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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
In the past year, a new medication has been introduced to treat spasticity and pain. It is not yet approved in the US, but it is approved in several other countries. Sativex is a nasal spray that includes a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD. The results of the studies have been promising so far.
35 states have made medical marijuana legal, including:
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.
When you google CBD, an obnoxious amount of products pop up. Yes, its moving in the right direction, but many are not worth it. A few tips on finding a great CBD oil.
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!
Let’s continue the conversation! If you’re interested in learning what foods are most helpful for Multiple Sclerosis, find my cheat sheet here!
follow along on Instagram:
I don’t want you to spend the years I did in pain, feeling numb and tingly, being exhausted- and having to do all the research.
Let me make it easier for you.
Comment HHMS below and I’ll send you details.
We start next week!!
I don’t want you to spend the years I did in pain, feeling numb and tingly, being exhausted- and having to do all the research.
Let me make it easier for you.
Comment HHMS below and I’ll send you details.
We start next week!!
I think I’ve said this in every group I’ve run and with every client I meet with.
(A gross oversimplification disclaimer)
But this:
people pleasing, being all or nothing, perfectionist (I could go on)
Is (part of) why we got MS.
These patterns we play out each day are the hardest thing to change- and they also keep us with high stress, high MS symptoms and feeling like crap in our bodies.
Changing these patterns takes awareness, focus and support- all of which you get in Holistically Healing MS.
•If you want the ability to say NO when you’d usually just say yes.. (stop overriding yourself)
•If you want to be ok with putting your needs first (cause I know you’re not lol)
•If you want to finally feel like you’re good enough and doing enough (cause you are)
Join us in HHMS. Along with lifestyle strategies, we go process the emotional burden all those patterns have- which helps to move through them.
Comment HHMS below and I’ll send you the link.
I think I’ve said this in every group I’ve run and with every client I meet with.
(A gross oversimplification disclaimer)
But this:
people pleasing, being all or nothing, perfectionist (I could go on)
Is (part of) why we got MS.
These patterns we play out each day are the hardest thing to change- and they also keep us with high stress, high MS symptoms and feeling like crap in our bodies.
Changing these patterns takes awareness, focus and support- all of which you get in Holistically Healing MS.
•If you want the ability to say NO when you’d usually just say yes.. (stop overriding yourself)
•If you want to be ok with putting your needs first (cause I know you’re not lol)
•If you want to finally feel like you’re good enough and doing enough (cause you are)
Join us in HHMS. Along with lifestyle strategies, we go process the emotional burden all those patterns have- which helps to move through them.
Comment HHMS below and I’ll send you the link.
Everything I say is without judgment, cause I used to do all of this too.
Only sticking with something new for a week, getting so excited for it helping, then changing it up cause “it didn’t work” by the end of the week.
But in reality I never gave it a chance.
This roller coaster has to stop!!
Join me in HHMS to hop off the coaster 🎢
Everything I say is without judgment, cause I used to do all of this too.
Only sticking with something new for a week, getting so excited for it helping, then changing it up cause “it didn’t work” by the end of the week.
But in reality I never gave it a chance.
This roller coaster has to stop!!
Join me in HHMS to hop off the coaster 🎢
At some point you have to start trusting the things you’re doing will help and stop jumping to a new thing each week.
Giving up gluten one week?
Then dairy the next?
Maybe jumping into an exercise class a week later?
At some point you gotta pick 1-3 things and stick with them long enough to give them time to make changes in your body!!
Not just a day or week either.
Yes change can happen fast, but usually not that fast. You need to stick with things for long enough to see if they’ll help.
Often you give up before it has a chance to shift anything.
If you’ve been bouncing from thing to thing, throwing random things at the wall and hoping they stick, hoping something will move the needle an inch so you feel even a little bit better..
My course Holistically Healing MS is for you.
This is the place to find what works for you, to decrease your MS symptoms.
Comment HHMS below and I’ll send you details.
At some point you have to start trusting the things you’re doing will help and stop jumping to a new thing each week.
Giving up gluten one week?
Then dairy the next?
Maybe jumping into an exercise class a week later?
At some point you gotta pick 1-3 things and stick with them long enough to give them time to make changes in your body!!
Not just a day or week either.
Yes change can happen fast, but usually not that fast. You need to stick with things for long enough to see if they’ll help.
Often you give up before it has a chance to shift anything.
If you’ve been bouncing from thing to thing, throwing random things at the wall and hoping they stick, hoping something will move the needle an inch so you feel even a little bit better..
My course Holistically Healing MS is for you.
This is the place to find what works for you, to decrease your MS symptoms.
Comment HHMS below and I’ll send you details.
Don’t get me wrong, there are def days where I feel like a MS trash pile, but those days don’t outnumber my good days anymore.
This is what is possible for you, I know it.
Because I’ve been there too:
- feeling exhausted, in pain, brain foggy and all tingly
- feeling like I was stuck like this forever
- feeling completely out of control and lost
But now:
- my daily symptoms aren’t really daily anymore
- I know that sometimes I won’t feel great or even might have a relapse- but I know I have tools to care for myself so it’s not my forever
- feeling trust in myself and the future
It took me years to get here.
And I’ve put what I learned in those years into Holistically Healing MS.
This is an 8 week course to start your MS healing journey.
Join me and get your life back.
Comment HHMS below and I’ll send you a link to learn more
Don’t get me wrong, there are def days where I feel like a MS trash pile, but those days don’t outnumber my good days anymore.
This is what is possible for you, I know it.
Because I’ve been there too:
- feeling exhausted, in pain, brain foggy and all tingly
- feeling like I was stuck like this forever
- feeling completely out of control and lost
But now:
- my daily symptoms aren’t really daily anymore
- I know that sometimes I won’t feel great or even might have a relapse- but I know I have tools to care for myself so it’s not my forever
- feeling trust in myself and the future
It took me years to get here.
And I’ve put what I learned in those years into Holistically Healing MS.
This is an 8 week course to start your MS healing journey.
Join me and get your life back.
Comment HHMS below and I’ll send you a link to learn more
At one point I wanted:
•To be able to comfortably go on a walk again with my boyfriend (now husband)
•To not feel like an anxious mess every time I thought about the future (and potential disability)
• To not have waves of pain coursing throughout my body
I don’t want those things anymore,
because I have them all.
No, I’m not totally cured of feeling anxious about the future, and I still have days (like today tbh) where I feel like a load of 💩
The difference is:
I can manage all the symptoms
and anxiety
and feeling like 💩
better and differently than I did before, using all the tools I have accumulated over the 15(!!) years I’ve lived with MS as a patient and practitioner.
And these are the tools I share with my clients.
And the tools I share with you inside my Holistically Healing MS course.
This course is an 8 week journey into supporting your MS body so that it can begin to heal.
I know you have the same dreams as I did,
I know because you’ve told me we’ve talked about them 🤩
I want you to have those things too.
Holistically Healing MS waitlist is closing tomorrow, comment HEALING and I’ll add you to the list.
At one point I wanted:
•To be able to comfortably go on a walk again with my boyfriend (now husband)
•To not feel like an anxious mess every time I thought about the future (and potential disability)
• To not have waves of pain coursing throughout my body
I don’t want those things anymore,
because I have them all.
No, I’m not totally cured of feeling anxious about the future, and I still have days (like today tbh) where I feel like a load of 💩
The difference is:
I can manage all the symptoms
and anxiety
and feeling like 💩
better and differently than I did before, using all the tools I have accumulated over the 15(!!) years I’ve lived with MS as a patient and practitioner.
And these are the tools I share with my clients.
And the tools I share with you inside my Holistically Healing MS course.
This course is an 8 week journey into supporting your MS body so that it can begin to heal.
I know you have the same dreams as I did,
I know because you’ve told me we’ve talked about them 🤩
I want you to have those things too.
Holistically Healing MS waitlist is closing tomorrow, comment HEALING and I’ll add you to the list.
I was talking to a client this week and she talked about how mad she was that she has a chronic illness.
How frustrated she was that she has to “manage this dumb disease” and “has to pay attention to everything she does”.
She also went onto say that she really wants to do all the helpful things, but just can’t get out of these stuck and frustrated feelings.
I get it- I definitely remember feeling similar feelings years ago. And I’m sure you’ve been here as well and might still be there at times.
I wanted to share the reframe that really helped her:
I told her, instead of focusing on “managing your disease”,
what if you thought about how you can set your future self up for feeling better/success/health.
Take the disease totally out of it.
What is 1 thing you can do to help your future self today?
She paused for a moment and I could almost see the light bulb go off in real time (one of my fav moments lol).
She said: that feels so much better and more doable.
If you’ve also been struggling with frustrated feelings about “managing your disease” these are the types of conversations we’ll have in Holistically Healing MS.
Yes I’ll be sharing about diet strategies, movement to help symptoms and stress management techniques, but we’ll also dive deeper into your feelings about it all.
Over the many years I’ve been working with clients, I’ve discovered that these thoughts, feelings and beliefs you have about yourself and your health are the biggest thing to stand in your way.
And when you have support to work through these feelings, you’re able to feel so much better faster.
Only those on the HHMS waitlist will get the presale price, and the opportunity to join the waitlist is dwindling (waitlist gets access next weekend!).
Comment WAITLIST below and I’ll add you to the list!!
I was talking to a client this week and she talked about how mad she was that she has a chronic illness.
How frustrated she was that she has to “manage this dumb disease” and “has to pay attention to everything she does”.
She also went onto say that she really wants to do all the helpful things, but just can’t get out of these stuck and frustrated feelings.
I get it- I definitely remember feeling similar feelings years ago. And I’m sure you’ve been here as well and might still be there at times.
I wanted to share the reframe that really helped her:
I told her, instead of focusing on “managing your disease”,
what if you thought about how you can set your future self up for feeling better/success/health.
Take the disease totally out of it.
What is 1 thing you can do to help your future self today?
She paused for a moment and I could almost see the light bulb go off in real time (one of my fav moments lol).
She said: that feels so much better and more doable.
If you’ve also been struggling with frustrated feelings about “managing your disease” these are the types of conversations we’ll have in Holistically Healing MS.
Yes I’ll be sharing about diet strategies, movement to help symptoms and stress management techniques, but we’ll also dive deeper into your feelings about it all.
Over the many years I’ve been working with clients, I’ve discovered that these thoughts, feelings and beliefs you have about yourself and your health are the biggest thing to stand in your way.
And when you have support to work through these feelings, you’re able to feel so much better faster.
Only those on the HHMS waitlist will get the presale price, and the opportunity to join the waitlist is dwindling (waitlist gets access next weekend!).
Comment WAITLIST below and I’ll add you to the list!!
I’d love to support you over the 8 weeks together!!
Imagine how good you could feel by Thanksgiving.
Comment HEALING to join the waitlist
I’d love to support you over the 8 weeks together!!
Imagine how good you could feel by Thanksgiving.
Comment HEALING to join the waitlist
My reality has changed a whole bunch over the years.
I started out with only a few symptoms. But I could get through the day.
Until all of a sudden I couldn’t.
All within a few years I went from “fine” to:
Having horrible symptoms, had 3 relapses and found myself with “aggressive MS”
This was not ok with me.
Eventually, I took my life into my own hands and rethought how I did most things.
I realized I had to make some changes, or else idk what else was gonna happen to me.
So I did.
I changed my diet.
I changed how I worked out.
I changed my job in the name of stress management.
This is just the tip of the iceberg.
If you want this transformation for you too (I know it’s possible) I’m launching my signature course: Holistically Healing MS in a few weeks.
This is the course you need to get started on this path for yourself.
Only the waitlist is gonna get the pre sale price…
Comment WAITLIST below and I’ll add you to it!!
My reality has changed a whole bunch over the years.
I started out with only a few symptoms. But I could get through the day.
Until all of a sudden I couldn’t.
All within a few years I went from “fine” to:
Having horrible symptoms, had 3 relapses and found myself with “aggressive MS”
This was not ok with me.
Eventually, I took my life into my own hands and rethought how I did most things.
I realized I had to make some changes, or else idk what else was gonna happen to me.
So I did.
I changed my diet.
I changed how I worked out.
I changed my job in the name of stress management.
This is just the tip of the iceberg.
If you want this transformation for you too (I know it’s possible) I’m launching my signature course: Holistically Healing MS in a few weeks.
This is the course you need to get started on this path for yourself.
Only the waitlist is gonna get the pre sale price…
Comment WAITLIST below and I’ll add you to it!!
This is the reality I lived, I want you to experience it too.
No, this is not a quick fix.
No, these results wont happen overnight.
No, this won’t cure you.
BUT-
Yes, you can have your life back.
Yes, you can feel better than you do right now.
Yes, your current reality doesn’t have to be a forever reality.
My success years ago was all thanks to the diet changes and the work I put in to know exactly how to eat to support MY body and MS at the same time.
Yes it took a few months, but what it gave me back was my life- and that’s priceless.
I’m spilling all the beans on what this process looks like and how to do it in my upcoming Masterclass:
5 Secrets To Creating Your Own MS Diet.
Comment CLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
This is the reality I lived, I want you to experience it too.
No, this is not a quick fix.
No, these results wont happen overnight.
No, this won’t cure you.
BUT-
Yes, you can have your life back.
Yes, you can feel better than you do right now.
Yes, your current reality doesn’t have to be a forever reality.
My success years ago was all thanks to the diet changes and the work I put in to know exactly how to eat to support MY body and MS at the same time.
Yes it took a few months, but what it gave me back was my life- and that’s priceless.
I’m spilling all the beans on what this process looks like and how to do it in my upcoming Masterclass:
5 Secrets To Creating Your Own MS Diet.
Comment CLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
This is my vision for the masterclass I’m hosting next Monday.
I want this to be an interactive experience where you learn how to best take care of yourself and MS symptoms through the food you’re eating.
Instead of:
- feeling hesitation and confusion around what foods are best for MS
- not making changes because you’re afraid you’ll do it wrong
- saying no again to going out to eat with friends
Find the freedom and confidence you’ve been looking for.
Comment CLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
This is my vision for the masterclass I’m hosting next Monday.
I want this to be an interactive experience where you learn how to best take care of yourself and MS symptoms through the food you’re eating.
Instead of:
- feeling hesitation and confusion around what foods are best for MS
- not making changes because you’re afraid you’ll do it wrong
- saying no again to going out to eat with friends
Find the freedom and confidence you’ve been looking for.
Comment CLASS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
Do any of those hit home?
If yes… comment MASTERCLASS below.. I got you
As Featured In:
