First responders - you are the lifesavers of our country.
Whether you're a:
- Firefighter
- Law enforcement officer
- Paramedic
- EMT
Your job keeps us safe and is essential for a well-functioning society. The truth is, "first responders regularly risk harm to themselves to protect others." - The Institute Of Health. But who's taking care of the folks who take care of us?
CBD has emerged as a supplement that works with your body to enhance:
- well-being
- peace of mind
- overall health
Approved by Congress in 2018 with the passage of The Farm Bill Act, CBD is a derivative of Cannabis that enhances mood and pain relief. All without the intoxicating effects associated with its famous cousin, THC.
In this post, we'll go over the Top Six Conditions most associated with First Responders and how CBD may potentially treat each condition, and what the research says.
1. CBD for PTSD
PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a common mental and emotional injury suffered by first responders. Many things everyday civilians take for granted, such as dealing with crash victims or fighting fires, are handled routinely by our first responder community.
CBD was administered orally to PTSD patients in an outpatient psychiatry clinic and psychotherapy in one study. After eight weeks, in which patients completed questionnaires, researchers observed that 91% 'experienced a decrease in PTSD symptom severity.' In addition to diminished PTSD symptoms, patients also reported diminished nightmares.
2. CBD for Anxiety
Even if you're not diagnosed with PTSD, emergency personnel often have anxiety issues. Witnessing things most don't see can leave side effects, even if it's only temporary. While fear and anxiety can be healthy in survival situations, it's not always beneficial to experience them daily.
In 2015, researchers conducted human trials on patients suffering from anxiety-related disorders. After daily dosing, researchers concluded that preclinical evidence 'strongly supports CBD as a treatment for, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder when administered acutely.'
3. CBD for Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the main contributors to poor health. When our bodies are in 'fight or flight' situations, such as those faced daily by first responders, cortisol is released into the bloodstream. Although helpful in temporary positions, dangerous levels can build up over time, causing chronic inflammation.
CBD works by interacting with your ECS, or Endocannabinoid System, to reduce inflammation and fight off oxidative stress. CBD is an antioxidant and works with your ECS to provide a stabilizing health kick after ingesting. Everybody has an ECS, and CBD seems to identify that biodynamics effectively once administered.
To best reduce pain and inflammation quickly, it is best to take a CBD oil under the tongue and allow 20-30 minutes for relief. It can be taken daily or as needed.
4. CBD for MRSA
Because of the nature of the job, many first responders are prone to contact with MRSA and other foreign substances. MRSA, short for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a staph infection resistant to antibiotics. While the FDA hasn't approved CBD for MRSA, Cannabis does have potent antimicrobial properties.
As far back as the 1950's researchers have known cannabis extracts, like CBD, have potent antimicrobial properties. A 2020 study showed cannabinoids were total against MRSA isolates and eradicated biofilms. Although more research is needed, scientists are excited as most MRSA treatments are hard to find.
5. CBD for Insomnia
Following close behind stress and anxiety is insomnia. When you can't sleep, especially with co-existing mental fatigue, this can negatively affect your health. You typically need between 7-and 9 hours of sleep a night for optimal well-being. When you sleep, your body repairs itself, especially the brain.
Fortunately, CBD may be a powerful new tool to help you get a good night's sleep. In 2017, research suggested that CBD, when combined with Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may decrease sleep latency. Sleep apnea sufferers, in particular, showed short-term benefits from a CBD/THC regimen.
Sleep-Wake Disorder and CBD
Another issue affecting first responders is sleep-wake disorder. Because of the nature of most first responder jobs, shifts are a common practice. When you work at night and sleep during the day, this can significantly impact your internal sleep clock, known as circadian rhythm.
CBD showed promise in potentially helping sleep-wake disorder and REM sleep behavior in the same 2017 study. Although more testing is needed, those suffering from a sleep-wake disease or excessive daytime sleepiness may benefit from incorporating CBD into their daily regimen.
6. CBD for Depression
While some are more prone to depression, often, the hazards encountered by emergency personnel manifest inward and result in forms of depression.
In 2019, scientists demonstrated CBD's ability to interact with neurotransmitter systems involved in depression, including serotonin. The study showed CBD to change our neurobiology, including the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus regions.
Is CBD Legal?
CBD is legal in all 50 states, as long as you're over 18. THC, the compound responsible for making you high, is also permitted if it's under 0.3%. At the recommended dose, there's little chance of getting high or having any psychotropic effects from consuming a CBD/THC Full Spectrum Oil.
Do First Responders Test for CBD?
No, most first responder tests are looking for THC. If you're concerned about an upcoming test, consider a THC-Free CBD. While you may not receive the complete 'hit' of a THC/CBD combo, you'll receive plenty of the essential benefits from the cannabis plant without adding more stress to your life.
Where Do I Buy My CBD?
Eden's Herbals carries a full line of CBD products suitable for any first responder personnel. If you're on the job, for example, and can't use a dropper and oil, consider a CBD gummy treat. They come in easy to conceal bags and provide 10mg of CBD per gummy.
Another option is CBD Isolate powder. They're easy to mix in your morning shake or coffee before heading out for a hectic workday. For insomnia, consider our Sleep Aid Tincture, a proprietary blend of CBD, CBN, and CBG, all known to have powerful sleep aid qualities.
Always make sure you are buying from a reputable company. Be sure to always locate their test analysis page for their CBD products. A lab report, or certificate of analysis, ensures your CBD is tested for accurate CBD and THC content. All our CBD is sourced from American-made organic hemp and is gluten-free.
If you want to learn more about CBD for first responders, contact Eden's Herbals at support@edensherbals.com today!
*These statements have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness. Medical advice should be taken from a medical professional.
All of the articles on this site are written by 3rd party content providers, expert bloggers or doctors not directly affiliated with Eden's Herbals.
Individuals should learn the risks and side effects prior to taking CBD. Make sure to always check with a medical professional before starting any new CBD treatment or medication that is not FDA approved.
