We have been getting questions about CBD oil lately – so I asked our friends at Viva Oils to help us out with a little CBD Q & A. Thank you to Romy Campbell, RN, BSN who crafted this.
What is CBD?
Over the last few years, we have had more access to hemp-derived CBD, as laws and regulations have changed. There is now a marketplace. With it comes so much choice!
CBD stands for cannabidiol (pronounced can·na·bi·di·ol) – doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, does it? But, what this wonderful phytocannabinoid is doing, is providing an alternative for people that are exhausted with the traditional medical approach to addressing health concerns.
CBD is one of about 100 cannabinoids found in both hemp and marijuana (both subspecies of Cannabis). The more commonly known and better understood “illicit cousin” to CBD is the cannabinoid THC. Although close relatives, CBD and THC interact very differently with the body. The psychoactive effects that we all attribute to Cannabis, come from THC alone. CBD will not produce a psychoactive effect and it will not leave you feeling high. Although both CBD and THC hold beneficial properties, “CBD can be given at very high doses” because it has minimal to no side effects. Not the case for THC, which can cause adverse effects when taken in high amounts.
– Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, Organic Chemist & Professor (Discovered the structure of THC & CBD) –
Research shows that CBD holds many beneficial properties:
- Analgesic (pain reliever)
- Anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation)
- Neuroprotective (serves to protect nerve cells from damage or impairment)
- Anticonvulsant (acts to prevent or reduce convulsions)
- Antispasmodic (relieves spasm and involuntary muscle movements)
- Antiemetic (prevents nausea and vomiting)
What is the difference between Full Spectrum and Isolate CBD?
This is important information to know when deciding on a CBD product!
Full Spectrum CBD
It is widely held that full spectrum CBD products that contain the full mix of cannabinoids and terpenes offer the greatest benefit, compounding and enhancing the effects that any single compound can provide alone. Compare it to eating an orange – removing the Vitamin C and taking it as a supplement every day is great. However, eating the whole orange offers greater health benefit overall. Full spectrum CBD products contain trace THC (<0.3%) as per federal regulation. This is enough THC to provide benefit without causing the user to feel high or impaired.
Isolate CBD
These products contain only CBD. All other cannabinoids and terpenes are removed. Isolate CBD products cannot produce the wide-ranging benefit that full-spectrum products can create. However, for some people this is a good option.
Where does CBD come from?
Let me explain…
Both hemp and marijuana plants contain CBD. However, the majority of the CBD products available on the market are derived from hemp. Why? Hemp contains very low concentrations of THC and high concentrations of CBD (and other cannabinoids).
The distinction between hemp and marijuana:
Both hemp and marijuana are plant species that belong to the Cannabis genus. The main determinant as to which-is-which, is THC content (by dry weight volume).
- Plants that contain greater than 0.3% THC = marijuana
- Plants with less than 0.3% THC = hemp
A little history about Cannabis
Although we are hearing about CBD everywhere recently, Cannabis is a herb that has been used in a multitude of ways for many thousands of years. Our long and rich history with Cannabis, the genus of both hemp and marijuana plants, may go back as far as 12000BC.
An adaptable plant that can take hold virtually anywhere – it can thrive in cold high-altitude climates as well as in sweltering heat. Give it sun and it will grow – sometimes to almost 20 feet tall. Although it loves nitrogen-rich soil, it can prosper in poor sandy conditions too. It really does grow like a weed!
Believed to have originated in Central Asia, Cannabis is one of the first and oldest crops to be cultivated by the first agriculturalists. From here, people spread the herb across the Asian continent and on to Africa, Europe and then to the Americas. All along the way, clues have been left to show how useful and versatile the Cannabis plant has been to mankind. It was used by shamans as far back as 4000BC to address a wide array of ailments. Cannabis was mixed with wine to make an anesthetic used for surgery, known to Chinese medicine as ma-fei-san. Testimony to the healing powers of Cannabis can be found in the writings of researchers, doctors, spiritual healers and botanists throughout the ages.
The incredibly strong hemp fibers were used to make rope, sails, clothing, textiles, paper, currency and art canvases. If not for hemp, world exploration by sea could have looked very different (our world as we know it today would likely be very different). Durable and water-resistant hemp sails made long voyages into unchartered waters possible.
Did you know?
Christopher Columbus sailed to the America’s in 1492 under hemp sails.
A wide array of uses made Cannabis a sought-after commodity around the world. In the 1800s, concoctions of substances such as heroin, cocaine and cannabis extract were regularly prescribed to patients to address an array of ailments, from gout and throat infections to tetanus and snake bites.
At the end of the nineteenth century, a chemically synthesized drug was developed – aspirin. It provided what previous medicinal concoctions did not – predictability. Most doctors began looking exclusively to chemically synthesized drugs, while turning their back on Cannabis as an option. The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 mandated ingredient lists be added to drug packaging. People began to see cannabis in the same list as cocaine and heroin. This did little good for the Cannabis image.
As much as Cannabis was endeared, it was also hated, and general public favor declined throughout the 20th Century. An orchestrated propaganda campaign was waged by those with political power. They had people believe that Cannabis was the root of all social disorder and a threat to the younger generation. Negative press about Cannabis spread. The movie, Reefer Madness was released and it created hysteria. What followed? Decades of heavy taxes, regulations, prohibition and incarceration.
Flash forward to 2019 – although much stigma remains, people are getting to hear, see and feel the benefits that hemp derived CBD can offer. We are learning about the difference between CBD and THC and how to responsibly use Cannabis. Most lawmakers are getting onboard with the scientific community and accepting the benefits that CBD can provide. This has allowed for legislative barriers to fall. Good news for those interested in pursing CBD as an alternative option. It is exciting times that we are living in. Acceptance is a big hurdle to overcome. We are getting there!
Reference: History Marijuana. The Cannabis Century. Modern Medicine. Tomorrow’s Cash Crop.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
Great question, many people are beginning to hear about how important this body system is…
We all learned about the major body systems in biology class – the digestive system, nervous system, cardiovascular system… and the list goes on. However, there is another body system recognized by science. There’s a chance that you have not heard about it yet… It is called the endocannabinoid system. A mouthful, I know! Let’s call it the ECS for short
The ECS is considered our homeostatic regulator and it “is one of the most important physiological systems involved in establishing and maintaining human health”.
The ECS has been understood and appreciated for less than thirty years. A small time period of scientific awareness. It is essentially a body wide cell signaling system. It promotes homeostasis – in other words, it works to brings balance to the body – and it has a profound effect on our ability to control pain, inflammation, sleep, mood, memory, reproduction and immune system control. The ECS is made up of three main components – receptors, endocannabinoids and the enzymes that form and break down the endocannabinoids. Here’s a quick description…
Endocannabinoids
Our body produces compounds called endocannabinoids. Think of these as cannabis-like chemicals that relay signals to cells throughout the body – cells in our “brain, organs, connective tissue, glands, and immune cells”. Our body produces these chemical messengers on demand to respond to internal and environmental insults. This is anything that causes or has the potential to cause harm to our body. Examples? Internal insults could be inflammation, disease, stress or anxiety. Environmental insults describe threats to the body from the outside – such as trauma from injury or interaction with a bacterium, virus, fungi or any other contaminant that may be in our air, water and soil. Whether they are physical, chemical or biological, they could pose risk to our health… and our ECS is ready and waiting to respond.
“There are more cannabinoid receptors in the brain than any other known. These compounds are very important.” Raphael Mechoulam, Father of Cannabis Research
Cannabinoid Receptors
The cannabis-like chemical messengers (endocannabinoids) that we just learned about, interact with cannabinoid receptors found in cells throughout our body. The endocannabinoid fits into the receptor as a key would to a lock. The message is delivered to the cell, and an action results.
Enzymes
Lastly, there are enzymes that make-up and degrade our endocannabinoids.
Now we know the components of the ECS – a system that works to achieve homeostasis through responding to anything that poses harm to the body, right down at the cellular level. Got to love it!
CBD and other naturally occurring cannabinoids found in hemp, could provide the gentle nudge that we need.
How does CBD interact with the body?
This is how…
Complete “balance” throughout our body – homeostasis within scientific circles – is unfortunately an unachievable expectation. A pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, so to speak. Every system within our body is relentlessly working to achieve this goal with the prize of optimal body function. Despite best efforts, many of us cannot get there. We could benefit from a little help. The many compounds within hemp could provide the answer.
Research shows that CBD can help to support our endocannabinoid system and enhance our bodies signaling capabilities.
An ECS operating at a sub-par level can result in body wide imbalance:
- Lower pain threshold
- Persistent inflammation
- Digestive woes
- Mood imbalances
- Sleep abnormalities
The question is, how can a sluggish ECS benefit from some gentle persuasion? This is where CBD comes in – it enters our bloodstream and once delivered to the cells throughout our body, it encourages them toward more optimal function. Fact is, CBD does not directly interact with the cannabinoid receptors on the surface of our cell nucleus. Instead, it encourages the body to produce more naturally occurring endocannabinoids that, in turn, activate our receptors.
Wait, there’s more? Using CBD offers a multi-pronged effect on the body. The enzymes that we spoke about earlier – they are responsible for making and breaking down our endocannabinoids – CBD can block their break-down action. The result? More cannabis-like endocannabinoids available to our cell receptors. Now that we have more endocannabinoids on board, they can get back to work activating our receptors. Isn’t that great? Come on body, you can do it!
What is the best way to take CBD?
The CBD marketplace offers so much choice! It can be confusing to know where to start. Tinctures, oils, salves, capsules, gummies, cookies, coffee, chocolate, water (ok, maybe this is going too far!?)
With the current nature of the CBD industry, there are many gimmicky products wrapped up with endless promises of success. It is possible to get pulled into a marketing ploy and be left thinking that you can gummy your way to good health. This is simply not true!
When you immediately swallow CBD products, the precious cannabinoids are sent to the liver, filtering them down and leaving very little to circulate through the bloodstream and finally reach your cells – this is where they need do their work.
Instead, a method of administration should be found that bypasses the digestive system. Research shows that absorbing CBD sublingually, topically or through inhalation avoids first-pass metabolism by the liver.
SUBLINGUAL ADMINISTRATION
This is the most commonly reported method of CBD administration. The reason? It works. Research shows that close to 30% bioavailability is reached with this method. That is, the mucous membranes in our mouth allow for the CBD to absorb directly to our bloodstream. This bypasses the “first-pass” through the liver allowing for a higher concentration of CBD to be delivered to the cells in our body that need a little nudge towards better function. Still want to take your CBD in the form of gummies or capsules? With these methods the bioavailability is closer to 6% (does not compare!).
Tips for success with the sublingual method:
- Choose a high-quality CBD oil – very important to success!
- Hold beneath your tongue for 60-90 seconds (the longer the better)!
- Although CBD absorbs through the membranes in the mouth with the sublingual method, absorption does continue once swallowed. Research shows that taking CBD with food in your stomach helps to increase absorption. Increase your chances of success and take your CBD oil sublingually, immediately before or after a meal.
TOPICAL ADMINISTRATION
Another way to sneak around our liver and ensure maximum absorption to the bloodstream is to apply your CBD topically. Direct absorption of CBD to target body locations is proving to be a game-changer for pain management. Research shows that this method can reduce inflammation by up to 50% post application. This is a significant finding!
Tips for success with the topical method:
- Choose a high quality CBD oil or salve – this will make all the difference!
- Apply to areas of your body with pain or inflammation 2-4 times per day.
- Can be used to relieve dry itchy skin, sunburn, and bug bites.
INHALATION – VAPORIZING
Inhaled CBD enters the lungs, passes though the bloodstream and quickly crosses the blood-brain barrier. Effects are felt quickly, usually within 3-10 minutes. Vaporizing CBD could be beneficial as an add-on option (used as-needed) for those with an already established sublingual and topical CBD regimen.
Tips for success with the inhalation method:
- Choose a high-quality CBD Vape Oil – especially with the nonsense that is available on the market, be sure to do your research.
- Not intended as your primary source of CBD – use on an as-needed basis.
- Avoid products that contain harmful fillers such as propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG).
- Avoid if you have asthma, COPD or live with any shortness-of-breath
How do I know how much CBD to take?
Very good question. There are very few clear guidelines and many people that are new to CBD are left confused…
Besides the quality of the product and the method of administration, the next important key to the puzzle of finding success with CBD is – serving size!
Important to note, CBD use should be a self-experiment to find YOUR perfect serving size for YOUR individual needs and YOUR unique metabolism. The key point – everybody has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that holds a different level of function (or dysfunction, in most cases). So, there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation.
However, research does give us the insight into where “therapeutic range” could be met with CBD – plus or minus, depending upon YOUR results.
The amount of CBD that you need is directly proportional to individual body weight.
For those with something greater than preventive health aspirations – with something specific that you are trying to address – this could be a guide for you to find “therapeutic range” …
1mg CBD to every kilogram (kg) body weight (+ or -) depending upon results
Pounds (lbs) to kilograms (kg)?
Use this conversion: Your weight in lbs / 2.2 = Your weight in kg
Start low and go slow with CBD. This allows your body time to adjust to the introduction of CBD and it gives you the opportunity to find YOUR lowest possible serving size. Average starting serving sizes (for adults) is between 10mg-20mg CBD per day. On a weekly basis, increase your serving size by 10mg-20mg, until you have met your goals.
How do I find a reliable & safe CBD product?
Here’s a few things to look for…
Consider extraction methods!
The method that is used to extract the valuable cannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp plant determines the quality of the final product. The gold standard is CO2 extraction. Besides this, ethanol and other low-grade alcohols are used. Ask how your CBD product is extracted. Read labels. Very important information to know!
CO2 Extraction
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the same gas that animals exhale after inhaling oxygen. It is the same gas that plants take in to allow for photosynthesis and the production of plant energy, allowing for plant growth. It is all around us. It is a natural gas that can exist in several different phases. Solid CO2 is dry ice. Liquid CO2 is achieved by manipulating the pressure and temperature of the gas and is often used to fill the chambers of fire extinguishers. Gaseous CO2 is what animals exhale. And supercritical CO2 is the phase that exists between a gas and a liquid – called supercritical CO2. This is what we use to extract CBD hemp extract from the hemp plant. A very gentle solvent that preserves every component within the final hemp extract.
Ethanol Extraction
Over 80% of the CBD products on the market are extracted using this inferior method. Why? It is cheap and quick. Sad, but true! Unlike CO2, ethanol is a harsh solvent that strips the plant of many of the beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes. It also pulls out many undesirable plant materials (such as chlorophyll and plant waxes) that leave the oil green and bitter. To address the unpalatable taste, additional processing is needed.
Study the ingredient list!
Very often flavors and sugars are added to mask the unpalatable flavor of poorly extracted CBD products. Chocolate mint flavored CBD oil? Why? This should be an indicator to you that you are using an inferior product that has been extracted using ethanol (or acetone, butane or some other low-grade chemical). Remember, simple is always better. Adding sugars, flavors, preservatives and ingredients that are not immediately known to you should be a warning sign. Look elsewhere.
