CBD products are everywhere but do they work?

 

By now, you’ve probably run into a product containing cannabidiol, also known as CBD. It’s in everything from drinks and pet products to lotions and chewable gummies. Even major drugstore chains have announced they will start carrying CBD products in certain states. But many people still don’t really know what CBD is. Is it marijuana? Is it legal? Does it actually work? Is it safe? The answers to those questions aren’t necessarily straight­forward. The only thing that is clear at this point: The marketing has gone way ahead of the science and the law when it comes to CBD products. That said, CBD is thought to be a safe and effective option for certain conditions. Below, we sort through the confusion by answering some of the most common questions about CBD.

 Is CBD marijuana?

Yes and no. Cannabidiol is one of the two best-known active compounds derived from the marijuana plant. The other is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is the substance that that produces the "high" from marijuana. CBD does not get you high, but the idea that it’s not psychoactive is something of a misconception in his opinion. It does change your consciousness. You may feel mellow, experience less pain, and be more comfortable. In addition, some CBD products do contain small amounts of THC. While CBD can come from marijuana, it can also be derived from hemp. Hemp is a related plant with 0.3% or less of THC. This plant is often used to make fabrics and ropes. As of 2018, Congress made hemp legal in all 50 states, and consequently CBD derived from hemp is also legal. The rules around marijuana-derived CBD, however, are far less clear.

 Is marijuana-derived CBD legal?

Again, yes and no, depending on where you live. In some states marijuana is legal for both recreational use and medical use. In other states, it’s legal only for medical use. And in some areas, it’s not legal at all. When it comes to CBD products, the FDA is still trying to get its arms around the issue. The agency is just starting the process of hashing out some rules regarding CBD sales. Officials recently formed a working group to create guidelines that could allow companies to legally market CBD products. Currently, CBD products are considered supplements, which aren’t FDA-regulated, and it is illegal for companies to make health or therapeutic claims about the products in their marketing. In announcing its effort to set CBD marketing rules, the FDA also signaled that it is cracking down on CBD companies that are using "egregious and unfounded claims" to market their products to "vulnerable populations."

Medical Facts On CBD

 

1.       Cannabidiol (CBD) is a nonintoxicating compound extracted from Cannabis sativa plants that has gained popularity for medical uses ranging from epilepsy to pain control and addiction treatment because of its differing mechanism of action from marijuana and its safety profile.

 

2.       Although important preclinical and pilot human studies have suggested a potential role for CBD in numerous clinical situations, thorough clinical studies have only been performed on intractable epilepsy syndromes for which Epidiolex, a CBD drug, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use.

 

3.       The legal landscape of CBD remains complex because of differing state and federal laws giving access to medical hemp and marijuana products.

 

4.       The CBD and hemp oil product market remains a concerning one because of noted variability in CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol levels in products, as well as lack of regulation in production and distribution.

 

5.       Although CBD and hemp oils remain an unproven therapeutic option, physicians should remain open to the possible future role these products may play in the management of a variety of difficult to treat diseases, in particular pain and addiction treatment in the context of the opioid crisis.

Cannabidiol (CBD): What we know and what we don't

 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is often covered in the media, and you may see it touted as an add-in booster to your post-workout smoothie or morning coffee. You can even buy a CBD-infused sports bra. But what exactly is CBD? And why is it so popular?

How is cannabidiol different from marijuana, cannabis and hemp?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived directly from the hemp plant, a cousin of marijuana, or manufactured in a laboratory. One of hundreds of components in marijuana, CBD does not cause a "high" by itself. According to a report from the World Health Organization, "In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD."

Is cannabidiol legal?

CBD is readily obtainable in most parts of the United States, though its exact legal status has been in flux. All 50 states have laws legalizing CBD with varying degrees of restriction. In December 2015, the FDA eased the regulatory requirements to allow researchers to conduct CBD trials. In 2018, the Farm Bill made hemp legal in the United States, making it virtually impossible to keep CBD illegal – that would be like making oranges legal, but keeping orange juice illegal.

The evidence for cannabidiol health benefits

CBD has been touted for a wide variety of health issues, but the strongest scientific evidence is for its effectiveness in treating some of the cruelest childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which typically don’t respond to antiseizure medications. In numerous studies, CBD was able to reduce the number of seizures, and, in some cases, stop them altogether. Epidiolex, which contains CBD, is the first cannabis-derived medicine approved by the FDA for these conditions.

Is CBD safe?

Side effects of CBD include nausea, fatigue and irritability. CBD can increase the level of blood thinning and other medicines in your blood by competing for the liver enzymes that break down these drugs. Grapefruit has a similar effect with certain medicines. People taking high doses of CBD may show abnormalities in liver related blood tests. Many non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), have this same effect. So, you should let your doctor know if you are regularly using CBD.

Health Benefits of CBD Oil

 

Cannabidiol is a popular natural remedy used for many common ailments. Better known as CBD, it is one of more than 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa (1Trusted Source). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, which means it causes the sensation of getting high that’s often associated with cannabis. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive.

CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil. CBD can be found in a variety of products online and in stores, including dietary supplements, bath soaks, drinks, and food. It continues to gain momentum in the health and wellness world, with some scientific studies finding that it may ease symptoms of conditions such as chronic pain and anxiety. But is it the right choice for you?

Cannabis has been used to treat pain since as far back as 2900 B.C. More recently, scientists have discovered that certain components of cannabis, including CBD, are responsible for its pain-relieving effects. The human body contains a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating a variety of functions, including sleep, appetite, pain sensation, and immune system response. The body produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system.

Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by affecting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters. Some research suggests that CBD may be effective for certain types of pain, including nerve pain and back pain, when used on its own. Several human studies have found that a combination of CBD and THC is effective in treating pain related to multiple sclerosis (MS) and arthritis. Although researchers are cautiously optimistic that CBD may be helpful in the treatment of some types of pain, especially when combined with THC, more high quality studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in pain management.

Improve your health and enhance your life

 

Let’s get started with breaking the cannabis plant down so you better understand the difference between hemp and marijuana. The cannabis plant has two species: Hemp and Marijuana. Hemp is the species of the cannabis plant that is high in CBD and very low in THC. THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol this is the psychoactive component found in marijuana.

Most marijuana strains contain no CBD at all they are very high in THC instead. CBD is short for cannabidiol. CBD is one of the hundreds of active compounds found in abundance in the hemp species of cannabis. Hemp and CBD are not the same but the terms are often used interchangeably. CBD is derived from the hemp plant and then used to make a plethora of products.

With hemp flower and CBD products derived from hemp you get all of the healing and medicinal properties from the plant without getting the psychoactive high because hemp contains 0.3% or less THC. When smoking CBD products derived from hemp you don’t have to be concerned with paranoia, munchies, or your mind being impaired because again it contains vert little THC and is totally different from smoking marijuana. Hemp flower does NOT typically show up on drug tests because it contains so little THC. Hemp is legal in all 50 states and can be consumed in many different ways from smoking, vaping, capsules, salves or edibles.

Now that we’re clear on the difference between the two species of the cannabis plant hemp and marijuana let’s discuss how the CBD is processed in our bodies. All humans have an Endo-cannabiniod system, the Endo-cannabinoid system is responsible for maintaining balance in our bodies. It’s responsible for regulating functions in our brain, skin, liver, digestive tract, cardiovascular system and more. We actually produce billions of our own cannabinoids naturally and these cannabinoids are almost identical to the cannabinoids found in cannabis but the cannabinoids we produce naturally get destroyed by enzymes from polluted air, water, and unhealthy foods.

When you use CBD and other products derived from hemp it helps your Endo-cannabinoid system function on an optimal level and it’s because CBD binds to all of the receptors we have throughout the body on a cellular level and those bonds cannot be broken by enzymes. You have more receptors in your body for CBD than you do for anything else, our bodes literally have an affinity for it! There are receptors in the nervous system, cardiovascular system, the immune system, your intestines, spleen, bladder, and bone marrow.

Why CBD?

 

CBD is all the rage right now, with claims that it treats a variety of medical problems and acts as a remedy for common ailments like insomnia, anxiety, and pain. Touted for its non-intoxicating qualities and health benefits, CBD almost seems too good to be true. But what is CBD, what kind of effects does it have, and is it addictive? Plus, are all the CBD products out there safe?

Generally speaking, there is a lack of knowledge about CBD, how it works, and how it differs from other cannabis compounds like THC. However, the primary difference between THC and CBD is that CBD is not psychoactive. In other words, it won’t get you high. There are several different kinds of CBD products out there, including gummies, chocolates, skincare products, and even pet treats, many of which can be purchased at: www.CBDCollections.net.

Although CBD is praised for its medicinal uses, researchers have found that the strongest scientific evidence of its effectiveness is in treating epilepsy in children. CBD has been found to reduce the number of seizures, and in some cases, even stop them completely. Studies also suggest it may be beneficial in reducing anxiety and insomnia, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

HOW CBD WORKS

 

It is a natural connection. The human body's endocannabinoid system consists of tiny receptors that play a key role in regulating mood, pain and everyday experience. CBD helps these receptors do what's needed in order to stimulate all kinds of beneficial changes throughout the body. You could even say our bodies are hard-wired to benefit from CBD.

Which is better, full spectrum vs isolate? Full spectrum–or whole plant–CBD is so called because it contains all forms of cannabinoid available in the plant, whereas Isolate CBD only contains Cannabidiol. Due to what’s known as the “entourage effect,” full spectrum CBD is considered to be much more effective.

The Partnership

Having the best product does not necessarily mean it will become the best-selling product. The Hammer brothers needed to find a marketing company that really understood CBD, and possessed the expertise to make their CBD, oil number one. They didn’t have to wait long. A company found them, but it was a lot more than just a marketing company. CBD is a game changer. It is indisputably the most active natural substance in the world. CBD held tremendous potential to truly improve the health of countless individuals suffering from numerous medical conditions. We bring the highest quality CBD products to public. Everybody on the team had personal experience with the healing power of CBD.

The Endocannabinoid System

 

How does CBD work in the body?

CBD works with the endocannabinoid system in the body. It’s a biological system composed of fat based neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors. The CBD1 and CBD2 receptors were the first receptors discovered and are two of the most studied. CBD1 Receptors are located mainly throughout the brain and central nervous system. CBD2 receptors are more concentrated throughout the peripheral organs, immune cells and the gastrointestinal tract.

The endocannabinoids produced in the body are chemical messengers. These messengers tell your body’s receptors to promote healing or when to stop help maintain a healthy balance. The body constantly seeks this balance called homeostasis. CBD1 work with motor activity, appetite, motor coordination, immune cells, short term memory and pain perception. CBD2 works with gut, kidneys, pancreas, liver skeletal muscle, bone, eyes, skin, tumors, reproductive system, immune system, respiratory tract and cardiovascular system.

Cannabinoids

 

Skin-soothing benefits make these natural wonders work incorporation into your routine.

By Lisa Desantis

 

What are they?

Phytocannabinoids are compounds produced by the cannabis plant; more than 110 different types of cannabinoids have been identified. You have heard of ones like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which as psychoactive effects- A.K.A. the “high” associated with marijuana - or CBD (cannabidiol). Its nonpsychoactive counterpart that may help relieve pain and inflammation. But there are many more that are starting to be studied. Some of these compounds may have health and wellness benefits, and others may prove to be powerful in skin care, cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN) among them.

How do they work in skincare?

While each cannabinoid brings particular benefits, companies are now offering products with combos of them. “The intention of combining cannabinoids is to provide each of their benefits in a synergistic manner “says Julius Few, MD, a plastic surgeon in Chicago and founder of Afore Beauty. This even has a name: the entourage effect- the enhanced advantages that come from two or more of the plant’s compounds working together.

Cannabididiol (CBD)

It’s often tapped for potential anti-inflammatory benefits and its potent blend of antioxidants, which are responsible for fighting free radicals. Because cannabinoids have nourishing/ soothing properties, CBD can also help in repairing the skin barrier (if the barrier is impaired, the result could be irritation, a full-on breakout, or an eczema flare-up).

Cannabigerol (CBG)

“In the industry, it’s known as the “stem cell of cannabinoids, “says Sarah Mirsini, founder of cannabinoid- infused skin-care brand Mask, “ because it’s the very first compound that is created in the plant, even before THC. “ She notes that there are fewer studies on it, but early research suggests antibacterial and moisture retention properties.

Cannabinol (CBN)

As with CBD, CBN apparently binds to receptors that calm inflammation, Ava Shamban, MD, a dermatologist in Beverly Hills, explains, “It may also reduce blemishes, balance sebum production, and assist with cell turnover.” Mirsini adds that CBN is gaining traction in psoriasis treatment, too.

The Future

 

 

Big pharma is more than just a little worried about your easy access to CBD especially since passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. They are fully aware that CBD has no side effects and in many cases can work as well or better than their highly profitable drugs for pain, anxiety, stress, and more.  With billions at stake, the push back is and will be massive form the pharmaceuticals industry. Pharmaceutical companies have tried desperately for years to isolate, synthesize, and patient cannabinoids.

They have only been moderately successful. Whole plant extract work much better, but whole plant extracts are almost impossible to patent. One pharmaceutical company spent millions trying to develop CBD as an isolate which they hoped to patent, only to discover that the best way for CBD to be effective was to extract it along with all of the other natural constituents contained in hemp. Therefore, the only way pharmaceutical companies can derive huge profits from is to have CBD in its more effective unadulterated form is to have CBD declared a drug.

                The FDA finds itself in a precarious position now that is has taken the lead in regulating CBD, On the one hand they are under tremendous press from the pharmaceutical industry to declare CBD a drug.  The current administration passed the 2018 Farm Bill and fully expects CBD to continue to be sold as a nutritional supplement. Hearings are ongoing. Both the pharmaceutical industry and representatives from the CBD industry are pleading their case.

                The head of FDA has stated that he wants to see a regulatory framework developed for CBD but he hasn’t stated what that will be or when it will happen. For now, the FDA is allowing hemp derived CBD to be sold as a dietary supplement as long as the companies selling it do not make medical claims but there is currently no guarantee that CBD will remain a dietary supplement.

Two Brothers and a Dream in the US

 

    

Entrepreneurs know an opportunity when they see it. The problem was that the CBD oil the Stanley brothers were producing came from medical marijuana. It was a strain that contained high levels of CBD and low levels of THC but it was still talked about as medical marijuana even though technically it was hemp.

                The entrepreneurs had an idea. Hemp oil was quasi legal and had been so for some time after it had been challenged by the DEA and lost in court, even though the DEA retained jurisdiction. Hemp oil contains almost no THC and is non-psychoactive. The court found that it did not violate the Controlled Substance Act. The hemp oil that was sold in the United States at the time was imported because there was still a ban on hemp being framed in the U.S.  Hemp oil, if extracted properly, could contain CBD, lot of it.

 No need to move to Colorado. No need to get a medical marijuana card. The races was on to find foreign sources of hemp oil, and then import it to the U.S. and market it as a dietary supplement. The demand for CBD was enormous, the profits would be huge. And that’s exactly what happened. Sort of …

Companies were formed and some of them became publically traded. Their stocks were promoted as investment opportunities. Hemp oil products said to be rich in CBD started showing up online. But the quality of the products varied widely. Most of the products came from hemp either grown in Eastern Europe or China. When the FDA did testing on some online CBD hemp oil products, they found that they contained very little CBD. Even worse, because of the contaminated soil that the hemp was grown in, some of the hemp oil products contained toxins and were making people sick. The  public now had access to CBD products but it was a mixed bag.

                And then the first of two watershed events occurred. President Obama signed into law the Agricultural Act of 2014, aka the “Farm Bill.” The Agricultural Act permits the growth and cultivation of industrial hemp in states were hemp has been legally approved to grow as long as the hemp grown complied with the conditions set forth in Section 7606 of the bill, “The plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of such plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on dry weight basis.”

Unlike marijuana, Federal law now allowed for cultivation, processing and marketing of hemp products under certain conditions, but there were still ambiguities about the legal status of hemp. That being said, hemp’s 70—year nightmare was coming to an end.

In Colorado, the Stanley brothers were not the only brothers growing high CBD how THC Cannabis that now fit the Federal definition of hemp. Enter the Hammer brothers, Chris and Justin. Both brothers were pioneers in Cannabis cultivation, working for years as growers of Cannabis for medical purposes. There were way ahead of the curve and had been painstakingly perfecting a proprietary strain of Cannabis that had extremely high levels of CBD and very low amounts of THC.

They were totally committed to making CBD rich hemp oil available on a large scale, having witnessed the healing power of their proprietary strain on many severely ill people. They moved to Colorado and set about actualizing their dream.

Thanks to a strategic alliance with local farmers, in 2015 the Hammer brothers produced the largest grow of CBD rich hemp in the United States. Not only were they expert growers of hemp, they had wide experience procession the harvested plant material. That experience led to them producing, without question, the finest CBD rich hemp oil on the market. We verified this by lab testing virtually all of the CBD products being offered online at that time. Nothing compared. But the Hammer brothers had one big problem. They were not marketers.

ECS the Real Hero

 

 

Hard to believe, but with the exception of HempLand® USA, neither the public not companies selling CBD realized that CBD was not the real hero in the continuing CBD saga. The real hero is your endocannabinoid system (ECS). As stated in a previous chapter, your ECS is responsible for keeping your body and mind in balance, vitally important. Many health problems are related to an out-of-balance body and/or mind. The healing stories associated with CBD, pain reduction, anxiety and stress reduction, better sleep, clearer cognition, actually happen because of what CBD does for you ECS.

                Let’s now look deeper at you ECS. Cannabinoids are molecular neurotransmitters that fit perfectly into your ECS receptors. When cannabinoids activate these receptors, information is transferred between cells in an effort to maintain or restore balance. CBD is a cannabinoid. THC is a cannabinoid. Here’s the strange part, CBD doesn’t activate ECS receptors, THC does. CBD actually inhibits an enzyme that breaks down something called anandamide.

                The name anandamide comes from the Sanskrit word for bliss, ananda. Anandamide is your body’s “bliss” molecule. That’s right your body makes a bliss molecule! Anandamide is also your body’s primary endocannabinoid, and it activates ECS receptors. When anandamide levels are raided, as CBD does by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks it down, your ECS functions better. All kinds of good things happen. For instance, pain reduction and anxiety reduction are related to higher level of anandamide.