Is CBD for me?
As a relatively new supplement of wellness, CBD has recently been gaining momentum. However, even with a load of fresh information available online, safety and usage can be confusing. Below, are some questions that surround CBD. Feel free to read as much information as you can get your hands on. The more you know, the safer your usage will be.
WHAT IS CBD?
CBD is an abbreviation for Cannabidiol. It is a cannabis compound that has significant medical benefits. CBD-rich cannabis is non-psychoactive making it an appealing option for patients looking for relief from symptoms and is supportive of a variety of healthy bodily systems without the feeling of lethargy or a “high”. “Cannabinoids” refers to a group of chemical compounds typically made up of 21 carbon atoms arranged in a three-ring structure.
* Adding the prefix “phyto,” as in phytocannabinoids, refers to the cannabinoids found the cannabis plant itself.
* On the other hand, the prefix “endo,” as in endocannabinoids, refers to the cannabinoids we naturally make in our cells, called “inner cannabis.”
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF CANNABIS?
References of medicinal use of cannabis date back four to five thousand years. “Its medical effects can be profound and are becoming increasingly documented in a recent spate of scientific articles published by outstanding researchers in top-quality, peer-reviewed scientific journals. These include Nature, Science, British Journal of Pharmacology, The Lancet, Journal of the American Medical Association, Journal of Pain Medicine, Neuropharmacology, Journal of Mineral and Bone Research, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Cell.” (Leinow & Birnbaum) There are literally thousands of studies that have been and will be completed on CBD and its medicinal magnitude.“The growing body of science and research supporting CBD as a valid medicine with an extraordinary range of potential applications can simply no longer be ignored.” (Leinow & Birnbaum) In fact, a variety of practitioners have begun using CBD in conjunction with other medical treatments and supplementation.
Until recent times, the CBD portion of the cannabis plant had been bred out and erroneously considered an inactive cannabinoid. However, “research from animal studies, basic pharmacology, and human studies have demonstrated many wellness properties.
Although the use of cannabis dates back to prehistory, “the findings that it is the unique known source of a large number of powerful natural compounds known as phytocannabinoids are much more recent. Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids of a plant-based nature, meaning, they exist naturally in plants. Presently, there have been 111 phytocannabinoids identified, yet we know only some of the pharmacological effects of only 10 percent. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most prevalent of these cannabinoids, of over a hundred currently identified. For many years, it was left by the wayside as scientists focused on the properties of what they assumed to be the “active ingredient”: tetrahydrocannabinol or THC -the mind-altering component of the plant” (Leinow & Birnbaum)
HOW DOES CBD WORK?
Endocannabinoidsare chemical messengers found in our own bodies. Phytocannabinoids,which are plant-based cannabinoids, work in a very similar way. The endocannabinoid system helps to regulate many of our body’s systems such as sleep and digestion. “Endocannabinoids are considered neuro chemicals that are found throughout the nervous system and are connected to our immune response and even our reproductive system. They, and the receptors they bind to, are found in virtually all animals- fish, reptiles, birds, mammals and even earthworms!” (Leinow & Birnbaum) CBD can enhance system effects by indirectly stimulating these same receptors through inhibition of the enzyme that metabolizes and destroys anandamide, allowing it to be more available to the body” (Leinow & Birnbaum) So, when you hear that CBD fills in the gaps, where it needs to, it does so by enabling the body to wellness through balancing the endocannabinoid system! “Different phytocannabinoids have different effects and even trace amounts of phytocannabinoids have entourage effects that vary with different systems or even with different aspects of the same system" (Leinow & Birnbaum)
Regrettably, medical schools are just now beginning to include any information on the endocannabinoid system in the curriculum and most doctors have not had proper training in how to accurately recommend medical cannabis. “The endocannabinoid system is extremely important and is responsible for two basic activities. The first is to modulate pleasure, energy and well-being. The second is to slowly nudge the body back to wellness in the face of injury and disease.” (Leinow & Birnbaum) No wonder CBD has been instrumental in helping so many people. This process is extremely complicated and only recently have scientists begun to understand its significance. The endocannabinoid system exists even in pets and it has different effects on men versus women making it extremely personalized.
“Due to its part in restoring balance, the endocannabinoid system plays a critical role in regulation of wellness. The importance of this system to our survival and well-being cannot be overstated. It is responsible for rebalancing the most essential systems in the body.” (Leinow & Birnbaum)
Simply put, the job of the ECS (endocannabinoid system) is to maintain balance between the chemical messages our cells send to each other. Because these messages dictate how we act and feel, they’re significant.
According to Dr. Ethan Russo, here’s how it all comes together:
* A trigger sets off a release of chemicals from “sending” cells.
* Those chemical messages are delivered to “receiving” cells that recognize the trigger isn’t normal.
* In response, the receiving cells synthesize endocannabinoids on demand, and they travel back to the sending cells and bind to the cannabinoid receptor.
* Once the endocannabinoid binds to the receptor (like a key in the lock), a reaction in the sending cells results in fewer chemicals being released — thereby putting things back into a balanced state.
* In the body, cannabinoid receptors are found in the gut and immune system. They’re also located in the heart, lungs, muscles, reproductive organs, bones, skin, and liver — essentially everywhere in your body. That’s why the endocannabinoid system is considered the most widespread receptor system in our brains and bodies.
Neurologist and cannabis researcher Dr. Ethan Russo hypothesized that some people who have ongoing conditions may have a deficiency in their endocannabinoid levels that make cells send abnormal messages. Fundamentally, cannabis works to mimic the actions of the endocannabinoids, causing the “sending” cells to stop releasing the message of inaccuracy.
The cannabis plant gives us compounds that help our brains and bodies maintain balance and wellness by interacting at the endocannabinoid system.
More research needs to be performed on the cannabis plant’s potential benefits as it contains more than two hundred phytochemical compounds. Imagine all the wellness it can do! “The effects on health are most available when the medicine is derived from the whole plant rather than isolates or synthetic versions of its components.” (Leinow & Birnbaum) Therefore, you definitely want to be aware of what you are getting when you are choosing a brand. More on that later. According to Jason Prall, functional nutritionist, “from the research, it appears that CBD travels all over the body and pretty much any physical system including the immune system, neuro, endocrine system, central nervous system, digestive system- you get it- can benefit from it. CBD acts directly on the genome and effects a wide variety of applications because it will down regulate certain cytokines and up regulate other cytokines. It is a modulator and impacts balance in the system. It is literally everywhere and trying to understand what it’s going to do for YOU is a little difficult. It basically fills in the gaps and essentially creates a better situation in your body. You may have a number of issues that you might not even be attempting to resolve, it’s really different for everybody. We don’t even know many of these processes or benefits, yet as it hasn’t been studied at the highest levels. What it’s doing inside of the cell at the genetic level remains to be seen but the testimonials offer a wide variety of effects.”
When asked about the potential side effects for certain individuals, Jason responded “the potential downside risks with CBD are drastically lower than what we are seeing on the positive side. It’s absolutely worth experimenting and will be beneficial. Because CBD receptors are in every system in our body, it helps to bring homeostasis to those systems and homeostasis leads to health!”
WHY SHOULD I USE CBD?
* Rare & mild “side effects” and no known adverse reactions
* Has a very low risk of addiction
* No documented cases of lethal overdose
* More body-centered and not mind altering
* CBD works with our own inherent physical systems to produce wellness allowing the body to repair itself.
* CBD is GRAS (generally regarded as safe) for all including pets.
WHY DO YOU EXTRACT YOUR CBD IN MCT OIL RATHER THAN HEMP OIL?
We love hemp oil, but have found that it has a shorter shelf life. In addition, we feel that MCT oil (made from organic coconuts) offers a better delivery system for superior absorption. In addition, MCT oil is incredibly beneficial to the brain!
WHAT IS THE EXPIRATION DATE?
We suggest using the products within a year of purchase.
HOW LONG WILL A BOTTLE LAST?
That depends on dosing. There are approximately 600 drops in a one ounce bottle of CBD.
I JUST FINISHED A BOTTLE OF ANOTHER BRAND. HOW WILL YOURS COMPARE AND HOW CAN I MAKE SURE I STICK TO THE SAME DOSING?
Each bottle of our CBD oil contains a minimum of 16.66 mg/mL for a total of about 500 mg (or 1000), so each drop will contain a minimum of 0.8 mg of CBD. Starting dose for ours is 2 drops = 1.66 mg. If you are using a similarly comparable product, it is important to understand that it may not work in the same manner. CBD is extracted from plants and because each plant and batch can never be the same, your body will react to different batches in various manners. Some may be better for pain, others will improve your mood. You may find that you need a variety of brands/strains to reach your specific needs. We simply suggest that you be sure whatever brand you use, it comes with a RECENT and updated Certificate of Analysis that not only tests accuracy of potency claims but the absence of dangerous chemicals, pesticides and mold.
HOW MUCH CBD SHOULD I TAKE?
“Dosing” is always individual and we need to step away from the conventional pharmaceutical way of thinking. The best way to approach is “low and slow”. Because our CBD oil is concentrated, start out with two or so drops and increase slowly as needed. Everyone’s endocannabinoid system is completely different so it is impossible to use standard “dosing” as a parameter. Think of it as alcohol or food. Two people with the same exact weight, age, etc will have different reactions to alcohol and any person will eat different amounts of food daily. Some days you may need more or less depending on how your body is feeling.
WHY USE OUR BRAND?
Because the cannabis industry is not FDA-regulated, there are a bunch of companies selling very low quality and potentially toxic oils that have been extracted using harsh chemical solvents like butane and hexane. For your own safety, stay away from cheap products that do not offer a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with each batch, as they will likely not work very well and more importantly, they could be damaging to your health. A high-quality CBD oil has been extracted only with pressurized CO2 equipment which yields the most high-grade medicinal CBD concentrate, and leaves virtually zero traces of chemical residue.
* Every small batch is tested for purity & potency, by a 3rdparty lab.
* Solvent free Co2 extracted, full spectrum oil
* Blended in certified organic MCT from organically grown coconuts
* Extracted from organic & sustainably grown Cannabis Sativa
* Multiple cannabinoids & terpenes
* Below the required .3% THC level for legality purposes
* GMO free, preservative free, additive free, gluten free
FARMACOLOGY is formulated from multiple super critical Co2 extractions and decarbolization. This creates a result that has more of the beneficial compounds and plant matter naturally found in cannabis. As scientific research increases, we are understanding more and more about this amazing plant. One of the things discovered is that CBD is not the only beneficial compound in cannabis- there are many. It is still very difficult to create a product that contains all the beneficial compounds without using harmful extraction methods and solvents or extracting from the flower (which is illegal to ship across states and sell to the general public). We believe this has been accomplished with our product. Although we are learning every day and will continue to tweak our formulas as new information and/or methods become available, this is to-date, the most effective formula, due to the full cannabinoid profile, terpenes, flavanoids, and increase in absorption (due to the pure and organic MCT oil as the carrier).
WHAT ARE TERPENES AND WHY ARE THEY BENEFICIAL TO A CBD PRODUCT?
A typical full spectrum blend utilizes the terpenes that are in the particular plant that is being harvested. There are many factors that influence a plant’s development of terpenes including climate, weather, age and maturation, fertilizers, soil type and even the time of day. However, a groundbreaking 2011 paper by neurologist and researcher Ethan Russo discovered that when combined with ADDED terpenes, the combination produces more significant entourage effects. Simply put, cannabinoids and terpenes, other molecules in the cannabis plant, work together to boost and modulate the effects of one another in the body’s endocannabinoid system.
WHAT IS THE IDEAL SERVING SIZE & BEST METHOD OF USE?
There is no single ratio, strain, or product that is right for everyone and CBD supplementation is not a one-size-fits all approach.
According to Leinow & Birnbaum, “individual reactions to CBD can vary greatly from person to person. The effects can change based on strain, dose, potency, how it is delivered, time of day, condition being treated, how much one has eaten and how recently, and the desired effect one wants. Before you begin using CBD, consult with your health-care practitioner. To be safe and to gain the optimum wellness benefits, pay attention to your body and your own reaction, use your own intuition, and experiment with different methods. It is strongly recommended that you keep detailed records of your usage, addressing all of the parameters listed above that result in how each particular usage specifically affects you.”
CBD oil absorption takes approximately 40-75 minutes to take effect and lasts approximately six to eight hours. Oil tinctures are best used directly under or on top of the tongue. May be mixed with food and thick liquids such as yogurt. CBD oil should be consumed within a year of purchase
CBD and other plant cannabinoids can potentially interact with pharmaceuticals, increasing or decreasing their effectiveness by inhibiting or modifying the activity of cytochrome P450, a family of liver enzymes. Always check with your health-care practitioner before and during a CBD regimen.
Start off slowly and increase from there, as needed. Begin with 2 drops under the tongue and see how you feel. Customers with extreme pain may want to take it at night and as needed throughout the day. Some customers have needed around 30mg, while others experience relief at doses as small as 5 mg. It really just depends on what your body needs at point in time.
Salves:
Apply topically to the body where it will be absorbed through the skin. Penetration is limited to within one inch of the surface of the skin and will not penetrate deeper areas.
WHAT DOES CBD TASTE LIKE?
Depending on the type, strength and brand of CBD, it can taste from sweet, to herbal to earthy. Some CBD oils are sweetened or flavored while others are not. FARMACOLOGY oil is unflavored, unsweetened, and tastes earthy.
CAN I OVERDOSE ON CBD?
There have been no documented cases of overdose. Small doses of cannabis tend to stimulate; large doses sedate. CBD has no known adverseside effects at any dose, but drug interactions can be problematic. An excessive amount of CBD could be less effective therapeutically than a moderate dose. “Less is more” is often the case with respect to cannabis therapy.
IS CBD LEGAL IN ALL 50 STATES?
CBD-infused oil is currently legal to market in the United States if the oil contains less than 0.3 percent THC. The sale of low-THC, industrial cannabis products is permitted in the United States if these products are derived from the seed or stalk of the plant, not from the leaves and flowers. FARMACOLOGY products use the seed and stalk only.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MARIJUANA & CBD?
Marijuana is a derogatory term for the THC-containing part of the cannabis plant. Marijuana and CBD both come from the same species of plant, Cannabis sativa L., but from different varieties. Marijuana is the flowering tops and leaves of the psychoactive varieties of cannabis that are grown for their high THC content. CBD products are derived from the stalk of the plant.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEMP AND CBD OIL?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many cannabinoids in the cannabis plant and contains endocannabinoids which are helpful to balance the body’s systems. Hemp oil, as produced and sold commercially generally contains very little CBD/cannabinoids and is not something most would recommend consuming much of for supplementation purposes.
HOW DOES COPAIBA ESSENTIAL OIL COMPARE WITH CBD OIL?
At FARMACOLOGY, we appreciate and honor essential oils and truly believe in their wellness powers. In addition, we feel that essential oils have their time and place for the well being of our bodies, both emotionally and physically. Both copaiba and CBD share a common terpene, beta-carophyllene; however, copaiba is NOT a CBD replacement by any means and anyone who has a full understanding of how CBD works knows this. To suggest the comparison is completely underestimating the high standards of CBD. The complex compounds in CBD are its strength and that strength comes from working together. The capabilities of copaiba pale in comparison. Lastly, copaiba is not generally regarded as safe for pregnant/nursing mothers or children and suggesting haphazard ingestion of any essential oil is dangerous.
WILL I GET “HIGH” FROM CBD PRODUCTS?
No. CBD is a non-intoxicating and non-psychoactive compound. THC is the only cannabinoid from the cannabis plant that is psychoactive. CBD is more nutrition than anything and it’s the THC in cannabis that has been suspected to cause psychological addiction. CBD does NOT produce the same euphoria or “high” associated with THC containing products.
WILL A DRUG SCREEN PICK UP ON CBD PRODUCTS?
The answer is both yes and no. Drug tests are used to identify THC, not CBD or another cannabinoid. If one uses CBD-rich cannabis products that only contain a trace amount of THC, the THC should not register on a drug test if the user is using under 1000mg of CBD per day. If the user is consuming more than 1000 mg per day, that amount would be enough to result in a positive for “marijuana” on a drug test; however, it would be a false positive. We suggest researching your particular product and its Certificate of Analysis to verify that the amount of THC is negligible, as the risk can be there. However, FARMACOLOGY cannot guarantee that you will or will not pass a drug screen due to the number of variables. Our products contain less than .3% THC. Drug screens can vary, and some are more sensitive than others so if you have to take a drug test, it is best to refrain from using our full-spectrum products and use our ISOLATE Blend instead.
IS CBD SAFE FOR EVERYONE INCLUDING PETS?
As explained above, the body already contains cannabinoids and CBD is a supplement used to enhance the amount and performance of those cannabinoids by using phyto (plant-based) cannabinoids. Think of it as taking an extra dose of vitamin D in the middle of the winter. So, everyone can benefit. In addition, CBD’s side effects are rare and mild and there are no known adverse reactions. However, because CBD is used to balance the body, depending on the drug, it might serve to boost or reduce the effectiveness of certain medications. Additionally, while trying to achieve homeostasis, CBD may produce some mild detoxing effects; so, while the supplement, on its own, is completely safe, supplements can affect individuals differently and we always suggest speaking to your wellness provider/physician prior to beginning any new supplementation and starting off very slowly.
How about pregnant, nursing moms or children under 10? We strongly urge that you use our “BASIC” CBD Oil versus our PLUS with added terpenes. As our company is extremely conservative when using essential oils, terpenes are a constituent of an essential oil. Essential oils are complex and comprised of between 20-200 organic compounds (terpenes being one of them), the great majority being present at levels of less than 1%. Because CBD Oil is a supplement and because anything that is consumed is exaggerated to the fetus, we are being extra cautious for our customers and feel it’s best to avoid our PLUS (added terpene) CBD Oil if pregnant/nursing.
WHY ARE YOUR CBD PRODUCTS NOT USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC?
Any ingredient that is not regulated by the FDA cannot be certified organic. We are hoping this will change with the federal legalization of the entire cannabis plant.
In closing, we at FARMACOLOGY are very excited to include CBD-rich products in our line and are dedicated to providing those that are healthy and effective. As research into the science of cannabis and cannabinoids continues, it’s clear that a healthy endocannabinoid system is essential for overall wellbeing. Cannabis may not always be the answer, but it is an option that often makes people feel better and enhances the quality of their lives.
An important note: CBD oil is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for any medical condition, which means that the information discussed and statements made in this document have also not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always check with your wellness provider/physician prior to taking any supplement. In addition, this is a working document and as new information becomes available, we reserve the right to modify. This information is written with the best intentions in an attempt to educate our consumers about CBD.
It is highly suggested that for a complete understanding of the benefits of CBD information, you read “CBD, A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis, Healing Without the High” by Leonard Leinow & Juliana Birnbaum, the leading authorities on CBD, which includes specific dosing information for humans and animals.
References:
Leinow, Leonard, Birnbaum, Juliana. CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis—Healing without the High.
This Cannabis Compound Eases Pain & Anxiety. Retrieved July 1, 2018, from
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Iseger, T.A., & Bossong, M.G. (2015, March). A systematic review of the antipsychotic properties of cannabidiol in humans. Retrieved April 25, 2018, from https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25667194
Russo, E.B. (2008, February). Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain. Retrieved June 26, 2018, from https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/
Kozela, E., Lev, N., Kaushansky, N., Eilam, R., Rimmerman, N., Levy, R., Vogel, Z. (2011, July 12). Cannabidiol inhibits pathogenic T cells, decreases spinal microglial activation and ameliorates multiple sclerosis like disease in C57BL/6 mice. Retrieved June 26, 2018, from https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01379.x
Russo, Ethan. CBD & Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency. (2016, June 21). Retrieved June 26, 2018, from https://www.projectcbd.org/science/cannabis-pharmacology/dr-ethan-russo-cbd-clinical-endocannabinoid-deficiency
Prall, Jason. Cannabis: Clearing the Air. Facts, Myths and Propaganda. (2016, August 25). Retrieved on June 26, 2018, from https://rebelhealthtribe.com/prall-cbd/
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Chili study. (Retrieved on July 24, 2018, from https://terpenesandtesting.com/cannabis-extracts-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd/