Don’t Worry! Be Happy ! The Benefits of Cannabis Medicine

CBD for Anxiety & Aging

By Billee Sharp

When we start to notice gray hairs in the mirror we get a visual reminder that time is moving on for us. Aging is inevitable, that we all know, but the natural progression from middle to old age is not something that we spend a lot of time contemplating in our youth. As I approach my sixtieth birthday the reality of the aging process is on my mind!

The aging process that we all live through is often accompanied by fears and anxiety, the possibility or the actuality of declining physical health can lead us to unhappiness and even depression.

Luckily for us in California, we have access to CBD medication that is recognised for its powerful anti-anxiety effect; from full blown panic attacks to generalized anxiety symptoms CBD, taken at the correct dosage will relieve the troubled mind. However, relieving anxiety is just one of the conditions that CBD can address. Here are some of the other ways that CBD can improve our health through the aging process, in effect, making CBD an anti-aging supplement.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce chronic inflammation, which is a common issue in aging and can contribute to various age-related diseases such as arthritis and cardiovascular disease, in a recent study CBD was shown to reduce high blood pressure after a single dose.

Antioxidant Properties

CBD acts as an antioxidant, helping to combat oxidative stress that contributes to the aging process. This can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially slowing down signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin. Our skin is our largest organ and has cannabinoid receptors at every level. CBD helps our skin retain moisture and protect us from UV damage while also supporting the skin’s ability to repel environmental toxics.

Neuroprotection

CBD has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, preventing and ameliorating symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Studies show CBD, CBN, CBC and THCV supporting brain health by promoting neurogenesis and reducing neuroinflammation. Recent studies in THCV are very encouraging for neurological health, Synergy Wellness’ Cleopatra Blend #135 combines CBD, THC and THCV in a 5:3:1 ratio and #220 CBD:CBN in a 3:1 ratio is popular as a neuro supportive supplement and aid to sleeplessness.

Pain Relief

Chronic pain is a common issue among older adults. CBD alleviates pain by activating the endocannabinoid system which plays a substantial role in reducing painful inflammation.While CBD’s role is that of a healer, THC can produce more immediate and pronounced results , as it is truly analgesic and has a long history as a pain reliever. The two together are ideal, especially for those who desire CBD’s tempering effects of the high associated with THC. Synergy offers many blended tincture options and we are happy to advise you based on the personal details that you share with us.

Bone Health

CBD contributes to healthy bones by supporting bone density, which can be beneficial in preventing conditions like osteoporosis. We recommend all our CBD products for bone health , Our raw CBD capsules #653, are a popular choice as a daily CBD supplement.

Skin Health

Cannabis CBD-infused skincare products help in managing skin conditions common in aging, such as irritation, eczema, skin growths, warts and neglected feet & nails. Its anti-inflammatory, anti microbial and moisturizing properties make it useful for maintaining healthy skin, reducing swelling and promoting healing. Synergy 1:1 CBD:THC Salve is a go-to remedy for skin conditions including sun damage and equally useful for pain relief from muscle and joint pain.

Improvement in Sleep

Insomnia is a common complaint in older people, anxiety can also disrupt healthy sleeping patterns. CBD helps improve sleep quality by addressing the underlying anxiety and promoting relaxation, leading to better overall rest. CBD/CBN combination have a great anecdotal reputation for dispelling sleeplessness (#220). For those with pain related sleep issues or who need more sedation verses relaxation, the addition of THC to CBD or alone can provide an answer to chronic insomnia (#210, 4:1, Indy Moon, & full strength Indica’s)

Non-Addictive Alternative

Unlike some traditional anxiety medications, CBD is non-addictive and has a proven safety profile. This makes it an appealing alternative for individuals seeking relief from anxiety without the risk of dependency or severe side effects. THC, despite its reputation, is not physically addictive. For some, it is not necessarily inebriating either and, if it is, it can always be balanced out with proper dosage or by combining with CBD.

Benefits of Broad Spectrum Cannabis CBD

CBD is not the only cannabinoid that has a direct link to helping the aging body. Research from the Salk Institute in San Diego found that CBN has neuroprotective qualities and was able to reverse damage to neural cells. CBC plays an important role in regulating neural stem cells for brain health and THCV is indicated in treating neurodegenerative conditions. THC, though not affiliated with longevity, is a healthy alternative to opioid pain medications ( no constipation, non addictive and does not require a formal prescription).Using a broad spectrum Cannabis CBD product gives the synergistic advantage of all the cannabinoids present in the plant, think of it as a cannabinoid multi-vitamin!

When our Endocannabinoidal System (ECS) is fully functioning the body is feeding back crucial information that it needs to self-correct! When the mind and the body are at ease and out of pain and sleeping properly, healing and healthy aging are far likelier. As the body ages the benefits of cannabinoid therapy can’t be underestimated. Living in a healthy body is the ultimate goal and by maintaining a healthy ECS and addressing the challenges of aging in the healthiest ways we can find, we give ourselves the best chance to stay strong and active and able to enjoy life to fullest!

We have found that the Valentine X strain is particularly helpful for anxiety and is noted for mental acuity.  Similarly Synergy 4:1 CBD:THC Sativa works well for improving mood and energizing mind and body! 

Accordingly we’re running 25% l price reductions on both #110 Valentine X tincture and #116 4:1 Sativa tinctures through the end of July, 2024.

Sources:

1. Philpott, H.T., O'Brien, M., & McDougall, J.J. (2017). Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis. Pain, 158(12), 2442-2451.

2. Burstein, S. (2015). Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 23(7), 1377-1385.

3. Hampson, A.J., Grimaldi, M., Lolic, M., Wink, D., Rosenthal, R., & Axelrod, J. (1998). Neuroprotective antioxidants from marijuana. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 854, 734-740.

4. Fernández-Ruiz, J., Sagredo, O., Pazos, M.R., García, C., Pertwee, R., Mechoulam, R., & Martínez-Orgado, J. (2013). Cannabidiol for neurodegenerative disorders: important new clinical applications for this phytocannabinoid? British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 75(2), 323-333.

5. Vuckovic, S., Srebro, D., Vujovic, K.S., Vucetic, C., & Prostran, M. (2018). Cannabinoids and pain: new insights from old molecules. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9, 1259.

6. Kogan, N.M., & Mechoulam, R. (2007). Cannabinoids in health and disease. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 9(4), 413-430.

Spring Treats : Golden Elixir & Nettle Soup

The winter months can leave us feeling depleted and run down, sometimes we just need to add a little extra nutritive value to our food to support immunity and our digestive system with nourishment from minerals and nutrients that aren’t always in our regular diet.

Golden Juice is Nurse Lauren's recipe, she recommends it as an anti-cancer support and an incredible immune booster. Another of Lauren’s recommendations is to drink more water, we are all guilty of not drinking enough which hampers the body’s ability to function and to heal.

Juicing certainly provides a great deal of nutritive value in a manageable form, why not try Lauren’s batch recipe and make a supply that will last a a week and see how it makes you feel.

Nurse Lauren’s Golden Juice

• 12 large Grapefruits

• 16 Granny Smith Apples

• 1lb fresh Ginger root

• 1lb fresh turmeric root

  Juice in a masticating juicer for the best extraction, store in the refrigerator and drink as desired.

*Note on Grapefruit* - Grapefruit has an interesting effect on the way our bodies metabolize things. When the liver detects grapefruit enzymes in the bloodstream, it ceases to metabolize anything else until it finishes metabolizing the grapefruit. Because of this, when you consume other nutrients alongside grapefruit they remain in the bloodstream for a longer period of time. This allows the ginger and turmeric and pectin amongst other things to float around in the body and exert their positive effects more efficiently. ALSO… for this reason it is important to check that there are no medications that you are on that interact with grapefruit! Just ask your doctor, they will be able to tell you very easily as it is a common medication interaction that is discussed.

Nettle Soup

The rainfall this year has made the countryside extremely verdant and nettles are flourishing in woods and fields, ripe for the picking. Nettles have the most astonishing amount of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, far more than our regular domesticated dark leafy greens. Nettles have a palatable mild green flavor and despite being a bit of fiddle to prepare make a delicious nutritious addition to your springtime diet.

Pick nettles away from roadsides, look in woods and  near streams, they love fertile soil and are often found on pasture land. Take gloves, scissors and a cloth bag and snip the central sprig s. This way the nettle top will grow back and give a second round of fresh new leaves. The top leaves are the youngest and sweetest for eating, also the most stinging, so be careful!

Collect a bagful of nettles and then blanch them in a large pan of boiling water, this takes the sting out of the leaves. Plunge the blanched leaves into a large bowl of cold water as this preserves their beautiful bright green color. You can snip the leaves off the stem or not bother, it's also edible.

Set your drained nettles aside and make a simple soup base:

• 1 small onion, fine chopped

• 1 medium potato, fine chopped

• Olive oil

• 1000ml Vegetable stock

• salt , pepper, herbs to taste.

Saute the chopped onion and chopped potato in olive oil, when the onion is translucent add the vegetable broth and on a low boil simmer until the potato is soft and falling apart. Then add the nettles and continue to simmer for 5 minutes.

Cool the soup and then blend, add salt, pepper, herbs of your choice.

Sleep and Anxiety Study

I recently took part in a study with Synergy Wellness e in which various forms of CBD were used to therapeutically assist in mitigating anxiety and sleeplessness. The forms which were used were: tincture, capsules, gummies, and vapor cartridges for inhalation. All four different forms consisted of the same formulation of CBD/CBDa, CBG, CBN, and a very small amount of THC/THCa. We were asked to integrate these products into our daily lives and observe and report how the introduction of these compounds affected our ability to relax throughout the day, and ease into sleep at night. I’d like to use this opportunity to say just how effective these products were at helping me, a recently widowed mother of two, relieve some stress out of my body and mind.

It’s no wonder that I experienced the results I did while using the expertly formulated blends that were given to me. There are several studies from the National Institute of Health that exhibit the calming effects of CBD and CBDa, particularly its anti-depressive and anti-anxiety effects. CBG has been found to play a positive role in influencing neurotransmitters responsible for enhancing pleasure and motivation, regulating appetite and sleep, and alleviating pain. CBN is well known for its sedative properties that can relieve insomnia, but it has also been found to effectively lower inflammation and thus relieve pain as well. Studies have shown that THC and THCa have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-convulsant, and anti-seizure effects. The formulations made by Healing Essence are key not only for the quality of the active ingredients, but also what the inactive ingredients are. Let me explain…

When preparing a molecule of active ingredient for absorption, what it is encased in (aka the inactive ingredient) is arguably as important as what the molecule is. If you use a compound that enhances absorption then you’re going to have a much more effective treatment. That is the case with all of the products from Synergy Wellness. Sesame oil has a molecular size compatible with crossing the blood-brain barrier. This assists the various forms of CBD encased in the formulations to be maximally absorbed on contact, and get where they need to go to get the job done. When I use the products from Synergy Wellness, I feel results immediately because the moment it is consumed it passes straight to the bloodstream, bypassing the liver, straight to the brain. This prevents one from having to wait to feel the calming effects of what they’re using. It works instantly! That’s what you want when you’re feeling stressed or sleepless, isn’t it? That’s why so many reach for an alcoholic beverage or medication, we want a quick fix. Well this my friends is just that but much better for you!

Overall, the results of including this CBD regimen in my life has been very helpful on my healing journey. I can speak to the struggle of having an overloaded nervous system that is stuck in fight or flight for an extended period of time. I have to say that if it weren’t for the assistance of my cannabis products I really don’t know if I could have soothed myself out of the pain I was in. Cannabis opens a gateway to calm, a gateway that allows the body to heal at a rate it cannot do when it is stressed or in fight or flight. Similarly, our sleep cycles are going to be chronically adversely affected by stress or unaddressed trauma and pain. Cannabis gives our overworked and overloaded nervous systems a break so that they can rest and do the healing they are longing to do. My sleep quality has improved, but more importantly, as a mother to a toddler, when I get woken up in the night I now have the ability to fall back asleep. This has been life changing for me as this was not the case for a very long time. I accrued much sleep trauma due to my husband’s fight with brain cancer and sleep was very difficult for me. It affected every single facet of my life negatively. When I combined cannabis medicine with exercise, healthy diet, yoga and meditation my life transformed into something more magical and beautiful than I could ever hope to express in words. By assisting me to calm the physiological side of stress, cannabis provided me the ability to save my own life. I am forever indebted to this magical plant and the wonderful purveyors of purity over at Synergy Wellness. They are doing the good work!

In terms of the CBD study group, we started with a dozen participants, two of whom weren’t compatible because of other medications. Of the ten participants who followed the course, results were positive across the board. Significantly only two participants suggested more THC would improve their sleep and anxiety levels. This clearly shows that the broad spectrum alliance of CBD, CBDa, CBN and THCa ( the non psychoactive form of THC) are effective for alleviating sleeplessness and anxiety.

If these are issues that you are dealing with I highly recommend starting a cannabis regime as soon as possible, your body will thank you!

Sending Love-

Nurse Lauren