Updates from Shoshana Church

First, let’s understand what cannabinoids are. Cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system. These compounds can either be ingested or applied topically. The most well-known cannabinoid in the cannabis plant is THC, which is responsible for the plant's psychoactive effects. However, there are other cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, CBN, and many others, some of which have exceptional benefits to offer.

Topical cannabinoids are creams or lotions infused with cannabinoids and applied directly to the skin. Once applied, the cannabinoid molecules bind to the receptors in the skin cells, helping reduce inflammation and pain in a localized area. This treatment method is beneficial to seniors because it allows them to target specific areas of discomfort without the risks of systemic exposure.

One of the primary benefits of using topical cannabinoids is their anti-inflammatory properties. As we age, our bodies become more susceptible to chronic inflammation, which can lead to the development of more severe conditions. Applying topical cannabinoids can provide immense relief to seniors who suffer from arthritis, tendonitis, or other types of pain where inflammation is the primary source of discomfort.

Topical cannabinoids can also be helpful for seniors dealing with neuropathic pain, a sensation that can be challenging to treat with over-the-counter medication. Topical cannabinoids interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the skin to provide pain relief without the risk of addiction, unlike opioids.

Another potential benefit of using topical cannabinoids is their ability to improve skin health. Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid receptors in the skin, which can help regulate oil production, treat acne, and repair sun damage. This means that seniors can enjoy healthier, less inflamed, and more moisturized skin.

In Bonni Goldstein's book "Cannabis is Medicine" she sites many studies that support the use of topical application for skin issues resulting from allergies, psoriasis, eczema, and itching associated with end-stage renal disease.  She also sites the benefits that actually help bacterial infections such as MRSA and the rash associated with shingles.  There was a mean reduction of pain by 87.8% in five of eight patients (62.5%) that used topical cannabinoids on the shingles rash.  This is very important since a shingles rash can be extremely painful.  There are studies regarding 2 severely painful conditions known as pyoderma gangrenosum and epidermolysis bullosa where using topical THC and CBD decreased the pain and inflammation of these conditions.  This combination also improved wound healing.

A condition that affects pretty much every senior is arthritis.  Applying topical THC, CBD and CBG to the smaller joints result in temporary relief of pain and inflammation. 

In conclusion, topical cannabinoids can provide immense relief for seniors who suffer from localized pain, inflammation, and skin conditions. The beauty of this treatment method is that it has very few side effects and offers a localized effect. While more research is needed, seniors can benefit from these cannabinoid-infused creams and lotions for their pain-relieving and skin care properties. However, if you are looking to use topical cannabinoids, it is essential to speak with your doctor first to determine the most effective treatment method for you.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways that leads to episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. These episodes, or "asthma attacks," can be triggered by things like exercise, cold air, allergies, or smoke.   When a patient experiences an acute exacerbation the airways have become swollen and inflamed.  The muscles around the airway will contract, the airway will produce extra mucus and this causes the bronchial tubes to become narrow resulting in difficulty with breathing.  This can lead to an "asthma attack".  

Cannabis has been used to treat asthma for centuries, dating back to at least the 18th century when it was included in the first edition of The New English Dispensatory in 1764.   While the exact mechanism by which cannabis exerts its anti-asthmatic effect is not known, it is thought to work by reducing inflammation in the airways. A review of publications from PubMed and Medline found Cannabis has a bronchodilator effect on the airways and might have an anti-inflammatory effect on asthmatic patients. However, harmful effects on the lungs are mainly attributed to smoking and include airway irritation and the development of chronic bronchitis symptoms.1 

CBD may also play a role in the anti-asthmatic effects of cannabis by keeping the endocannabinoid anandamide from breaking down.  Anandamide is an endogenous cannabinoid (a compound produced naturally by our bodies) that is known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Because there are receptors and endocannabinoids found in most cells in the body, including the lungs, it's important to understand how these cells/receptors respond to the cannabinoids in CBD and cannabis.  Research shows that CB1 receptors may be responsible for the relaxation of smooth muscle in the bronchioles which would be the mechanism of action of how using cannabinoids in the setting of an acute asthma exacerbation may be reasonable. 2 When CB1 receptors are stimulated, it inhibits the contraction of smooth muscle. In an exacerbation, it 's the contraction of the smooth muscle along with increased mucus production that causes breathing difficulty.  It makes sense that using cannabinoids during an exacerbation would help restore breathing to a more normal level.

If you use cannabis for an exacerbation, it's not recommended to smoke it due to the harshness on the lungs but using a dry herb vaporizer would still have a quick onset of action and be less harsh.  Using an oil or tincture under the tongue would be some relief but wouldn't be as effective in relaxing the contractions of the smooth muscle.

Ears can hurt for a number of reasons.  You may have allergies that cause pressure on the inner ear.  If you have dental pain because of cavities or maybe an oral procedure, pain can radiate into the ear.  If you have been swimming, you may have swimmers ear.  You may have an otitis media which is an inner ear infection.  That can be caused by bacteria or viruses.  Most of these conditions will resolve without intervention but some may require antibiotics or ear drops.  But what about cannabis or CBD? That's what I wanted to know and try as I might, there are no studies surrounding the use of CBD and cannabis to relieve acute ear pain.

That being said, I am going to throw in my thoughts about what might be beneficial.  We know that CBD and CBG are high in anti-inflammatory properties.  If you use an oil you could apply it to the skin around the ear.  When my grandkids were little we would use lavender essential oil in that same way and they would have relief within 15-20 minutes.  Because the oil is absorbed into the skin it would have an effect within that same amount of time.   You could also use the oil under the tongue or a tincture in the same way.  Within 15-30 minutes you might have relief.  The other option would be an edible but it will take longer to take effect, like 1.5-2 hours.  

Pharyngitis means sore throat.  Throats can become irritated and sore from allergies, breathing toxins like nicotine or chemicals, viruses or bacteria.  Of course, the worse case scenario is a bacterial infection which would be caused by strep. In that case you have to have an antibiotic to avoid complications like Rheumatic heart disease.  

I checked some dispensaries and there are CBD throat lozenges available but you could make your own as well.  Again, there are no studies to support using CBD or cannabis for a sore throat.

1) Israel Medical Association Journal 2020 Apr;22(4):232-235.