What is an invisible illness?
People with invisible illnesses may look “perfectly healthy” on the outside, but on the inside, they may be living with severe pain, discomfort, and the interruption of a productive and happy life due to their invisible illness.
There is not one list in existence that lists all invisible illnesses, but the consensus is that invisible illness, or invisible disabilities are illnesses that are not immediately apparent. Simply, you cannot “tell” that someone has an invisible illness just by looking at them, but inside, they may be waging an internal war with their own bodies.
Some conditions that are considered invisible illnesses include, but are not limited to:
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Mental illnesses (i.e. ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, Schizophrenia, etc)
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Digestive Disorders (i.e. Chron’s Disease, Celiac Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, etc.)
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Pain Disorders (i.e. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Lyme Disease, etc)
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Women’s Health Conditions (i.e. Endometriosis, PCOS, etc)
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Respiratory Disorders (i.e. Asthma)
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Sleep Disorders (i.e. Circadian rhythm sleep disorders, Chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia, etc)
With invisible illnesses often being difficult to treat or detect, health care practitioners are often concerned with managing the symptoms of these invisible illnesses. Some patients now turning to medical cannabis, specifically CBD Oil, as an option to find relief from the discomfort of invisible illnesses.
The endocannabinoid system and medical cannabis
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is one of the most important systems contained within all mammals. The ECS is responsible for regulating the most important physiological processes for establishing and maintaining health.
The ECS is critical in regulating all bodily systems, including but not limited to the nervous system, immune system, digestive system, circulatory system, respiratory system, and lymphatic system.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is made of two main receptors, the CB1 and CB2, which are designed to act as conductors of signals throughout the whole body, delivering cannabinoids to the places of the body that need them most. The also ECS contains endocannabinoids (naturally produced cannabinoids) that bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The ECS is believed to have more cellular receptors than any system within the human body.
The ECS is crucial in regulating key aspects of your physical, emotional, and mental health, including, but not limited to:
- Appetite, digestion, and hunger
- Immune Function
- Cellular energy
- Inflammation and pain
- Emotional regulation and mood
- Memory
- Reproduction and fertility
- Metabolism
- Sleep
- Motor control
Cannabinoids, of which CBD and THC are just two of hundreds in the cannabis plant, are naturally occurring compounds of the cannabis plant (also known as phytocannabinoids) that are extracted from the cannabis sativa plant. Essentially, adding THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids to your endocannabinoid system is giving your body more of what it already produces, and needs, to promote overall health and well-being.
Researchers have studied what is known as an “endocannabinoid deficiency”, which is a lack of endocannabinoid activity in the brain. The term “clinical endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome” (CEDS) was coined in 2003 by Dr. Ethan Russo and is thought to be linked to medical conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic migraines, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), seizure disorders, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and more.
CBD therapy is designed to activate and engage the ECS so that your crucial body systems become regulated and maintained.
Can CBD help with invisible illnesses?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is just one of the hundreds of cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, gaining a lot of attention within the medical community for its therapeutic effects on many physical and mental conditions. CBD is completely non-intoxicating, meaning that it doesn’t produce the “high” that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is known for, although it does impact both mental and emotional health when used therapeutically, which is why the cannabis community has gotten away from calling CBD “non-psychoactive”.
CBD has gotten increased public exposure due to its use to treat symptoms of conditions such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, Tourette’s syndrome, Parkinson’s Disease, and its strong role in pain management therapies. It also is helpful in reducing anxiety, regulating mood, and stimulating the appetite when it works with the existing cannabinoids contained within the endocannabinoid system.
Using CBD Oil in Canada
CBD Oil is becoming more mainstream as people are turning to CBD Oil as a replacement for, or a supplement to, pharmaceutical medications. CBD Oil is also helpful to manage some of the negative side effects of medications taken to manage invisible illnesses.
CBD Oil is discreet, convenient, and easy to administer. It’s usually taken sublingually (under the tongue) or through oral absorption (swallowing). While the time it takes for CBD to kick in varies, some people may find immediate relief from their symptoms while others may find it takes 4-6 weeks to take effect, just like pharmaceutical medications do.
To access CBD Oil in Canada, one must have a medical recommendation from a licensed physician, such as those at Apollo Cannabis Clinic. Once this medical recommendation is obtained, patients can purchase CBD Oil from one of Canada’s Licensed Producers.
Incorporating THC into CBD Therapy
Depending on your invisible illness, and the symptoms you are wanting to manage with CBD, your doctor may explore with you incorporating THC, another cannabinoid into your CBD therapy. THC helps increase the effectiveness of the CBD, which is why many of the CBD Oils you will find within Licensed Producers contain a ratio of THC along with the CBD. Your Apollo Cannabis Clinic physician will discuss with you the benefits of incorporating THC into your cannabis therapy, and will also address any concerns or trepidations about using THC.
Working With Apollo Cannabis Clinics
A medical license may be obtained by contacting Apollo Cannabis Clinic to determine if your invisible illness and its symptoms are eligible for medical cannabis products.
During the initial appointment, individuals are asked to disclose their medical history and past cannabis use. The doctor will take this into account when determining an appropriate plan that integrates cannabis.
Connect with Apollo today to discuss how CBD Oil may be an effective tool to help manage your invisible illness or invisible disability and its symptoms.
