CBD oil has been extensively tested and proven to have a wide variety of medical and medicinal benefits. A significant number of medical practitioners now work exclusively with CBD oil and its derived cures. However, that raises the question of whether nurses can use CBD oil during their treatments.
CBD (cannabidiol) extract is often promoted as a cure-all, but many question those broad claims. What is CBD exactly, is it effective, and how does it vary from medical marijuana?
Generally, nurses must research CBD on their own because cannabis science isn’t included in most nursing programs (except in the perspective of misuse). Patients commonly seek clarification from people in their social circle, cannabis producers, and the internet because healthcare providers typically lack knowledge regarding cannabis therapies.
In this article, we’ll take a look at whether CBD oil and other products derived from it can be used for first-aid and other treatments as a medicine for patients.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD is typically offered as an extract and has been promoted as a therapy to treat sleeplessness, anxiety, and a variety of other ailments. According to this study by the Brightfield Group, CBD sales are projected to reach $16 billion by 2026, up from $4.6 billion in sales in 2020.
It’s worth noting that despite its growing popularity, CBD oil is still mostly unstudied and unregulated.
CBD is widely available online, however, its legality in the U.S. varies. Despite the fact that CBD is legal in numerous US states, it is nonetheless classed as a controlled narcotic by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and is listed as a Schedule I drug.
Understanding the Endocannabinoid System
The primary function of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is to maintain homeostasis, making it an interesting target for medical research. Endocannabinoids (CB1 and CB2 are the most widespread and widely studied), mediators, and enzymes govern sleep, pain perception, cognition, mood, and hunger in this molecular signaling system.
Our own natural cannabinoids, organic cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids), and synthetic cannabinoids can all trigger the receptors. Ligands work as chemical messengers, causing cannabinoids to interact with each other at the receptor site, whereas enzymes disintegrate cannabinoids once they’ve served their purpose.
The endocannabinoid system regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is an important aspect of the neuroendocrine system that governs homeostasis, or internal mechanisms and feedback controls within the body.
The axis controls mood, behavior, sleep, hunger, pain perception, as well as other important processes. Adaptogenic plants and their constituents, such as CBD, influence the cannabinoid system and aid in the restoration of body equilibrium.
Can Nurses Use CBD Oil to Treat Patients?
Despite the medical standards established by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) for nurses, too many front-line medical providers are unprepared to help patients negotiate the benefits — and problems — of CBD use.
Through comprehensive education, America’s healthcare workforce must be prepared for recreational and medical cannabis. CBD is being used by healthcare professionals with an open attitude to improve clinical outcomes.
Yes, CBD oil is effective for both quick pain relief and long-term inflammation reduction. However, nurses have to be careful to not use low-quality CBD oil or oil from unknown sources.
Using CBD Oil for First Aid the Right Way
Depending on the condition of the patient, there’s a super-safe way to use CBD oil for first-aid and long-term care.
Here’s what nurses need to take into consideration:
1) Use Medical-Grade CBD Oil
CBD oil that’s cleared for medical use is pure and doesn’t have additives that could be harmful. Because a patient’s use of CBD oil is unlikely to be acknowledged during a prescription reconciliation, it’s critical to ask about all of the substances they use, including herbs, minerals, and oils.
Patients should be aware that hemp oil may react with other medications (such as blood thinners) and may raise the amount of some pharmaceuticals in the bloodstream.
2) Don’t Apply on Large Wounds
While it’s great to treat small cuts and scrapes, CBD oil is not suitable for bigger wounds that may need extensive cleaning. Sedation, exhaustion, nausea, and diarrhea are all possible adverse effects, albeit they are anecdotally infrequent.
Patients should be aware that CBD oil levels vary greatly not only from one product to the next but also from one bottle to the next.
3) Use Smaller Amounts First
Instead of applying a sizable amount of CBD oil directly onto the affected area, apply it little by little and wait for the skin to absorb it before reapplying. It’s vital to remember that cannabis affects people differently. A nurse should use their professional judgment to determine whether using cannabis for medical or recreational purposes will compromise their ability to provide care.
You should not use any substance (e.g., opiates, alcohol, or cannabis) if you suspect you are impaired or impacted by it.
Assessment and Dosing of CBD Oil
As a nurse, you should perform a systems analysis and comprehensive medical history for patients who are using medical cannabis. This includes a review of previous therapeutic interventions, comorbid conditions, prior cannabis experience, supplement reconciliation, physical examination, and risk for substance abuse disorders and mental conditions.
Nurses should collaborate with the patient to define their objectives and suggest focusing on a specific disease at first. Your treatment plan should help the patient achieve their goals while minimizing negative effects and maximizing outcomes.
Patients who learn to read and comprehend product labels will have a better understanding of dosage and will be able to self-titrate their medication. The more information you have on a patient’s treatment (such as route, dose, injection time, duration of action, and efficacy), the better you can assist them in improving results.
Although the general cannabis regimen of “start low and progress slowly” is widely accepted, a normal cannabinoid dose size can vary from 5 mg to 10 mg (10 mg may be too much for a cannabis-naive patient).
For specific conditions, there are no standardized national dose regimens. Don’t recommend precise doses to patients due to federal cannabis prohibitions.
Dosing cannabis is still difficult, although some caregivers have developed best practices. Because everyone is different, reactions to cannabis dosages will change from one person to the next, according to medicine. The more information you have on a patient’s treatment (such as route, dose, administration time, duration of treatment, and effect), the better you can assist them in improving results.
Cannabis also possesses biphasic characteristics, which means it has one impact at low doses and the opposing effect at greater doses. Cannabis’ negative effects are often dose-dependent, and higher amounts can increase symptoms including anxiety, sleeplessness, and discomfort.
Benefits of CBD Oil
CBD oil offers a multitude of benefits that are backed by strong scientific evidence. Although there is a lack of research on the mechanisms through which it acts, recent studies show convincing results. These include the following potential health benefits.
Treats Insomnia and Sleep Disorders
Tiredness, low stamina, frequent accidents, and mood swings are all symptoms of insomnia and sleep disorders. THC may affect long-term sleep quality, whereas CBD may have therapeutic potential for certain sleep disorders, according to a recent study.
Reduces Psychotic Tendencies in Patients with Schizophrenia
CBD has been shown to have antipsychotic effects. CBD may be able to address the physiological, immunologic, and stress-related aspects of the schizophrenia phenotype, according to one study.
Patients with neurological illnesses such as epilepsy may benefit from CBD’s effects on brain signaling and the endocannabinoid system. People with epilepsy who took low amounts of medical-grade CBD on a regular basis observed a significant decrease in seizures, according to clinical research.
Promotes Skin Health & Relieves Cancer Symptoms
Acne and poor skin can be caused by bacteria, inflammation, an overabundance of an oily fluid called sebum, and heredity. Cannabinoids, on the other hand, aid in the creation of lipids that help to reduce acne vulgaris, skin problems, and seborrhea, according to the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB).
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) discovered that THC and CBD can successfully alleviate cancer-related adverse effects including chemotherapy-induced discomfort. Pairing THC and CBD has been shown in animal studies to decrease the growth of malignant cells or induce their death.
Treats Substance Abuse
Addicts have a continuous, compulsive desire to use narcotics and are incapable of regulating the number of drugs they take. CBD, on the other hand, has been shown in several trials to have therapeutic qualities in the treatment of opiate, cocaine, and psychoactive addiction.
Endocannabinoids bind transmitters to endocannabinoid receptors in the nervous system, which are created by the body. CBD inhibits the activation of these receptors, promoting healing of chronic pain. For example, Italian researchers found that after using Sativex, a therapeutic oral spray that mixes THC and CBD, 74% of patients with multiple sclerosis reported less discomfort.
Treats Autoimmune Disorders
Several autoimmune illnesses, such as lupus, Hashimoto’s disease, celiac disease, and asthma, impair the body’s capacity to fight inflammation. CBD has been shown to lessen joint edema and inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis due to its significant anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Relieves Depression and Anxiety
In the U.S. alone, 40 million people aged 18 and above experience anxiety issues each year, and depression impacts nearly 300 million people around the globe. CBD sends messages to brain cells via the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter, which reduces anxiety.
With correct administration, CBD has been shown to be useful in treating symptoms of anxiety, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other comparable illnesses.
Best CBD Oil Products for Nurses
Here are some of the top products that nurses, paramedics, and even non-practicing individuals can use for basic medical treatments.
Kleen Hand Sanitizer
Our Kleen Hand Sanitizer is an ideal product for the times. It’s extra beneficial during the changing weather when your skin is prone to damage from regular sanitizer use.
It includes 70% ethanol, which complies with present healthcare-grade hand hygiene criteria. It fights dangerous germs and bacteria while keeping your skin hydrated and residue-free when mixed with aloe and vitamins. It can be used anywhere, at any time, and delivers effective personal hygiene in under 30 seconds.
It moisturizes skin and protects against dermatological disorders, even after repeated uses, offering your hands a great moisturizing sensation while offsetting the drying impacts of ethanol.
Restore Salve
Restore Salve is great for minor injuries where you need to reduce inflammation and calm skin irritation. Plant oils have been used for a multitude of objectives throughout history, including the incorporation of plant oils into foods, skincare, and pharmaceutical items.
Their benefits on skin illnesses and the maintenance of skin homeostasis are becoming more widely known. Thus, the many ingredients in Restore Salve act synergistically to promote anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties through various mechanisms.
CBD FECO Standard
One of our most potent products, the CBD FECO Standard oil is perfect for quick-acting pain relief even in small doses. Full-extract cannabis oil (FECO) not only relieves pain, but it also relieves any inflammation and gastrointestinal irritation caused by stress.
Pet Products
If you have a pet, these CBD tinctures are a must-have for your emergency kit to treat irritation and other medical concerns on a daily basis. King Harvest really cares for your pet’s health and takes the time to learn about it.
CBD Edibles
Gummies and other edibles are a convenient way to consume CBD discreetly. Managing pain and finding treatment from anxiety or depression are two major reasons for taking CBD.
We offer a variety of items at King Harvest, including CBD-infused olive oil. You may use it in place of olive oil in just about any recipe or simply drink it straight, giving you a lot of options.
CBD edibles are also available. Our medical cannabis edibles are delicious, prepared with high-quality ingredients, and extremely handy.
The Bottom Line
The public’s interest in cannabis’ numerous potential health benefits will grow as its legalization expands. By actively researching the numerous ways cannabis can aid their patients, savvy healthcare practitioners can be prepared to actually integrate cannabis into their patient care efforts.
Researchers are still learning about all of the advantages and hazards of CBD consumption. The effects may be gradual and nuanced, and they may differ from person to person. You might want to keep track of your results in a logbook so you can examine how they change over time.
About the Author
Buddhini Niroshika is a medical doctor and research assistant at Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya.
