{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/health-conditions/4","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2682-markdown","title":"3 Popular Questions About Marijuana & Allergies Answered","slug":"3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-allergies-answered","content":"The time for rejoicing that the cold, dark winter is over can be short-lived for some. Warmer, sunnier weather can also signal the beginning of allergy season and all that comes with it: sneezing, watery eyes, asthma, congestion. For the more than 50 million Americans suffering from seasonal allergies, spring is just no fun.\n\nIf you’re an allergy sufferer, you’ve probably tried many medications and are willing to try just about anything to help ease your symptoms. But have you tried cannabis? It’s well-documented that marijuana can fight inflammation and pain, two common allergy symptoms. But how can you best consume cannabis for allergies? \n\nWe’ve compiled our three most popular Q&As on consuming cannabis to help control allergies. If you have more questions about how marijuana may help with your hay fever, head over to our [Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) page where you can ask a question. A knowledgeable member of our community will point you in the right direction. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Q: I have really bad seasonal allergies and want to use something natural to help.\n**_Could marijuana help? If so, any specific things I should look for?_**\n\nAnswer: [@drolson](https://www.hellomd.com/people/550c5a786336370003010000/drolson) This is a very simple question but it requires a very complex answer. Using high cannabidiol (CBD), low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis regularly twice a day will reduce the inflammatory load in your body over approximately over two and a half to three weeks—but that may not be enough. \n\nHere are a few more suggestions:\n\n* Be sure to chew your food thoroughly, so you mix your saliva with your food because your saliva contains the [antibody called secretory IgA](https://www.nature.com/articles/mi201141). Making sure to coat your food in saliva will make your body think the food is part of you and will stop over reacting to it. Eliminate all foods that can promote congestion like milk and cheese. For many people this includes wheat and soy as well because food sensitivities increase the reaction in your body to seasonal allergies.\n\n* When you come in from outside during high allergy season, make sure you shower to remove all pollens from your hair, eyebrows, nostrils and skin. Consider changing your pillowcase every night before you go to bed and even consider renting an air filtration system to remove pollens, dust mites and dander from your environment.\n\n* There are many natural remedies you can use to reduce your response to pollens and allergens like stinging nettle or ingesting one teaspoon of local, raw honey to act like an immunization against the allergies. Our animals do carry in pollens on their coat so it's wise to brush your animals before they come in the house.\n\n* High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters do work to filter the air adequately, so use one to set up a \"safe room\" in your house where you can spend time and be allergy free.\n\nThese are just a few of the simple things you can do to reduce your reaction to allergens. Hopefully I've given you enough things to think about and you can start clearing your environment of allergens. \n\nIf all these suggestions do not produce adequate resolution you could always consider moving closer to the ocean because the breezes that come off the ocean don’t contain the heavy pollen unload.\n\nGood luck, keep working at this and you will find what works for you. I have 45 years’ experience and lots of tricks up my sleeve to help you if you need further help.\n\nRELATED: [4 EASY WAYS TO MANAGE SEASONAL ALLERGIES](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5ada55d8049b4f000a64e8b3/4-easy-ways-to-manage-seasonal-allergies)\n\n### Q: I understand cannabis can be used for asthma. How do I find the right strain?\n\nAnswer: [@ryan](https://www.hellomd.com/people/56e9a5ccccdf36000b000029/ryan) It may be difficult to find the \"perfect\" strain, but what many new users miss is that most strains are actually very similar in how the cannabinoids affect your wellness. The mental feelings may differ drastically and there is a significant different between sativa and indica, but past that things start to smooth out for many illnesses. This is because many of them are mostly helped by either THC or CBD.\n\nCurrently there is not a lot of research on specific strains that help allergies, just a lot of evidence that cannabinoids can help your lungs to open up. Since cannabis has such a low risk for patients, I would recommend vaporizing a hybrid cannabis strain. Try asking your budtender for a nice middle of the road strain that doesn’t cause you anxiety (just in case you’re prone to those types of feelings).\n\n### Q: Can cannabis help my allergies?\n**_I’m sick and tired of taking antihistamines._**\n\nAnswer: [@drgerhart](https://www.hellomd.com/people/55e4d82461666400067b0000/drgerhart) Scientists in Germany have discovered that applying THC ointment or solutions to the skin of mice and then exposing them to allergens resulted in decreased inflammation and swelling when compared to non-treated mice.\n\nIt appears that activating the CB-1 and CB-2 receptors (the main cannabinoid receptors) reduces the symptoms caused by plants that produce hypersensitivity rashes similar to poison ivy or poison oak.\n\nThere’s limited literature available on this topic, but allergy and hypersensitivity to cannabis is rare.\n\nAdditionally, Cannabis shares some molecular and other characteristics with antihistamines which we use to treat allergies.\n\nFurther study needs to be done before we can say definitively that cannabis helps with allergies, but these initial findings may lead to more work in this area.\n\nPhoto credit: [Daniel Jensen](https://unsplash.com/@dallehj)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/14b42/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/f836f/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.jpg 200w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/2244e/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.jpg 400w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/14b42/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.jpg 800w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/47498/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.jpg 1200w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/0e329/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.jpg 1600w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/017f4/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.jpg 3630w","srcWebp":"/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/58556/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/61e93/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.webp 200w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/1f5c5/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.webp 400w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/58556/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.webp 800w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/99238/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.webp 1200w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/7c22d/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.webp 1600w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/ef33f/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.webp 3630w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2680-markdown","title":"How Marijuana May Help Manage Diabetes Onset & Severity","slug":"how-marijuana-may-help-manage-diabetes-onset-and-severity","content":"Diabetes is a prevalent condition—approximately 9.4% of the U.S. population has been diagnosed with this disease. Controlling glucose level is key to managing diabetes. However, even with the help of medications and a healthy diet, some patients still have a hard time keeping glucose levels in check. Anecdotal reports from diabetes patients—and even one clinical study to date—suggest that cannabis can help patients in this matter.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \n\n### What Is Diabetes?\n\nWhen you eat or drink something, your body breaks down parts of your food into a simple sugar called glucose. This glucose moves via your blood to various places in the body, where it’s used as an energy source to help you carry out everyday activities. Diabetes arises when your body is unable to properly regulate the amount of glucose that’s in your blood, leading to what’s called high blood sugar.  \n\nInsulin is a hormone that’s responsible for controlling glucose levels in your blood—it’s always being released in small amounts by the pancreas. When your blood sugar is high, insulin signals for glucose to be pushed into cells; when your blood sugar level drops, your body signals for you to eat to help bring them back up.\n\nIn folks with type 1 diabetes, the cells—called beta-cells—that make insulin in the body are attacked by the immune system. Without insulin, the body can’t make proper use of glucose, and thus can’t work properly; this leads to common type 1 diabetes symptoms like fatigue, excessive thirst and nausea. \n\nType 1 diabetics must use insulin injections to manage their blood sugar. We’re not sure what causes this autoimmune dysfunction, but some theorize that type 1 diabetes may be due to:\n\n* Genetics\n* Environmental factors\n* Chemical triggers\n\nIn type 2 diabetes, which is much more common, the body makes insulin, but it either doesn’t respond to the hormone, or it doesn’t make enough of it. There’s no definitive cause for this type of diabetes, but obesity and lack of exercise are strongly considered to play a role.\n\nNew research by scientists at Lund University in Sweden suggests that [type 2 diabetes is actually four different “clusters” of the same disease](https://www.livescience.com/61917-diabetes-five-types.html). However, since this study is still new, widespread acceptance of this classification is still pending. \n\nType 2 diabetes can be managed with proper diet and exercise, though some folks may also have to take medications to help them control their blood sugar levels. \n\n### Diabetes & the Role the Endocannabinoid System Plays\n\nAt this point, most of us familiar with cannabis know a little about the [endocannabinoid system](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5751cbd970410e000b00003a/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system) (ECS)—the network of receptors located throughout the body that regulates essential life processes, like eating and sleeping. The most well-studied receptors in this system are CB1, CB2 and TRPV1. \n\nYour body makes substances called endocannabinoids that attach to these receptors. Cannabis, likewise, makes substances called phytocannabinoids that can also attach to or influence ECS receptors. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the cannabis plant’s most well-known phytocannabinoids, but interest is also rising in other phytocannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV).\n\nRELATED: [PSYCHOACTIVE THCV: THE CANNABINOID THAT KILLS YOUR APPETITE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a8db389f24d1300077ccb5a/psychoactive-thcv-the-cannabinoid-that-kills-your-appetite)\n\nGiven that the ECS is so highly involved in the immune response and appetite, it should come as no surprise that it likely plays a role in diabetes. Research indicates that [obese women tend to have an imbalance in their ECS](https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/d7f6/e16dc5b9537fa78388a4fc7cb6d636bea2df.pdf). (Remember that obesity greatly increases your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.) These women tend to have:\n\n* More endocannabinoids circulating in their blood\n* Fewer CB1 receptors in their peripheral nervous system\n* Less of an enzyme that’s responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids in the body \n\nWe also know that activation of CB1 receptors increases appetite and promotes weight gain. This is one of the reasons why [cannabis is known for making you hungry](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5ab1e34bf24d1300077ccb94/the-science-behind-how-cannabis-can-boost-your-appetite): When you consume cannabis, THC attaches to these receptors, leading to the “munchies.” Because of this, it’s thought that substances that block attachment sites on CB1 (like THCV) could be useful in managing as well as preventing diabetes. \n\nMoreover, studies also indicate that the ECS could influence beta-cells—the cells in the pancreas that produce the all-important insulin. That said, the extent of the ECS’s role in this context is still up for debate. \n\nSo, given what we know, could manipulating this system by adding phytocannabinoids from cannabis have a positive effect on both type 1 and type 2 diabetes? \n\n### Cannabis May Have Beneficial Effects in Type 1 Diabetes Patients\n\nFew studies have addressed the use of cannabis for type 1 diabetes, but those that have been done are encouraging. Researchers have studied the effects of both THC and CBD in mice with diabetes that arises from an autoimmune dysfunction.  \n\nScientists found that [THC could lessen the severity of the body’s immune response](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11357882); it was able to reduce both elevated glucose levels and insulin loss in mice.\n\nIn studies involving CBD, researchers found that the phytocannabinoid could both [stop the onset](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17714746) and [lower the incidence of](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16698671) autoimmune-induced diabetes. Another study also found that [CBD could reduce inflammation in the pancreas](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27767974)—the organ where insulin is made.  \n\n### Cannabis May Help Folks With Type 2 Diabetes Better Metabolize Carbohydrates\n\nIn contrast with type 1 diabetes, much more research has been done on type 2 diabetes and cannabis. A few studies have shown that [cannabis consumers are less likely to be obese](https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/174/8/929/155851), have a lower body-mass index and overall are [less likely to get diabetes](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27747490)—even when controlling for factors like exercise, age and sociodemographics. \n\nThough we still don’t know the mechanism behind this action, cannabis seems to allow for better metabolization of carbohydrates. In one study published in the _American Journal of Medicine_, [current marijuana use was associated with 16% lower insulin levels](https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/e929/11164cce4d520d20be733a258e6803a370b1.pd). Insulin levels are a measure of insulin resistance; high levels are a sign that the body isn’t using insulin properly and often indicate prediabetes. \n\n### THCV, Not CBD, May Help Reduce Glucose Levels in Type 2 Diabetics\n\nThese studies have indicated that there’s a promising link between cannabis use and a decreased incidence of diabetes, so much so that there’s actually clinical research on the matter. A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in _Emerging Technologies and Therapeutics_ studied the use of CBD and THCV on patients with type 2 diabetes. \n\nResearchers found that THCV alone reduced glucose levels, while also improving the function of beta-cells, which make the hormone insulin. \n\nThough there’s been much interest surrounding THCV as an appetite suppressant and weight-loss tool, this study didn’t find that THCV helped patients lose weight. This doesn’t mean that the phytocannabinoid is devoid of these effects, but that perhaps the amount given wasn’t sufficient enough, says [Dr. Perry Solomon](https://www.hellomd.com/people/54cc02df6465320003000000/Perry%20Solomon,%20MD), HelloMD’s chief medical officer.\n\nConversely, the researchers found that CBD had no effect on glucose levels—in spite of previous research that suggested it could. To this, Dr. Solomon again noted that dosing could be a factor. \n\n“In this study, the amount of CBD used was 200mg a day. There’s some suggestion in the literature that higher doses are needed to have an effect on blood glucose levels,” he says. \n\nOverall, both CBD and THCV were well-tolerated by the test subjects, with no side effects noted. \n\n“There will be further research in using THCV with diabetics,” says Dr. Solomon. “Whether it will be shown that THCV can be used as a dietary aid remains to be seen in other studies.” \n\nStudies on cannabis and its effect on blood sugar are promising, and cannabis entrepreneurs are taking note. The previously mentioned study was conducted by GW Pharmaceuticals, a company that’s hoping to use cannabis to develop a drug that’ll reduce the need for insulin injections. With increased urbanization across the globe, the incidence of diabetes will likely rise in the years to come, making this condition a public health concern—and making diabetes medications all the more necessary. \n\nPhoto credit: [Ana-Maria Nichita](https://unsplash.com/@anamarianct)\n\n If you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGQAAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUCAwQG/8QAFgEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQAC/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAGSzplRYysMf//EABkQAQEBAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIDARIhI//aAAgBAQABBQKstw8Nm12gzUVh61xhf//EABURAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAh/9oACAEDAQE/AYf/xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAESH/2gAIAQIBAT8B1H//xAAeEAACAQMFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIhQWEDERKRsf/aAAgBAQAGPwJwi2rifo+VXgctOthRTybOT7P/xAAdEAEAAgICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAABABEhMUFRYXGB/9oACAEBAAE/IaDZoGa9xGHF/RGPTZsYg9bbYi1Wkp4ln7pOE//aAAwDAQACAAMAAAAQO9//xAAWEQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABECH/2gAIAQMBAT8QgL//xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABACH/2gAIAQIBAT8QdZLv/8QAHhABAQADAAEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAREAITFhQVGhwfH/2gAIAQEAAT8QZNuJVtVD6v15x4y+tTlWfuauyX0BqazulNFKSnzhxxSJo2p5zS5lansl5n//2Q==","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/f6ac437183d3ab3b689935e1f8ef7d51/14b42/60cdefdd16ad04dc0298a4e58f31d8ee.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f6ac437183d3ab3b689935e1f8ef7d51/f836f/60cdefdd16ad04dc0298a4e58f31d8ee.jpg 200w,\n/static/f6ac437183d3ab3b689935e1f8ef7d51/2244e/60cdefdd16ad04dc0298a4e58f31d8ee.jpg 400w,\n/static/f6ac437183d3ab3b689935e1f8ef7d51/14b42/60cdefdd16ad04dc0298a4e58f31d8ee.jpg 800w,\n/static/f6ac437183d3ab3b689935e1f8ef7d51/47498/60cdefdd16ad04dc0298a4e58f31d8ee.jpg 1200w,\n/static/f6ac437183d3ab3b689935e1f8ef7d51/0e329/60cdefdd16ad04dc0298a4e58f31d8ee.jpg 1600w,\n/static/f6ac437183d3ab3b689935e1f8ef7d51/5ee98/60cdefdd16ad04dc0298a4e58f31d8ee.jpg 2583w","srcWebp":"/static/f6ac437183d3ab3b689935e1f8ef7d51/58556/60cdefdd16ad04dc0298a4e58f31d8ee.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f6ac437183d3ab3b689935e1f8ef7d51/61e93/60cdefdd16ad04dc0298a4e58f31d8ee.webp 200w,\n/static/f6ac437183d3ab3b689935e1f8ef7d51/1f5c5/60cdefdd16ad04dc0298a4e58f31d8ee.webp 400w,\n/static/f6ac437183d3ab3b689935e1f8ef7d51/58556/60cdefdd16ad04dc0298a4e58f31d8ee.webp 800w,\n/static/f6ac437183d3ab3b689935e1f8ef7d51/99238/60cdefdd16ad04dc0298a4e58f31d8ee.webp 1200w,\n/static/f6ac437183d3ab3b689935e1f8ef7d51/7c22d/60cdefdd16ad04dc0298a4e58f31d8ee.webp 1600w,\n/static/f6ac437183d3ab3b689935e1f8ef7d51/11c87/60cdefdd16ad04dc0298a4e58f31d8ee.webp 2583w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2665-markdown","title":"4 Easy Ways to Manage Seasonal Allergies","slug":"4-easy-ways-to-manage-seasonal-allergies","content":"Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, can be triggered by various substances like dust and pet hair. Pollen from ragweed, grass and other plants is also a common culprit. People tend to experience an uptick of allergy symptoms in the spring, summer and fall, when flowers and trees are in bloom. \n\nWhen your body comes in contact with an allergen, your immune system reacts by releasing histamine, a molecule that’s involved in the body’s inflammatory response. This response can trigger seasonal allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and a scratchy throat. In some cases, allergies can trigger asthma or asthma-like symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing and coughing.  \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThe most common way to address hay fever symptoms is via antihistamines—drugs that prevent histamine from binding to certain receptors in the body, thus stopping your body’s inflammatory response. \n\nHowever, if antihistamines don’t quite do the job, or you don’t enjoy the side effects that can come with them—like dry mouth, dizziness and drowsiness, there are a number of alternatives you can try, including cannabis. \n\n### 1. Minimizing Your Exposure to Allergens Can Reduce Hay Fever Symptoms\n\nReducing your exposure to allergens might lessen your symptoms during hay fever season, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. If your reactions are triggered by pollen, it’s a good idea to keep track of daily pollen reports.\n\nWhen the counts are high, try to limit your time outside, and wear eyewear to reduce eye exposure. If you go outside, take a shower afterwards to remove pollen that may have caught on your hair and clothes.  \n\nPets can track pollen into the house, so if you’re out with the dog, brushing them off before going inside can help keep your home clean. You can also install an air filtration system in your house, or purchase a portable one to reduce airborne allergens. Additionally, keep the windows of your home closed, especially during times when the pollen count is high.\n\nIn general, it’s also a good idea to vacuum your home regularly to remove not only pollen, but other possible allergens like dust and pet dander. And [if you need some motivation to clean your house, the right kind of cannabis can help](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5ab093a5f24d1300077ccb90/top-5-marijuana-strains-to-get-your-spring-cleaning-on). \n\n### 2. Cannabis’s Anti-Inflammatory Properties May Help During Allergy Season \n\nCannabis can help you clean your house of allergens, but it may also mediate your body’s immune response and thus ease allergy symptoms. While there’s no clinical evidence that points to marijuana helping with allergies, the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—the network of receptors in your body that cannabis works on—plays a role in how your body responds to allergens. \n\nRELATED: [DO YOU HAVE CLINICAL ENDOCANNABINOID DEFICIENCY?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59b2191f214a9d000dd6a3fe/do-you-have-clinical-endocannabinoid-deficiency)\n\nResearch suggests that the ECS may dampen your body’s inflammatory reaction to allergens via a number of different mechanisms. The pathway that has relevant applications to hay fever has to do with the ECS and mast cells, white blood cells that release certain compounds—including histamine—as part of your body’s immune response. \n\nStudies show that the components of the ECS have a role in mast cell function, and thus could be the key to controlling the body’s overreaction to certain substances during allergy season. For example, anandamide, a molecule that attaches to receptors in the ECS, can stop the release of inflammatory compounds that cause the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Anandamide is similar in structure and function to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). \n\nTHC and cannabidiol (CBD) are active compounds in cannabis that impart many of the plants benefits. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that could help manage the body’s allergic response. One study in guinea pigs found that [THC reduced coughing and restriction of airways in the lungs](http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/353/1/169). And another found that [CBD could also help with lung constriction](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23428645), a property that could make it useful in the treatment of asthma symptoms. \n\nIf you’re thinking of using cannabis to help you get through allergy season, avoid inhalable options like vape pens and joints, as they may exacerbate your symptoms. \n\n### 3. Acupuncture Could Moderate the Body’s Response to Allergens\n\nClinical trials suggest that acupuncture can treat seasonal allergies, but the mechanism on how it works is still unknown. In truth, while many studies suggest that acupuncture is an effective form of treatment for many conditions, [we’re just beginning to understand how it works](https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/acupuncture-treatment-for-allergic-rhinitis-why-should-physicians-recommend-it.pdf). That said, research indicates that [the endocannabinoid system is involved](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a6267098425e40008273a32/how-acupuncture-interacts-with-the-endocannabinoid-system). \n\nA small study of 38 human subjects published in _The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine_ shed light on [how acupuncture might affect the body’s immune response](https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2000.6.519). The researchers measured blood levels of certain immune factors in subjects who received acupuncture and those who didn’t. They found that acupuncture both improved the subjects’ general well-being and altered these immune factors in a way that reduced the subjects’ asthma symptoms.  \n\nAll clinical studies involving acupuncture and seasonal allergies have been small, causing some concern among scientists about their validity. Additionally, the technique can be hard to placebo, making the design of such studies difficult.  \n\nWhile acupuncture seemed to improve study subjects’ quality of life and help with hay fever symptoms, researchers point out that larger trials still need to be conducted. They also add that the technique should be studied against other forms of allergy treatment like the use of antihistamines and intranasal sprays. \n\n### 4. Reishi Mushrooms May Help Ease Seasonal Allergy & Asthma Symptoms \n\nReishi mushrooms (_Ganoderma lucidum_) have been long-studied in China and Japan for their numerous medicinal properties—among them the ability to modulate different aspects of the immune system. Thus, it’s no surprise that many traditional Chinese remedies for allergies contain this fungus. \n\nA study in the _Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology_ compared the effects of prednisone, an anti-inflammatory steroid, and a blend of three Chinese herbs on asthma symptoms in 91 human subjects. The main ingredient of this blend was 20 grams of a [raw Reishi mushroom extract](https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2005/10/18/Herbal-alternative-for-asthma-shows-promise?n=63278-chinese-medicine-asthma-ephedrine#). \n\nAt the end of the four-week study period, researchers found that the Chinese herbal blend was a safe and effective way to treat asthma. They measured the blood serum levels of several immune factors and found that the herbal blend changed them in a way that brought the immune system back into balance. \n\nThey also noted that the blend reduced lung inflammation and eased airways—results that could benefit asthma patients. Moreover, the herbal blend group had fewer adverse effects on their adrenal function than the prednisone group did. \n\nLike most conditions, there’s no silver bullet for seasonal allergy symptoms. But by incorporating multiple methods and taking measures like cleaning your house and installing air filters, you can manage your symptoms so they have less of an impact on your day-to-day life. \n\nPhoto credit: [Elijah Hail](https://unsplash.com/@elijahhail)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/14b42/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/f836f/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.jpg 200w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/2244e/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.jpg 400w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/14b42/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.jpg 800w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/47498/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.jpg 1200w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/0e329/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.jpg 1600w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/de132/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.jpg 3638w","srcWebp":"/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/58556/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/61e93/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.webp 200w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/1f5c5/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.webp 400w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/58556/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.webp 800w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/99238/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.webp 1200w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/7c22d/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.webp 1600w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/833d2/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.webp 3638w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2638-markdown","title":"How Does Cannabis Affect Your Eyes?","slug":"how-does-cannabis-affect-your-eyes","content":"Red, bloodshot eyes have always been a tell-tale sign of marijuana consumption—a temporary phenomenon that’s due to the effects of cannabis on blood pressure. But cannabis can also affect the eyes in other ways. Now, some research suggests that the neuroprotective and antioxidant properties of marijuana compounds cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may be able to support vision and offer some protection against common diseases of the eye and optic nerve.\n\n### Cannabis & the Eyes: A Complicated Relationship\n\nRelatively [little research has been done on how—or whether—cannabis can affect vision](https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/studies-look-at-effects-of-marijuana-on-vision), prevent any of the common eye diseases or relieve symptoms of those diseases. While some studies propose that cannabis has clear benefits for eye health, others claim the opposite, that cannabis can actually harm vision and the pathways for processing visual information in the brain. Complicating that picture are the many accounts by cannabis consumers themselves, who say that cannabis makes vision sharper and reduces the symptoms of glaucoma, a common eye disease.  \n\nThe effects of cannabis on the eyes and the overall visual system come from the interaction of a number of factors, including the unique responses of a person’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the type of cannabis they use. All these things can affect the various parts of the visual system, including the tissues of the eye itself, the optic nerve, and the neural pathways in the brain that process and store visual information.  \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThe ECS is a vast network of receptors found in tissues and organs throughout the body. These receptors are activated both by cannabinoids produced by the body itself and by the very similar ones found in cannabis, which is why consuming cannabis has such a diverse range of health benefits. The tissues of the eye contain large numbers of the most common cannabinoid receptor, CB1, and so do many areas of the brain. This means that consuming cannabis in any form can trigger responses in various parts of that visual system—but those responses can be highly variable.\n\n### New Research Suggests Marijuana May Improve Vision\n\nThe first studies on how cannabis affects vision seemed to demonstrate that those effects were either non-existent or negative. This research proposed that cannabis causes a delay in the processing of visual information in the brain, so that there could be a lag time between seeing something and taking action in response to it, such as making decisions while driving, moving or picking up objects. Other research based on interviewing cannabis consumers about their vision revealed that [some people felt that they saw better while taking cannabis, others felt their vision was worse](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28422803), and some didn’t report any change at all.  \n\nBut those differences could be explained by factors including the kind of cannabis a person used, how often they used it and under what circumstances—and even the amount of CB1 receptors an individual has in given areas of the body. What’s more, the activity of those receptors can be affected by numerous factors such as the number of natural cannabinoids in a person’s system or other health conditions that affect the ECS in general. Those variations mean that cannabis can have a range of different effects on different people.\n\nNow, though, recent research that takes into account new discoveries about the ECS reveals a different and far more positive picture. The [action of cannabinoids on CB1 receptors in the eye, particularly the retina, seems to increase visual sensitivity in low light](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4987138/) and may also increase visual contrast—the ability to pick out things from their background. Though the research involved tadpoles, not humans, these insights could have implications for people whose work requires good night vision, or for those who have problems with distinguishing between things of similar color or brightness.\n\n### Cannabis May Treat Glaucoma\n\n[Cannabis has also shown promise in treating glaucoma](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S007961230801131X)—a serious eye disorder in which intraocular pressure is too high. This can cause fluid to build up inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness. The conventional treatment for glaucoma is medicated eye drops, which work to bring intraocular pressure down to normal levels. But some glaucoma patients and eye specialists report that cannabis can also help reduce intraocular pressure and help preserve eyesight.\n\nRELATED: [MEDICAL MARIJUANA PRESERVES VISION AND REDUCES GLAUCOMA PAIN](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55c27a1d65613800063c0000/medical-marijuana-preserves-vision-and-reduces-glaucoma-pain)\n\nThis is because cannabis, particularly THC, lowers blood pressure—the same effect that’s responsible for the famous red eyes that accompany cannabis use. Cannabis relaxes and dilates blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow. And in the eye, it appears to have the same pressure-reducing effects.\n\nBut ophthalmologists and other vision specialists have been reluctant to embrace marijuana as a treatment for glaucoma. They say that its effects are only temporary and that cannabis has too many other effects on the brain and the rest of the body for them to recommend it.\n\n### Marijuana & Other Eye Diseases\n\nResearch on the impact of cannabis on eye health has been limited and that includes studies about [whether cannabis can affect other common eye problems](https://unitedpatientsgroup.com/blog/2016/10/30/cannabis-macular-degeneration) such as cataracts and macular degeneration, a condition that tends to affect older adults. \n\nBut [marijuana has documented effects as a neuroprotectant](https://www.marijuana.com/news/2017/01/the-neuro-protective-properties-of-cannabinoids/), capable of supporting the health of nerves and the neurons that transmit information within the brain. This means it may also be able protect the optic nerve in general.\n\nCannabis, especially strains high in CBD also have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This allows cannabis to help protect cells from oxidative stress and other processes that contribute to their breakdown and death.  \n\nThese properties may mean that cannabis can increase the rate of cell survival in the eyes and support the overall health of eye tissues. In this way, cannabis helps to protect the eyes against factors that contribute to the development of cataracts or macular degeneration, as well as less-common kinds of retinopathies. \n\nMany conditions can affect the eyes as well as the entire visual processing system. But because this system is rich in ECS receptors, the well-known properties of cannabis as a neuroprotectant and antioxidant may have an important role to play in keeping eyes healthy for life.\n\nPhoto credit: [Jordan Whitfield](https://unsplash.com/@whitfieldjordan)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/c7c6f03e8695475f4e92e1cd48330148/14b42/623d295b98cc622048071144e0386924.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c7c6f03e8695475f4e92e1cd48330148/f836f/623d295b98cc622048071144e0386924.jpg 200w,\n/static/c7c6f03e8695475f4e92e1cd48330148/2244e/623d295b98cc622048071144e0386924.jpg 400w,\n/static/c7c6f03e8695475f4e92e1cd48330148/14b42/623d295b98cc622048071144e0386924.jpg 800w,\n/static/c7c6f03e8695475f4e92e1cd48330148/47498/623d295b98cc622048071144e0386924.jpg 1200w,\n/static/c7c6f03e8695475f4e92e1cd48330148/0e329/623d295b98cc622048071144e0386924.jpg 1600w,\n/static/c7c6f03e8695475f4e92e1cd48330148/8dc6c/623d295b98cc622048071144e0386924.jpg 3081w","srcWebp":"/static/c7c6f03e8695475f4e92e1cd48330148/58556/623d295b98cc622048071144e0386924.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c7c6f03e8695475f4e92e1cd48330148/61e93/623d295b98cc622048071144e0386924.webp 200w,\n/static/c7c6f03e8695475f4e92e1cd48330148/1f5c5/623d295b98cc622048071144e0386924.webp 400w,\n/static/c7c6f03e8695475f4e92e1cd48330148/58556/623d295b98cc622048071144e0386924.webp 800w,\n/static/c7c6f03e8695475f4e92e1cd48330148/99238/623d295b98cc622048071144e0386924.webp 1200w,\n/static/c7c6f03e8695475f4e92e1cd48330148/7c22d/623d295b98cc622048071144e0386924.webp 1600w,\n/static/c7c6f03e8695475f4e92e1cd48330148/85f5a/623d295b98cc622048071144e0386924.webp 3081w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2632-markdown","title":"Can Cannabis Help With Motor Function in Parkinson’s Patients?","slug":"can-cannabis-help-with-motor-function-in-parkinsons-patients","content":"A growing number of folks in the medical marijuana community believe that cannabis’s therapeutic properties will have great applications for neurodegenerative diseases in the years to come. One of these types of conditions that receives a lot of attention is Parkinson’s disease, a disorder that affects the part of the brain where dopamine is made. \r\n\r\nDopamine is responsible for relaying messages in the brain that have to do with mood, behavior, sleep and cognition. In Parkinson’s disease, the cells in your brain that make dopamine slowly die off, reducing the overall amount of dopamine available to carry out normal functions. As these dopamine-making cells die, proteins build up inside of them, further worsening the disease. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Anecdotal Reports Abound on Cannabis Helping Ease Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease\r\n\r\nMedical marijuana occasionally makes an appearance on educational materials about Parkinson’s disease. There have been anecdotal reports from patients that the plant can help ease various symptoms such as anxiety, depression, muscle rigidity, pain and insomnia. These reports come as no surprise to many of those in the medical marijuana community, even if science has yet to conclusively prove them to be true. \r\n\r\nGiven the myriad reports of cannabis’s benefits from Parkinson’s disease patients, have there been any studies conducted on the matter? [Marijuana has been shown to have neuroprotective qualities in a few animal studies](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17672854), but very few clinical studies have been conducted involving humans.\r\n\r\n### Clinical Study Fails to Find CBD an Effective Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease\r\n\r\nOne such study comprised [the largest double-blind exploratory trial on Parkinson’s to date](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25237116). And yet the study was actually quite small, consisting of three groups with seven subjects each.\r\n\r\nEach group was given one of the following: a placebo; 75 mg of cannabidiol (CBD) a day; or 300 mg of CBD a day for six weeks. For the placebo and 300 mg CBD groups, the researchers saw a significant improvement in functioning and well-being, but no difference in motor issues associated with Parkinson’s disease.\r\n\r\nRELATED: [HOW CANNABIDIOL, OR CBD, CAN HELP WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a999166f24d1300077ccb6c/how-cannabidiol-or-cbd-can-help-with-parkinsons-disease)\r\n\r\nA few patients with Parkinson’s disease have anecdotally stated online that cannabis helps with motor dysfunction. This study didn’t corroborate these reports, but there could be many reasons why: “It could have been because the sample size was too small or the [CBD] dosage wasn’t the amount needed to yield any significant improvement,” says [Dr. Perry Solomon](https://www.hellomd.com/people/54cc02df6465320003000000/Perry%20Solomon,%20MD), HelloMD’s chief medical officer. \r\n\r\n“These findings don’t mean that cannabis can’t help with Parkinson’s. It’s just that this study wasn’t able to prove the efficacy of cannabis in treating the symptoms of this disease,” he adds. Studies like these show us how much more work needs to be done, and they highlight the need for larger, more focused research on this topic. \r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [David Sager](https://unsplash.com/search/photos/david-sager)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/184f829a24966c7860a5d8dda274edf6/14b42/4a8852f625d8aec8594200ed35b398e6.jpg","srcSet":"/static/184f829a24966c7860a5d8dda274edf6/f836f/4a8852f625d8aec8594200ed35b398e6.jpg 200w,\n/static/184f829a24966c7860a5d8dda274edf6/2244e/4a8852f625d8aec8594200ed35b398e6.jpg 400w,\n/static/184f829a24966c7860a5d8dda274edf6/14b42/4a8852f625d8aec8594200ed35b398e6.jpg 800w,\n/static/184f829a24966c7860a5d8dda274edf6/47498/4a8852f625d8aec8594200ed35b398e6.jpg 1200w,\n/static/184f829a24966c7860a5d8dda274edf6/0e329/4a8852f625d8aec8594200ed35b398e6.jpg 1600w,\n/static/184f829a24966c7860a5d8dda274edf6/6f35c/4a8852f625d8aec8594200ed35b398e6.jpg 3594w","srcWebp":"/static/184f829a24966c7860a5d8dda274edf6/58556/4a8852f625d8aec8594200ed35b398e6.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/184f829a24966c7860a5d8dda274edf6/61e93/4a8852f625d8aec8594200ed35b398e6.webp 200w,\n/static/184f829a24966c7860a5d8dda274edf6/1f5c5/4a8852f625d8aec8594200ed35b398e6.webp 400w,\n/static/184f829a24966c7860a5d8dda274edf6/58556/4a8852f625d8aec8594200ed35b398e6.webp 800w,\n/static/184f829a24966c7860a5d8dda274edf6/99238/4a8852f625d8aec8594200ed35b398e6.webp 1200w,\n/static/184f829a24966c7860a5d8dda274edf6/7c22d/4a8852f625d8aec8594200ed35b398e6.webp 1600w,\n/static/184f829a24966c7860a5d8dda274edf6/91ac5/4a8852f625d8aec8594200ed35b398e6.webp 3594w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2599-markdown","title":"3 Popular Questions About Marijuana & Seniors Answered","slug":"3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-seniors-answered","content":"People may associate marijuana with a younger crowd, but more and more seniors are turning to the cannabis plant to help ease pain associated with conditions such as glaucoma, dementia and arthritis. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, [between 2006 and 2013, the number of Americans 65 and older who consume marijuana went up 250%](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/why-are-more-seniors-using-marijuana#modal-close). \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nIt’s understandable that people are turning away from intense pharmaceuticals with harmful side effects, but can cannabis really help with conditions we face later in life? Here are three popular Q&As from our Answers page detailing how cannabis may be able to help with conditions like glaucoma, arthritis and dementia. If you have a question about a senior condition, post it on our website and someone from our knowledgeable community will be able to point you in the right direction. \n\n### Q. Is marijuana the best treatment for glaucoma or are the traditional meds far superior at this point?\n**_ My friend still smokes several times a day for his glaucoma, but from my understanding the pharma drugs are actually better for this than marijuana at this point. He is anti-pill and likes his weed. We argued about this last week and I want a doctor's opinion so we know who is right._** \n\nAnswer: @dredmunds Traditional medications are well-established for the treatment of glaucoma. It is important that you determine a target intraocular pressure with your ophthalmologist and then be followed closely. First line therapy is typically pharmacologic or laser therapy (not surgery). If pharmacologic therapy is chosen one current recommendation is topical prostaglandin. If mono therapy is not sufficient, another topical (beta blocker) may be added.\n\nFrom what we know, I would consider marijuana to be a complimentary or supplemental therapy to your medication; and this decision should be arrived upon with the guidance of your ophthalmologist. Cannabis does decrease intraocular pressure, and it also has neuroprotective properties, so it may be helpful in the treatment and prevention of progression in glaucoma.\n\n### Q. CBD for motor problems in dementia?\n**_I have read this: (I copied and pasted the quote below)\n“To treat movement problems (Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s, dementia): 3 to 5 mg of cannabidiol (CBD) oil per pounds of body weight daily. If you weigh 150 lbs, that would be 450 to 750 mg daily.”_**\n\n**_Do you know anything about this? My mother has dementia and is losing the ability to walk. I give her about 200 mg of CBD and it works fantastic for her agitation and anxiety, but she walks even less now. Should increase the dose? any suggestion?_**\n\nAnswer: @drelkind You do not say where that quote comes from and I want to be clear that there is no medical literature defining CBD doses for ANYTHING. CBD is remarkably benign in the human body and there are essentially no reports of toxicity, but at the same time there is no body of clinical studies defining a dosage range for any condition. Most reports of using CBD for various conditions are basically anecdotal, and the kind of dose-response information you are seeking is still folk medicine, not based on medical science. It is also not clear to me what other factors might be affecting you mother's ambulation, so the best I can suggest is that increasing the CBD dose is unlikely to cause any adverse effects and if the lack of walking is from CBD related sedation her response will likely be to walk less. If it helps, then I would not be concerned about a modest increase in dose unless other symptoms appear.\n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e90Sdyg2XDk`\n\n### Q. Arthritis\n**_What is the best strain to treat arthritis and stay somewhat lucid? I have bad osteoarthritis (OA) and an intense, fast-paced job. Thanks in advance!_**\n\nAnswer: @chearpear I would recommend a high-CBD strain like Harle-Tzu. It has great anti-inflammatory characteristics. A topical with this type of strain plus ingredients like peppermint, lavender, arnica, and emu oil all help to decrease inflammation and pain. You don't need a product high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). You need a product that focuses on the inflammation. Also, a change in diet is vital. Look into an anti-inflammatory diet which eliminates red meat, sugar, wheat and dairy. Eat simple, organic foods that heal and support, and don’t cause inflammation.\n\nRead more answers to this question\n\nPhoto credit: [Elena Saharova](https://unsplash.com/@eessoo)\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-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/4012e07364ac16af41b9f227d5d48b6e/14b42/842cb426e4db81e807e94f0b75085893.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4012e07364ac16af41b9f227d5d48b6e/f836f/842cb426e4db81e807e94f0b75085893.jpg 200w,\n/static/4012e07364ac16af41b9f227d5d48b6e/2244e/842cb426e4db81e807e94f0b75085893.jpg 400w,\n/static/4012e07364ac16af41b9f227d5d48b6e/14b42/842cb426e4db81e807e94f0b75085893.jpg 800w,\n/static/4012e07364ac16af41b9f227d5d48b6e/47498/842cb426e4db81e807e94f0b75085893.jpg 1200w,\n/static/4012e07364ac16af41b9f227d5d48b6e/0e329/842cb426e4db81e807e94f0b75085893.jpg 1600w,\n/static/4012e07364ac16af41b9f227d5d48b6e/017f4/842cb426e4db81e807e94f0b75085893.jpg 3630w","srcWebp":"/static/4012e07364ac16af41b9f227d5d48b6e/58556/842cb426e4db81e807e94f0b75085893.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4012e07364ac16af41b9f227d5d48b6e/61e93/842cb426e4db81e807e94f0b75085893.webp 200w,\n/static/4012e07364ac16af41b9f227d5d48b6e/1f5c5/842cb426e4db81e807e94f0b75085893.webp 400w,\n/static/4012e07364ac16af41b9f227d5d48b6e/58556/842cb426e4db81e807e94f0b75085893.webp 800w,\n/static/4012e07364ac16af41b9f227d5d48b6e/99238/842cb426e4db81e807e94f0b75085893.webp 1200w,\n/static/4012e07364ac16af41b9f227d5d48b6e/7c22d/842cb426e4db81e807e94f0b75085893.webp 1600w,\n/static/4012e07364ac16af41b9f227d5d48b6e/ef33f/842cb426e4db81e807e94f0b75085893.webp 3630w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2613-markdown","title":"Top 5 Senior Conditions That Can Be Treated With Cannabis","slug":"top-5-senior-conditions-that-can-be-treated-with-cannabis","content":"In our golden years, we hope for a stress-free retirement, time to spend with family and maybe even a few adventures here and there. But what many of us also have to contend with is the potential for health problems. As we age, certain physical ailments seem to crop up—failing eyesight, stiff joints, and increased aches and pains. \n\nNormally, senior citizens are prescribed a host of pharmaceuticals to ease pain from varying conditions. But one treatment that mature Americans are increasingly seeking out is medicinal cannabis. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, [cannabis consumption in people aged 55–64 rose from 1.1% to 6.1% from 2002–2014](https://www.livescience.com/57504-why-more-older-americans-smoking-marijuana.html), making them one of the fastest-growing groups of cannabis consumers.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nBut can marijuana really help with health conditions faced by seniors? The compounds in the cannabis plant, cannabinoids, bind to our endocannabinoid receptor system (ECS). [The ECS is extensive, with receptors in nearly every part of the body](https://hellomd.com/articles/is-your-endocannabinoid-system-in-balance) including the pelvic area, gut and brain. That’s why cannabis can treat such a range of conditions in a variety of areas—the effective compounds in the plant can reach so many places because of its interaction with the ECS. \n\nSo, let’s see how medical marijuana can help combat the health conditions that become more prevalent as we age.\n\n### 1. Cannabis Can Ease the Pain of Glaucoma\n\nStudies as far back as the 1970s show that [cannabis eases interocular pressure](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/468444). This pressure buildup is a result of fluid not draining properly from the eye and is one of the most painful glaucoma symptoms.  \n\n[The American Glaucoma Society is cautious yet hopeful about using medicinal cannabis to treat glaucoma](http://www.americanglaucomasociety.net/patients/position_statements/marijuana_glaucoma)  and related eye problems. There’s some new research suggesting cannabinoid receptors are present in eye tissue—so the possibility exists for marijuana to target the actual eyeball, not just the pressure around it. There are also trials testing cannabis’s neuroprotective properties, with the thinking that marijuana could have a positive effect on optic nerves. \n\nMost patients suffering from vision issues smoke or vape marijuana, but researchers and anecdotal evidence report that interocular pressure is only relieved for short amounts of time—when the marijuana’s effects wear off, so do the benefits for people suffering from glaucoma. Apparently, a cannabis eye drop is in the works, but not available yet. So along with other therapies, cannabis edibles or tinctures high in cannabidiol (CBD) are advised because their effects last longer than vaping or smoking does. \n\n### 2. Arthritis Sufferers Say Marijuana Relaxes Joints & Muscles\n\nArthritis is an umbrella term for a variety of joint disorders that can result in mild stiffness to deformity. Traditional arthritis therapies like cortisone injections and opioids can carry serious side effects like nerve damage and breathing difficulties, respectively. \n\nSince CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, marijuana strains and products that are rich in this cannabinoid seem to work well for people with arthritis. Some arthritis sufferers smoke or vape cannabis while some choose tinctures or sublinguals as a smoke-free consumption method. But [many opt for marijuana topicals as a way to treat a specific area](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-soothes-arthritis-pain). Plus, since cannabis used on the skin typically doesn’t reach the bloodstream (with the exception of transdermal patches), psychoactive effects are highly unlikely. \n\n### 3. Topical Cannabis Is An Effective Way to Treat Shingles\n\nShingles results from a dormant virus, the same that causes chicken pox, that reactivates later in life. It’s usually characterized by a painful rash or blisters that typically show up on the torso, but can also affect the arms, face and chest. Besides the unsightly rash, the pain from the virus is what most sufferers remember about the condition—and nerve pain may linger for months or even years after the rash disappears.\n\nFor pain, many people reach for a fast-acting vape pen. Vaping cannabis, like smoking, results in near immediate effects. Still, [many folks with shingles like to apply a topical marijuana product right on the affected areas](https://hellomd.com/articles/marijuana-and-shingles). A high-CBD salve, balm or oil can provide localized relief, quelling pain and decreasing inflammation. \n\n### 4. Cannabis’s Neuroprotective Properties Can Combat Dementia\n\nMemory problems are part of many people’s aging journey. On one side of the spectrum is forgetting where you put your keys, but on the other side are serious conditions like ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Alzheimer’s and dementia. \n\nIn Alzheimer’s disease, proteins are thought to block the space between the brain cells that are responsible for memory. A 2016 study showed that the cannabinoid [tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has the power to clear those proteins from the brain](https://www.salk.edu/news-release/cannabinoids-remove-plaque-forming-alzheimers-proteins-from-brain-cells/). THC has also been shown to help with appetite, sleep and anxiety—symptoms that are also experienced by dementia patients. \n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS COUNSELING: HELPING DEMENTIA & CANCER PATIENTS FIND RELIEF](https://hellomd.com/articles/medical-cannabis-counseling-helping-dementia-and-cancer-patients-find-relief)\n\nAs far as cannabis products for dementia go, it really depends on personal preference. For more mental clarity, an uplifting sativa like [Jack Herer](https://hellomd.com/strains/jack-herer) would be a good option for daytime consumption. At nighttime, an ideal strain might be [Bubba Kush](https://hellomd.com/strains/bubba-kush). Bubba Kush is an indica strain that’s said to aid in relaxation and sleep, and it’s also reported to stimulate appetite—a problem some Alzheimer’s patients suffer from. \n\nIf vaping or smoking isn’t a desired consumption method, try sublinguals. Most people feel the effects of sublinguals in as little as 10–15 minutes. Edibles might also be a good option as they’re smoke-free, and the effects last longer than other cannabis consumption methods. \n\n### 5. For Tinnitus & Hearing Issues, Turn to Marijuana\n\nTinnitus patients suffer from persistent ringing, hissing or buzzing in their ears. Throughout history, doctors thought that tinnitus was a result of something wrong with the ear, but now researchers are confident that it’s actually caused by the brain—or a breakdown in how the brain interprets signals sent by the ear. \n\nResearch on the brain’s plasticity—its ability to change and learn to react to new stimuli—shows that it’s influenced by the ECS. An animal study from 2009 found that the [brain’s circuits that break down with a tinnitus diagnosis are positively influenced by the ECS](http://www.pnas.org/content/108/18/7601), giving people hope that cannabis can be a viable therapy for hearing issues. \n\nBesides easing tinnitus symptoms, cannabis has the potential to help those with hearing issues relax as well as ease related symptoms like insomnia, depression and irritability. Because of CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, tinctures or cannabis flower that are high in CBD are a good place to start.\n\nAs we get on in years, we don’t have to accept poor health as a given. Ask your doctor if cannabis can be part of a holistic way to treat any health condition you’re confronting later in life—so you can have those adventures you dreamed of no matter what your age.  \n\nPhoto credit: [Lotte Meijer](https://unsplash.com/@lottemeijerfotografie)\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-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's private, easy and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGAAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIDBAX/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAFNk+SKWD//xAAcEAEAAQQDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAQADEhMRFCL/2gAIAQEAAQUC1xZrISW+Vj51tT13X//EABQRAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABD/2gAIAQMBAT8BP//EABQRAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABD/2gAIAQIBAT8BP//EABkQAAIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARASFBEP/aAAgBAQAGPwJutHEjgvmH/8QAGxAAAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERYSExQYH/2gAIAQEAAT8hXVcmOG9E2hJG7B3BiUp9Lj//2gAMAwEAAgADAAAAEMAP/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAwEBPxA//8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAgEBPxA//8QAHRABAAICAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARIVExcWGR0f/aAAgBAQABPxBsFijIXyQ7klGtLXcJ4PBUQCb12Z4vqXmwFFBN/vfk/9k=","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/1ca9e00b4544f9c39b707fe07001a54c/14b42/1595b6da50c5ad58ebe69443f1f3022c.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1ca9e00b4544f9c39b707fe07001a54c/f836f/1595b6da50c5ad58ebe69443f1f3022c.jpg 200w,\n/static/1ca9e00b4544f9c39b707fe07001a54c/2244e/1595b6da50c5ad58ebe69443f1f3022c.jpg 400w,\n/static/1ca9e00b4544f9c39b707fe07001a54c/14b42/1595b6da50c5ad58ebe69443f1f3022c.jpg 800w,\n/static/1ca9e00b4544f9c39b707fe07001a54c/47498/1595b6da50c5ad58ebe69443f1f3022c.jpg 1200w,\n/static/1ca9e00b4544f9c39b707fe07001a54c/0e329/1595b6da50c5ad58ebe69443f1f3022c.jpg 1600w,\n/static/1ca9e00b4544f9c39b707fe07001a54c/80bea/1595b6da50c5ad58ebe69443f1f3022c.jpg 3954w","srcWebp":"/static/1ca9e00b4544f9c39b707fe07001a54c/58556/1595b6da50c5ad58ebe69443f1f3022c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1ca9e00b4544f9c39b707fe07001a54c/61e93/1595b6da50c5ad58ebe69443f1f3022c.webp 200w,\n/static/1ca9e00b4544f9c39b707fe07001a54c/1f5c5/1595b6da50c5ad58ebe69443f1f3022c.webp 400w,\n/static/1ca9e00b4544f9c39b707fe07001a54c/58556/1595b6da50c5ad58ebe69443f1f3022c.webp 800w,\n/static/1ca9e00b4544f9c39b707fe07001a54c/99238/1595b6da50c5ad58ebe69443f1f3022c.webp 1200w,\n/static/1ca9e00b4544f9c39b707fe07001a54c/7c22d/1595b6da50c5ad58ebe69443f1f3022c.webp 1600w,\n/static/1ca9e00b4544f9c39b707fe07001a54c/6ef45/1595b6da50c5ad58ebe69443f1f3022c.webp 3954w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2617-markdown","title":"Can Mothers Turn to Cannabis to Ease Postpartum Depression? ","slug":"can-mothers-turn-to-cannabis-to-ease-postpartum-depression","content":"Pregnancy and motherhood can be wonderful—but both come with distinct challenges. For thousands of recent mothers, the reality of their new life manifests in postpartum depression (PPD). The most commonly cited statistics about moms suffering from PPD in America are probably flawed. According to Health & Human Services, [15% of mothers in the United States suffer from postpartum depression](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3918890/#R14).\r\n\r\nBut this number is almost certainly low; it only accounts for women who report their symptoms. This statistic also doesn’t include those who’ve experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or postpartum psychosis. Postpartum Progress a community for women suffering from postpartum mood disorders, reports [nearly 950,000 women in America experience postpartum depression every year](http://www.postpartumprogress.com/). \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\nIf Postpartum Progress’ number is more accurate, then nearly one million American women are experiencing PPD right now. So, what are their lives like and what treatments are available to them?\r\n\r\n### What Is Postpartum Depression?\r\n\r\nPPD is a psychiatric major depressive disorder that affects women most commonly in the first six months after giving birth. According to Health & Human Services, the [psychosocial risk factors associated with PPD](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11570712) include:\r\n\r\n* Major depressive disorders before or during pregnancy \r\n* Anxiety during pregnancy\r\n* Medical complications during pregnancy or birth \r\n* Stressful life events during pregnancy \r\n* Poor social support \r\n* Marital conflict \r\n* Low income\r\n* Immigrant status\r\n* Past alcohol or substance abuse issues\r\n* Young maternal age\r\n\r\nA woman’s hormone levels change significantly during and after pregnancy. The rise and fall of hormones can cause mood issues, including depressive thoughts and erratic behavior. In the first couple weeks immediately after giving birth, [it’s normal for up to 85% of mothers to experience the “baby blues.”](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3918890/) From a biochemical perspective, women experience a dramatic drop in both estrogen and progesterone after delivery. Lowered levels of both of these hormones can cause a period of mood swings, sleep issues, anxiety and depression. \r\n\r\nBecoming a mother is a major upheaval for both brain and body. There are an immense number of changes and physical trauma that need time to heal. Not to mention new moms are typically sleep and nutrition deprived, two things that can make women more vulnerable to the baby blues and, ultimately, PPD. \r\n\r\n### Symptoms of Postpartum Depression\r\n\r\nHow do you know if you have PPD? If the baby blues persist for longer than one month after birth, the odds are you’re dealing with postpartum depression. \r\n\r\n Other symptoms include:\r\n\r\n* Feeling defeated and being constantly overwhelmed\r\n* Guilt about your performance as a mother\r\n* Lack of bonding with your baby\r\n* Feelings of anger \r\n* Numbness \r\n* Lack of appetite or need to over eat \r\n* Too much or far too little sleep\r\n* Thoughts of suicide or violence \r\n\r\n### Common Treatments for Postpartum Depression\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to PPD, some of the most common treatments offered by doctors today are prescribing Prozac, Xanax, Valium, Ativan and Ambien. These pharmaceutical drugs are intended to counteract depressive thoughts and anxiety, and to encourage sleep. But these medications also come with some pretty serious side effects, from irritability to blurred vision and cognitive impairment. What’s worse is these drugs can also lead to dependency and addiction. \r\n\r\nIf a woman does decide to try pharmaceuticals to treat PPD, they may work for a while. But eventually, you can build up tolerances to these medications thereby eroding their effectiveness. The combination of these factors leaves some women feeling desperate for help but without any viable solutions. \r\n\r\n### Marijuana for Postpartum Depression\r\n\r\nLet’s begin with a clear disclaimer: HelloMD doesn’t promote cannabis ingestion of any kind for women who are breastfeeding. Current research suggests that cannabinoids are passed through breast milk to children and can result in negative side effects for babies. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [IS CANNABIS SAFE FOR BREASTFEEDING MOMS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a8a1474f24d1300077ccb50/is-cannabis-safe-for-breastfeeding-moms)\r\n\r\nBut for women who are suffering from PPD and aren’t breastfeeding, cannabis could be a better and safer alternative to other anti-anxiety and anti-depression drugs that are commonly prescribed. It’s well known that, with the right dose, cannabis is an [effective anti-depressant](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55c101d766653800060c0000/depression-sufferers-find-relief-in-medical-marijuana) for both men and women.\r\n\r\nBut when it comes to new mothers, there’s a specific reason why cannabis can be a godsend for those struggling with depression. And like most things about women’s health, it’s all about hormones. \r\n\r\nWhen estrogen and progesterone levels drop as they do immediately after giving birth, women can experience uneven mood, just like what happens during a woman’s period. Mood issues arise because, in part, low estrogen levels mean low anandamide levels. \r\n\r\nAnandamide is an endocannabinoid that helps regulate mood and appetite and creates feelings of joy—hence its nickname “the bliss molecule.” [Anandamide is responsible for all sorts of good feelings](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a949d06f24d1300077ccb66/eating-anandamide-the-bliss-molecule), like a runner’s high during exercise or the euphoria you feel when taking a big bite out of a chocolate bar. \r\n\r\nSo, odds are most new mothers, thanks to their whacky hormone levels, are operating with very low levels of anandamide. Luckily, cannabis can help right this imbalance. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, happens to share an almost identical chemical structure with anandamide and interacts with the same receptors throughout the body. And cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid known for its lack of psychoactive effects, helps block the breakdown of the natural anandamide in our bodies. \r\n\r\nIn short, THC replaces anandamide in the body, and CBD protects what little natural anandamide new mothers have. Cannabis is also known to help with [sleep](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55e5c6573236300006350000/medical-marijuana-could-help-insomniacs-sleep-better), [anxiety](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55a40a5f66313700063c0000/does-marijuana-ease-anxiety) and [decreased appetite](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5632b5db1e481f000c000036/the-science-of-getting-the-munchies-and-why-it-helps-the-critically-ill), three additional symptoms of PPD. \r\n\r\nWhile cannabis may not cure postpartum depression, it can help relieve its symptoms. In a HelloMD interview with [Foria](https://www.hellomd.com/biz/5760c7d0e4599e00070000d7/foria), a leading cannabis brand focused on women’s health, the Foria team expressed the positive outcomes that many of their clients had when using CBD to battle postpartum depression. For mothers who aren’t breastfeeding, cannabis could be the natural treatment option for easing PPD. \r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Laura Lee Moreau](https://unsplash.com/@laura_lee)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online. ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/559de11a9e940490bdab1c4913f0117c/14b42/8490900fd679f0f4ac25626b12195693.jpg","srcSet":"/static/559de11a9e940490bdab1c4913f0117c/f836f/8490900fd679f0f4ac25626b12195693.jpg 200w,\n/static/559de11a9e940490bdab1c4913f0117c/2244e/8490900fd679f0f4ac25626b12195693.jpg 400w,\n/static/559de11a9e940490bdab1c4913f0117c/14b42/8490900fd679f0f4ac25626b12195693.jpg 800w,\n/static/559de11a9e940490bdab1c4913f0117c/47498/8490900fd679f0f4ac25626b12195693.jpg 1200w,\n/static/559de11a9e940490bdab1c4913f0117c/0e329/8490900fd679f0f4ac25626b12195693.jpg 1600w,\n/static/559de11a9e940490bdab1c4913f0117c/85195/8490900fd679f0f4ac25626b12195693.jpg 2700w","srcWebp":"/static/559de11a9e940490bdab1c4913f0117c/58556/8490900fd679f0f4ac25626b12195693.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/559de11a9e940490bdab1c4913f0117c/61e93/8490900fd679f0f4ac25626b12195693.webp 200w,\n/static/559de11a9e940490bdab1c4913f0117c/1f5c5/8490900fd679f0f4ac25626b12195693.webp 400w,\n/static/559de11a9e940490bdab1c4913f0117c/58556/8490900fd679f0f4ac25626b12195693.webp 800w,\n/static/559de11a9e940490bdab1c4913f0117c/99238/8490900fd679f0f4ac25626b12195693.webp 1200w,\n/static/559de11a9e940490bdab1c4913f0117c/7c22d/8490900fd679f0f4ac25626b12195693.webp 1600w,\n/static/559de11a9e940490bdab1c4913f0117c/a9f42/8490900fd679f0f4ac25626b12195693.webp 2700w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2606-markdown","title":"How Cannabidiol, or CBD, Can Help With Parkinson's Disease","slug":"how-cannabidiol-or-cbd-can-help-with-parkinsons-disease","content":"Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the substantia nigra, a section of the brain where dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is made. Neurotransmitters carry messages throughout your body via electrical and chemical signals; it’s through these signals that your brains receives the instructions to carry out everyday activities. \n\nDopamine regulates mood, behavior, sleep and cognition. In Parkinson’s disease, the brain cells that make dopamine progressively stop working, and as these cells die, protein bundles build up inside of them, causing inflammation and further compounding the disease. Thus, it’s no surprise that Parkinson’s patients experience hardship in these key life mechanisms; hardships that can diminish their quality of life. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nTo find a cure—or at least slow the disease’s progression, researchers are taking a closer look at cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant.  \n\n### CBD May Help Relieve the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease\n\nSmall studies have found that CBD, which has little to no psychoactivity, can help [psychosis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18801821) and [improve sleep quality](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24845114) in Parkinson’s disease patients. As well, anecdotal evidence indicates CBD may provide far-reaching symptom relief. \n\nIt’s not surprising that many patients report that CBD alleviates their symptoms: Among those in the medical marijuana community, CBD is known to help ease anxiety, depression, insomnia, muscle rigidity and pain—all of which are associated with Parkinson’s disease or are side effects of medications involved in a traditional treatment regimen for the disease.\n\nA small double-blind exploratory trial consisting of 21 Parkinson’s disease patients found that [participants who took 300 mg of CBD a day had higher quality of life scores](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25237116), as opposed to those taking the placebo dose. While these results were vague and the study group small, the study nevertheless indicates that CBD could be beneficial, and should serve as encouragement for future studies. \n\nSome folks with Parkinson’s have already caught on to CBD’s benefits. [Jan Lavelle](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57a7cefba123030007ba033a/how-cannabis-helped-me-find-relief-from-parkinsons-disease) is a wellness consultant who was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease at age 44; she takes a CBD tincture three times a day.\n\n“When people see me, and they find out that I've had Parkinson’s for eight years, they always say it doesn't seem like it,” she says.\n\nJan credits her CBD regimen in helping with her movement, relaxing her muscles and easing pain. Jan takes CBD like you would a supplement—half a dropperful of an 8:1 CBD to THC tincture, under the tongue, three times a day. \n\n“It took me probably a month or so just to get it in my system. I didn't feel it right away,” she says. She also notes that CBD is just one part of her strategy for managing her disease: Jan follows a healthy diet and exercises daily. \n\nRELATED: [A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO LIVING WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a3c033a100a820006562f35/a-holistic-approach-to-living-with-parkinsons-disease)\n\n### Can CBD Treat Parkinson’s Disease? \n\nParkinson’s disease has no cure, and existing therapies only relieve symptoms or supply the body with dopamine; none address the destruction of dopamine-producing brain cells, which is the root cause of the disorder. Researchers are looking at CBD’s anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in hopes of alleviating symptoms and perhaps even slowing, stopping and reversing disease progression.\n\n“The most promising aspect of cannabis to help Parkinson's patients, as well as any other neurodegenerative disease, lies in the plant’s anti-inflammatory properties, which impart nerve protection and possible reduction of amyloid buildup in brain cells,” says Dr. Perry Solomon, HelloMD’s chief medical officer.\n\nAmyloid is a protein that’s normally found throughout the body, but in Alzheimer’s disease it divides improperly, forming plaque in the brain that interferes with cerebral function. Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s share common characteristics like the buildup of proteins in the brain, and it’s thought that some drugs that treat Alzheimer’s could also help Parkinson’s patients.\n\nDr. Solomon points to lab research in mice that used a combination of [tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD to reduce amyloid buildup](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25125475), resulting in improved memory. \n\nResearch also suggests that CBD can help with reducing inflammation caused by microglial cells. Microglial cells in the brain “clean up” debris in neurodegenerative disorders, but there’s a caveat: The cleaning actions of microglia can be detrimental to surrounding cells. In patients with Parkinson’s disease, activated microglia are often found near dying, dopamine-producing cells.\n\nResearchers think that controlling this microglial action could have neuroprotective benefits. A study in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease suggests that [CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties weaken the actions of these microglial cells](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17592514).\n\nAnd lastly, studies in rats have also shown that CBD is neuroprotective. According to a study published in 2007, [CBD protected brain cells that projected into the substantia nigra](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17672854)—the part of the brain that’s affected in Parkinson’s disease and other neurological diseases. \n\nWhile these preclinical studies show much promise in developing effective treatments for Parkinson’s disease, much more work needs to be conducted—especially trials that have large sample sizes and clear objectives. Until then, Parkinson’s patients like Jan Lavelle will continue to use CBD and other cannabis constituents to manage the symptoms of their disease. \n\nPhoto credit: [Marina Durán](https://unsplash.com/@aguamarina)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/bd96d5a5dbe20b68ea085452692b824d/14b42/4250a8b8d66106aa9335806973228941.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bd96d5a5dbe20b68ea085452692b824d/f836f/4250a8b8d66106aa9335806973228941.jpg 200w,\n/static/bd96d5a5dbe20b68ea085452692b824d/2244e/4250a8b8d66106aa9335806973228941.jpg 400w,\n/static/bd96d5a5dbe20b68ea085452692b824d/14b42/4250a8b8d66106aa9335806973228941.jpg 800w,\n/static/bd96d5a5dbe20b68ea085452692b824d/47498/4250a8b8d66106aa9335806973228941.jpg 1200w,\n/static/bd96d5a5dbe20b68ea085452692b824d/0e329/4250a8b8d66106aa9335806973228941.jpg 1600w,\n/static/bd96d5a5dbe20b68ea085452692b824d/8e64b/4250a8b8d66106aa9335806973228941.jpg 2420w","srcWebp":"/static/bd96d5a5dbe20b68ea085452692b824d/58556/4250a8b8d66106aa9335806973228941.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bd96d5a5dbe20b68ea085452692b824d/61e93/4250a8b8d66106aa9335806973228941.webp 200w,\n/static/bd96d5a5dbe20b68ea085452692b824d/1f5c5/4250a8b8d66106aa9335806973228941.webp 400w,\n/static/bd96d5a5dbe20b68ea085452692b824d/58556/4250a8b8d66106aa9335806973228941.webp 800w,\n/static/bd96d5a5dbe20b68ea085452692b824d/99238/4250a8b8d66106aa9335806973228941.webp 1200w,\n/static/bd96d5a5dbe20b68ea085452692b824d/7c22d/4250a8b8d66106aa9335806973228941.webp 1600w,\n/static/bd96d5a5dbe20b68ea085452692b824d/86d6d/4250a8b8d66106aa9335806973228941.webp 2420w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2535-markdown","title":"3 Popular Questions About Marijuana & Crohn’s Disease Answered","slug":"3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-crohns-disease-answered","content":"Life with Crohn’s disease can be downright painful—and mentally exhausting, too. With symptoms such as frequent diarrhea, acute abdominal pain, cramping and constipation, folks not only have to deal with physical suffering, but also worry about what will happen if they find themselves with no bathroom in sight. \n\nResearch from the past few years shows that the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis can help ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. [Compounds found in marijuana seem to mimic naturally occurring molecules inside the body](https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.source.php?sourceID=000412) that have been shown to lower intestinal inflammation. This means that not only can cannabis help with pain, but it can also give Crohn’s sufferers a better quality of life.\n\nHere are three of our most popular questions about how marijuana could help those with Crohn’s disease. The answers were provided by doctors, cannabis industry veterans and seasoned cannabis consumers in our [Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) section. Head there to ask a question of your own whenever you’re unsure about anything cannabis-related. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Q: I want to get the medical benefits of cannabis for Crohn's, without the high. What should I be taking?\n**_I've started with drops of a 20:1 CBD:THC tincture. Is this a good ratio or would 10:1 be more effective?_**\n\nAnswer: [@PiantaTinta](https://www.hellomd.com/people/55d608756363370006440000/piantatinta) With the people I’ve worked with that have digestive issues, what has worked the best is either a 4:1 CBD/THC ratio or a 1:1 ratio. The THC is very helpful in relaxing the gut...with the 1:1 ratio product it depends on dosing, with larger dosing you might get a mild \"high.”\n\n### Q: Which topical product would you recommend for muscle/joint aches associated with Crohn's?\n\nAnswer: [@drolson](https://www.hellomd.com/people/550c5a786336370003010000/drolson) I would suggest a CBD-dominant cream. And when using the topical CBD-dominant cream, do not forget to treat your spine. Typically, when a person has Crohn's disease or in any kind of G.I. distress, they may also notice of backache and this is called the visceral somatic response. \n\nWhen the viscera, the G.I. system (your guts), become inflamed, the nerves that go to the spine pick up on the inflammation so in order to stop inflammation in the body you also want to treat the nerves in the spine that correspond to the area of your body that is inflamed. To calm the G.I. system, you would apply the topical CBD-dominant cream to your spine beginning about the level of the bottom of your scapula tip to the waistline. If you apply the cream every hour during your waking hours you likely will achieve long extended periods of pain relief in approximately one week.\n\n[Read more answers to this question](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/5a3c52d977a88f000694a915/which-topical-product-would-you-recommend-for-muscle-joint-aches-associated-with-crohns).\n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS SHOWS PROMISE AS A TREATMENT FOR CROHN’S DISEASE AND COLITIS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/561d5de53233340006be0000/cannabis-shows-promise-as-a-treatment-for-crohns-disease-and-colitis)\n\n### Q: How to approach my doctor about using medical marijuana for Crohn’s remission.\n\n**_My son was diagnosed with Crohn’s in 2011. He was mostly symptom free until December 2015 when he took an antibiotic for strep throat which led to a severe flare. He was prescribed 60mg of prednisone and placed on remicade infusions. This combination made him feel awful, and he wasn't getting better. The pain was terrible and he was taking oxycodone just to get through the day. When the pain was more than he could take, we would make trips to the ER and spend 5–6 days in the hospital at a time trying to get the inflammation under control. Finally, in April he had surgery. Now we are wondering what to do to keep the Crohn’s in remission. He doesn't want to do the remicade anymore, and he is absolutely done with steroids. He has done a lot of research on medical marijuana and Crohn’s, but doesn't know how to approach the subject with his doctor. It’s something he wants to try, but doesn't think his doctor will be on board with it._**\n\nAnswer: [@dredmunds](https://www.hellomd.com/people/5695961d38c92e000a00006e/dredmunds) Doctor's tend to like data, and a literature search on Crohn's disease and cannabis will reveal an abundance of data supporting cannabis for the treatment of Crohn's disease. You might want to bring in an article written for the lay-person that references several studies, such as [\"Worth Repeating: Medical Marijuana Defeat's Crohn's Disease\"]( http://blog.sfgate.com/smellthetruth/2016/03/12/worth-repeating-medical-marijuana-defeats-crohns-disease/) published in SF Gate.\n\nAs this article points out, there have been several studies using cellular, animal and human models indicating that marijuana may not only be used for treating the symptoms of Crohn's disease (such as cramping, pain, and nausea) but may also reverse the disease process by modulating the immune system and decreasing inflammation. As a result, many patients have been able to wean off corticosteroids, opiates, and anti-inflammatory drugs and even potentially prevent surgeries necessitated by disease.\n\n[Read more answers to this question](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/5745dfe439d9d4000800002f/how-to-approach-my-doctor-about-using-medical-marijuana-for-crohns-remission).\n\nPhoto credit: [Mitchell Hollander](https://unsplash.com/@mitchellsh)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/14b42/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/f836f/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.jpg 200w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/2244e/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.jpg 400w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/14b42/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.jpg 800w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/47498/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/0e329/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.jpg 1600w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/04d0c/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.jpg 3733w","srcWebp":"/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/58556/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/61e93/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.webp 200w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/1f5c5/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.webp 400w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/58556/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.webp 800w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/99238/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.webp 1200w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/7c22d/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.webp 1600w,\n/static/f8b71db1f223bad11b5a2e31553c0fbc/14f09/e249d2de9ce0e3a3c8c3b22e7028179f.webp 3733w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2513-markdown","title":"3 Popular Questions About Marijuana & Depression Answered","slug":"3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-depression-answered","content":"Depression is something that the majority of us face at some point or another—according to the World Health Organization, 350 million people suffer from depression worldwide. Most treatments for depression may include therapy or some kind of pharmaceutical like Cymbalta, Zoloft or Prozac.\n\nBut cannabis has been used as a treatment for depression for hundreds of years, and now people are re-discovering the plant’s mood-uplifting properties. Marijuana can combat depression because it works with our endocannabinoid system to boost compounds that regulate everything from appetite to memory to mood.\n\nWe’ve compiled the most popular questions from our [Answers](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) page exploring the use of marijuana to alleviate depression. If you think you may want to add cannabis to your depression treatment, please consult with your doctor first.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/564935726915516/united-states/san-francisco-california/hellomd/)\n\n### Q: What type of cannabis can be taken for depression?\n\nAnswer: [@ddlim](https://www.hellomd.com/people/59c02607064564000f877688/ddlim) \nHi there, I'm not an MD, but I can tell you that depression is a very common reason for people to use medical marijuana. You really just need to experiment and find the right strains/products for you. Take a look at this [article](https://hellomd.com/articles/top-5-marijuana-strains-for-depression/), which lists some good strains for depression.\n\nThere are also a number of holistic approaches you can take in addition to cannabis. This  [article](https://hellomd.com/articles/holistic-ways-to-ease-depression-and-anxiety) goes over some of these.\n\n[Read more answers to this question](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/5a3c2f1377a88f000694a910/what-type-of-cannabis-can-be-taken-for-depression).\n\n### Q: I would like to know the best type of marijuana for depression and anxiety.\n\nAnswer: [@dneice](https://www.hellomd.com/people/57a8fc7bfb4f670009231822/dneice) In discussing mood disorders, I like to separate the discussion into two parts: symptom relief and alleviation of the possible underlying cannabinoid deficiency that may be contributing to your depression and anxiety.\n\nFor immediate symptom relief of depression, the sativa and sativa-dominant strains such as Jack Herer, Blue Dream, Green Crack, and a host of others work. However, if you also have anxiety, sativas have been known to increase this. \nFor anxiety, strains like Grand Daddy Purps, among others, seem to work. You’ll have to find the strains that work for you and one may work better at one time and another may work better at another. The terpenes in cannabis also contribute to your sense of wellbeing and I would investigate aromatherapy as a less expensive and perhaps more effective way to get the terpenes into your system.\n\nTo alleviate the chronic condition of depression and anxiety, I would suggest taking a high CBD/low THC tincture to start two to three times a day, but base your dosage on the recommendation of whatever brand you purchase. We have found that CBD patches and different ratio patches 18:1 or 4:1 (CBD:THC) patches work as well. These modes of administration allow for consistent bio availability and thus allow your body to work full time on helping you get better (contrasted with smoking, which only gives your body three to six hours of bioavailability). We have seen a lifting of mood within a day or two, but sometimes longer.\n\nOn another note, moderate exercise, meditation, and watching what you eat (start taking an Omega 3 supplement and avoid processed foods) can also help with mood disorders.\n\nRELATED: [TOP MARIJUANA STRAINS FOR DEPRESSION](https://hellomd.com/articles/top-5-marijuana-strains-for-depression/)\n### Q: Which strain is ideal for a serotonin deficiency?\n\nAnswer: [@drkim]( https://www.hellomd.com/people/5896394f4c4b960008abd774/drkim) Hello, and thank you for the great question.\n\nFor a reduction in the symptoms of depression, I recommend a very small dose of sativa or, even better, obtaining a vaporizer pen from hmbldt.com which was specifically formulated for depression; it can also be dosed precisely. http://hmbldt.com/pen-bliss/\n\nThere’s preliminary research that has shown low doses of cannabis to activate serotonergic neurons, thereby increasing serotonin—and has even been shown to exert potent antidepressant-like properties in the rat forced-swim test (FST). However, the same study showed that higher doses of cannabis actually reduced serotonergic action from baseline.\nhttp://www.jneurosci.org/content/27/43/11700\n\nConsidering the above, it becomes clear that cannabis is best used at the lowest dose and frequency possible to address your depression. There is both scientific and a plethora of anecdotal evidence that heavy cannabis use can lead to the worsening of depression.\nhttp://www.jneurosci.org/content/27/43/11700\n\n`embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhPPyAVlVe4`\n\nPhoto credit: [Andrew Neel](https://unsplash.com/@andrewtneel)\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) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/29afde536ff79eb08feaea1d2bd0b43c/14b42/25868ea822460190e56e2240b1cd1582.jpg","srcSet":"/static/29afde536ff79eb08feaea1d2bd0b43c/f836f/25868ea822460190e56e2240b1cd1582.jpg 200w,\n/static/29afde536ff79eb08feaea1d2bd0b43c/2244e/25868ea822460190e56e2240b1cd1582.jpg 400w,\n/static/29afde536ff79eb08feaea1d2bd0b43c/14b42/25868ea822460190e56e2240b1cd1582.jpg 800w,\n/static/29afde536ff79eb08feaea1d2bd0b43c/47498/25868ea822460190e56e2240b1cd1582.jpg 1200w,\n/static/29afde536ff79eb08feaea1d2bd0b43c/0e329/25868ea822460190e56e2240b1cd1582.jpg 1600w,\n/static/29afde536ff79eb08feaea1d2bd0b43c/77d93/25868ea822460190e56e2240b1cd1582.jpg 3600w","srcWebp":"/static/29afde536ff79eb08feaea1d2bd0b43c/58556/25868ea822460190e56e2240b1cd1582.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/29afde536ff79eb08feaea1d2bd0b43c/61e93/25868ea822460190e56e2240b1cd1582.webp 200w,\n/static/29afde536ff79eb08feaea1d2bd0b43c/1f5c5/25868ea822460190e56e2240b1cd1582.webp 400w,\n/static/29afde536ff79eb08feaea1d2bd0b43c/58556/25868ea822460190e56e2240b1cd1582.webp 800w,\n/static/29afde536ff79eb08feaea1d2bd0b43c/99238/25868ea822460190e56e2240b1cd1582.webp 1200w,\n/static/29afde536ff79eb08feaea1d2bd0b43c/7c22d/25868ea822460190e56e2240b1cd1582.webp 1600w,\n/static/29afde536ff79eb08feaea1d2bd0b43c/d4378/25868ea822460190e56e2240b1cd1582.webp 3600w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2521-markdown","title":"A Holistic Approach to Living With Parkinson’s Disease","slug":"a-holistic-approach-to-living-with-parkinsons-disease","content":"Conventional therapeutic approaches to Parkinson’s disease usually involve surgery and medications to address symptoms and supply the body with dopamine. However, patients can also undertake a number of holistic lifestyle changes to improve their quality of life. Researchers, nutritionists and patients advocate for a healthy diet, regular exercise, sound sleep and a positive outlook on life—all of which cannabis can help support. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### Marijuana as Part of a Healthy Diet for Parkinson’s Patients\r\n\r\nNerve cell inflammation in Parkinson’s disease is thought to contribute to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain—research indicates that [decreasing inflammation in affected areas may help slow progression of the disease](https://www.spandidos-publications.com/mmr/10/5/2223). Therefore, a diet rich in antioxidants and aimed at reducing inflammation may be beneficial to Parkinson’s patients. And incorporating cannabis into that diet—which has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties—may also be helpful. \r\n\r\n“The first thing I always ask people is, ‘What do you eat?’” says [Liz Rudner](https://www.hellomd.com/people/56d528d2d63ac30003000180/moonmans), an expert in holistic wellness who works with Parkinson’s patients. “It all starts with food—if you’re eating well, your body is going to react to that.”\r\n\r\nLiz is also the cofounder of MoonMan’s Mistress, a company that focuses on nutrient-dense edibles for the health conscious and those with dietary restrictions. She incorporates cannabis into her products because of its health benefits. “We really see ourselves as a health and wellness brand that just happens to be in the cannabis space,” Liz explains. \r\n\r\n“With Parkinson’s disease, it’s all about phytocannabinoids and omegas—things that are going to be anti-inflammatory. We want to make sure our ingredients won't cause additional inflammation in the body—they should help reduce it,” she says. \r\n\r\nRELATED: [3 POPULAR QUESTIONS ABOUT MARIJUANA & PARKINSON’S DISEASE ANSWERED](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a2ec309100a820006562ebd/3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-parkinsons-disease-answered)\r\n\r\nWellness Consultant [Jan Lavelle](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57a7cefba123030007ba033a/how-cannabis-helped-me-find-relief-from-parkinsons-disease) was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease eight years ago and began incorporating cannabis into her lifestyle as a supplement. She’s also careful about what she eats, making sure that it’s “as close to the earth as possible.”  \r\n\r\nJan takes a CBD tincture three times a day, which she says helps with movement, stiffness, pain and any kind of discomfort. She adds that it took her about a month or so for the tincture to build up in her system. “People take [CBD] and think they are going to feel good right away—it’s not like that,” she says. \r\n\r\n### Marijuana Can Help Parkinson’s Patients Sleep\r\n\r\nGetting adequate sleep is an essential component to any healthy lifestyle, and people with Parkinson’s disease often suffer from insomnia due to many factors, including pain, side effects from medications, and psychological issues such as anxiety and depression. \r\n\r\n“I don’t know anyone with Parkinson’s disease who doesn't have sleeping issues,” says Jan. “Sleep is more important than anything...It restores and revamps your body. If you can take something natural to help you sleep—that’s key.”\r\n\r\nPreliminary research suggests that [cannabidiol (CBD) can help treat insomnia, while tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can help you fall asleep faster](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11920-017-0775-9), though the latter may also have an effect on the quality of sleep. However, [plenty of cannabis users report having success treating insomnia](http://www.beyondthc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Tringale-Jensen-20111.pdf) with the use of either THC or CBD, or even both—it all depends on the user. \r\n\r\nJan says that CBD tends to keep her up, so she uses CBD tinctures during the day and smokes an indica strain at night because of its immediate effects. “It totally relaxes your body; it’s all I use for sleep,” she says. \r\n\r\nLiz also notes that she’s seen her clients’ sleep improve with cannabis consumption: “The most radical change I’ve noticed is one patient was sleeping an hour a day, and now she’s sleeping 5.5 hours a day after a week [of working with us].” \r\n\r\n### Exercise is Key for Parkinson’s Disease Patients & Cannabis Can Help \r\n\r\nVisit the webpage of any organization or foundation dedicated to Parkinson’s disease, and you’ll notice it touting the benefits of an exercise regimen. Research has found that a [comprehensive and structured exercise program can help improve mobility in Parkinson’s patients](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mds.21922/full) and may even have [neuroprotective](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3136051/) and [neurorestorative](http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/19532109) benefits—in other words, exercise may help slow or even reverse disease progression.\r\n\r\n[Jamel Ramiro](https://www.hellomd.com/people/57aa65444059f8000b62a8f7/jamel), Liz’s cofounder in MoonMan’s Mistress, is also a personal trainer who specializes in movement; he works with Parkinson’s patients by creating exercises to develop their balance. \r\n\r\nOne patient Jamel works with also boxes, which Jamel says has many benefits. “With boxing, you do a lot of repetitive combos: pad work, hand drills, jab crosses and uppercuts—that exercises your mind and the footwork involved provides you with balance.”  \r\n\r\nJamel says that this particular patient likes to use CBD to recover after his workouts. Indeed, some [professional athletes use cannabis in their training regimen](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/599a051e503739404aa2215d/nfl-to-conduct-study-on-pain-management-and-cannabis) because its anti-inflammatory nature helps them recuperate after an intense workout. It seems consuming cannabis post-workout can also help some Parkinson’s patients in the same way. \r\n\r\nJan also exercises, although her approach is a bit different—she prefers practicing Iyengar yoga, hiking, and pursuing activities that emphasize slow movement and breath work. She’s even attended a Qigong retreat for Parkinson’s patients, saying that it was both comforting and inspiring to see so many people changing the narrative of what it’s like to live with Parkinson’s disease. \r\n\r\n### Cannabis Can Help Maintain Mental Health in Parkinson’s Patients\r\n\r\nThe visible symptoms of Parkinson’s disease—pain, rigidity and difficulty moving—often overshadow the mental health issues that some patients face. Jan has firsthand experience with this, saying, “With diseases like this…there’s no cure; it’s so easy to get depressed.” \r\n\r\nThe endocannabinoid system is known to be involved in the stress response, and a 2007 study by McGill University found that [low doses of THC could act as an effective antidepressant](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071023183937.htm) in animal models. Perhaps this is why many people say that cannabis helps maintain their mental health. \r\n\r\nJan, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 44, lives a very full life: She runs her own bookkeeping company, has a 12-year-old son and is physically active. She’s dedicated to healthy living—finding a way to wind down after a long day is important for her mental health, she says. She also emphasizes the importance of being open-minded and having a positive outlook. For Jan, cannabis helps with all of these aspects.  \r\n\r\n“My most relaxed state comes from THC because it takes me out of my day and out of my head. I’m not good at relaxing, so smoking marijuana at night lets me mellow out,” she says.\r\n\r\n### Holistic Living Is a Commitment When It Comes to Managing Parkinson’s Disease\r\n\r\nBoth Liz and Jan make one thing clear: For Parkinson’s patients to truly see improvements with a holistic approach, they must make a commitment to living a healthy lifestyle.\r\n\r\n“There is no push button fix,” says Liz. “You have to eat well, you have move well, and you have to sleep well—you have to do all three. Any time you take one of those components out, that’s when your body starts shutting down.”\r\n\r\nJan agrees and goes on to say that cannabis can only do so much—embracing healthy living is key, and cannabis is only one part of the puzzle. \r\n\r\n“It’s a combination—you have to do everything. I feel like I’m getting stronger every day. I don’t think anyone in my yoga class would know that I have Parkinson’s,” she says.   \r\n\r\nPhoto credit: [Aaron Ang](https://unsplash.com/@aaronandrewang)\r\n\r\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  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