CBDs

Story by Barbara Angelakis
Photos courtecy of MyHempRX

CBD’S TO BE OR NOT TO BE

Every few years a new so-called “miracle” product emerges in the marketplace and many manufacturers jump on the bandwagon of consumerism. Pretty soon there are so many options to choose from that the average consumer can become disenchanted. Sometimes the product burns brightly for a while and then fades into common use -or obscurity - depending on its true effectiveness and acceptance by the public.

A few years ago CBD’s exploded on the scene and some people not understanding the true nature of the product said ‘never in my body’; some were cautious potential users; some people embraced it immediately; some people did extensive research before ingesting or rubbing or drinking anything that contained CBD. For me, I was totally confused by all the scientific hype which I did not have the inclination or patience to investigate. So I dabbled but with little understanding of what I was using or why and what benefits were derived. I am sure many of you, dear readers, have experienced similar feelings of frustration and confusion.

So when I was invited by Organic Spa Magazine to their first live spa event that was held in the past few years due to pandemic restrictions, I was anxious to attend and see if any information on this “miracle” product would be revealed. I was not disappointed as a panel on that exact topic was offered featuring some of the pre-eminent authorities on the subject (panelists listed below).

The panel, while generally enthusiastic about the results obtained on a myriad of health issues was still cautious about the lack of dedicated research on the full scope of benefits to be derived from CBD and felt that as with all substances we put into our bodies, there could be some negative interactions. It was acknowledged that while CBD is generally well-tolerated it can negatively interact with medications and even vitamins and cause side effects such as dry mouth, diarrhea, appetite suppression and fatigue so it is important to start small and build up to the dosage that is best tolerated by your body. The panel also recommended that CBD should be taken under the care of a knowledgeable professional to achieve the best result.

However, while there is an ongoing investigation into the possible uses and benefits of another one of nature’s gifts to us, we do know some things that can help us move forward with our own discovery. For instance we do know that CBD is a type of essential oil(s) found naturally in cannabis and hemp. We also know that there are some benefits to these compounds. What we do not know is if the benefits are as extensive as proclaimed by producers of the myriad available products with their confusing packaging jargon.

Now, I am far from an authority but I do want to help clear through the confusion and as a lay person give our readers the high/low on the subject. The main information I took away from the panel discourse was that a complete understanding of the benefits and curative properties of this natural derivative from the hemp plant is in its infancy, with only a fraction of what will eventually be known, currently understood. There will be new products coming on the market constantly which will require discrimination when using but if you, and I, have some basic understanding we can build on that and limit the uncertainties when considering purchasing these products.

First of all, CBD are the initials used to shorten the actual name of cannabidiol, a chemical derived from the Cannabid Sativa Plant. CBD’s are found in two forms of the plant species: hemp and marijuana. They are of the same Cannabid Sativa species and look similar in their natural state but contain different amounts of mood altering THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Hemp contains less than 0.3% while Marijuana contains a much higher 5% to 30% and has in the recent past been used as an intoxicant or mind-altering substance which everyone who lived during the 60’s and 70’s (and even to this day) is very familiar with. While THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) produce a psychic high, CBD’s neither produce a high nor are they addictive; they are a naturally occurring potential source of healing and have been cultivated for thousands of years. As far back as 2700 B.C., records indicate China was growing hemp for its naturally occurring medicinal and healing properties. Known for its strength and endurance, the hemp plant also had practical uses, as long ago as 1500 B.C. in Egypt, hemp fiber was used to make rope, shoes and textiles, some examples of which have survived through the eons in burial tombs. The medicinal properties of this ages old Hemp plant may indeed be the elixir we all seek for whatever ails us as it has already been found to have health benefits for people suffering from anxiety and depression and a calming effect on the source of inflammation arising out of ailments such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, to name only a few.

In the exhibition hall of the Organic Spa Magazine event I met the President and Owner of several different beauty and healing products lines featuring CBD. Most impressive was Susie Hutson who for 20 plus years has been working on developing products rich in the purest hemp-derived CBD Isolate oils… as well as Omega fatty acids and terpenes… all THC free! Susie explained that products listed as “Full Spectrum CBD Extract” could contain trace amounts of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), marijuana's main active ingredient, so if that is of concern make sure when purchasing CBD products that you look for ones that contain only pure CBD, CBC, CBG and/or CBN extracts. Also be aware that Hemp Oil is not the same as CBD which is produced using the higher concentration of the leaves, flowers and stalks of the hemp plant. Hemp seed oil comes from the small seeds of the hemp plant.

Susie told me her research for her Beauty and Wellness product line My HEMP RX uses only raw materials sourced from Hemp farms that are compliant with the State Department of Agriculture’s standards for organically grown hemp plants, free of pesticides and without contamination by THC’s. Further that the raw materials are tested by independent pharmaceutical grade US laboratories that conform to GLPs (Good Laboratory Practices) and regulations set forth by the US FDA. Look for companies guaranteeing those same high standards when purchasing CBD products (see list below).

For those who suffer from debilitating illness and disease there is the possibility of medical marijuana dispensed by trained physicians to ease symptoms, but for the average person looking for relief from the wellness issues associated with the natural aging process it does appear that CBD has been proven to have positive health benefits by alleviating inflammation and reducing symptoms of physical pain such as migraines, epilepsy, depression and autoimmune diseases along with depression and anxiety.

Things to be aware of while purchasing CBD: full-spectrum and broad-spectrum refer to the compounds contained in the product. Full-spectrum includes naturally occurring extracts of terpenes and cannabinoids and possibly up to 0.3% THC and may work best on inflammation, while broad-spectrum has eliminated those compounds and is a purer form of CBD. Hemp oil does not contain the healing properties of CBD oil, but is a good source of nutritional benefit. CBD oil used topically is absorbed at the inflammation site while ingesting the oil will provide a greater whole body effect especially if taken with a meal. This is also true of gummies that do not work as quickly but offer the same degree of relief.

Wellness and Beauty Brands:

My HEMP RX https://www.myhemprx.com

Botanika Life https://botanika.life/

Commons https://www.commons.co/

Organic Spa Magazine https://www.organicspamagazine.com/

The Organic Spa Panel was Moderated by Elana Frankel author of Women in Weed the panel consisted of Dr. Rebecca Siegel a Psychiatrist and author of The Brain on Cannabis: What you should know about Recreational and Medical Marijuana; Rebecca Abraham, IRN, BSN founding member of American Cannabis Nurses Association; and two product producers, Tahira Rehmatullah Co-Founder & CEO of Commons (an informative and interactive company with a personal approach philosophy to using CBD) Megan Klein Co-Founder and CEO of Little Saints www.littlesaints.com producing non-alcoholic and sugar-free mocktails boosted by CBD’s.

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