Update: We Look at More Commonly Asked Questions
Since last covering CBD, we discovered a few more questions to explore in detail. At the top of the list is whether or not CBD can thin the blood. Upon our initial investigation, it does appear to have some effect on blood coagulation, but we’ll need to get into the topic further to explain the matter thoroughly. Let’s take a look at this, plus a few other questions being asked related to the use of CBD:
Is CBD an adaptogen?
CBD is not classified as an adaptogen although it works very similarly. This is why we often see it being used for a variety of things from general stress relief, athletic recovery, pain relief, insomnia, and many more. Fortunately CBD is known to be a functional medicinal plant without any THC effects that would interfere with your day to day life. Other studies utilizing CBD for enhanced effects when combined with other adaptogens like ashwagandha sound promising but need further study.
Can CBD help blood?
As we started sorting through the available information, we first came upon a study conducted on a single obese rat in 2007. The study focused on cannabis extract, however, not specifically CBD. According to the results, cannabis extract did have an anticoagulant effect. (Cannabis extract comprises three cannabinoids, including CBD, CBN, and THC.) This result emphasized that cannabis extract’s anticoagulant activity “may be useful in the treatment of diseases such as type 2 diabetes in which a hypercoagulable state exists.” (Coetzee, Levendal, van de Venter, et al., 2007).
We next explored a piece by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine as featured in ASRA News. The article notes the likelihood of patients with chronic pain to use CBD products, and the importance of understanding whether it places these patients at risk of increased bleeding. According to the studies referenced, CBD showed mild anticoagulating effects and was ”found to affect platelets and anticoagulants by suppressing their production and thereby potentially increasing bleeding tendencies. In addition, CBD can interact with warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding complications.” (Wadelius, Chen, Downes, et al., 2005). And finally, Dr. Brent A. Bauer of the Mayo Clinic agrees, explaining that, “CBD can also interact with other medications you're taking, such as blood thinners.” Overall, it’s best if you consult your physician if you take blood thinning medications or have difficulty with blood thinners to discuss the idea before starting on CBD.
Can CBD help fatigue?
Rarely, but there have been some particular situations that have been observed. Another study reviewed the uses and side effects of CBD, summarizing that it is “generally well tolerated and considered safe” for most. However, like almost anything else, it was found to potentially cause adverse reactions in certain people as well. Proper dosing is important and we always recommend starting small and increasing slowly. Aside from problematic interactions with some medications (i.e. warfarin), CBD was also found to have side effects of fatigue, changes in appetite, and diarrhea in some study participants. Due to these issues, the review stressed the importance of discussing the matter with your doctor before you start using CBD oil to make sure it’s safe for you, and avoid possibly harmful interactions. (Iffland & Grotenhermen, 2017, June 1).
Can CBD oil make you sleepy during the day?
The short answer is generally no. CBD can be an adaptogen in some ways and we often get client reports of it being a very functional tool for day use and effective before bed as your natural rhythms slow. We took a look at studies referenced on the topic of CBD impacting the sleep-wake cycle of rats to answer this question, as there were no human studies available on the subject yet. (Chagas, Crippa, Zuardi, et al., 2013, March 27).
The studies found that the animal subjects involved increased their total sleep at night while also increasing their alertness during the day. This appeared to be true whether the animals received only one dosage of the oil at night or two dosages at morning and night. Additionally, the study noted that the side effect of increased daytime alertness may prove beneficial to those with sleep disorders, possibly increasing the amount of sleep they get overall. (Murillo-Rodriguez, Millan-Aldaco, Palomero-Rivero, et al., 2006, August 7).
Does CBD decrease inflammation?
To determine the answer to this question, we visited the website of the famous board-certified neurologist Dr. David Perlmutter, author of the popular best selling book The Grain Brain. Dr. Perlmutter’s page references research on CBD reducing inflammation and lessening the damage of free radicals.
To summarize, the conclusion of the research referenced on Dr. Perlmutter’s site explained that, “Inflammation and oxidative stress are intimately involved in the genesis of many human diseases. Unraveling that relationship therapeutically has proven challenging, in part because inflammation and oxidative stress “feed off” each other. However, CBD would seem to be a promising starting point for further drug development given its anti-oxidant (although relatively modest) and anti-inflammatory actions on immune cells.” (Booz, G., 2012, September 1).
In conclusion
Since the FDA’s approval of Epidiolex for childhood epilepsy, there have been further CBD studies, but none have yet gained the same type of approval. And although CBD's usefulness is rarely disputed in regard to its use as an anti-inflammatory, its recommendation for such treatment is based mostly on results from animal studies. This causes some to call for further research on humans to confirm the findings.
If you’re ready to try CBD or want to find out if you’d be a good candidate for CBD oil, give us a call or stop in anytime we’re open -- or you can visit our website at CBDAustin.org! Our friendly, informed staff can answer any questions you may have and help you select your ideal product. We offer walk-in pickup and shipping, too!
CBD Austin is located inside:
Cryo Body Works Cryotherapy Austin
3501 Hyridge Drive Austin Texas 78759
Phone: 512-522-0221
HOURS
Monday - Friday 10AM - 7PM
SAT 10AM - 5PM
SUN 12PM - 4PM
References:
Booz, G. (2012, September 1). Cannabidiol as an Emergent Therapeutic Strategy for Lessening the Impact of Inflammation on Oxidative Stress. Retrieved from: https://www.drperlmutter.com/targeting-inflammation-with-cbd/
Chagas, Crippa, Zuardi, et al. (2013, March 27). Effects of acute systemic administration of cannabidiol on sleep-wake cycle in rats. Retrieved from: https://xwerks.com/blogs/cbd/using-cbd-for-better-sleep
Coetzee, Levendal, van de Venter, et al. (2007). Anticoagulant effects of a Cannabis extract in an obese rat model. Retrieved from: https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/How-CBD-Oil-Affects-Blood-Clotting-45036275
Iffland & Grotenhermen. (2017, June 1). An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits#section8
Murillo-Rodriguez, Millan-Aldaco, Palomero-Rivero, et al. (2006, August 7). Cannabidiol, a constituent of Cannabis sativa, modulates sleep in rats. Retrieved from: https://xwerks.com/blogs/cbd/using-cbd-for-better-sleep
Wadelius, Chen, Downes, et al. (2005). Common VKORC1 and GGCX polymorphisms associated with warfarin dose. Retrieved from: https://www.asra.com/asra-news/article/150/is-it-time-to-add-cannabinoids-to-the-as