By Dr. Josh Redd, Chiropractic Physician, RedRiver Health and Wellness Center
Have you felt worse after CBD or cannabis use? If so, what were your reactions?
CBD (cannabidiol) and cannabis have been shown to help with conditions such as epilepsy, seizures, muscle stiffness, arthritis, autoimmunity, Parkinson’s, ALS, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, depression, inflammation, bacterial infection, pain, depression, GI ulcers, and mood.
However, either CBD or cannabis makes some of our patients feel worse. This led us down a rabbit hole of research and we found two main reasons CBD or cannabis can have a negative effect.
- An allergic reaction or intolerance to the Cannabaceae family of flowering plants.
- You used a strain that stimulates inflammatory T-cells, exacerbating an autoimmune response.
?Of the more than 1,000 strains of cannabis and CBD, some stimulate this immune response and can worsen autoimmunity.
Although the identification of the immune properties of various strains of cannabis is improving, at this time there’s no way to know which ones are immune stimulating. Just be aware of this prior to use in case you have a negative reaction.
Boosting the immune response isn’t inherently bad. For those who do not have autoimmunity it can actually be beneficial to improve immune resilience.
But for the autoimmune patient, it can be like pouring gasoline onto a fire.
When you have an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s low thyroid, you want to balance the immune system, not boost it. Some people with autoimmunity already have over-zealous immune systems that hyper react to things, including foods, chemicals, and their own bodies.
In these people, using herbs or compounds that stimulate immunity will make their symptoms and condition worse.
Typically, the best strains for pain and inflammation are those that have higher amounts of CBD to THC. CBD is the compound best known for fighting pain and inflammation.
I’m not saying *not* to use CBD. In fact, I have become a regular user of and advocate for CBD for back pain after fracturing my back and becoming paralyzed for a few days.
I’m simply sharing this information so you aren’t caught off guard if you have a reaction.
To learn more about our services and to schedule a free consultation, please visit redriverhealthandwellness.com. We work with your prescribing physician for optimal results. Do not discontinue medication or hormone replacement therapy without consulting your prescribing physician.