CDB – Just The Facts, Please

Just the Facts

• Cannabidiol (CBD Oil) is a naturally occurring compound in varieties of the cannabis plant, such as marijuana and hemp. Industrial hemp is bred and grown with the lowest concentration of Tetrahydrocannabidol (THC) and the highest concentration of CBD, the big differentiation from marijuana. The key lies in the extraction process as to whether there are other compounds and contaminants in the oil.

• In December, 2018, President Trump signed the Farm Bill removing hemp from being classified as a schedule I narcotic. But states still have the right to determine legality.

• The difference between legal and illegal hemp plants is the amount of THC, which must be less than 0.3%.

• CBD products do not produce any sort of “high” – that comes from THC – or have potential for misuse. In fact, research shows that CBD counteracts the psychoactive effects of THC.

• Patients do not build up a tolerance to CBD.

• CBD binds to receptors in the brain to stimulate processes that improve mood and stress control.

• CBD binds to neuropathic receptors in the brain to suppress chronic pain.

• In July, 2018, the FDA approved the first marijuana-derivative drug to treat two forms of epilepsy that have been resistant to anti-seizure medications.

• New studies from the National Institute of Health have shown the use of CBD oils as an anti-inflammatory for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

• There’s no testing levels for CBD at this time. The problem with this is that CBD products on the market can be unreliable, having too little or too much of the oil, or containing THC. Buying from a dispensary in a state that has legalized marijuana at least gives you some assurance of safety.

• CBD oil is touted to help everything from glaucoma, anxiety, pain, acne, insomnia, bipolar disorder, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis, to name a few.

• CBD oil can be found in a variety of products – oils, lotions, bath salts, skin care, capsules, edibles, and vaping oils.

• Possible side effects can include: dry mouth, low blood pressure, drowsiness, lightheadedness, tremors, and changes to the liver enzymes used to process drugs.

• Most employment drug tests screen for THC, not CBD. But CBD is metabolized by the body and can be picked up if it’s screened for. And since some products contain trace amounts of THC, that could register a positive screen, depending on the sensitivity of the test. “CBD oil is not regulated in the U.S. That means the government is not regulating that THC levels stay low.

WHAT IS HEMP SEED OIL?

Hemp seed oil is made from cold-pressing the seeds of the hemp plant, has no THC, and only has trace amounts of CBD. This natural oil is known not to clog pores and is commonly used in skincare products due to its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing qualities. Although hemp seed oil is primarily used in topical skincare products, this oil can also be consumed orally to enhance skin health. Hemp seed oil is often referred to as “hemp oil,” although this can be confusing to consumers as many CBD oil manufacturers may also label their CBD oil as “hemp oil.”

WHAT IS CBD OIL?

Also derived from hemp, CBD oil is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant rather than only the seeds. Hemp’s flowers and leaves contain cannabinoids that provide the unique benefits associated with CBD. When combined in full-spectrum CBD oil, consumers can take advantage of the entourage effect that these compounds produce when they interact with each other. The cannabidiol, or CBD, extracted from hemp is usually combined with a carrier oil that makes it easier for the body to absorb. Then it is formed into a tincture or spray for stress-free consumption. Although the benefits of CBD are still being studied and require more research, anecdotal reports suggest CBD has a range of beneficial properties that can promote overall wellness.

SO WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CBD OIL AND HEMP SEED OIL?

The most important difference between CBD oil and hemp seed oil is the part of the hemp plant these products come from. Because most cannabinoids are found in the leaves and flowers of hemp plants, CBD oil comes from this rich source. Hemp seed oil, on the other hand, is extracted only from the seeds of the hemp plant, which provide moisturizing properties rather than overall wellness benefits. These slightly different sources drastically change the properties these products can have.

Certain companies may try to take advantage of consumers with misleading labels or claims that make people think they are getting full-spectrum CBD oil when, in reality, it is only hemp seed oil. Because CBD oil is more complicated to produce, it costs more than ordinary hemp seed oil, and CBD oils often clearly display the amount of hemp extract and the amount of CBD on the bottle. True hemp seed oil should have only trace amounts of CBD and would not display this measurement on the bottle. A combination of consumer research and company transparency should make it clear which product is right for you.

While hemp seed oil can be beneficial for skin health and keeping pores clear, consumers must be aware of what they are buying. Companies can help by making labels that are easy to understand and providing easily accessible certificates of analysis so consumers can learn exactly what is in their favorite products.