Being a law enforcement officer presents you with challenges unknown to most people. According toThe National Institute of Health (NIH), the top five stressors police officers face include:
- Dealing with crises or family disputes
- Responding to felonies
- Other police officers are not doing their job
- Making life and death, on-the-spot decisions
- Insufficient workforce
Looking at the above list, it's easy to see why law enforcement routinely ranks as the number one, most stressful job in the U.S.
Recently, Congress legalized the use and sale of CBD, known as cannabidiol. In this article, we'll look at CBD, how it helps combat stress, the legal aspects of CBD, and how it may affect officers on duty.
What Is CBD?
CBD is derived from the hemp plant, also known as Cannabis sativa. Unlike its more famous cousin, THC, CBD won't make you high. CBD is being aggressively researched for its potential health benefits and has recently been approved by the FDA to treat Epilepsy.
How CBD Works
CBD works by interacting with our ECS, or Endocannabinoid System. Present in all humans, the ECS is considered "one of the most important physiologic systems involved in establishing and maintaining human health." You'll find ECS receptors, known as CB1 and CB2, in every organ and tissue in your body.
When CBD is ingested, CB1 and CB2 receptors work - essentially activating your ECS. By activating the ECS, it provides an immune, nervous system, and physiological response. For stressful situations, as we'll see, CBD may provide immediate and long-term benefits.
How CBD May Benefit Police Officers
While most people might use CBD for more superficial reasons, police officers may have better reasons to benefit from regular use. In several studies, CBD has been shown to help with insomnia, depression, chronic stress, and anxiety.
Police officers, as we've seen, face many challenges ordinary people will never encounter. Stress levels are exceedingly high, leading to secondary health conditions such as:
- heart disease
- PTSD
- depression
CBD and PTSD Relief
PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, may be an unfortunate side effect of prolonged exposure to intense conflict. When our bodies are stressed, they release cortisol, a chemical that enhances our senses and is beneficial in "fight or flight" situations.
Unfortunately, our brains aren't meant to experience that rush of adrenaline every day. In a 2019 study conducted with 11 test patients with PTSD, researchers showed that CBD helped reduce symptoms, including less frequent nightmares.
CBD and Anxiety Relief
While not all officers may have PTSD, regular exposure to stress can often lead to GAD or Generalized Anxiety Disorders. Although not as extreme or intense as PTSD, long-term, chronic GAD can have just as many health consequences.
In 2015, researchers conclusively showed that CBD reduced symptoms associated with GAD. Scientists further showed CBD's effectiveness in reducing behaviors associated with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
CBD and Help with Depression
Although not always seen, depression can take a heavy toll on police officers. Because of the nature of the job, police officers have to remain calm in the most stressful situations. This can lead many who may suffer from depression to mitigate the risk further by not telling anyone about their symptoms.
A 2010 study found that CBD had an antidepressant effect on animal subjects. In 2019, the researchers showed that CBD might promote rapid and sustained antidepressant development in test subjects by inducing "cellular and molecular" changes in the brain - primarily the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
CBD and Insomnia Relief
Officers may suffer from a much higher insomnia rate than the average population. There are several factors for this reason, including:
- Irregular work hours
- Exposure to high-intensity work
- Stress-related diseases, such as PTSD and sleep apnea
- Lack of support
In 2014, researchers demonstrated CBD "may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of insomnia." The testing further showed that sleep apnea patients, in particular, may benefit from short-term use of CBD due to the modulatory effects on serotonin levels in the brain. Another sleep behavior that may benefit from CBD is excessive daytime sleepiness - a common symptom of police work.
Can Police Officers Use CBD?
Any government job, either civilian or federal, will have a zero-tolerance policy for illegal drugs, such as marijuana or THC. Since the legalization of CBD, some agencies have changed how they look at cannabis. After all, cannabis is now legal and, more importantly, contains very little to no THC, the mind-altering compound.
While legal for police officers to use, CBD regulations vary by department and state. In 2019, for example, the Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training Board changed its stance on screening its officers for CBD. Other departments forbid any use of CBD or THC products on the job. As we learn more about the benefits of CBD vs. the risks, police departments may ease their restrictions.
Can Police Officers Take CBD Gummies?
One of the best ways to incorporate CBD for police officers is through CBD gummies. CBD gummies, like ours, contain no THC.
Why is that important?
Because most drug screenings are looking for illegal drugs, CBD won't show up on the radar like THC. CBD gummies are also easy for police officers to take because of the following conditions:
- They're discreet
- They're convenient
- They look like ordinary candy
- They're entirely free of THC
Final Word
Whether your department allows for afull-spectrum CBD oil, which contains 0.3% THC, or you want to incorporate a THC-Free CBD gummy into your daily regimen, you'll want to check for quality ingredients. Eden's Herbals extracts all of our CBD through a complex CO2 extraction process. We also source all of our CBD from American-made, organic hemp free of pesticides and harmful solvents.
You'll also want to make sure the CBD you're buying uses a lab analysis report. A lab analysis, or certificate, ensures your CBD is THC-Free, meaning there's no risk of it showing up on a drug test. You can find our CBD lab report by clicking here.
If you want to learn more about CBD for Police Officers, 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 or cure 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.
