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Cannabinoid Education

What is CBD?

CBD is cannabidiol, one of several cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is non-intoxicating and has many medicinal properties.

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What is the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana?

Hemp and marijuana are both considered cannabis plants and stem from the same family, Cannabis Sativa L. The difference between the two is that hemp is bred for its fiber content, where as marijuana is bred for its THC content. These plants have a similar appearance, but Hemp contains very little THC, less than 0.3%.

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Is CBD Legal?

CBD that comes from the Hemp plant is legal in all 50 states, but if it is derived from a marijuana plant, it is not legal at the federal level. CBD from marijuana is only legal at the state level if the law allows it to be used for medical or recreational purposes.

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Are There Side Effects When Using CBD?

There are no significant side effects when using CBD in a topical preparation, other than the occasional skin reactions which may be caused by the CBD or other constituents in the formula. Ingestion of CBD products is very safe and tolerable.

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Do Employers Test for CBD?

No, employers do not test for CBD. They do test for THC and this can be conducted through a blood test or a urine test.

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How Does CBD Work?

Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid that works indirectly with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and does not directly bind to cannabinoid receptors currently known as CB1 and CB2. It works indirectly by stimulating other receptors in the body to help modulate pain, interact with receptors that deal with depression and anxiety, and have been proven to help with seizure disorders.

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Will CBD Make Me High?

No, CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid and will not make you high. It does not bind to the cannabinoid receptors directly.

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How Does CBD Help with the Skin?

The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology summarizes the current literature on the subject and concludes that pharmaceuticals containing cannabinoids may be effective against Eczema, Psoriasis, Atopic and Contact Dermatitis. We use CBD in our topical formulas paired with other ingredients that will help with pain and inflammation.

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Why Do You Use EMU Oil in Your Pain Cream?

EMU oil has been used for thousands of years as a topical for pain relief and wound healing. It is a potent anti-inflammatory, which is why we add it to our Extra-Strength Relief cream. Emu oil has a very similar lipid profile to human skin, which aids in better absorption.

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How Many Cannabinoids Are There?

There are over 100 different cannabinoids in the Hemp and Marijuana plant. Cannabinoids that come from plants are called Phytocannabinoids, and the cannabinoids our body manufacturers are called Endocannabinoids. There are many synthetic cannabinoids that are produced in a lab as well.

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What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are the essential oils of the Hemp or Marijuana plant and provide the scent and flavor. Terpenes have many medicinal properties, so we will add certain terpenes to our products to get a desired effect or scent. Limonene, Linalool, and Myrcene are a few examples of terpenes.

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Can CBD Be Used to Treat Cancer?

There are some studies suggesting that CBD can modulate tumor genesis and progression. There are no human studies as of yet, and most of the reports made stating that is does help are anecdotal. There is, however, an increased interest in CBD research and its properties.

 

Is CBD Good for Seizures?

GW Pharmaceuticals developed a Phytocannabinoid preparation that contains a large percentage of CBD. This preparation was approved in 2018 for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) and Dravet Syndrome, two rare and difficult-to-treat forms of epilepsy. It is a combination of CBD, small amounts of THC, and THCa that seem to work best for seizures.

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What Does the “a” Stand for in CBDa or THCa?

Anytime you see a small “a” after the cannabinoid, it means it is a non-decarboxylated form of the cannabinoid. The non-decarboxylated form is essentially the inactive form of the cannabinoid. For instance, THCa will not make you high unless you add heat to remove the carboxyl group from the THCa compound. Smoking marijuana will not create enough heat to change the THCa to THC. This is the same for CBDa, you need heat to activate the CBD.

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What part of the Hemp plant has the most CBD?

The flower of the Hemp plant contains the highest concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes. The stems, leaves, and roots do not have an appreciable amount of cannabinoid, but do have other nutrients and strong fibers.

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What Are Trichomes?

Trichomes are concentrated near the flower. They tend to be sticky and emit a strong scent which is determined by the terpene profile. These are the plant’s little factories where the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are produced.

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Does CBD Interact with Medications?

Topical CBD will no get appreciable systemic absorption, so there is no concern for drug-to-drug interactions. Oral CBD, on the other hand, is metabolized through the liver and can interact with other drugs that use the same pathway. This can be problematic with some drugs, like blood thinners, but overall CBD is very safe.  Please consult with your doctor before taking any cannabinoid in orally.

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What is the Isolate vs. Full-Spectrum CBD?

Isolate is a pure CBD extract that is close to 99% pure. It is in powder form and is tasteless and odorless. A full-spectrum extract is usually made by using supercritical CO2, Ethanol, or even Butane. These extraction methods produce an oil containing a whole host of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids based on the genetic makeup of the plant. This extract is considered full-spectrum due to the multiple components. It has been postulated that a full-spectrum extract is better as it can promote an entourage effect.

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What is the Entourage Effect?

The entourage effect concept was introduced in 1998 by the father of modern cannabinoid research, Dr. Mechoulam and his associate, Dr. Ben-Shabat. This concept describes that the effect of the “whole plant” is better than isolating its constituents. This has not been proven, but it seems logical that you would get a synergistic benefit if you keep all of the components intact.

The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.

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