CBD is everywhere and found in countless products. You can easily find tinctures, creams and gummies, but now look for CBD toothpicks, CBD infused activewear (yes clothing), and CBD Hair Pomade. I am often asked, “Is CBD right for me?”, “Should I try it?” And to be honest, everyone is different.

First it’s important to understand what CBD is and what it is not. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non psychoactive component found in the Hemp plant. It’s being researched for many possible medical benefits. It is essential to our natural Endocannabinoid System for repairing the receptors, keeping our natural endocannabinoid neurotransmitters active longer and binding with receptors with other systems in our body to create balance. Even after assuring that the patient has a quality product, some patients do better than others and here is the criteria I use to determine how successful a patient will be with CBD treatment.

1- Are you paying attention? Regardless of the condition, you must be

 

focused on the results. Patients often ask what does CBD feel like? It feels like the absence of stress, fogginess, and discomfort… CBD feels like balance. Initially, it is not always easily detectable so journaling and monitoring is important.

2- Are you patient? Take your time and find the right dose. CBD does not always work immediately. It may take 3-10 days to start working. An awakening of your Endocannabinoid system is often needed and a build up of CBD in your fat. Starting low and gradually increasing your dose while staying vigilant of side effects like GI symptoms, drowsiness or change in appetite is important. Also do not assume if a little is good then a lot is better. CBD dosing is biphasic. Too little will not be effective and often too much will lead to side effects and a return of the original symptoms. Be patient and find that right dose for you.

3- Are you open-minded? Although CBD is available in capsules, many patients are taking CBD in a form they have never taken a medication. CBD can be administered as a tincture (liquid that is placed under the tongue to be absorbed), gummies, vaporizer form, bath salts and many more. Some patients find it difficult to change the method of administration to a form they may not be as familiar with to obtain better results.

Working with a Cannabinoid Physician or consultant can help guide your experience to a place of wellness. Do not assume that just because you may be having difficulty that the entire industry is a sham. Work with dedicated professionals that care about your success! 

Have questions or would like to suggest a subject for my next column? Please email me at DrBridget@greenharvest.health

Dr. Williams is a Board-certified family physician, cannabinoid physician and life coach. She is the owner of Green Harvest Health Clinics and GHH CBD Medicinals. Learn more at www.greenharvest.health. 

As resilient as we are, this is a difficult and confusing time. Everyday is filled with questions about what will happen next. We not only have to decipher what is going on in the world and our country but in our own home. When my overly optimistic, giggly, joyful 13 year old daughter asked, “Mom is my anxiety normal?” I was shook. She is incredibly mature and level headed. However, the ongoing insecurity of the world has started to pay its toll.

If we are honest with ourselves I think it is starting to pay its toll on everyone. I see it in my patients, my life coaching clients and now my own family. As caregivers of all types, we must realize we are no good to anyone else if we can not take care of ourselves. I had to check in and do my own self assessment which I encourage you to do the same.

How would you grade yourself in regards to: handling stress? obtaining adequate sleep? finding time for exercise? seeking a balanced and nutritional diet? prioritizing self care? If you are a C- or below in any of these areas it is time to make yourself your next project! This is the perfect time to start a yoga practice and/or a meditation regimen. Take the time and do a spa treatment or simply take a walk. Do whatever it is that will slow your mind and body down enough to rejuvenate. It is also a great time to look at CBD as an option for stress. CBD not only works with our Endocannabinoid System to make it more efficient, but also binds to the receptors that help CBD mimic serotonin and activate your body’s 5-HT1A serotonin receptors. These are the same receptors that are activated when you are prescribed anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications.You don’t have to have clinical anxiety to try CBD, I often recommend it simply to handle excessive stress. A full spectrum CBD with secondary cannabinoids can even help balance sleep.

We can not depend on any one tool to cure everything, but taking some time and doing regular self assessments can help us discover where we need more balance in our lives. Help your family do the same! Try to engage two or more restorative practices, Yoga, journaling, CBD and a healthy diet or just a few. Prioritizing balance will allow you to tackle daily stress a little better and be more present for your family!

Have questions or would like to suggest a subject for my next column? Please email me at DrBridget@greenharvest.health

Never did I think that weed would become a medical option in America. Probably because I grew up unaware of the benefits of what we now call cannabis. Like many of you I was a Nancy Reagan kid, “Say No To Drugs”. I clearly remember listening to Nancy clad in her red dresses making speeches across America deterring “drug” use and I took heed. I remember the 1980 commercials with the visual of the egg frying in the pan warning me that “This is your brain on drugs”. I also grew up during the height of the drug wars in Detroit and watched the daily cover on the evening news. Yes, I was terrified of “drugs” and marijuana was included in this fear.

Fast forward 20 plus years and I am now a Family Physician at the Cleveland Clinic. I was frustrated with the cycle of pill prescribing for every patient for every problem. As doctors we suggested, but rarely focused on lifestyle change or self-discovery. One of these patients mentioned marijuana as a medical option and I was honestly startled by the idea. But I respected her questions and I did my research. I was blown away by the possibility of cannabis and the potential of CBD.

Fast forward again another 10 plus years and I am now a cannabinoid physician and life coach in Columbus, Ohio. I realized that there is much research still to be done in medical cannabis but we have a great deal of work under our belt with over 10,000 human studies that have been reviewed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Nearly 40% of adults in the U.S. use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. The majority of those surveyed were in search of something new to incorporate into their medical care. I believe patients want to feel empowered again and alternative medicine options put the ball back into the patients “court”. Cannabis is a medical option that has been used for over 5,000 years. So what holds us back from considering it as a medical option now? The stigma. But yet we use narcotics, an addictive, euphoric and life threatening drug because our society has deemed it as acceptable. I challenge everyone to determine what is best for their own health and their families health beyond the stigma. There are two things I know for sure, one: cannabis is not a gateway drug, alcohol is and two: cannabis won’t kill you, narcotics can. Here in Ohio we are at the dawn of an old medical option being made new again. It was a part of the US pharmacopeia from 1850-1942 and it has returned as a medical option with greater research and methods of administration. Whether it is CBD, CBG or Medical Cannabis with THC, you have a new option in your care. This is progress.