What is CBD and Can It Help You?
Products made with CBD oil seem to be everywhere these days—dietary supplements, drinks, beauty products, even CBD-infused socks. But how can you sort through the hype to find out which products are worth your money and which aren’t?
Each January, National CBD Month aims to raise awareness about the health benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) and clear up misconceptions about the use of hemp.
Let’s dive into some common questions.
What does CBD stand for?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is one of a class of compounds called cannabinoids, found in the hemp plant. Hemp is a non-psychoactive variety of the cannabis plant, which has been used for thousands of years in foods, oils and for textiles.
CBD oil is made by cold-pressing or extracting cannabidiol from the cannabis plant. It is then diluted with a carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil, for use.
What does CBD do?
Research shows that cannabidiol activates serotonin receptors that impact anxiety, sleep, pain, appetite, nausea and more. It also acts as a powerful anti-oxidant.
CBD oil is similar in nature to “super foods,” known for being rich in protein. When the body absorbs protein from the hemp plant, these proteins may help with issues ranging from digestive problems to chronic pain and inflammation.
Many different forms are available, including CBD oils, hemp tinctures, capsules, topicals, gummies and more.
Is CBD legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp production at the federal level and paved the way for more farmers to grow hemp in the United States. With this legalization, Americans gained easier access to CBD. It’s now available in most parts of the country, but check local laws to make sure, especially when you travel.
CBD and THC: how are they different?
Cannabidiol products are derived from hemp, not marijuana. Hemp and marijuana plants are cousins. Hemp has no psychoactive effects, meaning it won’t get you high. The psychoactive component of marijuana that creates a “high” is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Legally, hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC or it’s no longer classified as hemp, it’s marijuana.
Cannabidiol offers the benefits of the cannabis plant without the mind-altering effects, making it a great option for people of all ages.
What is CBD used for?
It is often sold as an oil or oil-based capsules. Cannabis doesn’t have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval as a treatment for most medical conditions. According to Mayo Clinic, the only cannabis product currently approved by the FDA is a prescription oil, Epidiolex, used for treating seizure disorders.
Cannabis is also being studied for its potential in treating many other health conditions, including chronic pain, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorders, types of epilepsy and more. Scientific research and clinical trials are limited so far.
Since it’s not a known treatment for most diseases, think of cannabis a way to give your body natural support rather than as a way to treat a specific health condition.
What are the side effects of CBD use?
Most people tolerate cannabidiol well, although some users have experienced side effects such as dry mouth, fatigue and nausea. These effects can often be mitigated by lowering the doses of CBD.
Certain medications are not recommended for use with cannabis due to its effect on the liver enzymes that break down medicines, similar to how grapefruit impacts drug absorption. Talk with your doctor first if you take prescription medicines.
Does CBD show up on a drug test?
Drug tests screen for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, so cannabidiol (CBD) shouldn’t show up on a drug test. Drug testing cut-off values were purposely set to avoid having trace amounts show as a positive test.
Since cannabis products aren’t regulated by the FDA, it can be difficult to know what you’re getting. Contamination with THC could happen in a less-than-reputable manufacturing facility.
Reputable products use a CO2 extraction process to remove all THC, or are formulated with hemp plants bred to be THC-free. As long as you purchase from a reputable source, failing a drug test should not be a concern.
Is it safe to use CBD for dogs and cats?
Research on cannabis for pets is limited, but researchers believe the endocannabinoid system plays a similar role in animal bodies as it does in humans. So, it’s possible cannabis affects our four-legged friends’ cannabinoid receptors similar to how it affects human CBD users.
Anecdotally, pet owners report giving their cats and dogs cannabis to help ease pain, relieve nausea, calm inflammation, control seizures and more. Talk to your veterinarian to see if cannabis could help your pet.
Our go-to Native Remedies® CBD products
January is the perfect time to see how CBD works for you. All Native Remedies® hemp products are third-party lab tested to be THC-free so you can be assured of purity.
Our favorite products include:
Full-Strength Hemp Extract 250mg
Ultra-Strength Hemp Extract 1000mg
PetAlive® Extra Strength Hemp Extract 500mg
PetAlive® Full Strength Hemp Extract 250mg
Sources:
1. “What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds.” U.S. Food & Drug Administration FDA. Accessed January 4, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis
2. Bauer, B. “What are the benefits of CBD—and is it safe to use?” Mayo Clinic. Accessed Accessed January 4, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
3. “CBD Oil for Dogs – What You Need to Know.” American Kennel Club. Accessed Accessed January 4, 2023. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/
4. Carter, A. “Does CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?” Healthline. Accessed January 4, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/does-cbd-show-up-on-a-drug-test
5. Grinspoon, P. “Cannabidiol (CBD) – what we know and what we don’t.” Harvard Medical School. Accessed January 4, 2023. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476