MSMonday: Medical Marijuana, CBD Oil and CBD Hemp Oil

What are the differences and benefits?

Medical Marijuana has caused quite a stir in the past few years. From government regulations to amazing patient success stories, it seems like everyone has an opinion about it. But what is it when you get down to it? There are so many different terms thrown around, it’s certainly confusing. Let’s unpack a few things about medical marijuana. What the endocannabinoid system is in our bodies, the different types of CBD, medical marijuana and its various forms and finally what the research shows about marijuana and Multiple Sclerosis.

Endocannabanoid System

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a complex system in our bodies that is meant to keep our bodies in homeostasis at all times. Or another way of looking at it is the endocannabinoid system works to keep our bodies perfectly regulated. It does this by regulating key aspects of our biology like, our appetite, metabolism, pain sensations, sleep, mood, movement, temperature, immune function, inflammation, memory, cardiovascular function, digestion and reproduction. Along with these basic functions, the endocannabinoid system also acts in response to illness.

Within the ECS there are three major components; Cannabinoid Receptors, Endocannabinoids and Metabolic Enzymes. Each of these three components play a different role in the regulatory process. Cannabinoid receptors are found on the surface of cells. Endocannabinoids are the small molecules that activate the Cannabinoid Receptors. Metabolic Enzymes are substances that break down the Endocannabinoids after they are no longer needed and have been used.

Cannabinoid Receptors

Cannabinoid Receptors sit on the outside surface of the cell and observe the conditions. They send information about changes in conditions to the inside of the cell, which will initiate the appropriate cellular response.

The most well known and highly studied cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2. CB 1 receptors are mostly found in the brain and spinal cord and are concentrated in areas of the brain correlated with the specific behavior they influence. CB2 Receptors are mostly found in the peripheral nervous system and are highly concentrated in immune cells. When they are activated they work to reduce inflammation.

I found conflicting reports about THC binding to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, but the majority of my sources state that THC will bind to both. However, CBD does not bind directly to Cannabinoid Receptors.

Endocannabinoids

There are two major Endocannabinoids scientist know of; 2-AG and Anandamide. Anandamide was The first to be discovered in 1992, and shortly thereafter in 1995 scientist discovered 2-AG. Anandamide is found throughout the body and 2-AG is found in the brain. Both Endocannabinoids are able to bind to either receptor (CB1 or CB2), but they differ in their ability to activate each receptor. Both Endocannabinoids are made on demand, which means they are made and used when needed rather than ahead of time and stored like many other molecules in the body. There are other Endocannabinoids currently being studied, but there are specific roles in the body are not fully understood.

Metabolic Enzymes

Metabolic enzymes are responsible for destroying Endocannabinoids once they are used. The enzyme FAAH breaks down Anandamide and MAGL breaks down 2-AG. these enzymes make sure that the specific Endocannabinoids are not used longer than they need to be. This is a very different from other signals in the body which can continue for longer then they are needed or stored for later.

These three components of the ECS help to keep the body in homeostasis and because of this, they are found in all parts of the body. Currently there are only two ways of targeting the ECS from an outside source: medical marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids. Both THC and CBD, the active compounds found in medical marijuana, are what create the therapeutic effects and they do so by interacting with the ECS. Synthetic cannabinoids are created to copy the activity of existing cannabinoids and therefore can be specifically targeted to treat certain symptoms. For example, there are several synthetic cannabinoids that have been created to treat nausea in patients with cancer as well as several that have been created for advanced pain management in chronic pain disorder‘s.

What is CBD and THC?

Now that we have gone over how CBD and THC are used in the body, let’s discuss the differences between the different types and forms of each. And more importantly, how the plant they originate from can change their potency and medicinal uses.

First, let’s define both CBD and THC. CBD is short for Cannabidiol, and it accounts for up to 40% of the marijuana plants extract and usually has a down regulating effect on the body.

THC, otherwise known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. In the United States, it is listed as a schedule one drug, along side Heroin, MDMA and Fentanyl (!!!). A rant for another day.

Both are several of 113 active cannibionoids found in cannibis.

CBD from Hemp

The hemp plant has been grown for many years for its fibers. From its fibers, you can make clothing, paper and other goods. But you can also make CBD oil. CBD oil that is derived from the hemp plant is legal in all 50 states. It comes from the stocks and leaves of the plant and it takes many more hemp plants to get the same amount of CBD that you get from cannabis plants.

There seems to be a debate about the efficacy of hemp CBD. Most sources say it is not as effective as CBD derived from cannibis, and after my research I tend to agree. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t effective at all. When choosing a hemp CBD product, sourcing and ingredients need to be taken into account. When laboratory testing was done, it was shown that many companies had fillers and little CBD in their products. As with many other things, do your research!

CBD from Cannabis

CBD oil from cannabis is a slightly different animal. CBD works best when combined with other cannabinoids, like THC, and CBD from hemp does not contain enough THC (only .3%) to have those therapeutic effects. When CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant, CBD and THC are present and can work together to alleviate symptoms. Obtaining CBD from the cannabis plant takes fewer plants, and therefore has a higher potency than hemp CBD.

Cannabis Oil

Cannabis oil is virtually the same as CBD oil from the cannabis plant, but the THC content is much higher. In some cases ranging from 50-80% THC. It is made from very high potency THC marijuana strains and often has multiple cannabionoids present.

Medical Marijuana Options

The main differences between CBD oil and general medical marijuana are how it is ingested and the ratio of the specific cannabinoids. The benefits of medical marijuana are still the same and include pain management, decreases in nausea, seizures, spasticity, anxiety, depression, PTSD and others. Depending on the strain, or specific type of plant, the ratio of CBD and THC can vary greatly.

Medical marijuana can also be ingested in a variety of different ways. The flower can be smoked which is what people usually think of when they think of marijuana, it can be “vaped” where the oil is heated and inhaled, or the oil can be made into edibles (cookies, gummies, etc.), or it can be made into tinctures.

Research

Currently there is limited research going on for medical marijuana and its uses. Due to the legality issues at the federal level, only certain universities have permission to study marijuana and its effects. Because marijuana is a plant, it is not able to be patented (the government holds a patent on CBD specifically, but that’s a rant for another day). This is a consideration for pharmaceutical companies as there is no direct monetary benefit for them to be studying marijuana. However, the research that has been done is very promising and has shown incredible results with many illnesses.

Marijuana and MS

Marijuana has been known to be highly useful for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. It has shown to reduce neuropathic pain, reduce muscle spasms and spasticity and improve sleep quality. CBD is a strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and also a strong neuroprotective agent as well. It is most useful when taken consistently. It isn’t necessarily an immediate fix, but rather something that helps overtime. Many individuals who start taking marijuana noticed improvements in their quality of life that are quite drastic.

Where is it Legal?

31 states have made medical marijuana legal, including:

Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Dakota
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Vermont
Washington
West Virginia

Currently there are 8 other states that are working toward legalization for medical marijuana: Indiana Iowa Kentucky Missouri Nebraska North Carolina Oklahoma and South Carolina.

Each state has a different process for obtaining a medical marijuana license. If this is something you’re interested in, there is plenty of information online available about how to obtain your medical marijuana license.

Brands I Trust

Ok so. I’ve done a little bit of research on my own for CBD products. Both for myself and several loved ones who are going through some tough shit and need some relief. I’m going to share a few brands I’ve come across that I have found to be reputable, but please, do your own research. You will have your own set of symptoms and considerations. What might be good for me or my fam, might not jive with you. Kapeesh?

Charlotte’s Web– The story behind this company is amazing, if you’re not familiar with it, please read it here. I, among others, consider Charlotte’s Web to be the top in the CBD industry.

Plus CBD– This is the first brand I purchased for family members to help control cancer pain. It was tolerated well and helped!

Green Roads– I don’t have personal experience with this brand, but it was in the final few when I was deciding what to get a while back.

These are only a few of the many brands out there that are reputable, I’m sure. But there are MANY that are not. I urge you again, if you’re going to head down the CBD path, please check out the brand, read patient reviews, read about their sourcing and quality testing they complete.

Medical Marijuana is a controversial topic, but can be a game changing treatment for many individuals, including those with Multiple Sclerosis. Current research is promising and new things are being discovered all the time. Are you someone who has benefitted from CBD oil or medical marijuana? I’m curious to hear your story! Let me know in the comments!

I’M ALISSA!

I help women who have also been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis make specific and personalized diet, lifestyle & subconscious changes so that they can begin to heal their body, reduce disease symptoms, and return to a life they love.hey there,

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Get in MS girlie, we have stress to manage 💅

But seriously… stress management is the KEY to symptom management when you live with MS or any autoimmune disease or chronic illness.

You see- STRESS is where our autoimmune diseases alllll started.

Either due to emotional stress, physical stress, environmental stress… you get the picture, stress is the problem.

And unfortunately- it’s never going away, we can only learn how to manage it better for ourselves and our bodies.

Totally lost on how to do that? I got you!

I’m hosting a free masterclass all about how to manage stress in your daily lives- and in a way that doesn’t add a ton to your already packed to-do list.

Wanna sign up? Duh..
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to save your seat!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #stressmanagement #seasonaldepression #healingmultiplesclerosis

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It’s amazing what taking a few minutes to breathe and reassure yourself can do, ya know??

If you have MS and this gives you an immediate uncomfy feeling in your gut because you never advocate for yourself and your needs,

You need to come to my next Masterclass:
Managing Stress to Manage MS

We’ll be talking about:
* How Stress Works: Discover how your body’s stress response system operates and why it plays such a big role in your overall health.
* Stress and MS: Understand how stress impacts MS symptoms and why it can sometimes make symptom flares worse.
* Building Your Resilience: Get simple, effective strategies to boost your stress resilience and help ease MS symptoms for a healthier, more balanced life.

Happening February 10th at 6pm EST!
Comment NEEDS below and I’ll send you the link to register!

#multiplesclerosis #lissms #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #thisisms

9 1

Open

It’s amazing what taking a few minutes to breathe and reassure yourself can do, ya know??

If you have MS and this gives you an immediate uncomfy feeling in your gut because you never advocate for yourself and your needs,

You need to come to my next Masterclass:
Managing Stress to Manage MS

We’ll be talking about:
* How Stress Works: Discover how your body’s stress response system operates and why it plays such a big role in your overall health.
* Stress and MS: Understand how stress impacts MS symptoms and why it can sometimes make symptom flares worse.
* Building Your Resilience: Get simple, effective strategies to boost your stress resilience and help ease MS symptoms for a healthier, more balanced life.

Happening February 10th at 6pm EST!
Comment NEEDS below and I’ll send you the link to register!

#multiplesclerosis #lissms #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #thisisms

9 1

This is hard!!

We feel like “we should be able to” still do the cleaning, chores, putting things away etc etc etc..

But in reality- our bodies need and crave rest and recovery first.

If we don’t give our bodies what they need voluntarily, they’ll find a way to make us.

Really struggle with this idea of listening to and caring for your body?
(I get it- it’s not a skill we’re taught)

I’m hosting a (free) masterclass on this and “managing stress” in January, comment CLASS and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!

#multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #stressmanagement #lissms #thisisms #becausems #seasonaldepression #anxiety

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Being aware and consciously working on nervous system regulation has SO MANY benefits..
✨Waking up with less anxiety
✨Feeling less all/nothing thinking
✨Being able to physically breathe better
✨Reduction of your MS/autoimmune disease symptoms

I could go on and on.

We aren’t gonna be able to fully manage MS symptoms until we acknowledge our very disregulated nervous system.

Embodied Resilience starts you on that path.
And- you’re in luck- it’s on sale till Monday night.

Comment STABLE and I’ll send you the link!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #healingmultiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems

14 6

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Being aware and consciously working on nervous system regulation has SO MANY benefits..
✨Waking up with less anxiety
✨Feeling less all/nothing thinking
✨Being able to physically breathe better
✨Reduction of your MS/autoimmune disease symptoms

I could go on and on.

We aren’t gonna be able to fully manage MS symptoms until we acknowledge our very disregulated nervous system.

Embodied Resilience starts you on that path.
And- you’re in luck- it’s on sale till Monday night.

Comment STABLE and I’ll send you the link!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #healingmultiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems

14 6

I get it..

It seems like it would be good.

Because others around you are taken care of..
Because others around you feel good..
Because others around you are happy..

But what about you??

In reality, that’s just making it harder for you to help yourself heal and probs making your MS symptoms worse.

I’ve worked with so many people with MS and autoimmune disease… 1 thing (among many) that they all have in common is a habit of putting others before themselves, saying yes way too much and forgetting about what they want themselves.

Feel a little called out?
Then my course Embodied Resilience is for you.

This is a course all about managing + improving your stress tolerance- since stress is the number 1 trigger of symptom flares and relapses

And- it’s on sale for Black Friday!!
Comment SALE below and I’ll send you the link!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #healingmultiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems

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I get it..

It seems like it would be good.

Because others around you are taken care of..
Because others around you feel good..
Because others around you are happy..

But what about you??

In reality, that’s just making it harder for you to help yourself heal and probs making your MS symptoms worse.

I’ve worked with so many people with MS and autoimmune disease… 1 thing (among many) that they all have in common is a habit of putting others before themselves, saying yes way too much and forgetting about what they want themselves.

Feel a little called out?
Then my course Embodied Resilience is for you.

This is a course all about managing + improving your stress tolerance- since stress is the number 1 trigger of symptom flares and relapses

And- it’s on sale for Black Friday!!
Comment SALE below and I’ll send you the link!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #healingmultiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems

25 7

✨How to do this✨

First! Like + save this post so you can come back to it for reference

Now, set a few alarms on your phone- ideally in the morning, afternoon and bedtime.

These will serve as your reminders.

Then, when the alarm goes off:
✨Pause, take a few deep breaths
✨Check in with your mind and body- how are you in this moment?
✨What are you thinking?
✨How are you feeling emotionally?
✨Is there a thought that needs to be challenged/reframed?
✨Are you being present in the moment?
✨How are you feeing in my body?
✨How are you breathing?

Some of these questions might not apply to your current situation and that’s fine

This is the first step to interrupting the very unhelpful patterns we often live in that can increase symptoms via heightened stress

This is one of the big things we work on in Holistically Healing MS, which will be on sale this weekend for Black Friday!!

Comment SALE below and I’ll send you the link when it’s ready!!

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✨How to do this✨

First! Like + save this post so you can come back to it for reference

Now, set a few alarms on your phone- ideally in the morning, afternoon and bedtime.

These will serve as your reminders.

Then, when the alarm goes off:
✨Pause, take a few deep breaths
✨Check in with your mind and body- how are you in this moment?
✨What are you thinking?
✨How are you feeling emotionally?
✨Is there a thought that needs to be challenged/reframed?
✨Are you being present in the moment?
✨How are you feeing in my body?
✨How are you breathing?

Some of these questions might not apply to your current situation and that’s fine

This is the first step to interrupting the very unhelpful patterns we often live in that can increase symptoms via heightened stress

This is one of the big things we work on in Holistically Healing MS, which will be on sale this weekend for Black Friday!!

Comment SALE below and I’ll send you the link when it’s ready!!

17 1

✨Moving your body✨

Notice I didn’t say exercise, although yes that also helps.

Stress hormones can get stuck in our bodies, our cells, our muscle tissue for various reasons.

Making it super easy for us to carry stress around with us- which shows up often as:

Pain
Tension
Trouble breathing
Difficulty with balance

It’s no coincidence that these are often prominent MS symptoms too. Sometimes it’s hard to tell where effects of MS end and effects of stress begin.

Being able to offload accumulated stress is key to being able to improve MS symptoms.

My course Embodied Resilience shows you exactly how to do this, and it’s gonna be on sale for Black Friday.

Comment ME below and I’ll send you the sale link when it’s ready!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemhealing #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #thisisms #becausems

9 2

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✨Moving your body✨

Notice I didn’t say exercise, although yes that also helps.

Stress hormones can get stuck in our bodies, our cells, our muscle tissue for various reasons.

Making it super easy for us to carry stress around with us- which shows up often as:

Pain
Tension
Trouble breathing
Difficulty with balance

It’s no coincidence that these are often prominent MS symptoms too. Sometimes it’s hard to tell where effects of MS end and effects of stress begin.

Being able to offload accumulated stress is key to being able to improve MS symptoms.

My course Embodied Resilience shows you exactly how to do this, and it’s gonna be on sale for Black Friday.

Comment ME below and I’ll send you the sale link when it’s ready!!

#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemhealing #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #thisisms #becausems

9 2

I’ve seen myself and tons of clients through behavior change to help improve their MS + autoimmune disease symptoms.

There are SO MANY things that can help us.

But the one I’ve seen move the needle the most?

Working on your mindset and stress management tools.

We can change our diet
Change how we move
Change the products we’re using
Change the supplements we take..

But if we’re still in the high stress state that most of us are in.. all those will only go so far.

Stress is my biggest symptom trigger, and 99% of my clients feel the same.

My biggest course sale is coming Black Friday, included is my course Embodied Resilience, all about learning how to actually manage stress- so you’re not constantly battling MS flares too.

My email list is gonna get first dibs..
Comment LIST below and I’ll add you so you’re notified first!!

18 8

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I’ve seen myself and tons of clients through behavior change to help improve their MS + autoimmune disease symptoms.

There are SO MANY things that can help us.

But the one I’ve seen move the needle the most?

Working on your mindset and stress management tools.

We can change our diet
Change how we move
Change the products we’re using
Change the supplements we take..

But if we’re still in the high stress state that most of us are in.. all those will only go so far.

Stress is my biggest symptom trigger, and 99% of my clients feel the same.

My biggest course sale is coming Black Friday, included is my course Embodied Resilience, all about learning how to actually manage stress- so you’re not constantly battling MS flares too.

My email list is gonna get first dibs..
Comment LIST below and I’ll add you so you’re notified first!!

18 8

Changing my diet changed the course of my life.

I want that for you too.
It feels hard, but doesn’t have to be.

PS- keep your eye out for Black Friday.. all my courses will be on sale, your healing journey awaits!

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Changing my diet changed the course of my life.

I want that for you too.
It feels hard, but doesn’t have to be.

PS- keep your eye out for Black Friday.. all my courses will be on sale, your healing journey awaits!

18 4

And my period started to add to the joy 🙃🙃

We can do hard things y’all,
breathe in, breathe out,
all will be well.

#Electionstress #seasonaldepression #anxiety #multiplesclerosis

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And my period started to add to the joy 🙃🙃

We can do hard things y’all,
breathe in, breathe out,
all will be well.

#Electionstress #seasonaldepression #anxiety #multiplesclerosis ...

19 4

Home stretch!!

Do what you need to do today to take care of yourself friends.

#Electionday #Govote #Vote

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Home stretch!!

Do what you need to do today to take care of yourself friends.

#Electionday #Govote #Vote ...

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Do you do any form of meal planning?

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Do you do any form of meal planning? ...

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