CBD consumption is growing. More and more people are using CBD for pain management, stress, and anxiety. But is it suitable for post-surgery?
Dr. Jejurikar and the minds behind '3 Plastic Surgeons and a Microphone' recently brought the founders of Welzel, Dr. Lisa Gardner-Phillips, and Trey Phillips, on their show to discuss the ins and outs of CBD for pain management. They answer important questions about how CBD interacts with other medications, proper dosages, and how to use CBD for post-surgery pain.
What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a chemical compound found within the cannabis plant. It is a naturally occurring substance that is used in products such as edibles and oils to produce a feeling of relaxation.
How should I take CBD?
CBD is available in oral doses and topical forms, such as creams, oils, and lotions. Dr. Jejurikar’s podcast guests, Dr. Lisa Gardner-Phillips and Trey Phillips, recommend that CBD beginners start with a low dose of CBD, observe its effects over 2-3 days, and increase the dosage if necessary. They reiterate that there is no one-size-fits-all CBD solution — suitable dosages depend on the individual's specific needs, goals, and even physiology.
For best results, the doctors on ‘3 Plastic Surgeons and a Microphone’ recommend consuming an oral dose of CBD alongside a topical CBD product. In this case, "high-quality" CBD refers to a full spectrum or broad-spectrum type of CBD. Topical creams and similar products are easiest to make with CBD isolate, which means that most topicals won't deliver the same efficacy as an oral CBD dose. That being said, Dr. Gardner-Phillips says that a 50-60mg daily dose of CBD helps maintain overall health and wellness but that oral and topical products are best used simultaneously to address specific pain. She also emphasizes that CBD topicals should not be used over surgical incisions; instead, any surgical or incision site should be kept covered and dry.
The effects of CBD for post-surgery pain?
CBD can help alleviate pain after surgery and keep you feeling calm and relaxed while you recover. Depending on the surgery in question, many people need to take opioid medication for about one to two weeks to get through the acute pain. After that, they can work with their surgeon to transition from the opioid to CBD.
What amount of CBD should I use after surgery?
When it comes to controlling postoperative pain, many people need to orally take a relatively high CBD dosage. While a usual daily dose might range from 20 to 50 milligrams, a postoperative amount may hit 100 milligrams or more.
The exact dose you need depends on many factors, so there's no universal dose, unfortunately. Your surgeon can help you find the right dose by slowly titrating it up every two to three days.
You may also get additional benefits from using CBD topically near the surgical site but never over the incision. Beyond that, if you live in a state where it's legal, THC can help when used in conjunction with oral and topical CBD. Always work with your doctor to find the right amount/type of medication to use after surgery and beyond.
What happens when you take too much CBD?
There are virtually no adverse side effects of taking "too much" CBD. As explained on Jejurikar’s podcast, once the body's receptors are complete, the body will expel the rest of the CBD through waste before it has a chance to take any further physiological — or mental — effects. In some cases, consuming excessive amounts of CBD could result in diarrhea, a stomach ache, or fatigue. Still, there are no severe side effects associated with taking large amounts of CBD. There are no documented reports of fatalities due to CBD consumption.
What are the Differences Between THC & CBD?
Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the compound responsible for causing the mental and physical high people to feel when using marijuana. Unlike THC, CBD on its own does not cause any psychoactive effects. Instead, it provides a mellow sense of wellbeing while helping people feel distanced from pain and discomfort.
Can you use THC with CBD?
CBD and THC can be used in tandem without many adverse side effects if used appropriately. Because our bodies receive THC and CBD with entirely separate systems, these compounds have entirely different effects on the human body and offer unique benefits.
THC is illegal in Texas. Therefore, to use them together safely, you would have to access them through the State's compassionate use program administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
CBD vs. Opioids
CBD can serve as a non-addictive solution to recovery after about a week of opioids. While opioids are known for their highly addictive nature and adverse side effects that include fatigue, nausea, confusion, and much more, CBD poses minimal risk to the user and manages to relieve their pain.
Despite the opioids' side effects, CBD is not always a substitute for the narcotic. Your surgeon will help you find the right combination when appropriate.
How Does CBD Interact with Other Medications?
You have to be careful with combining CBD with other prescription drugs you're taking.
When the concentration is altered, the medication may not work or increase adverse side effects.
For example, If the CBD causes that medication to work too well, your blood pressure could drop, causing you to pass out or experience other ill effects. Be careful and consult with your physician before using CBD with other medications, as it may produce adverse effects.
What Kind of CBD Products are Available?
High-quality CBD products come in three main configurations:
- Full-spectrum
- Broad-spectrum
- CBD isolate
The full spectrum CBD contains all cannabinoid compounds in the cannabis plant, including up to 0.3% THC. As these cannabinoids work together, the entourage effect helps the CBD work better to control pain and discomfort.
Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum, except it doesn't have any THC at all. The THC removal allows people in local careers to use this product without worry about false positives on their employment drug tests.
CBD isolate only has cannabidiol in its formula as all the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and other ingredients are left behind during extraction. This provides a purer product that works well for people who strictly control what goes into their bodies.
Across all product types, CBD is available in oral and topical form. CBD oil is the most popular way to ingest this cannabinoid orally, although there are also capsules, sprays, and powders. Topical CBD products come in ointments, lotions, and rollers.
What Makes a Good CBD Product?
There are currently no strict labeling guidelines or other standards to meet, making it a free-for-all for distributors. As a result, it's common for the products to contain little to no CBD and potentially have arsenic, pesticides, and even lead in their formulas.
To avoid that, everyone must look for the following signs of a high-quality CBD product:
- Only uses American grown hemp
- Meets all organic standards
- Extracted using quality processes, like CO2 extraction
Beyond all that, the CBD manufacturer should provide third-party lab test results for each batch. The results must consistently show all the ingredients and their concentrations in each dose, so customers can confirm they are only getting the best products possible.
Delta 8 THC vs. Delta 9 THC
Delta-9 is the scientific name for THC and what Phillips calls a "traditional THC molecule." It is the primary component of cannabis and delivers the psychoactive "high" commonly associated with THC. Certain states have banned the use of Delta-9 in products if their THC concentration is higher than .3%.
For this reason, another component, Delta-8, is becoming increasingly popular, given that many states have not yet banned its use and that it delivers a similar psychoactive effect.
But they are not the same. It is strongly recommended that you ask your surgeon if you want to use Delta-8 and the procedure as that molecule hasn't been researched in the same manner as Delta-9 THC has.
Where to Find More Answers About CBD
Beyond exploring what Dr. Sameer Jejurikar brings to light about CBD, it's possible to get more information by calling WelCel's recommended registered nurse hotline at 817-989-6219. Operating as part of the Leaf Nurse Network, these independent nurses act as trusted patient advocates with extensive knowledge about using CBD for post-operative pain and more. From 9 am to 5 pm CST on Monday through Friday, they are happy to answer everyone's questions and offer additional resources on the benefits and usage of CBD.
About Dr. Jejurikar and his Podcast
Dr. Sam Jejurikar is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Texas. He specializes in plastic surgery on the nose, body, eyes, breast, & face. He has been in practice for nearly ten years and has a reputable standing in the community.
Dr. Jejurikar's clients are given a realistic understanding of what to expect from their desired procedure, and he focuses on bringing the best care to all his patients.
He hosts a podcast that answers questions about plastic surgery such as surgery & social media, breast enlargement/reduction, and more. Alongside Doctors Sam Rhee and Salvatore Pacella, Dr. Jejurikar explores topics related to plastic surgery and various health solutions. If you want to hear the latest news on plastic surgery and how the industry is changing, listen here.
If you want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jejurikar or get more details about the procedures offered. In that case, you can contact Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, located at 9101 N. Central Expwy., Suite 600, Dallas TX 75231.
