CBD has certainly become the rage. We have tried a number of products that aid everything from menopausal symptoms to muscular aches and pains to the more psychic conundra of desire and we have liked many of the results. Because our experiments were mostly the trial and error kind we wanted to know even more about what was what when it came to CBD . We turned to Elana Frankel, founder of Indigo and Haze ( definitely check out their products they are great) and the editor of “Women In Weed” Magazine for some answers. Below is Elana’s take on the essentials of CBD.
In 2009, CBD-rich cannabis strains were discovered, and a grassroots therapeutic movement began. Fast-forward 10 years, and it’s not about whether cannabis works but, rather, how to use it, Today CBD is everywhere, from lotions and potions and tinctures and gel caps to water and vape pens and soap and face masks. This rapidly rising star claims to deliver mental and physical benefits to relieve stress and anxiety as well as aches and pains.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Get the facts before you go out and spend your money.
- CBD (cannabidiol), a cannabis compound with medical benefits:
- Is nonintoxicating-it does not make you feel stoned
- Is(possibly) able to counteract the psychoactivity of THC
- Is a natural anti-inflammatory, a strong antioxidant, an antidepressant and a neuroprotector
- Is an option for people looking for relief from inflammation, pain and anxiety
- Where does it come from?
Mainly from the leaves, resin or flowering tops, but not the stems, of cannabis plants.
- How is it extracted?
Cannabis oil should be extracted without toxic solvent and formulated with no artificial ingredients, chemical preservatives, thinning agents or corn syrup. A common practice uses carbon dioxide(CO2) under high pressure and extremely low temperatures to isolate the oil.
- How does it work?
The body produces endocannabinoids, neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the nervous system. CBD can reduce pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters.
- The great debate: hemp-derived vs. marijuana-derived CBD
Cultivators are now developing high-resin, CBD-rich varieties with less than 0.3% THC- the legal limit- so the great debate is no longer an issue. Until these strains are more widespread, look for CBD derived from high-resin plants with strong terpenes.
- The difference between CBD-rich vs. CBD-dominant strains
CBD-RICH a strain or product that has equal amounts of CBD and THC, or more CBD than THC.
CBD-DOMINANT a strain or product that is CBD-rich but with very little THC content.
- Possible side effects of CBD
Nausea, fatigue and diarrhea
- Watch out for unsubstantiated claims
The FDA dinged a number of companies selling CBD that claimed it could cure or reverse cancer. The agency has approved only one marijuana-based drug, Epidiolex, that contains a form of cannabidiol that is used to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, which are forms of epilepsy.
- Label facts
HEMP OIL cold-pressed from the seed
CBD OIL extracted from the flowers
FULL-SPRECTRUM contains CBD and other minor cannabinoids (maybe THC)
CBD ISOLATE contains 99.9% CBD and no other cannabinoids
- Don’t be afraid:
- To find out about the CBD supply chain from seed to sale, since the market is unregulated
- To ask a company for lab-test reports (Certificate of Analysis or COAs)
- To choose companies that use American-grown hem(side note: states with legalized cannabis laws have stricter standards)
- Delivery options (in order of effectiveness)
VAPE PENS inhaled CBD tends to enter the bloodstream faster than other forms-but make sure the pen is solvent-free and be mindful of dosage/inhale/draw.
TINCTURES Drops or sprays are the next in line and can be effective under the tongue (hold for 30 seconds before swallowing or sprayed inside the cheeks.
TOPICAL Rub creams or oils on sore muscles or inflammation for relief.
EDIBLE Food and drink infused with CBD take longer to go into effect, since they are absorbed.
Be sure to check out Elana’s own products from Indigo and Haze Her personal experience with recovery has been vast and her dedication to developing and curating wonderful CBD based and herbal products is impressive.
In addition, here are a few other creams we have checked out for pain relief and found the results to be positive.
