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Surgery is often a stressful event, and post-surgery pain can be frustrating to deal with through narcotics that leave you with apathy and constipation. Therefore, finding a way to manage pain after surgery is important, and Cannabinoid (CBD) may be a useful tool in reducing both pain and inflammation.
Let’s discuss how CBD may be used to relieve pain caused by surgery and how it is useful for a safe recovery.
CBD is an anti-inflammatory oil found in hemp and cannabis plants that mimics an endocannabinoid, 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and similarly binds to our CB-2 cell receptor. Through this interaction the phytocannabinoid, CBD, works like our endocannabinoid, 2-AG, creating many changes in our bodies such as inflammation, metabolism, and hormonal changes.
Unlike Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another compound in the cannabis plant that mimics our endocannabinoid, anandamide (ANA), CBD has no psychoactive properties and will not give you any sort of “head high” like THC or ANA. THC creates affects by interacting with the CB1 receptor. CBD actually works as an antidote to someone who may have consumed too much THC. CBD has very few reported side effects in most people, most common being drowsiness.
Though CBD hemp flower can be smoked or vaped, there are other popular ways of consuming CBD, such as oils, tinctures, edibles, as well as topical agents. Many animal and human studies from world renowned universities and organizations have shown the benefits of CBD by decreasing pain and inflammation through its interactions with the CB-2 receptor.
One study on kidney transplant recipients showed pain reduction in most of the participants taking CBD. Another study done on rats with arthritis pain concluded that CBD applied topically reduced pain and inflammation in the rats. Yet another study proved the benefit of using cannabinoids for neuropathic pain.
Furthermore, CBD reduces anxiety and depression, which can often go hand in hand with surgery, post-surgery, or chronic pain. A study on the effects of CBD on persons with various anxiety disorders showed notable improvement in the management of anxiety.
Since CBD has proven benefits for pain and inflammation, then it only makes sense that it would be a good treatment or supplement for post-surgery pain. Often after surgery, doctors will recommend a regimen of narcotics, Ibuprofen and Tylenol to combat pain and swelling. Therefore, for those who struggle tolerating drugs like Ibuprofen or who want to avoid narcotics, CBD may help with pain relief.
As with any supplement, if you take other prescription drugs, check with your doctor before taking CBD. Though CBD does not have any known negative severe side effects, it can potentially interfere with another medication you are taking. Your doctor can let you know if there would be any potential drug interactions.
As we have discussed, you may smoke or vape CBD in its flower form. CBD also comes in tinctures that you may drop underneath the tongue, or as edibles in the form of gummies. How you consume CBD is entirely up to you. The best edibles for pain after surgery are high-quality and have minimal ingredients. Gummies, like those offered by Cali-Born Dreams, are easy to take, discrete, and work well for on the go.
CBD has been shown to provide pain relief for various conditions. So, if you are anticipating pain post-surgical pain, then CBD may be a great option for you.
Browse our collection of CBD products to find the best fit for you!
Currently, over 110 million people suffer from anxiety in the US with an annual cost of their healthcare of $57 billion.
Before the world was turned on its heels, a 2013 study showed 1 in 6 Americans used psychiatric drugs to quell their anxiety and depression. In 2020, along with the Coronavirus pandemic and global lockdown, these numbers have only exacerbated. While many people use prescription medication for their anxiety, studies show CBD oil can also decrease your level of stress and help you feel calm.
Cannabidiol decreases our ‘flight-or-fight’ hormone, cortisol.
In the course of just one month, anti-anxiety drug use spiked a shocking 34%. A third of which were new prescriptions. Doctors note, when people sense they have lost control and their future is unpredictable, their anxiety disorders can increase.
Treatment for anxiety is different for everyone. Some simply need to increase their level of self-care. This could mean avoiding alcohol, decreasing caffeine intake, exercising regularly and overall taking better care of the body. Others may need therapy and/or prescription medication.
Anti-anxiety medicines, such as Valium and Xanax can bring quick and temporary relief, but can easily become addictive. Long term prescription medication, such as Prozac, can also have adverse side effects.
Some may not want to take prescription medication. Others may not want to experience the harsh side effects that come with it.
CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that can be a great natural alternative. According to a report from the World Health Organization, CBD “exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential,” and has not shown “evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
Consider a pure CBD product as a gentler and more natural alternative to prescription medications.
According to a survey published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research in 2018, almost 62% of cannabidiol users reported using CBD to treat a medical condition, with the top three conditions being anxiety, pain, and depression.
We have talked in other blog posts about the interaction of terpenes, or aromatic oils, within hemp that can affect our body’s and mind’s receptors. But, as the schematic below, common fruits and plants have essential oils that may create beneficial health affects.
We have also in previous blog posts, identified terpenes that interact directly with central and peripheral nervous system’s receptors, such as GABA and serotonin (5-HT). By stimulating GABA and serotonin activity, common terpenes can have profound effects on mood, stress and sleep.
Some research suggests that in addition to impacting the endocannabinoid system, cannabidiol may influence receptors involved in the modulation of serotonin, which is a chemical messenger thought to play a role in anxiety regulation.
In 2019, Permanente Journal conducted a monthly study with 103 adults to determine if CBD would help improve anxiety and sleep.
Adults suffering from anxiety received their dose in the morning after breakfast. The majority received 25mg of CBD daily, while a few received 50mg or 75mg daily. Only one person eventually received up to 175mg daily, due to trauma history and schizoaffective disorder.
The statistics show that anxiety scores decreased within the first month and remained decreased during the study duration.
It is refreshing to see such comprehensive studies, as research in CBD’s effectiveness has been sorely lagging.
It is important to note, if you are using prescription medications such as benzodiazepines, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants and some types of anti-epileptic drugs, there could be possible conflicting interactions. Always consult with your physician before using CBD products.
The world of CBD is still unregulated, so it is wise to do your research on any product you are intending to use.
The world of CBD is still unregulated, so it is wise to do your research on any product you are intending to use. Look for USDA Organic Certified and manufactured in a GMP facility. The products need to be lab tested to ensure quality and to certify there is no THC present in the product.
CBD tinctures are a great way to consume CBD. They are taken with a dropper, which helps you easily measure each dose. You can also mix your tincture in juice or coffee!
When taken sublingually, the cannabinoid quickly enters the bloodstream and its calming effects can last up to four hours.
One can also go the edible route with CBD gummies. They can be fun and delicious but might take a little longer to absorb into the bloodstream, as it has to pass through your gastrointestinal tract before it is metabolized by the liver.
People will obviously have their individual preferences on the best way to use CBD in relieving their anxiety.
Dr. Ann Rosen Spector, a psychologist based in Philadelphia, PA, recommends trying meditation and deep breathing, taking a break from the news throughout the day and seeing friends over video chat. Also, exercising for 20 minutes a day may help people relax.
During these unusual times, adding a variety of stress reducing techniques to your CBD regimen, will help boost your mood.
Right now, so many of us are experiencing anxiety, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems and more. If the symptoms persist, it is always wise to speak with a healthcare professional about getting help.
In the meantime, try to find something to distract from your anxiety. Get into nature and sunshine as much as you can, read books, watch shows and movies that make you laugh and be kind to yourself and each other.
Try to dance like nobody is watching! Kind of like this…except with some social distancing
Cali-Born Dreams: Providing an Alternative Solution for a Healthier Lifestyle