CBD: Is it the Magic Pill?
By now, you have probably seen or heard the term “CBD” and wondered, “What is it?” or “How can it help me?”. CBD is an acronym for cannabidiol, a compound found in cannabis plants. The most recognized cannabis plant is marijuana. However, another cannabis plant, hemp or industrial hemp, is also an excellent source of CBD. So why does all this matter?
Much of the attention of this year’s Louisiana state legislative session was given to the legalization of marijuana for medicinal use. However, there were two bills introduced in the House that addressed hemp and hemp products, including CBD. Both bills were passed by the legislature and signed into law by the governor last month. The results are significant in many ways.
Farmers will once again be allowed to grow hemp in Louisiana. It can be refined into a variety of sustainable commercial products including paper, textiles, clothing, food, nutraceuticals, bio-degradable plastics, paint, insulation, biofuel, and animal feed. Despite the heavy regulatory burden attached to the law through several legislative amendments, the hope is that hemp will become an economic boost to our state’s agricultural community.
Another significant result of these new laws is that they bring clarity to existing regulations – distinguishing hemp, and its active component CBD, from marijuana.
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a rather recent discovery. In the late 1980s, researchers were studying the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the psychoactive component of marijuana – on the brain when they stumbled upon the cannabinoid (CB) receptor.
Later research discovered the metabolic pathways of various cannabinoids, revealing an entirely unknown signaling system between the CB receptors in our bodies and receptors found in cannabis compounds, which were named “endocannabinoids.”
Due to the role of endocannabinoids in this system, the system was officially labeled the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). As researchers learned more about the ECS, they discovered that it was a vital component in maintaining the body’s homeostasis, which is the ideal balance between interdependent elements in the body.
CBD is naturally designed by God to modulate the endocannabinoids that exist within the cells of your body. When the right amount of endocannabinoids are released, it not only helps provide stress relief, but can improve clarity of mind as a result. Basically, God designed our bodies to work with cannabinoids, and they can even be considered essential to our overall health and wellness.
The Entourage Effect
Also known as the ‘whole plant’ or ‘entourage effect’, cannabis plants consist of a biochemical matrix of constituents that work synergistically within the body. Quality CBD oils provide broad spectrum nutrition, exerting the ‘entourage effect’, because they include over 500 distinct compounds.
Should I worry about getting high?
In a word, no. CBD products contain a fraction of the federal legal limit (0.3%) for THC, the psychotropic compound found in the marijuana plant. So, using the CBD oil derived from hemp provides all of the benefits of cannabis without the negative side effects.
What can CBD oil do for me?
CBD is rapidly becoming recognized as a key supplement to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you are experiencing anxiety, stress, fatigue, ADHD, insomnia, depression or acute or chronic pain, you may benefit from using CBD oil. Those suffering from asthma and even dementia are claiming symptomatic relief with CBD oil due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
While research into the uses of CBD oil for cancer treatment is still in its infancy, early results look promising. There is evidence that cannabinoids like CBD can help cancer patients by providing relief from pain and inflammation, eliminating nausea, reducing anxiety, allowing more restful sleep, and, in some cases, slowing or eliminate the growth of cancer cells. In 2018, the FDA approved the use of CBD as treatment for epileptic seizures.
We humans aren’t the only ones that have benefited from CBD oil. Many of our customers administer CBD oil to their pets for anxiety and/or pain and have had amazing results.
All CBD oils are not the same
With the growing popularity of CBD oil in recent years, the industry has seen a rapid rise in businesses that offer CBD oil products online at very low prices. Many synthetic CBD oils are now on the market. In quality testing conducted by the FDA, 11 of 13 CBD products failed because they contained lower CBD concentrations than the amount stated on the label.
Before purchasing a hemp CBD supplement, ask yourself these six questions:
Is the company transparent, ensuring full traceability from seed to shelf?
Does the company test each batch for cannabinoid potency in their own lab?
Does the company send their products to an independent third-party lab to verify cannabinoid potency?
Does the testing include cannabinoid potency and verification that there are no pesticides, molds, bacteria, residual solvents, or heavy metals?
Do the test results meet the label claim? Providing accurate miilgrams (MG) of CBD per serving?
Is the company committed to education, never oversimplifying the science?
CBD oil is already helping millions of people improve their health in a number of ways. As research on CBD continues, even more healing properties of this dynamic nutrient may soon be discovered. Now that you know several important facts about CBD, it may be time to decide if CBD may be right for you.
What is the dose of CBD?
Every individual must make their own decision on how much CBD to take. It is best to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer which suggests that you start with a low dose and work your way up to the lowest effective dose. This will be different with each individual.
Stop by Old Paths Natural Market today and talk with our Team about getting started on CBD oil. If you aren't in our neighborhood and are ready to place your order for CBD oil, visit our online marketplace at Old Paths Natural Market Online.
Craig Tyndall is father of 9 and grandfather to 5. He holds BS degree in Environmental Science and minor in Chemistry and certification as a Qualified Environmental Professional. He is also co-founder and owner of Old Paths Natural Market in Central, Louisiana.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
