Cannabis plants produce several compounds that, when ingested, interact with our brains and bodies in different ways. We have already touched on some of these compounds, like THC and CBD. This section will take a closer look at the compounds found in CBD oils and how they are beneficial to the user. 

A collection of active compounds found in the cannabis plants called phytocannabinoids commonly shortened to cannabinoids. These compounds include cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabigerol (CBG). These compounds interact directly with receptors in our brains and are responsible for most of the health benefits related to cannabis plants. 

Cannabinoid receptors in our brains actually outnumber many other types of receptors, meaning that learning how to activate and use them could have an astounding impact on how we treat issues such as mood disorders and chronic inflammation. 

Cannabis plants produce a wide range of different cannabinoids that each yield unique reactions in our bodies. Here is a quick breakdown of those compounds.

Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)- the most common cannabinoid in cannabis plants and the source of the sought-after high created by marijuana consumption. 

Cannabidiol (CBD)-the second most common cannabinoid, has no psychotropic effects and will not produce a feeling of being high.

Cannabichromene (CBC)- the third most common compound; like CBD, it has no mind-altering effects. Instead, CBC is believed to help reduce inflammation by supporting joint and muscle function.

Cannabinol (CBN) - used to support joint and muscle function, as well as combat insomnia. 

Cannabigerol (CBG) - another non-psychoactive compound used to support moods and combat inflammation.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv) - similar in structure and reaction to THC; however less psychoactive.

Delta(8) THC - similar to Delta-9 THC, but with lessened psychoactive effects; used to combat anxiety and promote relaxation. 

Cannabidivarin (CBDv) -similar in structure and results to CBD.

THCa and CBDa - non-psycotropic compounds produced by cannabis plants. 

Endocannabinoids are another classification of cannabinoids; however, these are produced by our bodies and the bodies of other mammals, not plants. Endocannabinoids operate within our bodys' Endocannabinoid system, helping to relay messages from cell receptors to our brains. When a system in our body has slipped out of alignment and is no longer operating in the way it should, the system will send neurotransmitters (like endocannabinoids) to our brains. Our brain will then decode the cellular message and send out instructions to realign the system. 

The two endocannabinoids that scientists currently know of and are actively studying are called anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylyglyerol (2-AG). These molecules bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors, depending on your body's current need. CB1 receptors are mainly found in our central nervous system and they target issues around pain. CB2 receptors reside in our peripheral nervous system and their main interaction is with our immune system. 

The human endocannabinoid system is a relatively new discovery, and scientists are still working to determine the full scope of its impact on our bodies. However, we know that it uses endocannabinoids and a vast army of receptors to help keep our bodies balanced. If your body is affected by an outside force such as pain from an injury or an illness, your ECS jumps into action, sending help to your nervous and immune systems to get things back on track. 

Even though we are still learning about the many functions of our ECS, researchers have big hopes for this complex system. Some researchers even believe that a deeper understanding of this system that greatly impacts inflammation, may lead to treatments for issues like migraines and fibromyalgia, which have no current known cause.
 Ironically, the initial studies of our ECS were undertaken in hopes of further vilifying the cannabis plant and its categorization as a "dangerous" drug. However, what was discovered instead is an amazing and deeply beneficial system that effects a wide range of our bodily systems including:

 

• appetite and metabolism
• chronic pain
• mood and stress
• inflammation      
• motor control
• sleep 
• reproductive health
• learning and memory

 

An aromatic compound found in many plants; terpenesare responsible for how our brains perceive smells and flavors. In nature, these molecules work to attract pollinators and ward off predators that might be harmful to a plant. And in humans, they can affect our moods which is why they have been used for centuries in aromatherapy. For example, lavender and eucalyptus are known for being calming and helping to reduce stress. Whereas citrus scents like orange or grapefruit are cheerful and stimulating. 

Cannabis is the most terpene-rich plant on the planet, so it's easy to see how it helps affect positive changes in our moods. Terpenes also interact with and alter the behavior of cannabinoids and their receptors in what is known as the entourage effect.

In the same way that copper, when mixed with tin, becomes bronze, which is stronger than both. Or cookies, when dipped in milk, become more delicious; terpenes and cannabinoids are better together. This occurrence is known as the entourage effect, and it leads to richer, more effective CBD oils.
As we mentioned earlier, some oils use pure CBD, with all other compounds filtered out of it. Unfortunately, this oil lacks the positive advantages of the interactions between terpenes and cannabinoids, and therefore, we do not recommend it, 

  Now let's take a look at the different delivery methods of CBD and some of the things that effect its potency and how it makes us feel. 

Let's take some time to discuss the actual use of CBD. With CBD having a wide range of potencies and different ingestion methods, it's important to understand the advantages and drawbacks of each. 

Bioavailability is the percentage of any active compound available to your body for use out of each serving, making this an essential factor in the oil's potency. For example, a CBD oil with 75% bioavailability would mean your body could use 75% of the CBD you consume. No matter your method of ingestion, some percentage of the CBD will become unusable to your body. Whether it is because it is trapped in fatty acids or broken down (metabolized) before reaching the bloodstream. 

The only way to achieve 100% bioavailability would be to inject the CBD directly into your bloodstream. Therefore, any form of CBD injection should be done only by a medical professional. 

A tincture is a solution of oil and highly concentrated herbal extracts. Extracts have been used in folk medicine for hundreds of years and have a high bioavailability due to their quick absorption by the body.
One drawback to tinctures is that they are not convenient for travel as you risk spillage. 

CBD capsules are generally made of quick-dissolving gelatin, which melts quickly once swallowed. CBD Wellness Store's soft-gels utilize a patent-pending water-soluble nanoemulsion technology. The nanoemulsion suspends the CBD droplets at 4 to 200 times smaller than the industry standard, making for a higher than average absorption rate.
If you are choosing oil capsules as your method of CBD delivery, it is best to take them with food. Taking them on an empty stomach can lead to most of your dose being absorbed by your stomach lining and losing most of the benefits.  

A topical can be an oil, salve, cream, or lotion that has been infused with CBD oils. These are usually used for localized pain relief or skin issues such as rash or eczema. Infused topicals can also contain additional skin-benefiting ingredients like aloe, vitamins, and moisturizers. 

However, as mentioned above, topicals work specifically in the area they are applied to, so for generalized pain or all-over skin health, you may be better off with an oral solution.  

There is no one answer to this question because everyone's body reacts differently due to a host of factors. For example, a person's age, weight, metabolism, and circulation are only some elements that affect CBD absorption. There are also factors that are dependent on the CBD oil itself and the method of ingestion.
A general rule of thumb is that tinctures will be faster than edibles, and inhaled CBD is usually the quickest method, with almost instant results. Capsules and edibles can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, with tinctures usually taking effect after 10-15 minutes. 

With so many options surrounding CBD use, from potency to method of ingestion and intended effects, the details of CBD use can vary significantly from one person to another. Factors including our age, weight, activity level and even the number of cannabinoid receptors in our brains vary greatly. Here are some things to consider about yourself and your lifestyle to help you make the best decision for you. 

Are you a person who is frequently on the go and will want to have your CBD available to you throughout the day? Some products, like tinctures, work quickly but run the risk of breaking or spilling if kept in a purse or gym bag. No one wants to clean up an unnecessary mess, or waste money on broken bottles. 

For CBD on the go, capsules or edibles tend to be a more stable option. These are also a more discreet option that makes them ideal for use in a public setting.  

The reason for using CBD should be considered when choosing a delivery method. For example, balms and salves are an excellent choice for skin issues or localized pain, but they are not so helpful with anxiety or sleep struggles. 

Vaping CBD oil is the fastest and often most potent form of delivery, but there is a lot of social stigma attached to smoking, as well as the still questionable effects on our lungs. Plus it is outright banned in most public places, so this is really a method best used at home. 

As we discussed earlier, different methods of consumption take various amounts of time to take effect. If you are taking CBD for general wellness or sleep support, edibles or oil capsules are probably a good option, with their longer release cycles and more reliable serving sizes. However, if you are looking to CBD to help curb anxiety attacks or pain flare ups as they occur, a tincture or vapor product is a good option as they have much quicker turnarounds. 

Many people choose to take their CBD like they would any other vitamin, on a set daily schedule. This can help maintain a set level of CBD in your body and ensure you are getting consistent results. This method is most often used by people taking CBD to help with mood issues or regular pain such as arthritis. 

If you recall, bioavailability is the amount of CBD that makes it into your bloodstream and is available for your body to utilize, which makes it a significant factor in your product choice. Items like oil capsules and edibles will also have differing levels of bioavailability depending on if you take them with food or on an empty stomach. Taking edibles or capsules on an empty stomach means that more of the CBD will be trapped in fatty acids or in your stomach lining and you will lose some of the bioavailability, which is why we always recommend eating at the same time or shortly before using these products.

The amount of CBD you are taking is one of the most crucial factors in achieving your desired results. As we discussed before, not enough, and you won't receive the full benefits, whereas too much can make you drowsy.

Edibles and oil capsules contain tightly regulated dosages, which make it easy to determine just how much you are ingesting. On the other hand, vaping is much trickier to gauge as the amount depends not only on the concentration of CBD in the product but also on how much and how deeply you inhale the vapors.

It is also important that you are purchasing your CBD products from a company with strict production policies which help maintain serving sizes and potency from one batch of product to the next. 

Many CBD products come with suggested serving sizes listed on their label. These are a great place to start, but also remember all of the personal factors we discussed in the last section. The suggested serving may be too little or too much for an individual without considering these.
The ingredient list on the CBD label can also affect the potency and how much you should be taking. You may remember that some oils have the terpenes filtered out and therefore are missing out on the benefits of the entourage effect. For this reason, they are generally considered less potent than full-spectrum oils. Some oils have the THC filtered out but still maintain their other naturally occurring cannabinoids and their terpenes. This is why it is so important to read the product labels. 

Learning your ideal serving can take a little bit of time and experimentation. So here are some general rules to help you find the right amount for you:

Choose one CBD product and stick with it for a while. It is much harder to dial in your dosage if you switch back and forth or double up on products. 

It is best to start slowly and up your serving size as needed. So for a person weighing 160 lbs can start with a15mg serving of CBD tincture oil and then up your serving by a quarter dropper at a time until you find the desired results. 

When you are first starting on your CBD journey, it's generally a good idea to take your first doses an hour or two before you plan on going to bed. This is because CBD can make some people drowsy, and if you are one of those people, better to learn that close to bedtime as opposed to in the morning when you have things to accomplish. 

If all is well and you don't feel the urge to nap after taking CBD the first few times move on to daytime use. 

If you are not achieving your desired results after a couple of days, try increasing your dosage. Try this increased serving size for a few days, and then adjust accordingly. If you find yourself feeling sleepy or unmotivated, cut back a couple of mgs. 

It may even be beneficial for you to keep a journal or written log of how much you are taking and what effects you are noticing until you find your sweet spot. 

  

With the advances in science and the loosening of legal restrictions, you would be hard-pressed to find a more quickly expanding market than that for CBD products.

But how do you know if you are getting your money's worth? Because, like any rapidly growing business, dishonest people are looking to make a quick dollar at others' expense. According to a recent FDA report, almost 25% of CBD products they tested did not contain CBD amounts equal to what was listed on the labeling. 

Here are some ways to ensure the CBD you are getting is of good quality. 

It's one thing to know who your CBD supplier is, but who is their hemp supplier? You aren't going to get a high-quality finished product if you start with an inferior hemp plant. 

Even though the hemp industry in the United States is still in the process of rebuilding after decades of tight restrictions, the hemp grown here is some of the best in the world. Western European products also trend towards the top of the quality scale.
Do not be deceived by the lower online prices of CBD products from China and southern Asia. Their prices are lower because these countries have fewer regulations, and their products are often grown with pesticides which are illegal here, and refined using harsh chemical methods. 

Another thing to be aware of is what type of hemp plant your CBD is coming from. Recall from earlier that industrial hemp is cultivated for fibers, not its cannabinoid and terpene content. On the other hand, PCR hemp is grown with the intent of creating the best ratio of cannabinoids and terpenes and will result in a more potent CBD. 

Most CBD products are going to contain at least a few other ingredients. For example, carrier oils like hemp seed, coconut, and almond oils are usually high quality and are easily processed by our bodies. 

Be wary of products that contain an extensive list of ingredients or ingredients that sound like they belong on the back of a shampoo bottle. For example, polyethylene glycol is often found in CBD vaping oils. While it has FDA approval, this synthetic compound is also used in cleaners and detergents, and there is evidence it can be irritating to the lungs. 

An exception to this is medium-chain triglycerides or MCT oil. MCT is a natural compound found in coconut oil with several health benefits and is actually easier for our bodies to process than raw coconut oil. So if you are unsure about an ingredient, do a quick internet find out if it is something you want to put in your body.  

The potency of CBD oil can and does vary from one batch to another. Reputable companies understand this and want to ensure their labeling is as accurate as possible. A good company should be able to provide lab reports for any batch of their products currently on sale. 

Testing by a third-party lab is important to determine potency and rule out contaminants and identify any trace amounts of THC. All CBD Wellness Store product labels include a QR code that can be scanned with a smart phone and to view 3rd party lab reports that show the potency and purity of the product.

While we are learning more and more about the positive benefits of CBD, some companies will exaggerate these effects in an attempt to sell more of their product. The FDA does not approve CBD for the treatment or cure of any diseases, and consumers should be skeptical of any company making such claims. 

Synthetic cannabinoid products, often called "K2" or "Spice," have been gaining popularity due to the claims that they mimic the feeling given by THC but are undetectable by drug tests. The ingredients in these products can vary significantly from brand to brand and even batch to batch. 

We would urge everyone never to purchase these products as they are unreliable and can be extremely dangerous. Nausea, chest pain, seizure, hallucinations, and violent behavior are only some of the side effects the CDC warns are associated with them. 

 

• CBD is a safe and naturally occurring compound in cannabis plants beneficial for      many issues, including anxiety, muscle-joint discomfort and insomnia. 
• CBD is derived from hemp, not marijuana, and does not contain enough THC to create an altered mindset. 
• The most potent CBD products will come from PCR hemp plants and include a broad or full      spectrum of compounds.
• Cannabinoids  and terpenes working together will result in a superior CBD product. 
• CBD comes in a wide range of products, including tinctures, oils, soft-gels, and creams      to suit your usage needs. 
• Different people will require a different servings size of CBD to achieve their desired results, and getting your serving size dialed in may take a few tries. 
• Choosing a reputable and reliable CBD company that is transparent about its      practices and has third-party testing performed on its products is crucial. 
• Do not buy or use synthetic CBD products!

 

 

Hopefully, this has helped you feel more confident and prepared as you start on your CBD wellness journey. If you have any remaining questions, please do not hesitate to reach out at 412-347-2478; we are always happy to share our knowledge and point someone in the right direction!