Month: May 2020

Categories
Stories

RoC Partnered with Charlotte’s Web CBD to give away $1 million in products

Over the past month or so, we partnered with Charlotte’s Web over to give away free Charlotte’s Web™ products to the Realm of Caring community. 

The results have absolutely blown us away. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Charlotte’s Web, we were able to give away $1 million worth of product to the members of our community who needed it most! Nothing makes us happier than being able to help others. We received wonderful feedback from members of the Realm of Caring community, who were all immensely grateful to Charlotte’s Web for their generous gift. 

“Thank you so very much for sharing this coupon code with us,” says RoC community member Kelly. “Our son experiences focal seizures that are as of yet uncontrolled.  He received a diagnosis of epilepsy at two years old, but we suspect he was having seizures from birth that were difficult to identify.  Numerous medicines have not stopped his seizures.  We have found that Charlotte’s Web CBD oil helps to reduce the frequency, duration, and magnitude of his seizures.  I’m sure we are not the only parents who feel conflicted about being thankful for this offer, while at the same time sharing in the grief over the loss of Charlotte Figi.  We are thankful for this gift.  Charlotte is remembered in our family, and I believe that her spirit lives on in, and watches over children like our son.”

“I just want to say thank you so much for sending me the CBD oil. It helps with my pain, inflammation and insomnia so much and I know that’s crucial for my healing . I am speechless. Your generosity is so very much appreciated! Paying out-of-pocket for my natural cancer cure has been a heavy burden on my husband and I. We spent over $6000 in the last six weeks. Dipping into our retirement funds at this stage in our life has been scary. Amazing to see how our life savings can dwindle so fast. But your act of kindness here brought me to tears as it is right now just writing this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do ️. I hope someday in the near future I can pay it forward.” – Carol

“My name is Kristie (though, I go by Kaalyn, if you’d rather use that — it’s how most people know me), and I’m a 32yo wheelchair user with a constellation of disabilities. One of those includes a mutation on the SCN9A gene, a sister gene to what caused Charlotte’s Dravet Syndrome. I have always felt so close to and protective of her, and it’s no surprise Charlotte’s Web was the only brand of CBD that could calm my myoclonic body and the progression of my seizures. I was hit very hard but Charlotte’s passing, but the added impact of the pandemic on my medical care, my overall health and my struggle in poverty couldn’t be understated. So, when I saw CW teaming up with RoC to gift CBD, I nearly cried at just the *possibility* of help. When I got the email saying an entire large bottle of their 50mg dose was granted to me, I legitimately cried. When it came to the door, I cried again — tears of relief, grieving and gratitude.”

“This has been an irreplaceable light in the midst of mourning and my declining health. I can’t say enough how indebted and grateful I am to you all. The loss of Charlotte has left a huge hole, but the countless lives she’s saved, and thus the sheer number of candles that get to be lit in her wake, is enough to make the entire globe glow. Thank you.” – Kaalyn

Dear ROC,

“I just wanted to express my appreciation for the coupon you sent me for free product from Charlotte’s Web.  We purchase the 100 ml. original formula for our son, monthly and I have lost my job due to the virus.  Thank you so much for the free product.  It is wonderful to know we won’t have to pay out of pocket for his CBD this month. Thank you.”  – Ruth

“As an avid trail runner with a constant search for routes with maximal elevation gain, I started to notice minor aches in my ankles and lower back. 6 weeks into implementing Charlotte’s Web into my daily routine and these aches have subsided due to the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD. This was the reason I decided to give CBD a try and it has made a noticeable difference. My anxiety levels have also dropped a considerable amount. Although I have only been using Charlotte’s Web for 6 weeks, I see it remaining in my daily regimen for life. I saw the link for a free bottle of original from Realm of Caring and just received it. Thank you! Happy trails.” – Marcus

The generosity of our friends at Charlotte’s Web helped provide comfort and care to people across the nation, from all walks of life. From helping control seizures to relieving chronic joint pain to providing a natural alternative to other cancer treatments, we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of emotion and gratitude shared by members of our community. Everyone at Realm of Caring feels incredibly lucky to have played some part in getting these products to those who need them most.

We thank you all for your support, and look forward to a continued partnership with Charlotte’s Web. Together, we’re making a difference.

Categories
Education

Mental Health Awareness

mental health awareness

One of the most difficult things some of us may encounter is the realization that sometimes we need to ask for help. It is okay to not feel okay and to reach out for support, empathy, and answers. With that comes another realization: that the friends, family members, and other individuals who you may reach out to, may not be equipped to provide you with the necessary help you are in need of. 

 

May is Mental Health Awareness month. It was established in 1949 by Mental Health America, a group that was founded in 1909. This month serves the purpose of bringing awareness to the millions of Americans who are suffering. The aim is to combat stigma, educate, advocate, and support. To do our part, we want to bring forth resources that may help you or a loved one who may be enduring this agony. 

 

At Realm of Caring, we are not medical professionals nor clinically trained to advise one through their mental health illness. However, we care. We are here to help you find resources. We are also here to support if you are utilizing cannabinoid therapy to bring symptomatic relief, whether that relief is needed psychologically or physically. Those of us who suffer are well aware, mental health illnesses go far beyond affecting mood, physical symptoms may also be witnessed. 

 

Physical and psychological disorders can be cyclically linked, to mean that one may influence the other, repeatedly. This is where cannabinoid therapy may have some potential to provide relief. For example, the cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD) has the ability to modulate. From allowing your body to use the serotonin your brain creates more efficiently to reducing pain, a CBD-based product may be beneficial for you to supplement mental health recovery. 

 

Sometimes we need more help, though, in additional aspects of life beyond what cannabinoids and Care Specialists at Realm of Caring may provide. Talking to a professional who specializes in counseling, nutrition, or physical health is highly encouraged as so many instances can affect our mental well-being. We have listed below some resources that may be helpful in getting started on your mental health recovery journey. There are also research articles to hopefully help bring about an understanding of the various therapies and tools that may provide relief. If you have more information that has helped you, please share with us. We are always looking for ways to benefit our community. We are here for you. 

 

Resources

 

 

Research Articles

 

 

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There is a lot to consider when starting cannabinoid therapy. A Realm of Caring care specialist is here to help with your questions. Contact us today by calling (719)347-5400 or by emailing info@realmofcaring.org. 

 

Disclaimer

The Realm of Caring Foundation specifically invokes the first amendment rights of freedom of speech and of the press without prejudice. These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. the products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease. Realm of Caring always recommends when and wherever possible that licensed local healthcare professionals be consulted.

 

The Realm of Caring Foundation is an independent nonprofit with its own governing board. We do not produce or sell cannabinoid products, nor do we receive funds from the sale of other company’s products.

Categories
Education

Cannabinoid Therapy for Pets

Cannabinoid therapy fo rpets
Blog about giving pets cannabis therapy

If you have ever used a cannabinoid therapy, such as CBD, for yourself, you may have also considered using it for your pet. If they have witnessed pain, stress, or discomfort, it is natural to search for a solution that may provide them with relief. As their caretakers, it is our responsibility to provide them with what they need in a way that is safe and effective. In some cases, cannabinoid therapy may be beneficial to them. 

The most popular form of cannabinoid therapy on the market is CBD tincture (oil). For dogs in particular, CBD has been researched to help with many conditions, including arthritis, anxiety, and seizure disorders. Due to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapeutics of the CBD molecule, it may even enhance the recovery time and pain associated with sprains, fractures, and surgeries.

Just as with dogs, CBD may also ease the symptoms of ailments in cats, however, more research is needed to fully understand the benefit and absorption of the molecule that takes place. The fact that cats also have an endocannabinoid system, just as dogs and humans do, may suggest that plant cannabinoids, like CBD, may have therapeutic benefits.

The product you decide to purchase matters. You want to be sure it is a quality product you can trust and that it is consistent and sustainable. Once you have a CBD product for your pet, whether that be a tincture or a treat, it is critical to start with micro-dosing. This means that your pet could be starting off with mere drops of a tincture in a day.

Animals are more sensitive than humans in a number of ways. For example, dogs have been studied to show that the presence of cannabinoid receptors in the brain far exceeds those of humans. This explains why high levels of THC may be toxic for dogs, and further explains the importance of micro-dosing. The best analogy may be to relate THC to Theobromine – the toxic ingredient in chocolate for dogs and cats. Because they cannot metabolize this chemical in the way that humans can, they are more sensitive to the chemical effects as a heart stimulant, blood vessel dilator, and muscle relaxant. Theobromine is found in cocoa, therefore higher levels of cocoa in a product means it to be more toxic to pets. However, there are also low levels of Theobromine found in carob, which is a safe alternative and tolerable for both dogs and cats. 

When searching for products for your pet, you may find ones marketed specifically for dogs. These will likely be flavored to appease dog palates, of low concentration, and contain little to no THC. If the bottle is marked “full-spectrum”, that means all of the hundreds of cannabinoids of the cannabis plant are in the product, including THC, following the federal guidelines of equating to 0.3% or less. A bottle marked “broad spectrum” will contain all of the cannabinoids with the exception of THC. A CBD “isolate” will only consider the CBD cannabinoid. 

In short, when considering supplementing your pet’s diet with CBD; invest in a quality product, start low and go slow, and consult your veterinarian for medical concerns.

If you have any questions about this topic, a Realm of Caring Care Specialist is here to help. Call us at 719-347-5400 option 1 or email us at info@realmofcaring.org

Disclaimer

The Realm of Caring Foundation specifically invokes the first amendment rights of freedom of speech and of the press without prejudice. These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. the products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or treat any disease. Realm of Caring always recommends when and wherever possible that licensed local healthcare professionals be consulted.

The Realm of Caring Foundation is an independent nonprofit with its own governing board. We do not produce or sell cannabinoid products, nor do we receive funds from the sale of other company’s products.

Categories
Education

Cooking with Cannabinoids

It is no new thing that cannabis has been infused in edible products. Dating back to even before Bartolomeo Platina completed the first printed cookbook in the 15th century, where he had several dishes that included the ingredient of hemp seeds as well as one for “cannabis nectar”, cannabis has been consumed in a variety of ways for a variety of purposes. 

 

When we think edibles, typically we think about marijuana baked into gummy bears, cookies, chocolate bars, and more. There are also those pot brownies that are not only famous for being delicious but revolutionary. But what about cooking with the other cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, like CBD? 

 

CBD can be found everywhere these days and more individuals are experimenting with ways in which to self-administer it for the potential benefits. Here we would like to discuss what CBD and its health benefits are, supplementing with CBD, and tips for cooking with it. If you should decide to make a CBD-infused treat, we have a recipe below for you to try!

 

What is CBD?

 


CBD stands for Cannabidiol. It is a phytocannabinoid (a cannabinoid from plants) found in cannabis that has been researched to have many therapeutic effects. These include, but are not limited to:

 

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-anxiety
  • Analgesic
  • Anti-bacterial
  • Anti-depressant
  • Anti-emetic
  • Anti-spasmodic
  • Anti-ischemic
  • Neuroprotectant

 

CBD is available to purchase in many, many forms. For cooking, I would stick with a tincture (oil) as it is more concentrated and already contains an ingredient we are used to cooking with – oil! CBD tinctures contain a carrier oil, which can be olive oil, sesame oil, fractionated coconut oil, or others. Some CBD tinctures will be labeled as an isolate, meaning that the only cannabinoid considered from the hundreds of cannabinoids of the cannabis plant is CBD. A CBD tincture labeled full-spectrum will consider all of the hundreds of cannabinoids, with an emphasis on the ratio of CBD. 

 

Why Supplement with CBD?

 

Our body naturally produces cannabinoids that bind to receptors in our Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Sometimes, when our body does not produce enough cannabinoids, we may have what is called Endocannabinoid Deficiency. Therefore, by supplementing with phytocannabinoids like CBD, we may be able to mimic the actions of those natural cannabinoids to produce the same therapeutic benefits. 

 

Tips for Cooking with CBD Oil

 

  • Quality. You will want to be sure the product you are using is of high quality that you can trust. The quality of your product matters. The company you are purchasing from should be able to produce a Certificate of Analysis, or Batch Results, to show that the product you have in hand has the concentration of CBD it displays and has been tested for molds and pesticides. 

 

  • Start low and go slow. CBD works through the accumulation of the ECS. In order for it to provide day to day relief from your symptoms, you may want to explore consistent dosing. When cooking with it, you will want to have enough to where it may provide some added benefit but not too much so that it will:
    • Overwhelm the taste of your recipe
    • Be too high of a “starting dose”

 

For the recipe below, you will find that I chose to use a lower-concentrated formula. This allowed me to add a little more to not only get benefits from the cannabinoids, but the extra carrier oil made for a more delicious consistency. 

 

  • Increase bioavailability with a fatty recipe. The concept that meals increase the absorption of any medications, supplements, or vitamins is called bioavailability. This concept applies to CBD. CBD bioavailability is the percentage of CBD that is absorbed into the bloodstream. The more you absorb, the more potent it is. 

 

The CBD molecule is a fat-soluble compound, meaning it dissolves in fat. Therefore, when eating CBD along with another fatty ingredient it may be more easily dissolved and broken down. This decreases the amount of energy your body needs to use to break it down and potentially increases the bioavailability. In the recipe provided you will find peanut butter, chocolate, and coconut oil – all great sources of fats!

 

  • Heat. You will want to avoid heating CBD oil too quickly or at too high of temperatures in your recipes. Once heated, the CBD compounds may begin to break down as it evaporates. Therefore, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds along with CBD may be lost. The boiling point of CBD is around 320℉ to 356℉ (160℃ to 180℃) so you will want to stick with recipes that are unbaked or gradually heated so you can better control the temperature. You may even want to try to add CBD to the finished product of a recipe, such as a topping on a salad or popcorn or drizzled into an icing. 

 

 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Hemp Bars

 

BASE

 

1 ½ cups smooth, natural peanut butter (or any nut butter substitute)

⅓ cup pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

⅛ teaspoon salt

½ cup hemp hearts (raw, shelled/hulled hemp seeds)

3 cups crispy rice cereal (Rice Krispies or other gluten-free options)

 

TOPPING

 

1 ½ cups chocolate chips (any variation of your choice: vegan, sugar-free, dark chocolate – they will all be good!)

1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil

2-4 droppers of full-spectrum CBD oil (I used a 17mg formula in a “natural flavor”. The amount I used was 4 droppers or 2 mL, that equals about 34mg of CBD)

Sprinkle of sea salt

 

HOW TO

 

Line a 13×9 inch pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

 

FOR THE BASE. Mix together peanut butter, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract and salt until smooth. Then add and combine hemp hearts and crispy rice cereal. Press firmly into the lined pan.

 

FOR THE TOPPING. Melt together chocolate chips and coconut oil until smooth. You can do this over low heat on a stovetop or by heating 15-30 seconds at a time in the microwave, stirring between each increment. Only after the mixture has been removed from heat, add in droppers of CBD oil, mix well. Pour on top of base and spread evenly, top with sea salt. 

 

Cover and place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Bars can be cut and stored in the freezer for 2 weeks or in the fridge for 1 week. Once at room temperature, they will begin to soften within 30 minutes (they are best kept cold!).

 

Categories
Stories

Testimonial: Cannabis and CBD from Stratos Helped Me With Several Injuries and Issues

Daniel Testimonial
Testimonial: Cannabis and CBD from Stratos Helped Me With Several Injuries and Issues

After serving in the military and sustaining a back injury and head trauma, I was prescribed several pharmaceutical drugs to treat multiple symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation, and PTSD. Pharmaceutical options often left me groggy and became ineffective over time. After discovering Stratos THC and CBD products, I have been able to cease the use of pharmaceutical drugs and experience meaningful symptom relief and restful sleep. 

– Daniel Lloyd

When did you first try Stratos?

I first tried Stratos products in June 2019 at Apothecary Farms, my local dispensary.

What products do you use?

I use Stratos Sleep tablets 500 mg and Stratos Relax tablets 300 mg, both of which contain THC and CBD, and Stratos Soothe CBD Full Spectrum, a topical salve. 

What do you use Stratos for?

The Sleep tablets help with insomnia and sleep apnea symptoms, and induce quality sleep. The Relax tablets help with anxiety and depression and Soothe helps with localized pain and inflammation.

How have Stratos products helped you?

Sleep is elusive, sometimes for days at a time. After using Stratos regularly for the past 10 months, I have been able to start winding down and I am typically in bed before midnight and able to sleep through the night. Sometimes I have sleep interruptions, but it’s mainly due to a deviated septum which causes my sleep apnea. Most of the time I feel refreshed upon waking up, which is phenomenal since prescribed sleep medications usually left me feeling groggy in the morning and melatonin lost its effects after prolonged usage. I use Relax when I feel overwhelmed or anxious. My PTSD symptoms have improved significantly. Soothe topical absorbs well, works fast, and the formulation doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy. I use this product for pain and inflammation, specifically for neck pain and bulging discs in my lower back due to injuries from the military.

Why did you choose Stratos over the other options out there?

I chose Stratos because of quality, efficacy, affordability, and it offered an easy delivery method.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I am very impressed by how fast the products work. Within 15-20 minutes effects can be felt and they last for hours. I am so thankful to have found Stratos. This product line has been life-changing for me and my family! Thank you!

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