer, we are left to anecdotal evidence and some studies that can report on the ability of CBD to reduce inflammation and aid in pain reduction. We can extrapolate the evidence from those studies that CBD will have a positive effect on the symptoms of lupus. We can find a plethora of anecdotal evidence indicating that CBD has a positive effect on the symptoms of lupus, however, the best course to take if you have lupus is to talk with your doctor about taking CBD. If the two of you are comfortable with trying it, then give it a try and see how it works for you. Since there are no serious side effects from using CBD, it will be worth trying.

January 31, 2020

FEAR AND PREJUDICE IN MAKING LAWS

When we look at the laws pertaining to hemp and CBD in Idaho, we discover fear and prejudice. When a reasonable person examines any aspect of hemp production and the use of CBD, they find nothing but beneficial facts and information. And yet fear raises its ugly head and we have antiquated laws and law makers.

FEAR OF MARIJUANA SPLASHES OVER TO HEMP AND CBD

So often I hear that if we allow hemp production in Idaho, marijuana will slip in and before we know it, the entire state will be growing marijuana. Such foolishness has no place in law making. The most cursory investigation will uncover the truth. There have been several news stories that contain information contradicting the notion that producers will grow marijuana with hemp. In states where marijuana is grown legally, the growers are up in arms when a hemp producer grows their product too close to the marijuana producer. The reason? Hemp cross pollinates with the marijuana plant and renders it impotent, making the crop useless. That being the case, anyone who tried to grow marijuana amongst their hemp would be wasting their time and effort.

LAW ENFORCEMENT AND HEMP

We also hear that law enforcement will be perplexed when encountering hemp as they try to determine of the product is hemp or marijuana. The 4-AP test can indicate whether the substance in question has more CBD than THC. If the liquid in the test turns blue, the substance is likely marijuana. If it turns pink, it indicates the CBD is greater than the THC. That seems fairly straight forward and not real difficult to differentiate the two compounds. It is too bad that the State of Idaho isn’t aware of that test. Here is a link to a video explaining the test. youtube.com/watch?v=4PL_6bfaBlQ&feature=youtu.be.

CBD AND HEMP BRING EXTENSIVE BENEFITS

As we have written before, CBD has so many benefits to people’s health that it is silly to have the extent of limits on it. That goes double for hemp. We have listed the many benefits of hemp in previous posts, paper production, clothing, fuel, medicine, wood products, plastic, to name a few. Added to the list is the fact that one acre of hemp produces the same amount of paper as four acres of trees and only takes six months to regenerate as opposed to thirty years minimum for trees. Hemp uses significantly less water than cotton and has a smaller carbon footprint. Hemp would reduce the use of single use plastic and save a great deal of the plastic pollution.

WHAT INFORMATION ARE THE LAW MAKERS LOOKING AT?

All this makes one wonder what information our lawmakers are looking at. It certainly isn’t the facts or any scientific research. How sad for Idaho that we are led by fear and prejudice and not by enlightened open thinking.

January 24, 2020

CBD AND NEONATAL ARTERIAL ISCHEMIC STROKE

As most of you know, Arterial Ischemic Stroke occurs when blood flow in an artery to the brain is blocked due to narrowness of the artery or the formation of a blood clot. A particular unfortunate condition known as Neonatal Arterial Ischemic Stroke (NAIS), specific to infants, can lead to lifelong disabilities and or brain injury.

LITTLE IS KNOW ABOUT NEONATAL ARTERIAL ISCHEMIC STROKE

Unfortunately, little is known about this condition and, currently, there is no effective treatment. As one would imagine, this is a devastating condition for a small infant and its family, especially since there is little that can be done to treat the condition or mitigate its effects.

A STUDY INDICATES CBD CAN REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF NAIS

This study, performed on rats, indicated that CBD can reduce brain damage and improve recovery. Researchers found by analyzing the effects to the brain via MRI, behavioral tests, and other system studies, that administering CBD after induced artery blockage led to “long term functional recovery.” CBD reduced the loss of neuronal structure and function, the abnormal increase of astrocytes (a certain type of cell in the brain), cell death and damage, and inflammation of the nervous tissue.

CONTINUED STUDIES NEEDED

With more clinical studies this treatment could become a reality for human newborns. As time goes on, we will see more studies that will indicate the use of CBD in treating NAIS and strokes involving adults. This is just one more reason to encourage further research in the use of CBD to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions.

January 23, 2020

CBD AND EXERCISE

Image by Valsan Fox Valsan Fox from Pixabay

CBD has many benefits to those who exercise. Because it helps reduce inflammation and is useful in pain management, it can aid in recovery after a strenuous work out.

Dr. Murdoc Khaleghi, an emergency medicine physician stated, “Athletes are limited by the extent to which they can train and how much time their muscles need to recover. CBD, through its ability to decrease pain and inflammation, it helps accelerate recovery.”

CBD CAN REPLACE NONSTEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAID)

As many athletes know, the use of NSAIDs can lead to unwanted side effects, especially stomach problems. CBD use does not have those side effects and can be used safely over an extended length of time. After a heavy work out or exercise regimen, one often needs to take something to relive the pain and inflammation.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS TO USING CBD BEFORE AND AFTER A WORKOUT.

CBD can help in getting a good night’s sleep and that can be crucial for recovery after a strenuous work out. Without a rested night’s sleep, the muscles have difficulty recovering, making the next workout troublesome. Studies have shown CBD to be extremely helpful in fighting insomnia.

CBD SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY ANYONE WHO IS SERIOUS ABOUT WORKING OUT.

Anyone who is a serious athlete or one who works out on a regular basis should consider having and using CBD to help them achieve more and reach new goals.

January 20, 2020

IS CBD FOR YOU?

As CBD seems to be all over social media and national television shows, you may be wondering if CBD is for you. Will it help you with your ailment or condition? You may be curious about how it works, or if it works. You are not alone.

14% OF PEOPLE NATIONWIDE HAVE USED OR ARE USING CBD

That percentage is roughly 51 million people who are using or have used CBD. As more and more research projects are in the works, we are finding more ways in which CBD can help us. Yet, it has not hit mainstream America and has to contend with some of the negative press of its cousin, marijuana.

CBD IS LEGAL AND SAFE

The research on CBD has proven it safe for human use. And, it is legal in 48 states as of this writing. However, there are some cautions that can be given in purchasing CBD. First and foremost, is the Certificate of Analysis (COA) that must accompany any CBD product. The COA will give you the amount of CBD in the product, the other ingredients and also what is not in the product such as heavy metals, pesticides, and THC. THC, Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the ingredient in marijuana that makes you high and will show up on a drug test. Though there is not enough THC in any CBD product to make you high, always insure there is a COA for the product you intend to purchase in the event you will need to pass a drug test.

FIND THE RESEARCH

If you have a particular ailment or condition, you can find a great deal of research on it on the internet. Be sure you are looking at research on a legitimate web site that has the actual research report and not just someone who is paraphrasing. You can find many of the research papers on our site. For pain reduction, insomnia and anxiety control, there is a prodigious amount of research indicating that CBD can help with those conditions.

IF YOU WANT TO TRY CBD, TALK TO THE SPECIALISTS

Talk to someone who specializes in CBD to find out if it is something you would like to try. They can help you in your decision and help you find the correct product for you.

January 16, 2020

VETERINARIAN SEEKS AUTHORITY TO DISCUSS CBD WITH PET OWNERS

Veterinarians are not allowed to initiate the discussion of CBD with pet owners due to a provision in the law that prohibits them prescribing or initiating a conversation on a product that is not FDA approved. As a result, they cannot recommend CBD as a treatment.

MICHIGAN VETERINARIANS SEEK TO HAVE THE LAW CHANGED

Dr. Kellie Holmstrom, a Marquette veterinarian helped inspire the legislation. She explained that questions about CBD are asked on a daily occurrence but not being allowed to initiate the conversation about CBD limited her ability to offer informed medical advice to the pet owner.

IDAHO HAS THE SAME LAWS

Because Idaho has the same laws, veterinarians here are faced with the same predicament as those in Michigan. Regardless of the absence of the FDA approval, certainly a veterinarian should be allowed to discuss the use of CBD with a pet owner. This can certainly happen without the veterinarian writing a prescription, but merely stating the facts surrounding the use of CBD for pets.

AMPLE RESEARCH TO INDICATE THE USE OF CBD FOR PETS

There is enough evidence surrounding the use of CBD for pets to allow veterinarians to initiate the discussion of how it may help with a particular condition. The studies that have been conducted have shown promising results, especially for pain relief in dogs. Veterinarians need to have the freedom to offer CBD as an alternate treatment for pain in dogs. As mounting evidence continues, we will see that CBD will also be a help for cat owners as well.

January 15, 2020

JANUARY SNOW SHOVELING BLUES

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

January in Idaho means we will be shoveling snow. In fact, it seems as if we are shoveling snow everyday during January. And when you add in the Idaho wind, you end up shoveling a lot of snow, over and over again as it blows back to the area you just shoveled.

SNOW AND PAIN

All this shoveling can add up to a lot of back, shoulder, hip and neck pain. CBD can help with inflammation and muscle and joint pain. Several studies have indicated that taking CBD can be an effective method of reducing pain. You can see some of the research on our Research page.

HEART ATTACK THREAT WHEN SHOVELING SNOW

Because we are usually moving snow in the early morning hours and because of the stress of shoveling snow, the threat of a heart attack is increased. According to an article on WebMD, the most common time of day for heart attacks is the morning and new research suggests that morning heart attacks are also the most serious. Although CBD can’t prevent a heart attack, it has shown some promise in cardiovascular health and can help promote a healthy heart. We need to be careful when out in the early morning shoveling snow and to pay close attention to any symptoms of a heart attack.

JANUARY DEPRESSION

We are all aware of S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder). This disorder has the same symptoms of depression and usually occurs during winter when we get reduced sunlight. Because it has the same symptoms of depression, CBD may be able to help alleviate those symptoms. CBD does help with anxiety and depression and may be a way to manage Seasonal Affective Disorder.

CBD CAN HELP US GET THROUGH JANUARY

CBD can be a way we can alleviate some of the negative aspects associated with January and the winter aches and pains and the blues.

January 13, 2020

AFRAID OF PUBLIC SPEAKING?

The fear of public speaking is extremely common among people of all ages. It even has a name, Glossophobia. Many people, when surveyed, have indicated they are more afraid of speaking in front of an audience than they are of death.

CBD CAN HELP WITH FEAR AND ANXIETY

In a recent double-blind study, 60 men and women, ages 18 to 35 were divided into five groups that either received CBD, a placebo, or Clonazepam (a medicine used to treat panic disorders)

After each participant gave a speech, they filled out a questionnaire on anxiety level and had their blood pressure and heart rate measured.

THE RESULTS

Clonazepam was effective, as it consistently reduced anxiety in a more sedative way. However, CBD was also effective and didn’t have the potential for the side effects of Clonazepam which are: muscle weakness, drowsiness, indigestion, loss of muscle coordination, slurred speech.) There are others, but I think you get the picture. CBD has none of these side effects. The placebo group wasn’t as successful as the Clonazepam and CBD.

CONCLUSION

CBD can be used to reduce anxiety and fear of public speaking without the serious side effects of Clonazepam. In addition, CBD can be effective in a variety of other ways and can help reduce several other conditions and ailments.

January 10, 2020

CBD AND PARKINSON’S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA

In an article posted on the web page, Dementia Care Central, they stated:

“Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects one’s nervous stem, with the average age on onset at 60 years old. Simply stated, brain cells that produce the neurotransmitter, dopamine, which are responsible for transmitting messages to the body in relation to movement, become damaged and die. This results in a variety of movement issues, which may include tremors, lack of facial expression, difficulty balancing, and stiffness of muscles. In addition, PD may develop into Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), which impacts one’s cognitive functioning, such as the ability to remember things, make good decisions, and pay attention.”

CBD CAN HELP WITH THE SYMPTOMS OF PARKINSON’S

The article went on to mention how studies have shown that CBD may offer much needed relief from the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s affects the brain’s ability to produce dopamine. Researchers Alyssa S. Laun and Zhao-Hui Son from the University of Kentucky found that CBD acts as an “inverse agonist” on CPR6 receptors. This indicates that CBD responds within the receptors to provide therapeutic effects against the symptoms of Parkinson’s. This important discovery is chronicled here.

CBD, PARKINSON’S AND DEMENTIA

The article went on to talk about how CBD can help with Parkinson’s Disease Dementia. In addition, CBD can help with many of the other symptoms of Parkinson’s. As we have mentioned in previous posts, there is continuing studies on CBD use for Dementia and relief of its symptoms.

RESEARCH CONTINUES ON THE MANY FACETS OF CBD’S BENEFITS

As the research continues, we are seeing more and more how important CBD is and is going to be in a wide variety of diseases, conditions and ailments.