[[{“value”:”Flight Deck is Sun Peaks’ cannabis store. Photo by Flight Deck
Injury recuperation, prevention and pain relief are subjects well known to many skiers and riders, especially those intent on notching up the most days per season and aiming for skiing longevity.
One of the products trending in the field of pain management and inflammation reduction is CBD.
But what exactly is CBD? It stands for Cannabidiol, a naturally occurring, non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. There is no high, no altered perception and no intoxication. CBD has been widely studied for its potential to help with various conditions, including pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and seizures.
CBD is a big component of everyday business for the Sun Peaks’ cannabis store Flight Deck, according to co-owner Sonya Nasilowski, who has been a medical and recreational cannabis advocate for many years.
“I can see the benefits for my fellow skiers and snowboarders but also as a registered massage therapist, I have seen my patients thrive from certain products,” Nasilowski said. Whilst she cannot recommend drugs to her massage patients, she is able to share personal experiences and anecdotal success stories about CBD.
“We can’t make any direct claims about effectiveness and benefits. For many it’s ‘a miracle’ and for others there is little effect,” Nasilowski said. “Like most plant remedies there is much trial and error and they can vary with several factors.”
Conditions that could be alleviated by CBD include soft tissue injuries, sprains and strains, bruises, joint injuries and muscle soreness, among others. As well as oral and topical forms, there are also CBD bath products which may help relax muscles and improve recovery after strenuous activities.
“Personally, I love soaking in a THC and CBD bath bomb after a day of skiing and, when used topically, you are never getting high – so a great option for anyone,” Nasilowski explained. “CBD is known to specifically help with inflammation by reducing levels of cytokines.”
Cytokines are proteins that control the immune system and help protect the body. While some cytokines cause inflammation, others work to reduce it.
But there’s a general lack of awareness and confusion about CBD, she added.
“As cannabis was kept underground for so many years, research has not caught up.”
Dosage is an important issue, as well as understanding the many different ways to take CBD.
“We recommend different products depending on the customer’s needs,” Nasilowski explained. “For example, not everyone is comfortable dosing a liquid oil but they might find a pre-measured capsule easier.”
Of course, anyone who is unsure, has pre-existing medical conditions, or is taking prescription medications already should consult a healthcare professional.
Local resident Kelly Brown was advised by a naturopathic doctor to try a THC and CBD cream to help with pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis in his left knee.
“It worked great! When I eventually had a knee replacement, I found that just a CBD cream worked better than one blended with THC,” Brown said.
He also takes CBD oil daily to help with neuropathy in his toes.
“When I travel for extended periods of time outside of Canada and don’t have access to CBD oil, I find the neuropathy gets noticeably worse after a couple of weeks,” he said. “The CBD oil really helps keep the tingling and discomfort to a minimum.”
When he injured his knee and back in Portugal this year playing Padel, a squash/tennis hybrid sport trending across Europe, he was prescribed anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant drugs.
“They worked okay, but I was warned it’s not healthy to continue to use it for long periods of time,” he recalled. Back in Canada, he reverted to CBD cream which he found far more effective.
”}]] Flight Deck co-owner Sonya Nasilowski shares the benefits of CBD in recovery. Read More
