Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a naturally occurring, non-psychoactive compound found in hemp plants. Unlike its cousin, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC Delta-9), CBD has no intoxicating effects as we typically see with THC-based products. CBD interacts with the receptors in our endocannabinoid system (ECS), our largest receptor system in the body, which is now being studied at a rapid rate due to its relatively recent discovery and identification in the early 1990s. We find that CBD and minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and CBC are outperforming other compounds without the side effects that are caused by THC. Since ECS receptors are found throughout the body, dosing and interaction within the system changes as the form of the product changes. For example, using a topical lotion works best in a targeted area, while an oil-based tincture works best across our entire ECS. Learning about the ECS, determining what form of CBD to take, and understanding what amount of CBD works best are the most important steps to finding the right CBD product in today’s market.
What Can CBD Help With?
CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties are involved in regulating various functions in a number of areas that can be associated with sleep, appetitive, pain, and immune system response. This is not necessarily a cure or treatment; rather, it is intended to help keep you feeling more like yourself. As always, we recommend starting a conversation with your physician before taking any CBD products, especially if you’re on any medication.
What’s the Difference between CBD Isolate, Full Spectrum, and Broad Spectrum?
CBD isolate is a crystalline solid or powder that contains upwards of 99% pure CBD. Whole plant extract, or full spectrum, contains all compounds of the hemp plant, including the flavonoids, natural fatty acids found in hemp; terpenes; and other cannabinoids (such as CBG, CBN, and the legal limit of THC). By keeping all compounds of the plant, cannabinoids and terpenes work together in perfect synergy. Similar to full spectrum, broad spectrum products contain all compounds of the hemp plant but contain non-detectable amounts of THC. To achieve this, products are put through additional processing to remove as much THC as possible while preserving the other cannabinoids and other plant components. Broad spectrum products remain a great choice for customers who can’t have any traces of THC in their system, but still desire the same full-plant synergy. While CBD isolate does offer certain health benefits, studies are showing consumers may gain more consistent and intense effects from higher dosages of full spectrum. This is important for customers to understand when deciding if a CBD isolate or full spectrum is a better option for them.
What to Look for When Shopping CBD Products
Look for products in which the hemp is sourced from a United States Organic Hemp Farm and certified by the State’s Department of Agriculture. CO2 extraction is the most regularly used extraction process, providing you with the purest end product. During CO2 extraction, we can extract other compounds found within the plant, including terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids. Lastly, it is important to review the third-party lab report for your product. These reports should be easily accessible on the company’s website. Leafreport.com recently put about 3,000 CBD products under the microscope to see how many were being tested for purity or potency. “Of the 136 CBD companies, 42% tested all of their products for potency. Additionally, the vast majority of products tested were outside the limits of acceptable variance. The concentration of CBD stated on a product label must match the concentration measured by the testing laboratory within a 10% variance.” This recent study shows that not all CBD brands are created equal and because CBD is not yet regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is important to know what exactly is in—or not in—your CBD product.
Stacy Bull has been the General Manager for Your CBD Store Naples and Marco Island locations for the past 2 years. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Administration from UW-Milwaukee. She has worked in various healthcare departments including Ophthalmology, Oncology, and Cardiology before getting involved in Cannabinoid Therapy. She can be reached at 239.259.8654 or by email at: [email protected].