First – the basics. There are two major types of active chemicals in marijuana. THC gets you high, and is federally regulated. CBD doesn’t, and isn’t. With CBD there’s no high or sleepiness, and with the sublinguals (liquid you drop under your tongue) you don’t get that weird feeling that edibles can create. It’s amazing for nerve pain and anxiety. Another reason I prefer the sublinguals to edibles is that they take effect within minutes, instead of hours. That also means it’s easier to dose: You can try a small amount and increase as needed with very quick feedback.
I did a lot of research before I decided which brand of CBD supplies to carry… The vast majority of products out there are low potency, low quality, and are in a cheap substrate (base) which means they don’t absorb well. Please don’t buy your medication at a grocery store, head shop, or gas station!
I started carrying Frogsong in 2018. This is a local family company run by some really terrific people. They actually derive their CBD from hemp. From them, I have:
Drops: Sublingual tincture, best for anxiety and all-over pain, like Fibromyalgia or widespread arthritis.
Drops for Pets: Frogsong is now offering a version for fur babies, too! You can put it in their food, or have them lick it from your hands. I used to dose my critters with Rescue Remedy by putting it on their ears for quick absorption with no hassle. I believe this will work for the CBD Drops as well. The packaging contains dosing instructions, and this information:
Body Balm: A light, lemony, aloe-based gel that absorbs quickly into the skin.
Rubbit: A heavier, moisturizing, minty salve. Fantastic for foot neuropathy or any place your skin needs a little extra help.
Earlier this year I added Kannaco to my line. They offer a topical CBD salve with menthol (nice for immediate pain relief) and Snooze Sleep Aid, a capsule with CBD and melatonin. My patients have been reporting excellent results with both.
Note: CBD is generally regarded as safer to combine with prescription medication than THC, but you should talk to your doctor if you have a question about drug interaction safety. I have a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, but I’m not a doctor and pharmacology is not my area of expertise.
If you prefer to avoid CBD, I still have the ever-popular anti-inflammatory Hai Tong Pi Tang, or “pancake spray” – named for its distinctive maple syrup scent. I’ve been using this for a decade on sore joints, sunburns, etc. and am always amazed at how powerful this ancient Chinese herbal formula can be. And if breakfast food perfume isn’t your thing, I also have a lavender version.
Feel free to ask me about any of these pain-relief solutions. I am happy to use the topicals on you during your treatment, so you can see if they work for you.
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