CBD for First Responders
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 [email protected] 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.