Tuesday 20 December 2016

CBD (Cannabidiol) Oil: A Major Breakthrough In The Struggle Against Nerve Pain?

Today's post from peoplespharmacy.com (see link below) illustrates just how far we've come in finding solutions for neuropathic pain. Who would have thought ten years ago that marijuana and its derivatives would be able to play a major role in reducing severe pain (and...just as important, be sanctioned by the authorities because it helps in the current and over-hyped: 'war on opioids'). I can actually speak from personal experience regarding cannabis oil (CBD oil). I never expected it and was roundly skeptical but after a few days of 2 drops under the tongue, twice a day, my symptoms also reduced significantly. Now here I need to add a disclaimer:- my experience and the experience of those mentioned in the article, have absolutely no bearing on how you may react. As you probably know, neuropathy is a disease that is peculiar to each individual and each individual reacts differently to different treatments. Why do you think doctors are scratching their heads in frustration at not being able to provide a 'cure' or often, even help with the symptoms. There are over 100 sorts of nerve damage and over 100 causes - add that to over 100 potential treatments and you have one of the most frustrating and serious diseases on earth. This blog is aimed at providing information about as many options as possible but you still need to seek advice from your doctors and do your own research. An article such as this one below, needs to be looked at objectively and not jumped upon as being the 'elixir of life'. But you know all this don't you!

Cannabidiol Oil Solved Severe Seizure Problem and Painful Neuropathy Joe Graedon December 5, 2016 Diabetic Neuropathy (nerve pain)
 
Medical marijuana is now legal in many states but many people are unaware of the pros and cons. Does cannabidiol oil work for hard-to-treat pain and epilepsy?

Many doctors are skeptical about the benefits of medical marijuana. That’s because they did not learn about this “herb” in medical school. If it was discussed at all, the likelihood is that the lecture would have been part of a class on drugs of abuse rather than therapeutic benefits. Sadly, there has been relatively little research on medical marijuana. This reader shares a poignant story about cannabidiol oil.

Q. My 19-year-old son had intractable seizures starting at age 12. At age 17, he was up to 9 seizures a day despite taking three different meds (29 pills a day). The side effects were awful; he got so skinny that the doctors considered inserting a feeding tube.

Two years ago, I started him on cannabidiol oil (CBD). In California, you go to a special doctor who asks lots of questions to decide if you’d benefit from it. You get a special card for a dispensary.

We had to experiment to see how much he needed. We were able to gradually decrease his pills.

His neurologist was horrified at the idea two years ago, but he has watched in amazement as my son reduced his medication without a single seizure. CBD has made a world of difference in my son’s life!

A. Many states have approved the medical use of marijuana compounds. Cannabidiol oil does not cause the high associated with marijuana. Research is beginning to show benefit for some people with hard-to-treat epilepsy (Pharmacological Research, May, 2016).

A study in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology (Sept. 30, 2016) also reported improvement:

“Novel antiepileptic compounds with new mechanisms of action, fewer side effects, and better safety and tolerability profiles have been approved over the last years. However, although more than 20 different drugs approved for the treatment of epilepsy exist today, around 30% of patients continue to have seizures…

“The medicinal effects of cannabis in epilepsy have been known for centuries and, nowadays, the anticonvulsant properties of its components have received increasing attention…

“The present report is in line with pre-clinical and preliminary clinical data suggesting that CBD may be effective for some patients with epilepsy.”

These researchers call for randomized controlled trials. We couldn’t agree more!


Stories from Readers About Cannabidiol Oil:
Ellie in Connecticut:

“Were it not for medical marijuana, I’d be taking opioids regularly to deal with my chronic pain. The world of med MJ is indeed a whole new world.

“Initially I stuck very closely to only oil based tincture strains that were very high CBD, with virtually no THC (the pyschoactive element in MJ that gets people high). Now I’m realizing that a small amount of THC along with high CBD produces the pain relief I’ve been looking for.

“Yes, I had to literally jump through hoops to become certified to purchase medical MJ in my state but it’s all been very worthwhile. Does the marijuana totally eliminate my pain? No, it doesn’t. But what it does is ease it back to a far more manageable level. I’m delighted to have this option to control my pain.”

David reports:

“My wife experiences relief from stroke related pain with oral CBD oil: an eye dropper full under the tongue when stomach is empty. She has experienced no adverse effects. It has a pleasant taste. CBD oil is derived from non-THC hemp and doesn’t get people high.”

Brian in California reports on cannabidiol for diabetic neuropathy:


“My diabetic neuropathy came on suddenly and without warning. The severity is such that I’ll literally scream out, even in a public place like a restaurant! The pain is very sharp but only lasts about a second. Sometimes it pulses. I’ve even been prescribed narcotics (opioids) but they don’t even touch it. Neurontin (gabapentin) doesn’t work, even after taking it for months.

“When I tried Marijuana it worked immediately and the relief lasted 3-4 days!

“Now, I make my own tincture and take about two dropperfuls every three days or so. If I forget, the pain will return to remind me, but if I have the tincture handy, it takes care of it immediately with NO side effects. I’m sure it is high in CBD but it also has some THC in it and I think a bit of THC is necessary for this purpose.

“I’m a retired Chiropractor with an additional degree in Natural Medicine. The synergy of the two substances working together is very important in natural products.”


A Doctor’s Perspective on Medical Marijuana:

If you would like to learn more about one physician’s experience with medical marijuana, we recommend our one-hour radio interview with David Casarett, MD, MA. In it you will learn about the use of cannabidiol oil and medical marijuana to treat neuropathic (nerve) pain. Dr. Casarett also explains how medical marijuana may be helpful in calming the agitation experienced by some patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Here is a link to the show.

https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2016/12/05/cannabidiol-oil-solved-severe-seizure-problem-and-painful-neuropathy/

7 comments:

  1. Wow, nice information about CBD. Not too many people know about this, which you describe. CBD is a cannabis compound that has significant medical benefits, but does not make people feel stoned and can actually counteract the psychoactivity of THC. The fact that CBD-rich cannabis doesn’t get one high makes it an appealing treatment option for patients seeking anti-inflammatory, anti-pain, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, and anti-spasm effects without troubling lethargy or dysphoria. While internet surfing, I got an article about The Impact of Elections on Cannabinoid Pharmaceuticals for Epilepsy, IBD, and Opiate Addiction.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Help!! I am looking for CBD oil yo relieve nerve pain from a botched carpal tunnel surgery where the surgeon severed two nerves in my hand one sensory the other motor. I've since had a repair but the pain is sometimes very intense. What should I use? I'd like to think I could fine a topical with no "stoned " issues 😉

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think you will find that many health food shops (and certainly on-line) now have either CBD oil which you take in drops a few times a day under the tongue, or even easier, CBD oil capsules which you can take 2 or 3 times a day. All CBD oil products won't get you high. Be prepared for a 'waiting time' before you feel any benefit but hopefully, you may be able to reduce your standard medications by using this safer option. In your case, I can imagine you have some considerable pain so using CBD in combination with other analgesics may still be the best way forward. Use the search button here on the blog to find more up-to-date articles on the subject.Good luck.
    Dave R

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy. Little pain but numbness which causes balance issues. Is CBD worth trying?

    ReplyDelete
  5. That's an interesting question because CBD oil seems to work on pain receptors but if there is little pain (as in your case) it still may be worth trying, if only to prevent your symptoms becoming worse (not inevitable but certainly possible after chemo treatment). Remember to give it some time before concluding whether it's working or not and remember, as with all neuropathy treatments, there are unfortunately, no guarantees. New CBD oil capsules, are certainly the easiest way to take it (generally, one or two a day). You may need to talk this over with a few more people.

    ReplyDelete
  6. There have been many reports of people having great success with using CBD oil BEFORE they begin chemo. The CBD helps to lubricate joints and muscle and helps prevent the typical neuropathy pains people experience for years after going through chemo.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I read a article under the same title some time ago, but this articles quality is much, much better. How you do this.. cbd oil fordogs

    ReplyDelete

All comments welcome but advertising your own service or product will unfortunately result in your comment not being published.