While researching CBD and its many benefits, I stumbled upon a blog by Mike Robinson, a dad who treated his stepdaughter Genevieve’s severe autism and epilepsy with CBD and other cannabinoids. Myself the parent of a child with autism, I was very interested in Robinson’s research and experience. I was fortunate enough to interview him and uncover so much valuable information that my editor permitted me the rare opportunity to publish the entire interview on our website.
Q: You met Anne Mari (Genevieve’s mom) through a ’compassion program‘ for children. Please explain briefly what this program is.
A: The compassion program gave away oil. Never charged. No Fees, nothing. Before Prop 64’s legalization of recreational cannabis, there was quite a bit of leeway in provisions of cannabis oils to patients in need in the state of California. Patients using Medicinal Cannabis do have doctor recommendations under that program that was around for several years, but doctors don’t, or in many cases can’t give the support a patient can give others. It’s simply not legal for them to do so. Sadly, the compassion program that brought our family together is part of history.
Q: In your article you mentioned that a lot of medication Genevieve was prescribed caused or worsened some of her conditions. What can parents do to advocate for their children?
A: All parents should be obtaining and reviewing their child’s medical records. Learn all you can from them and what diagnostics mean. Approximately one-third of children with Autism also have Epilepsy. We see the same type of dual diagnosis with ADD and ADHD with Epilepsy. What’s very concerning is the ‘pro-convulsive’ types of medications that are prescribed, regardless of this fact.
Q: How difficult is it to find, especially for children, a doctor that is pro-cannabis, or at the very least open to it?
A: It’s getting easier to open the dialogue with doctors. I’ve done some consulting for doctors and I am the former Director of Communications for the American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine. I’ve seen many doctors interested to learn.
Q: In your blog, you mentioned how fast the CBD worked for Genevieve. In your experience, what is the best way to start treatment with CBD?
A: Genevieve uses full extract cannabis oils, meaning there’s a multitude of cannabinoids in it. Everyone has a unique physiology and will respond differently to cannabinoid medicines. When we think about getting started with diets or other health protocols, generally time is taken to research the treatment and providers of such.
Q: Compared to pharmaceuticals, how many disadvantages are there to using CBD as a form of treatment?
A: In America it’s our governmental interference. Without that we’d be able to speak freely about how cannabinoids work, research would be done on humans, and we’d have access that’s safe and legal for all.
Q: Does CBD have side effects that need to be considered before using it as a treatment for ourselves or our children, and is it habit forming?
A: While Cannabidiol (CBD) relaxes most people and also relieves pain and so much more, it can have some side effects in higher doses that are less than pleasing for a small percentage of users. It’s imperative when using any type of cannabinoid medicine to remember the golden cannabis rule: you can always add to a dose after the fact but can never take away from it.
Q: What do you predict for the future of CBD?
A: It’s already booming internationally and will continue to. My hope is the U.S. leads versus our current position of following.
Q: What can be said for the different methods of which CBD can be consumed? Which is your favorite and why?
A: My favorite method is the most effective way for CBD to be used in oil form. When the blood vessels quickly absorb the oils in this manner it bypasses the digestive tract, is absorbed at a much higher percentage and is much more effective. CBD topicals including ointments, salves and cremes also have huge advantages in treating everything from skin disorders to pain.
For two bonus questions and more elaboration, details, and insights from Mike Robinson, please read the full interview online. For further information on his family and personal journey with cannabis, you will find links to his blog and his contact information online at aloftmagazine.com.
1 Comment.
This really opened my eyes. The writing skill alone kept my interest. Thank you for sharing!