Why Dietitians are Nuts for Nuts
Written & provided by: Registered Dietitians Team by ShoppersTM I’ll be the first to admit that keeping up with food trends and knowing what...
Continue readingWritten & provided by: Medical Cannabis by ShoppersTM
What does CBD do?
Short for cannabidiol, CBD is one of two major cannabis plant compounds called cannabinoids. The other major cannabinoid is THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is known for causing feelings of euphoria, or a “high”. Both CBD and THC activate specialized receptors found throughout the body that make up a vast internal network called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The function of the ECS is to regulate states such as sleep cycles, mood and emotion, muscle motor function, pain perception, and inflammation. CBD’s unique molecular shape and structure can activate receptors within the ECS because it mimics a chemical the body itself produces: an endocannabinoid called 2-AG. It’s presumed that by stimulating these bodily receptors, CBD sends the ECS into action, which then addresses physical or neurological imbalances.
CBD versus THC
CBD has a different chemical shape and structure than THC and therefore activates different receptors in the body. While THC stimulates the receptors responsible for feelings of euphoria, CBD does not and is thus considered non-intoxicating. However, CBD does have an effect on the brain, and some consumers use it to manage the symptoms of a wide range of conditions including inflammation, seizures, migraines, and anxiety.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural response to danger, or the threat of danger, and is felt by everyone from time to time. When a potential threat is picked up, often without conscious thought, a signal is sent to the amygdala, the part of the brain that controls emotions. If the perceived danger is imminent, the amygdala sends distress signals to the hypothalamus, which is also called the brain’s command centre. The hypothalamus then tells the nervous system that it’s time to fight or flee. Sensations that accompany anxiety can include:
While this rapid response system can be helpful when there is imminent danger, an estimated one in 10 Canadians experience fear and anxiety that is out of proportion to a given situation or perceived situation (e.g. feeling trapped in a long lineup). This enlarged sense of fear, especially when it impacts how one thinks, feels, and acts on a regular basis, is called an anxiety disorder.
How do I know if I have an anxiety disorder?
If you feel like your anxiety is affecting your everyday life, speak to a healthcare provider or we can help connect you with one. Make a note of your symptoms, when they happen, how intense the physical or cognitive sensations become, and how these symptoms affect your daily life, i.e. your work, studies, social life, and managing daily tasks, such as groceries or laundry.
How can CBD ease symptoms of anxiety?
There is a dense collection of cannabinoid receptors in the amygdala, hippocampus, and anterior cingulate—another part of the brain responsible for emotion and impulse control. When a threat message is received in the brain and the hypothalamus takes control, it specifically activates the sympathetic nervous system—a fast-acting cascade of responses that trigger fight-or-flight reactions. The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, acts as a brake pedal once a perceived threat has passed by slowing down our body’s threat response. CBD stimulates cannabinoid receptors that in turn help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing the flight-or-fight response while under stress and maintaining a state of calm under less stressful conditions.
Can CBD manage anxiety attacks?
Anxiety attacks, also called panic attacks, are sudden, intense episodes of anxiety and its related symptoms. Anxiety attacks can happen without warning and without an apparent cause. CBD activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to slow down the body’s stress response. As such, there is some early evidence that it may help manage the symptoms of intense, in-the-moment anxiety.
What is the right CBD dosage?
The right amount of CBD for you depends on the symptoms you’re trying to manage, combined with your body’s unique needs. Sometimes, but not always, high-CBD cannabis medicine can include a small amount of THC. The entourage effect is a theory that suggests cannabis works better as a whole with all its cannabinoids intact, rather than just one chemical compound in isolation. In other words, CBD works better when THC is present, in addition to other chemical compounds such as terpenes and even flavonoids. Interestingly, CBD can also block THC at the receptor site, inhibiting feelings of euphoria or a “high”. For this reason, a small ratio of THC is often well tolerated without uncomfortable side effects. Depending on your needs, your healthcare provider may even suggest CBD medicine with a higher ratio of THC to aid in sleep, or for pain management.
It’s worth noting that cannabis medicine has a biphasic or bidirectional effect, which means a high dose isn’t necessarily better at easing symptoms than a low dose. In fact, a higher dose of cannabis may even have the opposite effect of a lower dose. Speak to a healthcare provider to find the right amount of CBD to manage your health.
Doesn’t THC make anxiety worse?
It can, depending on how your body reacts to THC, especially at higher doses. However, healthcare professionals will help you avoid potential negative side-effects from THC with the correct products, dosing and titration schedules to manage your symptoms.
How will I feel after taking CBD?
Feelings of euphoria do not accompany CBD, although there is an effect felt in the body. Sometimes called a “body high”, the feeling can be overall relaxation, improved mood, and a calm mind. Most people can still work and be functional throughout the day, although driving or operating machinery should be avoided.
How do I consume CBD?
There are multiple CBD delivery methods to choose from:
How is CBD oil extracted?
Cannabis oil is made from extracting CBD from the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant and turning it into a concentrated form. CBD can be extracted a few different ways, although the type of extraction method can produce variations in terpenes and cannabinoids. Here are the most commonly used methods:
Is hemp-seed oil the same as CBD oil?
Hemp-seed oil is not the same as cannabis oil. It’s made from pressing the grains of hemp plants. It does not contain CBD extract. Hemp-seed oil falls under the same classification as any commercial oil, such as canola, and is used in products such as food or cosmetics.
What are the side effects of CBD?
Although considered non-intoxicating, CBD does affect the body and brain. Side effects noted with CBD use include nausea, fatigue, and irritability. It can also interact with some medications, particularly blood thinners and also some antidepressants and pain medications. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any cannabis medicine.
How can I get a CBD prescription?
You can obtain a cannabis prescription, called a medical document, from any licensed physician or nurse practitioner in Canada. The first step is a meeting with a healthcare practitioner, either in-person or online, to determine if cannabis is right for you. The physician or nurse practitioner then signs a document to authorize the patient to purchase cannabis, much like a prescription. This document grants patients access to medical cannabis products from Licensed Producers, and from us. Learn how we can help you get a medical document to start your cannabis therapy, or call our Shoppers Cannabis Care team at 1-844-633-2627 Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, or Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.