January is National CBD Month, a recognition worth honoring every day for this wellness breakthrough that has helped countless people live healthier lives. Short for cannabidiol, CBD is a beneficial compound found in marijuana. This substance is being studied as a potential treatment for a litany of maladies. One of the reasons CBD is so promising is due to its unique combination of safety and effectiveness.
CBD works by modulating the endocannabinoid system affecting the brain, gut, immune and nervous systems. Unlike its counterpart THC, CBD does not alter the mind or cause addiction. This is where CBD shines; it offers all the good health benefits and stress-mitigating effects, without the concerns of long-term use.
At the Barr Center for Innovative Pain & Regenerative Therapies, we know firsthand about the benefits of this natural alternative to pharmaceutical therapy. CBD has helped patients manage conditions such as chronic pain, bowel disease, auto-immunity, anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, neurodegeneration and cancer. And we sell our own private-label organic CBD products, proudly grown in Colorado and developed under my supervision. We have a direct connection with our grower and CBD processor, allowing us to be in touch with the entire farm-to-bottle process.
Frequently patients ask us when to consider using CBD versus medical marijuana. We recommend that all patients start with CBD before moving to marijuana, due to the drug’s long-term cognitive and potential addiction issues. Additionally, CBD is readily available at the Barr Center, while medical marijuana requires an evaluation. If you tried CBD and it failed to work, and have no conditions that may complicate your using medical marijuana (such as atrial fibrillation), we can assist you in completing an application for a medical marijuana card. Please note that pregnant women and nursing mothers are not good candidates for either CBD or marijuana.
To help people understand the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card, we compiled the following information to help guide you through any hazy confusion.
Getting a Virginia Medical Marijuana Card
A medical marijuana card allows you to purchase medical marijuana from a Virginia state-licensed dispensary. To be eligible, you must be a Virginia resident, at least 18 years old, with a valid photo ID or proof of Virginia residency. You must also pay the $50 application fee and not have a felony conviction.
Having a medical marijuana card is a good idea if you suffer from one or more physical or psychological conditions that detract from your quality of life. To qualify for a card in Virginia, a licensed medical provider must diagnose you with one of the following conditions noted below.
Qualifying conditions to receive a Virginia Medical Marijuana Card:
If you are approved for a card in Virginia, you will be able to purchase and use cannabis for medicinal purposes, possess up to one ounce at a time and grow up to six plants for personal use.
Most importantly, you will have ready access to a wide variety of medical cannabis products that could alleviate the symptoms of your condition(s).
Cautions when using CBD, Delta 8/9 and Marijuana
All hemp-based products–including CBD, Delta 8/9 products and marijuana–are metabolized by the liver and can cause drug interactions. Use caution when taking certain antidepressants and check with your physician about your other medications.
In addition, there are conditions when these products should not be used. Do not use marijuana, Delta 8/9 or CBD if you take blood thinners, suffer from a rapid heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation), have liver disease or have seizures. Do not use them if you are pregnant or nursing. Drug interactions can also occur as well. As with any mind-altering substances, do not use medical marijuana or Delta 8/9 when operating a vehicle. In no way should you put yourself or others at risk.
If you have questions or concerns about whether CBD or medical marijuana is a good treatment option for you, please consult with our staff. For those who seek the therapeutic benefits of the hemp plant without the mind-altering effects of the high levels of THC, you may prefer one of our CBD products. We carry full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate CBD tinctures, gummies and topical salves that can be very helpful with pain and inflammation, arthritis, gut issues, sleep issues, PTSD and other conditions. (Please note that we cannot accept credit card payments for CBD products; cash and check only.)
For more information about how CBD and marijuana works, please check this article on our blog: https://barrcenter.com/what-the-heck-is-cbd-oil/. And read more about the endocannabinoid system in my book, OutSmart Your Pain; The Essential Guide to Overcoming Pain & Transforming Your Life.
