I am often asked about the differences between hemp and CBD products. I hope the following information helps to clear up some of the misinformation that is floating around out there. There are so many companies professing to have the end-all in CBD but it is important to understand how it’s processed so that you know you are getting a pure product.
I carry a complete line of CBD products for people and for pets that is made by R+R Medicinals. This company is well-established and of the highest integrity. I am always open to discuss what you might like to address with CBD and even if you don’t buy it from me, it is my hope that with practical insight, you can make an informed choice.
Our Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
· Is a collection of cell receptors and the corresponding molecules (agonists) in the human body.
· Is responsible for regulating and maintaining many key functionalities of the human body.
· When the ECS is in balance, one experiences homeostasis (balance within the body).
Ideally, your Endocannabinoid System would remain in balance. Unfortunately, under the assault of stress, illness or injury, your body may not produce enough endocannabinoids to fulfill communication requirements. The system then becomes unbalanced and communication deteriorates. Some scientists are leaning towards the belief that many diseases and medical conditions are potentially caused by endocannabinoid deficiencies. Ingesting or applying cannabinoids can help the system return to its natural, balanced state.
Cannabinoids
· Industrial hemp plants contain 113+ naturally occurring, active compounds called cannabinoids.
· CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the cannabinoids found in industrial hemp plants.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a cannabinoid found primarily in marijuana — CBD (cannabidiol) does not produce any intoxicating or “high” effects, meaning users can experience its benefits without disconcerting feelings of lethargy or dysphoria.
Hemp and marijuana are terms often used interchangeably to describe any cannabis plant or its derivatives. They are understood to be derived from the same species Cannabis Sativa. Here’s an easy way to differentiate between the two: hemp comes from cannabis, and marijuana comes from cannabis, but hemp is NOT marijuana. Just like Romaine is lettuce and Iceberg is lettuce, but Romaine is not Iceberg! The difference lies in the part of the plant that is used and how the hemp oil is extracted.
Hemp = high CBD and less than .3% THC (less than 3/10 of a percent)
Marijuana = High THC
Hemp Seed Oil is Slightly Different
· Hemp seed oil is a nutritious oil that is cold-pressed from the hemp plant. It is used in food products, cosmetics and fiber products.
· Hemp seed oil contains minimal amounts of CBD. Hemp oil used in this manner is extracted from the seeds and stalks, while CBD is extracted (usually using CO-2, or carbon dioxide extraction) from the flowers and leaves, which contain higher levels of CBD.
· When the CO-2 is subjected to extreme heat and pressure and is at a critical point between being gaseous, liquid and solid, it is a powerful solvent that is safe, efficient and cost effective.
Potential Health and Wellness Benefits
· Are due to the way this cannabinoid interacts with your endocannabinoid system.
· Your ECS is the network of receptors and messengers that regulate the many vital processes in your body.
· The messengers manufactured by your body are made as needed and broken down quickly by enzymes.
· When your body cannot produce enough messengers (neurotransmitters) on its own, the communication system can fail.
· Keeping the endocannabinoid system balanced is so crucial to your health and well-being, many researchers today believe endocannabinoid deficiencies are
to blame for many common health concerns.
· CBD works by mimicking the messengers and influencing the receptors of the endocannabinoid system. By supporting the functions of this regulatory system, CBD has the potential to provide numerous health and wellness benefits.
By consuming omega-3 fatty acids, your body has the ability to naturally produce cannabinoids called endocannabinoids. Much like a daily vitamin, CBD, one of the many cannabinoids found in industrial hemp plants, supplements the ECS which plays a vital role in optimal human performance. Thus, daily supplementation of hemp-derived CBD can increase the long-term functionality of the ECS.
General Dosage Guidelines
· Each person’s body is different, so you may need to try different dosage levels to see what works best for you.
· Each person’s ECS is different, so the standard dosage may affect two different people in completely different ways.
It is also important to understand that CBD oil is not a miracle cure. Don’t expect to take a few drops and “poof” you’re cured! The effects of CBD are not instant and best results are usually obtained by consistent use.
It has also been reported by long-term users that sometimes you may feel it isn’t working like it used to. If you simply stop taking it for 2 to 4 days, it will likely feel effective again.
· It is generally recommended that you start with 5-15 mg of CBD per day to maintain general health.
· To treat chronic pain and other chronic disorders, you may need between 10 mg and 120 mg per day; perhaps more. As mentioned, start with a lower dose and work it up until you feel it is effective.
· To treat insomnia and sleep disorders, you may need between 40 and 160 mg per day. (For sleep, it’s best to take the CBD about 30 minutes before going to bed.)
Common Methods of Delivery:
· Oil taken sublingually
· Topical applied directly on skin
· Gummy chews
· Tablets or Capsules
Common Dosage Conversions:
· Approximately 20 drops in 1 ml
· Most bottles of oil are 30 ml (about 1 ounce)
Potential Contraindications:
· CBD is metabolized through the liver (P450 enzyme) and may minimize the efficiency of certain medications, particularly erythromycin, benzodiazepines, cyclosporine (immune suppressor, i.e., post-transplant), some statins and some antidepressants. Be sure to discuss with your pharmacist or doctor.
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES
FULL SPECTRUM ~ BROAD SPECTRUM ~ CBD ISOLATE
The Entourage Effect
· Is used to explain how the whole has a greater impact than its individual parts.
· There are more than 400 trace components found in hemp plants, including plant terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals.
· Many of these compounds have the ability to interact synergistically, meaning they work together when the compounds are consumed. (Entourage Effect).
· When cannabinoids, plant terpenes, flavonoids and vitamins work together, they have the potential to magnify all of their benefits, thereby strengthening the potential effects as a whole.
Like the links of a chain, plant components in Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum products work together to strengthen the effectiveness of each individual part. When isolated, a single component (in our case, CBD) does not have as large of an impact as many parts together.
When choosing CBD products, many people prefer Full Spectrum or Broad Spectrum CBD over CBD Isolate because of the potential to benefit from the Entourage Effect.
CBD Isolate products contain 99.9% ± CBD and zero trace of other plant components. For this reason, those who use CBD Isolate products cannot benefit from the Entourage Effect.
FULL SPECTRUM PRODUCTS
INCLUDES ALL ACTIVE HEMP-DERIVED CANNABINOIDS
· Are created from hemp through a full plant extraction.
· Contains naturally occurring cannabinoids (includes <0.3% THC), plant terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals & plant proteins of the original hemp source.
· These compounds work together, typically referred to as the “Entourage Effect,” multiplying the potential health benefits.
BROAD SPECTRUM PRODUCTS
INCLUDES MOST ACTIVE HEMP-DERIVED CANNABINOIDS EXCEPT THC
· Are created by taking Full Spectrum extract and further processing it to remove trace amounts of THC.
· Contain an array of naturally occurring cannabinoids, plant terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals & plant proteins of the original hemp source.
· Similar to Full Spectrum products, these compounds work together in what is known as the “Entourage Effect,” multiplying the potential health benefits.
CBD ISOLATE
INCLUDES ONLY 99% ± PURE HEMP-DERIVED CBD
· Is created by removing all other molecules, except CBD, from the Full Spectrum extract, leaving the CBD in an anhydrous state.
· All that remains is a white powder that is at least 99% pure CBD with 0% THC.
· This powder is applied in various CBD Isolate products such as oils, edibles, topicals and vapes.
Resources:
The above article provides links to data sources including Pubmed.gov the website for the US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health.
Article: “22 CBD Oil Health Benefits and Effects”
Article from the Arthritis Foundation
Article on Pet MD “Cannabis Oil for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know”
Regarding Pets:
Many pets experience tremendous relief from a variety of ailments through using CBD products. I personally recommend CBD for pets, especially dogs, for pain, inflammation, anxiety, cognition and overall health. However, it is important to talk to your veterinarian regarding all treatment options including CBD to ensure there are not conflicting issues with any other medications. Although many vets don't consider CBD a viable treatment option, it's still a good idea to discuss it with them.
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