Category: Client Spotlight

My Pathway to Being Pain-Free with CBD

Post author By Sasha Kalcheff-Korn
Post date July 9, 2024

This blog was written by Debra Dullaghan, founder of 55plus.

As the population ages, the pursuit of holistic well-being among older adults has become more prevalent than ever. My own interest was piqued in 2015 with my experience dealing with an increase of chronic pain issues stemming from my neck that affected all areas of my body. Turning to cannabis, I visited countless dispensaries in search of THC-free CBD but found the process frustrating and challenging. All of the products had at least a trace of THC, which always ended up making me feel stoned.

After being given a sample of Hemp CBD with 0.0% THC the benefits were immediate. I was symptom-free and embarked on a mission to research and gain a better understanding of the Endocannabinoid System.

A noteworthy trend I noticed was the increasing adoption of alternative medicine, with a particular focus on CBD and cannabis-derived products. This trend emerged as a promising solution for various age-related health issues such as: chronic pain, arthritis, inflammation, and sleep disorders. Additionally, CBD was popular for its potential role in promoting mental well-being and reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression, common issues that I constantly see among older adults.

I decided to do a deep dive into the research and found various studies indicating that CBD possessed non-intoxicating, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties, making it an appealing option for older adults, like myself, seeking relief without the drawbacks of conventional medications that often come with unwanted side effects and risks.

According to a survey conducted by Forbes Health, 49% of participants aged 58–76 years old use CBD. These numbers speak to a fervent search for alternative medicines among the older demographic.

My Take on CBD Consumption Methods and Bioavailability

In my own exploration of the industry, I found a confusingly diverse range of products, including tinctures, soft gels, gummies, and topical solutions with so many options including full-spectrum, broad spectrum, 0.0% THC etc.

This led to the inspiration to create my own company, 55plus CBD, which attempts to make CBD products accessible, affordable and easy to understand with simple labeling and succinct messaging surrounding our premium product lineups. Our products are specifically tailored to suit the preferences and requirements of older individuals. While the industry is still confusing, the right products make incorporating CBD into daily routines seamless.

As I dug deeper I discovered many interesting things regarding the effectiveness and make up of CBD products. Bioavailability, a lesser known aspect of CBD consumption, is defined as the degree and rate at which a substance is absorbed into the bloodstream leading to an overall improvement in effectiveness. This is important to understand because different products have different bioavailability.

As many of us have experienced, aging bodies experience changes in metabolism and digestive efficiency, affecting the absorption of cannabinoids. Innovations in product formulations have led to increased bioavailability and effectiveness. As an example, 55plus nanoemulsion softgels have four times the bioavailability of a Gummy because of the way it is absorbed in the system, potentially making it more effective.

My View on Sourcing the Best CBD Products

In my own experience with exploring the CBD industry, I found that identifying the source and quality of CBD products was essential for ensuring safety and effectiveness. High-quality CBD is always derived from organically grown hemp, free from pesticides and harmful chemicals.

I began to find it crucial to look for products with clear, transparent labeling that includes access to third-party lab testing results. These lab tests (Certificates of Analysis) verify the CBD content and screen for contaminants like heavy metals, molds, and pesticides. Understanding these distinctions helped me avoid ineffective or potentially harmful products.

Simplifying CBD with Education

Having a little over three years in the industry now, the biggest hurdle has been the many misconceptions and a lack of knowledge about the benefits and uses of CBD. These misconceptions can and have hindered its acceptance amongst older adults.

With so many confusing and negative experiences in the oversaturated CBD market, I created 55plus CBD with the intent to center around educating older demographics on CBD and all of its many benefits. We are not alone as a few other companies are doing their part to close the public information gap and simplify CBD like our friends at Realm of Caring.

At 55plus, our education program highlights CBD’s safety profile, its distinction from THC-containing products, and offers insight on current research and studies around its efficacy for common ailments. The importance of CBD and its supplemental use in holistic well-being cannot be overstated.

Blog Client Spotlight Education Featured

Federal Raid Impacts CARE Medicinal Cannabis Farm and Disrupts Patient Access

Post author By Sasha Kalcheff-Korn
Post date November 13, 2023

In an insightful interview with Jason Hanley, a 10th Mountain Infantry Army disabled veteran and a former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Invasive Species Biologist, we delve into his journey from serving the country to becoming a cannabis advocate and farmer on Oahu, Hawaii. Hanley, who got started with cannabis advocacy in 2015, shares his motivations and the recent trials he’s faced in the pursuit of providing medicinal cannabis to those in need.

The Birth of a Compassionate Venture

Jason Hanley’s transition from a career in public service to cannabis advocacy and farming was driven by an immediate need to provide medicinal cannabis to cancer patients. The inception of his farm was rooted in compassion, beginning with the production of Rick Simpson oil, a concentrated form of cannabis oil often used for treatment. Today, his farm provides medicine for 980 patients.

Hanley outlines the legal framework he navigates in Hawaii, “In the state of Hawaii, the law is, there is no limit for how many patients you can have on a farm.” The law requires that each plant on the farm must be labeled and tagged with the identification number of the patient it is grown for, and that patient must be listed as the growth site for the farm. This system ensures that each plant can be directly traced to a patient, thereby maintaining a clear record of the farm’s medicinal intent.

Compliance, for Hanley, is not just about following the letter of the law; it’s about being fully transparent with the authorities. His farm has welcomed oversight by various bodies, stating, “We’ve had the department of taxation on here, department of health, 13 different politicians, including the current governor Josh Green.” This openness is a testament to his commitment to transparency and legality.

The Raid & Threat of Federal Charges

However, despite strict adherence to state laws, Jason Hanley’s narrative takes a dramatic turn as he recounts the harrowing experience of his farm being raided. Hanley describes the day with a touch of disbelief, “60 different police officers here at my farm… they came hard.” The raid, which included Homeland Security investigations, narcotics and local law enforcement, resulted in the seizure of his personal and business properties, including computers, phones, and all cannabis materials from the site.

This incident highlights a stark reality for cannabis advocates and farmers—no matter how open and compliant they are, the threat of legal action looms large. Hanley, who has never shied away from showing the operations of his farm, found himself in a surreal situation, expressing a mix of shock and resilience, “In our six years open, we’ve never been closed, you know? And so it was kind of surreal.”

The raid didn’t just disrupt the farm; it shook the foundation of the community he serves, which includes veterans, many elderly and even patients on hospice. Hanley’s commitment to his patients is evident as he reflects on the raid’s aftermath, “People use this truly as a medicinal plant and it has to be here for them all the time, or they stress or are in pain.” Hanley states, underlining the farm’s commitment to never closing its doors to patients, an emblem.

What stands out in Hanley’s recounting is the uncertainty and limbo he faces. He states, “There have been no charges brought against me,” yet he remains wary of what may come, adding, “I’m assuming there’s going to be, with the federal government involved.” This expectation reflects the complex and often precarious intersection between state compliance and federal law in the United States, where cannabis remains federally illegal despite state legalizations.

What’s Next for Jason & How You Can Support

As Jason Hanley faces the aftermath of the raid and the looming possibility of federal charges, he remains steadfast in his mission to advance the cause of medicinal cannabis. A significant part of his advocacy work is his involvement in the creation of an 80-page medical cannabis bill, which he has helped push into Hawaii’s legislature.

In terms of supporting Hanley and his advocacy, he underscores the power of collective effort and awareness. While financial support through an online fundraiser is part of the equation, what he truly seeks is a groundswell of community support, energy, and compassion. “Manifest good energy for us,” he requests. “We’re going to be moving one day at a time,” he says, indicating a journey fraught with uncertainty but also hope. He invites people to follow the farm’s journey on Instagram and to stay tuned for updates and ways to engage.

Embracing Reform

Jason Hanley’s story illustrates the ongoing struggle within the cannabis industry, where even the most transparent operations are not immune to the complexities of federal law. Hanley’s story is yet another example of the pressing need for policies that safeguard the rights of both providers and patients, ensuring that compassionate care and diligent compliance are met with fair and just treatment under the law.

By understanding and advocating for reform, we can contribute to a future where the medicinal benefits of cannabis are accessible to all who need them, free from the fear of legal retribution. Join us in this conversation, as we stand with Hanley and countless others in the pursuit of a more just and empathetic approach to cannabis legislation.

Blog Client Spotlight Featured Stories

Client Spotlight: Trevon Ferguson

Post author By Sasha Kalcheff-Korn
Post date July 6, 2021

This month we’re celebrating freedom! Freedom from past struggles, freedom from pain, a mind free from suffering and the freedom to use cannabis. However, these freedoms do not come without a price and we thought no way to better honor those that make these freedoms possible than giving one the spotlight! We sat down with a long time Realm of Caring Client, Trevon Ferguson to chat about all things CBD and freedom.

Trevon “Sundiata Imhotep” Ferguson is a proud US Army veteran who resides in Grand Prairie, TX. In 1996 during his service in active military duty, Trevon was injured in a humvee accident. He suffered a traumatic brain injury which resulted in seizures, migraines, PTSD, and depression, anxiety and chronic pain for the last 24 years. In 2013, Trevon had a work accident which resulted in the amputation of fingers and significant injury to his left arm. Regardless of his own challenges, Trevon has always had a relentless desire to help others, thus leading to him working consistently to overcome these challenges and become a speaker and author.

Trevon’s message is “purpose.” He is also a husband, father of 9 and grandfather of 4.

ROC: When did you first try CBD as treatment?

TF: I was on 5 medications for epilepsy and I was getting worse, having more seizures. Once I decided suicide was no longer an option, I started looking into cannabis as my next option.

ROC: What products do you use that you’ve found relief from?

TF: Charlotte’s Web: Sleep & Recovery Gummies, Original Formula Drops, Mint & Lavender Roll-on, CBD Infused Balm.

ROC: How has cannabis improved your quality of life?

TF: The reduction in seizures has allowed me to regain my independence, thus giving my wife and children their freedoms back. I can now participate in sporting endurance activities, relief from daily headaches and overall reduction in chronic pain.

ROC: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone trying cannabis medicinally for the first time?

TF: Be open to a different tool.

ROC: What’s one thing you wish people didn’t assume about cannabis users?

TF: That all we do is get high.

ROC: How have we aided in your healing journey?

TF: By facilitating the provision of Charlotte’s Web products to the Adaptive Training Foundation, Realm of Caring provided a tool that gave me options. The Realm of Caring has also afforded me the opportunity to share my story on their platforms, as a result it’s allowed me to not only heal emotionally but also to be a voice of hope for others.

ROC: How you would describe the Realm of Caring using one word?

TF: Family, tribe, team. We’re a group of people collectively working to help improve the quality of life of people struggling with unique challenges.

A huge thank you to Trevon for sharing his story! Trevon has set an incredible goal for himself this year, he is competing in 23 Spartan Races and hiking the 170-mile Tahoe Rim Trail. You can follow along and contribute to his fundraising efforts by visiting his Instagram.

Client Spotlight

Client Spotlight: Patricia

Post author By jessica
Post date March 6, 2019
No Comments on Client Spotlight: Patricia

At the urging of my oldest daughter, I purchased Charlotte’s Web 1 oz, 200mg bottle of hemp oil. When I was 28 (1988), I came down with CFIDS/Fibromyalgia. The first 7 years I was bedridden. I slowly improved, but I’ve never enjoyed good health since then. I stopped driving about 5-6 years ago due to severe brain fog. Bodily pain varies; what afflicted me most has been frequent migraines, severe fatigue, a definite feeling of malaise, light and sound sensitivity (so bad I had to quit going to church and other functions); the list goes on and on. Due to some swelling, I couldn’t walk from the pain for over 2 years. On ‘good days’ I’d try to go for nightly walks but usually had to turn back after just walking past 3 or 4 houses. It wasn’t fun; living in the dark and trying to find fulfillment doing basically nothing. I started taking the hemp oil six days ago: half a dropper full twice daily. I cannot even begin to tell you the improvement I’ve seen in that short time!! I feel mentally alert again. I no longer have that deathly morbid fatigue. My mood is …dare I say it… almost happy! Things that I had to force myself to do I now do naturally and without thought. And best of all….I have taken 1 mile walks every day since taking it with absolutely no problem!!!!! Smiling, no pain, no fatigue, for the first time in many years!! No way could any placebo effect cause this. I have tried so many things with sometimes disastrous results, and to tell the truth, had resigned myself to a lifetime of misery…It is awesome feeling like my old self after over 28 years.

Tags cannabinoid therapy, quality of life matters

Client Spotlight

Client Spotlight: Hyrum

Hyrum used to have 15 or more seizures a day. Doctors tried more than 10 pharmaceuticals to try to get them to stop. Sometimes he was on up to 6 meds at a time, that made little difference to his seizure control. We were at a dead end. We just had to live with watching him seize multiple times a day, every day.

In October 2014, Hyrum had so many back to back seizures that he had to be placed in an induced coma to give his brain some rest before it just completely shut down. He was in the hospital for 3 months.

That’s when Hyrum’s mom decided enough was enough. She consulted with Hyrum’s neurologist and he helped her with information and dosing of CBD oil.

Today, Hyrum has only had 2 seizures in 3 years. He has been weened off most of his pharmaceutical drugs and he has come a long way from being so lethargic from the combination of medicines and uncontrollable seizures that he couldn’t hold his head on his own or stay awake for more than 2 hours at a time. Today Hyrum rarely takes naps and is happy, attentive, and very socially interactive. He is learning how to use a communication tablet and enjoys going to school.

Tags realm of caring, RoC

Client Spotlight

Client Spotlight: Jeremy

Post author By jessica
Post date March 6, 2019

I have been diagnosed with PPPD (Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness), PTSD, high blood pressure, Diabetes Type 2, and high LDL and Triglycerides. I have lived with migraines and severe dizziness 24/7 since 2011 and have suffered from the migraines as long as 2005. I was prescribed twelve different antidepressants and antipsychotics and they all made me extremely suicidal and depressed. I was out of ideas and was ready to call it quits.
My doctor, neurologist, and two psychiatrists recommended I check out CBD oil for help. I started doing research and about 2 months went by before I tried contacting Realm of Caring. They were very friendly and helpful through the entire process of me asking questions, etc. After about 2 months on Charlotte’s Web Everyday Advanced CBD Oil, I began to realize that my horrible thoughts were going away. I have been on CBD since July of this year and can now laugh again and have almost zero thoughts of suicide anymore. For someone who lived with the thoughts every single day of his life since he was very little, this is a wonderful change. My blood pressure checks out perfect every time I visit the doctor now. My blood sugars are easier to control.
The only things left that I struggle with the high LDL/Triglycerides and the dizziness, which is extremely bad, but that’s MUCH better than where I was just a few months ago. It’s been worth it to me and my family and friends. I’m so glad that I decided to give this a try!

Tags quality of life matters, realm of caring

Client Spotlight

Client Spotlight: Chris

Post author By jessica
Post date March 6, 2019

I tried several brands of oils and now I buy Elixinol only because of consistent quality. I had issues from one bottle to the next from competitors and Elixinol has been consistent and excellent for my usage.

I first bought the oil to combat stress, as drugs have failed me or worsened my condition. Anxiety feels physically painful at the extreme; I now lead a much calmer, peaceful existence with absolutely no mood impairment or cover up. Elixinol works nearly instantly when administrated under my tongue.

Here’s a list of results thus far:

At 63, I wear stronger glasses each year. I have been using Elixinol maybe 3 months, now on 3600 strength. When I spoke with a doctor on the phone, he asked about eyesight which is driving me nuts. He suggested I get last year’s glasses. I am now using a prescription from April 2014.
I have some rosacea on my very fair skin, topical application has reduced size and redness, continuing use. I also have shingles on lower back, and the pain is gone, the length of breakout is reduced by about half and the blistering was gone within hours!
As to anxiety? I have woken up nightly and in the A.M. for about 5 years with painful heart pounding, gasping for breath in terror seemingly for little reason. I been able to discontinue a prescription medication- 1 down, 2 now gradually decreasing strength. Depression has lifted. I wake up fine, and am returning to a noticeably happier person; my entire family has noticed.
Just yesterday I ate too much sugar (danged holidays), last night the acid was burning (pretty agonizing feeling) my throat, and I have no problems with that in my normal diet. About 1/2 dropper-full of 3600 and it was gone. I’m a tad tired from sugar poisoning but no lasting gastrointestinal effects. Although I’m fairly careful, I once did take prescription drugs for this- genetically this acid reflux caused gastro/esophageal cancer in my father and grandfather. I am fortunate that my diet has helped as long as I follow it – but it was Elixinol that settled it last night, nothing else has EVER done it- prescription or over the counter.

Tags realm of caring, RoC

Client Spotlight

Client Spotlight: May

Post author By jessica
Post date March 6, 2019

She was diagnosed with Generalized Idiopathic Epilepsy at the young age of 4. When we first started Charlotte’s Web, she was having approximately 6 episodes a day of varying seizures. She was not responding to various pharmaceuticals with full control; they all affected her personality, as well as the seizures, turned her into a different person.

I am thrilled to say we are approaching a full year since a tonic or tonic-clonic seizure!! We just went for an extended EEG to see if her smaller ones that are harder to detect are still occurring. We were accepted into the Realm Cares Financial Aid program but we already know this is going to have a huge impact for us.

Tags charlotte's web, Generalized Idiopathic Epilepsy, quality of life matters, realm cares financial aid, realm of caring

Client Spotlight

Client Spotlight: Wesley

Post author By jessica
Post date March 6, 2019

“My son who is nine with Autism has been taking your oil for three weeks now. The results have been amazing. Thank you for giving us back our life. Especially HIS.”
-Debra and Wesley

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z74bwojdDzI]

Tags realm of caring, RoC

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