{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/health-conditions/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2900-markdown","title":"Understanding How CBD Can Calm Your Anxiety ","slug":"understanding-how-cbd-can-calm-your-anxiety","content":"It’s a pretty anxiety-producing world out there, and anxiety disorders are becoming increasingly common. Whether it’s chronic anxiety, social anxiety, PTSD or just stress from daily life, many are searching for a safe and accessible option to tame their anxious emotions. \n\nThankfully, [cannabidiol (CBD) can help](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/). This natural cannabinoid is found in the cannabis plant. And while it won’t get you high, it can help calm an anxious mind and body.\n\nCould CBD be the right option for you? Let’s explore this anxiety-reducing alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals. \n\n![Untitledval94.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitledval94_3a77ffd757.png)\n\n### Understanding Anxiety Disorders\n\n[Anxiety](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961) is a very real and present issue for many. We all deal with a normal amount of anxiety throughout our lives. But for some, anxiety can become so extreme that it’s detrimental to their ability to function.\n\nMore than 30% of Americans will suffer from an anxiety disorder during their lifetime. And [over 19% of people suffer with one currently](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/prevalence/any-anxiety-disorder-among-adults.shtml). \n\nAnxiety disorders comprise a wide range of conditions including :\n\n* Panic disorder\n* Generalized anxiety disorder\n* Agoraphobia\n* Specific phobia\n* Social anxiety disorder\n* PTSD\n* Obsessive-compulsive disorder\n* Separation anxiety disorder \n\nThese conditions differ based on the objects or situations that induce anxiety, but have one feature in common—excessive anxiety, and the physical and behavioral disturbances that go along with it.  \n\nAnxiety disorders can be mild or severe, but they all [interfere with daily activities like work, school and relationships](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml#part_145336)—and can cause a variety of side effects. \n\nThose with anxiety may experience:\n\n* Restlessness \n* Fatigue \n* Difficulty concentrating\n* Irritability\n* Muscle tension\n* Uncontrollable feelings of worry\n* Sleep problems \n* Heart palpitations\n* Sweating\n* Trembling or shaking\n* Shortness of breath\n\nRELATED: [HOW CBD CAN RELIEVE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-cbd-can-relieve-symptoms-of-depression/)\n\nAnxiety disorders are usually treated with a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy or prescriptions like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepine medications. While therapy is usually a helpful option, unfortunately, [many patients have issues with the prescription medications](https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/sleeping-pills-and-minor-tranquillisers/side-effects-of-benzodiazepines/). Both medication types can leave patients feeling emotionally numb and can be highly addictive. While they sometimes help at first, patients often adjust and need increasingly higher doses to keep getting the positive effects. \n\n![Untitledval95.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitledval95_82a8f44010.png)\n\n### CBD Can Help Ease Anxiety \n\nThankfully, CBD can help with anxious situations. The science is still limited due to research restrictions on cannabis. But preliminary data and patient reports suggest big potential for CBD as an [anxiety-reducing alternative](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs13311-015-0387-1) to prescription medications.\n\nScientists have been looking at CBD’s anxiety-reducing potential for a while now, and say that we have good reason to believe [CBD can help](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs13311-015-0387-1). \n\nStudies show that CBD can actively reduce anxiety in humans. One 2011 study demonstrated this by testing subjects’ anxiety (and related factors) during [public speaking](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3079847/). Public speaking is well known as the most common fear in humans—right above death—so it’s a great test for anxiety. \n\nIt turns out CBD made a big impact for those who took it right before speaking in front of audience. Compared to those who took nothing before the speech, those using CBD experienced significantly reduced anxiety as well as less cognitive impairment, discomfort in their speech, and feelings of anticipatory alertness. \nThis confirmed earlier studies, which had found [similar results for both humans](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20829306) and [animals](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23298518). \n\nScientist believe that CBD is so effective at combating anxiety, because of the way it interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain. While the mechanism isn’t fully understood, scientists believe that anxiety and depression may be caused (at least in part) by a [lack of available serotonin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7622823/). At the very least, when more serotonin is available, anxiety and depression tend to ease up. \n\nThis is why SSRIs can help reduce depression and anxiety. SSRIs block the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, making it more available in the synaptic space and boosting serotonin signaling. \n\nCBD has something in common with SSRIs. CBD also [boosts serotonin signaling](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26711860) through enhancing the serotonin receptor 5-HT1A. \n\nIn fact, CBD may have a leg up on SSRIs. Researchers noted that the antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects of CBD work much faster than SSRIs do, because they’re affecting the serotonin more quickly. \n\nAdditionally, [CBD has been rated by the World Health Organization](http://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf). as safe, generally well-tolerated and without potential for abuse or dependence.\n \nResearch also shows that CBD, like SSRIs, can [help regenerate neurons in the hippocampus](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23298518). This [promotion of neurogenesis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3648779/) is important as evidence suggests that impaired neuronal plasticity may be a contributor to [suicidal behavior](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3022308/). \n\n![Untitledval96.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitledval96_e9ac685ab0.png)\n\n### Tips for Taking CBD to Help Ease Anxiety\n\nThinking about taking CBD for your own anxiety? There are a few things to consider. \n\nFirst, when it comes to consumption method, there are some great options to choose from. [Vaporizers](https://hellomd.com/tag/vaporizer/) and [sublingual options](https://hellomd.com/tag/tincture/) work great when you need anxiety relief quickly. These rapid-onset options will start working within minutes and stay with you for a few hours, making them perfect for when you need immediate relief. \n\n[Edibles](https://hellomd.com/articles/essentials-about-edibles-that-you-need-to-know) can also be very helpful for managing anxiety. This option stays in your system longer, but will take an hour or two to start working. For this reason, edibles are better suited for pre-emptively maintaining a sense of calm on a daily basis than they are for reducing anxiety when it hits. \n\nFinding a method may be easy, but when it comes to dosing, things can get complicated. “I think one of the hardest thing for people is going to be finding the perfect dose,” explains Jessica Tonani, co-founder of [Basic Jane, the only cannabis company in the U.S. that holds a license to research CBD](https://basicjane.com). “There is a bit of a Goldilocks scenario going on here, where low levels and high levels of CBD show no efficacy, but the mid-dose is perfect,” Jessica says.\n\nIn other words, when it comes to anxiety, CBD is dose-dependent. Research shows that too little or too much CBD doesn’t help, but something in the middle works well. \n\nFor example, in a 2018 study replicating the previous research on [anxiety levels during public speaking](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30328956), researchers found that 150 mg and 600 mg doses of CBD were ineffective at reducing anxiety compared to the placebo. But 300 mg doses lowered anxiety significantly. \n\nStill, it’s important to note 300 mg is a very high dose when compared to the average dose in CBD products, so folks may need relatively high doses to achieve anxiety relief. The ideal dose can vary from person to person, so to find the best CBD dose for you, start low and slowly increase your dose each time you use it until you’ve found a helpful amount for your needs. \n\nA final piece of advice is to check with your doctor before you begin a CBD regimen. “CBD can affect the metabolism of other drugs, and so it might mean you have to modify the amount of other medications you take,” cautions Jessica. “This is something you can work with your physician on.”\n\nIf you have questions about CBD, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/2bc7bcac803c36c1311ad7be79a253da/14b42/c4179ed00ebb544e81e85747e862bb70.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2bc7bcac803c36c1311ad7be79a253da/f836f/c4179ed00ebb544e81e85747e862bb70.jpg 200w,\n/static/2bc7bcac803c36c1311ad7be79a253da/2244e/c4179ed00ebb544e81e85747e862bb70.jpg 400w,\n/static/2bc7bcac803c36c1311ad7be79a253da/14b42/c4179ed00ebb544e81e85747e862bb70.jpg 800w,\n/static/2bc7bcac803c36c1311ad7be79a253da/47498/c4179ed00ebb544e81e85747e862bb70.jpg 1200w,\n/static/2bc7bcac803c36c1311ad7be79a253da/0e329/c4179ed00ebb544e81e85747e862bb70.jpg 1600w,\n/static/2bc7bcac803c36c1311ad7be79a253da/db203/c4179ed00ebb544e81e85747e862bb70.jpg 3642w","srcWebp":"/static/2bc7bcac803c36c1311ad7be79a253da/58556/c4179ed00ebb544e81e85747e862bb70.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2bc7bcac803c36c1311ad7be79a253da/61e93/c4179ed00ebb544e81e85747e862bb70.webp 200w,\n/static/2bc7bcac803c36c1311ad7be79a253da/1f5c5/c4179ed00ebb544e81e85747e862bb70.webp 400w,\n/static/2bc7bcac803c36c1311ad7be79a253da/58556/c4179ed00ebb544e81e85747e862bb70.webp 800w,\n/static/2bc7bcac803c36c1311ad7be79a253da/99238/c4179ed00ebb544e81e85747e862bb70.webp 1200w,\n/static/2bc7bcac803c36c1311ad7be79a253da/7c22d/c4179ed00ebb544e81e85747e862bb70.webp 1600w,\n/static/2bc7bcac803c36c1311ad7be79a253da/62b7a/c4179ed00ebb544e81e85747e862bb70.webp 3642w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3868-markdown","title":"What Are the Qualifying Medical Conditions for a Medical Marijauna Card in New York?","slug":"what-are-the-qualifying-medical-conditions-for-a-medical-marijauna-card-in-new-york","content":"### What's Medical Marijuana?\n\nThe medical marijuana program in New York State was first introduced in July 2014 with highly restrictive and limited regulations. Since then, many changes have been implemented, such as introducing whole flower to permissible consumption methods and better patient accessibility. This article offers an overview of what medical cannabis is and patient eligibility in New York.\n\n![Medical marijuana is a therapeutic medicine for millions of people](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_01_at_12_11_23_PM_3385580d9a.png)\n\nMany people are confused by cannabis terminology, including  'Medical Marijuana'. [The Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/medical-marijuana/art-20137855) defines medical marijuana as being a derivative(s) of the cannabis Sativa plant used to manage symptoms caused by certain medical conditions. \n\nTo obtain medical marijuana a patient must receive approval and certification from a licensed practitioner. Once a medical card is obtained, a patient can purchase medical marijuana through legal dispensaries.\n\n![Medical marijuana is legal in many states, including New York](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_25_at_6_39_41_PM_9a03d26708.png)\n\nThe cannabis plant offers many therapeutic benefits due to its chemical compounds. As many as [540 different chemical substances, or cannabinoids,](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know) have been identified within the cannabis plant to date. \n\nSome of the more common cannabinoids found within [cannabis](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) include delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC and cannabidiol or CBD. Each cannabinoid has different medicinal applications and may treat health conditions as diverse as chronic pain, anxiety, sleep, glaucoma, seizures, and more.\n\n### Medical Marijuana Patient Accessibility in New York\n\n![How to get your medical marijuana card in New York](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_31_at_9_20_23_AM_b673221f48.png)\n\nWith a valid certification for medical cannabis from a state-approved practitioner, legal residents of New York can purchase products from a licensed dispensary. To be certified, you must have been diagnosed with a qualifying health condition. \n\nHowever, as recently as January 2022 [improvements to the program](https://www.news10.com/news/new-york-state-medical-marijuana-eligibility-expanded/) including eligibility expansion, were made. These enhancements to the [medical cannabis program](https://cannabis.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/01/Summary_MCDMS_Enhancements.pdf) in New York State include:\n\n- Expanded qualifying medical conditions\n- Streamline processing for registrations, renewals, etc\n- Dosing recommendation dates has been eliminated\n- Patients can now designate up to 5 caregivers per registration\n- Patient registration state fees waived\n\n![Back pain is a common reason people seek medical marijuana](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_26_at_10_18_24_PM_240f9632cf.png)\n \n### Qualifying Health Conditions for Medical Marijuana in New York\nEligible health conditions for medical marijuana certification in New York:\n \n- Alternative to Opioid Use\n- Alzheimer's\n- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)\n- Autism\n- Cancer\n- Dystonia\n- Epilepsy\n- HIV infection or AIDS\n- Huntington's Disease\n-  Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)\n- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)\n- Muscular Dystrophy\n- Neuropathy\n- Parkinson's Disease\n- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)\n- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)\n- Spinal Cord Injury With Spasticity\n- Substance Use Disorder\n- Or any other condition, at the discretion of your health care provider\n\n![Lots of people use medical marijuana responsibly for medical conditions](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_02_01_at_12_14_00_PM_132cb0e08e.png)\n \n### Tips for Medical Marijuana Patients in New York\nThe cost of obtaining your medical marijuana certification from the online Telehealth service HelloMD is $129 USD. The fee includes an assessment by a HelloMD licensed practitioner. The process will typically take between 15-30 minutes. \n\nOnce you have received your certification, you will need to register with the [New York Medical Cannabis Program](https://my.ny.gov) to obtain your card. Your medical marijuana card allows you to enter and purchase cannabis at legal [dispensaries](https://cannabis.ny.gov/dispensing-facilities), through a storefront location, or online. \n\n![A New York Medical Card from HelloMD](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_26_at_9_19_46_AM_df5dd4ee5b.png)\n\nPatients have access to several different product types, everything from whole flower to gummies and topicals. It's also essential for patients to know medical cannabis can't be transported outside of the state.\nBoth the HelloMD practitioners and the customer service team are here to help guide you through every step of the process. \n\n### How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card with HelloMD in New York\n\n![Receive expert cannabis advice from HelloMD practitioners](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_31_at_9_27_04_AM_8dc11d6dbe.png)\n\nGetting your medical marijuana card online with HelloMD is discreet, easy and can be done from the comfort of your home.\n\nFollow these 3 steps with the online Telehealth service HelloMD:\n\n1.    Register with HelloMD online by providing your basic details, along with the assessment fee.\n2.    Speak virtually over live video with a state-approved licensed practitioner, using HelloMD Telehealth services.\n3.    Register with the New York Medical Cannabis Program to obtain your medical marijuana card.\n\nVirtual visits with health care providers are the new norm. Telehealth services allow for the [diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease and injuries, research and evaluation](https://www.who.int/goe/publications/goe_telemedicine_2010.pdf). \n\n![Cannabis edibles are a great option for consuming cannabis](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_28_at_9_38_39_AM_158a72377f.png)\n\nUsing cannabis as an alternative to traditional medications is a legal option for New Yorkers interested in its potential health benefits. Ongoing legislation by the state will go a long way to help normalize cannabis consumption in society, reducing lingering stigma and eliminating barriers for citizens. Try [HelloMD Telehealth services](https://hellomd.com/get-started/new-york) today.\n\n![MedMen medical marijuana dispensary in NYC](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_26_at_9_30_22_AM_ee0896fc46.png)\n \n### Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis\n\nIt's easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/67778ef5bd8598577a0a7d3818719e60/14b42/fed7f9a5b086dc4597937a63a55e5d05.jpg","srcSet":"/static/67778ef5bd8598577a0a7d3818719e60/f836f/fed7f9a5b086dc4597937a63a55e5d05.jpg 200w,\n/static/67778ef5bd8598577a0a7d3818719e60/2244e/fed7f9a5b086dc4597937a63a55e5d05.jpg 400w,\n/static/67778ef5bd8598577a0a7d3818719e60/14b42/fed7f9a5b086dc4597937a63a55e5d05.jpg 800w,\n/static/67778ef5bd8598577a0a7d3818719e60/47498/fed7f9a5b086dc4597937a63a55e5d05.jpg 1200w,\n/static/67778ef5bd8598577a0a7d3818719e60/0e329/fed7f9a5b086dc4597937a63a55e5d05.jpg 1600w,\n/static/67778ef5bd8598577a0a7d3818719e60/83c6b/fed7f9a5b086dc4597937a63a55e5d05.jpg 5487w","srcWebp":"/static/67778ef5bd8598577a0a7d3818719e60/58556/fed7f9a5b086dc4597937a63a55e5d05.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/67778ef5bd8598577a0a7d3818719e60/61e93/fed7f9a5b086dc4597937a63a55e5d05.webp 200w,\n/static/67778ef5bd8598577a0a7d3818719e60/1f5c5/fed7f9a5b086dc4597937a63a55e5d05.webp 400w,\n/static/67778ef5bd8598577a0a7d3818719e60/58556/fed7f9a5b086dc4597937a63a55e5d05.webp 800w,\n/static/67778ef5bd8598577a0a7d3818719e60/99238/fed7f9a5b086dc4597937a63a55e5d05.webp 1200w,\n/static/67778ef5bd8598577a0a7d3818719e60/7c22d/fed7f9a5b086dc4597937a63a55e5d05.webp 1600w,\n/static/67778ef5bd8598577a0a7d3818719e60/6563d/fed7f9a5b086dc4597937a63a55e5d05.webp 5487w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3867-markdown","title":"How Much Does It Cost to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in New York?","slug":"how-much-does-it-cost-to-get-a-medical-marijuana-card-in-new-york","content":"![How to get your medical marijuana card in New York](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_31_at_9_20_23_AM_b673221f48.png)\n\n## Getting Your Medical Marijuana ID Card in New York\n\nFor adults interested in using medical marijuana for health conditions, the team at [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started) is here to help you through the process. In this article, you'll learn about the current status of medical cannabis in New York State, who is eligible for the card, how much it costs, and how to access legal medical marijuana. The process can seem confusing at first, and we assume you've got questions - we have answers.\n\n![See a marijuana doctor online in New York](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_26_at_10_37_40_PM_0a581fcae4.png)\n\nLegislation allowing the use of cannabis for medical purposes was approved in New York State in 2014. At the time, the product selection was limited to cannabis-infused, non-smokable products. However, whole and dried-flower was recently added to approved consumption methods. \n\nThe new legislation also allows patients to [grow up to six plants at home](https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/marijuana.page). Patients with a [medical marijuana card](https://hellomd.com/get-started/new-york) can shop in legal dispensaries and may possess up to a 60-day supply of cannabis. As of Jan 2022, there were over 150K patients registered in the Medical Cannabis Program in New York State, according to the [Office of Cannabis Management](https://cannabis.ny.gov).\n\n![MedMen medical marijuana dispensary in NYC](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_26_at_9_30_22_AM_ee0896fc46.png)\n\nBut who is eligible for the medical marijuana card? If you're 21 years of age or older, live in New York State, and have a qualifying medical condition, you may be eligible for a medical cannabis card or weed card. Your medical card gives you access to legal medical marijuana products through storefront dispensaries or online. \n\nSee all qualifying conditions in New York state on [our website](https://hellomd.com/get-started/new-york/).\n\nCommon questions about getting your Medical Cannabis Card in New York:\n\n![A New York Medical Card from HelloMD](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_26_at_9_19_46_AM_df5dd4ee5b.png)\n\n### How Much Will It Cost to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in New York?\n\nThere are two fees to get a medical marijuana card in New York. The first cost is to see a licensed practitioner to receive approval for medical certification. At [HelloMD, our online Telehealth service](https://hellomd.com/get-started/new-york), the cost is USD $129. HelloMD only charges your credit card if you're approved. \n\nThe second cost is a one-time USD $50 charge from the state of New York to register for your card. \n\n![We list the top 5 cannabis products for PTSD in New York](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/shutterstock_1410711239_min_c39cea4e4f.jpg)\n\n### Am I Required to Register with New York to Receive My Medical Marijuana Card?\n\nAfter becoming approved and certified by your HelloMD practitioner, you will need to register online at my.ny.gov and apply to the NY State Medical Marijuana Program. You should receive your medical card within 10 business days. Before you receive your card you will have a temporary ID number so you can purchase cannabis from legal dispensaries.\n\n![The Sunnyside is a new type of medical marijuana dispensary in NYC](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_26_at_9_32_38_AM_6f204b723c.png)\n\n### Why Should I Choose HelloMD for My MMJ Card in New York?\n\nThe HelloMD Customer Service team and our practitioners have been helping patients understand how to successfully use medical cannabis since 2015. HelloMD has been rated #1 on [TrustPilot](https://www.trustpilot.com/), a consumer review platform for years.\n\n![Growing your own marijuana can equate to big cash savings](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_26_at_12_53_35_PM_f1b0b19dc5.png)\n\n### How to Get a Medical Marijuana Certification with HelloMD\n\nHelloMD has helped over 100,000 patients to connect with a practitioner and get the sound advice they need. The service is easy, private and 100% online. Follow these 3 simple steps!\n\nStep 1: [Register online](https://hellomd.com/get-started/new-york/). This takes less than 5 minutes and we are here to help when you need it.\n\nStep 2: Schedule a convenient time to meet with a practitioner online from your computer or smartphone.\n\nStep 3: Get advice and certification from a practitioner.\nOnce your application has been registered and approved, you or your designated caregivers can then access cannabis at legal dispensaries throughout the state. Speak to a practitioner in New York to see if cannabis is right for you. HelloMD offers online Telehealth appointments with knowledgeable, licensed practitioners. [Get your medical card](https://hellomd.com/get-started) today.\n\n![Receive expert cannabis advice from HelloMD practitioners](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_31_at_9_27_04_AM_8dc11d6dbe.png)\n\n### Will I Receive Advice from my HelloMD Practitioner?\n\nYes, absolutely. Our friendly and knowledgeable licensed practitioners will guide you through the entire process and are happy to answer any of your medical cannabis questions. All from the privacy of your home. And yes, Telehealth for medical marijuana certification is legal in the state of New York.\n\n![The Botanist medical marijuana dispensary in NYC](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_26_at_9_28_52_AM_319716a042.png)\n\n### Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis\n\nIt's easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.\n ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/e74cb72ce590b441086cc849db33e1f8/14b42/a512989ce3e398511ebcd7e3baf108d6.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e74cb72ce590b441086cc849db33e1f8/f836f/a512989ce3e398511ebcd7e3baf108d6.jpg 200w,\n/static/e74cb72ce590b441086cc849db33e1f8/2244e/a512989ce3e398511ebcd7e3baf108d6.jpg 400w,\n/static/e74cb72ce590b441086cc849db33e1f8/14b42/a512989ce3e398511ebcd7e3baf108d6.jpg 800w,\n/static/e74cb72ce590b441086cc849db33e1f8/47498/a512989ce3e398511ebcd7e3baf108d6.jpg 1200w,\n/static/e74cb72ce590b441086cc849db33e1f8/0e329/a512989ce3e398511ebcd7e3baf108d6.jpg 1600w,\n/static/e74cb72ce590b441086cc849db33e1f8/6a059/a512989ce3e398511ebcd7e3baf108d6.jpg 6000w","srcWebp":"/static/e74cb72ce590b441086cc849db33e1f8/58556/a512989ce3e398511ebcd7e3baf108d6.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e74cb72ce590b441086cc849db33e1f8/61e93/a512989ce3e398511ebcd7e3baf108d6.webp 200w,\n/static/e74cb72ce590b441086cc849db33e1f8/1f5c5/a512989ce3e398511ebcd7e3baf108d6.webp 400w,\n/static/e74cb72ce590b441086cc849db33e1f8/58556/a512989ce3e398511ebcd7e3baf108d6.webp 800w,\n/static/e74cb72ce590b441086cc849db33e1f8/99238/a512989ce3e398511ebcd7e3baf108d6.webp 1200w,\n/static/e74cb72ce590b441086cc849db33e1f8/7c22d/a512989ce3e398511ebcd7e3baf108d6.webp 1600w,\n/static/e74cb72ce590b441086cc849db33e1f8/3041e/a512989ce3e398511ebcd7e3baf108d6.webp 6000w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3094-markdown","title":"Can Smoking Cannabis Cause Bloating? ","slug":"can-smoking-cannabis-cause-bloating","content":"You’ve just finished smoking a joint and suddenly you aren’t feeling so good. Your stomach is bloated and swollen, and you’re wondering what’s going on. You were hoping cannabis was going to make you feel better, but now you’re feeling terrible. Has this happened to you? \n\nIf it has, you aren’t alone. We’ve received this question from a few of our members at HelloMD and set out to answer it. So, does smoking cannabis cause increased bloating? Here’s what we found.\n\n![Hello5-min (3).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello5_min_3_dffd7574b2.png)\n\n### A Real-Life Question About Bloating From Cannabis\n\nWhile bloating isn’t a particularly common side effect of cannabis, it does happen. Take, for example, this account from a HelloMD member:\n\n“*I've experienced severe bloating in my abdomen every time I use it [cannabis], especially if I smoke it. It's like my stomach swells up like a balloon and feels like it's gonna pop. I'm feeling the pressure in my chest now, too. I usually use vape pens, and I make my own cannabis-infused coconut oil, that I use to make edibles. The swelling is less with those.*”\n\nAnd this account wasn’t the only one. A few other folks chimed in as well, sharing that they too experienced bloating in the stomach (that sometimes rose to include their chest and/or throat). \n\nSo, what could be the cause of this strange phenomenon? Well, it’s hard to say for sure, in part because there are multiple reasons you may experience bloating with cannabis. But if you end up with a bloated stomach after smoking cannabis, there are a few good possibilities of what may be going on. \n\n![Hello1-min (4).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello1_min_4_619d2a69d7.png)\n\n### Bloating Could Be Caused by Too Much Food or Water \n\nThe first possibility to consider is that you’re one of those people who loves to eat after smoking cannabis. Marijuana is known to produce an effect called munchies, where cannabis stimulates your appetite. Many spend the time right after smoking eating, and they may overeat or eat at a faster pace than usual, which can lead to bloating. This effect may also encourage drinking more. \n\nOne HelloMD member reported, “I also feel the need to drink a lot of water when I am smoking marijuana, so that contributed to the bloated stomach.” And indeed, many people get dry mouth from smoking cannabis, so they may be drinking more water than usual.\n\nIf you experience bloating, make sure it’s not from one of these causes first. It’s easy to rule out by refraining from eating or drinking for just one smoke session. Then, if you still get bloating, you know it’s not because of your food or water intake.\n\n![Hello4-min (3).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello4_min_3_373433e468.png)\n\n### Swallowing Marijuana Smoke Could Be the Cause of Bloating\n\nAnother possibility is that you’re swallowing smoke. Dr. Perry Solomon suggests that this could be the reason the person who posted the original question above is having stomach bloating. “It sounds as if you are having some of the cannabis smoke entering your stomach, in essence swallowing the smoke,” Dr. Solomon explains, adding: “This may result is some burping as you release it. With the other methods you spoke of, the amount of smoke that enters your stomach may be less.”\n\nAnother HelloMD member agreed with Dr. Solomon’s assessment, adding their own story: “I do recall a few times before when I would keep in the vapor/smoke too long and sometimes swallow it and it made me feel excessive bloating, more than what I feel from smoking daily today,” they explained. “It’s happened a few times, and I'm pretty sure it was from swallowing the smoke. So, he’s right, that can cause bloating.”\n\nPay careful attention to your inhale and see if you can reduce the amount of smoke you swallow. If this helps the bloating, swallowing smoke may be the cause. You can also consume via methods other than smoking if you have a hard time ensuring you don’t swallow on the inhale. This is what seems to help our original poster lessen the bloating. \n\n![Hello2-min (4).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello2_min_4_9b4765ce0d.png)\n\n### Biphasic Gut Inflammation May Lead to Stomach Bloating\n\nAnother possibility is that you’re having a reaction to cannabis’s gut-altering effects. [Cannabis is known to produce a variety of helpful effects for treating stomach conditions](https://hellomd.com/articles/the-powerful-anti-inflammatory-effects-of-cannabis/) like IBS, Crohn’s disease, and more. \n\nIn part, this is because how it reduces stomach inflammation. While normally cannabis would ease inflammation, [cannabis is known for its biphasic effects](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnint.2018.00051/full). In other words, when cannabis can cause an effect in one direction, it can often cause it in the other direction as well because of a dose that’s too big. For some, it’s possible that cannabis is actually triggering gut inflammation, but more studies would need to be done to confirm this possibility. \n\n![Hello3-min (3).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello3_min_3_87ad4b682a.png)\n\n### Watch Out for the Rare Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome\n\nBeyond this, bloating could be related to a condition called [cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3576702/). This sometimes severe condition is rare a reaction to chronic cannabis consumption. People with CHS usually present with uncontrollable cyclic vomiting that only hot baths or showers can relieve. Another way to stop CHS symptoms is by stopping cannabis consumption entirely. \n\n[In some cases of CHS, bloating has been noted as a symptom](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3538402/), so it’s possible that those with bloating alone may be experiencing a mild or early form of this condition. CHS is a serious illness that has led to fatalities from to dehydration due to uncontrolled vomiting when left untreated. \n\nIf this is the problem, you’ll probably experience bloating from any methods of cannabis consumption, not just inhaled methods, so that’s one clue to look for. \n\nIf you experience any vomiting along with your bloating or find your symptoms ease after bathing or showering in hot water, you should consult a medical professional immediately; you may be one of the rare people with this serious condition. Unfortunately, stopping cannabis entirely is the only sure way to treat this. Continuing to consume cannabis with CHS will likely worsen symptoms. \n\nStill unsure of what’s causing your bloating? Talk to a doctor to see if you can pinpoint what’s going on. You can [consult with one of HelloMD’s knowledgeable doctors](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) online if your state allows it. \n\nGet Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis\n\nIt's easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/get-started/). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/7c19a2328ec2371c181f6a0988f1e193/14b42/28b3c69f51e5fb839daa4b037f2355e7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7c19a2328ec2371c181f6a0988f1e193/f836f/28b3c69f51e5fb839daa4b037f2355e7.jpg 200w,\n/static/7c19a2328ec2371c181f6a0988f1e193/2244e/28b3c69f51e5fb839daa4b037f2355e7.jpg 400w,\n/static/7c19a2328ec2371c181f6a0988f1e193/14b42/28b3c69f51e5fb839daa4b037f2355e7.jpg 800w,\n/static/7c19a2328ec2371c181f6a0988f1e193/47498/28b3c69f51e5fb839daa4b037f2355e7.jpg 1200w,\n/static/7c19a2328ec2371c181f6a0988f1e193/0e329/28b3c69f51e5fb839daa4b037f2355e7.jpg 1600w,\n/static/7c19a2328ec2371c181f6a0988f1e193/d8255/28b3c69f51e5fb839daa4b037f2355e7.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/7c19a2328ec2371c181f6a0988f1e193/58556/28b3c69f51e5fb839daa4b037f2355e7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7c19a2328ec2371c181f6a0988f1e193/61e93/28b3c69f51e5fb839daa4b037f2355e7.webp 200w,\n/static/7c19a2328ec2371c181f6a0988f1e193/1f5c5/28b3c69f51e5fb839daa4b037f2355e7.webp 400w,\n/static/7c19a2328ec2371c181f6a0988f1e193/58556/28b3c69f51e5fb839daa4b037f2355e7.webp 800w,\n/static/7c19a2328ec2371c181f6a0988f1e193/99238/28b3c69f51e5fb839daa4b037f2355e7.webp 1200w,\n/static/7c19a2328ec2371c181f6a0988f1e193/7c22d/28b3c69f51e5fb839daa4b037f2355e7.webp 1600w,\n/static/7c19a2328ec2371c181f6a0988f1e193/25f09/28b3c69f51e5fb839daa4b037f2355e7.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3103-markdown","title":"The Cannabis Vaping Crisis: Need to Know Facts","slug":"the-cannabis-vaping-crisis-need-to-know-facts","content":"If you vape cannabis, you’ve probably heard of the US vaping crisis that has left thousands of people with acute respiratory distress syndrome and killed as many as 52 people. Vaping-associated pulmonary injury (VAPI), is a lung disease that is associated with vaping and may present with pneumonia-like symptoms upon onset. \n\nThe first cases were reported as early as April 2019 but it took the CDC until October to announce warnings of a severe outbreak linked to cannabis vaping. Regulators have since gotten involved and there’s been talk of banning cannabis and e-cig vaping in many states. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\n**Vaping Crisis Facts**\n\nBelow are facts you need to know about the cannabis vape crisis and VAPI associated:\n\n- If you are purchasing and vaping with cartridges from the illicit market, STOP and dispose of them immediately. It is believed that illegal vape market cartridges are to blame. \n\n- Vitamin E acetate (aka tocopheryl-acetate), an ingredient found in canola, soy, and corn oil is thought to be the culprit. \n\n- Vitamin E acetate started to show up in the illicit cart market in 2018. It allows for THC oils to be diluted without thinning the oils. \n\n- Some indications have shown that it may be present in as much as 60% of the illicit carts being sold.\n\n- Unsafe additives may also include pesticides, heavy metals, mold, mildew, synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic flavorings, and newer additives not yet discovered within lab testing.\n\n- A synthetic vitamin E (tocopheryl-acetate) has also been linked to illicit vape carts, which is used as an oil thickener.\n\n- In other studies, it is shown that as many as 50% of tested vape carts contain the thickener tocopheryl-acetate.\n\n- [A recent study found 9 out 12 vape pens](https://www.businessinsider.com/timeline-of-vape-related-illnesses-and-deaths-2019-9) tested from the illicit market had high levels of vitamin E acetate and other pesticides.\n\n- Illicit market “brands” to watch out for are, but not limited to, Dank Vapes, TKO, Off White, Moon Rocks, Chronic Carts, and West Coast Carts.\n\n- Cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, are not to blame for the crisis.\n\n- If you have been using an illicit vape and exhibit symptoms of pneumonia, dizziness, tiredness, general fatigue, are unable to breathe, see a physician immediately.\n\n**How to Protect Yourself**\n\nTo protect yourself, only purchase vape cartridges from licensed retailers within your state as the sourcing of your vaping oil, and the ingredients have an impact on your overall health. It’s important to note that while this crisis is real, some 27 million legal and regulated vape cartridges have been sold in California since 2018 without incident. \n\nRegulated brands and licensed dispensaries must meet stringent guidelines to sell products to you legally. Illicit market brands, while often cheaper, are not held to any regulatory standard and do not consider your optimal health and wellness as their primary objective. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/8d5e27cd84d940b58ec78773fe6dd5f2/14b42/f84fdecf2905cd0ba15102b422615313.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8d5e27cd84d940b58ec78773fe6dd5f2/f836f/f84fdecf2905cd0ba15102b422615313.jpg 200w,\n/static/8d5e27cd84d940b58ec78773fe6dd5f2/2244e/f84fdecf2905cd0ba15102b422615313.jpg 400w,\n/static/8d5e27cd84d940b58ec78773fe6dd5f2/14b42/f84fdecf2905cd0ba15102b422615313.jpg 800w,\n/static/8d5e27cd84d940b58ec78773fe6dd5f2/47498/f84fdecf2905cd0ba15102b422615313.jpg 1200w,\n/static/8d5e27cd84d940b58ec78773fe6dd5f2/0f843/f84fdecf2905cd0ba15102b422615313.jpg 1382w","srcWebp":"/static/8d5e27cd84d940b58ec78773fe6dd5f2/58556/f84fdecf2905cd0ba15102b422615313.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8d5e27cd84d940b58ec78773fe6dd5f2/61e93/f84fdecf2905cd0ba15102b422615313.webp 200w,\n/static/8d5e27cd84d940b58ec78773fe6dd5f2/1f5c5/f84fdecf2905cd0ba15102b422615313.webp 400w,\n/static/8d5e27cd84d940b58ec78773fe6dd5f2/58556/f84fdecf2905cd0ba15102b422615313.webp 800w,\n/static/8d5e27cd84d940b58ec78773fe6dd5f2/99238/f84fdecf2905cd0ba15102b422615313.webp 1200w,\n/static/8d5e27cd84d940b58ec78773fe6dd5f2/0ba35/f84fdecf2905cd0ba15102b422615313.webp 1382w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3092-markdown","title":"Can Cannabis Relieve Colitis Symptoms?","slug":"can-cannabis-relieve-colitis-symptoms","content":"Colitis can affect people of any age, even very young children. And depending on the cause, it can have serious consequences for overall health. \n\nColitis is a general term for inflammation of the colon—an ailment that’s responsible for a variety of conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.  \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\nBecause there are so many different kinds of colitis, treatments can range from a course of antibiotics to surgery. But some research suggests that [cannabis can help relieve the symptoms of many forms of colitis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5193087/), thanks to the many healing properties of the cannabis, and in particular the marijuana compound cannabidiol (CBD).\n\n### What Causes Colitis?\n\nJust about everyone has experienced some form of digestive upset, and usually these kinds of problems resolve themselves in a matter of days. But [colitis is typically a chronic condition](https://www.gwhospital.com/conditions-services/digestive-disorder-center/colitis) that causes long-term disruption in all areas of life.  \n\nDepending on the cause and the symptoms, there are a number of different subtypes of colitis, including:\n\n* **Inflammatory bowel diseases:** These include conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, an illness in which ulcers form on colon tissues, causing pain and bleeding.\n* **Infectious colitis:** This is a type of colitis that bacteria, viruses or parasites cause. \n* **Collagenous colitis:** When excess collagen, a type of protein, forms on colon tissues, the result is collagenous colitis, which typically presents as chronic diarrhea. \n* **Lymphocytic colitis:** An increase of white blood cells, or lymphocytes, on colon tissues results in lymphocytic colitis\n* **Ischemic colitis:** In this condition, plaque blocks arteries, cutting off blood flow to the colon.\n* **Fulminant colitis:** This kind of colitis is rare but acute and severe, requiring immediate treatment. Symptoms can include daily, non-stop bleeding plus abdominal cramps. \n\nCertain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation or surgery to place an ostomy bag or remove a portion of the intestine can also cause colitis.\n\nColitis can have many different symptoms, too. Along with diarrhea and abdominal pain, colitis sufferers can also experience:\n\n* Loss of appetite\n* Fatigue\n* Rapid weight loss\n* Joint aches and pains \n* Fever\n* Blood or mucus in the stool\n* Paralysis of the colon\n* Shortness of breath \n* Irregular heartbeat\n* Mouth ulcers\n\nFolks who suffer from some forms of colitis can treat their condition at home or with a course of antibiotics. But other treatments can include:\n\n* IV fluids to combat dehydration\n* Anti-inflammatory medications\n* Surgery to relieve blockages and remove damaged tissue \n\nBecause colitis conditions are usually chronic, they require ongoing management that can also include careful monitoring of diet and other lifestyle changes, along with medications for pain, diarrhea and other symptoms as needed.  \n\n### How Can Marijuana Help Colitis Symptoms?\n\nIn the U.S., [research on the effects of cannabis on colitis symptoms](https://www.gastroenterologyandhepatology.net/archives/october-2018/use-of-medical-cannabis-in-patients-with-inflammatory-bowel-disease/) has been limited due to legal restrictions. \n\nAlthough cannabis is legal for medical purposes in many states, it’s still illegal on the federal level, and it appears on the same list of highly restricted substances that includes heroin and LSD. This makes it [difficult to conduct a traditional controlled cannabis study](https://www.cochrane.org/CD012954/IBD_cannabis-and-cannabis-oil-treatment-ulcerative-colitis), so researchers often turn to anecdotal evidence from people taking cannabis on their own to relive colitis symptoms. \n\nMany of these folks say that consuming marijuana in various forms helps to relieve the pain, digestive distress and inflammation of colitis. Along with those effects, they say cannabis can also help to ease the anxiety and depression that often comes with chronic colitis conditions. \n\nOther insights on cannabis for colitis symptoms also come from a larger body of research on the effects of cannabis for digestive health in general. These studies reveal that numerous compounds and terpenes in the _Cannabis sativa_ plant have documented properties for fighting inflammation and infection, and for promoting normal digestive functions. \n\nRELATED: [WHAT IS THE ENDOCANNABNOID \nSYSTEM?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system)\n\n### How Cannabis Can Support the Digestive System\n\nThe human body is home to a rich network of cannabinoid receptors that are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This ECS supports balance, or homeostasis, among many of the body’s essential processes, including:\n\n* Mood\n* Sleep\n* Digestion\n\nSome research even suggests [that the ECS may be the main regulatory system for the entire body](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24997031).\n\nEndocannabinoid receptors can respond both to natural cannabinoids produced by the body itself and to cannabinoids from plant sources, particularly marijuana. When cannabis chemicals such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) activate these receptors, they respond just as they would to the natural cannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG. \n\nRELATED: [EATING ANADAMIDE: THE BLISS MOLECULE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a949d06f24d1300077ccb66/eating-anandamide-the-bliss-molecule)\n\nThe gastrointestinal tract is rich in endocannabinoid receptors, which support signaling between the brain and the gut. This connection explains why some people have “butterflies in their stomach” before speaking to a crowd, or why it’s common to have nausea or diarrhea when you’re feeling anxious.  \n\nBecause the GI tract has so many cannabinoid receptors, cannabis can help to relieve many of the typical symptoms of various types of colitis, such as pain, diarrhea and constipation.\n\nMarijuana can have a calming effect, and research reveals that the compound CBD can also help to regulate motility in the bowel—the contractions that help to move solid and liquid waste through the digestive tract. In some types of colitis, bowel motility can be severely disrupted, causing episodes of diarrhea and constipation.\n\nCBD and other cannabis compounds and terpenes also have documented effects as pain relievers. These compounds can activate receptors related to pain signaling and support the production of the body’s own feel good chemicals:\n\n* Serotonin\n* Dopamine \n* Anandamide  \n\nIn this way, cannabis can help to relieve the pain and aching joints that often accompany attacks of colitis and the chronic discomfort of conditions like Crohn’s disease.\n\nA number of studies have shown that cannabis can be a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, too. Since colitis symptoms are caused by inflammation of the tissues lining the colon, cannabis can help to lower levels of inflammation, especially if the cannabis is high in CBD. \n\nCannabis also has antibacterial properties, so it may also help to fight infections that cause inflammation in the colon.\n\n### How to Take Marijuana for Colitis\n\nColitis sufferers can take cannabis to help relieve their symptoms in many ways. Whole-plant cannabis contains the full suite of compounds and terpenes, which work together to relieve symptoms like anxiety, pain and depression. \n\nLook for strains high in CBD for a calming effect that also helps regulate digestive activity. Smoking or vaping can be a quick and effective way to get those effects. \n\nEdibles containing whole-plant cannabis or cannabis extracts can be effective too, but their effects are felt more slowly. And it’s important to check labels to be sure that other ingredients in the edible itself, such as nuts or sweeteners, won’t trigger colitis symptoms.\n\nMarijuana oils, especially if they’re high in CBD, can provide swift relief from colitis symptoms without concerns about trigger ingredients.  If you’re new to consuming cannabis for your colitis symptoms, it’s important to start slowly and gradually work toward a dose that helps you. And if you currently take other medications, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before you add marijuana to the mix, since cannabis can interact with a long list of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. \n\nPhoto credit: Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana) index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAOABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEFAwT/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAf/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABe85JWOYP/8QAGhAAAgMBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAxIiE//aAAgBAQABBQJW9evW4li0QngVkmf/xAAUEQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQ/9oACAEDAQE/AT//xAAUEQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQ/9oACAECAQE/AT//xAAaEAACAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEQEQISIy/9oACAEBAAY/Al0a5piiv//EABwQAAICAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERACExQVFhcf/aAAgBAQABPyE7icuVUBlKdkahdZJ8EHdqNpXcCOp//9oADAMBAAIAAwAAABD07//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEBEP/aAAgBAwEBPxBhn//EABYRAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEQEf/aAAgBAgEBPxCFf//EAB0QAQEBAAEFAQAAAAAAAAAAAAERAIEhMUFRodH/2gAIAQEAAT8QGxVIABBJf3BoB3lj3nKmeeh9zgYsHGaXS8MX5aXf/9k=","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/1ef951241937b5539fcf1e4741c93df0/14b42/61e05577a9f3f15520eccd32e388fcec.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1ef951241937b5539fcf1e4741c93df0/f836f/61e05577a9f3f15520eccd32e388fcec.jpg 200w,\n/static/1ef951241937b5539fcf1e4741c93df0/2244e/61e05577a9f3f15520eccd32e388fcec.jpg 400w,\n/static/1ef951241937b5539fcf1e4741c93df0/14b42/61e05577a9f3f15520eccd32e388fcec.jpg 800w,\n/static/1ef951241937b5539fcf1e4741c93df0/47498/61e05577a9f3f15520eccd32e388fcec.jpg 1200w,\n/static/1ef951241937b5539fcf1e4741c93df0/0e329/61e05577a9f3f15520eccd32e388fcec.jpg 1600w,\n/static/1ef951241937b5539fcf1e4741c93df0/71575/61e05577a9f3f15520eccd32e388fcec.jpg 1653w","srcWebp":"/static/1ef951241937b5539fcf1e4741c93df0/58556/61e05577a9f3f15520eccd32e388fcec.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1ef951241937b5539fcf1e4741c93df0/61e93/61e05577a9f3f15520eccd32e388fcec.webp 200w,\n/static/1ef951241937b5539fcf1e4741c93df0/1f5c5/61e05577a9f3f15520eccd32e388fcec.webp 400w,\n/static/1ef951241937b5539fcf1e4741c93df0/58556/61e05577a9f3f15520eccd32e388fcec.webp 800w,\n/static/1ef951241937b5539fcf1e4741c93df0/99238/61e05577a9f3f15520eccd32e388fcec.webp 1200w,\n/static/1ef951241937b5539fcf1e4741c93df0/7c22d/61e05577a9f3f15520eccd32e388fcec.webp 1600w,\n/static/1ef951241937b5539fcf1e4741c93df0/d6652/61e05577a9f3f15520eccd32e388fcec.webp 1653w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3048-markdown","title":"How CBD Can Help Reduce Acid Reflux ","slug":"how-cbd-can-help-reduce-acid-reflux","content":"The burning sensation in your chest, the lump in your throat, the sour liquid climbing up your gullet. If this sounds familiar, you probably suffer from acid reflux. \n\nAcid reflux, or [gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940), is the kind of heartburn you may feel after eating a large meal late at night. Certain foods, beverages and medications can also trigger GERD.\n\nBut instead of reaching for an over-the-counter pill or other pharmaceutical remedy, people are trying CBD in hopes that it can calm their stomach acid. Fortunately, research seems to be backing up the claims that CBD can help reduce acid reflux. \n\n### Acid Reflux Is a Common & Growing Problem\n\nAccording to the Healthcare and Utilization Project, a government-run database of hospital care information, 60% of the population suffers from acid reflux some time during the year, with 20–30% feeling the burn weekly. It points out:\n\n“When this reflux occurs on a regular basis, [GERD may lead to esophagitis (an inflamed lining of the esophagus), narrowing of the esophagus, bleeding or trouble swallowing](https://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb44.pdf). More serious complications may emerge, such as the precancerous condition known as Barrett’s esophagus, as well as esophageal adenocarcinoma.”\n\nApparently, hospitalizations with either a primary or secondary GERD diagnosis increased by 216% from 995,402 in 1998 to 3,141,965 in 2005.\n\nThat said, many people can address acid reflux symptoms with over-the-counter medications before they turn to more serious alternatives like prescription drugs and surgery.\n\nIncreasingly, though, medical professionals are looking at cannabis in general, and CBD oil in particular as a means of coping with GERD. “[[CBD has] been shown to help heal ulcers and decrease acid reflux](https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/ever-feel-queasy-and-sick-after-taking-cbd-oil-these-experts-explain-why/ar-BBNRCAu),” says Dr. Kenneth Brown, M.D., a board-certified gastroenterologist and doctor of internal medicine in Plano, TX, who often recommends CBD oil to his patients. \n\n“When the CBD binds to the CB1 receptor, it decreases excessive gastric acid, helps the lower esophagus prevent reflux, and increases blood flow to the lining of the stomach to help it heal quicker,” he explains. \n\n### Traditional Treatments for GERD\n\n [The Mayo Clinic first recommends acid reflux sufferers undertake a variety of lifestyle changes](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20361959), which can include:\n\n* Maintaining a healthy weight\n* Quitting smoking\n* Elevating the head of your bed\n* Not lying down right after a meal\n* Avoiding trigger foods and drinks, including fatty and fried foods, caffeine and alcohol\n* Not wearing tight-fitting clothing\n\nFor mild cases of acid reflux, many people turn to nonprescription antacid medications we’ve all seen at the drugstore. But then there are prescription pills people can also take, like:\n\n* **Prescription-strength H-2-receptor blockers:** These include prescription-strength famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine and ranitidine (Zantac). \n* **Prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors:** These include esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex) and dexlansoprazole (Dexilant). \n* **Medication to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter:** The medication Baclofen may ease GERD by decreasing the frequency of relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter. \n\nIn more extreme cases, patients may elect to have a fundoplication procedure, in which the surgeon “wraps the top of your stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter, to tighten the muscle and prevent reflux.” \n\nAnother surgical procedure involves using a LINX device, in which a ring of tiny magnetic beads is wrapped around the junction of the stomach and esophagus, closing it enough to stop acid reflux but still allowing food to get through.\n\n### How CBD Can Help With Acid Reflux\n\nWhile more rigorous research needs to be done, some studies suggest that CBD may have a role to play in dealing with the symptoms of GERD, harnessing the ability of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to fight inflammation and repair mucosal damage.\n\nRELATED: [HOW CBD CAN CURB CHRONIC INFLAMMATION](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-cbd-can-curb-chronic-inflammation/)\n\nApparently, CBD can work with the soft muscle tissue of the gastrointestinal system to calm the peristalsis (involuntary muscle movements) that moves food and waste. It also manages the secretion of hydrochloric acid, reducing the chances of it splashing back into the esophagus. Additionally, CBD reduces inflammation and burning in the lining of the esophagus. \n\nA 2017 study conducted by Swedish scientists at AstraZeneca suggests that [medical cannabis, including CBD, may have a role in treating GERD](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5665514/), because “activation of cannabinoid receptors CB1, CB2 produces analgesic [or pain relieving] effects in several experimental pain models, including visceral pain arising from the gastrointestinal tract.”\n\nSince pain is a problem with GERD, CBD’s analgesic’s potential is of interest, examined by, among other studies, a 2009 study that [considered inflammatory pain, and the roles of CB1 and CB2 receptors](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3728280/). \n\n[Some studies suggest that the body’s inflammatory response may be more responsible for the damage done to the esophagus than stomach acid when it comes to GERD](https://www.health.com/mind-body/inflammation-not-acid-reflux). And since we know that [CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/), it makes sense that people report an easing of GERD, acid reflux and heartburn symptoms after taking CBD. \n\nWith such promising research on the rise, acid reflux sufferers may find welcome relief when ingesting CBD regularly.\n\nPhoto credit: Aaron Amat/Shutterstock.com\n\nWant to try CBD, but don’t know where to start? [Shop our selection of high-quality, lab-tested CBD products](https://hellomd.com/) and have them shipped to your door. And if you have questions about CBD, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/159f5c9675020c585cd9754c51680e09/14b42/73982e79493e0247dbb3dabfd81124ca.jpg","srcSet":"/static/159f5c9675020c585cd9754c51680e09/f836f/73982e79493e0247dbb3dabfd81124ca.jpg 200w,\n/static/159f5c9675020c585cd9754c51680e09/2244e/73982e79493e0247dbb3dabfd81124ca.jpg 400w,\n/static/159f5c9675020c585cd9754c51680e09/14b42/73982e79493e0247dbb3dabfd81124ca.jpg 800w,\n/static/159f5c9675020c585cd9754c51680e09/47498/73982e79493e0247dbb3dabfd81124ca.jpg 1200w,\n/static/159f5c9675020c585cd9754c51680e09/74d7f/73982e79493e0247dbb3dabfd81124ca.jpg 1473w","srcWebp":"/static/159f5c9675020c585cd9754c51680e09/58556/73982e79493e0247dbb3dabfd81124ca.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/159f5c9675020c585cd9754c51680e09/61e93/73982e79493e0247dbb3dabfd81124ca.webp 200w,\n/static/159f5c9675020c585cd9754c51680e09/1f5c5/73982e79493e0247dbb3dabfd81124ca.webp 400w,\n/static/159f5c9675020c585cd9754c51680e09/58556/73982e79493e0247dbb3dabfd81124ca.webp 800w,\n/static/159f5c9675020c585cd9754c51680e09/99238/73982e79493e0247dbb3dabfd81124ca.webp 1200w,\n/static/159f5c9675020c585cd9754c51680e09/c50c2/73982e79493e0247dbb3dabfd81124ca.webp 1473w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2982-markdown","title":"CBD’s Role in Helping Ease Alzheimer’s Symptoms ","slug":"cbds-role-in-helping-ease-alzheimers-symptoms","content":"Receiving an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis is profoundly upending, for both sufferers and family members. Currently, nearly [6 million American’s are living with Alzheimer’s disease](https://www.alz.org). \n\nAlzheimer’s is one of many forms of dementia and accounts for the bulk of dementia diagnoses. It’s a progressive, irreversible disease—one that worsens as time goes on. Alzheimer’s isn’t, as many people believe, normal cognitive decline associated with aging. \n\nCurrently, Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S., and the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that [by 2050, 14 million people will have Alzheimer’s disease](https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers). \n\nBecause there’s currently no cure, researchers continue to look for medicines that will help ease symptoms or make living with Alzheimer’s a little easier for patients and caregivers. \n\nRecently, there’s been interest in the role cannabidiol (CBD) may play in helping manage the disease. Let’s take a look at some of the most promising research and investigate how you can safely incorporate CBD into a comprehensive Alzheimer’s protocol.\n\n### The First Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease\n\nGetting an accurate diagnosis is essential for anyone facing cognitive or memory issues. The first symptoms of Alzheimer’s are usually related to memory loss, things like:\n\n* Forgetting names\n* Trouble accessing specific words \n* Changes in the ability to work or perform daily activities\n\nMany things can cause memory problems—from stress to certain medications—so finding a doctor experienced in diagnosing Alzheimer’s is critical in order to discover the source of memory issues. \n\nFolks who receive an early diagnosis generally fare much better, as do their loved ones, who often bear the burden of becoming long-term caregivers. Some medications, such as Galantamine and Namenda, are designed to forestall the most severe symptoms of Alzheimer’s. But these drugs don’t work for everyone, and their effectiveness is only temporary. \n\n### As Time Goes on, Alzheimer’s Symptoms Become More Severe\n\nModerate and late-stage Alzheimer’s disease symptoms include serious challenges like:\n\n* Inconsistent sleep patterns\n* Moodiness\n* Incontinence\n* Confusion\n\nThese symptoms can result in people becoming lost, anxious or combatant. \n\nAnother hard aspect of the disease is that communicating about pain symptoms can decrease as verbal skills decline, and many late-stage Alzheimer’s sufferers often lose the ability to walk or talk completely.\n\n### Your Brain on Alzheimer’s: A Tangled Web of Proteins\n\nTwo protein structures—plaques and tangles—which are foreign to a healthy brain are usually found in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s disease. \n\nPlaques form deposits that take up space between nerve cells. Tangles are a different type of protein fiber, which reside inside brain cells. \n\nThese two disruptive protein structures compromise normal communication between cells, resulting in the death of brain cells. It’s the death of these cells that creates the devastating symptoms of Alzheimer’s—changes that decrease a person’s ability to communicate, remember and live a normal life.\n\n### The Latest Research on CBD for Alzheimer’s Disease\n\nOne of the best pieces of news for all Americans is the 2018 passage of the Farm Bill. The fact that the U.S. now has access to legal hemp will enable additional research on hemp-based CBD. This will increase our knowledge of how CBD may be targeted for specific medical conditions. \n\nIt will take at least a few years for hemp-based Alzheimer’s research to emerge, but a 2014 Australian study shows a great deal of promise. The study found that [CBD was shown to “reverse cognitive deficits” in mice](https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad140921). It also found that CBD provided neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It was the first study to show CBD’s potential as a preventative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.\n\nRELATED: [FARM BILL UPDATE: HOPE FOR HEMP FARMERS & CBD CONSUMERS](https://hellomd.com/articles/farm-bill-update-hope-for-hemp-farmers-and-cbd-consumers/)\n\nIn the United Kingdom, King’s College researchers are currently recruiting Alzheimer’s patients willing to use the cannabis-based drug Sativex, [to determine if it will reduce symptoms of aggression and agitation](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/uk-researchers-are-launching-a-phase-2-trial-looking-at-a-cannabis-based-therapy-for-alzheimers-2019-02-15).\n\nA 2014 Israeli study showed that mice injected with a molecule from humans with Alzheimer’s [measurably improved in functioning after only one week of treatment with CBD](http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/125564).\n\nA little closer to home, a 92-year-old woman diagnosed with dementia was able to wean off antipsychotic medication after [incorporating CBD into her daily regime](https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2017/11/03/alzheimers-disease-medical-marijuana/).  \n\n### How CBD Can Calm Alzheimer’s Symptoms\n\nThough Alzheimer’s research still isn’t conclusive, what we know is that CBD is generally considered a gentle addition to almost anyone’s health and wellness regimen. If you’re considering adding CBD to an Alzheimer’s medical program, please consult with your doctor to make sure there are no concerns, particularly that you—or the person you care for—don’t have any medical issues with adding CBD to the established treatment. \n\nAnd don’t buy into any hype about CBD curing Alzheimer’s disease. What it can do is help with some troubling symptoms. Small successes are huge when caring for someone with this debilitating condition and can help make the difference between a day filled with trauma or joy.\n\nBecause CBD has been shown to assist with anxiety and sleeplessness, it may prove useful in helping someone feeling agitated or restless, without the high associated with THC-containing cannabis. \n\nMany people prefer tinctures or gel caps for medical CBD use, in order to bypass the digestive tract and speed up the beneficial effects. You can even add CBD tinctures to water or juice, and many have a pleasant flavor—or none at all. \n\nStart with a tiny amount, such as 5–10 milligrams. Chances are you won’t notice any significant improvements until you build up to a higher dosage. Since there are typically no unpleasant side effects, you should feel confident in safely increasing your dose, as long as you’re using trusted products from a reliable source. \n\nIf you’re OK with inhaling CBD and need a quicker delivery system to help with anxiety, try using a hemp-derived CBD vape pen.  \n\nYou or the person you’re caring for should use CBD regularly to keep a level of the cannabinoid in your system. Be sure to keep a journal, noting at minimum:\n\n* The types of symptoms you’re experiencing\n* The time(s) you used your CBD product \n* The type of CBD product \n* The amount of product used\n* The results/how you felt after consuming\n\nOver time, you’ll find the right dose that works for you. \n\nIf, as research is beginning to suggest, CBD has neuroprotective components, it’s also an excellent choice for people wanting to address the potential of cognitive decline before it becomes an issue. \n\nYou can rest assured that providing CBD to a person who may not be able to choose for themselves is one of the safest, most compassionate ways to help them live their best life, even while coping with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.\n\nPhoto credit: [Esther Town](https://unsplash.com/photos/glpYh1cWf0o)\n\nIf you want to try CBD, but don’t know where to start? [Shop our selection of high-quality, lab-tested CBD products](https://www.hellolift.com/products) and have them shipped to your door. And if you have questions about CBD, [ask them](https://www.hellolift.com/answers) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/ce282c2170fcd00442d594ea308aa4bc/14b42/d58e3430998204f5f3544ca7a658b197.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ce282c2170fcd00442d594ea308aa4bc/f836f/d58e3430998204f5f3544ca7a658b197.jpg 200w,\n/static/ce282c2170fcd00442d594ea308aa4bc/2244e/d58e3430998204f5f3544ca7a658b197.jpg 400w,\n/static/ce282c2170fcd00442d594ea308aa4bc/14b42/d58e3430998204f5f3544ca7a658b197.jpg 800w,\n/static/ce282c2170fcd00442d594ea308aa4bc/47498/d58e3430998204f5f3544ca7a658b197.jpg 1200w,\n/static/ce282c2170fcd00442d594ea308aa4bc/0e329/d58e3430998204f5f3544ca7a658b197.jpg 1600w,\n/static/ce282c2170fcd00442d594ea308aa4bc/ca9e1/d58e3430998204f5f3544ca7a658b197.jpg 1775w","srcWebp":"/static/ce282c2170fcd00442d594ea308aa4bc/58556/d58e3430998204f5f3544ca7a658b197.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ce282c2170fcd00442d594ea308aa4bc/61e93/d58e3430998204f5f3544ca7a658b197.webp 200w,\n/static/ce282c2170fcd00442d594ea308aa4bc/1f5c5/d58e3430998204f5f3544ca7a658b197.webp 400w,\n/static/ce282c2170fcd00442d594ea308aa4bc/58556/d58e3430998204f5f3544ca7a658b197.webp 800w,\n/static/ce282c2170fcd00442d594ea308aa4bc/99238/d58e3430998204f5f3544ca7a658b197.webp 1200w,\n/static/ce282c2170fcd00442d594ea308aa4bc/7c22d/d58e3430998204f5f3544ca7a658b197.webp 1600w,\n/static/ce282c2170fcd00442d594ea308aa4bc/9858d/d58e3430998204f5f3544ca7a658b197.webp 1775w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2967-markdown","title":"Can CBD Help With Gingivitis & Gum Disease? ","slug":"can-cbd-help-with-gingivitis-and-gum-disease","content":"A 2017 study out of Columbia University made a [connection between cannabis and gum disease](https://www.dmdtoday.com/news/new-study-suggests-link-between-gum-disease-and-cannabis-use) that many hadn’t considered before. In the study, researchers looked at surveys from over 1,900 people about their cannabis consumption (including hashish and cannabis oil) and dental health. They found that cannabis consumers had more markers of periodontal disease than non-consumers and infrequent cannabis consumers did. \n\nBut were the results reliable? And what about cannabidiol (CBD)? Was this cannabinoid lumped in with cannabis rich in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)? Let’s take a closer look at a few studies to see whether CBD is good or bad for your gums. \n\n### What Is Gum Disease?  \n\nWhen you think of the dentist, you may only consider your pearly whites. But any good dental professional will pay close attention to your gums, too. You may be surprised to learn that there’s thought to be a link between bad gums and a host of serious health conditions like:\n\n* Stroke\n* Artery disease\n* Rheumatoid arthritis\n\nThe theory goes that the bacteria from a gum infection can travel to other parts of your body, causing harm. Though more studies need to be done to prove a conclusive link between gum disease and other health conditions, it’s a theory that many health professionals keep in mind. \n\nThere are two main types of gum disease:\n\n* Gingivitis\n* Periodontitis\n\nGingivitis appears first, caused either by too much plaque (and poor dental hygiene that helps it stick around) or bad nutrition. In some cases, though, a virus, bacteria or allergic reaction can cause gingivitis. \n\nThe sometimes-painful symptoms of gingivitis can include:\n\n* Inflamed, swollen gums \n* Bad breath\n* Bleeding when brushing or flossing\n\nYou can usually turn a gingivitis diagnosis around with regular brushing and flossing—though a good dental cleaning is often in order to get the gums to an ideal starting place before you take over at home. \n\nPeriodontitis is what happens when folks leave gingivitis untreated, and it turns into something more painful and serious. This is when plaque builds up, creates pockets around the teeth and bacteria gets trapped in there. It then wreaks havoc on gums, damaging the tissue and even the supportive bone below your teeth. \n\nPeriodontitis symptoms include: \n\n* Bleeding gums\n* Inflamed, red gums\n* Receding gums \n* Pus\n* Pain when eating\n\nLike gingivitis, dentists recommend regular brushing, flossing and mouthwash as treatment—and, of course, regular visits to the dentist.\n\n### Columbia University Study Says Cannabis Is Bad for Gums\n\nThe Columbia University study, published in the _Journal of Periodontology_ looked at self-reported data from a few years prior. The participants reported cannabis and tobacco use, and researchers took measurements of gum loss and depth. \n\nOf the nearly 2,000 surveys they reviewed, around 27% of participants said they consumed cannabis recreationally at least once in the past year. (They separated out tobacco smokers so as not to skew the data.) And these people had more markers for periodontitis.\n\nSo, the headline read: Study suggests link between gun disease and cannabis use. \n\nBut self-reported studies should always be looked at with a bit of skepticism. \n\n* Were the participants reporting the truth about their cannabis and tobacco consumption? \n* What kind of cannabis were they consuming? \n* Were they consuming mostly by smoking, which we know is not great for oral health? \n* Or were they using smoke-free methods like cannabis tinctures or edibles? \n\nAll of these factors are important to know before putting out a blanket statement linking the plant to gum disease.  \n\n### CBD’s Anti-Inflammatory Properties May Be Good for Gum Health\n\nThere are also studies that say the opposite when it comes to gum health and CBD, specifically. We know that CBD is a potent anti-inflammatory. And since inflammation is a big symptom of gingivitis and periodontitis, you’d think that CBD could help calm inflamed gums—and studies back this up.\n\nIn a [2009 study performed on rats](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19070683), researchers divided the subjects into three groups: a control group, a group with gum disease and a third group with gum disease that was treated with CBD. The group that researchers gave CBD to showed less bone loss and inflammation in their gum tissue. \n\nAnother lab-based study [looked at the endocannabinoid anandamide](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Endocannabinoid%2C+anandamide+in+gingival+tissue+regulates+the+periodontal+inflammation+through+NF-kappaB+pathway+inhibition). Anandamide, produced naturally by the body, is very close structurally—and how it acts in the body—to THC. Researchers found that the endocannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, were present in gum tissue, and that anandamide seemed to decrease inflammation. \n\nSo, not only is the receptor (CB2) that interacts with CBD found in the gums, but CBD also increases anandamide levels in the body. It does this by stopping the enzyme that breaks down anandamide. So, more anti-inflammatory CBD in your system means more gum-soothing anandamide, too. \n\nRELATED: [EATING ANANDAMIDE: THE BLISS MOLECULE](https://hellomd.com/articles/eating-anandamide-the-bliss-molecule/)\n\n### How to Incorporate CBD Into Your Oral Health Routine\n\nIt goes without saying that a smokeless CBD consumption method is best if you want the cannabinoid to help prevent gum disease or ease the symptoms of an infection you already have. And this includes vaping, too. Though it’s not thought to be as harmful as smoking is, vaping may irritate already-tender and inflamed gums. \n\nYour best bet may be a [CBD tincture](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-tinctures-what-they-are-and-why-you-want-them/), placed directly under the tongue and held in the mouth for at least a minute (or as long as you can keep it there). Alternately, you can add the tincture in the drink of your choice. \n\nA method where you hold the CBD in your mouth for a minute or so is one of the best ways to ensure a high percentage of cannabinoids make their way into your system. This is because the mucous membranes in the mouth are very porous and so can make more CBD available to your body quickly.\n\nThe best way to treat your gums is with regular brushing, flossing, a good antibacterial mouthwash and a visit to your dentist at least twice a year. But if you have a history of gum disease, or you’re particularly interested in preventing gingivitis and periodontitis, add some CBD oil to your daily routine to keep bacteria and inflammation away. \n\nPhoto credit: [Daniel Xavier](https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-smiling-1102341/)\n\nWant to try CBD, but don’t know where to start? [Shop our selection of high-quality, lab-tested CBD products](https://www.hellolift.com/products) and have them shipped to your door. And if you have questions about CBD, [ask them](https://www.hellolift.com/answers) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/93e4cd3e5236807bbbc157906afaf9fd/14b42/cf6ae7e914fc2c0f726bcb9dce9fc83f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/93e4cd3e5236807bbbc157906afaf9fd/f836f/cf6ae7e914fc2c0f726bcb9dce9fc83f.jpg 200w,\n/static/93e4cd3e5236807bbbc157906afaf9fd/2244e/cf6ae7e914fc2c0f726bcb9dce9fc83f.jpg 400w,\n/static/93e4cd3e5236807bbbc157906afaf9fd/14b42/cf6ae7e914fc2c0f726bcb9dce9fc83f.jpg 800w,\n/static/93e4cd3e5236807bbbc157906afaf9fd/47498/cf6ae7e914fc2c0f726bcb9dce9fc83f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/93e4cd3e5236807bbbc157906afaf9fd/0e329/cf6ae7e914fc2c0f726bcb9dce9fc83f.jpg 1600w,\n/static/93e4cd3e5236807bbbc157906afaf9fd/ffa36/cf6ae7e914fc2c0f726bcb9dce9fc83f.jpg 1773w","srcWebp":"/static/93e4cd3e5236807bbbc157906afaf9fd/58556/cf6ae7e914fc2c0f726bcb9dce9fc83f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/93e4cd3e5236807bbbc157906afaf9fd/61e93/cf6ae7e914fc2c0f726bcb9dce9fc83f.webp 200w,\n/static/93e4cd3e5236807bbbc157906afaf9fd/1f5c5/cf6ae7e914fc2c0f726bcb9dce9fc83f.webp 400w,\n/static/93e4cd3e5236807bbbc157906afaf9fd/58556/cf6ae7e914fc2c0f726bcb9dce9fc83f.webp 800w,\n/static/93e4cd3e5236807bbbc157906afaf9fd/99238/cf6ae7e914fc2c0f726bcb9dce9fc83f.webp 1200w,\n/static/93e4cd3e5236807bbbc157906afaf9fd/7c22d/cf6ae7e914fc2c0f726bcb9dce9fc83f.webp 1600w,\n/static/93e4cd3e5236807bbbc157906afaf9fd/d1528/cf6ae7e914fc2c0f726bcb9dce9fc83f.webp 1773w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2963-markdown","title":"3 Popular Questions About CBD & Anxiety Answered","slug":"3-popular-questions-about-cbd-and-anxiety-answered","content":"Anxious thoughts don’t discriminate. No matter your age, where you live or what you do for a living, chances are you’ve experienced some type of anxiety—from a short-lived episode before a big event (hello wedding day or big presentation at work) to a chronic feeling that’s always there in the background. \n\nAccording to a 2018 survey by the American Psychiatric Association, [40% of Americans felt more anxious than they did the year before](http://time.com/5269371/americans-anxiety-poll/). And about 40 million Americans are thought to suffer from some type of anxiety disorder. \n\nFor many, it can be embarrassing to seek help for anxiety. For others, it’s hard to know where to look for help. Some folks have found that consuming cannabidiol (CBD) provides an effective respite from anxious thoughts. \n\nCBD is a marijuana cannabinoid that doesn’t produce a head high like the other famous cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can. But it has been shown to help temper anxiety. \n\nFor example, in a small study from 2011, a group of [people with social anxiety disorder took either CBD or a placebo before a test](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3079847/). The subjects who consumed CBD felt less anxious and their physiological signs of anxiety, like elevated blood pressure and heart rate, decreased compared to that of the placebo group. \n\nIf you’re interested in taking CBD to help calm anxiety, check out our three most popular Q&As about CBD for anxiety. Don’t see your anxiety question answered below? Head over to our [Answers](https://www.hellolift.com/answers) page where doctors, nurses and knowledgeable members of the HelloMD community will share their thoughts with you. \n\nRELATED: [UNDERSTANDING HOW CBD CAN CALM YOUR ANXIETY](https://www.hellolift.com/health-wellness/5c23a60cf07c6f0009ab30f8/understanding-how-cbd-can-calm-your-anxiety)\n\n### Q. Is there any evidence that CBD helps with anxiety and what way is best for me to consume it?\n**_I don’t live in a legal marijuana state, but I have terrible anxiety and have heard that CBD derived from the hemp plant may be something I can try._**\n\nAnswer: [@BartSmart](https://www.hellolift.com/people/5817af1a97ed67000a00143c/bartsmart) In my opinion, it wouldn't hurt to try CBD that’s derived from the hemp plant. The difference between hemp-derived CBD and cannabis-derived CBD is the amount of THC in the plant.\n\nI have heard success with vaporizing CBD for quickest relief during an anxiety attack, while using CBD edibles regularly to maintain homeostasis, or a balance in one's mind and body.\n\nCBD promotes neurogenesis which can have a calming effect on people leading to a decrease of anxiety for some.\n\nCBD comes from agriculturally derived hemp and you would just want to make sure that your hemp is responsibly sourced.\n\nWe at HelloMD have heard of many testimonials about CBD helping people deal with their anxiety.\n\n### Q. What is a good starting dose of CBD oil for anxiety and pain relief?\n**_I have some softgels and tincture._** \n\nAnswer: [@helenanp](https://www.hellolift.com/people/59820d531d86bf357ccec0d3/helenanp) The right amount of CBD oil will vary from person to person. We each have a unique endocannabinoid system, so some people will require less, and others will require more. \n\nIt’s best to start with a low dosage and then slightly raise this dosage until you receive the desired result. I would start with a drop of CBD oil a day and see how it affects you. Every 2–3 weeks I would increase by an additional drop. Remember to space the drops throughout the day. \n\nContinue to increase by a drop every 2–3 weeks until your symptoms decrease. You need to experiment a little to see what dosage is best for you.\n\n### Q. Best quality CBD oil and dosage for anxiety?\n\nAnswer: [@drkim](https://www.hellolift.com/people/5896394f4c4b960008abd774/drkim) Hello there!\n\nWhile I can't testify to which CBD oil is best, I can advise on what to look for: \n\n1. CO2 extraction \n2. Whole-plant philosophy \n3. Organic hemp or cannabis \n4. Clearly labeled\n\nI hope this helps!\n\nThis is a great product that checks all the boxes:\nhttps://www.hellolift.com/products/5b57a71f02f1740001522f78/cbd-hemp-oil-capsules\n\nPhoto credit: Tero Vesalainen/Shutterstock.com\n\nWant to try CBD, but don’t know where to start? [Shop our selection of high-quality, lab-tested CBD products](https://www.hellolift.com/products) and have them shipped to your door. And if you have questions about CBD, [ask them](https://www.hellolift.com/answers) and our community will answer.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/1988aa91eff0aca61704059623eef7cd/14b42/d2c4e5958cd168c9430a32cc793f5846.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1988aa91eff0aca61704059623eef7cd/f836f/d2c4e5958cd168c9430a32cc793f5846.jpg 200w,\n/static/1988aa91eff0aca61704059623eef7cd/2244e/d2c4e5958cd168c9430a32cc793f5846.jpg 400w,\n/static/1988aa91eff0aca61704059623eef7cd/14b42/d2c4e5958cd168c9430a32cc793f5846.jpg 800w,\n/static/1988aa91eff0aca61704059623eef7cd/47498/d2c4e5958cd168c9430a32cc793f5846.jpg 1200w,\n/static/1988aa91eff0aca61704059623eef7cd/0e329/d2c4e5958cd168c9430a32cc793f5846.jpg 1600w,\n/static/1988aa91eff0aca61704059623eef7cd/29731/d2c4e5958cd168c9430a32cc793f5846.jpg 3487w","srcWebp":"/static/1988aa91eff0aca61704059623eef7cd/58556/d2c4e5958cd168c9430a32cc793f5846.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1988aa91eff0aca61704059623eef7cd/61e93/d2c4e5958cd168c9430a32cc793f5846.webp 200w,\n/static/1988aa91eff0aca61704059623eef7cd/1f5c5/d2c4e5958cd168c9430a32cc793f5846.webp 400w,\n/static/1988aa91eff0aca61704059623eef7cd/58556/d2c4e5958cd168c9430a32cc793f5846.webp 800w,\n/static/1988aa91eff0aca61704059623eef7cd/99238/d2c4e5958cd168c9430a32cc793f5846.webp 1200w,\n/static/1988aa91eff0aca61704059623eef7cd/7c22d/d2c4e5958cd168c9430a32cc793f5846.webp 1600w,\n/static/1988aa91eff0aca61704059623eef7cd/2c4da/d2c4e5958cd168c9430a32cc793f5846.webp 3487w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2949-markdown","title":"CBD May Help Relieve Irritable Bowel Syndrome","slug":"cbd-may-help-relieve-irritable-bowel-syndrome","content":"Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, affects about 15% of the world’s population. The condition causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation. In IBS, the digestive system appears normal, but it doesn’t function properly. Treatments typically include lifestyle changes and medications to relieve symptoms. But these medications can have limited success and severe side effects. \n\nNow, many IBS sufferers are finding relief for their symptoms with the cannabis compound cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is found in hemp, a type of cannabis that contains only trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the ingredient in cannabis that makes people feel high.\n\nRecently discovered connections between the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), the gut and the brain explain [why CBD can be an effective treatment](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22815234) for the [many different symptoms of IBS](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-signs-and-symptoms-of-ibs)—without the risks and side effects of standard prescription medications.\n\n\n### What Is IBS?\n\nFor years, IBS has baffled doctors and medical researchers. It’s considered a “functional” disorder of the digestive system since examinations of the digestive tract with endoscopes and other imaging tools don’t reveal a physical cause, such as ulcerations or inflammation. \n\nWith IBS, the digestive system simply doesn’t work the way it should. And it results in the classic symptoms of:\n\n* Cramping\n* Bloating\n* Diarrhea\n* Constipation \n\nIn some people, diarrhea predominates; this type of IBS is called IBS-D. Meanwhile, people whose primary symptom is constipation are said to have IBS-C. And still others can have alternating bouts of both problems. \n\nOther symptoms are associated with IBS, too. These can include:\n\n* Fatigue\n* Brain fog \n* Problems sleeping\n\nPeople with IBS are also likely to have mood and anxiety disorders. A recent study found that IBS sufferers are 50% more likely to have an anxiety disorder than those without IBS. IBS sufferers are also 70% more likely to have a mood disorder, such as depression.\n\nRELATED: [USING CBD TO EASE DIGESTIVE ISSUES](https://www.hellolift.com/health-wellness/5c354bbcf07c6f0009ab313a/using-cbd-to-help-ease-digestive-issues)\n\n### IBS Treatments Focus on Symptom Relief\n\nDoctors aren’t sure [what causes IBS](https://www.aboutibs.org/what-is-ibs-sidenav/what-causes-ibs.html). But they think some factors include:\n\n* Genetics\n* Infections \n* Past traumas \n\nSome people with IBS have highly sensitive digestive systems that can be triggered by:\n\n* Emotional stress\n* Eating certain foods\n* Menstrual periods\n\nBut whatever the triggering factors may be, the result is a disruption of the connections between the gut and the brain. This leads to abnormalities in a process called colonic motility—the movement of intestinal muscles and liquids that enable digestion. This process may happen too fast, causing diarrhea. Or it may slow down and cause constipation.  \n\nSince we don’t understand the causes of IBS clearly, treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms that interfere with daily life. For some people with IBS, lifestyle and diet changes can help, such as:\n\n* Reducing stress\n* Eating more fiber\n* Avoiding problem foods like dairy \n* Exercising\n* Going to therapy to relieve stress, anxiety and depression\n\nBut a wide variety of very different kinds of medications is also a major part of managing IBS. These can include:\n\n* Over-the-counter medications to relieve gas, diarrhea and constipation\n* Anticholinergics, or medications such as Bentyl, which relieve bowel spasms\n* Antidepressants of various kinds, including tricyclic antidepressants like Tofranil and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac and Paxil\n* Pain medications such as Lyrica and Neurontin\n\nPharmaceutical companies have developed few medications specifically to treat IBS that don’t respond to other approaches. For example, medications like Amitiza and Viberzi target processes like muscle contractions and fluid secretion in the intestines. \n\nThese medications for IBS symptoms can cause side effects, and some of them can be severe. That’s why people with IBS are turning to CBD in any of its many forms—as an oil, topical or edible.\n\nCBD’s many documented healing properties include relief from pain, anxiety and depression, all of which are associated with IBS. But more than simply providing relief from symptoms, research indicates that CBD may be able to address what some scientists see as the root cause of IBS: deficiencies in the body’s ECS.\n\n### The Endocannabinoid System Connects the Gut & the Brain\n\nOver the past couple of decades, research has focused on the ECS, a network of receptors and chemicals called ligands that appears to affect the activity of nearly every cell in the body. Two endocannabinoids, cannabinoid-like chemicals produced naturally in the body, called anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) activate the ECS.\n\nBut external cannabinoids from plant sources, particularly compounds in the _Cannabis sativa_ plant, such as CBD also interact with the ECS.\n\nMany studies have documented the strong connection between the brain and the digestive system, or the gut. It’s a connection so powerful that some researchers have called the gut a second brain. \n\nThe digestive system has many of the same neurotransmitter receptors as the brain does, and they’re connected by the vagus nerve and other parts of the central nervous system. This connection explains many familiar phenomena such as\n\n* Butterflies in the stomach\n* Nausea upon seeing a nasty image\n* Diarrhea during stress  \n\nThe digestive tract, the brain and the spinal cord are all [rich in the endocannabinoid receptor CB1](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16751708), which helps the body maintain balance, or homeostasis. This includes moderating the responses of pain receptors and pathways for feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.\n\nIn this way, CBD mimics the activity of the body’s natural endocannabinoids, particularly anandamide.\n\nRELATED: [EATING ANANDAMIDE: THE BLISS MOLECULE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a949d06f24d1300077ccb66/eating-anandamide-the-bliss-molecule)\n\n### CBD Can Regulate Signaling Between Systems\n\nAnti-anxiety medications and antidepressants can help treat IBS symptoms. This appears to confirm the connection between the gut and brain. Both areas contain abundant cannabinoid receptors, too. Researchers studying the processes that cause IBS have linked IBS to migraines and fibromyalgia, two other “functional” disorders without a clearly defined cause. \n\nBoth migraines and fibromyalgia respond to CBD, which appears to support the expression of anandamide. Recent studies imply that [both these disorders may be linked to low levels of these natural cannabinoids](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18404144)—a condition called [clinical endocannabinoid deficiency](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5576607/).\n\nThis means the same deficiency may cause the disruption of brain and gut signaling that produces the symptoms of IBS. And it also explains why CBD can help relieve these symptoms.\n\n### Taking CBD for IBS Symptoms\n\nYou can take CBD in many forms:\n\n* [Tinctures](https://www.hellolift.com/products?category=Tinctures)\n* [Topical creams](https://www.hellolift.com/products?category=Topicals)\n* [Edibles](https://www.hellolift.com/products?category=Edibles)\n* [Vape pens](https://www.hellolift.com/products?category=Vaporizers)\n\nIn all of these forms, CBD can activate endocannabinoid receptors throughout the body—and bring balance to both the gut and the brain. \n\nIt may take some time for CBD levels in the body to rise enough to balance your ECS, so pick the form of CBD that fits best with your lifestyle and try to add it to your daily routine, like you would a multivitamin each morning. \n\nAfter a couple of weeks or even months, reassess your IBS symptoms. Hopefully, you’ll recognize a reduction in your symptoms. \n\nPhoto credit: Mr. Thanathip Phatraiwat/Shutterstock.com\n\nWant to try CBD, but don’t know where to start? [Shop our selection of high-quality, lab-tested CBD products](https://hellomd.com/) and have them shipped to your door. And if you have questions about CBD, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/5407bb1ea4eeb6fb26aabab7f5d28604/14b42/a6a12bd7b0a0c3168942ef4770a4eebb.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5407bb1ea4eeb6fb26aabab7f5d28604/f836f/a6a12bd7b0a0c3168942ef4770a4eebb.jpg 200w,\n/static/5407bb1ea4eeb6fb26aabab7f5d28604/2244e/a6a12bd7b0a0c3168942ef4770a4eebb.jpg 400w,\n/static/5407bb1ea4eeb6fb26aabab7f5d28604/14b42/a6a12bd7b0a0c3168942ef4770a4eebb.jpg 800w,\n/static/5407bb1ea4eeb6fb26aabab7f5d28604/47498/a6a12bd7b0a0c3168942ef4770a4eebb.jpg 1200w,\n/static/5407bb1ea4eeb6fb26aabab7f5d28604/0e329/a6a12bd7b0a0c3168942ef4770a4eebb.jpg 1600w,\n/static/5407bb1ea4eeb6fb26aabab7f5d28604/3610b/a6a12bd7b0a0c3168942ef4770a4eebb.jpg 1697w","srcWebp":"/static/5407bb1ea4eeb6fb26aabab7f5d28604/58556/a6a12bd7b0a0c3168942ef4770a4eebb.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5407bb1ea4eeb6fb26aabab7f5d28604/61e93/a6a12bd7b0a0c3168942ef4770a4eebb.webp 200w,\n/static/5407bb1ea4eeb6fb26aabab7f5d28604/1f5c5/a6a12bd7b0a0c3168942ef4770a4eebb.webp 400w,\n/static/5407bb1ea4eeb6fb26aabab7f5d28604/58556/a6a12bd7b0a0c3168942ef4770a4eebb.webp 800w,\n/static/5407bb1ea4eeb6fb26aabab7f5d28604/99238/a6a12bd7b0a0c3168942ef4770a4eebb.webp 1200w,\n/static/5407bb1ea4eeb6fb26aabab7f5d28604/7c22d/a6a12bd7b0a0c3168942ef4770a4eebb.webp 1600w,\n/static/5407bb1ea4eeb6fb26aabab7f5d28604/2de5b/a6a12bd7b0a0c3168942ef4770a4eebb.webp 1697w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2917-markdown","title":"Does Cannabis Help Improve Schizophrenia Symptoms?","slug":"does-cannabis-help-improve-schizophrenia-symptoms","content":"Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition that can cause serious disruptions in all areas of life. It manifests in multiple layers of symptoms that affect:\n\n* Thinking\n* Behavior \n* Movement\n\nAlthough cannabis can provide relief from the symptoms of several mental illnesses, the relationship between cannabis and schizophrenia is more complicated. \n\nA growing body of research reveals that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound responsible for marijuana’s famous high, can worsen symptoms of schizophrenia. \n\nInterestingly, cannabidiol (CBD), the cannabis compound that doesn’t cause consumers to feel psychoactive effects, appears able to relieve schizophrenia symptoms. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\n### What Is Schizophrenia?\n\nMore than [50 million people worldwide have schizophrenia](http://www.schizophrenia.com/szfacts.htm). This serious disorder can affect just about every demographic group, even children, although it most commonly develops between the ages of 16 and 30.  \n\nThere’s no laboratory test to diagnose schizophrenia, but a diagnosis is usually made by observing the presence of [three different types of symptoms](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml):\n\n* **Positive symptoms** are those of psychosis, or a “break from reality.” These symptoms include:\n\n >* Hallucinations\n >* Delusions\n >* Paranoia\n >* Disorganized thinking\n >* Unusual patterns of movement\n\n* **Negative symptoms** involve emotional responses. These can include:\n\n >* A flat affect, or minimal emotional responses under any circumstances\n>* Lack of feelings of pleasure in life\n>* Reduced speaking\n>* Inability to start and finish activities\n\n* **Cognitive symptoms** involve thinking, decision making and memory. These symptoms can affect the schizophrenia sufferer in large or small ways and include executive functions like:\n\n >* Using information to make choices\n >* Controlling impulses \n >* Remembering information \n\n### Why Do Some People Develop Schizophrenia? \n\nGenetic factors play a major role in determining who develops schizophrenia, but they aren’t the only ones. Dysfunctions in several areas of the brain, where neural processing involving emotion, motivation and thinking take place, also play a part.\n\nPeople with schizophrenia have abnormal functioning in the hippocampus, which is strongly associated with emotions. They also seem to display abnormalities in the neural pathways related to the processing of glutamate and dopamine, two brain chemicals that help to regulate mood and cognition. \n\nSchizophrenia sufferers may also have dysfunction in the production of a [protein called brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3683823/), which plays a key role in keeping neurons healthy. In some animal studies, introducing BDNF has been shown to prevent the development of schizophrenia.\n\nResearch reveals that environmental factors can also play a role. Researchers have studied various factors that predispose someone to schizophrenia such as:\n\n* Exposure to certain viruses\n* Malnutrition before birth\n* Trauma during birth\n* Childhood abuse \n\n[Cannabis has also been linked to the development of schizophrenia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/305151.php?sr), especially when smoked by susceptible teens and adolescents.\n\nWhatever the causes, doctors usually treat schizophrenia with one or a combination of powerful antipsychotic drugs designed mainly to control the positive symptoms that can cause severe psychotic episodes. These drugs range from the older Thorazine and Haldol to newer medications like Risperdal, Abilify and Seroquel.\n\nBut all of them have a number of side effects, such as:\n\n* Weight gain \n* Tardive dyskinesia, a tremor that may become permanent.  \n\nBecause most people must take these medications for life, the search continues for safer alternatives—and this could include cannabis.\n\n### How Cannabis Affects Schizophrenia\n\nThe two most abundant compounds in cannabis are CBD and THC, the ingredient that can cause either a relaxing high, or in some people, produce extreme anxiety, paranoia and even psychosis.  \n\nSome studies have suggested a link between cannabis consumption and the risk of developing schizophrenia, especially among young consumers. According to these studies, teen brains are still forming, so that ingesting a lot of cannabis, typically by smoking, at this age can disrupt the developing neural pathways in the brain. And this can make these consumers more susceptible to developing schizophrenia, especially if they already have a genetic predisposition.  \n\nIn addition, consuming cannabis that contains THC has been shown to worsen not just the positive symptoms of psychosis, but also all kinds of schizophrenia symptoms in people who already have the disorder.\n\nAccording to HelloMD’s Dr. Richard Kim, “Recent research strongly indicates that THC use is directly implicated in the development of a first psychotic episode. It’s also linked to an increase in frequency and intensity of psychotic episodes in those who are genetically predisposed to develop schizophrenia. \n\n“Also, THC has been shown to significantly worsen the progression of the disease; positive, negative and cognitive symptoms are all negatively affected when schizophrenia patients use THC.”\n\n### CBD May Relieve Schizophrenia Symptoms \n\nCBD doesn’t cause any mood-altering effects. It has also been shown to moderate the effects of THC, so that they don’t get out of control. \n\nCBD also has considerable anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective powers, and it acts on multiple pathways in the brain to regulate the functions of neurotransmitters related to mood and thinking, like dopamine, serotonin and glutamate. \n\nRELATED: [HOW CANNABIS WORKS TO PROTECT & REPAIR THE BRAIN](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-cannabis-works-to-protect-and-repair-the-brain/)\n\nThis explains why CBD can be effective in treating conditions like anxiety and depression, as well as memory disorders caused by Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury and other kinds of dementia.\n\nStandard antipsychotic medications typically target the positive symptoms of schizophrenia such as delusions and hallucinations. But research now suggests that [CBD may also improve both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia as well as cognitive functioning](https://www.forbes.com/sites/janetwburns/2017/08/28/cannabis-shows-promise-in-treating-schizophrenia-and-tourette-syndrome/#29ced46963de). \n\nDr. Kim points out that a 2012 clinical trial demonstrated how CBD helped schizophrenia sufferers: “A very recent clinical study suggests that CBD may also improve positive and negative symptoms, as well as cognitive functioning in people with schizophrenia already prescribed with an antipsychotic medication.” \n\nAnd, since CBD doesn’t affect the secretion of a hormone called prolactin, it doesn’t cause the side effects such as weight gain, hormone imbalances and sexual dysfunctions that are common with antipsychotic drugs.\n\nSchizophrenia is a complicated disorder, and it has a complicated relationship with cannabis, too. For people who are susceptible to schizophrenia or who already have it, THC can trigger or worsen symptoms. \n\nBut the mood-boosting properties of CBD have the potential to relieve schizophrenia symptoms of all kinds—without the risks and side effects of standard antipsychotic medications. \n\nPhoto credit: [Callie Gibson](https://unsplash.com/@calliebec95)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/4d312c03899b48c6993a5af5ac73cea6/14b42/318359a65dae7d9b0b55bca0e6f646c0.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4d312c03899b48c6993a5af5ac73cea6/f836f/318359a65dae7d9b0b55bca0e6f646c0.jpg 200w,\n/static/4d312c03899b48c6993a5af5ac73cea6/2244e/318359a65dae7d9b0b55bca0e6f646c0.jpg 400w,\n/static/4d312c03899b48c6993a5af5ac73cea6/14b42/318359a65dae7d9b0b55bca0e6f646c0.jpg 800w,\n/static/4d312c03899b48c6993a5af5ac73cea6/47498/318359a65dae7d9b0b55bca0e6f646c0.jpg 1200w,\n/static/4d312c03899b48c6993a5af5ac73cea6/0e329/318359a65dae7d9b0b55bca0e6f646c0.jpg 1600w,\n/static/4d312c03899b48c6993a5af5ac73cea6/f64ae/318359a65dae7d9b0b55bca0e6f646c0.jpg 2557w","srcWebp":"/static/4d312c03899b48c6993a5af5ac73cea6/58556/318359a65dae7d9b0b55bca0e6f646c0.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4d312c03899b48c6993a5af5ac73cea6/61e93/318359a65dae7d9b0b55bca0e6f646c0.webp 200w,\n/static/4d312c03899b48c6993a5af5ac73cea6/1f5c5/318359a65dae7d9b0b55bca0e6f646c0.webp 400w,\n/static/4d312c03899b48c6993a5af5ac73cea6/58556/318359a65dae7d9b0b55bca0e6f646c0.webp 800w,\n/static/4d312c03899b48c6993a5af5ac73cea6/99238/318359a65dae7d9b0b55bca0e6f646c0.webp 1200w,\n/static/4d312c03899b48c6993a5af5ac73cea6/7c22d/318359a65dae7d9b0b55bca0e6f646c0.webp 1600w,\n/static/4d312c03899b48c6993a5af5ac73cea6/db9c3/318359a65dae7d9b0b55bca0e6f646c0.webp 2557w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":10,"currentPage":1,"id":5327,"name":"Health Conditions","slug":"health-conditions","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}