CBD FAQs

CBD oil has been a hot topic in recent months. The list of health benefits seems to be endless, many calling it the "miracle" that has "cured all ailments". There is also a stigma associated with CBD. What is CBD oil? Is it marijuana? How does CBD oil work? Is is legal? Will I get high if I take CBD? What is hemp oil? Are CBD and hemp the same? Does CBD oil contain THC? Will CBD help me? Is it too good to be true? Like me, you probably have a lot of questions about CBD oil and how it is used.

1. Cannabis, CBD, THC, Marijuana, and Hemp

Cannabis simply refers to a family of plants. Hemp (industrial hemp) is member of the cannabis family; marijuana is also a member of the cannabis family. (Think of hemp and marijuana plants like the sweet corn we eat and the field corn cows eat. They look similar but have very different properties.) CBD, or cannabidiol, and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are two types of compounds called cannabinoids that are found in the family of Cannabis plants. Cannabis plants contain over 100 different cannabinoids.

THC is the psychoactive component that temporarily alters your mental state, giving you the "high" associated with marijuana. Marijuana plants contain 15-40% THC, whereas hemp plants legally must contain <0.3% THC. This amount is not enough to get you high. THC actually has some therapeutic benefits, and a synthetic version is found in drugs like Dronabinol and Nabilone. Studies have also shown that THC can be beneficial for arthritis and inflammation. "THC is 20 times more anti-inflammatory than aspirin and twice as anti-inflammatory as hydrocortisone." Adverse effects of THC include temporary cognitive and memory deficits, impaired motor coordination, psychosis, addiction, and altered brain development in children.

In contrast to THC, CBD is the major non-psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. Alone, CBD will not cause a feeling of being high. CBD has strong analgesic (anti-pain) and anti-inflammatory properties and is "several HUNDRED times more anti-inflammatory than aspirin." CBD oil is not marijuana, and isolate CBD oil does not contain THC. There are no addictive properties of CBD oil. CBD tolerance, addiction, and withdrawal do not exist.

2. So what's the difference between CBD oil and Hemp oil? 

CBD oil is extracted from the flower of the hemp plant. Full Spectrum CBD oil contains all beneficial cannabinoids along with other therapeutic compounds called terpenes and flavonoids.   Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. Hemp seed oil is a wonderful nutritional supplement as it is high in protein, omega fatty acids, fiber, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Hemp seed oil does not contain CBD or other cannabinoids. When added to CBD oil, hemp oil gives you that extra boost of essential nutrients.

Studies have shown that Full Specturm CBD oil has a much greater therapeutic benefit than isolated CBD oil due to the synergistic effects of all the different cannabinoids. When able to work together, the cannabinoids signal each other to work faster and better. (It's often easier and more efficient to complete a project with a team than alone.) Experts call this the "Entourage Effect".

3. How does CBD oil work?

CBD and other cannabinoids influence receptors throughout the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). Cannabinoids act like keys that unlock different signals throughout the body. The ECS is responsible for regulating hormones, immune function, mood, energy, cognition, appetite, focus, pain sensation, reproductive functions, and our body's response to stress. "The body doesn't see cannabinoids as drugs, the body sees cannabinoids as natural signaling molecules essential for optimal health." 

4. Benefits of CBD Oil

The list of CBD oil benefits and conditions it treats is extremely long. However, there is a common underlying factor in most of these conditions - inflammation. As previously stated, CBD and the other cannabinoids are highly anti-inflammatory (CBD is hundreds of times more anti-inflammatory than aspirin).

Similar to turmeric (curcumin), ginger, fish oil, and vitamin D, CBD and the other cannabinoids are highly anti-inflammatory. Many of the aforementioned diseases stem from high levels of inflammation throughout the body. When coupled with a healthy diet and exercise, CBD oil could be an effective addition to your lifestyle.

5. What are the side effects of CBD oil?

Adverse effects of CBD oil are limited but do include dry mouth, low blood pressure, and lightheadedness. It is always best to start with a low dose for a few days and monitor the effects. The most common cause of an adverse reaction to CBD oil is a dose that is too high.

Hemp seed oil also has a few side effects. Due to the high fiber content, digestive complaints such as diarrhea, constipation, and gas have been reported. Hemp seed oil can also interact with blood thinners and may slow blood clotting.

As with any new diet or exercise routine, it is best to consult with a health professional before starting something new. Make sure to discuss all medications and medical history.

6. Will CBD oil work for me?

Possibly. Early research has shown promising results, especially for things like chronic pain, inflammation, arthritis, PTSD, anxiety, sleep disorders, and childhood seizures and epilepsy. Studies have also shown that over time, you actually require LESS CBD oil to achieve the desired therapeutic effects because the cannabinoids work with your body to help regulate its natural processes. This contrasts many opioid pain medications, where your body develops a tolerance and eventually requires more medication to achieve the same effect. Cannabinoids work with your body to achieve a balanced and healthy state. Scientists are learning more about the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids and the hemp plant every day. The list of adverse reactions and is small, however little is known about long term use. Dosing guidelines vary and there is not a "one size fits all" dose. This can make finding your perfect dose a little tricky. However, experts have found it is best to start with a low dose and slowly "titrate" (increase the dose) over multiple days (or weeks) until you achieve the desired effects. Another factor to consider is the method in which CBD oil is used (gel cap, spray, liquid tincture, topical salve, vape, gummies). Some techniques and application methods work better for certain people and conditions. Discuss this with an expert.

Some individuals report immediate and positive results after taking Full Spectrum CBD oil, while others report positive results after a few weeks. It is important to remember that every person and condition is different and results may vary. Because it works for your best friend doesn't necessarily mean it will (or won't) work for you. If you are considering CBD oil, talk to your health care provider. It is also important to use high quality CBD oil. When comparing brands, look for one that is FDA-approved, tests for quality and purification throughout their harvesting process, is tested by a third-party lab, and practices sustainable farming. Know where the hemp comes from, know how much THC is in the oil (must be <0.3% to be legal), and look for "Full Spectrum" CBD oil.

7. Is it too good to be true?

From the personal testimonies I've heard and the research I've read, it appears that CBD oil does have a therapeutic benefit for many of the conditions listed above. Chronic pain, anxiety, arthritis, sleep, and stress are the top conditions some of my patients use it for. Will it work for everyone? No. Will it cure every ailment? No. Is there a placebo effect? Maybe, I don't know. What I do know is that the research supports CBD's anti-inflammatory properties and its calming effect on the mind in those who suffer from anxiety, depression, and stress. In my opinion, the adverse effects are small compared to the potential benefits of CBD oil. Cannabis plants have been used for their medicinal properties in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. Cannabinoids work with your body to achieve a healthy and balanced state. Recent studies show very promising results when using a full spectrum CBD oil, but it is always important to do your research and understand the risks and benefits when considering something new.

For more information: 
http://naturesbreakthrough.com/faqs/
https://www.projectcbd.org/
https://anandahemp.com/what-are-cannabinoids/
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/kentucky-agriculture-banking-hemp
https://draxe.com/cbd-oil-benefits/

Resources available upon request.