CBD & Cerebral Palsy

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Rather than refer to a single condition, cerebral palsy (CP) relates to a group of medical issues that impact coordination and movement. It is a lifelong condition that is caused by a problem with the brain that occurs before, during, or soon after birth. It often occurs when the brain doesn’t develop properly in the womb. However, some children are affected by cerebral palsy because their brain is damaged during or soon after birth.

Causes of cerebral palsy include:

  • Meningitis.
  • A serious head injury.
  • The child’s mother catching an infection during the pregnancy.
  • The brain not getting enough oxygen for a short period during a difficult birth.
  • Reduces blood and oxygen supply to the brain.
  • Bleeding in the baby’s brain.

Cerebral palsy is the most common childhood motor disability. 1 in 323 American children have been identified with the condition. At present, there is no cure for cerebral palsy, but there are a few interesting studies which suggest that CBD could potentially reduce the symptoms of the condition

How Could CBD Help Cerebral Palsy?

CBD enhances the endocannabinoid system by increasing its ability to retain anandamide. When you take CBD, it blocks FAAH, a fatty acid that breaks down anandamide. As a result, you have more of the compound in your body to manage symptoms such as pain. Anandamide has a similar structure to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but it does not cause the “high” associated with THC. Our bodies use it to regulate mood, pain sensation and other functions.

Taking CBD also activates receptors for serotonin, vanilloid and adenosine. These compounds control your mood, pain signals and sleep-wake cycle. They improve cerebral palsy symptoms like pain, sleep issues, anxiety and depression.

While we will look at the most important studies on the topic below, it is important to note that there is a lack of hard evidence that links CBD to an improvement in CP symptoms. However, researchers have come up with several theories on how CBD could provide relief for people suffering from cerebral palsy.

Reduced Pain

CP patients with rigid, locked muscles are in severe pain most of the time. A 2016 study by Barth Wilsey, published in the Journal of Pain, found that cannabis users with a spinal cord injury felt less pain after using the herb.

Spasticity

A 2012 clinical trial by Jody Corey-Bloom, published in CMAJ, was conducted at the San Diego School of Medicine. The study involved giving 30 multiple sclerosis patients a placebo or cannabis. Those who used the cannabis experienced a 33% reduction in spasticity compared to MS patients who consumed the placebo. There were also noticeable reductions in perceived muscle-related pain.

Seizures

Up to 50% of kids with CP suffer from subsequent seizure disorders. However, CBD is fast gaining a reputation for being able to reduce the number of seizures associated with conditions such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome.

Important Studies on the Impact of CBD on Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy has a significant impact on the child and his/her family. While up to 10,000 babies are born with the condition annually, as many as 1,500 are not diagnosed until they go to school. Almost half of children with CP are unable to walk independently and parents are desperate for a solution. At present, the total lifetime care costs to look after a child with cerebral palsy is $1 million. Small wonder then that parents are keen to find out more about what CBD can do for their kids.

Luba Blumkin performed one of the most relevant studies into CBD’s effects on CP with the aid of a marijuana supplier called Tikun Olam. The 2017 study, which was conducted by the Wolfson Medical Center near Israel’s capital, Tel Aviv, analyzed the effect of CBD on 36 children (aged 1-17) with cerebral palsy.

According to Blumkin, the study focused on kids with the highest level of motor disorders. Such children also have associated problems such as painful bowel movements and problems chewing and swallowing. The pain gets worse over time and results in sleeping difficulties. After analyzing the children for two months to ensure their conditions were stable, the team gave the kids CBD oil three times a day via a feeding tube or orally.

Within four months, there was a noticeable improvement in their condition. Blumkin states that the biggest positive change was in their motor function. Other benefits included decreased pain and an improvement in bowel movements and sleep. All of the participants in the study continued taking their existing medication along with the oil.

The Wolfson Medical Center study was extremely important because, up until that point, there was relatively little data on CBD’s effect on cerebral palsy. A survey study* by Adam Hirsh et al., published in the March 2012 edition of the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, found that marijuana provided the best relief for CP patients when compared to several other medications. However, only 5% of the sample group had ever used the drug for pain.

Final Thoughts on CBD & Cerebral Palsy

Overall, there is a suggestion that CBD could have medical benefits for individuals with cerebral palsy. It could help with symptoms including spasticity, sleep disturbance, and pain. CBD is a non-intoxicating compound of cannabis and is legal.

An increasing number of people living with cerebral palsy claim that CBD has made a significant positive impact. Terri Aghast was born with CP and underwent dozens of surgeries. She spent 12 years in braces and was also wheelchair-bound on several occasions. After using CBD for the first time, she could see the difference in how she walked, and felt the difference throughout her body. Of course, we can’t guarantee that you will have a similar experience because CBD affects everyone differently, but its something that’s definitely worth a shot for those with cerebral palsy.

CBD & Opioid Addiction

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Opioid addiction is currently a worldwide epidemic. In America alone approximately 702,000 people have died from opioid overdose since 2000. Studies have shown that 21%-29% of people who are prescribed opioids end up mis using them and 8%-12% develop an opioid use disorder. Approximately 80% of heroine addicts began with prescription opioids. These numbers are staggering and there is an urgent need for a solution.

While much research is still needed, recent studies have shown that CBD has great probability to help with opioid addiction. One of the most problematic symptoms of opioid use is reoccurring cravings, sometimes persisting years into recovery, which is why the relapse rate is so high. In 2019 a double blind placebo study (meaning neither doctor nor patient knows weather the active drug or placebo is being administered) using CBD on opioid addiction patients showed that even a single dose of CBD can reduce cue-induced cravings and anxiety associated with the craving. This reaction is conclusive with the fact that physically CB1 receptors are co-localized with opioid receptors.

Many studies are currently being done on CBD and opioid use disorders and while CBD will not cure addiction, the evidence so far is very promising that CBD could be very effective in keeping recovering users from relapsing, and therefor could be a key factor in ending the worldwide opioid epidemic we currently face.

 

CBD & Psychosis

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Psychosis on its own is not a disorder but in-fact it is a symptom that can be caused by:
-Schizophrenia
-Dementia
-Brain tumours
-Bi-Polar disorder
-Major depressive disorder
-Trauma
-Postpartum
-Substance abuse/Substance withdrawl

A person displaying psychosis is defined as an individual that has sensory experiences of things that do not exist and/or carries beliefs that have no basis in reality. Some other symptoms can be disorganization, scattered thoughts and speech, catatonia and difficulty concentrating.

There is currently a major need for an alternative way to treat psychosis because current available prescription anti-psychotics all have severe negative side effects. This results in many people experiencing psychosis to be less inclined to medicate. Some side effects from anti-psychotics include:
-Muscle/joint stiffness
-Shakiness
-Low energy
-Weight gain
-Hormonal imbalance causing decreased libido
-Constipation
-Dry mouth
-Blurred vision

Many recent studies have shown that CBD is a promising alternative for treating psychosis. A study was done with over 500 psychosis patients where some were treated with CBD and others with placebo. After the 8-week trial had completed, the researchers found significant changes in the CBD group when compared to the placebo group. Psychotic symptoms had significantly decreased from baseline by the end of the study. Most notably, patients from the CBD group were rated as “improved” by their treating physicians significantly more often than those from the placebo group. Another study was done on several psychosis patients where half were dosed with CBD, half with placebo and then they preformed cognitive tasks under a brain scan. The CBD group showed that brain activity had been successfully regulated in 3 different sections of the brain; the striatum, the medial temporal cortex and the midbrain. While there is still lots of research to be done surrounding CBD for the treatment of psychosis is has been proven that it is helping and CBD as a method of treatment for psychosis is already being recommended by physicians.

RECOMMENDED ORGANA CBD PRODUCTS FOR PSYCHOSIS:
-ORGANA CBD HUMAN TINCTURE
-ORGANA CBD CAPSULES
-ORGANA CBD ISOLATE

CBD and Epilepsy/Seizures

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There has been a lot of talk in the media about the use of cannabis products in the treatment of epilepsy and non-epileptic seizures. This has generated a lot of interest as well as confusion over the different forms of cannabis that are being discussed, their legality and their safety.

Medical cannabis has anticonvulsant properties. The cannabis plant contains 85 different chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The most commonly known is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but most of the anticonvulsant properties come from a cannabinoid called cannabidiol (CBD).Our cannabidiol products contain virtually no THC (0.3%).

The cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of refractory epilepsy for some patients with Dravet and Lennox Gastaut syndromes, tuberous sclerosis and infantile spasms.

For many who have used CBD oil, the treatment has provided relief when nothing else could. About two thirds of epilepsy patients will be responsive to the first or second medicine given for epilepsy. However, once an epilepsy patient has taken two different medicines without relief, the odds that a third medication will work are less than 1 percent. That leaves other options, such as special diets, surgeries—or CBD oil!

CBD & Multiple Sclerosis

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Studies have shown cannabinoids are effective for managing symptoms associated with the disease and may also be beneficial for limiting the disease’s progression. Research findings suggest that cannabis could slow the neurodegenerative process of MS. Cannabinoids have shown they can modulate the inflammatory reaction and assist in neuro-regeneration. In one study, cannabinoids demonstrated neuroprotective effects during an animal model of multiple sclerosis, reducing the damage to myelin caused from inflammation. Another study found that cannabinoids administered to animals with a model of multiple sclerosis reduced neurological disability, improved motor coordination and limited the progression of the disease. ​

Cannabis can help multiple sclerosis patients manage the symptoms associated with their disease. Cannabis has shown to be effective at reducing pain, muscle stiffness and spasms, reduce inflammation. ​

A study done in 2011 showed CBD prevents immune cells attacking nerve cells in the spinal cords of mice with MS-like symptoms. The partially paralyzed limbs of the mice regained movement after they were injected with CBD. At first, mice responded by twitching their tails and then began walking without a limp. Research found much less inflammation in the spinal cords of mice treated with CBD than in untreated mice.​

Cannabidiol (CBD) is Not Psychoactive  ​

One of the most crucially important qualities of CBD is its lack of psycho-activity. In layperson’s terms, this means that cannabidiol won’t get you high. Unlike THC, the cannabinoid with the legendary power of producing euphoric sensations, Cannabidiol “CBD” is inert. ​

​CBD derived from the HEMP plant (the male Cannabis plant) is completely LEGAL, where CBD derived from the Cannabis plant (the female/ bud producing plant) is currently still illegal in Canada. Technically speaking, its THC—the cannabinoid that gets you high—which is illicit. The rules governing hemp are quite different from the restrictions placed on cannabis. Organa possesses an active business license because all of our products contain the legal limit of THC .3% or less per bottle/ package. ​

 

 

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CBD and Depression

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 Depression can be a predisposed condition (something you were born with) or brought on by an unfortunate event or trauma. Regardless of the cause, the symptoms of depression are often the same: feeling sad, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite, trouble sleeping, loss of energy, feeling worthless, and difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions. ​

​ Two of the neurotransmitters affected during depression are serotonin and dopamine. Because levels of serotonin and dopamine are affected by things like diet, exercise, mental state, and stress levels, research supports the idea that some depressed people have reduced serotonin and dopamine transmission. This is where the use of CBD products can come into play.​

​ Unlike THC, the cannabinoid associated with causing marijuana’s “high effect,” CBD has a different, more indirect interaction with these cell receptors. At the same time, CBD has the unique ability to directly interact with other cell receptors, including serotonin and dopamine receptors. Thus, when ingested, CBD influences brain activity and one byproduct is the release of serotonin and dopamine throughout the body. ​

​ Research shows that CBD oil causes receptor 5-HT1A, which releases serotonin, to fire more effectively. This increases serotonin production and stabilizes its presence in the body. ​Low levels of serotonin production can lead to depression. Using CBD oil can result in the production of more serotonin to help ease this disease.​

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CBD and Tourette Syndrome

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 Tourette Syndrome (TS), or simply Tourette’s, is a relatively rare neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and/or vocalizations. These movements and vocalizations are called tics. It is unknown exactly how many people suffer from Tourette’s, though studies suggest one out of every 162 children have the disorder. However, it’s estimated that roughly half of the children with Tourette’s are undiagnosed.​

​ While a number of medications are prescribed to those with TS, many come with several unwanted and potentially dangerous side effects. This has driven many people to search for alternative therapies to help fight the disorder and mitigate the symptoms. One of the most popular alternative therapies that has begun showing incredibly promising potential is CBD. ​

 Numerous studies have shown CBD may have the powerful ability to reduce the frequency and severity of tics and other TS symptoms. A case study of two patients with TS conducted in 2017 and published in the August issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences found cannabinoids provided significant relief from vocal-blocking tics and were tolerated much better than commercial pharmaceuticals.​

​ It’s thought that cannabinoids are so beneficial to neurological disorders such as TS because of the numerous ECS receptors located in the brain. Because CB1 receptors primarily are found in the brain and nervous system, cannabinoids are able to directly impact the functioning of the nervous system and help to balance it out, thereby reducing tics.​

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CBD and PTSD

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We all have natural Levels of anandamide,  This is the substance found naturally in your body that helps you “cope” emotionally. It relieves the effects of any stressful situation by temporarily putting you in a state of “bliss”.​

It has been determined that anandamide is at a considerably lower level in patients that are experiencing PTSD. It has also been known for a considerable amount of time that THC, which is a high percentage component of cannabis, has a built-in capacity to trigger the same receptors that are activated by anandamide.​

When experiencing PTSD, both CBD and THC can help you cope by putting you in that same “state of bliss” that is naturally created by anandamide. We can therefore safely assume that the utilization of Cannabis may be considered as a treatment against PTSD in order to deal with a shortage of anandamide.​

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The consumption of CBD can have a drastic impact on the reduction of anxiety among people who are suffering from PTSD. A huge benefit of using CBD is that CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive action, so it can be used daily at work or while driving. CBD helps treat PTSD in a very different manner to THC. Indeed, PTSD patients all have far lower levels of endocannabinoids, along with higher CB1 receptor densities. Normally, the CB1 receptor deactivates any traumatic memories you may have so you basically ‘forget.’ If you have an endocannabinoid deficiency, on the other hand, you will suffer from chronic anxiety, impaired fear distinction, and other issues associated with PTSD. Cannabinoids act on the two receptors, CB1 and CB2, and helps them regain normal function.​

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CBD and ADHD

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    ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and is a neurodevelopmental disorder, a syndrome of the brain that affects executive functioning skills which includes important functions like attention, concentration, memory, motivation and effort, learning from mistakes, impulsivity, hyperactivity, organization and social skills to name a few. Some examples are wasting energy on things that really don’t matter, unable to complete important tasks because they are unable to focus, jumping from one shiny object to the next, increased anxiety, and overthinking things. Due to genetics, this disorder is caused by chemical and structural differences in the brain.

   Treatment for ADHD is most commonly a combination of medication and Behaviour Therapy. Behaviour Therapy can teach people coping skills and strategies, learn how to focus, and how to change or redirect their line of thinking.  Learned behaviours can overcome some of the symptoms of ADHD, and most adults can function without medication. Some of the side effects associated with ADHD medications consist of :

  • Sleeping problems
  • Decreased appetite
  • Delayed growth (children)
  • Headaches
  • Stomachaches
  • Rebound irritability when medication wears off
  • Tics
  • Moodyness
  • Irritability

 If you have ADHD, taking control of your anxiety can be a huge step towards improving your ADHD. CBD oil can boost your mental clarity and can help the way you feel on any given day. Some people have noticed after taking CBD effects from taking it happen instantaneously, they had less mental resistance, improved communication with other people and being more talkative, feelings of living in their body and not living in their head, nerves were calmed, no brain fog, feel more connected to others, important tasks were being completed as opposed to being side tracked and less irritability towards other people and themselves.

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CBD and Autism

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Many people are now familiar with the videos of children with seizure disorders being calmed and treated completely with cannabis. Similarly, we are beginning to see more and more “anecdotal evidence” that CB2 receptor is found to help the management of autism. In fact, a 2013 study at the Second University in Naples, Italy in association with the Medical School at Stanford University in California found that a malfunctioning or otherwise unhealthy endocannabinoid system may contribute to autism. 

The Autism Research Institute has described that the use of medical marijuana has had improved symptoms such as  “anxiety, aggression, panic disorder, generalized rage, tantrums, property destruction and self-injurious behaviour.” The aforementioned 2013 study in Italy by Dr. Piomelli and Dr. Manzoni has revealed critically important discoveries about the “Bliss Molecule” anandamide and how cannabis compounds like CBD and THC can be used to stimulate imbalances in the body’s endocannabinoid system and directly helping to treat autism patients in the process. They both consider Cannabis as an optimal contributor to scientific approaches to the disorder.

The endocannabinoid system is not only important in regulating healthy behavior, it is now being shown to improve dysfunctional behaviours characterized in autistic patients. Our body’s endocannabinoid system also produces oxytocin which is essential in learning and social behavior. The chaos characterized by the Autism spectrum appears to be calmed significantly by inducing natural cannabinoids to out system. According to Dr.Bernard D. Rimland from the Autism Research Institute, the research and studies all show the need to take advantage of “relatively safe drugs like marijuana.. the reports we are seeing from parents indicate that medical marijuana often works when no other treatments, drugs or non-drugs, have helped.”

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