Why Are So Many People Choosing CBD Over Pharmaceuticals for Chronic Inflammation?
Chronic inflammatory diseases are the most significant cause of death in the world and was ranked the greatest threat to human health by the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2014, Rand Corporation released estimates that nearly 60% of Americans had at least one chronic condition, 42% had more than one, and 12% of adults had 5 or more chronic conditions. Across the globe, every 3 in 5 people die due to chronic inflammatory diseases such as stroke, chronic respiratory disease, heart disorders, cancer, obesity, and diabetes. Chronic inflammatory conditions are not only the greatest threat to human life, but they can greatly affect a person’s quality of life as well.
To help combat this epidemic, over the counter (OTC) and prescription anti-inflammatory medications are easily accessible, readily prescribed, and very commonly used throughout the world. The most common anti-inflammatory medications are called NSAIDs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. According to the American Gastroenterological Association, more than 30 million Americans use some type of NSAIDs. OTC NSAIDs include ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen while prescription NSAIDs include diclofenac, celecoxib, etodolac, and ketoprofen.
In short, NSAIDs work by reducing the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that promote inflammation, pain, and fever.
Although NSAIDs can help with chronic inflammation, serious side-effects and complications are common. Complications can include ulcers, heartburn, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, headaches, liver or kidney failure, high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, and death. Since NSAIDs are approved by the FDA, most people rely on them to help with their symptoms from a chronic inflammation disease. However, with the diminishing stigma behind cannabis and the increasing acceptance in the medical community, chronic inflammation suffers are now able to legally try cannabis hemp treatments nationwide and medical marijuana in certain states.
Cannabidiol and Inflammation
Although cannabis is not yet approved by the FDA to treat chronic inflammation, there have been numerous studies that have proven the anti-inflammatory benefits from the compounds found in the cannabis plant without the dangerous side effects that are associated with NSAIDs.
There have even been studies on the specific cannabis compound, cannabidiol ( CBD ), and its effects on inflammation. In 2011, George W. Booz Ph.D., FAHA found that CBD has positive anti-inflammatory actions on immune cells with no psychotropic side effects. A few years later in 2016, a study conducted by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy found that topical CBD application has therapeutic potential for relief of arthritis pain-related behaviors and inflammation without any evident side-effects.
As a result of all of those who advocate for cannabis and have helped expand the accessibility of information and studies relating to CBD and it’s versatile uses, every day more and more people are switching from OTC and prescription NSAIDs to CBD products. CBD products come in a variety of consumption methods such as CBD oil, CBD topicals, CBD tinctures, and smokable products like CBD vapes, CBD extracts, and hemp flower. CBD oil and topicals are the two most common forms of CBD for inflammation. These two forms of consumption can complement each other when taken together. Pura Cura’s CBD Coconut Oil & Natural Hemp Oil can be consumed both orally and topically to help reduce inflammation. Please make sure to consult with a health care professional before switching to any CBD products or a combination of treatments.