CBD

CBD has taken the health and wellness industry by storm over the past several years. Perhaps you’ve wondered if this product could help you achieve wellness, whether or not it is safe, or what all of the rage is about.

What is CBD?

Cannibidiol (CBD) is a compound extracted from cannibis plants. Around 500 phytochemicals have been identified in hemp plants with hundreds of them being terpenoids. Terpenoids are the compounds that give fruits, flowers and herbs many of their pleasant aromas, flavors and other medicinal properties. Cannabinoids are a sub-class of terpenoids. There are over 100 cannabinoids found in hemp and marijuana plants.

It is important to differentiate between cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is psychoactive and responsible for the high individuals feel as a result of using marijuana. CBD on the other hand, is NOT psychoactive and does not initiate a high. CBD can be extracted from the marijuana plant, but because marijuana has THC in it, these extracts are illegal in states where medical and recreational marijuana are illegal. Most CBD on the market today is extracted from hemp plants.

There are various types of CBD products on the market today including oil, tinctures, capsules, powders, edibles, vape oil, and topical lotions and sprays.

The endocannabinoid system

The endocanainoid system is involved in helping the body achieve a state of homeostasis. The ECS is a communication network of signaling molecules involved in many processes within the body including inflammation, metabolism, memory, mood, appetite, stress, sleep, immune function, and reproductive function. There are two primary endocannabinoids found within our bodies-anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol.  The body seeks to find homeostasis by utilizing signaling molecules binding to cannabinoid receptor cites (CB1 & CB2) on various tissues in the body including the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. CBD is an external cannabinoid that can also bind to these receptor sites. This action inhibits the body’s reuptake of its own endocannabidoids including AEA and 2-arachidonoylglycerol which improves the function of the endocannabinoid system along with many bodily processes.

What can CBD potentially help with?

Anxiety

Autism

Brain health

Cancer & treatment side effects

Cardiovascular health

Depression

Diabetes type 2

Fibromyalgia

Inflammation

Migraine headaches

Obesity

Pain relief

PTSD

Seizures

Skin health

Sleep

Substance abuse

How do I find a quality product?

Unfortunately, CBD products are not created equal. There are vast difference among products in this industry ranging from low quality to high quality. With such a saturated and sometimes misleading market, there are some things to consider when sourcing CBD.

  • Does this company have third party testing? Testing from an accredited third party ensures transparency and accountability that you are purchasing what you think you are. It also shows whether or not there are other potential contaminants found within a particular batch of CBD.

  • How was the CBD extracted? There are many ways to extract CBD, but CO2 extraction is preferred because it is safe and delivers a pure end product.

  • What type of CBD is being used in the product? CBD is classified by types including isolate, full-spectrum, and broad spectrum. The isolate form of CBD is extracted from the hemp plant and then CBD is isolated from other cannabinoids. Full spectrum CBD is extracted from the hemp plant and includes all of the cannabinoids. Finally, broad spectrum CBD is a combination of full spectrum and isolate CBD. There is no THC in full spectrum CBD.

  • How much CBD is in each dose? Calculating the exact amount of CBD in a dose of the product you choose is important. You may be surprised to find the dosage to not be cost effective or not be powerful enough to help with your symptoms.

  • At Restorative, we carry a few brands of quality CBD products. We have spent a lot of time testing and scrutinizing various CBD products on the market and are confident that we have the best of the best for our patients. Talk to one of our docs about whether or not CBD would be helpful for you.

Are there any side effects or contraindications with CBD?

It is rare that anyone would experience side effects from taking CBD. However, it can cause drowsiness, mood change, dry mouth, or nausea. It is important to note that CBD can inhibit cytochrome P450 isoenzymes. CYP450 enzymes are involved with medication metabolism. If you are on prescription drugs, know that CBD can either inhibit or enhance the drugs effects. Please check with your prescribing doctor to find out if supplementing with CBD is safe for you.

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27790143

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618565/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14583744

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25916739

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4444130/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3699411/

Ashley Turner