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Is Hemp Oil Legal and Beneficial For Athletes?

Retired NFL Players and Hemp Oil

Several retired NFL players have joined with CW Botanicals and the Realm of Caring. The leaders of the group are Nate Jackson and Jake Plummer, formerly of the Broncos, and Eugene Monroe, the current tackle for the Ravens. Their mission is to raise $100,000 to fund Hemp Oil studies. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and John Hopkins University have teamed to survey approximately twenty former and twenty current NFL players regarding their medical and injury history, and to discover if they have used Hemp Oil. This research will be used to study the way the body processes Hemp Oil, and the safety of long term use. The goal is using for chronic traumatic encephalopathy and concussion symptoms. According to the John Hopkins professor of behavioral pharmacology, Dr. Ryan Vandrey wants to learn about the effects of on pain, post-surgical issues, concussions and the symptoms of post-surgical concussions. He stated he wanted to know about everything because his focus is on the health of the players. Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive cannabis compound with pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties used to treat children with epilepsy. Many NFL players believe painkillers can totally be replaced with Hemp Oil.

Bodybuilders and Hemp Oil

Bodybuilders, fitness junkies and trainers may be able to increase their cardio output and cut muscle recovery in half with Hemp Oil. According to the Compassionate Awareness Project co-founder, Lance Parvin, the nutrients in medicinal cannabis are good for training, and he fully recommends them. Parvin stated when medical cannabis is used as a tool for training, or to target a medical condition, the benefits encompass a broad spectrum. Since he began serving the CAP, he has converted a lot of trainers, bodybuilders, and even performers regarding the benefits of  Hemp Oil. Due to his efforts, numerous Las Vegas Strip performers have begun using Hemp Oil as part of their workout regiments several times each week. Cannabis additionally does much more than helps preventing pain, it helps victims of injury and disease heal safer and faster. In 2015, Parvin convinced the owner of a gym to try medicinal cannabis. After one month, she was recovering faster. Due to Hemp Oil, she can increase the pace of weights faster while lifting. Taking Hemp Oil (also available in pills) in the evening is effective because the body heals while in REM sleep. The pills can also be taken shortly before working out, should not be taken with food, or taken at the wrong time.

Athletes Can Use Hemp Oil Legally

In 2018, WADA, or the World Anti-Doping Agency has removed  Hemp Oil from their banned substances list. Athletes from all sports can now use certain cannabis products for recovery and training regimens. The International Olympic Committee created WADA to monitor and coordinate drug use for athletes. In addition to the Olympic athletes, WADA has the responsibility of regulating performance enhancing and illicit drug use for many athletic organizations. These organizations include: baseball, softball, kickboxing, lacrosse, bodybuilding, and many more. Of the 300,000 athletes tested in 2015, four percent had Hemp Oil in their systems. These athletes were disqualified, but today’s athletes no longer must worry about screens for Hemp Oil. The decision was based on Hemp Oil’s therapeutic benefits for relaxation, repair, recovery, focus and nutrition. What a great progress!

The Benefits of Hemp Oil for Athletes

Hemp Oil is effective for athletes for many reasons. Hemp Oil helps relieve inflammation and pain, as well as promoting an athlete’s recovery after training or injuries. Fact: Athletes receive injuries, and their time for recovery must be kept to a minimum. As an anti-inflammatory, Hemp Oil helps accomplish this. Hemp Oil has also been found to be effective as a topical treatment for athletes with damaged skin. As painkillers continue to come under unflattering scrutiny, Hemp Oil represents another alternative. Fact: Athletes require sleep to wind down and heal, and CDB or Hemp Oil has been effectively used in the treatment of insomnia. The specific diet athletes must consume is extremely high in protein, and less of a challenge for athletes using Hemp Oil. This is especially true if the individual has lost their appetite due to an injury, cold or simply being under the weather.

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Is it Dangerous to Take CBD or Hemp Oil?

The use of Cannabidiol, more commonly referred to as CBD or Hemp Oil, continues to grow. This somewhat controversial substance’s efficacy and health benefits are praised by some and questioned by others. The following brief article examines CBD and addresses important issues including whether the chemical is dangerous and/or addictive, as well as why it is important to exercise caution when purchasing it.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD), or Cannabidiol Oil / Hemp Oil, is a chemical derivative of the more well-known drug called Cannabis. However, unlike marijuana, the substance made and consumed from the leaves of the cannabis plant, CBD or Hemp Oil is believed to not induce a “high” or the “feeling of being stoned.” In addition, CBD or Hemp Oil is thought to possess numerous medical benefits.

Scientific studies conducted have shown the drug to be effective in fighting pain, preventing or lessening inflammation and providing protection to nerves and neurological cells. This research has led some medical professionals to conclude that CBD or Hemp Oil deserves serious consideration as an acceptable prescribed treatment for ailments such as:

  • Mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, various forms of psychoses and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
  • Diabetes.
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Arthritis
  • Certain types of cancer
  • Epilepsy
  • Infections
  • Chronic pain
  • Acne
  • Alzheimer’s Disease

CBD or Hemp Oil has also been used to help gradually wean individuals addicted to marijuana off the substance. This practice has been employed in certain drug treatment facilities and is garnering greater consideration as an accepted drug withdrawal protocol, especially in the instances of opioid dependencies.

Can CBD Be Addictive?

While its chemical cousin marijuana and other cannabis derivatives can have addictive properties, many question whether using CBD or Hemp Oil can result in similar chemical dependency. Though CBD or Hemp Oil, like cannabis and other cannabis-related byproducts, acts on specific brain receptors, it does not believed to impact the neurotransmitters responsible for producing mind-altering effects (“the high”) or those that precipitate addiction. Therefore, many medical professionals and pharmacologists believe CBD or Hemp Oil is not addictive and should not result in dependency in those who use the drug.

Does CBD or Hemp Oil Elicit Any Significant Side Effects?

Several medical studies performed have shown that CBD or Hemp Oil is relatively well tolerated and is not likely to cause any major or dangerous impacts to the health to its users. The substance may, however, produce minor manifestations including tiredness, diarrhea, as well as appetite and weight fluctuations. That said, it is important to note that these studies only measured CBD or Hemp Oil’s influence on the body when used for short periods of time. Therefore, those concerned about potential side effects should discuss the use of the substance with their doctors prior to beginning any type of long-term therapeutic regiment.

Can A User Overdose On CBD or Hemp Oil?

There have been no reported deaths attributed to the ingestion of high levels of CBD or Hemp Oil. Scientific research has concluded that daily usage of the substance, even in dosages as high as 1,500 milligrams produced no significant or dangerous side effects results.

Why Is It Important To Purchase Top Quality Pure (Not Synthetic) CBD or Hemp Oil?

In recent years, synthetic, or scientifically-engineered versions of cannabis-based substances have been produced both legally and illegally. Some of these man-made creations, such as the drug nicknamed “spice” were responsible for numerous deaths and illnesses since 2014. Even the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)-approved preparation Marinol has been linked to potentially dangerous manifestations including low blood pressure and fainting spells. Therefore, individuals considering the use of any type of cannabis byproduct to remedy any health issue should exercise extreme caution and would be well-advised to only take CBD or Hemp Oil.

Scientific research is still ongoing. Overall, however, CBD or Hemp Oil’s reputation as a safe, effective therapeutic agent is growing and becoming more accepted by the mainstream medical community.

Sources:

1. https://herb.co/2017/09/13/synthetic-cbd/
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317221.php
3. https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/cbd-addiction/
5. https://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/noras-blog/2015/07/researching-marijuana-therapeutic-purposes-potential-promise-cannabidiol-cbd

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What is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?

Endocannabinoid System
What is the Endocannabinoid System?

The Endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an essential regulator of bodily functions and comprises different integrated mechanisms such as the enzymes (for buildup and breakdown of cannabinoids), receptor sites and the endocannabinoids themselves. The system works through the communication of cells, metabolism, memory, appetite and many others to regulate balance in the body’s immune response. The endocannabinoids are produced in effect to the body’s physiological needs for regulatory purposes and affect the duration and intensity of the physiological processes by acting backways on the presynaptic cells. ECS is linked to various important processes and found in the brain, reproductive organs and also nervous system but are absent in the brainstem cardiorespiratory centers. ECS is named after the plant that inspired its discovery that is Cannabis sativa. There are two type of Cannabinoid primary receptors, CB1 and CB2 and two endocannabinoid molecules, anandamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG). CB1 receptors are abundant in the central nervous system and in the spinal cord and function to modulate anxiety, appetite, stress, balance immune system and inhibit tumors while the CB2 is located in the periphery on cells of the immune system and functions to fight inflammation and tissue damage. Once the endocannabinoids finish their signaling roles, the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) degenerates anandamide while enzyme monoaglycerol lipase (MAGL) degenerates the 2-AG.

What does endocannabinoid do to our body, how does it affect our health?

Endocannabinoid SystemSince the discovery of the ECS, scientists have discovered that it can be used to ensure the correct functioning of the body’s central nervous system as well as our immune system. Researchers have found that the ECS can be capable of deleting old memories. This is beneficial to the patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well conditioning the behavior of patients with chronic anxiety by the elimination of aversive memories.

Endocannabinoids system is involved significantly used as a protective and repair role of neuroplasticity. This includes sprouting and pruning synapses, change of neurotransmitter pathways and also alteration of the dendritic spine density. This results in responses such as adaptive learning, acquisition of a new emotional response, recovery from stroke, sensitivity to pain among other pathological processes.

Cannabinoids also control the immune system by increasing Th2 cytokines levels, decreasing Th1 cytokine levels and increasing the subsets of B, T and natural killer cells. Through this method, they allow for a greater well-being. They also prevent the spontaneous activation of immune cell function thereby preventing inflammation and occurrence of neurological diseases.

Appetite is stimulated by cannabis consumption and endocannabinoids are used for appetite control by inversing agonists to the CB1 receptors. This aids individual with obesity by decreasing their body’s desire for food intake. The reverse of the process is used to help individuals gain weight. Endocannabinoids are also used in metabolism regulation while controlling the energy transfer through cells thereby helping optimize the use of consumed food.

The effect of endocannabinoid deficiency

Low levels of endocannabinoids causes Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome which is a term that stands for illnesses such as migraines, fibromyalgia and idiopathic bowel syndrome. These three conditions are likely to affect the same individual at different times in their lives thereby termed as co-morbid. These conditions are characterized by central sensitization where the normal sensations in the brain are intensified to a point they could become painful. The three conditions have been shown to benefit from treatment with cannabinoids. CBD cannabidiol is a component of marijuana that binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors to produce strong medicinal and therapeutic CBD benefits that help alleviate these most common conditions.

Cannabinoid oil (CBD or Hemp Oil) is concentrated with Cannabidiol and is commonly used as it is does not produce psychoactive effects among its users, owing to the low concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels and higher levels of CBD. CBD affects the ECS system by triggering the receptors to release chemicals that work to benefit various parts of the body. Researchers have found that CBD or Hemp Oil benefits are also vast ranging from anti-inflammatory effects, anxiety relief, ease of nausea and vomiting, appetite stimulation, inhibition of cancer spread, relieving psychotic symptoms among others.

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How Does CBD or Hemp Oil Reduce Pain?

CBD or Hemp Oil Extract is a Serious Alternative to Opioid Painkillers

Cannabidiol (CBD or Hemp) oil is a mouthful of a word that has risen to the top of many conversations regarding pain management and chronic pain relief. An extract of the marijuana plant, CBD or Hemp is in no way related to THC that provides a high. In fact, some users say it makes them fatigued, irritable, and sometimes dizzy. While it’s obvious no one would choose to feel like this, when compared to the dead serious prospects of addiction and other health hazards related to traditional painkillers like opioids, taking another look at CBD or Hemp oil seems like a good idea.

CBD or Hemp Oil Benefits for Pain

Studies on the ability of CBD or Hemp Oil to reduce pain, inflammation, and other types of discomfort are not yet conclusive but show much promise. As more Americans become aware of the true dangers of opioids (which we’ll discuss in a later section), the search for alternative methods of pain relief has been moved from the back burner to the front for effectiveness. The first thing to realize is that CBD or Hemp Oil products don’t require the FDA blessing for their ability to treat any particular disease. To be honest, this particular government agency seems to stand stubbornly behind the curve when it comes to medications.

What is needed is more nationally-funded research. Until then, we do have tons of anecdotal evidence and a handful of other studies that point towards CDB or Hemp Oil as providing substantial pain relief for a growing number of conditions up to and including serious types of cancer. So far, researchers have concluded that CBD or Hemp Oil works by interacting with cell receptors in the brain and immune system to create the anti-inflammatory effect previously mentioned.

Is CBD or Hemp Oil Good for Nerve Pain?

Nerve pain is a type of chronic pain that usually starts with nerve injury, disease, or some sort of toxin. For those who have never experienced the agony of a pain that never goes away, be thankful. Be very, very thankful. For those who live with the day-to-day reality of various parts of your body feeling like they have been alternately shoved into boiling water or stabbed repeatedly with pins, the search for relief becomes the most important and best thing in life.

The search for diabetes, arthritis, and even chronic back pain relief has turned more and more towards the marijuana plant in recent years, in particular the CBD or Hemp Oil extract. While there is enough substantive medical opinion in favor of its use or at least to conduct more studies, obtaining CBD or Hemp Oil in America right now can be problematical since the growth, packaging, and distribution of marijuana in any form is illegal in large parts of the world and tightly controlled elsewhere. In other words, there is a serious supply problem, due to huge demands, even in instances where it might greatly improve quality of life.

CBD or Hemp Oil vs Painkillers

Opioid is a dirty word in modern America, and for good reason. What exactly are we talking about? Beginning in the late 1990’s and continuing through the present, the prescription – some would say over-prescription – of opioid painkillers has increased dramatically. We know these drugs by a variety of names: Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Lorcet, Percocet, Dilaudid, Vicodin, and others. The potential for abuse, addiction, and accidental overdose leading to death has been well-chronicled in the media. President Trump recently declared the problem a national epidemic.

What’s the problem with these drugs? Besides the fact that they are morphine and heroin derivatives that act essentially the same on the brain, more and more deaths have been attributed to the sedative effect that can cause respiratory failure among other symptoms. Worse, we’re not talking about a street drug. By 2016, these legally obtained painkillers were accounted for more than half of all opioid overdose deaths, including heroin and morphine. With those sobering numbers, it’s easy to see why the medical community would like to find another way to treat chronic pain. Right now, the observed CBD or Hemp Oil side effects pale in comparison to opioids.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line to our findings concluded after much research made – supporting the efficacy of CBD or Hemp Oil. In a 2008 review, conducted between the late 1980s and 2007, published in the National Institutes of Health after reviewing numerous studies and concluded that CBD or Hemp Oil was effective in overall pain management with no side effects, and was particularly good for chronic pain related insomnia. The list of diseases this “miracle” oil has shown to be helpful for seems to grow longer daily. Here’s to hoping the powers-that-be soon drop their anachronistic opposition to what they perceive to be a hedonistic drug and realize it’s actually a remarkable alternative to current best practices related to pain control.