WHAT IS CBD

 

  • CBD, or cannabidiol, is a phytocannabinoid (phyto = plant) which is extracted from a variety of the cannabis sativa plant also known as hemp. Years of genetic research have produced a plant high in CBD and low in THC. Because the hemp contains less than 0.3% THC (the part that is psychoactive) it is legal in all 50 states. 
  • CBD can be administered orally, sublingually or applied topically.
  • CBD is found mostly in the flowers and not the seeds.
  • While hemp seed oil contains no CBD and does not stimulate the ECS, it does have value for other uses, like cosmetics. There are 2 kinds of hemp, one for fiber and seed oil and one for medicine. The one for medicine has more resin.
  • This compound mimics the naturally occurring endocannabinoids found in our body and can support the ECS when our bodies are deficient in them.
  • CBD is a multipurpose compound shown to have many healing benefits. 
  • If someone does not accept CBD as medicine, then it’s probably because they do not know about the ECS. 

         CBD is the breakthrough natural solution to health and wellness.  

  • It is safe (learn more)
  • It works to treat imbalance, illness and aging.
  • It works to boost the immune system instead of suppressing it.
  • It works to provide benefits both before an illness begins and after one has developed.
  • It can be used for general supplementation or specific therapeutic treatment.
  • Provides the body with a wide spectrum of cannabinoids and other building blocks to ensure all of our physiological needs are met.
  • CBD works with the Endocannabinoid System in a lock and key mechanism, supported with scientific research. 
  • Addresses the endocannabinoid system (ECS) itself instead of a single purpose drug with possible side effects.

Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome occurs when not enough endocannabinoids are produced in the body. Supplementing with phytocannabinoids not only fills in the gap, it stimulates the production of more receptors to improve the working of the system as a whole.

 WHY CBD

CBD is certainly gaining in popularity.  It is a topic on the news, social media and between friends.  Perhaps this is an expression of our need for natural solutions that address our health issues in these times. Our wellness is compromised by daily stress, toxic burden and lifestyle.  Throughout history, cannabinoids have been used as medicine until the 1930's.  Recent changes in our laws and regulations have loosened the stranglehold on the use of CBD.  Scientific research is now advancing this amazing compound to the status it deserves.  Learn more about why people are excited about this natural key to wellness.

                                                                                                 

 IS CBD SAFE TO USE

CBD has been shown to be safe, well-tolerated and non-toxic (Bergamaschi et al. Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a cannabis sativa constituent. CurrDrugSaf. 2011 Sept; 6(4) 237-49).  The World Heath Organization (WHO) findings also state that CBD has no abuse or dependency potential.  The concern is most likely from confusing the terms CBD and medical marijuana. 

There are a few drug interactions that should be noted.  Ask your pharmacist or doctor if CBD is counteractive to a drug you have been prescribed

Is it safe to use if you work for a company that requires drug-testing?

Refer to your company's human resources department regarding their policies on CBD use.  

Provide documentation stating that you are taking a CBD product that contains no THC.

    The immuno assay urine test is non-specific so if your test gives a false positive, (meaning the test does not make the distinction between the two types of cannabinoids CBD vs.THC), ask for a serum blood test, which is more specific.

    WHAT ABOUT THC

    Tetrahydrocannibinol, or THC, is the probably the most well-known cannabinoid due to its infamous past.  It is the psychoactive cannabinoid, the one that gets you high.  This is the cannabinoid most people are referencing when speaking of medical marijuana.  Comparing THC to CBD is like comparing a wolf to a chihuahua, same genus different species. 

    CBD hemp extract oil has been legal since 2014 as long as the THC content is less than 0.3% and grown from USA approved farms.  Although marijuana is illegal in some states and federally, hemp has been released from the list of DEA Control I substances list with the passage of the Farm Bill of 2018.    However, it is understandable that there may still be concerns about the 0.3% THC. If so, use a THC-free formula.   

    Nevertheless, the other cannabinoid, THC,  does have medicinal value. Perhaps you have seen the amazing stories of the people suffering with the multiple daily seizures caused by Dravet Syndrome becoming nearly seizure free. Also, THC added to CBD increases the beneficial effects in some diseases such as Parkinson’s.   Putting CBD with THC in the correct ratio tempers its psychoactive effect to not be noticeable.  For now, we will have to be content for now with the limit of less than 0.3% THC that is allowed by law. 

    The legality issue of medicinal marijuana has been a limiting factor in scientific research. It has been difficult to receive grants and funding for research . Perhaps now that CBD is in the forefront, we will begin to see more research.  What unknowns will be discovered?   For example, THC is the reason scientists discovered the ECS; they were looking for an explanation of how it works in the brain.