How to talk to doctors about CBD?
With the Cannabis Industry consistently booming, many people have medical questions about what CBD is and how it could potentially help them. With this in mind, Healthy Roots Hemp founder Liz wanted to sit down with a medical professional to discuss some of the inquiries she gets about CBD on a regular basis.
Dr. Swathi Varanasi is an accomplished Integrative Health Pharmacist, a Medical Cannabis Consultant, and a Natural Medicines Advocator. Located in Los, Angeles California, Dr. Swathi received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy. Focusing on an evidence-based approach to medicine, she is passionate about educating people on the body’s endocannabinoid system and the benefits it can provide when properly utilized. Recently, Dr Swathi sat down with Healthy Roots Hemp to chat about a few frequently asked CBD questions.
How to talk to doctors about CBD?
Dr. Swathi mentions that before the appointment with your provider, make sure to do your research on CBD, and be prepared to ask questions! Be willing and open to discussing your medical background; the doctor will want to know these details when considering CBD as a treatment for you.
When you’re at the appointment, make sure to take notes; it’s easy to forget things once you walk out the door, and this way you can have all the information you gather during the appointment at the ready to reference later. Make sure before you leave to find out the best way to contact your provider, and make a record of the information.
After the appointment make sure to keep a journal on your progress and record what you’re doing and how you’re feeling so that you can determine if dosing adjustments need to be made. Lastly, make sure to practice patience! CBD is a personal journey, as each person’s endocannabinoid system is different.
How do you proceed if your practitioner doesn’t know much about CBD?
Many practitioners are new to the world of CBD, and some may not be familiar with cannabis in medical practice at all- but fear not!! There are specialists who do work with cannabis, and right now it’s even easier to access them due to the ever-expanding platform of telemedicine.
When talking with your provider about CBD, if you’re sensing that they are new to CBD or seem lost, speak up! Use your voice to advocate for yourself; it’s perfectly okay to say you’d rather discuss it with another provider. If that’s the case, ask your provider if they are familiar with a practitioner who is versed in CBD, and if they aren’t, Dr. Swathi recommends reaching out directly to her so she can connect you with one!
How does CBD work in the body, and how can it affect other medications?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the many chemical compounds found in the Cannabis plant. CBD works through the body’s endocannabinoid system which communicates with transmitters in your organs to bring your body balance, or homeostasis.
The CB1 and CB2 receptors are the most well known in terms of research. That said, we don’t know the exact way in which CBD interacts with the receptors in the body, but Dr. Swathi mentions it’s important to note that there are endocannabinoids located all over the body and that CBD could be reacting with almost any of them.
The TRPV1 receptors are located in the skin, which is why topical CBD works so well when used directly in problem areas!
SSRI’s like antianxiety and antidepressant medications interact with the brain’s serotonin receptors, and CBD can interact in the same way.
What are common CBD drug interactions?
When it comes to drug interactions with CBD, Dr. Swathi wants people to keep in mind many studies that have been performed were done using high doses of medication (higher doses than people normally take), which doctors don’t always take into account when looking at reports. These skewed results can be the reason why doctors sometimes jump to conclusions about CBD and drug interactions.
However, drugs that Dr. Swathi absolutely recommends that you avoid taking CBD with if you are on anticonvulsant medications and blood thinners/anticoagulants such as Warfarin.
What is the best time of day to take CBD?
According to Dr. Swathi, there isn’t one “best time” to take CBD! It depends on what works best for the patient, and the patient’s preference. Some people like to take CBD in the morning to keep them alert and focused, and others enjoy taking it before bed as it may have relaxation effects.
To listen to the full audio, please view the embedded video below. For more information on Dr. Swathi, you can check out her website here , or send her an email at swathi@doctorswathi.com !
