Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte Figi developed a rare form of epilepsy-Dravet’s syndrome when she was just three months old in 2006. It took more than a year to get the correct diagnosis. She suffered excruciating and uncontrollable fits lasting for as long as thirty minutes. For years, her parents tried every possible medication and treatment. No medicine or diet worked out. Instead, her immunity and cognitive development deteriorated. She was having 300 seizures a week with intense contractions and was losing consciousness despite the treatment. By the age of four, she lost her ability to walk, talk, and eat. Her heart stopped several times. When she was 5, the hospital expressed its inability to do anything more.
Her father, Matt, an ex-US military member, discovered a video online about a boy suffering from the same syndrome who was effectively being treated with cannabis. With no other option left, they turned to Stanley Brothers who sold cannabis strain containing a low THC and high CBD content. They converted it into an oil concentrate. After consuming a small dose of CBD oil, Charlotte’s seizures ceased immediately. The results were phenomenal. With subsequent doses, her seizures reduced from up to 43 a week to just one.
Her life improved significantly. She became the reason America changed its marijuana laws for medical purposes.
In 2018, The FDA approved the use of CBD (Epidiolex) as a therapy for two rare conditions characterized by epileptic seizures.
EDIT: Charlotte Figi has since passed away from complications possibly related to the coronavirus. https://coloradosun.com/2020/04/08/charlotte-figi-cbd-coronavirus/
History
This was not a new discovery. Many ancient cultures were aware of cannabis’ therapeutic benefits. It is believed that a Chinese Emperor, Sheng Nung, a patron of all herbalists and apothecaries in around 2737 BC, used to prescribe cannabis-infused tea for treating several diseases. Indian Ayurveda mentions it as well in preparation for some curative recipes.
In the late 18th century, William B. O’Shaughnessy, an Irish physician, published a study exploring the plant’s healing effects. This was the beginning of the modern-day cannabinoids.
Many more studies over the years proved the effectiveness of cannabinoids. However, the stigma remained due to a lack of awareness.
What is CBD Oil
Marijuana contains two compounds – THC and CBD. THC produces a mind-altering “high” when a person consumes it.
CBD is different. It does not change a person’s state of mind. It was called “hippie’s disappointment” as it could not create a “high”. Though it certainly proved to be a life savior.
The strain used by Charlotte Gigi had 0.5% THC and 17% CBD, making it non-psychoactive.
CBD oils contain varying concentrations of CBD for different medical purposes.
Benefits:
A study published in Journal of Experimental Medicine established that CBD acts as a natural painkiller and reduces chronic inflammation.
Recent research published in Addictive Behavior Journal found out that it may even help people to quit smoking.
It is also found beneficial in treating many complications linked to epilepsy, such as neurodegeneration, neuronal injury, and psychiatric diseases.
Preliminary research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease says that CBD could help people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
A review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found evidence that CBD significantly helped to prevent the spread of cancer.
Rick Simpson was diagnosed with a form of skin cancer in 2003. He applied concentrated CBS oil topically and allegedly the cancerous growth disappeared. His doctors refused to support it as an alternative. Although he faced serious troubles due to laws, he cultivated and prepared his own cannabis oil and distributed it for free to treat people. He is a cannabis activist now and continues to sell his own Rick Simpson Oil.
In Park Slope
Places selling CBD products are gaining popularity as misconceptions surrounding it are being quashed. However, we advise you to be cautious while buying. Only trust places that get verification from third-party lab testing and do alcohol or Co2 extraction methods. Fake CBD oil is more prevalent than you think and could harm you with synthetic fillers and pesticide content in them.
We found some exceptional, premier and top-rated, CBD-oil stores in Park Slope that are diligent in their product sourcing and have a knowledgeable staff to help you out.
Your CBD Store – 195 5th Avenue
Your CBD Store is a newly-opened store gaining popularity due to its top-rated products, trained staff capable of helping you choose the best product and spa-like ambience.
There are over 600 Your CBD stores nationwide, originally founded by Rachel Quinn and her husband Marcus. Her struggles with Crohn’s disease and side-effects from medicines for years before finding relief in CBD inspired her to open a place that gives high-quality products as she saw how difficult it was to procure them. They’ve won awards for best oil tincture and best topical cream in CBD Expo held in Miami.
Owner of the store, Dominique Pastorello, met them through a friend and was amazed at the anxiety relief she experienced through CBD. With a degree in Plant Sciences, she has studied alternative medicines independently. After the success of her first store in Ithaca, she decided to venture into the Brooklyn market.
Your CBD Stores carry organic, lab-tested, CO2 extracted CBD products packed with therapeutic terpenes and cannabinoids. They offer a wide array of organic CBD products including oil tinctures, water solubles, capsules, topical creams, CBG rich formulations, edibles, vape products, skincare, and pet products. Also available is their amazing store brand “Sunmed.”
Your CBD Store provides samples daily and encourages you to come speak with their knowledgeable staff. They also offer CBD 101 seminars on the first Sunday of each month at the store open to all
Follow them on Instagram @yourcbdstoreofficial
Park Slope Food Co-Op – 782 Union Street
One of the largest and oldest co-ops in the US, Park Slope Food Co-op began storing CBD products in 2017 seeing their high demand. Two of their biggest selling brands are Gnome Serum and Nature’s Plus Hemp Ceutix. They keep many other brands as well. Affordable prices and expert advice makes it a great place and gets repeat customers.
Jessa and Theresa are there to help you out if all the products overwhelm you. They listen to customers’ personal experiences with CBD almost every day and feel that together it’s a learning and sharing journey. One of their members, Noah Potter, is the head of the New York City Cannabis Industry Association and is on top of all legal aspects.
One important thing to know, to be able to purchase CBD products at eh Park Slope Food Co-op, you must be a member. Contact the co-op on how to join.
You can follow them on Instagram @foodcoop.
Hidden Hemp – 411 7th Avenue
Located in the heart of Park Slope, Hidden Hemp carries a wide selection of high-end Hemp products including oils, smokables, lotions, edibles, vitamins, and an exclusive line for your furry friends.
Their founders, Oswald and Monty have been studying Hemp for years, and work towards spreading awareness about it. Even selling their own brand of products “Hemped NYC.”
Well-educated staff at Hidden Hemp make sure to help you find exactly what you stepped in for. If not anything else, you are bound to step out with some new and useful information.
Every Wednesday, from 12-4, they hold a 20 minutes, in-house class about the hemp plant and its benefits.
Starting early spring and lasting through the end of summer Hidden Hemp is all set to unveil their “hidden garden” where luxurious parquet covered backyard will be open to friends and neighbors to come, relax, maybe with one of their quality Pre-rolls or just a drink. More exclusive events are in the pipeline.
You can stay tuned for more updates by following them on Instagram- @hiddenhemp
THC-you!
Disclaimer: The content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice provided by healthcare professionals.
