Cory Getz, "the CBD surfer," is a lifelong athlete with an astonishing message. Suffering a near-fatal brainstem stroke in 2019, Cory completely lost the use of the right side of his body. He was lucky to be alive, doctors said, but he might never walk again. Twenty percent of brainstem stroke victims do not survive, and 70% percent suffer permanent disability. It was a devastating diagnosis. With physical therapy as the only option, the specialists said, Cory might learn to walk again within a year.

But Cory had waves to catch. Researching out-of-the-box treatments, he learned about the benefits of CBD and CBDA. With an enthusiastic goal of getting back on his board within six months, Cory began a daily regimen of CBD and physical therapy. Being an athlete helped and he was soon completing 1000 reps of his arm and leg exercises. Incredibly, he regained the use of his right leg, arm, and hand within 6 weeks, well ahead of medical expectations. Just 108 days after his stroke, Cory paddled out on his surfboard and proved that CBD really does work miracles.

Research suggests that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD could have several benefits following a stroke. A 2014 review for the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism suggests that cannabinoids are “promising candidates for future treatment.” The study looked at several animal studies in which scientists gave THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids to animals soon after an ‘experimental stroke.’ The results indicate that the endocannabinoid system plays a role in the body’s response to a stroke.

A comprehensive review of research indicates that after a stroke cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 appear to become more active and increase the release of beneficial endocannabinoids. CB1 receptors seem to reduce the temperature around the site of the injury, while CB2 receptors regulate the inflammatory response. Together, these functions may reduce the size of the area affected and brain damage.

Join us to hear Cory's story and learn how cannabis can be used in conjunction with physical therapy and holistic medicine to heal from stroke or brain injury.