CBD “CURES & RUMORS” is an ongoing health series about the comprehensive cannabis plant.
BIG NEWS: On December 21, 2018 CBD finally became Legal–at the Federal Level–in the United States. With this recent legalization, CBD–a non-psychotropic compound found in the Cannabis Plant (aka “marijuana”) —is set to make an even bigger splash into Holistic and Natural Medicine usage. It will also continue marching into leading-edge, mainstream medical practices. This is the first article in a series on the medicinal effects of this highly-effective plant which everyone will become more and more aware of via one of its primary compounds called Cannabidiol (CBD).
“The human endocannabinoid system — endo meaning “within” — strongly suggests the human organism is actually designed to make good use of the cannabis plant. In other words, the marijuana plant triggers something that’s been inside us since the dawn of mankind. The endocannabinoid system exists in other mammals as well, suggesting it is a truly an ancient biological system.”
- Dr. Margaret Gedde, Stanford Trained Pathologist, M.D., PhD and owner of multiple medical marijuana clinics in Colorado
What IS the Big Deal about CBD?
The endocannabinoid system of the body was discovered in the 1990’s by Israeli scientist Dr. Raphael Mechoulam. It consists of a series of cell receptor sites called CB1 (which occur primarily in the brain of most mammals) and CB2 (which are present throughout the central nervous system, organs and tissues). This system is known today as the fourth major regulatory system of the body! These receptors, when utilizing CBD1 and CBD2—as a key in a lock—turn on cell functionality to regulate everything from pain sensations, inflammation and immune system response to memory, appetite and mood as well as overall metabolism. To list just a few of the dozens and dozens of conditions which can be improved by using CBD, here are a few eye openers:
- The U.S. Government has two patents on CBD for its anti-aging and anti-seizure effects. See CBD for You and Me”.
- Many other brain conditions can be treated, including: Anxiety and Stress, Parkinson’s, Focus and ADHD, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Strokes, Mood Disorders, PTSD.
- Longevity and health are promoted thru deeper and more regular Sleep.
- It’s Gut Friendly. CBD can help heal intestinal disorders such as Crohn’s Disease.
- An effective bone regrowth component for Osteoporosis (studies from Israel)
- Very useful for chronic pain relief.
The broad scope of its health effects on the human body is why CBD (Cannabidiol) is a Big Deal. In future articles we will explore the effect of CBD on specific disease and disorder conditions. It truly is a natural remedy which gives people more access to healing their health naturally.
And product sales are popping up everywhere, online, in various stores and clinics (like ours). I fully expect you’ll be seeing it at the gas station in the near future! To be sure, it is always wise to question the quality of such products, especially when sold in a store that sells known toxic items such as cigarettes.
Cannabis and Acupuncture: Double Your Impact!
Cannabis has suffered in anonymity over the last 70 years due to the political pull of the huge and powerful Pharmaceutical industry with its revolving door to the FDA and huge lobbying dollars influencing our politicians. However, it’s been known and used the world over for thousands of years. CBD has been in all the Chinese medical writings and major books since at least 2737 B.C. It is in the book “Traditional Chinese Medicine” by the Emperor Shen Nung (the “Red Emperor”). However, it hasn’t been taught in U.S. schools of Chinese Medicine due to the legal issues surrounding its use.
Beginning with studies of acupuncture in the 1970’s, it was revealed that acupuncture works synergistically with our endocannabinoid system and the production of the body’s own natural opioids. Our recommendation: Use both CBD and Acupuncture for best effects when you are injured, ill or in emotional distress. Use these tools also for long-term, sustained health and wellness. Yes, Stop that Pain! Calm your nervous system to avoid cancer and other diseases. STAY Healthy with Natural Medicines such as CBD and Acupuncture.
You Can’t Keep A Good Medicine Down Forever!
The cat’s out of the bag, so to speak. CBD has been legal in most/all 50 states for many years, but the Federal law has tamped it down, and yes, the DEA has shut down and confiscated tons of cannabis products over the years, including this non-psychotropic oil called CBD. Colorado, my home state, is arguably the leading state on the legalization issue. And even there, four years ago, a mid-size Colorado company doing international business was shut down and $1.5 Million in ready-to-ship CBD product was confiscated! Under Federal law, it was considered a Class 1 Drug, same as heroin. Huh? Aspirin can be more deadly. Coffee is more addictive.
The funny thing about all this federal nonsense: CBD can help heal the addictions caused by this nation’s over prescription of opioid drugs. Opioid prescription addiction causes far more deaths than traffic accidents each year, and I recently saw a statistic which claimed the Opioid Crisis has now killed more people in the U.S. than the Vietnam War!
THE FEDERAL LAW CHANGED ON DECEMBER 21, 2018!
On December 21, 2018, the Hemp plant and CBD were declassified and are no longer a Class 1 drug or a Federal crime (which mostly wasn’t enforced anyway and was legal in all/most states). This declassification was part of our nation’s 2018 Farm Bill.
In the short term, this means we can all travel legally on planes and trains with it, across state borders and out of the U.S. It means that farmers can now plant hemp, and whole industries can use this more sustainable crop to create everything from cloth to housing materials.
What will this mean in the long term? It remains to be seen. Now CBD is under the helm of the FDA, and we know there is a too-cozy relationship between the FDA and the pharmaceutical industry which wants to protect its own profits. The top officials go back and forth between the FDA and the companies it is supposed to regulate—and these are in powerful positions. It’s rather insane, thinking people agree!
CBD is Big Business Now
Despite all the insane laws and obstacles at the Federal level, education, research, large-scale growing farms, medical professionals on both sides of the aisle, as well as usage in our population, have all been on steep inclines over the last dozen years since Colorado legalized medical marijuana, including CBD which does NOT get anyone “high”. Take enough—or more than enough—and you’ll just go to sleep and get a solid rest while the healing activities go on all over your body’s brain, bones, and organs! Certainly, there are situations where you need to work with your Western M.D. when you are coming off medications, or sometimes while you are on medications. Natural medicines such as CBD…and even grapefruit and raw chocolate…can affect the dosing of prescription drugs. You may need LESS of the drug.
In future editions on “CBD Cures & Rumors”, we will cover how CBD helps people prevent or reverse health challenges in such diverse areas as:
Brain Health (Epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Migraines and Strokes)
Mental Health (ADHD, PTSD, Bi-Polar, Autism, Mood, and STRESS)
Gut & Digestive Health (Crohn’s Disease, IBS)
Cancer & Autoimmune Conditions (MS, Arthritis, Thyroid Conditions)
Pain, Pain, Pain (Migraines, Chronic Pain Syndrome, Other Pain)
Obesity & Weight Control
In gratitude,
Deb & Dr. David Martin
And all the Providers at Lotus Blossom Clinic
www.LotusBlossomClinic.com
239-277-1399
Serving the Greater Fort Myers area with Natural and Holistic Medicine: Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Massage, Science-backed Food as Medicine, Energy Medicine.
REFERENCES:
CBD for You and Me, May 2018, Deb Martin, Lotus Blossom Clinic
Cannabis and Acupuncture: Double Boost for the Endocannabinoid System; Feb. 2017 https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-cannabis-and-acupuncture-a-double-boost-for-the-endocannabinoid-system-n431