I’ve had lots of folks ask me about CBD. My answer has always been the same… “I really don’t know much about it and haven’t used it.” I recently received an email from a student, thank you Cathy, that prompted me to do some research and learn more. The only personal experience I have with CBD is that my massage therapist used a salve on my neck recently. I didn’t notice any difference with the use of the salve.
As mentioned, I don’t have any experience or case studies using CBD, so, let’s explore it together.
When I begin my study of anything, I always start with the definition… it helps me lay the groundwork. Merriam-Webster has been my friend for a long time.
Definition of Cannabis
a tall Asian herb (Cannabis sativa) of the family Cannabaceae, the hemp family that has a tough fiber and is often separated into a tall loosely branched species (C. sativa) and a low-growing densely branched species (C. indica) : HEMP sense 1a —used especially for cultivated varieties having high levels of THC
Definition of THC
either of two physiologically active isomers C21H30O2 from hemp plant resin especially : one that is the chief intoxicant in marijuana
Definition of Hemp
a tall widely cultivated Asian herb (Cannabis sativa of the family Cannabaceae, the hemp family) that is cultivated for its tough bast fiber and edible seeds and oil and that is often separated into a tall loosely branched species (C. sativa) and a low-growing densely branched species (C. indica)
NOTE: Cultivated hemp is often distinguished from cannabis by possessing very low levels of the psychoactive substance THC
Let’s break it down:
CBD is present in both hemp and marijuana plants.
There are three plants with psychoactive properties (a drug affecting the mind), known as:
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- Cannabis sativa
- Cannabis indica
- Cannabis ruderalis
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- Cannabis with 0.3% or less of THC content classifies as hemp
- Cannabis containing more than 0.3% of THC is considered marijuana
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When the flowers of the plants listed above are harvested and dried, you end up with one of the most common drugs in the world. Many refer to it as weed, or pot, and others call it marijuana.
Cannabis is made up of more than 120 components. Experts still aren’t sure what each one does, but they have a good understanding of two of them. They seem to be the most common:
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- CBD – cannabidiol – a chemical found naturally in cannabis plants
- THC – tetrahydrocannabinol
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Each one has its own uses and effects:
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- CBD is a psychoactive cannabinoid, however, it’s non-intoxicating and non-euphoric which means it won’t get you “high”. It’s often used to reduce inflammation and pain. Researchers are still trying to fully understand the uses and effectiveness of CBD for medical use.
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Of interest: The first and only prescription medication that contains CBD and is approved by the FDA: Epidiolex is used to treat certain kinds of epilepsy.
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- THC is the main psychoactive (a drug affecting the mind) compound in cannabis. THC produces what many consider a “high” or altered state. Some describe it as euphoria or a heightened sensory perception.
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Is it legal?
I’d have to be a lawyer to fully understand the law on this subject. However, I found helpful information and a breakdown of the current law by state. Scroll to the bottom of this article to find your state: https://www.plantpeople.co/blogs/news/cbd-legal-states
All 50 states have laws legalizing CBD with varying degrees of restriction. The federal government considers CBD in the same class as marijuana.
The first thing to do when considering a CBD product is to ensure it’s legal in your state. Then, make sure you purchase from a reputable dealer.
I had difficulty finding studies or research indicating the effectiveness of CBD for pain and anxiety for those with advanced illness. And without sufficient high-quality evidence it’s difficult to pinpoint effective doses. Currently CBD is mostly available as an unregulated supplement, making it hard to know what you’re getting.
Conclusion
I understand CBD and THC more than I did. However, because I don’t have experience with the product, I’m unable to recommend it’s use in massage for those with advanced illness or at the end-of-life.
If you decide to try CBD, I suggest talking with your doctor or have the patient get an ok from their doctor. It could cause some interference with current medication.
Get in touch!
Do you have experience? I would love to learn from you. Please respond to this post or reach me at susan@progressivemassagetherapy.com
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