The Scoop on CBD
Over the last several years, the world of holistic medicine has grown tremendously. Many of us seek health aids and natural supplements that are out of the western pharmaceuticals industry.
As a plant medicine lover, I started utilizing CBD religiously two years ago, after being introduced to hemp’s benefits.
In this article, I will share some of the basics about CBD, the history of CBD, its health benefits, and how to integrate it into your lifestyle.
What Exactly is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most prevalent active ingredient found in the cannabis plant. The cannabis Sativa plant species breaks down into two segments, hemp and marijuana.
CBD is derived directly from hemp. However, hemp does not have psychoactive effects since it contains minimal THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the active ingredient that creates the sensation of being “high.”
More accurately, a hemp plant has a concentration of THC of .3% or lower, and marijuana plants have .4% or higher (and typically much higher), meaning you won’t get high by consuming CBD products.
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a solution oil like coconut or hemp seed oil. It can come in many different forms, including oils, edibles, pills/capsules, electronic cigarettes, and creams.
History of the Hemp Plant
Until this last century, the hemp plant was one of the most significant crops for humankind and it was one of the first plants spun into usable fibers.
The earliest findings on the use of hemp dates back to 8,000 BC. The oldest documents written on hemp paper are the Buddhist texts from the 2nd and 3rd century AD.
Industrial hemp was used to make paper, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, food, and animal feed, and hemp has been used medicinally around the world for centuries.
In the 1930s, hemp was on the verge of becoming the “billion-dollar crop” thanks to advances in technology which turned hemp into different materials.
Due to propaganda created from textile companies, the newspaper industry, and lumbar barons who saw hemp as the biggest threat to their businesses, a hemp crisis started in America. Leading to the US government proposing prohibitive tax laws and then later that year banning hemp altogether.
Then in 1970, hemp became classified as an illegal schedule 1 drug under The Controlled Substances Act. It wasn’t until the late 90’s that food-grade hemp imports came to the US in lotions, salves, and food.
Finally, in 2018, “Farm Bill” was passed legalizing hemp in the U.S. This amendment removed the hemp plant and any of its seeds and derivatives from the Controlled Substances Act.
And here we are today!
How Does CBD Work?
Research on how CBD works is relatively new. During the 1990s, researchers discovered the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) while doing research on THC.
The endocannabinoid system in the human body is still undergoing research to figure out exactly all of its potential functions.
Experts believe that maintaining homeostasis is the primary role of the ECS. This means that it strives to achieve a level of stability related to basic processes that impact things such as mood, sleep, immune function, reproduction, pain, stress, metabolism, appetite, and more.
The ECS involves three core components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.
Endocannabinoids are molecules made by your body. They’re similar to cannabinoids, but your body produces them. These help keep internal functions running smoothly.
Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout your body. Endocannabinoids bind to them in order to signal that the ECS needs to take action.
Experts aren’t completely sure how CBD interacts with the ECS. The details of how it works are still under debate.
That being said, THC has shown to bind to these receptors, which is why it’s believed that using a combination of THC and CBD to be the most effective.
For example, one study looked at CBD and THC’s effects in 177 people with cancer-related pain who did not experience pain medication relief. Those treated with an extract containing both CBD & THC compounds experienced a significant reduction in pain compared to those who received only THC or only CBD.
Potential Health Benefits of CBD
In my supplementation of CBD, I use it for help with inflammation, pain relief, and reducing my overall anxiety.
Here are other benefits of taking CBD:
Anti-inflammatory
Pain relief
Reduce anxiety and depression
It can alleviate cancer-related symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and pain.
May have cancer-fighting properties and anti-tumor effects, though research continues.
May reduce acne due to anti-inflammatory properties.
May benefit those with neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
Lowers blood pressure and helps with overall heart health
Antipsychotic effects to help those with schizophrenia and mental disorders
Substance abuse treatment
Diabetes prevention
Who Could Benefit from CBD?
Daily supplementation could help anyone suffering from anxiety, insomnia, pain, inflammatory issues, acne, or going through chemotherapy and anyone looking for an excellent post-workout recovery method.
It’s important to note that because CBD is relatively new as a supplement in the US, there haven’t been enough studies to definitively say whether a CBD is a proven method to cure or help benefit any health issues. Though there is good evidence so far that it can be helpful, it’s always good to take caution.
Things to Look for When Buying CBD
The FDA does not regulate CBD. All CBD is not created equal, and some products labeled CBD have contained zero CBD whatsoever.
Here are some key points you should look for in a CBD company or product:
Is it organic?
As of right now, hemp cannot be certified organic by any official US government organization yet, I know, it’s complicated
However, look for hemp that is grown without any pesticides or non-organic growth modulators
When in doubt, just ask the company!
Where is it grown, and why is this important?
Hemp acts as a “hyperaccumulator,” meaning it readily absorbs any toxins or heavy metals in the soil, which could end up in your CBD extract.
Oregon and Colorado have the longest history of growing hemp and are the most popular states for companies to buy from.
Is it lab tested by a 3rd party company?
Testing should assure it has a high amount of CBD, low THC, and lacks other impurities that can be harmful to consume like pesticides, fungus, or other toxic chemicals. All legitimate companies should be happy to send you 3rd party testing information. If not, it’s probably not reliable.
Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate?
CBD Isolates are increasingly popular but may be less effective than whole plant extracts.
Full-spectrum is considered the best but contains a higher THC. This may not be available nor the best option for other individual reasons.
Broad-spectrum comes in second best because it includes almost all the same compounds as the full spectrum without the THC.
Broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD will include terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids that work synergistically with CBD, making the benefits higher than CBD alone.
Note: theoretically, any CBD oil could cause a positive marijuana drug test. Broad-spectrum and CBD isolates are less likely to cause this.
How is it made?
Because it’s unregulated, there’s no regulation on how to extract the CBD from the hemp plant.
Companies selling CBD at low prices are probably using very cheap techniques to extract it, which requires toxic solvents that are dangerous to our health, such as propane, hexane, pentane, and butane.
Other companies use better techniques like using pharmaceutical-grade ethanol to process CBD. Ethanol is grain alcohol, and it removes unneeded toxins and residues from the base hemp plant.
Look for companies that are transparent and that have good communication.
It should always be easy to find more information about CBD products, including manufacturing. Customer service should be easy to reach and respond quickly.
What’s the amount of CBD in the product?
Always check to see how much CBD is in the product and not just how many cannabinoid compounds.
How much should you take?
First, are you taking CBD for pain management, inflammation, anxiety, or recovery?
Most studies done have been anywhere from 20 - 1,500mg per dose. Start slow, with just a few mg at first, wait a week, and then go up from there.
If you are using it for pain management, you may need more.
If you are using it just for daily recovery from workouts, you probably won’t need it as much.
Everyone is different, so the dosage that works for you may not work for another.
Note: CBD, like any supplement, can have adverse side effects, so it’s important not to start with a high dosage. It can cause drowsiness, diarrhea, fatigue, appetite, and weight changes, and can even interact with other medications. Always talk to your doctor before adding a new supplement to your diet, especially when you’re on other medications.
My Personal Relationship with CBD and How I Use It!
As previously mentioned, I have been taking CBD products for a little over two years now to help me with my overall wellness and recovery.
Throughout the years, I periodically increase the dosage to help with specific ailments or injuries. Right now, I am taking 160mg every morning to help decrease my inflammation levels and help lower my anxiety. (As of writing this, I am still recovering from a concussion caused by a vehicle collision, and just getting back into training, so I need all the help I can get!)
Thankfully, I have lowered my pain levels throughout the years by focusing on my joint and issues health. However, I still enjoy using topical CBD products like salves and roll-ons for the occasional muscle tightness and soreness.
Since I utilize CBD daily, I use the quickest method and drop the oil directly into my mouth. However, I am a big fan of gummy candies and enjoy taking CBD in gummy form whenever available. I also enjoy using different CBD food products in my cooking as well (check out my Banana Oat CBD Pancake Recipe)
Overall, CBD helps me feel more relaxed in my body, allows me to calm down my nervous system, and lower my inflammation levels, all while using natural plant medicine.
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