Providing Relief
Disease, that relentless adversary, is met with the compassionate touch of Cannabis and CBD. Like healers from forgotten legends, they traverse the pathways of the body, seeking out imbalances and offering a gentle nudge toward equilibrium. From the throes of nausea to the tremors of seizures, their presence is a testament to nature’s apothecary, a whispered promise of relief to those who suffer.
Your Endocannabinoid System
How It Works
The interaction between compounds, terpenes, and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has demonstrated potential in addressing symptoms associated with diseases such as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, fibromyalgia, and HIV.
Addressing Pain
A study in the European Journal of Pain in 2020, suggests that CBD can be effective in managing chronic pain conditions, such as neuropathic pain, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis-related pain. Certain terpenes found in cannabis may also play a role in symptom management. The terpene myrcene has muscle relaxant and sedative properties, while the terpene limonene may have anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to pain relief. Other pain relief options, such as opioids may be effective at managing pain, but carry a high risk of dependence and addiction compared to cannabis and CBD. However, patients should consult with their healthcare professionals to determine the most suitable treatment plan for their specific condition.
Chemotherapy
THC has long been recognized for its anti-nausea and antiemetic properties. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1975 reported that THC effectively reduced nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients. The Endocannabinoid System’s role in modulating pain perception, inflammation, and nausea response underscores the potential of cannabis and CBD in providing relief to chemotherapy patients. THC interacts with the CB1 receptors in the brain, to help regulate the body’s response to nausea-inducing stimuli. Research published in the journal Annals of Oncology in 2020 indicated that CBD might help manage chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain, a common and challenging side effect. CBD’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties may also play a role in mitigating pain and discomfort. Furthermore, terpenes found in cannabis, such as myrcene and limonene, can enhance the therapeutic effects. However, individual responses can vary, and patients should consult with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized approach.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy, characterized by recurrent seizures, has shown promising responses to CBD-rich treatments. Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for certain types of epilepsy. Clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing seizure frequency. A study in The New England Journal of Medicine (2018) reported significant seizure reduction in patients with Dravet syndrome treated with CBD.
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and neuroinflammation. CBD’s anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties have garnered attention in Alzheimer’s research. A study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (2014) indicated that CBD might reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, potentially offering neuroprotective benefits. While yet another study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (2016) reported that CBD may improve cognition and reduce social withdrawal in Alzheimer’s patients, indicating its potential to address both cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Certain terpenes found in cannabis can complement the effects of CBD. For instance, the terpene pinene has shown promise in enhancing memory and cognitive function. While, limonene, another terpene, has demonstrated neuroprotective properties and may help mitigate cognitive decline. While CBD has shown potential to improve certain symptoms in the early stages of brain-degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, its psychoactive counterpart THC can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and paranoia. This can be especially problematic for individuals already dealing with cognitive decline, increasing both distress and discomfort. This can be addressed by selecting strains or products with lower THC levels or higher CBD-to-THC ratios.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain and fatigue. CBD’s analgesic properties have led to investigations into its potential for fibromyalgia symptom management. A study in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology (2020) reported that CBD oil reduced pain and improved overall quality of life in fibromyalgia patients.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS often involves symptoms such as pain, nausea, and appetite loss. Cannabis has been used to alleviate these symptoms. A study in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management (2005) found that cannabis use improved pain, appetite, and overall mood in HIV/AIDS patients.
Parkinsons
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is characterized by motor symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, as well as non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances and mood changes. While research is ongoing, there is evidence to suggest that cannabis may offer some relief. Research published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology (2017) suggested that CBD’s anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties might help reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to improved motor function and overall quality of life in PD patients. CBD’s anxiolytic effects may also address mood-related issues frequently observed in PD. Certain terpenes found in cannabis may play a role in symptom management. The terpene myrcene exhibits muscle relaxant properties that could help mitigate muscle stiffness and rigidity in PD. While the terpene beta-caryophyllene has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by interacting with CB2 receptors in the ECS, potentially reducing neuroinflammation associated with PD.