Susan Allen-Evenson Hosts: Laura Lagano, MS, RDN, CDN Prepare for the Next Level: Incorporating Holistic Cannabis in the Nutrition Practice

Susan Allen-Evenson Hosts: Laura Lagano, MS, RDN, CDN Prepare for the Next Level: Incorporating Holistic Cannabis in the Nutrition Practice

Integrative Clinical Nutritionist, Laura Lagano MS, RDN, CDN (NY) Co-Founder, Holistic Cannabis Academy One of the original dietitians to break the alternative career wall, Laura Lagano has been a nutrition communications consultant since the 80s following her Masters in nutrition education from Columbia University. Dissatisfied with what allopathic healthcare had to offer, Laura followed the path set by her daughter with special needs and embarked on a learning quest that led her to myriad holistic modalities plus the Institute of Functional Medicine. Currently, Laura has a private practice focusing on gut, immune, adrenal, and brain health, which is all about root cause resolution. Continuing her commitment to progressive therapies, Laura is cofounder of the Holistic Cannabis Network & Academy a cannabis education, training, & business-building platform for holistic-minded practitioners about medical marijuana & its integration with other healing modalities

Today s Objectives Review terms & definitions pertinent to medical cannabis Explore the role of the endocannabinoid system Classify cannabis formats + delivery systems Describe the role of nutrition in medical cannabis Learn about integrating holistic medical cannabis as part of your practice

Why Should Nutritionists Care? Medical marijuana in half the country Healthcare paradigm shift driven by consumer demand gaining national momentum Cannabis as integrative care for nutrition-related health conditions + general wellness Other healthcare practitioners becoming competent Remain competitive, expanding scope of knowledge

Cannabis Is a Plant!

Consumer Interest in CBD + THC

Nutritionists versus Store Staff importance some are recommending cannabis that has either not been shown effective for, or could exacerbate, a patient s condition. Findings underscore the importance of consistent, evidence-based, training of dispensary staff who provide specific recommendations for patient medical conditions.

Challenges for Cannabis Not covered by insurance in the medical model Access to medical cannabis products in various formats flower, oil, topical varies among states Not approved in all states Not always approved for all health conditions Cannaphobia is real

DEA Schedule 1 Listing Controlled Substances Act Listed as a schedule 1 drug with heroin, cocaine, MDMA, LSD Contradicts states with medical marijuana regulations https://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml

Fear of Cannabis What s Up with Fear of Marijuana in Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com /laura-lagano/ post_11378_b_9558388.html

Endocannabinoid System (ECS) All living things with a spine produce endocannabinoids Collection of binding molecules Ligands Enzymes Receptors Endocannabinoids keys that open receptors Anandamide + 2-AG, or 2-arachidonoylglycerol

Endocannabinoid System Key component of physiology of healing System of communication between cells Balance + homeostasis Basic components are receptors System similar to other receptor systems with lock + key mechanism Key = chemical compound

Endocannabinoid System Two key receptors discovered to date CB1 - CNS, adipose, heart, lung, GI, muscle, joints, skin CB2 - immune, bone, spleen Regulates physiological processes Appetite Pain Mood Memory Sleep Immune Function

Why Modulate the ECS? modulating ECS activity may have therapeutic potential in almost all diseases affecting humans, including obesity/metabolic syndrome, diabetes and diabetic complications, neurodegenerative, inflammatory, cardiovascular, liver, gastrointestinal, skin diseases, pain, psychiatric disorders, cachexia, cancer, chemotherapyinduced nausea and vomiting, among many others.

Cannabis Dosage Impact on ECS Chronically high doses can desensitize or downregulate endocannabinoid receptors Fewer receptors means maximal effect of cannabis diminishes Reduce the dose to allow cells to build new receptors Microdose to restore sensitivity

Endocannabinoid: Anandamide Derived from Ananda = Sanskrit for bliss Chronic anti-depressant/anti-psychotic meds elevate anandamide production Receptors eventually get desensitized to Deep breathing + meditation help maintain bliss levels

Sativa versus Indica Dr. Russo: Since the taxonomists cannot agree, I would strongly encourage the scientific community, the press, and the public to abandon the sativa/indica nomenclature and rather insist that accurate biochemical assays on cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles be available for Cannabis in both the medical and recreational markets. Scientific accuracy and the public health demand no less than this.

Cannabis Constituents + Terms Cannabinoids compounds in cannabis THC, tetrahydrocannabinol: psychoactive, analgesic CBD, cannabidiol: anti-inflammatory THCA + CBDA acids, prior to heating Decarboxylation Ratio CBD:THC Terpenes volatile molecules present in plants

Cannabis Cannabis Characteristics Lipophilic = binds to fat Hydrophobic = repels waters Body fat impacts absorption Start low, go slow Cannabinoid release from adipose Vigorous exercise Rapid weight loss

Cannabis Delivery Systems Smoking raw plant flower, immediate effect Vaporizing raw plant flower or extracts (more controlled dosage) immediate effect Edibles extracts in foods, slow absorption Tinctures oil bases, highly concentrated, sublingual, mid-range absorption Topicals extracts in oils, non-psychoactive

Format Follows Function Format depends on individual patient 90/90 rule for inhaled meds: 90% peak plasma drops in 90 minutes Tinctures: 15-20 minute onset lasting 2-4 hours CBD patch: up to 8 hours of relief

Raw Cannabis Juicing Raw, unheated leaves means no psychoactivity Ingredients, such as kale & Echinacea, influence cannabinoid receptors Raw cannabis leaf juice Chlorophyll is a super anti-oxidant Wheat grass on steroids with cannabinoids For autoimmune + blood disorders

Integrating into Nutrition Care ADHD Alzheimer s Disease Anxiety Autism Cancer Crohn s Disease Epilepsy Fibromyalgia Gastrointestinal Disorders Inflammation Insomnia Multiple Sclerosis Pain Stress Tourette s Syndrome Women s Health

Intersection with Nutrition Pain Anxiety Insomnia Food + nutrition can optimize cannabis effects

Intersection with Nutrition Reduce Chronic Pain Anti-inflammatory foods + cannabis = symptom relief for joint pain, fibromyalgia

Intersection with Nutrition Mitigate Insomnia Caffeine elimination, protein + fat at all meals + herbals teas + cannabis = improved sleep

Mood Disorders + Nutrition Reduce Anxiety Adaptogenic herbs + morning protein + hydration + cannabis = improved anxiety management

Integrating Cannabis Holistically

Cannabis + Meditation + Yoga Cannabis facilitates Mindfulness Slowing down Decision making Empowerment Self-determination

Cannabis + Stress Can reduces stress PTSD + anxiety + mood disorders Lower stress = healthier adrenals = healthier thyroid

Holistic Cannabis Practitioner Provides a unique point-ofdifference for clients Positions you as a progressive practitioner Expands your scope of practice plus client base

Holistic Cannabis Academy info@holisticcannabisacademy.com or 917.829.0250 @holisticannabis NANP approved the HCA signature program for 30 CEUs as an Advanced Specialty Education Program

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