Often patients with serious chronic issues benefit from adding cannabis to their healthcare regimen. This is especially true for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Crohn’s Disease. Some patients with mild cases may be able to eliminate pharmaceuticals completely. Many others successfully utilize cannabis in combination with pharmaceuticals. 

Anecdotal evidence and research show cannabis may affect the symptoms of Crohn’s disease in a variety of ways thus enhancing the patient’s quality of life.

Here five different ways cannabis can impact Crohn’s disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea 

Patients with Crohn’s Disease often suffer from a variety of distressing symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are frequently among the most disabling symptoms a patient may endure. For many patients, episodes of nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea can be completely debilitating.

Cannabis is famous as an antiemetic. It’s highly valued in oncology for its effects on chemotherapy-associated nausea. Ample research and anecdotal evidence show cannabis can decrease episodes of nausea and vomiting. While a 2014 Canadian population study found that  28.6% of patients with IBD reported improved diarrhea after beginning a cannabis regimen. 

Pain

Patients with IBD and Crohn’s Disease frequently report episodes of pain. Some episodes may be localized while others may be widespread. 

A 2014 study examined the effects of cannabis on patients with Irritable Bowel Disease who used cannabis. 83.9% of the participants reported cannabis improved abdominal pain, 76.8% reported that cannabis improved abdominal cramping, and 48.2% found cannabis improved joint pain as well. 

It’s important to note that this particular study researcher also noted cannabis users with Crohn’s disease more often had worsening disease than people who did not use cannabis. We don’t know if cannabis masks the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, or if people with more serious instances of the disease are more likely to use cannabis. 

Inducing Remission

Achieving remission is often a goal of treatment for patients with Crohn’s Disease and IBD. Remission is when the disease is no longer in an active state and symptoms recede. 

A small-scale placebo-controlled study conducted in Israel in 2013, found 10 out of 11 participants experienced a significant positive clinical response after beginning a medical cannabis regimen. 5 out of 11 participants went into complete remission after 8 weeks of regular cannabis administration. 

Similar research was presented in 2018, “In a randomised, placebo-controlled study, researchers from Israel have shown that cannabis can produce clinical remission in up to 65% of individuals after 8 weeks of treatment, but that this improvement does not appear to result from a dampening down of the underlying inflammatory process.”

There’s no evidence to suggest cannabis decreases gut inflammation directly, but cannabis is coveted for its anti-inflammatory properties in general. 

May Mitigate Complications

Many people live successful happy lives with chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease, but in some cases, the disease process can result in complications that can be dangerous and deadly. 

A retrospective cohort study in 2019 found cannabis users were less likely to have active fistulizing disease, intra-abdominal abscesses, blood product transfusions, colectomies, and parenteral nutrition requirements.

The study concluded that “cannabis use may mitigate several of the well-described complications of Crohn’s disease among hospital inpatients. These effects could possibly be through the effect of cannabis in the endocannabinoid system.” 

Another study found “ Fifteen of the patients had 19 surgeries during an average period of 9 years before cannabis use, but only 2 required surgery during an average period of 3 years of cannabis use. Again, much more research is needed to truly determine the effects cannabis has on Inflammatory Bowel Disease, but the current research available is promising.  

Increased appetite

Weight loss is another challenging symptom experienced by many patients with Crohn’s Disease and IBD. 

One of the most famous effects of marijuana is “the munchies”. It’s true that marijuana can act as an appetite stimulant. In animal models, researchers found delta 9 THC triggers hunger hormones. 

It’s also interesting to note, that many researchers theorize cannabis may help maintain a healthy weight as studies have found chronic cannabis users generally have a healthier BMI than nonusers.

Conclusion

Many patients report benefits from cannabis including a reduction in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, a reduction of pain, and an increased appetite. Patients also often report that cannabis may help mitigate the complications of IBD, and in some patients, it may even induce or maintain remission.  

It’s also important to add, that some physicians have suggested cannabis may mask the symptoms of worsening disease and careful management by a healthcare provider is needed. 

Much more research needs to be done to fully understand how medical marijuana impacts Crohn’s disease or IBD.  As always, new patients should consult with their healthcare provider before adding new substances to their healthcare regimen. 

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When looking for a new product to help address the effects of aging on your skin, you can quickly become overwhelmed by the number of different ingredients claiming to help. Without extensive research, it can be challenging to know how effective these ingredients and products are. The following are the most effective options to help maintain healthy skin.

Sunscreen

Many substances and vitamins have been shown to help reduce aging on the skin, the most effective (and important) solution is simple sunscreen. If you’re not using sunscreen regularly, then there’s no point in investing any more money in other products that claim to help your skin. Many of the effects people are looking to reduce, like wrinkles and spots, develop from exposure to the sun. Stopping this source of damage is the most powerful way to protect your skin.

Broad-spectrum sunscreen is recommended as it stops both UVA and UVB rays from the sun, the first causing signs of aging and the second that burn the skin. An SPF of at least 30 is recommended, which will stop most of the damaging UV from hitting your skin, either by blocking it or absorbing it into the skin to stop the damage at a cellular level. Sunscreens come with 

Ceramides

The top layer of your skin is known as the skin barrier, which keeps moisture in and retains hydration while keeping irritants out. Ceramides are a type of lipid that helps maintain the strength of this barrier, so it can be a powerful way to maintain your skin’s health. The more hydrated your skin is, the more youthful it will look, an essential part of your anti-aging arsenal. If you’re prone to dry skin or eczema, a product with topical ceramides like Private Label Skin Care may be beneficial.

Collagen

Collagen is a protein found in the skin, hair, and nails and helps keep them strong and healthy. Skin without enough collagen will lose its ‘bounce’ and start to look less firm, which is why, as we age, our skin changes as the body produces less collagen naturally. Sun exposure can also expedite the effects and speed up how quickly the collagen in our skin breaks down. While it may seem straightforward that we should add collagen into our skincare routine, it, unfortunately, isn’t that simple. Collagen is a large molecule that makes it difficult to find a topical method that will significantly impact. Equally, taking collagen as a pill isn’t the most effective way of getting the protein to the correct part of the body, so while the jury is still out, there’s no harm in taking a collagen supplement or cream.

CBD – Cannabidiol 

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a molecule found in hemp or cannabis. CBD does not cause intoxication or euphoria (unlike its cousin, THC). CBD has quickly made its way to the beauty and skincare industry. In many areas, hemp-based CBD products can be purchased at a local pharmacy or ordered online. CBD beauty products can also be found at major retailers like Sephora. Thanks to easy access, more people are utilizing topical CBD for healthy skin. 

Research states, “Recent data have shown that the endocannabinoid system is fully functional in the skin and is responsible for maintaining many aspects of skin homeostasis, such as proliferation, differentiation, and release of inflammatory mediators.” Preclinical evidence shows CBD may be a therapeutic option to address a variety of inflammatory skin conditions. 

CBD also has been found to have antioxidant properties. Anecdotal reports show consumers are choosing topical CBD for a variety of skin-care purposes, from addressing dark spots and other skin imperfections, to easing acne. More research needs to be done on CBD, but the preclinical research and the anecdotal reports are promising. 

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is in a group of acids called ‘alpha-hydroxy’ acids. Unlike collagen, it’s made from tiny molecules that can penetrate deep into the skin. Using glycolic acid has an exfoliating effect, improving your skin’s texture and tone by dissolving dead skin cell bonds like other alpha-hydroxy acids. What makes glycolic acid unique is that it boosts collagen in the skin, giving it an elastic look mentioned above. The only issue is that it can irritate sensitive skin, so start with a mild product.

Lactic Acid

Like glycolic acid, lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid, but is gentler on the skin and less likely to irritate. If you get a mild face peel or at-home exfoliator, there’s a good chance that it will contain lactic acid and leave your skin looking refreshed. Many exfoliating products have the issue of drying out your skin. Lactic acid is unique in that it can moisturize the skin and exfoliate it, making it a fantastic choice. If you use a product with lactic acid in it, beware that your face may be more sensitive to the sun, so ensure that you’re keeping on top of your sunscreen routine.

Hyaluronic Acid

Another prevalent ingredient in the anti-aging and skin hydration world, hyaluronic acid works by absorbing water and then traps it under the skin like a sponge. By doing this, your skin will be both hydrated and look plumper, and lines will appear to be filled in. Unfortunately, this is a temporary effect, but as the body creates hyaluronic acid naturally until around 20, there are no issues with regularly using a product. When using hyaluronic acid-based products, remember that moisture needs to be present for it to work, so apply it to the skin when it’s already moist with water or after using a moisturizer.

Jojoba Oil

Face oils have become popular over the last few years, but the idea can still be off-putting compared to the more traditional face cream. Of all the face oils available jojoba oil is one of the top choices on the market. Coming from the pod of a plant, it acts just like the oil found in our skin. For most people, it will also not clog pores and acts as a moisturizer, making it perfect for irritated or dry skin, and won’t lead to breakouts in spots. Jojoba oil also contains vitamin E, which has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as a bonus.

Retinol

Retinol is also known as vitamin A, and is a highly effective skin treatment ingredient. It works by increasing the rate your skin cells turn over, giving an exfoliating effect, and can combat fine lines and damage from the sun. If you have both wrinkles and adult acne or spots, this is a great option. There are some negatives, though – the main one is that too much can cause redness or irritation, especially for sensitive skin. Combat this by using only a minimal amount to start with – a pea-sized drop will be more than enough to cover your face with. Another tactic is to try to use it after moisturizing for added protection and then adding another layer of moisturizer on top.

Conclusion

There are a variety of topical ointments and creams on the market that promise to provide the most effective anti-aging ingredients you need in your skincare routine. The ideal skincare routine can vary from each person and it can take a little experimentation to find the ideal products for you. When purchasing new skincare items, always choose high-quality products free of contaminants, toxins, and impurities. As always, talk to your licensed healthcare provider before adding new supplements or medications to your healthcare routine. 

Learn how to make your own CBD topicals easily at home. Learn five ways CBD oil impacts your skin.Trending Now

Is CBD Oil Good For Your Skin?

CBD is being used to address a variety of issues, from pain, to insomnia, to anxiety. But if you further explore the medical literature about cannabidiol you’ll find CBD affects more than just these internal issues. Evidence suggests that CBD can be useful for managing skin issues like psoriasis, acne, and more. 

CBD oil is often used topically and is absorbed by the skin quite easily. Below we review five of the potential ways CBD impacts skin health and wellness. 

Fights Acne

A lot of excitement surrounding CBD topicals is regarding CBD’s effects on acne. Sebum, an oily secretion that comes from skin, has naturally protective properties. However, when it builds up and mixes with debris, it can clog pores and trigger acne. 

However, research suggests CBD cuts off that process at the source. According to tissue research topical CBD application suppresses activity in the sebaceous glands and prevents the glands from producing excess sebum. 

The same research also suggests topical CBD application may reduce inflammation in the sebaceous glands. Both of these actions may impact the skin to decrease acne. Anecdotal evidence supports these suggestions. Many report that CBD helps relieve exacerbations of acne.

Many consumers use ordinary hemp oil directly on their skin, but consumers can also DIY their own CBD Beauty Recipes using CBD oil.  

Reduces Signs Of Aging 

As the human body ages, the skin becomes less elastic and begins to thin. Some of this is attributed toward the dysregulation of keratinocyte activity. Keratin is a fibrous structural protein that helps provide structure and protection to skin. 

According to a literature review published in 2019, endocannabinoid signaling plays a significant role in the regulation of keratinocyte activity. CBD may act as an antioxidant protecting and enhancing skin. 

Another study examined the effects of CBD-based ointments when used to treat inflammatory skin disease and various scars. The test subjects showed significant improvement in skin elasticity and higher levels of skin hydration. 

Ease Symptoms of Skin Disorders

An anecdotal study examining patients with psoriasis and eczema determined, “The topical administration of CBD ointment, without any THC, is a safe and effective non-invasive alternative for improved quality of life in patients with some skin disorders, especially on inflammatory background.”

Patients concur and anecdotally report a reduction of symptoms including itching, redness, and scar formation when they use a CBD topical. 

Soothes Dry Skin

Topical CBD users frequently report superior skin hydration. It’s unclear whether the relief of dry skin is related to the application of CBD alone, or if it’s also related to the emollient properties of the carrier oils. The relief of dry skin may also be related to the regulation of sebocytes, the anti-inflammatory properties, or the antioxidant effects of cannabis. 

CBD oil is available in a variety of carrier oils. It’s easy for consumers to choose the product that’s right for them. Whichever, carrier oil you choose, it’s important to select a high quality CBD product that’s free from pesticides and contaminants. 

Wound Healing

A lot more research is needed to really understand the therapeutic potential of CBD in wound care, but the preliminary research is remarkable. A research study examined the effects of topical CBD administration for difficult to treat leg ulcers that were resistant to other treatments. In the study, CBD had powerful effects, promoting healing when other medications didn’t help. We don’t recommend applying CBD to wounds as the products may not be sterile or appropriate, but we do look forward to seeing more CBD products developed for wound care specifically.

Conclusion

CBD users report a variety of positive effects on the skin with limited reports of adverse reactions. Patients around the world are using CBD for issues like reducing the signs of aging, for relieving dry skin, and even for easing the symptoms of inflammatory skin disorders. 

As always, patients should talk to their healthcare physician before adding a new product to their wellness routine.Trending Now

How does CBD Impact Wellness?

Of course, more research is needed to fully understand the ways cannabis and CBD (cannabidiol) impacts wellness, but the results and anecdotal reports currently being revealed about these substances continues to amaze. 

Consumers repeatedly report that CBD affects health in a variety of ways, including sleep, anxiety, and exercise recovery. Below, we examine some of these ways CBD impacts wellness along with the research surrounding these topics. 

As always, patients should consult their licensed healthcare provider before adding a new supplement to their healthcare routine. 

1. Sleep

The way CBD impacts sleep varies from person-to-person. Results from research examining the effects of CBD, also varies. Nonetheless, consumers continue to report that CBD makes them feel sleepy with many consumers adding that CBD helps them to remain asleep all night. 

Research tells us that endocannabinoid signaling does impact sleeping and sleep patterns but how this manifests in each consumer still needs to be examined.  

A 2019 study examined 72 adults reporting poor sleep and using cannabidiol. The study found, “Sleep scores improved within the first month in 48 patients (66.7%) but fluctuated over time.”

Cannabis experts suspect these differences may be related to use of different cultivars, as different cultivars of cannabis can produce different physiological results. 

2. Energy

Just as many consumers report that CBD may enhance sleep, others report that CBD actually causes stimulation instead. Many users report that using CBD increases their energy levels and leaves them feeling energized after consuming it. 

Again this could be related to the cultivars of the cannabis being used to produce the CBD. It may also be related to the dose, as different dosages of CBD can produce different physiological effects.

Some researchers believe this may be related to the effects of CBD on circadian rhythm, others speculate that it may be a result of the impact of CBD on mitochondria within our cells.  

Today many consumers are using CBD as a way to increase their energy and thus increase their productivity. Still, we need a great deal of research to understand exactly how and why CBD causes specific consumer experiences. 

3. Anxiety

 Research has shown that CBD may improve anxiety in some consumers. The same study we referenced above also examined the anxiety levels of the study participants. Their results showed, “Anxiety scores decreased within the first month in 57 patients (79.2%) and remained decreased during the study duration.”

Another study, published in the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, examined the use of CBD for anxiety induced by the prospect of public speaking. The study looked at anxious individuals who were administered 600 mgs of CBD, or a placebo, prior to speaking publicly. 

Results showed that participants who had received the 600 mgs of CBD, were able to speak publicly with “significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment and discomfort in their speech performance.”

Consumers should also keep in mind that some consumers report that taking too high of a dose of CBD can actually trigger anxiety instead of relieving it. 

4. Pain Relief

One of the biggest reasons consumers choose medical marijuana is to attain relief from chronic pain. Many CBD consumers report using a high quality CBD product can help relieve pain. Research supports this suggestion. 

While we do need more research, numerous studies have demonstrated that CBD does impact both inflammatory and neuropathic pain. This is thought to occur for a variety of reasons. 

Consumers are choosing to use CBD to address pain caused by a variety of ailments and issues. Research surrounding the cannabis-derived pharmaceutical, Sativex, shows a combination of plant-derived THC and CBD can have significant effects on muscle spasticity, as well as neuropathic pain. CBD is also being examined as a way to address painful conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. 

5. Exercise Recovery

One of the most popular new ways to utilize CBD products is for exercise recovery. This is because CBD has been shown to behave as a potent anti-inflammatory. 

When we exercise, we cause microscopic damage to our muscles and other biological tissues. The stress we place on our tissues during exercise, causes physiological stress and produces excess free radicals. CBD may act as an antioxidant, essentially helping to eliminate free radicals and thus enhancing exercise recovery. 

In mice, CBD has demonstrated the ability to lower urea nitrogen and blood creatinine levels. This is also believed to enhance exercise recovery. Some hope that this means CBD may one day help prevent exercise-induced nephrotoxicity, but more research is needed for that to be determined. Of course, more research is needed to examine the true extent of CBD on muscle recovery in humans. 

Conclusion

CBD may impact wellness in a variety of ways. Anxiety, exercise recovery, and sleep are just some of the areas consumers report CBD impacting. We need more research to examine all the ways CBD truly impacts health & wellness. 

Like all substances, cannabis and CBD have side effects, additionally, CBD may interact with some medications. Consumers should always speak with their licensed healthcare provider before adding a new substance to their health routine.

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How to Choose the BEST CBD Products

Before you buy a new hemp product, you need to know how to choose the BEST CBD. Watch, while I chat with the founders of NurseGrown Organics about choosing a high-quality CBD. It’s very important to make sure products are safe by checking the lab testing. Cannabis Nurse, Jessilyn Dolan and Matt Leonetti explain what to look for and why it’s so important.

Watch:

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About NurseGrown Organics

NurseGrown Organics is a premier Vermont-based hemp company. NurseGrown is my favorite CBD company because they conduct stringent lab testing on all hemp products. Many companies do one basic test and claim they lab test, but one test is NOT enough. Jessilyn and Matthew explain why full-panel testing is important and what the differences between the various tests.

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Jessilyn Dolan’s Bio

Jessilyn Dolan started her career and journey as an herbalist, massage therapist, yoga teacher  and doula trainer. Later she went back to school for nursing, specializing in both maternal child health, substance use and mental health disorders. She is now a nurse researcher educator and consultant, for the University of Vermont and also consults independently.

Jessilyn started the Vermont Cannabis Nurses Association, part of the ACNA, to educate the community and medical professionals alike. She started NurseGrown Organics to be able to advocate for and offer the highest standard, and quality cannabis medicine.

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Matt Leonetti’s Bio

Matt Leonetti has his degree in soil science, is a VT state horticulturist, who has been cultivating for over 30 years.  His understanding and passion for organic living soils brings NurseGrown Organics to the highest standard, going beyond organic. Matt is the east coast Clean Green farm compliance inspector and is a state wide vocal advocate for access to clean affordable medicine.

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Everything you know about cannabis strains is wrong.

Even using the word “strain” is wrong. The terms we should really be using is cultivar when discussing the plants, and chemovar when discussing the chemical profile or therapeutic effects.

Additionally the concept of savitivas/indicas is also incorrect. You’ve probably heard: “Sativas are for the day, indicas will make you sleep, and hybrids are in between.” BUT most of this is NONSENSE. So, if traditional weed guidelines are silly, how can patients reliably choose an appropriate strain for them? Until now it’s been 100% trial and error, which is expensive and inefficient. BUT, finally, there’s a new application that could change the way we approach strain selection. THIS is how to choose the perfect cannabis strain for you!

Confident Cannabis has developed a groundbreaking application called, Connect, that can help patients choose medical marijuana chemovars without extensive trial and error. Listen in as Brad and I chat about why cultivar are so different and why each cultivar can cause a very different physical and mental reaction. Learn why the same plant genetics are not enough to choose the ideal cultivar and see how each plant has a very different chemical composition even when it has the same plant DNA. Best of all, watch Brad walk me through Connect so you can try it yourself to find cultivars/chemovars YOU will love and learn which cultivars YOU should avoid.

Unfortunately, Connect is very limited to cultivators that are testing for a wide variety of cannabindoids and terpenes, but hopefully as the industry grows MORE cultivators begin to test for the full spectrum of these important compounds.

Visit: https://connect.confidentcannabis.com to try it yourself!!

Patients Are the Proof, Episode 5, Brad Bogus, VP of Growth & Marketing, Confident Cannabis – Strains

• Learn how to use Connect the application by Confident Cannabis
• How to work Confident Cannabis Connect
• Connect Confident Cannabis Guide

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