How Cannabidiol (CBD) Works for Treating Anxiety →

June 28, 2019 Elizabeth Knight

How Cannabidiol (CBD) Works for Treating Anxiety

While we don’t normally think of anxiety as desirable, it’s actually a critical adaptive response that can help us cope with threats to our (or a loved one’s) safety and welfare. These responses help us recognize and avert potential threats; they can also help motivate us to take action to better our situation (work harder, pay bills, improve relationships, etc.). However, when we don’t manage these natural responses effectively, they can become maladaptive and impact our work and relationships. This can lead to clinically diagnosable anxiety-related disorders. We’ve all heard the saying, “stress kills.” It’s true!

Anxiety-related disorders affect a huge segment of our population—40 million adults (18%) in the United States age 18 and older. In response, Big Pharma has developed numerous drugs to treat anxiety-related disorders, from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac and Zoloft to tranquilizers (the most popular class being benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax).

While these drugs can be effective for many patients, some don’t respond favorably. Certain patients don’t see much improvement, or they can’t tolerate the side effects. Moreover, tranquilizers like Valium and Xanax can be highly addictive. Clearly, alternative treatments are warranted. Could cannabidiol (CBD), the most prominent non-intoxicating constituent in cannabis, provide a viable alternative for currently available anxiety medications? Quite possibly!

In recent years, CBD has generated a tremendous amount of interest among consumers, clinicians, and scientists. Why? Not only does evidence suggest CBD counteracts many of THC’s adverse effects, but numerous animal studies and accumulating evidence from human experimental, clinical, and epidemiological studies suggest CBD has powerful anti-anxiety properties. Administered acutely (“as needed”), it appears safe, well-tolerated, and may be beneficial to treat a number of anxiety-related disorders, including:

Panic disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Social phobia
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Mild to moderate depression

How Does CBD Work?

CBD exerts several actions in the brain that explain why it could be effective in treating anxiety. Before we dive in, it’s important to note that most research describing how CBD works is preclinical and based on animal studies. As the saying goes, “mice are not men” — and, results from animal studies don’t always neatly transfer to human therapies. However, preclinical studies provide insights that move us in the right direction:

5-HT1A agonist: 5-HT1A is a subtype of the serotonin receptor, which is important because anxiety and depression can sometimes be treated with medications that target the serotonin system. This is why drug companies developed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac and Zoloft. SSRIs work by blocking reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, which increases availability of serotonin in the synaptic space. This helps brain cells transmit more serotonin signals, which can reduce anxiety and boost mood in certain cases (although the full biological basis for this is more complicated and not fully understood).

Similar to SSRIs, CBD may boost signaling through serotonin receptors. In an animal study, Spanish researchers found that CBD enhances 5-HT1A transmission and may affect serotonin faster than SSRIs. Researchers noted:

“The fast onset of antidepressant action of CBD and the simultaneous anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect would solve some of the main limitations of current antidepressant therapies.”

Hippocampal neurogenesis: The hippocampus is a major brain area, and plays a critical role in a variety of brain functions. It’s most famous for its role in memory formation and cognition. Brain scans of patients suffering from depression or anxiety often show a smaller hippocampus, and successful treatment of depression is associated with the birth of new neurons (neurogenesis) in the hippocampus.

An animal study using mice found repeated administration of CBD may help the hippocampus regenerate neurons, which could be useful for treating anxiety or depression. Research shows both SSRIs and CBD may promote neurogenesis. This is significant, because evidence suggests that severely impaired neuronal plasticity may influence suicidal behavior. Future research comparing CBD and SSRIs effect on neurogenesis could open up promising new avenues in how we understand depression and how to most effectively treat it.

How Can CBD Help Anxiety?

Building on the foundation of animal studies, human studies are starting to provide evidence to demonstrate that CBD can improve many commonly reported anxiety-disorder symptoms, including acute stress and anxiety.

Human Studies Show How CBD Reduces Anxiety

Brazilian researchers conducted a small double-blind study of patients afflicted with generalized social anxiety. After consuming CBD, participants reported a significant decrease in anxiety. Researchers validated patients’ subjective reports by performing brain scans showing cerebral blood flow patterns consistent with an anti-anxiety effect.

In another small study, researchers had patients suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder perform a simulated public speaking test. Participants reported significantly less anxiety, findings supported by objective anxiety indicators like heart rate and blood pressure.

Researchers concluded, “[CBD] significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort in their speech performance,” whereas the placebo group experienced “higher anxiety, cognitive impairment, [and] discomfort.”

Final Thoughts

Evidence from animal studies have begun to characterize the details of how CBD acts in the brain, and human studies of patients with and without anxiety disorders are starting to validate CBD’s efficacy as an anti-anxiety treatment. Given the huge social and financial costs of anxiety disorders in the U.S., CBD has the potential to play a significant role in treating a myriad of anxiety-related disorders.

While more research, including large randomized-control trials (RCTs), is clearly warranted to examine the long-term effects and potential for CBD, its demonstrated efficacy and highly favorable safety profile (particularly when compared to currently available drugs) make it a viable alternative or adjunct to currently available pharmaceuticals.

References

Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):825-36. PDF

Malberg JE, Eisch AJ, Nestler EJ, Duman RS. Chronic antidepressant treatment increases neurogenesis in adult rat hippocampus. J Neurosci. 2000;20(24):9104-10. PDF

Zlebnik NE, Cheer JF. Beyond the CB1 Receptor: Is Cannabidiol the Answer for Disorders of Motivation?. Annu Rev Neurosci. 2016;39:1-17. PDF

Testimonials

February 4, 2019 Elizabeth Knight

I have never posted testimonials from my clients, and now is the time! Over the years I have had many people give me feedback on the cannabis tinctures, both CBD and THC and the results they have seen with their health challenges.

CONDITIONS/TESTIMONIALS

Seizures

I've now been using Super High CBD Pianta Tinta since two days after I saw you on 4 March. I started with 5 drops on 6 March and on 9 March after consulting with Dr. XXXX, increased it to 10 drops (once a day, a couple hours before bedtime). As of last night she had me increase it to 15 drops. I'm adding it to a small amount of water in a spoon and trying to keep it sublingually and not swallow for as long as possible. I have on average 4-6 seizures a month and been on many medications which only put me in a zoombie state...I have been taking the SUPER High CBD tincture now for 2 1/2 months and have had only 1 seizure, and that is probably because I was sick at the time I had the one!. The CBD relaxes me before bed and I can fall asleep faster and am more functional in the morning. I take 5 drops in the am and 5-6 drops before bed.....Vallejo, CA

My dog has had many seizures due to a brain injury….only had one seizure since taking the CBD tincture….Barbara, Sierra Foothills

Usually I have what I describe as visual distortions with tightness of the head - these are auras actually. I tend toward a couple of those a day; they last just a few seconds. It seems in the last week those have decreased (I do write them down when they happen, otherwise they'd be very easy to forget about since they're brief). So I think your tincture is definitely helping....Walnut Creek, CA

I would like to refill my order of Super High CBD Tincture. FYI: I did not find much difference between your CBD tincture and the Charlotte’s Web, except their price/shipping (!) and that they flavor theirs with chocolate. I prefer yours, by far and, I have not had a seizure since, that I am aware of. I also like what this CBD does for my mood…..San Francisco, CA

Thank you for asking about how my daughter is doing. The first week she was taking 3 drops 3 times a day. She became very sleepy an hour after her medication the first week. Now, she has adjusted and is taking 6 drops 3 times a day. No more sleepiness, no redness in her eyes. She has had no seizure activity and does seem more relaxed. I hope to continue to slowly increase as the doctor advised. She did amazing in her physical therapy today! Any pain she has had is much better, too.

I am very satisfied and hopeful. Thank you for your product….Vanessa K.

I wanted to tell you I've tapered off from 8 Keppra a day to just four, over the course of about 6 months. Still taking 6 Lyrica a day. I don't notice any increase in auras, and now that things have slowed down after the holidays I can go one or two days with no auras at all….Walnut Creek, CA

Prostate Cancer

Member taking 10 drops per day, feels good more energy, urine smells like cannabis?

Cancer

Hi, dropping a line to let you know how I am doing. Cancer marker in blood went from 283 down to 61, pet scan showed cancer in fluid around right lung was almost gone and what little bit that is there is dormant, nothing changed in abdomen, holding steady. I still feel good. Still taking CBD, but about a week ago I stopped taking the RSO. The RSO was making me feel bad, made around my eyes swell up. I now take the CBD morning and night. Drinking the essiac tea 2 times a day. I had been drinking the tea about a month before I had the test done. I am hoping the tea and all the other stuff I am doing is what is making me beat the odds. Also would like to think all the advice you have given me is making me feel good and keeping my cancer at bay. Can't thank you enough. Don't have to go back to doctor for 2 months, unless I take a turn for the worst, which that isn't going to happen. L.R.

I received the RSO oil at 8:30 this morning after a sleepless night. I ingested tiny amount and slept from 9:30 to 2:30

I haven't slept that soundly in years. Yes, my wife thought I was dead….Sacramento,CA

Had blood work on the 5th of this month. Glucose was 111 and cancer marker went from 132 down to 79. Had per scan yesterday and it showed my cancer hasn't changed….Lucy R.

I'm soooo thrilled. My lesion is gone. The kind of scary part of the treatment is the RSO appeared to eat the skin away, but it's gone & no scarring. 🏼….Deborah

Elizabeth, I wanted to give you a quick up date my Dad's father in-law that has stage 4 cancer, made it back to the Philippines last week and will stay there.

I wanted to thank you for being a part of this process of helping him get home….Brian C.

The week we was evacuated i didn’t get to take CBD, turmeric and the rest of my vitimans. I have wondered for a long time if the CBD and turmeric was actually doing me any good, i don’t have to wonder any more. One week without them proved i need them. Lucy

Anxiety

It’s better than benzodiazepines. I had to rely on Clonazepam for those times when I know stress was inevitable. The CBD works better than Clonazepam. I used it on two recent trips that promised much stress and the CBD worked brilliantly. Calmness in social situations And...btw, it's SO good for social anxiety!!! I use it before parties, conferences, etc., situations where I would get somewhat anxious. And, it has given me the "guts" to book a trip to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Malaysia in the fall!!...Richmond, CA

I have had frequent panic attacks for a long time and since starting on the CBD and relaxing tea they have decreased dramatically…Pacifica, CA

here's a short, interesting (I hope) story of CBD's effects on my anxiety.

Two nights ago I had to stand up and give a 1 minute synopsis of the book I was currently pleasure-reading, as an ice-breaker-thing, to a roomful of 60 medical doctors and Ph.Ds. This was at a medical conference at Lake Tahoe. Things like this usually terrify me. I'm not a medical doctor, not a public speaker, not particularly well-spoken; but while "on" CBD, I calmly gave the synopsis without fear. I think it went well. Not only was I not nervous or apprehensive when I knew my moment was approaching, but I did not analyze my little public-speaking event after it was over throughout the rest of the night in my head with negative self-talk!!!!

Thank you for the important work you are doing. R.F.

I can think clearer... less anxiety...( like no need for any Valium ) I'm able to laugh more ( not a stoned laugh at everything laugh) just an enjoy my grand babies laugh.

I don't know if I can contribute this to it but it seems if I add a few drops at night my nightmares are less and my dreams are happier... ( I have PTSD that I'm working through which came with horrid violent nightmares)

It seems to give me an overall feeling of well being. With no high !

Thank you again for all the work you do!

I feel like I'm getting my life back ! You're a Godsend!....Amanda F.

I am really liking the tinctures, I especially like combining the CBD and THC for the relaxing effect. It has been helping lower anxiety, insomnia and back pain. My stomach/intestinal issues are slowly getting better as well, which seem to be largely stress related so I think it is contributing to my overall healing….aaron

So just a quick update for you...K. is still on 6 drops twice daily and seems to overall be feeling even a little bit more less anxious than before. They report feeling overall "Happier" than before! Some days they still experience the generalized anxiety but overall I think its been very helpful. They made it through all of the excitement of the Fourth and through the Conference this past weekend with only a little fallout ( which for us is HUGE!! ) Normally they get overstimulated during big, exciting events like these and cant manage the sensory overload. So thank you very very much and I look forward to them hopefully making even more progress as time goes on…E.F.

Shingles

Knocked the Shingles out in about a week. I was using about 15 drops at night at the time sometimes a bit during the day as well and sleeping a lot. I'm down to 5 drops a night to help with sleep and it is helping…Vallejo, CA

I use the high CBD tincture in the morning and that knocks out the itch. I have been trying the oil at night for sleeping. It helps. I have been a lifelong bad sleeper, but the oil helps. I also like the 50/50 at night….Oakland, CA

I have had shingles for the past month and have gone through my supply from a few weeks ago. The good news is that the tinctures have been extremely effective and I have not had to use any narcotic pain medications and have only taken ibuprofen twice. I am now getting near the end of the illness but I certainly don't want to run out. Between the 2 products I was able to get some sleep at night and adequately manage the level of pain during the day. I am very thankful for them! ….Elizabeth B.

Glaucoma

High CBD reduced my ocular pressure behind eyes...from 26 to 22 in one eye and stayed at 26 in other eye. As of 4/16/15, the pressure is down to 16 and 17…..San Francisco, CA

Pain

I just wanted to thank you for sending me that article from Dr. Bonni Goldstein regarding nerve related pain. I can’t even begin to tell you how much it helped! I’ve dealt with nerve pain since 1996 and have been poked and prodded and experimented on by doctors in an attempt to be free of the pain and get a good night’s sleep. I’m not able to take pain medication (nor did I want to) so my only form of relief was wearing a TENS unit. During the day it wasn’t so bad but at night it got tricky. The gel pads and wires only stay in place if I lay very, very still and apparently that’s impossible for me to do. I always woke up multiple times per night with gel pads stuck to my face, my hair, or my husband. Since I’ve started using the proper combination of CBD and THC tinctures and following Dr. Goldstein’s recommendations I am now able to sleep through the night without my TENS unit! I do quite a bit of traveling every month and was not able to endure sitting in a car or riding on a plane without that ever-present TENS unit. But now I don’t even need it! In fact, I don’t even remember where it is! Is the pain completely gone? No. But it’s at such a manageable level because of the CBD/THC tincture that I feel like I am living a normal life for the first time in more than 20 years. Thank you so much! ….Marge M.

I would also like to report that the high CBD balm you recommended is also fantastic for achy joints (my knees in particular) and muscles (my lower back). It works almost immediately and there is no overt sensation other than the virtual cessation of discomfort in those areas. Alas, the effect is not too long-lasting (a couple of blissful hours) but such is the nature of aging - pain becomes ever more abundant as our youth recedes in the rear view mirror"... Jonathan

It has helped with my pain. I have stayed with the 10 drops a day. I mainly use it at the end of the day. It relaxes me as well and I can fall asleep faster with it….,Vallejo, CA

Anti-inflammatory properties. As an old-ish guy, I push my body farther than I should, so I know all about joint inflammation, and this helps. I have lots of Vicodin, but take it sparingly, if at all. But the CBD provides pain-relief that is just as good as Vicodin for me…Richmond, CA

I have been using the CBD drops daily with great results for a couple months now. I have worked up to 15 drops twice a day, morning and afternoon. I take them sub-lingually with juice. If I’m in pain and think it will affect my sleep, I take 10-15 drops of the 50/50 blend before bedtime. (I've noticed taking these during the day has made me feel a little hazy/sleepy/lethargic, so I use these exclusively at night). My main reason for taking the CBD drops was for my back and sciatic pain. Second to this is my ADD and stress levels. My overall pain level has been reduced. The pain is still there but it feels lessened and dulled. I also feel a better sense of overall calmness, I feel like the internal mind chatter and constant thoughts are calmed a bit as well……Vallejo, CA

I have been on the drops for almost a week now. I am up to 8 drops 3x's a day. I am finding that I am less and less stiff - especially in the AM, and requiring less pain meds.....Walnut creek, CA

I just wanted to check in with you and let you know how I'm doing. I hope that you and yours have been well and enjoying this beautiful season!

So, last week I took 3 drops twice daily and noticed some very subtle changes. The first thing I noticed was feeling very clear headed, fresh and alert. What a joy! My pain levels were the same (6 to 7 on a pain scale) but by Saturday, my range of motion in turning my head became slightly better. I said, "hey this is new!" I'm starting to enjoy better sleep too: natural, deep, and healing!

This week I have used 4 drops twice daily. Today, my pain levels are lower and my range of motion is greater. I feel a strong pressure still but the sharp pains are gone from my neck, shoulders, and the base of skull. My arm and hand are especially heavy/strained though but they have felt different ever since my nerve block. I know it's very early still and I will absolutely keep going with the tincture. Thank you also for your recommendations on taking it too. It's been a delicious experience finding just the right one,hehe!
I think I'm right around the corner from finding "my dose". I have a very strong positive feeling that this is going to be my "It". My neck hasn't felt this boring and uneventful (like a neck should feel,lol) in a VERY long time! I will be sure to keep you posted and will be sure to ask you any question that may arise along the way. This is becoming my favorite part of this healing journey~

Please accept my sincere gratitude for you and your partners who make this medicine available. You are truly life savers….Benicia

I am so impressed with the effects of the tinctures I am using. I have so much less pain than I did before. I feel good every day, without fatigue! I seriously have not felt this good in over a year and probabIy longer. I am continuing to regain range of motion in my left shoulder, the one with the rotator cuff problems. It's simply amazing. I am happy and relaxed in spite of the recent diagnosis of breast cancer!......Forest Ranch, CA

I've been able to maintain a little better in coping with his schizophrenic behavior, better quality of sleep with my fibromyalgia. I do however, also take as needed, a product called sleep essentials or L-tryptophan at night along with the 50/50. But basically, the 50/50 helps get better quality, deeper sleep which is a big deal with fibromyalgia. I'm not where I need to be but definitely on my way….Vallejo, CA

BTW, I stopped my daytime dose for about 10 days and then went back on it and immediately my shoulder made another leap toward recovery. Such great medicine!! I've been hoeing weeds and cleaning up the yard and getting stronger. Yay!....Forest Ranch, CA

I'm so happy I found you b/c I tried a few other places and everything was just too strong, gave me anxiety, etc. I feel yours is very pure and truly medicinal and I have also been giving it to my Mom and she is SO thankful However, every other cartridge I have gotten from you has been perfect in the sense of feeling "medicinal" and a perfect amount. Not as much anxiety and my Mom is even off her pain meds!!! This makes me and her SO happy. So, we are grateful for you and your work.

Thanks again, T.S.

One side effect I never expected was that my left heel would hurt so much it would wake me but now there's no pain during the night at all. That's a huge hooray! S.S….Walnut Creek, CA

I had spinal surgery two months ago and have utilized the pain medication I ordered several months ago and it really helped, and a great alternative to the opioid based meds prescribed by the surgeon. Many thank, Sam

PMR

I have been on the drops for almost a week now. I am up to 8 drops 3x's a day. I am finding that I am less and less stiff - especially in the AM, and requiring less pain meds….Walnut Creek, CA

Neurofibromatosis

Just wanted to let you know that things are going well for my daughter with the CBD tincture. It seems to be helping. She is sleeping better and her pain is getting better. We are trying to wean her off of Lyrica (neuropathic pain drug), which would be a great thing….San Diego, CA

Muscle Spasms

"I just wanted to follow up with you as it has been almost three weeks since I visited you in Vallejo. As you may recall during our consultation, you mentioned that CBD was particularly effective in treating muscle spasms of various kinds and I was prompted to tell you about the clicking in my ear that I came to know was caused by muscle spasms in the inner ear. After using the high CBD tinctures that you recommended for 3-4 days I found that the clicking in my ear had completely dissipated! Furthermore, I recently took a break from using the tinctures and, sure enough, after a couple of days the clicking is starting up again. In fact it was the clicking that made me think to send you this followup email. ;-)…Jonathan

The pain rub calmed the spasms in my coccyx area and I have no need for narcotics with that particular rub. I am using the RSO THC oil tid (3) times@ day cause my muscles and nerves were starting to continually have spasms. The RSO oil is the most effective medicine that I’ve tried. I sleep well my spasms settle down, it AWESOME!!!.....Lucerne, CA

Brain Fog

I can tell that the CBD is making a difference. It's very good at clearing away my morning brain fog. I'm using 15 drops in the morning after walking the dogs and before eating breakfast. I noticed that I have been getting to sleep later than normal and waking up earlier than normal. I added a 10 drop booster in the mid-morning which seemed to help.....Walnut Creek, CA

Parkinson ’s disease

The jury's still out re: beneficial effect. Tentative observation: my super-small illegible handwriting (micrographia, common in Parkinson's) seems to have improved. No improvement in other symptoms, including unwanted involuntary movements (dyskinesia)……Chico, CA

Chrons/Colitis

The tincture does appear to be helping with both my Crohn's and migraines. I think for me the two are connected so it is not surprising it is helping for both. Primarily, I notice that my bowel movements are better when I'm taking it. The migraine stuff is hard to track and I figured out recently that I grind my teeth at night and a mouth guard has been helping with the migraines so it is hard for me to isolate cause and effect but I will keep doing experiments and let you know…..San Francisco, CA

Psoriasis/Skin Conditions

In general I would say that the psoriasis is backing off everywhere, which is great. Hard to know exactly what it is I’m doing differently that is contributing to the positive change, I suspect some of all of what I’m doing is making this go in a better direction. Certainly diet has been a big factor, since my auto-immune issues (Crohn’s & psoriasis) are gut related. But I feel that your tinctures are also part of the remedy. I’ve used both the 50/50 and Super high CBD topically, mixing them in warmed oil (at different times hemp, argan, coconut) and applying them topically to my scalp. I’ve probably done some version of this treatment 4 times since my initial purchase of the tinctures.

I’ve taken the tinctures orally two to four times a week since the initial purchase. I’ve switched between the two tinctures without noticing a different reaction from one or the other. The dose is around 5 to 7 drops per dose in a small glass of water, usually in the evening, and usually just one dose per day…..San Francisco, CA

Just wanted to say that my skin is looking really good. I'm also taking a lot of things away that perhaps also caused the inflammation but I'm pleasantly surprised at the change. And I feel great, too. So, thank you. Check out this before and after picture! Along with the cbd I also have totally eliminated alcohol and anything else that seemed to be causing more inflammation. Can't believe these results! Walnut Creek, CA

Arachnoiditis

The pain rub calmed the spasms in my coccyx area and I have no need for narcotics with that particular rub. I am using the RSO THC oil tid (3) times@ day because my muscles and nerves were starting to continually have spasms. The RSO oil is the most effective medicine that I’ve tried. I sleep well my spasms settle down, it is AWESOME!!! I am now off of all prescription paid meds.....Lucerne, CA

SLEEP

I'm mainly using it at night just before bed. I sleep as well as I did before menopause. Consistently too. Good stuff…..Forest Ranch, CA

Thx, Elizabeth. Yes, I really feel a difference with the cbd. The thc is also really helping my sleep. I tried a couple other companies, but theirs didn't seem as clean?....Mill Valley, CA

At this point I'm using 17 drops of the CBD and 7 drops of the THC for sleep and getting about 5-6 hours of sleep a night which is so much better than the 2-4 I used to get. It's given me so much more energy and blood pressure has improved as well as has the a-fib (noticeable). This has changed the direction of my life so I thank you. S

As I mentioned to you before, CBD was a lifesaver for me. But when I combined it with THC the positive effects on my insomnia and pain relief were remarkable! As you know, I personally don't want the psycho-activity of THC, but when combined with CBD, the synergy is remarkable. I don't experience psycho-activity, just a peaceful, relaxed feeling. For me, this is not a day-time formula. I've tried both components separately. Indica THC (Granddaddy Purple tincture) was good for sleep, CBD (AC/DC tincture) was spectacular for daytime/evening anxiety-relief. But for me, used together, I get everything I need to have a normal, relaxing evening and I ease into sleep very well. I still use CBD alone for daytime use.

Thanks for all you do for so many of us. Keep up the good work….Robert

Blood Pressure

The really positive on this is my blood pressure has dropped like a stone and my heart palpitations (a-fib) have just about stopped! The cardiologist felt I would more than likely need a pacemaker pretty soon but now I believe this has pushed that off so I'm thrilled. S.S….Walnut Creek CA

Fibromyalgia

Yes the fibromyalgia is the biggest issue I'm trying to treat.

I have found the high CBD has helped with muscle pain and joint pain and stiffness. I use the THC at night because I hadn't slept through the night in years.

I can go to sleep and am getting more hours in a row than before. It's taken some time to turn that around but it's really helped. It too helps with the pain.

I really hope she at least tries it. I think I've tried pretty much every other med and this has helped me more than everything else I've tried.

Migranes

My daughter has far less migraines and rarely has to take her medication anymore!....A.F.

I am happy to report that I had a migraine the past two evenings and your tincture helped me enough that I didn't have to take my migraine meds. It also helped me fall asleep even while I was still in pain. Both days I woke up completely migraine free and without the nasty hangover my migraine meds give me. I am very hopeful. Thank you so much!....Heather N.

Psychosis/Gender non-binary

I have all positive updates for you!

XXX is doing extremely well! They feel strong, happy, more confident and able to communicate better. XXX recovers faster from breakthrough episodes and overall remains calmer and more in control during them. Their medical team has noticed a significant positive change in them since starting the CBD! We are starting to cut back on some of XXX other medications and will hopefully eliminate many of them all together very soon.

They have chosen to take 2 classes on the high school campus and even like having lunch in the cafeteria where they see their peers!

We are starting SOAR next week (a 2 year outpatient program for kids with psychosis). We have also decided to apply for a psychiatric service dog to help provide XXX with even more independence, comfort and confidence. We haven't heard back yet if we've been accepted so fingers crossed.

This is my first time reordering medicine from you so please let me know what to do.

I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for my family….E.F.

XXX is currently very stable and upbeat. Their symptoms are low again. They're sleeping well, active, goal orientated, back in school part time, happy, and are able to process through many of lifes challenges successfully.

The SOAR program is going well. They are so helpful! We're really still just getting started though.XXX had a set back in the beginning of Oct. Their symptoms increased and became dangerous. They started following the voice commands. I couldn't manage it safely at home so they had to check into a facility to stabilze and readjust medications. We had to stop the CBD while in the hospital because the staff wasnt willing to give it. But as soon as XXX was back home we restarted it, with Dr.XXX blessing again btw,lol, because he has witnessed what a huge impact its had on XXX.

Thank you for caring about XXX and being a part of their healing journey. ….E.F.

Still afraid of THC????

November 14, 2018 Elizabeth Knight

THC is the most prominent cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Most people think THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is only used to get “high” and don’t bother to look at the medicinal effects. Back in the 1970’2-80’s the THC content of cannabis was much lower so it took more cannabis to “get high” but with the breeding going on now, the THC levels in cannabis strains are MUCH higher, so it doesn’t take much THC to get the results you want. Taken in low doses THC can have these medicinal effects:

Sedating/Relaxing
Reduces Pain
Anti-tumor effect
Anti-oxidant
Reduces intraocular eye pressure
Reduces nausea
Stimulates appetite
Anti-inflammatory
Induces sleep
Reduces anxiety/depression
Gut issues
Alot of people and especially seniors have some apprehension in trying THC because of the stigma and the fear of losing control. That is certainly something to think about but I have had alot of people try THC alone or in combination with CBD and have more effective results than just CBD alone. Obviously smoking or vaping THC when you are not used to it can create problems since you cannot regulate how much THC you are getting into your system and usually it too much! Then you have a negative experience and swear you will NEVER try it again! Sound familiar?
And what are the negative effects of THC when you have too much? Here is a list of what some people might experience:
1. Rapid heartbeat
2. Lightheaded/dizzy
3. Dry mouth/Red eyes
4. Anxious/paranoid
5. Hunger
6. Sleepiness
  Cannabis is not fatal!!!! The above effects will wear off if you were ever to experience them. There are no cannabinoid receptors in the brain that control breathing and heart rate. This explains why there is no possibility of fatal overdose, unlike opioid drugs that can cause death!
  I myself have been in that situation before and it can create alot of fear but when taken in low doses can be very beneficial. How do you get low doses??? Tinctures are a great way to get consistent dosing. Everyone is different in regards to dosing…someone might only need 2 drops while others might need 15 drops for various conditions. So it is best to start of with a low dose, 2-3 drops and increase slowly until you get the desired results. Even cannabis doctors recommend this. This way you avoid the uncomfortable effects of too much THC! The only negative feedback that I have received was from a couple of people that got impatient and decided to take a dropperful instead of drops and had a not so great experience! Lesson learned.
  For instance, I had to find the right dose for myself for my sleep issues..I started with 2 drops and increased the drops over a period of 4 days to find that 6-8 drops of THC tincture works perfect for me without getting high or feeling groggy in the morning. So having some patience to find what is right for you will work in your favor.
  So with all that said, THC can be your friend for many health issues taken responsibly and taken in low doses. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!
  To your health! Elizabeth@PiantaTinta
  piantatinta@protonmail.com

Introducing CD-1 Candida

June 20, 2018 Elizabeth Knight

Why is it called "Candida"? It was named after the founder of Medical Marijuana Genetics late mother and means "Bright Light" in latin. It is a cross between two dynamic high CBD strains, AC/DC and Harlequin.

It has one of the highest CBD and lowest THC contents of any strains available. CBD levels are between 10.9% and 20.6% and THC levels never passing 1%! Fantastic news for people that do not want the uncomfortable effects of too much THC. The anti-psychotic capabilities of the higher levels of CBD outweigh the relatively small amounts of THC therefore making it non-psychoactive.

The medicinal benefits of this strain go on and on... It’s high CBD concentrations make it ideal for helping a wide variety of conditions ranging from epilepsy, pain, inflammation, PTSD, anxiety/depression, ADHD, autism, neurodegeneration, MS, glaucoma, fibromyalgia, cancer, arthritis and much more. It can be used for daytime or nighttime. It can also be suitable for dogs/cats.

The most consistent dosing can be achieved by using a tincture. Our whole plant tinctures are third party lab tested and therapeutic strength with between 500-600 mg CBD per 1 oz bottle.

Email us with any question you might have!

Elizabeth @ Pianta Tinta

PTSD & CANNABIS FOR VETERANS, FIRST RESPONDERS & PEOPLE WITH STRESS

September 22, 2016 Elizabeth Knight

The following article is from the online website called Leafly.com, it did not list the author but I think it is a very important topic as so many military personnel have had these issues. We must not forget other jobs that entail stress such as first responders, law enforcement, firefighters to name a few. They are in stressful and sometimes traumatic situations on a daily basis and not only take physical assaults, but also mental ones. Although the underlying trauma needs to be addressed, cannabis has showed great promise that these individuals affected can at least cope and carry on their daily living and have better control over their lives.

For those Veteran's that live in the SF Bay Area and want to learn more about cannabis for PTSD, please visit the Veterans Cannabis Group for more information.

Here is the article:

CANNABIS & POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)

Throughout its prohibition, cannabis has been considered a self-medicated “coping” drug, especially in individuals with anxiety disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Government funded studies examining the link between cannabis and PTSD frequently use the term “marijuana abuse disorder,” a co-occurring problem in need of rehabilitation.

There is overwhelming evidence that PTSD and cannabis go hand-in-hand. But while most studies point out the prevalence of marijuana abuse among PTSD patients, a minority of emerging research is looking at the question in reverse: could cannabis be effectively treating PTSD?

Living with PTSD

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is an anxiety condition caused by disturbing episodes, such as military combat or sexual assault. Three classes of symptoms characterize PTSD: re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyper arousal (e.g., flashbacks, social isolation, insomnia). The persistence of PTSD over time is attributed to changes in brain chemistry that occur at the time of the trauma, when adrenaline and stress hormones are hyper-responsive.

Since age nine, Ben Nichols has experienced debilitating PTSD symptoms, and with it came a tangle of other issues like insomnia and ADD. Ben takes Adderall to help with concentration difficulties caused by PTSD, but turns to cannabis to treat the anxiety.

“It helps with daily tasks like school, work, and relationships,” Ben said. “My mind races and cannabis helps me slow down and think through the trauma rather than hide from it. I can tell it's helping me because my sleeping patterns are normal and I don't have anxiety attacks.”

Ben is fortunate to live in a state with legal medical cannabis, but not all PTSD sufferers have access to its unprecedented relief. Combat veterans have an especially high propensity for PTSD, and statistics show that about 1 in 5 military personnel deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan experience it. Given cannabis’ federally prohibited status, veterans are instead steered toward antidepressants and antipsychotics, medications that have had very little success in treating severe PTSD symptoms.

“The drugs that they were giving them … they couldn’t get up in the mornings,” said Army first sergeant Gregory Westbrook. “Most of the guys weren’t the type of soldiers who had issues before Iraq or even in Iraq, but they bring them back and put them on these drugs, and they’re falling asleep in the chair. There was no way they could function, especially in a civilian job. So maybe marijuana is an alternative.”

How Cannabis Can Help Treat PTSD

Currently there are no specialized, effective medications available for PTSD patients, but with new discoveries in our body’s therapeutic hotspot -- the endocannabinoid system -- research is beginning to pave new avenues of understanding and treating PTSD.

One investigator of PTSD and cannabis is the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Martin Lee is a MAPS affiliate and director of Project CBD, and has studied PTSD and cannabinoids in depth.

“Researchers found that people with PTSD had lower levels of anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid compound, compared to those who did not show signs of PTSD,” Lee wrote, “Innate to all mammals, anandamide (our inner cannabis, so to speak) triggers the same receptors that are activated by THC and other components of the marijuana plant.”

In other words, one pillar of PTSD is an endocannabinoid deficiency: the body stops producing enough endocannabinoids to fill receptor sites, and this is where the cannabinoids found in marijuana play a therapeutic role. By replenishing these missing endocannabinoids with those found in cannabis, researchers think marijuana pharmaceuticals might bring PTSD patients relief from their memories.

“Scientists have determined that normal CB-1 receptor signaling deactivates traumatic memories and endows it with the gift of forgetting,” Lee said, “But skewed CB-1 signaling, due to endocannabinoid deficits (low serum levels of anandamide), results in impaired fear extinction, aversive memory consolidation, and chronic anxiety, the hallmarks of PTSD.”

Accessing Medical Marijuana for PTSD

PTSD patients are advised to first consult a medical professional before treating symptoms with cannabis. Consumers unaccustomed to marijuana may find that THC aggravates anxiety symptoms. Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a marijuana cannabinoid that counteracts some of THC’s effects, including paranoia and anxiety. Further research examining the relationship between THC and CBD could lead to more tolerable variants of cannabis pharmaceuticals for high anxiety individuals.

The damage caused by PTSD cannot be fully unraveled by any medication, but for some, cannabis provides respite when nothing else can. Despite a strong need for development of more effective medication without adverse side effects, the promising pharmaceutical possibilities in cannabis are continually dismissed by government-backed research organizations. However, forward momentum builds as education about cannabis’ healing properties spreads.

Source: http://www.leafly.com/knowledge

INSOMNIA AND CANNABIS

May 12, 2016 Elizabeth Knight

I recently received this article from Green Flower Media regarding Insomnia and using cannabis as a natural sleep aid. There are many many reasons why people can't sleep, stress, pain, anxiety and many more. Please pass this on to anyone you know that is having issues with sleeping OR want to get off medications like Ambien. This article was written by Seshata, a journalist and researcher specializing in medical, cultural, and geopolitical aspects of cannabis. Elizabeth...PiantaTinta

How insomniacs find sleep with cannabis – not pharmaceuticals.

Estimates suggest there’s up to more than a billion insomniacs the world over, and for severe cases, the effect on health can be catastrophic.

Lack of sleep has been associated with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity – not to mention an inability to keep up with daily tasks and an increase in motor vehicle incidents.

In the United States alone, approximately one-third of all adults will experience insomnia at some point in their lives. Women are afflicted at twice the rate of men, and about half of all seniors over 65 suffer from the condition.

So that means that in the U.S., there are between fifty and seventy million adults afflicted with sleep disorders. At least nine million of them regularly take prescription sleep aids in the effort to keep heads on pillows.

But the massive irony is – most of these prescription medicines have dangerous, debilitating side-effects, and the vast majority don’t really do very much anyway!

For example, Ambien (the biggest selling sleep aid in the U.S.) has never been proven to be effective at maintaining sleep, except when delivered in a controlled-release form (so the drug stays in the system for longer).

But this controlled-release form is associated with dangerous levels of morning drowsiness, which has led to motor vehicle accidents on numerous occasions. On top of that, users are also taking on a scarily high risk of addiction, violent psychosis, blackouts and suicidal thoughts!

Your alternative to this prescription medicine madness

No need for dangerous pharmaceuticals like Ambien when cannabis is proving to be so much more effective.

For centuries, if not millennia, people have been using cannabis as an all-natural sleep aid, reporting that they are able to get to sleep more quickly and ultimately feel more rested.

To understand more about cannabis and healthy sleep cycles, we spoke with the esteemed physician and medical journalist Uwe Blesching. Uwe is the author of The Cannabis Health Index as well as a new online course on cannabis and insomnia.

“Insomnia is a disease that affects millions, and is the number one reason that women turn to cannabis" he says.

It’s also clear that when used properly, cannabis can certainly help an insomniac get a much better night’s rest, and with practically zero risk or side-effects compared to current drugs.

The mechanism via which cannabis influences sleep in humans is extremely complex and far from being fully understood. However, it’s clear that several cannabinoids have an important role to play in sleep cycles.

So which cannabinoids can help, and how?

As we expand our understanding of cannabinoid science, we learn how to better use this plant for many illnesses or ailments – including insomnia.

Uwe explains that THC causes an increase in “deep” sleep and a decrease in REM sleep (the “dream” stage of sleep).

In fact, during withdrawal from THC, REM sleep goes back up and deep sleep goes down. This ties in with the common belief that tolerance breaks lead to an increase in dreams.

THC also appears to increase initial sleepiness and make the user fall asleep faster. However, it has also been repeatedly associated with feelings of lethargy the next day (an effect also commonly found in prescription meds!).

CBD appears to have a twofold effect. When attempting to fall asleep, CBD can mitigate against the possible anxiety-inducing effects of THC, allowing the user to feel relaxed, calm and peaceful.

On the other hand, CBD can also increase feelings of alertness and wakefulness, so when combined with THC in the correct ratio, it can decrease the likelihood of feeling that next-day “hangover”.

Finding the right combination of THC and CBD could potentially get you to sleep quicker and leave you much more refreshed in the morning!

THC and CBD are just the beginning!
We also now know that several lesser-studied cannabinoids such as cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabigerol (CBG) can have a sedative effect. In fact, Steep Hill Labs says: “Of all the cannabinoids, CBN appears to be the most sedative.”

There are over a hundred unique cannabinoids in cannabis, and even more important organic compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids, which can act together in countless different ways, to produce a range of unique effects.

Several terpenes commonly found in cannabis, such as myrcene, linalool and citral, have been shown to have sedative or relaxant effects. For more information, check out Green Flower’s fantastic resource on cannabis terpenes!

How Stress is Fundamental to Insomnia

Cannabis, when properly administered, can also help you tackle underlying issues that cause insomnia, particularly stress.

According to Uwe, “The most common cause for primary insomnia is so universal that it is almost synonymous with the condition itself: STRESS – especially chronic stress. More specifically the kind of stress that builds up in the form of worries, fears, emotional distress, heartaches, longings, or simply bad news.”

Targeting the symptoms of stress, as well as directly manipulating sleep cycles, should therefore prove to be a far more effective approach than the current standard in healthcare.

Currently, doctors may look at your medical history and run a few diagnostic tests, but it is unlikely that they will explore the causes of your stress in-depth. What’s far more likely is that they’ll throw a prescription sleep aid at you and move on to the next patient.

Instead, many of us now have the information and the high-quality, legally-accessible cannabis medicine with which we can begin to tailor our cannabinoids to suit us best.

Finding the Right Blend For You

This THC-free terpene oil is a great example of how we are expanding access to different formats of cannabis medicine.

More research into cannabinoid and terpene ratios could lead to the development of seriously effective, individually-targeted insomnia medications – which will reduce stress, keep the user asleep for longer, and wake up more refreshed and less “hungover” than any existing pharmaceutical! As well as – perhaps most importantly – cutting out practically all of the potential health risks.

The key to the puzzle is finding your “subjective therapeutic window,” as Uwe puts it. Your optimal dosage, in other words.

Individual genetics, state of health – these crucial factors determine what your body needs at any given time. Meeting those requirements with the correct cannabinoid profile is, in essence, finding that subjective therapeutic window.

Why is this so crucial? Uwe says: “Because taking too little is sub-optimal, while too much can actually increase the very symptoms you are attempting to treat.”

Source: http://greenflowermedia.com/article/treati...

5 Differences between THC and CBD

December 9, 2014 Elizabeth Knight

The following is an article from 420 Insight. For people not familiar with the different components of cannabis or think cannabis is all about the "high" please read on. The comment I have is about sleep. We have many members that use CBD for sleep. From the feedback we get, lower doses of CBD can help with sleep issues while higher doses can boost energy it's all about paying attention to how it works in YOUR BODY!!

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two main ingredients in the marijuana pelant. Both CBD and THC belong to a unique class of compounds known as cannabinoids.

While many strains of marijuana are known for having abundant levels of THC, high-CBD strains are less common. But CBD has recently started to draw attention from the medical community, who seem to prefer CBD over THC. Here, we explain the differences between these two compounds.

1) THE HIGH

THC is probably best known for being the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. CBD, however, is non-psychoactive. In other words, CBD can’t get you high. While disappointing to recreational users, this unique feature of CBD is what makes it so appealing as a medicine.

Doctors usually prefer treatments with minimal side effects, which has been a major barrier to the acceptance of medical marijuana. Likewise, CBD has been used to treat younger children with various ailments.

2) ANXIETY

THC is known to cause some people to feel anxious or paranoid. But CBD is believed to have the opposite effect. In fact, studies show that CBD works to counteract the anxiety caused by ingesting THC. A number of studies also suggest that CBD can reduce anxiety when administered on its own.

3) ANTIPSYCHOTIC

In addition to being non-psychoactive, CBD seems to have antipsychotic properties. Researchers believe that CBD may protect marijuana users from getting too high by reducing the psychosis-like effects of THC. However, regulating the mind-altering activity of THC isn’t all that CBD is good for. On its own, CBD is being tested as an antipsychotic medicine for people with schizophrenia.

4) SLEEP

One of the most common uses of marijuana is as a sleep aid. THC is believed to be responsible for most of marijuana’s sleep-inducing effects. On the other hand, studies suggest CBD acts to promote wakefulness, making CBD a poor choice as a sleep medicine. The opposite effects of CBD and THC on sleep may explain why some strains of cannabis cause users to feel drowsy while others are known to boost energy.

5) LEGAL STATUS

While most countries have strict laws surrounding marijuana and THC, the legal status of CBD is less clear. In the United States, CBD is technically illegalsince it is classified as a Schedule I drug under federal law. A pharmaceutical form of CBD, called Epidiolex, was only recently cleared by the FDA to be tested in children with severe epilepsy.

On the other hand, CBD is found in hemp, which can be legally imported and sold in the U.S. Some companies have taken advantage of this loophole by importing high-CBD hemp extracts from other countries where hemp is produced.

Get Your SUPER HIGH!!

November 19, 2014 Elizabeth Knight

We are proud to present our newest products, SUPER High CBD Tincture and our 50/50 blend!!

These are available for purchase to our members....not a member? It's free to sign up! You must have a doctor's recommendation and CDL...please visit our website for more information....

Here's a sneak peak

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50/50 BLEND

12 MG/ML CBD

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All test results are listed on our website...feel free to call or email us!

PTSD, PANIC ATTACKS AND ANXIETY......

September 1, 2014 Elizabeth Knight