Question
What is CBD?
AnswerCannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the hemp plant that has significant medical benefits, but does not make people feel “stoned” and can actually counteract the psychoactivity of THC. The fact that CBD-rich hemp is non-psychoactive makes it an appealing option for patients looking for relief from inflammation, pain, anxiety, psychosis, seizures, spasms, and other conditions without disconcerting feelings of lethargy or dysphoria.
Question
What is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?
AnswerThe Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a cell-signaling system in our bodies made up of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2 receptors) and endocannabinoids (cannabinoids originating within our bodies). The same ECS receptors also bind to external cannabinoids or exogenous cannabinoids (cannabinoids originating outside our bodies). CBD is an example of an exogenous phytocannabinoid (cannabinoid that comes from a plant).
We can affect our ECS by introducing exogenous cannabinoids like CBD and other cannabinoid compounds to help the ECS perform its main function – maintaining homeostasis in our bodies. This is why cannabinoids have such powerful medicinal benefits, they help regulate the natural balance of health in our bodies.
Whether or not the body is able to adjust to changes and effectively maintain homeostasis directly impacts the likelihood that a disease will develop. Shown to have extensive influence over homeostasis, the endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating the biochemistry related to an array of processes. Pain management, immune response, appetite, energy regulation, mood, and memory are just some of the functions that are managed by the endocannabinoid system. Modern hemp contains elevated levels of Cannabidiol (CBD), an active phytocannabinoid that works synergistically with other secondary phytocannabinoids and compounds like terpenes and flavonoids, this is why CBD oil works so well on so many ailments.
There are currently two major ECS receptors identified, CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found predominantly in the brain and nervous system, peripheral organs, and tissues, and are the main molecular target of the endocannabinoid ligand (binding molecule), anandamide, as well as THC. Another primary endocannabinoid is 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) which is active at both cannabinoid receptors, along with its own mimetic phytocannabinoid, CBD. 2-AG and CBD are involved in the regulation of appetite, immune system functions, and pain management.
Question
What are the benefits of CBD Oil?
AnswerFull spectrum CBD oil, and isolated Cannabidiol, have many healing qualities including treatment of chronic pain, mood stabilizer, seizure control and sleep deprivation. Cannabinoids, terpenes, fats, proteins lipids, nutrients and compounds found in the hemp plant work together within the human body to maintain balance (homeostasis).
Here are just six of the key health benefits of CBD:
- Pain relief
- Anti-Seizure Properties
- Combat Anxiety
- Fight Cancer
- Reduce the Risk of Diabetes
- Treats Sleep Issues
Question
How does CBD work?
AnswerCBD is an exogenous (originating outside the body) cannabinoid. It binds to the CB2 receptor in our bodies and helps to regulate pain management, immune response, appetite, energy regulation, mood, and memory among other bodily functions and mind-states. When you consume CBD it goes to work bringing all these functions into harmony with each other and the body.
Question
How does CBD make you feel?
AnswerCBD is a non-psychoactive compound. So, unlike its cousin, THC of marijuana fame, it will not get you “high.” That being said, there can be a notable feeling of relaxation when using CBD either through ingestion or topical administration. The most important fact to remember when it comes to your ECS and the various cannabinoids the cannabis or hemp plant has to offer is that they all react differently within each individual. The best option is to try them for yourself and see what effects you do or do not notice. Everybody is different and the ECS is just one variable in the complex human body.
As with other variables when taking CBD like dosing, time of day, type of CBD (sublingual, topical, vape, edible, flower, etc), the way CBD makes you feel really depends on you. Generally speaking, CBD will make you feel relaxed and calm. But that is very general. Some people will feel incredibly relaxed after ingesting 10 mg of CBD. Others won’t notice a thing unless they take 200 or more mg of CBD. The best answer we can really give to how CBD will make you feel is to try different products and different dose amounts to find the highest benefit combination for you. If you are consulting a doctor when beginning to take CBD they can help you with a dosing regimen. It is suggested to begin with 10 mg and pay attention to how you feel. Step it up from there as you continue to take it and notice what dosage makes you feel best. The one thing that is definitively known about the physiological effects of CBD is that it WILL NOT get you high or make you feel anything like if you smoked THC containing Cannabis.
Question
Is CBD legal?
AnswerIndustrial hemp (where much of the CBD in the United States comes from) was legalized in the 2018 farm bill passed by the United States Congress. This means CBD is federally legal in the U.S. The Cannabis industry is still waiting for determinations from the FDA and USDA as to what regulations they will impose in regards to industrial hemp cultivation. However, individual states are allowed to make their own rules. Some states have continued to prohibit CBD in specific formulations, generally with edible products, other Cannabinoids, and hemp. If you live outside the U.S. you will need to check your country’s laws to determine the legal status of CBD.
Question
Can CBD Oil go bad?
AnswerThe shelf life of a CBD oil product is mostly dependent on the material it is infused with. If your CBD oil is in butter, for example, treat it like butter and know that when the butter goes bad the CBD oil will go along with it. If your CBD oil is a crude oil product that is not cut with anything, a good rule of thumb is that it will lose its potency between 14 and 24 months. Make sure to always store in a cool dry place. If left out in the heat and/or sunlight for long enough the chemical makeup of your oil will change.
Question
Does CBD make you tired?
AnswerAs frustrating as it is, there is no standard reaction to CBD or any other Cannabinoid. Each person is different and everybody reacts to Cannabinoids differently. Give some CBD a try and pay attention to how it makes you feel. If you feel groggy and drowsy use it before bed. Other people may feel a boost of energy and clarity in their awareness and can take CBD at other times throughout the day. The key point to remember is that everybody reacts differently to various Cannabinoids. Everybody is unique and therefore everybody has a unique experience.
Question
Will CBD Oil break a fast?
AnswerConsult your physician or other medical advisors about your diet choices and habits. If you are fasting and consume a CBD oil product you are consuming calories. It may not be enough to break your fast but that depends on the caloric limits you have set for yourself. Some CBD edibles may be cut with oils or other liquids. Be sure to read the ingredients label and decide for yourself if something like ethanol, butter, or coconut oil is going to break your fast.
Question
Will CBD help with anxiety?
AnswerCBD is rapidly growing in popularity as a supplement to help lessen the symptoms of anxiety. Consult with your physician when considering any additional supplements or medications and together you can determine a proper CBD dosing regimen for your anxiety.
Question
What does CBD do to your brain?
AnswerCBD generally performs the same functions in all parts of the body whether it be the brain and Central Nervous System, the immune system, or the muscles. CBD is antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antipsychotic, mitigates pain, and lowers excitation in brain cells.
Question
What CBD product is best?
AnswerWhen you’re considering a new CBD product there are a few traits to look for. Ideally, you want to find and use products that are “full-spectrum.” This means the product has more Cannabinoids than, for example, an isolate product which is only CBD with no other Cannabinoids. When Cannabinoids are in the presence of each other they create what is known as the “Entourage Effect.” This means they work together to create a sum larger than their individual parts. CBD will be more effective in the presence of CBG, CBC, and yes even THC, among others. All cannabinoids work more effectively in conjunction with each other than as stand-alone compounds. It is best to find CBD products that are full-spectrum products because you get more of an entourage effect. There can be a lot of misinformation and jargon used when talking about different types of CBD products. Be mindful and check labels.
Question
Where does CBD come from?
AnswerCBD, or Cannabidiol, is one of the many Cannabinoids present in and derived from the Cannabis plant. CBD and other cannabinoids are found in the flower and leaves of the plant, there is a small percentage found in the stocks and none in the seeds.
Question
What CBD products actually work?
AnswerCBD is CBD is CBD. If you take a CBD supplement and it actually has bioactive CBD in it then it will work. Sometimes people take CBD and don’t feel like it’s doing anything for them. This can happen for a number of reasons. First, even if the individual knows that CBD does not induce “high” feelings like THC they still look for a similar effect. When that rush doesn’t come on they think it doesn’t work for them. Another issue people have when taking CBD is they don’t realize that dosing amounts can vary greatly from person to person. Even if they take the recommended dose on the bottle some people may require more for the benefits of CBD show. And finally, people don’t realize that it may take some time for CBD to build up in their system. An ECS that has been denied vital nutrients like CBD for an entire lifetime may take a while to get back to a healthy baseline. Persist and keep using CBD regularly for months and allow it to heal your body. The bottom line is, if you put enough CBD into your body it is working whether you’re aware of it or not.
Question
Is CBD safe for pets?
AnswerCBD is the most powerful anti-inflammatory compound in the world. It works just as well for animals as it does for humans because all vertebrates have an Endocannabinoid System – the neuromodulatory system that exogenous (originating outside the body) Cannabinoids like CBD bind to when ingested. This means CBD is just as healthy for animals as it is for humans.
Question
Are hemp and CBD the same?
AnswerNo. CBD is a Cannabinoid. One of more than 110 Cannabinoids that occur naturally in the Cannabis plant. Hemp is a variety of Cannabis that produces little to no THC (another Cannabinoid which produces the “stoned,” or “high” feelings associated with marijuana). CBD is a compound found in the hemp plant.
Question
Can CBD help with IBS?
AnswerAccording to a 2016 study
dysregulation of the ECS might play a role in intestinal disorders. This research is very preliminary and needs to be substantiated by more peer-reviewed science, but the results seem promising. The endocannabinoid system maintains homeostasis in our bodies. Anytime homeostasis is disrupted in our system – anytime you are sick or are having some other type of ailment – it is a good idea to supplement your endocannabinoid system with exogenous phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids from plants). Anything we can do to create more homeostasis in our bodies will benefit our health in the short term and long term.
Question
Which CBD is right for me?
AnswerNo matter what form of CBD you take – tincture, edibles, vape, smoked flower, etc. – the CBD is working. If you’re taking or using CBD in any way it is getting into your body and doing what it does – maintaining homeostasis. The “right” CBD for you is totally based on preference. If you like smoking or vaping then use a vaporizer cartridge or roll your own CBD “joints.” If you prefer eating your supplements then tinctures, candies, or gummies will be best for you. If you enjoy using topical lotions or salves, or infused soaps or bath bombs then go for those. CBD has been infused into a huge variety of consumer products.
Question
Is CBD safe?
AnswerOverall CBD is very safe. It does not impair you the same way THC containing Cannabis will and there are no known negative side effects of taking CBD. It has even been used safely in studies at amounts up to 1,500 mg per day. Additionally, there are no recorded deaths anywhere in the historical record due to CBD or any other Cannabinoid product. You should always consult with your physician before taking any new supplements and if you are taking any other medications be sure to ask your doctor before you add CBD to your health regimen.
Question
Will CBD help with hives?
AnswerCBD is good for topical skin ailments including hives. CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory and those therapeutic effects can be felt on the surface of the skin the same as they can be on the inside of our bodies. Using CBD topically will help reduce swelling and inflammation due to hives. Before using any CBD products topically (or internally) make sure that any carrier ingredients are safe for your body.