“C” Is For Canine, Cannabis, and CBD: An Interview With Vermont “Passion 4 Paws Rescue” Volunteer Krista Jones

HV: Thanks for talking with us, Krista. Tell us a bit about yourself.

KJ: I am an energetic/active mom of 3 grown adult children and 2 stepchildren. I love to spend my free time outside – gardening, hiking and enjoying all that Mother Nature has to offer! My favorite time is spent as a VIP Volunteer for Passion 4 Paws Rescue – a foster-based Vermont dog rescue.

HV: CBD – how did you come to discover cannabidiol (CBD)?

KJ: Unfortunately, I suffer from degenerative disc disease in both my cervical and lumbar back regions. I have spent the past 30 years with chronic pain, multiple visits to a neurosurgeon, and a diagnosis that forced me to modify my activities and learn to live with it. For these years, ibuprofen was my best friend, and I had developed an acceptance that I would always have chronic pain. I also suffer from an anxiety disorder that up until now had been treated by prescription medications. I started researching alternative ways to manage my pain and anxiety and stumbled across articles on CBD Oil. After significant research into product quality and the uses for CBD Oil, I decided to give it a try and within four weeks, I was pain free, and within six weeks, off all medications.

The only thing I reach for now in my medicine cabinet is my CBD Oil.

HV: Where do you go for accurate and well-researched information about CBD?

KJ: I did a lot of research online and found this ECHO CONNECTION website to be most useful and unbiased, as it is not linked to any product manufacturers and sales.

HV: Talk about your understanding of what makes CBD so powerful as a healing substance.

KJ: Simply put, because all mammals have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS), we need to be certain that this endogenous system is in balance. CBD has shown effectiveness in doing so. Since the ECS maintains homeostasis in our body, it is the most important physiologic system involved in establishing and maintaining human health.

HV: Say more about the “endocannabinoid system” (ECS) and the human body.

KJ: ECS is a collection of receptors and corresponding molecules throughout the body of mammals. CB1 receptors are located primarily in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), while CB2 receptors are found on immune cells in the gastrointestinal tract and the peripheral nervous system.  Because these receptors are found in so many locations throughout our bodies, they play a significant role in maintaining homeostasis for: sleep, appetite, mood, motor control, immune function, reproduction and fertility, pain, memory and temperature regulation. Endocannabinoids are the chemical messengers that tell our body internally to get these listed processes moving, or, conversely, helping to stop them. CBD oil helps with the regulation of these messengers so our bodily processes are not disrupted and optimal balance is achieved.

HV: And is it true that other mammals – like pet dogs – can benefit from CBD?

KJ: Since all mammals have an endo-cannabinoid system, CBD is being used and researched for use in dogs, cats and even horses.  There are numerous studies and testimonials that CBD oil has helped dogs with anxiety, pain, cancer, epilepsy/seizures, inflammation, allergies and appetite control.  Since it is not psychotropic and is 100% safe (as long as you purchase the correct product), it can be used in place of costly medications dispensed from your veterinarian.  I rescued our crazy coonhound, Lexi, through Passion 4 Paws last February, and like many rescue dogs, she came with some anxiety and behaviorial issues that interfered with her settling into our home and also her training. Since I had such great success with CBD oil, I decided to give it a try with her. Not only have we seen her “balance” herself emotionally and making significant progress in her training, the CBD oil has also helped her with her itchy skin and paw chewing.

HV: Anything else we should know?

KJ: It is very important to be certain you purchase a high quality product, as many people and companies are jumping on board to sell CBD oil. The hemp should be grown organically and the extraction process of the oil should render the oil free of contaminants. The ingredient list should list only natural ingredients, and most importantly, not be filled with additives which will dilute the product and make it less effective.

Like trying anything new, be sure to educate yourself first, and then give your body the time to determine efficacy before concluding if CBD oil can be beneficial to you.

HV: Thanks for talking with Heady Vermont, Krista!

KJ: My pleasure.