Today we celebrate the people who have given everything in the pursuit of our freedom. Tragically conventional medicine has failed these stewards of humanity. We lose 20 veterans a day to suicide. This stark number exists because of many factors but depression, anxiety, and opiate abuse are at the top of the list. Thankfully with the passing of the 2018 Farm bill, CBD is finally more affordable and devoid of any cannabis from seed to product. This change in production has opened up the doors for people seeking or requiring a THC-free form of pain and anxiety management.

CBD has been known to reduce anxiety in those with PTSD. The big question is how.

Currently, there is no concrete answer to this question. CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and body. These receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. These systems work in tandem but regulate different systems from unconscious breathing to movement. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all of the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord and extend to other parts of the body (i.e. muscles and organs). Much research has been done into the subject and thought that CBD alters serotonin signals. Serotonin is known to be “the happy chemical”. Hopefully, with continued research, scientists can pinpoint the exact way CBD interacts with the body to create a sense of ease it is known to create. CBD’s ability to treat veterans does not end there.

A study from the European Journal of Pain showed, using an animal model, that CBD administered to the dermal regions could lower pain and inflammation. Another study showed that CBD impedes inflammatory and neuropathic pain which are two of the most difficult types of chronic pain to treat. Opiates and other organ damaging analgesics have been the common band-aid administered by healthcare professionals. This approach to pain management is not sustainable for the host. When using these drugs the patient is at a high risk of many life-threatening side-effects, from stomach ulcers, stomach and bowel bleeding, liver and kidney damage, increased risk of heart attack, and a reduced ability to fight infections when used long term. These methods are nothing more than a quick fix not intended for long-term usage like most medicine. In the US it is overprescribed and very rarely do medical practitioners have an alternative. This is where CBD steps in. CBD has been known to aid in the reduction of otherwise untreatable pain.

Unfortunately, it is still hard to be able to prove this entirely other than from the testimonials of actual CBD users. The one thing that can be said is CBD works. It is shown time and time again by its popularity and adoption by sufferers of anxiety and pain. CBD is a safe and healthy alternative to organ damaging analgesics such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and opiates. Once more research has been conducted these testimonials seen as anecdotal will become the truth that many suffering from debilitating pain and anxiety will seek.

Please Note:

These statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.