Men’s Health + CBD & Cannabis

Men’s Health + CBD & Cannabis (Hook a Brother Up!)

I recently had the most stirring conversation with my father. I was visiting him in the nursing home while he was recovering from a stroke and he grabbed my hand, looked me in the eye and told me “All the money, the houses, they don't mean a thing. Go find love and be happy because in the end, it’s all you’ll have”. It was a very profound moment for me because my father has never been a person to engage in sentimentality. I’ve been the one who's been opening his mind and heart to the idea that men can say “I love you” to each other. My dad is 91 years old and from a generation where the value of man was measured in his ability to work, produce and be a provider. In his time, a man’s needs, feelings, physical and mental health were not priorities. Physical health was only addressed when he became ill and mental health discussions were taboo. 

I received his message in my mind but especially my heart because I had never had discussions with him of this nature. And I’m so very grateful for it, because as a workaholic- it’s the type of advice I needed to hear. I’m also very happy to be able to help him with the work that I do. I’ve set him up with a subscription where he receives a monthly supply of 75 mg softgels to help him sleep, 25 mg softgels and a rolliever for his body aches (he hates taking prescription painkillers). 

Given that this is men’s health month and we're celebrating Father's Day on the 16th (and my dad’s 92nd birthday on the 23rd 🥳 ) it’s a great opportunity to discuss how CBD and cannabis can help with some issues specifically from a men's health perspective.

P.S. Do something nice for your dad, don't give a minimum effort…we actually like all that stuff 😉

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are common issues for men, particularly in the fast-paced world we live in. African American men often face additional stressors, including systemic racism and economic challenges. Research shows that CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, can help reduce anxiety. A study published in the journal Neurotherapeutics found that CBD has considerable potential as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders, with a notable reduction in anxiety symptoms.

Statistics:

• According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 6 million men are affected by anxiety disorders in the U.S.

• A 2019 survey found that 79.2% of CBD users reported lower anxiety levels.

Men vs. Women: Anxiety often presents differently in men than in women. Men are more likely to exhibit physical symptoms such as chest pain, rapid heart rate, and muscle tension. They may also show irritability, anger, and avoidance behaviors. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective treatment.

Pearls:

1. Quick Relief: CBD can provide quick relief for acute anxiety episodes, making it a valuable tool for managing stress on the go.

2. Non-Addictive: Unlike some prescription medications for anxiety, CBD is non-addictive, which means it can be used without the fear of dependency.

Sleep Disorders

Getting a good night's sleep is crucial for overall health. Unfortunately, many men struggle with insomnia and other sleep disorders (our previous article on this can be found here). CBD has been shown to improve sleep quality by addressing the root causes of insomnia, such as anxiety and pain. According to a study in The Permanente Journal, CBD significantly improved sleep scores within the first month for most participants.

Statistics:

• The American Sleep Association reports that 30% of adults suffer from insomnia, and men are less likely to seek help for sleep issues.

• In a 2017 study, 67% of participants reported improved sleep after using CBD.

Pearls:

1. Improved Sleep Quality: CBD can enhance sleep quality, leading to better overall health and increased productivity during the day.

2. Holistic Approach: By addressing anxiety and pain, CBD offers a holistic approach to improving sleep, rather than just masking symptoms.

Pain Management

Chronic pain is another common issue that affects many men, whether from sports injuries, arthritis, or other conditions. We’ve written a full article on pain management that you can read here. African American men, in particular, may have higher pain sensitivity and more significant barriers to effective pain management. Cannabis, specifically THC and CBD, has been shown to be effective in managing chronic pain. A review in The Journal of Pain concluded that cannabinoids are effective in treating chronic pain conditions, especially neuropathic pain.

Statistics:

• According to the CDC, approximately 20.4% of adults have chronic pain, with men often underreporting their pain.

• A 2018 study found that 62% of chronic pain patients reported using CBD for pain management, with significant relief.

Pearls:

1. Alternative to Opioids: Cannabis offers a safer alternative to opioids for chronic pain management, reducing the risk of addiction and overdose.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Both CBD and THC have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain at its source.

Cardiovascular Health

Heart disease is a leading cause of death among men, and African American men are at a higher risk. Some studies suggest that cannabis can have a beneficial impact on cardiovascular health. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that CBD can induce vasorelaxation in human arteries, potentially lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Statistics:

• The American Heart Association states that cardiovascular disease affects more than 1 in 3 men.

• African American men are 30% more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic white men.

Pearls:

1. Blood Pressure Reduction: CBD may help lower blood pressure, a key factor in preventing heart disease.

2. Stress Reduction: By reducing stress and anxiety, CBD indirectly supports cardiovascular health.

Prostate Health

Prostate health is a significant concern for men as they age, with African American men being at higher risk for prostate cancer. Preliminary research indicates that cannabinoids might inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells. A study in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that cannabinoids, particularly CBD, can decrease the viability of prostate cancer cells.

Statistics:

• The American Cancer Society reports that African American men are 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with and 2.4 times more likely to die from prostate cancer than white men.

• Research indicates that CBD can inhibit cancer cell growth by up to 50%.

Pearls:

1. Cancer Cell Inhibition: CBD may help inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells, providing a potential complementary therapy.

2. Symptom Management: Cannabis can help manage symptoms related to prostate issues, such as pain and inflammation.

Wrapping It All Up

I was probably a little preachy in the beginning but as you can tell, this is a very close subject to me. I’m grateful to be in a time when we are advancing as a society and medical community to where we can acknowledge the issues that have been specifically affecting men. As discussed, CBD and cannabis offer promising benefits for various men's health issues, from managing stress and improving sleep to pain relief and supporting cardiovascular and prostate health. It's important to approach cannabis use thoughtfully and seek medical advice when incorporating it into your health regimen. Remember, everyones body reacts differently, so what works for one person might not work for another. Stay informed, consult with healthcare professionals, and listen to your body to find what works best for you. And absolutely only purchase CBD from trusted sources with verifiable laboratory testing. One last thing, make sure you show the man/ men in your life some love. (We're big softies, and we love gifts 😊)

References:

1. Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836.

2. Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23.

3. Häuser, W., Petzke, F., & Fitzcharles, M. A. (2018). Efficacy, tolerability and safety of cannabis-based medicines for chronic pain management – An overview of systematic reviews. European Journal of Pain, 22(3), 455-470.

4. Stanley, C. P., Hind, W. H., & O’Sullivan, S. E. (2013). Is the cardiovascular system a therapeutic target for cannabidiol? British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 75(2), 313-322.

5. Sarfaraz, S., Afaq, F., Adhami, V. M., & Mukhtar, H. (2005). Cannabinoid receptor as a novel target for the treatment of prostate cancer. Cancer Research, 65(5), 1635-1641.