In the last year, CBD has infiltrated every corner of the wellness market and beyond, reaching all the way to the counters of your regular gas station. But for all the buzz, there is still a lot of confusion about what it is and what it can do for you. We’re here to set the record straight.
Ok, What Is It?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa plants like hemp and marijuana. Unlike its infamous counterpart, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD imparts a natural feeling of relaxation and calm that does not leave users feeling sedated or altered in any way. In fact, the human body has an endo-cannabinoid system that, to some degree, allows the body to produce some of its own cannabinoids.
Both hemp and marijuana contain CBD, but it is found in much higher levels in hemp, which also contains significantly lower levels – less than 0.3 percent - of THC. Although the majority of all CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, it is important to note that the standard hemp oil available for purchase typically does not contain CBD – at least not in significant amounts. When purchasing CBD oils or products, reputable companies will be able to guarantee that a certain amount of CBD has been extracted from the hemp plant. Hemp oils, on the other hand, are extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant and, while they may have trace amounts of CBD, can be equated to a fish oil that is packed with healthy omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids.
So why the recent explosion in popularity? The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized the cultivation, processing and usage of hemp-derived products, and revoked the controlled substance status of hemp-derived CBD products. The changes to the law led to an immediate rise in the production of these products, as well as clinical research into their effects.
How Can It Help?
To date there is only one FDA-approved CBD medication available. Epidiolex is for the treatment of certain forms of epilepsy, but it offers a variety of other clinically proven benefits. According to Dr. Tyler Rank from The Spine and Wellness Center in Exeter Township, CBD’s main benefit is its anti-inflammatory properties. “CBD has been found to be 700 times more potent than aspirin in terms of anti-inflammatory ability, and it has substantial evidence linking it to the treatment of chronic pain in adults.” CBD also has antidepressant, antipsychotic, antioxidant and antiemetic properties. He notes that due to its effectiveness, CBD has led to a decrease in opioid prescriptions in many areas. “Many of our patients with chronic pain have seen success with CBD products. We carry CBD Clinic pain cream, and most patients that use them have experienced positive changes in their pain levels.”
“If you look at the clinical research, there are a lot of studies to support its use for seizure disorders, palsy, Parkinson’s, anxiety, sleep, boosting our immune system and even topically for sore muscles and joints,” explains Cindy Boyer, Certified Health Specialist, Natural Health Professional and co-owner of Nature’s Garden Natural Foods in Exeter Township. Boyer also explains that people who don’t like the way they feel on opioid medications and medical marijuana are looking for an alternative, and “CBD really does answer that question for many consumers.”
Tell Me About the Gummies
There are dozens of brands and hundreds of CBD products on the market. The product that will work best depends largely on the dosage you require, how quickly you need it to take effect, and how long you want it to last.
Vaping CBD results in about 60-80 percent absorption. It’s the fastest way to find relief, but can also be the shortest-lived. Vaping has been under fire in the media recently, and it certainly comes with some risk. “According to the FDA, the biggest issue with vaping is vitamin E acetate. So if you are going to buy CBD in the form of a vape, you would want to ask whoever you are buying it from if they have an outside lab assay that says their product does not contain any vitamin E acetate,” says Boyer. The decision to take anything into your lungs is a personal one, but for those interested in these products, they are available at Nature’s Garden.
The next best product in terms of absorption is a liquid tincture, or an oil dropped under the tongue. Typically, oils offer relief within an hour. Gummies and other edibles typically contain a lower dose of CBD, around 10mg each. Depending on the dosage you require, gummies may or may not be the most cost-effective, but they are easy to carry with you and are great for treating anxiety throughout the day. The edibles market has broadened significantly, expanding to a full line-up of sweet and savory bites, even CBD coffee. Capsules or pills are the least effective and generally require a higher dose to achieve the same effect. Topical creams like those available at The Spine and Wellness Center are available in several levels and can be applied to muscles, joints and ligaments for localized pain relief.
Today you can also find a variety of products that have been formulated to include CBD along with other ingredients in doses that have been shown to be clinically effective for the specific treatment of trouble sleeping, pain and stress.
Finding the Right Dose
According to Dr. Rank, “There is no general dosage for CBD. The amount needed is dependent on the patient’s needs and health condition.” Fortunately, clinical research has not found any contraindications with CBD use, meaning that there are no known risks with taking too much, except that you might feel a bit drowsy. So, you can feel confident in experimenting with these products until you find the right amount for you.
Because every person has a different number of receptor sites for cannabinoids, the correct dose will vary for each individual. People who are deficient in omega 3 fatty acids, and who are more sedentary, have less receptors and will need a higher milligram to see a result. Dr. Rank explains that when you find the right dose “you should feel a weightless sensation, like all your stress and pain has been washed away. Some days you may need to take more depending on your pain level that day.”
Boyer recommends the following: “People should start with the lowest possible dose. If you try one milliliter today, and it’s not enough, try two milliliters tomorrow until you find the dose for you.” One milliliter is equivalent to one full dropper in the standard 30 ml bottle containing 500 mg of CBD.
The Fine Print
“You can find CBD almost anywhere, but it isn’t all created equal,” Boyer warns. Before purchasing any CBD product, check the back of the bottle to confirm the contents. Many products will make confusing claims regarding the dosage on the front label, so be sure to confirm the actual dose and to ensure it’s not just hemp oil or that it’s packed with other additives. Boyer also recommends looking for a broad or full-spectrum product, meaning that the full profile of beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes have been extracted along with the CBD.
Monica Dech, owner of Betula’s Botanica Bath, Body & Apothecary in West Reading, also notes that “third party testing should be mandatory with any company or product you are considering.” The FDA does not regulate CBD, so it is possible to buy a product that is more or less potent than advertised, or even one that contains small amounts of THC. CBD oil sold in Pennsylvania cannot contain more than 0.3 percent THC. THC in higher quantities, including cannabis for recreational use, is still illegal in the Commonwealth. Possession of an illegal substance can result in fines and jail time.
Because CBD can contain trace amounts of THC, Boyer also cautions users who are subject to drug testing. “Based on the training that I have received, people indicate that 0.3 percent of THC is too low to detect in a urine test, but I’m going to say I don’t think that is true. I think depending on how you are using the CBD, you could have a hot urine.” There are brands available that can guarantee there is no THC in the product, and any users who have concerns should look for those products specifically, which are available at both Nature’s Garden and Betula’s Botanica.
Dech also noted that, as with any nutritional or wellness product, you want to know your source. Is the product organic? Has it been grown in the United States or imported? And what other additives have been included?
And although it’s a natural supplement, many people may not consider potential interactions with other medications. According to Dr. Rank, “CBD does have negative reactions with blood thinners and benzos due to them being broken down by the same enzyme. While there is a lot of research out there involving CBD, there is still a substantial need for more evidence to solidify its interactions with various medications and conditions.”
The number of clinical research studies into CBD are growing even faster than the number of products on the shelves, and healthcare professionals are learning more about it every day. For questions about CBD and whether it is right for you, consult Berks County’s local experts. Choose one of the area’s natural grocers or vitamin shops with certified health specialists to shop for products to ensure you are getting the best option for your needs. Or, join Dr. Rank at the Spine and Wellness Center for his upcoming CBD seminar in May that will include the most up-to-date research.
The Spine and Wellness Center
3933 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading
610.779.4588
Nature’s Garden Natural Goods & Shoes
4360 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading
610.779.3000
Betula’s Botanica Bath Body & Apothecary
412 Penn Avenue, West Reading
484.516.2321
