Survey: 42% of People Replaced Pharmaceuticals with Marijuana Compounds

In the largest survey to date on cannabidiol (CBD) usage, researchers found that nearly half of people using the products were able to quit using pharmaceutical drugs – something the pharmaceutical industry has long feared would happen.

The Brightfield Group and HelloMD – an online community that brings together doctors and cannabis patients – surveyed 2,400 people from HelloMD’s community of 150,000 members about their usage of CBD products and their effectiveness. [1]

Bethany Gomez, Director of Research for Brightfield Group, said:

“This study is exciting because it shows there is potentially a huge barely-tapped market for CBD products that could improve the lives of many people. With further research and public education, CBD could be an effective alternative treatment for many people, particularly at a time when our nation is in the midst of an opioid crisis.” [2]

Though the federal government has expressed wishes to crack down on medical marijuana, the facts show that CBD and other cannabis products are already helping people prevent and overcome opioid addiction. States with medical marijuana laws see decreased opioid use. A 2014 study found that cannabinoids may make it easier for the body and brain to detox from cocaine, amphetamines, and other hard-to-kick drugs.

Survey Findings

Before we go into the results of the survey, let’s have a crash course (or a refresher course) on cannabinoids and what they do.

Of the many cannabinoids found in marijuana, there are 2 primary ones taking the spotlight – CBD and THC. Both have medicinal qualities. THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis that gives users a feeling of being “high,” is an analgesic. By comparison, CBD does not have psychoactive qualities, but has anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, and anti-convulsive properties.

Of the community members who participated in the survey, vaping was the preferred method of CBD consumption. The majority of CBD-only users were women (58%), and women accounted for 55% of CBD users, overall. It was the men who favored THC-dominant products. [3]

The conditions most commonly treated with CBD were depression, insomnia, anxiety, and joint pain. Participants also listed muscle tension or strain, migraines or tension headaches, severe or chronic pain, arthritis, and nausea as conditions they eased with CBD.

CBD worked so well for these conditions, in fact, that 42% said they were able to quit using traditional medications. Participants were able to kick to the curb prescription drugs like Vicodin and Ambien, as well as over-the-counter (OTC) meds including Tylenol (70%), Bengay, and even certain herbal and other natural remedies.

Unsurprisingly, 90% of respondents said they would purchase cannabis products again.

Moreoever, slightly more than 40% of those surveyed said the CBD product they used was “much more effective” than OTC products, and about 30% said the same of CBD’s efficacy compared with prescription products.

Dr. Perry Solomon, Chief Medical Officer of HelloMD, said:

“We are seeing an exponential rise in the interest of CBD products from our patient community—particularly among women. While we still have much to learn about CBD, we cannot ignore this one fact; the majority of those using CBD product today receive great benefit. This has the potential for far-reaching consequences.” [2]

Supporting Past and Other Current Findings

Earlier this year, a survey showed that 63% of respondents said they had replaced their pharmaceuticals with cannabis. This poses a clear and present danger to drug companies, which is why so many are helping to fund anti-legalization efforts.

One such company is Insys Therapeutics. The company fought medical marijuana in Arizona, and the drug maker received DEA approval early in 2017 for a synthetic marijuana drug.

Help me figure this one out, readers: Marijuana is a Schedule I substance, but Insys’ synthetic THC drug, Syndros is only a Schedule II – the federal government’s way of deeming Syndros less dangerous than the actual plant you grow, pick, dry, and smoke. [4]

I think we need to re-evaluate our collective stance on this much vilified plant.

Sources:

[1] Forbes

[2] The Fresh Toast

[3] Understanding Cannabidiol

[4] The Washington Post

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About Julie Fidler:
	Julie Fidler is a freelance writer, legal blogger, and the author of Adventures in Holy Matrimony: For Better or the Absolute Worst. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two ridiculously spoiled cats. She occasionally pontificates on her blog.

Tips For Supporting Sore Muscles And Joints

Almost everyone has experienced some type of sore muscles or joint discomfort in their life. The entire human body is covered with muscle tissue and joints that are in motion almost constantly, making it easy for discomfort to appear anywhere, anytime. The most common type of muscle discomfort is lower back pain. It is estimated that up to 80% of the adult population in the United States has lower back pain. It’s a top reason why people see a doctor. It is also a leading cause of disability in Americans under the age of 45.^[1]

Muscle aches may involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia.^[2] A ligament is fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones. A tendon is a band of tissues that connects muscle to bone. Just like ligaments, they are made of collagen. Fascia is dense connective tissues that connect muscle, bones, and organs.^[3]

Why Do Muscles Get Sore?

Sore muscles can result from a variety of reasons; exercise is the most common.^[4] Other factors, such as stress can cause a stiff jaw, neck, or aches elsewhere on the body.^[5] Twisting, bending, or straining can also cause problems.^[1]

Certain medical conditions and diseases, such as fibromyalgia, infections, flu, Lyme disease, polio, and lupus, may cause muscle soreness.^[2] Car accidents are a significant cause of injury, usually to neck muscles.^[6] Almost 2.5 million people are injured or disabled in road crashes every year! Dehydration can cause electrolyte imbalances due to low levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium and lead to muscle cramps and discomfort.

How to Relieve Sore Muscles and Joints

Chiropractic Sessions

Chiropractors are health care professionals who perform adjustments to the spine and other parts of the body.^[7] The goal is to alleviate muscle and joint discomfort, improve function, range of motion, and support the ability of the body to heal itself.^[8] There are currently more than 30,000 chiropractors treating approximately 30 million people per year in the U.S. These numbers will increase as people become more aware of the efficacy of chiropractic treatments.

Inversion Therapy

Inversion therapy involves hanging upside down from an inversion table for the purpose of taking pressure off the nerve and disks in your spine and increasing the space between the vertebrae.^[9] A plethora of studies have confirmed the health benefits of inversion therapy.^[10]

Practicing Yoga

Yoga is a mind and body practice that originated in India.^[11] It involves practicing different physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation. According to the National Institute of Health, a weekly yoga class can be effective at reducing back discomfort.^[12] It is no wonder why yoga is increasing in popularity; between 2012-2015, the number of American yoga practitioners grew by more than 75% from 20.4 million to over 36 million.

Stretching

As with yoga, stretching is incredibly effective for supporting muscle and joint health.^[13]

Ice and Heat

When discomfort results from overuse or injury, applying ice for the first 24 to 72 hours is the first step toward relief. Following with heat can help soothe away the pain.^[2]

Topical Muscle and Joint Relief

There are many over the counter lotions and creams that help reduce muscle and joint discomfort.^[14] People, including athletes, frequently use creams and ointments for minor muscle aches. Most of these products only provide temporary relief and do not address the root cause. If you prefer a natural product, we have created NutraCool®, an all-natural topical cream for muscle discomfort, sprains, and strains. It contains no chemicals, artificial ingredients, or other toxic substances!

What About Sprains and Strains?

A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament.^[15] Remember, a ligament is a fibrous connective tissue that attaches bone to bone. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), as many as 25,000 people sprain an ankle every day. This adds up to almost 10 million sprained ankles every year!^[16]

Remedies for sprains and strains include rest, ice, compression, elevation, and physical therapy.^[17]

How to Discourage Muscle and Joint Discomfort

Warming-up and stretching before and after exercise are extremely important. Sit and stand with good posture. Stretch a few times a week. Stay active. And, if you are overweight, losing weight can reduce the strain on your back.^[18] Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after exercise; and, if your work requires sitting in the same position most of the day, try to stretch or walk several times throughout the day (at least once every hour).^[2] And, finally, maintain good form and posture when lifting heavy objects. Your legs should do most of the work.

What tips or insight do you have to offer? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.

References

1. Steven Ehrlich. Low Back Pain. University of Maryland Medical Center. 2/14/16.


2. Linda Vorvick, David Zieve, Isla Ogilvie, A.D.A.M editorial team. Muscle Aches. Medline Plus. Updated 4/11/2015.


3. Schleip R, Klinger W, Lehman-Horn F. Active fascial contractility. Medical Hypotheses 2005;65(2):273-7.


4. Miles MP, Clarkson PM. Exercise-induced muscle pain, soreness, and cramps. Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 1994 Sep;34(3):203-16.


5. Linda J. Vorvick. Stress and Your Health. Medline Plus. 11/23/2014.


6. Back Injuries. Medline Plus.


7. Chiropractic. Medline Plus.


8. Chiropractic: In Depth. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. February 2012.


9. Edward Laskowski. Back Pain. Does inversion therapy relieve back pain? Mayo Clinic.


10. Inversion Therapy: a study of physiological effects. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. 1985 Sep; 29(3): 135–140.


11. Yoga: In Depth. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. June 2013.


12. Nicki Contie. Yoga or Stretching Eases Low Back Pain. NIH Research Matters. October 31, 2011.


13. Karen Sherman, et al. A Randomized Trial Comparing Yoga, Streching, and a Self-care Book for Chronic Low Back Pain. Arch Intern Med. 2011 Dec 12;171(22):2019-2026.


14. Liliana L Jorge, Caroline C Feres, Vitor EP Teles. Topical preparations for pain relief: efficacy and patient adherence. J Pain Res: 2011; 4: 11–24.


15. Sprains and Strains. Medline Plus.


16. How to care for a strained ankle. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.


17. Sprains and Strains. Medline Plus.


18. Prevent Back Pain. Healthfinder.gov.