Old Medicine is Doing New Things: The History of Hemp

As laws regarding CBD have begun to shift and change, the use of CBD oil in the health and wellness industries has shot up dramatically. Even as CBD supporters are still struggling to completely decriminalize the use of this “miracle drug,” it continues to pop up in epilepsy and pain reduction treatments, beauty products, and more. Studies have so far confirmed its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antipsychotic properties. But the benefits of CBD are nothing new—in fact, it’s been used to treat ailments of all kinds long before its recent popularity boost.

 

A brief history of CBD, hemp oil, and cannabinoids

While we may think of CBD and hemp as a modern-day hot topic, history says that it was widely used in ancient times. Its first appearance was in ancient China, with oils and teas being used to treat various pains and ailments. Because of hemp fiber’s durability (particularly that of cannabis sativa), it was often used to produce clothing, paper products, and more, quickly spreading to the Western world for use in the health and beauty industry.

In Europe, it was used to treat coughs and tumors, while physicians Garcia de Orta and Li Shih-Chen discovered it could also be used to improve appetite and as an antibiotic.

By the eighteenth century, hemp plants were established as a crop in the colonies of North America, with early states actually passing laws stating that farmers were required to grow hemp crops for cultivation. Thomas Jefferson himself grew hemp at Monticello, as did George Washington at Mount Vernon. Its medicinal benefits were no mystery to early growers; Robert Burton’s Anatomy of the Melancholy recommended it as a treatment for mental disorders, while “The New England Dispensatory” and the “Edinburgh New Dispensatory” recommended it for pain, skin inflammation, and coughs. Colonists also used hemp paper and hemp clothing.

After physician W.B. O’Shaughnessy began conducting and recording experiments with cannabis indica, hemp extract was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia as well as the U.S. Dispensatory, along with medical cannabis. It was recommended for a variety of health issues from neuralgia and convulsions to depression and gout.

With the introduction of opiates at the turn of the century, hemp was pushed to the sidelines, despite its many successes in the medical industry. It wasn’t until politicians and medical professionals started making medicinal marijuana available again that we were reminded of its effectiveness in treating a number of different ailments.

Besides its initial appearance in ancient China, hemp also has a long history of medicinal use in other cultures. The Romans noted its beneficial anti-pain properties. It was popular in the Middle East, particularly due to their ban on alcohol, with many recognizing its anti-inflammatory, anti-epileptic properties, and more. And that’s not all—hemp has been known to be used in India, in ancient Egypt as an antidepressant, and in ancient Greece!

 

CBD medical cbd oil in jar

CBD in recent history

Perhaps you’re wondering how medicinal cannabis and hemp extract transformed into the wonder drug we know as CBD. Well, in 1998, the British government licensed GW Pharmaceuticals to grow cannabis and develop an extract for use in clinical trials. GW’s founder quickly realized that by selecting highly CBD-potent strains, he could produce a cannabis-based medicine that lacked the psychoactive effect of the demonized marijuana plant.

While CBD-rich strains have a long history of medical usage, they were not commonly available to users in California and other areas where cannabis was legal; CBD had been effectively bred out in favor of THC-rich strains.

As years went by, the International Association for Cannabinoid Medicine began to recognize the numerous medicinal benefits of CBD, conducting more studies to determine its beneficial properties. CBD became a hot topic when multiple studies showed that a low dose of CBD oil helped reduce seizures in patients suffering from epilepsy.

In April, an advisory panel for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration unanimously recommended Epidiolex, a cannabidiol medication, be approved for use in the United States.

 

CBD medical field drawing

Speed bumps and overcoming legal issues

While CBD products are now technically legal in the states, proponents of CBD had to jump through hoops to make it widely available. Most issues surround the cultivation process, as it can be cultivated from hemp or marijuana crops, each adhering to different laws and regulations.

The recent passing of the Farm Bill meant that CBD is legal to use. Because of the Hemp Farming Act, production of hemp is legal, meaning that CBD can be extracted from hemp cultivation. The most recent legislation defined hemp as any strain of the cannabis plant that contains no more than 0.3 percent THC; in other words, hemp can’t get you high. The bill, however, leaves the legality of the sale of CBD up to individual states.

It’s a step in the right direction for to those who see hemp as the versatile and life-saving plant it has been lauded as for years. However, there’s still a long way to go before CBD for medical use becomes a national standard. The FDA still has the authority to regulate the use of CBD products, meaning that they will have to undergo rigorous health and effectiveness studies before making their way to the general public.

So while hemp-derived CBD is no longer listed as a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act, you may not find it available in your local pharmacy just yet. Luckily, the passing of the Farm Bill will make conducting studies surrounding CBD that much easier for those hoping to explore its beneficial attributes.

 

cbd medical extraction

CBD research is increasingly important

With new research being conducted every day, more and more health benefits of CBD are being discovered. In 2015, a study was conducted to determine how CBD can be used to treat diabetes since other studies have shown that CBD reduced the incidence of diabetes in mice. Research has also shown that CBD can help patients lose weight by converting “bad” white fat into “good” weight-reducing brown fat.

Cannabinoids have been shown to inhibit tumor growth in animal subjects. CBD has even proven effective in protecting and healing the skin: studies show that applying topical CBD treatments can treat ailments from acne to psoriasis and promote faster healing of damaged skin. CBD is also proven to engage with the endocannabinoid system in organs throughout the body, helping to dramatically reduce inflammation.

Finally, one of CBD’s more popular uses as new research emerges is for the reduction of stress and anxiety. A 2012 research review looked at a number of different studies that concluded CBD’s effectiveness in managing anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. As laws soften and more research is allowed regarding the benefits of CBD, we’re sure to find other uses for this new and exciting cannabinoid component.

The bottom line is more research needs to be done. Hopefully, with laws regarding the production of hemp and hemp-derived CBD loosening, we’ll see more and more studies being performed in the years to come. So far, the results are very promising.

 

The future of CBD

With early appearances as medicine in ancient China, Greece, Europe, and even the Americas, hemp and CBD extracts have long been considered a treatment for a variety of different issues.

With its recent re-emergence as a medicinal treatment for childhood epilepsy, CBD has become a hot-button pop culture topic. Luckily, the passing of the Farm Bill may encourage more studies to be performed, more research to be collected, and the legalized sale of CBD to finally make it accessible to those who need it.

CBD hemp oil is quickly becoming a household product, and it’s important to understand why. New research and scientific discoveries are shining some light on the potential for CBD and related cannabinoids. Contact CBD For Life for more information, and check out our selection of luxury CBD health and beauty products today!

 

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State orders stores to remove edibles with CBD from their shelves

By Penelope Overton

February 1, 2019

State health authorities have ordered that edible products containing cannabidiol, or CBD, must be removed from stores because the hemp-derived product is not a federally approved food additive.

Environmental health inspectors began informing businesses last week that they must remove all foods, tinctures and capsules from their shelves that contain the non-psychoactive chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services has determined CBD is an unapproved food additive that federal authorities do not recognize as safe.

The ruling threatens to derail Maine’s fast-growing hemp industry, in which farmers, extraction labs and retailers are investing millions of dollars, at a time when the CBD market is poised for explosive growth. National industry analysts estimate the U.S. market hit $591 million in 2018 and, with new federal legislation making it distinct from marijuana, its cannabis cousin, it could hit $22 billion by 2022, according to the Brightfield Group.

PATIENTS NOT AFFECTED

The increasingly popular CBD – which has made its way into Big Apple gas stations, Whole Foods markets and True Value hardware shops across Maine – will not be disappearing from circulation entirely, however. Inspectors have told business owners they can still sell CBD products that can be smoked, vaped, worn as a patch or applied as a lotion, and all medical marijuana patients can still buy oral CBD from licensed caregivers or dispensaries.

The DHHS did not respond to a request for information about the new policy on Friday night. It is unclear how many businesses will receive the letter or how many in Maine sell CBD products now to the general public. In response to questions, Assistant Attorney General Deanna White, the state lawyer tasked with investigating the state CBD policy, provided The Press Herald with the memo she sent to state officials who oversee hemp, cannabis and health matters.

Passage of the 2018 Farm Act apparently triggered this change in policy, according to the memo. Its legalization of hemp, the cannabis crop that has become the primary source of CBD, sparked a series of questions within DHHS about its impact on Maine’s growing fast-growing hemp and CBD industry. Upon review, state lawyers concluded that CBD could not be used in mass-market food until Maine’s experimental hemp program gets federal approval.

The departmental action has shocked hemp farmers and CBD retailers who have sunk millions into their business ventures and supply thousands of people with products that consumers believe help them manage anxiety, pain and inflammation, among other discomforts. Some plan to rally at the State Capitol beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday in hopes of getting the state to reverse its position or persuade lawmakers to pursue a legislative remedy.

“We just had the carpet pulled out from under us,” said Dawson Julia, the owner of East Coast CBD in Unity. “Hemp just got legalized nationally and now Maine wants to do a 180 and make it illegal here, when we’ve been doing it with their blessing for two years now? How did CBD suddenly get unsafe? This is ridiculous. This cannot stand. People need to know what the state is up to and demand the state keeps its hands off our CBD.”

Julia said hemp-derived CBD products account for half of his store’s profits. Some of those who buy are former medical marijuana patients who can’t afford to get their medical card renewed and others are people who would never touch marijuana and simply want over-the-counter holistic relief for anxiety, pain and swelling, or even their dog. Dog biscuits made with CBD are one of his most popular products, Julia said.

BUSINESSES IN LIMBO

Gary Runnells learned about the CBD prohibition from an apologetic health inspector who gave him the bad news when she came to his Newport store, Endless Herbs, to certify his commercial kitchen. The former truck driver bought the shop last month with plans to make his CBD blends, Pressed Nature Infusions, in the kitchen. He would sell some there and others to shops across Maine and distributors out West.

The state ruling turns Runnells’ dream into a business nightmare. He has sunk tens of thousands of dollars into the store, which he decided to buy because it was in the perfect location for him. His entire production process – from the hemp farms that grow his source plant to the processor who extracts the oil from the plants to the facility where he would mix up his blends and sell them – were all within a 90-minute drive, perfect for the busy 35-year-old father.

And then there are the patients. On Friday, a neighbor who suffers from restless leg syndrome looking for a blend to help ease the discomfort in his legs and quell the irresistible urge to move them when he sleeps. Runnells had 200 bottles of tincture in the back room that others had used to successfully treat the same thing, but the ruling forced him to turn the neighbor away.

According to the state, that man could still purchase CBD products if he attained his medical marijuana card. Under the new version of the medical marijuana law, a doctor can certify a patient for medical marijuana use for any medically beneficial reason, not just the ones on a short of approved conditions. Runnells said there are plenty of people who would use CBD but would never even consider using marijuana, or even getting a medical marijuana card.

And local zoning rules would prohibit him from converting his health food store into a medical marijuana caregiver shop, which would shut him out of that process.

BAD TIMING

Despite the upending of his business plan, Runnells said that he is one of the lucky ones. He believes he can still legally buy out-of-state hemp and blend it in his commercial kitchen and continue to sell the products to out-of-state distributors who supply CBD stores out West. Of course, he’d rather do all of that in Maine, so the jobs and revenue created stayed in state, but he has options.

He worries about the Mainers who have launched large hemp farming operations and opened up hemp-only processing facilities to serve the fast-growing market. In 2016, the first year of Maine’s experimental hemp program, only two farmers signed up to grow hemp and only a quarter acre of licensed hemp was grown. By the end of last year, 82 farmers were participating in the program and about 900 acres were in cultivation.

“Maine has the worst timing in the world on this,” Runnells said. “This is a super hot industry, just exploding across the country. People love using it. It creates job opportunities and a retail markup like you wouldn’t believe that can pump millions into our economy, but Maine is going to kill it. Here we are, ready to pull the big trigger on the hemp revolution, and Maine wants to take away our gun.”

Some people have opened hemp-only processing facilities intended to extract the CBD oils out of the plant in order to minimize the risk of contamination in plants that process both marijuana and hemp. Processing equipment can be very expensive, especially for hemp, because customers often seek solvent-less extraction methods that require the latest and costliest technology.

Original Article From Press Herald

poverton@pressherald.com

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NYC Health Department announces ban on CBD in all bars and restaurants

The New York City Department of Health has announced that bars and restaurants in the city are not permitted to serve CBD products. Despite the legalization of hemp and CBD in the 2018 Farm Bill, a health department spokeswoman said in a statement that the cannabinoid has not yet been approved for use in food and beverage products.

“Restaurants in New York City are not permitted to add anything to food or drink that is not approved as safe to eat,” she said. “The Health Department takes seriously its responsibility to protect New Yorkers’ health. Until cannabidiol (CBD) is deemed safe as a food additive, the Department is ordering restaurants not to offer products containing CBD.”

Dorothy Stepnowska, the owner of Flower Power Coffee House in Ridgewood, Queens, which has been selling CBD products, said that she disagreed with the ban and is considering a fight against it.

“It makes no sense,” she said. “It has no THC, no psycho-additive. It’s a plant, it comes from the ground… it helps a lot of people.”

She added that she had expected regulation, but believes that the health department has gone too far.

“I was waiting for them to regulate it to give us some kind of instructions on how to go about selling it, but not for them to just pull it off the shelf,” she said. “Oh Jesus, oh no. We’re going to lose a lot of money.”

Mayor Vows to Learn More

Mayor Bill de Blasio said at an unrelated event that he has not yet discussed the issue with the health department but that he values their input.

“I will follow up with the Department of Health,” de Blasio said. “Look, the Department of Health is the gold standard for public health in this country and if they have a concern, I have a concern. I have not had this conversation with them directly. But, I think they’re often on the cutting edge of identifying problems and addressing them. So let me have that conversation and I’ll come back to you.”

CJ Holm, the owner of the Fat Cat Kitchen in Manhattan, had been offering CBD treats until last Friday when health department inspectors embargoed the products on hand and said that they could not be sold. Holm said that the inspectors’ visit left her “with nothing but questions. They made statements that weren’t true, they didn’t explain what the issue was, they didn’t take the CBD, they just put it in a plastic baggie.”

“It was so random and arbitrary and unclear what we had done wrong,” she added. “I had to call the Department of Health three times to get someone on the phone who even knew what CBD was. One woman put me on hold, and then came back and said, ‘Oh I just Googled it, now I know what CBD is!’ You’re taking away my CBD, and nobody even knows what it is!”

Article category:
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Is CBD Usage Allowed for Olympic Athletes?

CBD may be a derivative of the cannabis plant, but are Olympic athletes allowed to use it without facing consequences?

Thanks to a recent decision from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the answer is now yes.

CBD products have become an attractive remedy for Olympians and professional athletes thanks to the myriad of health and wellness benefits it provides. More specifically, athletes are enjoying having a natural supplement they can take instead of NSAIDs and opioids — drugs that often come with overuse and injuries.

Not only does CBD provide pain relief, but it also helps speed up physical recovery, supports quality sleep and relaxes the nervous system without the potential side effects that can come with traditional pharmaceutical medications. It also does all this without getting users high, despite the fact that it can be derived from the cannabis plant.

CBD is a phenomenon in the health and wellness sphere and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and even neuroprotectant properties. Now,hanks to WADA’s decision to drop CBD from its list of banned substances, Olympic games athletes can include it in their daily training regime without fear of repercussions.

What is WADA’s Role in Controlling Banned Substances Among Athletes?

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is responsible for monitoring the use of illegal substances among athletes. It was established as an initiative by the International Olympic Committee.

Athletes competing on professional and amateur levels are tested for traces of the banned substance, and if any are detected, it often leads to disqualification, stripping of medals and even a lifelong ban from their sport.

For a long time, CBD has been on WADA’s list of banned substances simply because it is a compound derived from a species of the cannabis plant. Even though CBD has no psychoactive effects that its THC counterpart does, CBD is often lumped together with it and therefore has long had a stigma attached to it.

But Olympic athletes have little to worry about because WADA has officially removed CBD from its list of controlled substances thanks to continued research into the health benefits of CBD and its lack of mind-altering effects. That means athletes are free to use CBD without being vulnerable to repercussions and risking their careers.

That said, WADA still warns athletes who choose to consume CBD products that they could inadvertently be consuming THC if they’re not careful.

While CBD derived from hemp is generally void of THC, CBD that is extracted from marijuana could be laden with it. If that’s the case, Olympic athletes could fail their drug tests if THC is detected in their system, since THC is still on the WADA’s list of banned substances.

Increasing Number of Professional Athletes Using CBD

Many professional athletes have already publicly claimed to use CBD as part of their training or recovery regimen.

UFC star Nate Diaz, for one, has spoken openly about how CBD has become an important part of his regimen and touts its ability to help him both before and after his fights, and after bouts of training. The fighter claims that CBD helps with healing, pain, and inflammation, helping to get him back in the ring sooner.

Former NFL player Eugene Monroe has also both been known for his support of the use of CBD among athletes. Monroe claims that he has been suffering from pain long after retiring and that relying on traditional painkillers was leading him down a dangerous path. But thanks to CBD, he’s able to function with minimal pain and discomfort.

What About Medical Marijuana?

Although WADA has banned marijuana and its THC from use among Olympic athletes, there may be an exception to the rule when it comes to medical cannabis. WADA – as well as the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) – permits athletes to apply for what’s known as “therapeutic use exemptions” (TUEs), which allow them to use certain medications that are still listed under the agency’s banned substance list.

If the athlete’s physician recommends that they make use of medical cannabis to be included in their treatment regimen, athletes may not necessarily be met with the same consequences as those without such exemptions and doctor recommendations.

Although WADA may allow such exemptions, the agency will only permit it for a very limited number of conditions, noting that the cannabis plant itself is still not approved.

Final Thoughts

CBD has a lot to offer, and like anyone else, athletes stand to benefit a great deal from its use. Thanks to WADA’s recent ruling on the state of CBD as it pertains to Olympic competition, athletes competing on this platform can take advantage of this miraculous cannabinoid without jeopardizing their athletic career. We’ll likely see more and more athletes vocalizing their support of CBD in the future.

Post Weekend Madness 2019

RAMS x PATRIOTS

Whether you were on the winning team or the losing team this past weekend chances are you had a bit too much to drink, ten slices of pizza and the load of chips and salsa. We all know that times of celebration often lead you to putting things in your body that are not necessarily good for you when consumed in excess. Research and has shown that consuming excess carbohydrates and alcohol can not only causes gastrointestinal inflammation, but also inflammation of the kidneys, liver and brain, Wang et al., 2010. Although a hangover and a nasty stomachache subside fairly quickly, the repercussions of the party time celebrations often go unnoticed. Science has been uncovering new ways people can monitor dietary intake along with discoveries that can help keep our body strong with natural remedies like cannabis that act with preventative application. 

CANNABIS x CBD

Emerging studies and animal models have exposed the safety and efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) and research has shown statistically significant impacts on reducing gut inflammation, pain due to gastrointestinal distress and overall improvements in intestinal digestion. More recent reviews have also revealed that the endocannabinoid system is involved in almost all major immune events and therefore, it may be beneficial in all inflammatory disorders. A review on colitis shows that in response to cannabinoid up-regulation histologic and microscopic gut inflammation was reduced Naftali et al., 2014.

An additional study explains that the endocannabinoid system is involved in the regulation of numerous gastrointestinal functions including motility, sensation and secretion. Under pathophysiological conditions the endocannabinoid system provides protection to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (e.g. from inflammation and abnormally high gastric and enteric secretions). Protective activities are largely in agreement with preliminary reports on the use of cannabis extracts by subjects suffering from various GI disorders. Thus, the endocannabinoid system may serve as a potentially promising therapeutic application against different GI disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. Crohn’s disease), functional bowel diseases (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome) and secretion and motility related disorders.

FEEDING THE CANNABINOID SYSTEM

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system includes multiple receptor sites that can be interacted with directly or indirectly. CB1 and CB2, endocannabinoid ligands anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and their metabolic enzymes all make up the intricate system that parallels our immune and central nervous system.

Emerging literature has documented cannabinoid deficiency as process in migraines, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, psychological disorders, and other related conditions characterized by inflammation and cannabinoid deficiency. A review of clinical interventions indicate that several classes of pharmaceuticals can up-regulate the endocannabinoid system, including analgesics (acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, glucocorticoids), antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and anticonvulsants. Clinical interventions characterized as “complementary and alternative medicine” also upregulate the endocannabinoid system: massage and manipulation, acupuncture, dietary supplements, herbal medicines and lifestyle modification such as, diet, weight control, and exercise also modulate the endocannabinoid system, Storr et al., 2008.

THE HEALTHY OPTION x CBD

Although science has shown that pharmaceutical drugs can interact with the endocannabinoid system to up regulate the production of cannabinoids, this does not serve as a natural means to treat certain ailments associated with inflammation and the endocannabinoid system. There is a reason we feed the endocannabinoid system with cannabinoids, our body is naturally made to do so and thrives on the actions that it provides. If we had a “Tylenol system” or an “Ibuprofen system” I would not be sitting behind my desk pushing information on cannabis and the constitutes that have been medically proven to treat illness and injury naturally. I believe that if we are sacrificing our body for a good time, the least we can do is treat and heal with the cleanest and most naturally occurring remedies possible.

Cannabinoid options of application:

Transdermal-Topical Salve

Edible-Tinctures, Superfood powder, Soft Gels, Waters.

x References x

1. Wang HJ, Zakhari S, Jung MK. Alcohol, inflammation, and gut-liver-brain interactions in tissue damage and disease development. World J Gastroenterol 2010;

2. Naftali T, Mechulam R, Lev LB, Konikoff FM. Cannabis for inflammatory bowel disease. Dig Dis 2014;

3. Storr MA, Yüce B, Andrews CN, Sharkey KA. The role of the endocannabinoid   system in the pathophysiology and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2008;

4. Massa F, Storr M, Lutz B. The endocannabinoid system in the physiology and pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract. J Mol Med 2005;

CBD, Pain and Inflammation-Myth or Magic?

 

HISTORY OF CBD

Although first isolated in 1940, cannabidiol (CBD) had not been completely exploited until the early 1960’s. It has since been identified to have pharmaceutical applications, including anti-inflammatory, neuro-protective and anti-tumor effects, which has led to potential therapeutic interest amongst the pharmaceutical and osteopathic communities.

It has been identified through consumer trends that pain associated with chronic inflammation make up the majority for reasons why people consume CBD products today. There have been multiple animal trials that have not only proposed methods to identify responses to the administration of CBD, but anti-inflammatory markers have shown significant responses to the transdermal (topical) application of cannabidiol (CBD), and has been increasingly attracting attention of medical experts, wellness professionals and athletes.

TOPICAL APPLICATION?

Studies of animal models have identified that transdermal (topical) applications of CBD allow for the accumulation within the skin and skeletal muscle by indirect action on cannabinoid receptors, which are identified as receptors of both the immune system and central nervous system and play a major role in cytokine release, an important step in the inflammatory process. A study conducted by Hammell et al., 2016 explained that results of a chemical analysis of the spinal cord revealed that dose dependent reductions in pro-inflammatory markers were seen within the spinal cord after administering CBD topically over four consecutive days.

 Data would suggest that transdermal CBD applications have therapeutic potential for relief of pain associated with acute and chronic inflammation without evident side effects. Although more research is needed to prove this application in humans, animal models have shown strong evidence to believe that CBD may indeed provide a very potent transdermal (topical) pain relief with anti-inflammatory properties.

RULES X LAW

Although legislations still do not permit the sale or prescription of CBD as a means to treat any clinical ailment, foreign research has been moving through these obstacles in order to obtain concrete answers to how exactly CBD will make its way into the clinical market. Although difficult to conduct good research here in the states, specifically human trials, other countries have made huge strides in this area of research and have provided data that will ultimately make it impossible to ignore the applications of CBD. Below is a short list of scholarly articles that have looked directly at treat of pain and inflammation with the use of CBD. Studies have looked at the application from a local (topical) and systemic (oral ingestion) standpoint.

THE RESEARCH

1). This study conducted by Guindon et al., 2008 looks specifically at the CB2receptor, a cannabinoid receptor which predominantly found in the peripheral aspects of the body outside of the central nervous system. The authors explain that CBD has indirect application with this receptor to reduce inflammation, pain and protection from nerve damage. This may open up a new avenue of research that will enable health care practitioners to target areas of inflammation and deem whether or not oral or transdermal application will be of greater benefit.

2). This study conducted by Hammel et al., 2016 looked directly at the transdermal (topical) applications of CBD and the effects. This study found that both 6.2 and 62.3 mg/day were effective in significantly reducing joint swelling, pain and inflammation after four consecutive days of application in osteoarthritic mice. It should be noted that these two doses were much greater than the controls of 0.6 mg/day and 3.1 mg/day, which were not effective. The two measures that proved to be effective obviously provide a large range and would bring into question what the proper dose would be for topical application (which may be difficult). If you look at 750 mg tincture, it usually consists of 30 ml total and calls for a serving size of 1 ml, which would indicate that the serving dose is 25mg/serving and 33.3 mg/day (cannabidiol) in 1000 mg tincture respectively. Almost all brands will advise a dose size and these recommendations would bring us just at or below the proposed methods of the Hammel study. However, topical applications can be much more difficult to quantify how much you are applying and it is advised to always start with less. It is important that each individual understands their own physiology and consults their physician if they have specific concerns. With that being said, often times the dose recommendations provided by CBD companies are relatively modest and can be applicable across most demographics.

3) The study conducted by Philpott et al., 2017 presented that transdermal (topical/local) administration of CBD blocked osteoarthritic pain and significantly reduced joint inflammation. Prophylactic (illness/injury prevention) CBD treatment prevented the later development of pain and nerve damage in the osteoarthritic joints. The findings suggest that CBD may be a safe and useful therapeutic treatment of osteoarthritic joint neuropathic pain. The study presented doses that ranged from 0.1-0.3 mg/day, which was the similar to the topical CBD applications seen in the Hammell study. These findings would suggest that there is a very broad range of dose responses that may provide an avenue for further research to indicate what doses are appropriate for certain demographics based on their height, weight, age and medical history.

4) A study published in neuroscience, 2013 by Nackley provide evidence of actions associated with cannabinoid CB2 receptors are sufficient enough to suppress inflammation-evoked neuronal activity and may also act as protection against neuron damage.

5.) The study conducted by Elmes et al., 2004 demonstrated that activation of peripheral CB2 receptors attenuates noxious evoked responses of wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons in models of acute, inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The study would suggest that there is a wide range of therapeutic actions of CBD, however, inflammation seems to be amongst the top of the list and peripheral endocannabinoid receptors have proven the role they play in the regulation of inflammatory responses to injury.

The combination of these studies have identified that CBD does possess anti-inflammatory and anti-pain properties and has been explained through the present research articles. The CB2 receptor is predominantly found outside of the central nervous system, yet it enables cannabidiol to have an indirect systemic impact (total body) on certain physiological pathways associated with pain, inflammation and tumors. It is believed that as legislation changes, further research in the US will provide more definitive answers as to how CBD can treat certain ailments and how it might be prescribed in the clinical setting.

References:

Guindon J, Hohmann AG. Cannabinoid CB 2 receptors: A therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Br J Pharmacol2008;153(2):319–34.

Hammell DC, Zhang LP, Ma F, et al. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. Eur J Pain (United Kingdom)2016;

Philpott HT, O’Brien M, McDougall JJ. Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis. Pain2017;

Nackley AG, Makriyannis A, Hohmann AG. Selective activation of cannabinoid CB2receptors suppresses spinal Fos protein expression and pain behavior in a rat model of inflammation. Neuroscience2003;

Elmes SJR, Jhaveri MD, Smart D, Kendall DA, Chapman V. Cannabinoid CB2 receptor activation inhibits mechanically evoked responses of wide dynamic range dorsal horn neurons in na??ve rats and in rat models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Eur J Neurosci2004;

The Difference Between Isolate and Full-Spectrum CBD

More and more people are becoming aware of the health benefits of CBD oil. Reducing pain, alleviating anxiety, and even potentially offering protection against brain trauma are just some of the awesome things that CBD oil can do for users.

But there are so many different CBD products available to choose from. More specifically, there are two different types of CBD oil that you can take:  isolate vs. full-spectrum CBD oil.

What’s the difference between the two? Is one necessarily better than the other?

Both isolate, and full-spectrum CBD oil provides a host of benefits to the body and can alleviate a myriad of symptoms, but the two differ in a few key ways.

What is CBD Oil Isolate?

CBD isolate is the purest form of cannabidiol. It’s powerful and takes effect in the body very quickly. It’s extracted from the hemp plant using a variety of different extraction methods, including solvent, dry ice, olive oil, and CO2 extraction. These techniques are used to draw out the cannabinoids of the hemp plant, along with other healthy plant material that naturally occur in the plant.

Once extracted, what’s left is a substance that’s then purified to filter out any unwanted components, leaving behind a CBD isolate product that’s as much as 99% pure CBD. Because of the high CBD concentration, CBD isolate products are highly potent, which means only a small amount is needed to induce the effects desired.

What is Full-Spectrum CBD Oil?

Full-spectrum CBD oil has the full cannabinoid profile of the hemp plant, as well as other compounds that are present, including other cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. Also referred to a “whole plant extraction,” full-spectrum CBD oil extraction allows users to experience the beneficial effects of other compounds that the hemp plant naturally possesses.

Which One is Better: Isolate Vs. Full-Spectrum CBD?

There is no definitive answer to this question, however, ask yourself what your exact needs are to get the right product for you.

CBD isolate is very potent and provides the body with near-immediate effects. It’s exactly what it sounds like: an isolated CBD compound without any other active compound. It’s the purest form of CBD.

It was long believed that CBD isolate was the best form of CBD to take, for obvious reasons. But that might not necessarily always be the case.

Since full-spectrum CBD oil contains a variety of other active compounds that work together, the “synergistic effect” of all the cannabinoids and other compounds in the hemp plant work well to provide powerful relief from a variety of symptoms.

Currently, there are over 100 known cannabinoids in the hemp plant, along with other compounds that have been shown to have a beneficial effect on the body. When these interact with each other, what’s known as an ‘entourage effect’ occurs in which all of the cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and other compounds work together and interact with each other in the body.

When all of these compounds work together, they have a more powerful effect on the body. Nothing is removed in full-spectrum CBD extraction, and as such, it is not as vigorously processed before being manufactured into various formulas.

Full-spectrum CBD is available in a variety of different formats, including oils, tinctures, capsules, balms, topicals, crystals, vapes, and more. Depending on the exact reason for the use of CBD, different formulas may be more appropriate for different purposes.

Some of the essential compounds found in the cannabis plant and are part of full-spectrum CBD oil include the following:

Terpenes

As mentioned already, terpenes are also found in the hemp plant and have been linked to a number of health benefits, particularly when combined with cannabinoids like CBD. Terpenes are essential oils that are secreted by the hemp plant and give it its distinct color, scent, and flavor. They’ve been shown to relieve stress, improve mood, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, alleviate anxiety, and provide antiseptic properties, among others.

Vitamins and Minerals

Full-spectrum CBD oil also contains a number of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, beta-carotene, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and phosphorous. It’s well-known how important such vitamins and minerals are to overall health and wellness, and full-spectrum CBD oil can provide the body with these essential nutrients.

Fatty Acids and Protein

Essential fatty acids are a major source of energy in the body, and they’re also necessary for optimal heart health. Omega-3 and omega-6 are the two main essential fatty acids that the body requires and are ideally consumed at a ratio of 3:1. The average American diet, however, typically reverses this ratio disproportionately, with much more omega-6’s being consumed than omega-3’s. Full-spectrum CBD oil features both of these essential fatty acids in the ideal 3:1 ratio.

A Word About THC

It should be noted that full-spectrum CBD may have some traces of THC in it since nothing is removed from the plant during extraction. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid that gets users high, and it’s possible for it to be present in a full-spectrum CBD product.

That said, CBD that is extracted from the hemp plant should contain no more than 0.3% THC. Otherwise, it would be considered cannabis and not hemp. The type of plant that the CBD is extracted from plays a crucial role in whether or not THC will be present in a CBD product. Full-spectrum CBD derived from hemp should be nearly void of THC, while that extracted from the cannabis plant may contain THC in varying concentrations.

When purchasing full-spectrum CBD products, make sure that they are not only clearly labeled as full spectrum, but they should also detail the type of plant that the CBD was extracted from.

Reputable manufacturers of CBD oil products will have detailed information on their labels and provide third-party lab reports that will give you all of the information needed to know about the product, the type of plant it comes from, and the extraction method used to draw the CBD hemp oil out to create the final product.

Final Thoughts

Both CBD isolate, and full-spectrum CBD oil are amazing products that can provide a host of medical benefits to the mind and body. When choosing between the two, it’s important to consider your exact requirements, as each product may be better suited for different circumstances. It’s also helpful to factor in your preferred method of use and the extent of your specific condition. Regardless, CBD oil can provide you with amazing benefits to alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall health.

Boston Hempire (CBD Flower) Review

Boston Hempire In today’s review, I will be reviewing a CBD flower brand called Boston Hempire. Boston Hempire has a beautiful presentation and sells nice, big, beautiful CBD buds. I will go in-depth and give you my thoughts on each strain I have tried and …

Boston Hempire (CBD Flower) Review Read Full Article »

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Anxiety, Social Anxiety Disorders & CBD.

CBD x ANXIETY

In the past decade research on the effects of cannabis on both animal and human models have become of great interest to scientists and medical doctors alike. Cannabidiol (CBD), a derivative of cannabis has been explained to have anxiolytic effects, meaning it has shown to significantly suppress anxiety and social anxiety interactions by acting on regions of the brain that control the responses to our environment.

ANIMALS x HUMANS

Cannabis research in the area of human applications and interactions in recent years have been extremely scarce, but animal models have been showing so much promise that research has been shifting the focus towards human interventions.

A research study conducted in 2011 was one of the first to examine both CBD impacts on anxiety and the underlying brain mechanism associated with the anxiolytic effects. Subjects with social anxiety disorders were given either 400mg/day of CBD or a placebo. The effects of the CBD were measured by neuroimaging and by quantification of regional cerebral blood flow. Based on specialized statistical mapping the investigators were able to determine that CBD was in fact associated with a significant decrease in subjective measures of anxiety. These findings would suggest that CBD possesses anxiolytic application in the limbic and paralimbic regions of the brain, which are responsible for emotions, memories and arousal, Crippa et al., 2011. 

The findings in the pervious study have also recently been supported by a study published in 2017, journal of psychopharmacology. The purpose of the study was to determine dose responses to CBD in individuals that underwent a public speaking intervention in a real life situation (TPSRS) and were assessed using the visual analogue mood scale (VAMS). There were a total of sixty subjects randomized in 5 groups that received either, a placebo, clonazepam (1mg) and CBD (100, 300, and 900mg/day) Zuardi et al., 2017.

DOSE DEPENDENT RESPONSES

The results indicated that acute administration of CBD produced anti-anxiety effects with a dose-dependent response in healthy subjects as seen in animal models. This was indicated by data analysis that explained subjective anxiety measures were reduced with CBD 300mg, but not with CBD 100mg and 900 mg, post intervention (TPSRS) Zuardi et al., 2017.

Studies are continuing to demonstrate the positive effects on cognition with CBD administration in both animal and human models without adverse effects. It is believed that once the federal government abolishes federal legislation over cannabis completely clinical trials will then be able to take place. This would enable CBD to be utilized in a wide range of clinical applications, including anxiety and stress and has potential for a whole new avenue of natural treatment.

References:

  1. Crippa JAS, Nogueira Derenusson G, Borduqui Ferrari T, et al. Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in generalized social anxiety disorder: A preliminary report. J Psychopharmacol2011;
  2. Zuardi AW, Rodrigues NP, Silva AL, et al. Inverted U-shaped dose-response curve of the anxiolytic effect of cannabidiol during public speaking in real life. Front Pharmacol2017;

Insomnia and CBD, We Need Sleep.

NO SLEEP x THE RESULT

Insomnia is a condition characterized as an inability to fall asleep or problems staying asleep, which can be related to poor sleeping habits, depression, anxiety, lack of physical activity and certain illnesses. Insomnia, along with other sleep disorders currently affect around 25% of Americans today and is considered to be treatable, but not curable. Additionally, research has shown that people with chronic insomnia are more likely to develop or have depression and vice versa.

 Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the main constituents of cannabis has been known to possess therapeutic and hypnotic effects that have also been known to improve sleep duration and the overall quality of sleep. A recent clinical review stated that a crossover trial comparing CBD (40, 80, and 160 mg) versus a placebo and nitrazepam (5 mg) among 15 insomniac subjects indicated that duration of sleep significantly improved post administration of the 160 mg/day CBD, but not in the smaller doses. The investigators did go on to explain that dream recall in these participants was reduced Zhornitsky et al., 2012. An additional study conducted by Lafaye, et al., 2018 would support the previous findings of Zhornitsky. The study looked to identify disturbances in circadian rhythm following CBD or THC administration and found consistency with clinical trials that state the therapeutic effects of CBD, but not THC to treat insomnia by improving the balance of circadian rhythm. This ultimately allows the body’s natural ability to control sleep and the regulation of sleep with the administration of CBD, although further research is still needed to prove these results.

SLEEP x SUBSTANCE ABUSE

 Studies have also reported that 28% of those who deal with chronic insomnia have utilized alcohol as a sleeping aid. Additionally, a study reported that individuals who suffer from insomnia, or insomnia like symptoms more than two times per week were likely to develop traits of alcoholism over a years time. This report does not take into consideration narcotic abuse associated with insomnia, however it acts as an example of the issues people can face with sleep disorders. Cannabidiol (CBD) acts as a natural sleep aid that enables the regulation of your body’s natural sleep cycle, rather than masking your poor sleeping cycles with unhealthy substances such as alcohol and narcotics.

 Although reporting on dose-dependent responses of CBD with insomnia have yet to be determined, often times full spectrum CBD products provide notable therapeutic responses with smaller doses versus the pure CBD isolate. This enables consumers to start very small and work their way into a perfect dose that optimizes the therapeutic applications for insomnia and sleep disorders.

References:

  1. Zhornitsky S, Potvin S. Cannabidiol in humans-The quest for therapeutic targets. Pharmaceuticals2012;
  2. Lafaye, G., Desterke, C., Marulaz, L., and Benyamina, A. (2018) Cannabidiol affects circadian clock core complex and its regulation in microglia cells. Addiction Biologyhttps://doi.org/10.1111/adb.12660.