Subscriptions - Maximum Yield Cannabis USA November/December 2020 | Page 89

According to their review, “CBD decreases the production of inflammatory cytokines, influences microglial cells to return to a ramified state, preserves cerebral circulation during ischemic events, and reduces vascular changes and neuroinflammation.” Early models found that people with multiple sclerosis have fewer relapses when smoking cannabis. More recent models lend support to that finding by showing that stimulation of CB1 and CB2 receptors are beneficial against the inflammatory process. In tests with CBD treatment in rats, the antioxidant mechanism of CBD has been shown to attenuate Parkinson’srelated dystonia, but not tremor. In patients who have experienced strokes, CBD has potential as a protectant against cerebrovascular damage by decreasing blood pressure. CBD has been shown to increase the brain’s adenosine levels by reducing adenosine reuptake, which is associated with neuroprotection and decreased inflammation after brain trauma. RISKS Although most people don’t have any side effects when using CBD oil, it is possible for some people to experience depression, dizziness, hallucinations, and low blood pressure. A more likely risk is a bad interaction between CBD oil and prescription drugs you may take. If you take a medication with a grapefruit warning, you should consult with your doctor before adding CBD oil to your regimen. Drugs with grapefruit warnings include antibiotics, antihistamines, anticancer medications, antiepileptic drugs, blood pressure medications, blood thinners, cholesterol medications, corticosteroids, erectile dysfunction medications, GI medications, heart rhythm medications, immunosuppressants, mood medications, pain medications, and prostate medications. If you can’t take CBD oil orally due to taking one of these medications, you should be able to use CBD oil topically without any negative side effects. The reason CBD oil can potentially have negative reactions with these drugs is because CBD can inhibit your body’s ability to metabolize your other medications as quickly as it normally would, leading to increased levels of those medications in your bloodstream over time. You will also want to be aware of potential contaminants in CBD products. Because there is a lack of regulation in CBD products, make sure to read labels and product reviews carefully. Choose products that have been lab-tested to avoid harmful contaminants. HOW TO USE CBD OILS If you have consulted your doctor and think that CBD would be a good fit for your situation, there are a few different ways to use CBD oil. You can vape high-CBD cannabis oil, use it topically for pain, or ingest it orally by eating it in candy, taking it in a capsule or putting the oil under your tongue. To determine your ideal dose, start small and work your way up until you find what works best for you. Studies have shown that too much or too little seems to negate the positive effects, and each person tends to have their own ideal dosage. This can depend on a person’s body weight, metabolism, and body chemistry. It can take up to 90 minutes to feel the effects if you are taking CBD orally, so be patient. CBD has the potential to help treat a wide variety of ailments. If you think it may benefit you, check with your doctor and give it a try. You may find it can replace your other treatments and improve your health with little to no side effects. eturning cannabis health care to healthcare professionals. We help patients use cannabis to treat chronic illness, and we teach healthcare professionals about using cannabis as a treatment modality. radiclehealthcare.com [email protected] | 925.357.8316 Ste.119 – 2815 Mitchell Dr., Walnut Creek CA 94598 Maximum Yield 89