Cannabidiol, also known as CBD is the most prominent cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. It is rising to be the most talked about supplement in the health and wellness market for offering a wide variety of health benefits.
Although cannabis has been around since before the beginning of man, we still are learning an ample amount about this cannabinoid as well as our very own endocannabinoid system (ECS). According to a 2019 survey from Gallup, 1 in 7 Americans use some form of CBD, mostly for medicinal purposes. As CBD’s presence continues to grow, consumers and patients are becoming more curious about the ins and outs of this therapeutic cannabis derivative.
Despite the growing popularity of CBD products, there is still misinformation surrounding this non-intoxicating cannabis compound, prompting companies such as TerpNutrition to make it their mission to educate and provide resources and guidance for new and existing consumers. Common questions such as; What is CBD? How does it work? What should consumers look for in CBD oils and brands?
These are all important questions the average consumer should feel confident in asking in order to make an informed choice. Below are 10 essential CBD facts that you need to know before investing in your next wellness products.
1. Not All CBD Oil Is The Same
Users who are brand new to CBD oil often wonder where to start and how to find quality products. There are several types and formulas on the market, which typically fall into one of three categories:
Full Spectrum contains the full spectrum of CBD, minor cannabinoids, cannabis-derived terpenes, and trace amounts of THC found in the plant. If derived from hemp, it is required to be under 0.3% THC which acts as a catalyst to the CBD and other cannabinoids. This means that the other components in the hemp plant create a synergistic effect for maximum results.
Broad Spectrum contains a full spectrum of extracted cannabinoids and terpenes, but with trace amounts of THC removed typically by applying heat. This could disrupt the natural terpenes and other cannabinoids naturally present in the plant, which could make the products less effective.
Isolate is pure CBD with all other cannabis compounds removed until only a powdered or crystalline form of CBD remains. This is the most processed form, which allows the CBD compound to be isolated which could result in a less effective product since its missing other cannabinoids and terpenes that play a vital role in the entourage effect.
In addition, it’s important to note that not all CBD-infused products are created equal. Although some reputable CBD companies adhere to strict labeling standards, subpar or falsely advertised CBD products with vague labels with buzzwords like “pure,” “all-natural,” and “organic” can be deceiving. Also beware of products labeled as hemp oil or hemp seed oil, which usually do not contain any CBD at all. This has happened a lot on amazon.com.
2. CBD Is Legal, But Only If It’s Derived From Hemp
Firstly, understand that marijuana and industrial hemp are both common CBD oil sources. Both of these plants fall under the cannabis family. To anyone unfamiliar with CBD, it may seem strange to see something that comes from cannabis garner such widespread attention and acceptance across the US.
Following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD derived from industrial hemp, defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC, is not a controlled substance under federal law. CBD from marijuana or hemp with more than 0.3% THC is still considered illegal federally, but legal in states where medical and adult-use cannabis is permitted.
The laws vary significantly from state to state, however, so it’s best to double check. For example, CBD products in Idaho are only considered legal as long as it contains 0% THC, according to Idaho code S37-2701(t).
3. It Is Legal To Fly Domestically With Hemp Derived CBD
When you are flying domestically within the USA, it is legal to fly with hemp derived CBD. In January of 2020 the TSA established guidelines that state you are allowed to fly with CBD as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. This is why we suggest if you are purchasing CBD, to be aware of where you can find that company’s lab results showing the product is within compliance of the 2018 Farm Bill. By being proactive and having access to those lab results, you can confidently travel through TSA.
4. CBD Generally Works Better With Other Cannabis Compounds
A 2015 study from The Hebrew University of Israel studied the medicinal potency of single-molecule CBD extract (Isolate) versus that of a whole-plant, CBD-rich extract (full spectrum).
The study concluded that whole-plant, CBD-rich extract had a superior therapeutic value compared to isolated CBD extract. Though there may be cases, depending on an individual patient’s condition and physical restrictions, where a CBD isolate is a more appropriate prescription, a whole-plant, high-CBD product has the advantage of working in tandem with other potentially therapeutic cannabinoids and terpenes. This synergistic relationship is commonly referred to as the entourage effect. For instance, some studies have demonstrated CBD’s ability to minimize the undesirable effects of THC, including paranoia and cognitive impairment.
5. CBD Interacts With Several Systems In The Body
How does CBD work? This is one of the most common questions. One major explanation for CBD’s wide range of potential benefits is the complex way it interacts with our bodies, particularly through the endocannabinoid system. The ECS is an internal system made up of endogenous cannabinoid receptors that cannabinoids bind to. CBD and other phytocannabinoids, or cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant, bind to those cannabinoid receptors and elicit a wide range of effects depending on which receptors they activate.
CBD has been shown to reduce epileptic seizures by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters.
CBD also elicits therapeutic responses from the body through non-ECS receptor pathways. For example, CBD may activate serotonin receptor 5-HT1A in mice, making it potentially helpful in treating depression and anxiety. It may also suppress chronic pain and inflammation by targeting alpha-3 glycine receptors according to research conducted on rodents.
6. CBD Dosing Is Not A One Size Fits All
When you are considering the most effective CBD dosage, there is no universal measurement or instructions. Since there are a lot of variables when it comes to determining the perfect dose for a specific condition, we always suggest starting small and working your way up.
Part of the reason everyone’s bodies react differently to CBD and other cannabinoids may have to do with genetic mutations of our cannabinoid receptors causing these variances. For example, you may have a friend who is the same age and weight as you but your CB1 or CB2 receptors could have different variations which can cause the two of you to react differently to the same dose of CBD.
Also, something to take into consideration is that everyone goes through different stages of life, so depending on the amount of physical or mental stress you are encountering could play a role in the proper dose for you.
7. CBD Is Generally Safe
For someone just starting out, you may be concerned about where to start. Fortunately, it’s easy to simply start with small doses (5-10mg of CBD) and slowly work toward higher ones. Why? Because a 2011 study and a 2017 update show that CBD has what clinicians call a ‘favorable safety profile,’ due to the fact that it does not change major factors like heart rate or body temperature and it doesn’t affect psychological functions.
There is also evidence that CBD can interfere with certain prescription medications, so it’s best to check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing oral CBD and prescription drugs.