Is CBD good for you?
Is CBD good for you? Should you take CBD? That is always hard to say, but in this blog we are going to explore what the effects, differences, and benefits of: Cannabinoids, Terpenes and the endocannabinoid system?
What is CBD, and why should I care about it? This guide will walk you through in detail why it is the cannabinoid you should know all about.
What is a Cannabinoid?
Cannabinoids are found in the cannabis plant, there are over 100 unique cannabinoid compounds that can be isolated with varied effects. One of the most famous Cannabinoids is THC ( Delta 9-THC or Delta8-THC ) known for its psychoactive effects. CBD ( cannabidiol ) is another widely discussed and studied Cannabinoid. Today we will be focused on discussing CBD.
What is CBD?
CBD has been widely talked about and studied, in April of last year 6.4 million CBD Google searches took place in just one month! This April one of the top search results is “best cbd oil” and it is no surprise given some of the ways people are finding healing from this cannabinoid. Some studies have even suggested CBDs anti-inflammatory properties making it a topic of interest across the globe.
The U.S. Market is projected to hit $22 billion in CBD sales by 2022.
Following the passage of the Farm Bill in late 2018, sales of hemp derived cannabinoids have shown incredible growth.This change comes as word spreads of the myriad of health and wellness benefits of hemp derived cannabinoids, like Cannabidiol (“CBD”). CBD sales are expected to skyrocket from $2B annually to $22B by 2022 in the United States. CBD is just the start. With over 120+ known cannabinoid compounds, we are just now beginning to skim the surface of what is considered to be a deep, untapped reservoir of opportunity. Just as CBD has experienced meteoric growth, others will soon be on the same trajectory.
Some say it is all about the terps! What gives cannabis its unique smell?
Terpenes might be the most recognizable but least talked about component to the plant. Everyone knows the distinguished, unique smell and flavor associated with the cannabis plant, but very few people realize that is the result of the terpenes. Terpenes are organic compounds found in a variety of plants, not only in Cannabis and Hemp. The strong smell produced by Terpenes might actually help keep the plants safe from predators during the cultivation cycle among other beneficial properties. Terpenes might also be responsible for different effects each cannabis strain is known to produce.
The terpenes of the plant are built from a number of influences including: climate, soils, nutrients, humidity, pressures and C02 levels, the age of the plant and more. Every cultivar has a unique terpene profile and composition. This is what gives some strains more of a citrus smell while others exhibit more of a pine note. Many consumers make product selection based on preference to a specific terpene profile and use smell as a large determining factor.
Understanding the endocannabinoid system
In the 90's scientists began to study the endocannabinoids, cannabis like molecules in the body. This system is partially responsible for keeping the body in homeostasis. Early research suggested that endocannabinoid receptors were only found in the brain, however scientists later found receptors in nerves, skin, immune cells, fat, bone, heart, blood vessels, the GI tract and more. (11) It plays a vital role in immune function and reproductive function (12,13) and is possibly one of the most versatile molecules known by scientists.
What are the Potential Benefits of CBD? What people are saying.
Early-stage research has shown that CBD may provide general relaxation, pain reduction, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and neuroprotectant properties. In addition, many believe CBD is beneficial for sleep. More research is required to solidify any health claims, CBD does appear to have the potential to provide a number of health benefits associated with other cannabinoids, including THC, without the psychoactive effect.
Cannabis Compound With Beneficial Properties
THC and CBD, either individually or combined, potentially help alleviate insomnia by causing an overall sense of mind and body tranquility and relaxation.
What are the potential benefits of CBD? What people are saying.
Does CBD work?
There is moderate evidence that suggests CBD can improve sleep disorders, fibromyalgia pain, muscle spasticity related to multiple sclerosis, and anxiety. "The most benefit I have seen as a physician is in treating sleep disorders, anxiety, and pain," says Dr. Levy. "Many people report a definite response when it comes to anxiety." Read full story ( Harvard Health report )
Cannabinoids and the Brain
“The cannabis plant has been used for recreational and medicinal purposes for more than 4,000 years, but the scientific investigation into its effects has only recently yielded useful results. ...Cannabidiol (CBD), shows promise for the treatment of pain, anxiety, and epilepsy.” Read full story ( MIT Press )
Antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects of cannabidiol
Anxiety and depression are pathologies that affect human beings in many aspects of life, including social life, productivity and health. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a constituent non-psychotomimetic of Cannabis sativa with great psychiatric potential, including uses as an antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like compound. Read full story ( NCBI )
Full spectrum vs isolate
What is full spectrum?
Full-spectrum CBD includes the full spectrum of cannabinoids found in the hemp plant and all of the active compounds including terpenes. This is different from CBD isolate where only the single CBD cannabinoid has been isolated from the rest of the compounds.
Some people choose to use a full spectrum product to obtain what some claim to believe is an entourage effect of the cannabinoids. This is currently a widely debated topic, the belief is that the full spectrum of cannabinoids work together in harmony to produce a desired therapeutic effect. In true full-spectrum applications THC is also still present even if it is a fraction of a percent, .03% or less.
What is CBD isolate?
Isolate is a pure concentration of CBD powder that can be used in a wide range of applications and also suspended in solutions. Pure isolate is created using an extraction process to remove any other active compounds from the hemp plant.
Having an isolated cannabinoid like CBD provides the ability to test effects on well-being without any additives or other cannabinoids. Formulations can be created using CBD isolate based on desired outcomes using precise measured dose controls. Additionally CBD isolate is THC free, for many THC is undesirable due to personal preference.
Is full spectrum or isolate better?
One is not considered better than another, it all depends on your application and goals for the end products.
For example tablets or gummies might be more beneficial to be made from individual isolated cannabinoids giving you greater control over exact molecules you want included in your final formulation.
Tinctures or vaporized products might benefit from a full spectrum formulation giving additional cannabinoids and terpenes a chance to work in harmony, adding to the experience with taste and flavor.
How is CBD dosed? How much CBD should I take?
Everyone reacts differently to the effects of CBD, there are a lot of factors in dosage including body weight and age and the delivery system.
Dosage is normally measured by how many milligrams are consumed per serving. Consumption methods are a choice of the consumer and come in a variety of forms and MG per dose size options.
Harvard health publishing says:
"Start with a low dose," Dr. Grinspoon suggests. How much CBD you use depends on the delivery system (whether it's an edible, tincture, or pill, for example) and your individual needs. And of course, as with any new drug, try it first in a safe environment, when you know you'll be home and you'll have someone there to make sure you're okay. Write down side effects and report them to your doctor if they're concerning. Read more
Does starting material matter? Is all flower equal?
Hemp comes in many forms as a starting material and depending on the desired outcome, one form might be better than another. In most cases the starting materials are either whole flower, trim or biomass.
Whole flower is a starting material that is in most cases trimmed and cured. This flower has been dried for a period of time and additionally cured. The plant's trichomes are most densely located on the flowering buds.
Trim is a starting material made from the trimmed fan leaves of the whole flower. These fan leaves can still be trichome rich.
The term Biomass has been tossed about over the last few years and has come to mean different things. Biomass typically is seen as whole plant material including stalks, fan leaves and buds.
“Increasingly, I see companies refer to the dried hemp flowers as ‘biomass’ as they seek to buy or sell hemp bud, but the correct definition of biomass is the stalk and potentially spent bud (post extraction),” noted Carl Lehrburger. “Typically ‘biomass’ refers to non-food plant matter, including hemp stalk residues.
Beyond the formats that starting material can come in, another major factor for consideration is how that material was grown. Most hemp is grown outdoors however it can be also grown indoor or in a light deprivation greenhouse.
Outdoor or sun grown hemp is one of the most widely available formats. Outdoor hemp allows cultivators to grow at large scale with a bigger volume of finished material. Outdoor hemp prices typically are lower than flower grown indoors or in a light deprivation greenhouse due to overhead electricity costs. Hemp grown in soil is known to produce potentially a more flavorful starting material. This could be a result of complex nutrient profiles that can be found in soil. Similar to growing grapes for wine, specific soil conditions can influence the overall profile of the plants you are cultivating.
True indoor flower is typically grown in highly controlled indoor rooms. Many times these rooms have the ability to control lighting conditions, humidity, temperature, pressure and even C02 levels. This level of control allows growers to potentially fine tune environments for desired results in finished flower. There is a higher cost associated with cultivating in an indoor environment that will often reflect in the final cost of starting materials.
Light deprivation greenhouse cultivation allows for scale and control while saving on costs. This starting material is often grown in soil in larger greenhouse rooms. This gives the cultivator the ability to grow year round providing protection to the crop from the elements. These greenhouses are often supplied with supplemental light to help control consistency and flower cycles.
One of the most important aspects of starting material selection is the test results and strain selection. Not all strains contain the same cannabinoid makeup, each strain has a different matrix of compounds that make it unique. Some strains have higher THC or CBD content than others. Some of the most well known strains high in CBD are Charlotte’s Web, AC/DC, Harlequin, Ringo’s Gift, and Herle-Tsu.
What exactly is CBD, will it make you high?
CBD is free from that psychoactive feeling that is associated with THC. All cannabis plants contain a certain level of THC. This includes hemp, from which much of the CBD sold in the United States is made. However, full-spectrum CBD made from hemp is generally standardized to contain 0.3% or less THC unless specified otherwise on the label or from the manufacturer.
Will CBD Make you Fail a Drug Test?
Many individuals have concerns about using CBD due to the fear that it will make them fail a court or work-mandated drug test. Remember, even some isolates have 0.3% or less THC unless it is guaranteed to be completely THC-free and independently lab tested to verify.
But can that little of THC cause you to fail a drug test?
Drug tests generally look for metabolites of THC (among other drugs), and with CBD using 0.3% or less of THC you should have nothing to worry about. Most tests simply have a threshold that is too high for any nominal amounts of THC in your CBD to trigger a positive result. This was substantiated in a study published by the Journal of Analytical Toxicology. The study found that the only individual who triggered a “positive” on the drug test would have had to consume the equivalent of around 125mL of CBD oil daily. This is a large dose that is far beyond what any normal consumer would ever (or should ever) attempt.
References
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10. McPartland JM, Matias I, Di Marzo V, Glass M. Evolutionary origins of the endocannabinoid system. Gene. 2006;370:64-74.doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2005.11.004.
11. Mackie K. Cannabinoid receptors: where they are and what they do. J Neuroendocrinol. 2008;20 Suppl 1:10-14. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2826.2008.01671.x.
12. Alger BE. Getting High on the Endocannabinoid System. Cerebrum Dana Forum Brain Sci. 2013;2013.
13. Maccarrone M, Bab I, Bíró T, et al. Endocannabinoid signaling at the periphery: 50 years after THC. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2015;36(5):277-296.doi:10.1016/j.tips.2015.02.008.
14. UCLA Health