See About CBD

If you or a loved one suffers from pain or anxiety but do not want to risk the side effects of dangerous pharmaceuticals, perhaps you ought to learn about Cannabidiol (CBD). While the consensus seems to be that much more research is necessary on CBD, anecdotal evidence pours in. That is, many of us have benefitted from the drug, treating our pain or anxiety with it. But what exactly is it?

First and foremost, most CBD comes from industrial hemp, which many people confuse for marijuana, but there’s a difference. Hemp, after all, can only have up to .3% thc, which is the psychoactive cannabinoid of marijuana. In short, hemp does not get us high, which has earned CBD the nickname of ‘healing without the high.’ So, on the one hand, both hemp and marijuana are from cannabis. On the other hand, hemp does not induce a high in the user.

Then there is the science of CBD, which we will only touch on briefly. We have an Endocannabinoid System throughout our bodies, with receptors that are a lock-and-key fit with cannabinoids. And as Leinow and Birnbaum point out in their book CBD, “Researchers have found the two main receptors in the body, CB1 and CB2, which respond similarly to both the endocannabinoids produced in the body and the plant-based ones when they are introduced (15).

Now, how do we as consumers know what to buy? After all, CBD has become a trend, a trend a lot of companies are trying to cash in on. This coupled with the fact that regulations are practically non-existent compels us as consumers to stay informed.

With this aim in mind, we must remember though there are 3 types of oil, what we are exploring here is CBD hemp oil. The other types of oil are cannabis oil (from marijuana) and hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil has nutrients such as Omegas, yet has no cbd. That said, it sometimes is used as carrier oil in CBD hemp oil. Thus, when we read the ingredients, if we see hemp seed oil, followed by ‘hemp extract,’ it is the hemp extract from which we get the cbd.

Additionally, there are different forms in which we may take CBD. There are tinctures/oils, gummies, and vape pens. The sublingual tinctures, however, are a great place to start. In fact, I have only ever had the need for sublingual for my headaches and pain. We simply put the drops under our tongue and hold them there for a minute or so, as they absorb through our mucous membrane. On the one hand, the vape pen works more quickly. On the other hand, the sublingual is said to last longer (4-6 hrs.).

And there are actually different types of oils, ranging from the isolate, which is isolated CBD to full-spectrum which uses the whole plant, thus containing the various terpenes and cannabinoids, including up to .3% THC. The synergistic effect of all these compounds working together is known as the ‘entourage effect.’ A warning, however, is that it is possible to fail a drug test when using CBD. Thus, if you get tested for work or Pain Management, you might be better off steering clear of the compound. In fact, even in oils marketed as THC free, there is the risk of trace amounts of THC building up in your system.

Lastly, there is the potentially high price of CBD. There are, however, discount programs offered by some companies. For instance, Lazarus Naturals is known for its generous Assistance Program. They offer 65% off for low-income, disabled, and veterans. Plus, Lazarus is a reputable brand that I use and that enabled me to discontinue Pain Management.

In conclusion, CBD has become an exploding trend, but it is much more than that; it is the potential to overcome symptoms such as pain and anxiety, without having to resort to dangerous narcotics. With that in mind, perhaps you or someone you know would benefit from exploring the option. Now, with all this in mind, it is wise to speak with your doctor and pharmacist before starting CBD, and certainly before stopping any other drug. For instance, there are potential drug interactions. But as with all drugs, we ought to assess the benefit-cost ratio. That is, do the potential benefits outweight the potential costs? You decide.