The other day a mother came into the pharmacy and asked for another bottle of CBD oil for her autistic son. I asked her how that was working for him and she replied, her son has not had a tantrum since she put him on it. She said this has been a lifesaver because his psychotropic medication was not working for him. Another mom told me CBD oil is the only thing that works for her daughter’s seizures. So, what is CBD oil and what does it do?

CBD is extracted from specific varieties of cannabis. The most abundant constituent of cannabis is the cannabinoid known as THC.  There is a lot of misinformation surrounding CBD, partially because of its close resemblance to THC. It’s important to know that CBD is completely separated from THC and CBD cannot get you “high”. CBD is non-psychoactive because it does not act on the same pathways as THC. Therefore, unlike THC, CBD is considered a legal cannabinoid and is safe to consume in any amount and concentration.

Studies have shown CBD to:

• Reduce nausea and vomiting

• Suppress seizure activity

• Combat psychosis disorders, inflammatory disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, tumor and cancer cells, anxiety and depression disorders and cigarette addiction

• Used in the treatment of acne

• Effective in many autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes

• Reduction of pain due to inflammation from fibromyalgia

• Have anti-anxiety effects caused by PTSD

• Combat insomnia

Wow, sounds too good to be true? ..Possibly, but Mother Nature can be very benevolent and perhaps she has graced us with one of her many miracles. I know this much – CBD is well-tolerated and safe even at high doses and seems to be effective for many conditions. Many of our patients are grateful to have it available. It comes in an oral spray, capsules, as well as a topical balm and is available at all Martin’s Wellness Pharmacies.

Radhia Gleis, Med, CCN, is a certified Clinical Nutritionist/Holistic Practitioner, Wellness Director for Martins Wellness Pharmacies with three locations in the Austin area. She is available for private consultation at the LakeHills Pharmacy, M-F, 1:30 to 6:30pm. Contact Radhia@cpdwellness.com