CBD Questions: I’m a huge proponent for CBD oil, for a variety of uses. I find it to really help with anxiety, sleep, pain, and so much more. However, it’s challenging to find reputable, medical-grade brands. Here I answer some of your burning CBD questions for those who are new to trying CBD oil, or are curious and just want to learn more!

What does CBD stand for?

There are several different chemical compounds that make up a cannabis plant. You may be familiar with THC, the psychoactive component of the plant. CBD is one of those chemical compounds known as cannabidiol, and it is non-psychoactive. This means it does not alter your perceptions, consciousness, mood, and psychomotor abilities. In simpler terms, you can’t get high off of CBD. But it can help you to relax and feel calmer, which is one of the many benefits!

Is CBD Oil Legal?

Because it does not contain psychoactive components beyond small amounts (in full-spectrum oil),  CBD is legal in all 50 US states. Since it became legal in the US it has been added to many coffee shops, gas stations, and retail stores. You pretty much find it everywhere. My local coffee shop sells it. However, not all CBD products are the same! More on this further down, but, it’s important to look for quality and processing methods. I don’t recommend purchasing any run of the mill brand CBD oil, you will just get burned. You want it to work for you, so it’s important to pay attention to the processing. 

Does CBD really help with pain? 

Your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been described as the most important physiologic system involved in establishing and maintaining human health. The goal of this system is to maintain balance (homeostasis) and regulate a biochemical “steady state” within the ranges required for healthy body functionality. So pain is literally something it tries to solve. 

Chronic pain is the most commonly cited reason for using CBD[1]. CBD acts on cannabinoid receptors, and also affect many other receptors, ion channels, and enzymes. Preclinical studies have helped scientists to understand how CBD works for pain relief, in order to determine how to work with patients.

The mechanisms of pain relief from CBD includes inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides from presynaptic nerve endings, modulation of postsynaptic neuron excitability, activation of pain pathways, and lowering inflammation[1].

Can you get high from CBD?

In short, no. Hemp-based cannabinoids (which contain no THC) interact with your endocannabinoid system throughout the body-brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells —to promote homeostasis by promoting communication and coordination between different cell types, without any possibility of getting high, side effects, or impairment. CBD is not a recreational drug and doesn’t offer the psychoactive effects of THC.

CBD can help promote and maintain good health! It’s antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotection[2]. CBD is more effective than vitamin C and E as a neuroprotective antioxidant and is also extremely anti-inflammatory.

A comprehensive review of 1studies showed the safety profile of CBD, mentioning several properties:

• consciousness is not affected
• physiological parameters are not altered (heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature)
• psychological and psychomotor functions are not affected.
• gastrointestinal transit, food intake, and the absence of toxicity for nontransformed cells.
• Chronic use and high doses of up to 1500 mg per day have been repeatedly shown to be well tolerated [3].

Is it addictive? 

Not at all. According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.” 

Is CBD Safe?

CBD is generally considered safe, but you must know where it has been sourced to obtain a quality product free from toxins, parabens, synthetic chemicals, and artificial fragrances — these all-natural products are good for you (and for the planet). Quality matters! 

My Favorite Brand of CBD

My new favorite CBD brand is called Endourage.  It is a Colorado company created by clinicians for clinicians to provide Clinician Grade hemp-derived, CBD-rich formulations.

Endourage’s formulations are all Complete Spectrum (meaning they contain the full assortment of cannabinoids and terpenes as they naturally occur in the hemp plant).  Endourage is available in sublingual drops, a topical cream, and a clean-bath serum.  Formulations are created by its Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michael Steward who has been extensively studying cannabis as medicine for over 6 years.  Endourage is not sold in retail stores or national chains.  As of March 2020, Endourage was not aware of any other company that meets the Clinician-Grade Standard.

Endourage researches specific conditions and formulations for them and also publishes white papers to the clinician community— most recently publishing a COVID-19 white paper that speaks to pulmonary health (https://mj.com/can-cannabis-prevent-or-treat-covid-19/).

Safety, testing, and transparency that clinicians trust to recommend to patients.  At Endourage, hemp flower is treated like medicine, not a mere supplement.

 

 

 

References:

[1] Vučković, Sonja et al. “Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules.” Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 9 1259. 13 Nov. 2018, doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01259

[2] Iffland, Kerstin, and Franjo Grotenhermen. “An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies.” Cannabis and cannabinoid research vol. 2,1 139-154. 1 Jun. 2017, doi:10.1089/can.2016.0034

[3] 1. Bergamaschi MM, Queiroz RH, Zuardi AW, et al. . Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent. Curr Drug Saf. 2011;6:237–249 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]