Maybe you’re just curious about the differences between the two. It’s easy to assume that these two compounds are similar since they both come from the same plant. But while they can both play an important role in managing chronic pain, CBD and THC are very different substances, and each one works differently in the body.

In this article, we’ll explore how these two popular cannabis compounds work to relieve chronic pain — both separately and together.

The Basics of THC and CBD

CBD (short for cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) belong to a group known as cannabinoids, and they are derived from the cannabis plant – either hemp or psychoactive cannabis (“marijuana”). There are over 100 different cannabinoids, but CBD and THC are the most dominant substances in cannabis, making them responsible for most of the effects that marijuana is famous for.

Both CBD and THC work by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which refers to a group of receptors in the body that regulate various physiological processes, including pain, digestion, mood, and sleep. Cannabis is well-known for its versatility, helping people worldwide with problems like insomnia, PTSD, and pain – and it’s all because these endocannabinoid receptors are involved in so many different bodily functions.

By far, the most notable difference between CBD and THC is that THC causes a high, while CBD does not. CBD’s lack of psychoactive effects is one of the reasons it has become so popular as of late. In fact, CBD can counteract some of THC’s psychoactive effects (like euphoria and anxiety). This is why high-CBD strains of cannabis are often popular for pain relief since they allow one to keep a clear head.

THC is also associated with more side effects than CBD, although these tend to be mild and are temporary. Some well-documented side effects of THC are dry mouth, red eyes, and hunger. Most people who use CBD report little to no side effects, with sleepiness being the most common, especially at high doses.

CBD Benefits

Research has established that CBD is an effective anti-inflammatory, with strong evidence that it can relieve pain from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. For example, a 2017 study concluded that CBD can reduce osteoarthritis-related pain and inflammation, and prevent nerve damage.

Other studies support CBD for the relief of neuropathic pain and incision-related pain. CBD’s effectiveness at relieving different types of pain has led to its popularity among people with conditions such as fibromyalgia, IBS, multiple sclerosis, and cancer.

THC Benefits

Although there is plenty of research supporting the use of cannabis for pain relief in conditions like Crohn’s disease, chronic migraine, and fibromyalgia, less attention has been paid to the specific benefits of THC. The few studies that are available tend to be small and show conflicting results.

A recent study in Neurology found THC is effective for alleviating chronic nerve pain. A larger study, involving 177 cancer patients, found that while THC was not effective at reducing pain, the patients who took a CBD/THC combination had their pain reduced by over 30 percent when compared to placebo. Another double-blind study supported this conclusion when using THC for post-surgery pain. Meanwhile, a 2017 study found both THC and CBD, when taken alone, were effective for reducing chemotherapy-related pain in mice.

The same study also discovered that when combined, previously ineffective doses of CBD and THC could relieve pain. The entourage effect enhances the pain-relieving properties of CBD, and this relates to an important benefit of THC.

There are new THC products available in the market that are available to buy, we have done Delta-8 gummies and Delta-8 carts reviews on the website. Which is a version of THC which is currently legal to buy in the US.

How CBD and THC Work Together: The Entourage Effect

Although CBD and THC are the most dominant compounds in the cannabis plant, they aren’t alone. There are dozens of other cannabinoids and terpenes that work together to provide different synergic effects. For example, the third most dominant compound in cannabis, cannabichromene (CBC) has shown anti-inflammatory benefits similar to those of CBD.

The entourage effect refers to the benefits that one can experience by ingesting multiple cannabinoids together, including CBD and THC. In short, while CBD and THC have their own powerful benefits, they tend to be more potent when combined – especially when it comes to pain relief. An analysis of 18 studies on cannabinoids for multiple sclerosis pain found that the combination of THC and CBD was slightly more effective for pain reduction than CBD on its own.

The entourage effect is why CBD products fall into 3 categories: full-spectrum, isolate, and broad-spectrum. Full-spectrum CBD products incorporate all the cannabinoids and terpenes that extraction included along with CBD. On the other hand, isolate CBD products remove all traces of these other substances, resulting in a product that is pure CBD.

Some people have better success using full-spectrum CBD products for pain relief because of the entourage effect. However, due to the variety of cannabinoids and terpenes, full-spectrum products can be somewhat unpredictable in their effects. Those who can’t tolerate any traces of THC, or need to avoid it due to drug testing, often prefer Isolate CBD products.

Legalities and Limits of THC In CBD Products

The majority of CBD products you’ll find on the market today are made from hemp, which by law can contain up to a maximum of 0.3 percent THC. This means hemp-derived, full-spectrum CBD products are likely to contain low amounts of THC. CBD oils made from marijuana instead of hemp have a higher percentage of THC. Dispensaries tend to restrict these products for legal reasons.

Closing Thoughts on CBD vs. THC

As you can see, there isn’t a simple answer for whether CBD or THC is better for chronic pain. Both compounds bring their own benefits to the table, and in regard to chronic pain, there is evidence that they’re more effective when taken together due to the entourage effect.

Either way, it’s clear that cannabis has plenty to offer for chronic pain patients, and cannabis products can vary widely in effectiveness. So if you don’t have success with one product, don’t give up; try something new, whether it’s a different blend of cannabinoids or a different potency.

The post CBD vs THC: Comparing Two Potent Cannabinoids appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

In addition, terpenes work in concert with the better known compounds found in the plant such as the cannabinoids THC and CBD to provide their own unique health benefits.

One reason we enjoy writing about hemp is the opportunity to learn new cannabinoid science and then get to share it with our readers. We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating, there really is so much more to the cannabis plant than just CBD and THC.

Of course, both of these two cannabinoids, along with the other hundred or so cannabinoids, are instrumental in the healing and feel better properties of the cannabis plant. But increasingly researchers believe other parts of the hemp plant work synergistically with the cannabinoids to maximize the healing properties, Today’s article focuses on one of those parts: terpenes. While all forms of hemp contain terpenes, some are especially prevalent in psychoactive cannabis (“marijuana”), which we’ve noted below.

Table of Contents

• Video: An introduction to terpenes in hemp
• What are terpenes?
• Learn about different common terpenes
• How to use terpenes for better health

What are terpenes?

Cannabis isn’t the only plant that produces terpenes. According to Wikipedia, terpenes “are a large and diverse class of organic compounds, produced by a variety of plants, particularly conifers.” Terpenes give these plants their unique scents and assist plants in a variety of ways.

Terpenes attract pollenating insects for plant reproduction. They also ward off or even kill predators. They slow plant maturation and regulate metabolism. Terpenes are a major component of plants’ essential oils. Aromatherapy treatments frequently use terpenes due to their medicinal properties. Some terpenes develop because of stress to a plant, like excessive heat.

The exact number of terpenes found in the cannabis plant ranges between 100-200 depending on different variations in scientific classification.

For example, the popular terpene limonene gives citrus fruits their unique smells. It is found in both lemons and oranges, but in different concentrations thus creating a different scent, or variations.

Here we discuss nine primary terpenes found in hemp and share the healing properties of each.

Types of terpenes explained

Below, we look at 9 of the most prominent terpenes: mycerne, limonene, carophyllene, pinene (Alpha/Beta), terpineol, borneol, linalool, eucalyptol, and nerolidol.

Myrcene

Mycerne is the most common terpene found in hemp. In some strains, over 60% of the essential oil is made up of mycerne. It smells very similar to cloves. Scientists consider myrcene a potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic.

Mycerne blocks cytochrome, aflatoxin B, and other pro-mutagenic carcinogens. It has a relaxing, calming, anti-spasmodic, and sedative effect. Myrcene works synergistically with THC and may also increase the psychoactive potential.

The essential oil of  citrus fruits contains high levels of myrcene. Many claim that eating a mango 45 minutes before consuming psychoactive cannabis results in a faster onset and greater intensity.

Limonene

Limonene is often the second, third or fourth terpene found in cannabis resin and produces the smell we find in citrus fruits. Like mycerne, limonene contains anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-carcinogenic properties. It is also said to protect against Aspergillus and other carcinogens found in smoke.

Even more, a cancer study from 2013 revealed that terpene reduces tumors in women with early-stage breast cancer. Limonene quickly and easily penetrates the blood barrier, which increases systolic pressure. What’s more, some experts say limonene increases attention, mental focus, well-being, and sex drive.

Citrus fruit rinds, rosemary, juniper, peppermint, and several pine needle oils all contain limonene.

Caryophyllene

Many herbs and spices contain caryophyllene. Black pepper contains high amounts, giving it that spicy flavor.

As with the previous two terpenes, caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-fungal properties. It has affinity for our bodies’ CB2 receptors making it a common ingredient for anti-inflammatory topicals and creams. Topical application of caryophyllene also relieves toothaches.

One interesting note about this terpene is its promising role in alcohol rehabilitation. In a study on mice, scientists found that caryophyllene reduces the voluntary intake of alcohol.

In addition to black pepper, Thai basils, cloves, and cinnamon leaves have caryophyllene. Lavender also produces caryophyllene in small quantities.

Pinene

Pinene, as the name implies, creates the smell associated with pine and fir trees. Doctors use pinene in medicines as an expectorant, bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory and local antiseptic. Pinene also improves concentration, personal satisfaction, and energy. Patients suffering from arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, and cancer may benefit from pinene.

A unique fact about pinene: Smoking cannabis with high levels of Pinene may give the sensation of sucking more air, which can lead to coughing or hyperventilation.

Many conifers and non-coniferous plants, balsamic resin, pinewoods, and some citrus fruits produce pinene.

Terpineol

Terpineol smells of lilacs, crabapple, blossoms, and lime blossoms. Plants with high-levels of pinene often also produce terpineol. If you’ve ever enjoyed Lapsang souchong tea, part of the flavor came from the terpineol in the pine smoke used during processing.

Terpineol creates a sedative effect often connected to indica strains of psychoactive cannabis. During tests on mice, terpineol reduced mobility by 45 percent. Experts also believe terpineol has antibiotic and antioxidant properties.

Commercial producers of terpineol often derive this terpene from Monterey cypress trees.

Borneol

Borneol smells like mint and camphor. Chinese herbalists use borneol in medicines against fatigue, stress, lingering illness.

Some researchers believe this terpene’s natural insect repellent properties and could be used against diseases caused by ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes such as West Nile Virus. One study published even show that borneol kills breast cancer cells.

Linalool

Linalool has a floral smell similar to lavender and spring flowers. It is currently being used in the treatment of various cancers.

Linalool has a calming action, antianxiety, and produces sedative effects. Linalool is responsible for the sedative effects of certain psychoactive cannabis strains. In tests on mice their activity decreased by 75%. It also has analgesic and anti-epileptic properties.

Patients suffering from arthritis, depression, seizures, insomnia and cancer have all found relief with this terpene.

The Lamiaceae plant and herb family, which includes mints, laurels, cinnamon, rosewood, and Birch trees, all produce linalool. Linalool is a precursor in the formation of Vitamin E.

Eucalyptol

Eucalyptol is the main ingredient in eucalyptus essential oil. It has a minty smell and found in small amounts in psychoactive cannabis.

Eucalyptol relieves pain, improves concentration, and inner balance. Plants containing eucalyptol enhance meditation and concentration. It is showing promise as a treatment for Alzheimer’s, but it’s still in early stages of research.

The Eucalyptus plant, bay leaves, sage, sweet basil, and cardamom contain notable quantities of eucalyptol.

Nerolidol

Nerolidol has a unique woody and fresh bark aroma. This terpene may have anti-fungal, anti-cancer, and anti-malarial properties. It could also prevent certain kinds of parasites.

Neroli, ginger, jasmine, lavender, and tea tree oil contain nerolidol.

Understanding and using terpenes

Again, these are just some of the most common terpenes found in hemp and cannabis. There are many more. These profiles were summarized from Alchimia and Greencamp, where you can read more on terpenes.

After reading this article, we hope you understand how the benefits of terpenes and pair so perfectly with the benefits of CBD, and all the other cannabinoids. We hope you start incorporating them into your daily CBD regimen.

More and more CBD supplement companies recognize the importance of terpenes and now add different terpenes to their products to supplement those already found in hemp. Some brands even sell terpene concentrates for customers to incorporate on their own.

However, if you’re unable to find the terpenes you want through your local CBD store or online, try looking to a non-cannabis plant type or spice and simply combine with your CBD.  You might not achieve the same synergistic effect as when the terpenes are naturally present, but you should still receive the healing properties of the terpenes themselves and the healing properties of the CBD.

Jessica St. Cyr contributed to this article.

The post What Are CBD Terpenes? Types Terpenes, Their Benefits & Risks appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

Even here at Ministry of Hemp, we’ve focused a lot on exploring the benefits of CBD oil and the endocannabinoid system over the past few months. Yet, so much has been written about how CBD is helping people that we wanted to take a look at its potential drawbacks too.

To create this article, we looked at both scientific research and anecdotal reports from CBD users. You can’t overdose on CBD and, from our in-depth research, the side effects of CBD oil are usually minor, and, for most people, the benefits far outweigh the rare reports of discomfort.

Table of Contents

• Is CBD Safe? 
• What CBD Oil Studies Have Found About Side Effects
• Could High CBD Dosage Have Side Effects?
• Can CBD Interfere With Pharmaceutical Drugs?
• Why There’s Limited Research On Hemp CBD
• What You Should Look For When Buying CBD

Overall, our research suggests that, just as with any health supplement, the quality and source of your CBD oil can make a big difference when it comes to side effects. In fact, many unpleasant experiences from CBD reported by consumers could be due to impurities or poor quality CBD oil, as we’ll discuss later in this article.

If you feel unpleasant effects from any supplement, it’s better to take a break and, when in doubt, consult your doctor. Keep reading to learn more about the safety of CBD, and read about some common side effects and potential drug interactions.

Is CBD safe? The World Health Organization Says Yes

It’s worth noting that even psychoactive cannabis — what’s often called “marijuana” — is also considered to be extremely safe, contrary to what the government wants us to believe.

It’s so safe that it’s basically impossible for an adult human to ingest a fatal dose, although they can certainly make themselves feel very sick from eating or smoking too much. There’s every reason to believe that CBD extracts from hemp plants are as safe, or even safer, than psychoactive strains of cannabis.

In 2017, the World Health Organization declared CBD to be safe.

In 2017, the World Health Organization ruled that CBD is safe with no potential for abuse. Since that time, various global and national authorities have come to support the use of CBD. For example, while some athletes are still banned from using CBD, depending on the sport, the World Anti-Doping Authority removed CBD from its list of banned substances that same year, and the USADA followed suit in 2018.

It’s worth noting that the FDA doesn’t regulate CBD, though they do issue warnings to companies that blatantly break the law. Typically, these companies made outlandish claims about the supplement’s abilities. In late 2019, the FDA issued some guidance, including safety concerns about CBD. According to the FDA, more research is needed to definitively prove that CBD is safe. But it’s worth noting the findings of global authorities like the WHO, and the safe results found in the studies we outline below.

CBD oil studies find few side effects

Although the medical research is still in its preliminary stages, scientists have devoted considerable effort to proving that CBD oil is safe for human consumption.

A study published in 1986 in the International Journal of Neuroscience, examined the effects of CBD oil in 5 patients with dystonic movement disorders (muscle tremors and other forms of uncontrollable movements). CBD oil’s side effects “were mild and included hypotension [low blood pressure], dry mouth, psychomotor slowing [slowed thoughts or movements], lightheadedness, and sedation,” according to the study’s authors, Paul Consroe, Reuven Sandyk and Stuart R. Snider.

According to this study, CBD seemed to help people with their dystonia, but might have made some symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease (found in 2 of the study’s subjects) a little bit worse. However, other, more recent research has found that CBD can benefit Parkinson’s patients.

One study of 8 healthy volunteers and 15 patients with epilepsy, published in 1980 in Pharmacology, looked at the side-effects of CBD when consumed daily for a month. “All patients and volunteers tolerated CBD very well and no signs of toxicity or serious side effects were detected on examination,” wrote the researchers, who also found that CBD can help some people with epilepsy.

Consuming higher dosage of CBD caused no toxicity

In 2006, a group of researchers studying the potential benefits of CBD in treating psychosis and anxiety, looked at several studies of CBD oil’s safety and summarized their findings in a paper published by the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research. Noting that CBD safety was first proven through animal research, the scientists added:

“Therefore … the available clinical data suggest that CBD can be safely administered over a wide dose range.”

Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research

“Acute CBD administration by the oral, inhalatory or intravenous route did not induce any significant toxic effect in humans. In addition, chronic administration of CBD for 30 days to healthy volunteers, at daily doses ranging from 10 to 400 mg, failed to induce any significant alteration in neurological, psychiatric or clinical exams. Finally, in patients suffering from Huntington’s disease, daily doses of CBD (700 mg) for 6 weeks did not induce any toxicity. Therefore, confirming results from animal studies, the available clinical data suggest that CBD can be safely administered over a wide dose range.”

A 2007 study published in Phytomedicine found that CBD, along with other similar substances including THC (the main active ingredient in psychoactive cannabis), have potential as an anticoagulant, so people with who have diseases like hemophilia that cause problems with blood clotting should use extra caution with these substances.

Are there concerns about liver toxicity?

We wrote above that the FDA raised concerns about liver damage from CBD. In reality, this is an area where we need more research.

Thousands of people take CBD everyday without showing signs of liver damage and, as we write in this guide and elsewhere, a lot of research shows CBD to be very safe for human consumption even at very high doses.

On the other hand, a very limited amount of research suggests liver damage is possible at high doses of concentrated CBD. For example, a very small study (16 participants) showed that 44% of participants (7) had elevated values of some liver enzymes. It’s important to note that the dosage in these studies (1500mg of CBD per day) far exceeds the amount consumed by almost all CBD users. This would be the same as consuming multiple bottles a day of some lower strength CBD supplements.

For now, there’s still no reason to believe normal use of CBD supplements poses any serious risk to your liver, but when in doubt check with your doctor.

CBD, grapefruit and pharmaceutical drugs

There’s an unexpected connection between CBD oil and grapefruit, the citrus fruit that’s a popular breakfast choice. That connection? It’s possible that, like grapefruit, CBD could interfere with certain medications.

Grapefruit can actually interfere with the absorption of some common drugs, potentially resulting in unbalanced or dangerous levels of the drug in a person’s bloodstream. There’s quite a list of affected drugs, including some cholesterol-reducing drugs as well as some psychiatric medications. This connection is well known and, in most cases, your doctor would tell you if you need to avoid grapefruit. When in doubt, you can use a drug interaction checker online or check with your doctor or pharmacist.

The possible connection with CBD is less well-known, and also less well-established. However, some preliminary clinical research suggests grapefruit and CBD could affect the same enzymes, meaning CBD should be avoided with the same medications. However, it’s important to note that the clinical studies where this connection was found involve much higher doses of CBD than people typically take at home.

Even so, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re supposed to avoid grapefruit, or you’re concerned about potential interactions, check with a medical professional before starting or continuing to take CBD.

An anecdotal look at CBD Oil side effects shows quality matters

Of course, since many of these studies have small sample sizes, and every person reacts a little bit differently to any substance, we looked at CBD oil users’ anecdotal reports, posted on popular online communities and forums, such as Reddit and sites that sell CBD products.

A handful of very sensitive people who use CBD oil report feeling mild mood and mind-altering effects, similar to a low dose of psychoactive cannabis, but these effects appear to be rare. Some people also reported mild digestive upset, including diarrhea, from ingesting CBD oil.

According to one post on Reddit, some people get headaches from using CBD oil, which is a bit unusual since CBD can also sometimes be used to treat migraines. However, other Redditors have suggested the problem was actually the purity of the CBD extract.

“I have just recently started taking CBD for headaches, and after three weeks of getting a worse headaches, I finally figured out that my CBD oil was cheap crap — and that a LOT of it is,” a Redditor named Pellquin.

The War on Drugs hurts cannabis & hemp research

Due to the the stigma associated with the war on drugs, free and open research into both hemp and its close relative, psychoactive cannabis, is only just beginning in many ways.

For example, the first study into the benefits of cannabis in veterans with otherwise untreatable post-traumatic stress disorder began in 2017, but only after the researchers struggled through years of red tape and put their careers at risk in order to do promote the need for this vital research. Fortunately, their work, and that of others like them, have begun to peel back the bureaucracy preventing scientific research.

On the hemp side of the equation, the 2018 Farm Bill fully legalized the growth and sales of agricultural hemp in the U.S., and the production of its derivatives like CBD oil. We hope this finally opens the way for research into the benefits and possibilities of hemp in all its forms. While this article summarizes some of what we’ve found from our research into CBD side effects, we expect to see a lot more research in this field in the years to come.

Want to learn more about CBD? Download a PDF version of ‘The Complete CBD Guide‘

When it comes to CBD, purity & source matters

That redditor had it right: there’s a lot of poor quality CBD oil from unreliable brands. Some especially bad products may even include unexpected ingredients. The CBD oil market is still in its infancy, and it can be challenging for consumers to educate themselves except through expensive trial and error. When Ministry of Hemp investigated CBD oil purity and safety, we found a host of potential problems.

CBD oil is an unregulated market. Since hemp absorbs chemicals from the ground, including lead and mercury, growing conditions can make a big difference. Labeling of CBD products is also often inconsistent and unclear, making it confusing for CBD consumers to know what they’re buying.

When we interviewed Carlos Frias, founder of Green Lotus and a cannabis industry expert, he gave us three pieces of advice for buying CBD oil:

• Always ask for third-party lab results when buying CBD oil
• Pay close attention to product labeling
• Don’t hesitate to ask a more knowledgeable expert for help.

CBD is safe, but research before you buy & use

Overall, we found that scientists and doctors consider CBD oil to be safe for most people to use, and there are few, if any, serious side effects.

While everyone has their own unique body chemistry, it seems like the vast majority of people can ingest CBD oil without ever feeling any unpleasant side effects at all, and the remaining few will mostly likely experience only minor symptoms like stomach upset or dry mouth. Since scientists are using pure extracts from known sources, it’s likely that some consumer reports of headaches or other minor adverse reactions could be due to impurities in inferior CBD products.

As always, you should closely research the products you buy. Look for CBD oil reviews and other information on our site, or reliable websites like ours. And never hesitate to consult with a medical expert if you have any doubt about the best or safest way to use CBD oil.

The post What Are The Side Effects Of CBD Oil? Is CBD Safe? appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

Our brief but informative guide will help you understand what CBD is, how CBD works with your body, how to get started with CBD in terms of product selection and dosing suggestions, and what conditions CBD can potentially be beneficial for, among other topics of interest. If you’ve been curious about CBD and what it can do for you, then our CBD for Beginners Guide is a great place to start. 

In this guide, we will give you most all of the vital information you need to know to get started on your path to using CBD as a health-boosting remedy. As always, you should continue to do your research after reading our guide, as well as touch base with your primary care doctor if you have any further questions or concerns. 

Table of Contents

• What is CBD & How does it work?
• Getting started with CBD (Dosing Guide)
• How to choose the right CBD
• Different Strengths & Types of CBD — Isolate vs. Full Spectrum
• Side Effects & Drug Interactions

What is CBD & how can it help?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the cannabis plant that will not make you feel that euphoric high like THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, will. Both CBD and THC are two of the more commonly known cannabinoids in cannabis, though there are well over 100 different cannabinoids in the plant. For beginners, CBD is the main compound to pay attention too, but we’ll touch on some other aspects of the plant.

“Marijuana,” which we often refer to as psychoactive cannabis, and “hemp” are too different forms of the same plant. While psychoactive cannabis, and products made from it, remain illegal at the federal level, hemp is legal in all 50 states. As a result, you can get CBD oil, at least by online mail order, just about anywhere in the U.S.

There are many well documented benefits associated with regularly taking CBD. Among them are:

• Anxiety relief including stress reduction, improved sleep, and improvement in the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
• Decreased pain from arthritis, chronic pain, muscle aches, and multiple sclerosis, or MS, among others.
• Reduced acne inflammation.
• A possible reduction in seizures associated with epilepsy, as studies have found. 
• CBD may also help relieve pain associated with cancer treatment as reported by the National Cancer Institute.

In fact, clinical studies are finding that CBD can help with a host of other conditions. Though research is still in the beginning stages, many are hopeful that CBD will continue to grow in popularity as a strong and effective alternative treatment.

How does CBD work?

Put simply, CBD (including THC and all the other cannabinoids in cannabis) works synergistically with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a complicated cell-activating system, to bring about relief from pain, nausea, and a host of other symptoms that stem from various diseases.

The endocannabinoid system seems to help the body maintain homeostasis (a fancy word for balance). It works to regulate: 

• Mood
• Memory
• Appetite
• Sleep
• Fertility and Reproduction

Homeostasis is important to many aspects of our body’s healthy functioning. As such, the system is pivotal in the body’s ability to handle certain processes such as:

• Stress 
• Mood 
• Appetite and digestion
• Sleep 
• Learning and memory
• Motor control
• Liver function
• Bone growth and remodeling
• Functioning of the reproductive system
• Nerve function
• Skin function
• Formation of muscles
• Metabolism
• Chronic pain
• Immune system responses including inflammation
• Functioning of the cardiovascular system

That does not mean that taking CBD can instantly heal issues with any of the above. But it does offer intriguing evidence of how closely tied the endocannabinoid system is to our well-being. Compounds like CBD mimic the body’s natural chemicals (the endocannabinoids), potentially supplementing the body’s own processes.

Getting Started with CBD: Dosing CBD for beginners

Just like with any other natural supplement, proper dosing of CBD is also important.

Before you start to worry about what the best, exact dosing is, you should know that everyone’s body is different. Therefore, there is no right dose for any single person. In short, a dose that is effective for you might not be as effective for someone else.

Also, with CBD, higher doses are not always better. Most experts will tell you that mid-range doses will offer you more benefits than lower or even higher doses of CBD. That’s especially true for beginner’s to CBD. Taking too much could make you sleepy or a little spacy.

“Low and slow is the key with CBD.”

For beginners, start by taking a single 5mg dose of CBD daily for about one week before reassessing and increasing your dose. It’s important to remember that when you increase your dose, do so gradually. Low and slow is the key with CBD.

Each time that you increase your dose, stay on it for at least a week before increasing again. The body needs time to adjust to the new dosage.

If you have never tried CBD before, begin by taking a ½ dropper of a reputable 300mg CBD oil once per day. This should be the equivalent to about 5mg.

After a week has passed, check in with yourself to see how you feel. If you feel like you need more CBD oil, then move up to a ½ dropper full twice a day, or 10mg a day.

Different types of CBD products

Sometimes beginners are nervous about using CBD oil tinctures. CBD also comes in different forms such as gummies, chocolates, capsules, vapes, and even creams, salves, and lotions. Some companies are even coming out with CBD-infused water, coffee, and seltzer. The best way to know which type of CBD product to choose is to select the one that best suits your needs and your lifestyle. Some forms, like edibles or capsules, can make it easier for beginners to take an exact dose of CBD.

It’s also a lot less complicated when it comes to CBD creams, lotions, and salves. You can use as much as you need as often as you need to without fear of taking too much or too little of something, because they are absorbed differently by the body.

Choosing the right beginners CBD brand & product

It’s important to remember that all CBD brands are not created equal. Sadly, the rise in popularity of CBD also created an influx of poorly crafted products. So, take the time to do your research before buying from the first brand you see online.

In researching CBD brands, be sure to look at:

• Where does the company get its hemp? Hemp sourced within the United States is more likely to be regulated, held to higher standards, and pesticide-free.
• Did the company use a clean extraction method to extract its oils? Unclean methods could leave dangerous chemicals and solvents in the final product. CO2 extraction is the most common “clean” method on the market.
• Whether the products are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate extracts. We explain more about this below.
• The THC levels of the products — by law all hemp-based CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC in order to be legally sold within the United States.
• Did the company use a third-party lab to test its products and did it make those results easy for its customers to find on its website? Third-party lab results are important so that you will not only know the quality of the CBD product, but also what exactly it is that you will be putting into your body.  
• Overall, look for brands that have great communication, an easy to navigate website with clear information on it, and are transparent about how they make their products.

The short version:

To sum up, reputable CBD companies will not only use hemp that is grown and cultivated within the United States, but will also use clean extraction methods and have all of their products tested by an independent (and impartial) reputable third-party laboratory. Finally, these companies will make their test results easy for customers to find on their websites. Reputable CBD brands are extremely transparent about their production process, testing, product types, and customer benefits such as discounts and free shipping. 

CBD Oils and Strengths

CBD oils and extracts come in a variety of different strengths and varieties. Some of the more common CBD oil strengths are 300mg, 600mg, 1200mg, and 2400mg. CBD tinctures also can come in a host of flavors such as berry, vanilla, mint, citrus, and natural.

Generally, lower strengths such as 300mg or 600mg are perfect for individuals that are trying to manage low-level pain and discomfort, annoying and irritating life stresses, or minor sleep issues. Higher doses such as 1200mg and 2400mg are typically used by people who are trying to alleviate painful symptoms from deeper issues such as arthritis, chronic pain, PTSD, MS, fibromyalgia, and other serious conditions.

Buying a high potency CBD tincture can also be more cost effective, just make sure to adjust your dosage accordingly. If you’re just getting started, however, a bottle of a lower dose CBD oil will probably last you long enough to figure out if it will help.

A Word About CBD Formulations

CBD oils come in many cannabinoid spectrum options. Some companies only sell full-spectrum products, while others only sell broad-spectrum products. Still others offer customers CBD isolate options.

What’s the difference?

Full-Spectrum

Full-spectrum CBD products are often considered to have the best benefits. These extracts contain CBD, THC, and other beneficial natural compounds like other cannabinoids and terpenes. By law, these products must contain less than 0.3% THC in order to be sold throughout the United States.

Full-spectrum products are still non-psychoactive, so you will not feel any sort of “high” while taking them. Be aware, though, that full-spectrum products are most likely to produce a false positive on a drug test out of all the types of CBD products. That’s especially true if you are taking a higher dose of CBD oil each day.

Full-spectrum oils contain all of the cannabis plant’s beneficial phytochemicals that work together in the body to create what’s known as the “entourage effect.” Briefly, the entourage effect means all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytochemicals that have been extracted from hemp work in conjunction with each other to boost the health benefits of all the individual cannabinoids. 

Broad-Spectrum

Broad-spectrum CBD products contain CBD and other beneficial cannabis cannabinoids, except THC. Even though there is no THC present, these products can still create an entourage effect in the body.

People worried about drug testing often seek out broad spectrum and isolate products. While they may be less likely to return a false positive, there are some drug tests out there that are very inaccurate. When in doubt, check with your employer or a legal professional before starting CBD, especially if your job or livelihood are on the line. 

CBD Isolate

Products that are CBD isolates only contain CBD. They are considered to be the purest form of CBD because all other compounds and terpenes are removed during the extraction process. A majority of the CBD gummies that you will find out on the market today are typically crafted from 99% pure CBD isolate.

Many people still report real benefits from CBD isolate, while other people say that full spectrum works better for them. The only way to know for yourself is to try a variety of CBD products.

Potential CBD Side Effects and Drug Interactions

First, it’s important to know that there is absolutely no way anyone can ever overdose on CBD. And though there aren’t many side-effects associated with CBD, some that are possible include:

• Drowsiness
• Low blood pressure
• Dizziness

In general, experts agree that CBD is extremely safe and has no potential for abuse.

Drug interactions with CBD

When it comes to using CBD along with other medications, drug interactions are rare but not impossible.

If you can’t eat grapefruit with your prescription, then check with a doctor before starting CBD.

A good rule of thumb to remember is that if it is not safe to eat grapefruit while taking your prescription medication, then you probably shouldn’t take CBD oil as well. According to the Food and Drug Administration, eating grapefruit with some medications can cause a higher concentration of the medication to be in your bloodstream, and might potentially trigger adverse side effects or even an overdose.

Grapefruit is known to interact adversely with over 85 types of medications. And like grapefruit, CBD has the same potential to interact with medication levels in your blood. Therefore, if your prescription label warns against eating grapefruit with your medication, just to be safe, you might want to steer clear of CBD. If you have questions and concerns about this, then you should definitely consult with your primary doctor or specialist before taking on a supplemental CBD regimen.

A Beginner’s Guide to CBD: Closing thoughts

The world of CBD can feel confusing and overwhelming at times. But just as with anything new, the best place to begin is by doing your research. First, take the time to decide what it is you will be using CBD for — insomnia, chronic pain, arthritis, mood regulation, stress relief, etc., then go from there. Beginners might find it helpful to search the CBD subreddit too, and see if other people use CBD for your condition.

Next, do some research on the brands that you are most interested in trying. Look at third-party test results, extraction methods, production practices, customer services reviews, product reviews, etc., and then narrow it down to the company you feel the most strongly about.

You might also want to decide if a full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate product will best suit your needs and lifestyle.

Finally, once you are ready to begin, start low and go slow. Gradually increase your dose each week as needed.

As always, if you are unsure or have further questions about CBD, feel free to consult with your doctor or specialist. 

The post CBD For Beginners: A Guide To Getting Started With CBD appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

CBD oil is an amazing supplement, but now it’s also an unregulated, fast-growing industry. That means there are unscrupulous scam-artists trying to rip off consumers, too.

Are there signs of quality CBD oil that you can use to determine if it’s reliable or snake oil?

Unfortunately, it’s not always easy for consumers to determine which CBD brands are trustworthy. With the growth in popularity of CBD oil, new brands and merchants are coming out every day. Each one promises to offer you the best, high-quality supplement. However, until the FDA releases its final regulations for CBD supplements, the products remain in a regulatory gray area, and consumers are at a high risk of buying poor quality CBD.

We conducted some research to help you identify high-quality CBD from its low quality counterparts when selecting best CBD oil online.  

Table of contents

• How to identify high-quality CBD
• How was your CBD made?
• Where and how did the hemp grow?
• Are third-party lab-results available?
• Full spectrum vs. CBD isolate
• Good CBD brands are transparent
• Final thoughts on high quality CBD

How can you identify high-quality CBD oil?

Cannabidiol, or CBD is an extract of the cannabis plant. Although present in psychoactive cannabis (“marijuana”), most CBD oil is extracted from agricultural hemp. While psychoactive cannabis remains federally illegal, the 2018 Farm Bill took hemp-based CBD out of the control of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

These hemp-based CBD oil supplements are very low in THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol), the natural compound that produces psychoactivity in humans. In other words, THC is what makes people feel high. CBD offers many of the health benefits of “medical marijuana” without the high, making it more versatile and less controversial to both users and the community.

However, quality matters: low-grade CBD oil may not offer the same levels of benefit offered by top rated CBD oil because of a variety of factors, and it could even potentially contain harmful toxins. In addition, many products are misleadingly labelled. You should never buy CBD on Amazon due to the profusion of fake products there.

Five of the most important factors when identifying high-quality CBD are: how it’s made, where and how the hemp was grown, and picking brands which offer third-party lab results. Other important factors include whether the product is a “full spectrum” extract, and the overall transparency and communication available from the brand. We’ve examined each factor in more detail below.

Manufacturing CBD: It Matters How CBD Oil Is Made

Unfortunately, due to the young age of the CBD oil industry, there aren’t any regulations that control the manufacturing process. This means that different CBD brands may have different extraction methods in order to process CBD oil from hemp.

Unscrupulous companies, especially those who sell their products at a ridiculously low price, may use cheap methods when extracting CBD oil. This requires toxic solvents that are dangerous to our health such as propane, hexane, pentane and butane.

Better companies use pharmaceutical-grade ethanol to process CBD. Ethanol is essentially grain alcohol. It removes unneeded toxins and residues from the base hemp plant. Many experts consider ethanol among the most efficient extraction methods. This method retains the highest amount of natural cannabinoids among the different refinement processes. It’s also considered one of the safest methods of extracting CBD for human consumption.

Some brands manufacture and extract CBD oil through “supercritical CO2 extraction.” This process involves using carbon dioxide under high pressure in an extremely cold environment. Supercritical CO2 extraction requires expensive equipment, more complex refinement process and production expertise, but it ensures that CBD oil maintains its purity all through the process.

There are some less common, but still safe methods such as lipid extraction.

• SUGGESTION – Before purchasing any CBD oil, research the vendor’s production methods. The information can be found on their website, or through talking to a customer service representative. Quality CBD brands most commonly use ethanol or supercritical CO2 extraction.

Growing Hemp: The Source of Your CBD Matters

Like any manufactured product, one of the best ways to ensure quality is to use high-quality materials. This is especially important in CBD oil. Hemp acts as a “hyperaccumulator.” This means that the hemp plant easily absorbs any toxins or heavy metals in the soil. If a hemp plant grew on rich soil, the resulting hemp plant will be of high quality and can produce CBD oil in the same high-quality as well.

Being a hyperaccumulator also has drawbacks. If you grow hemp in soil with heavy metals or pollution, those toxins could find their way into any CBD oil or consumable products made from those plants.

Sadly, some manufacturers would choose to purchase low-quality hemp to process as CBD oil, and such hemp may be polluted with heavy metals. These manufacturers only have profit in mind, and don’t care about the possible consequence of their products. This is one reason why CBD oil risks getting a negative reputation.

• SUGGESTION – Look into where the CBD brand sources their hemp from. We recommend buying CBD oil products made from U.S.-grown hemp whenever possible. Such information can be found on the retailer’s or manufacturer’s websites as well as through their support center.

Check for third-party lab results (COAs) when buying quality CBD

A high quality brand of CBD will always provide third-party lab results to their consumers. These results are also known as Certificate of Analysis (COAs). Some laboratories finds favorable results, while some CBD products fail their lab tests.

These independent labs exist to ensure that CBD oil is everything it claims to be, with a high level of CBD, low in THC (legally, under 0.3% THC), and lacking in impurities that can be harmful to consumers. Depending on the brand, results might show just levels of CBD and other cannabinoids. However, many brands offer detailed tests which show levels of terpenes, and verify the lack of pesticides, fungus or other harmful chemicals.

Reading these results can be a bit confusing for new consumers, but it helps to at least briefly check COA and educate yourself about their contents as much as you are comfortable doing.

• SUGGESTIONS – A reputable brand of CBD oil should always have recent lab results available. Some provide them on their website, while others include them in the packaging or both. You might also be able to look up a product using a special batch code or QR code on the packaging. When in doubt, reach out to customer service for help.

Full-Spectrum vs. CBD isolate products

Another sign of a quality CBD oil is that it is manufactured using the whole plant and more of the natural compounds found in it. CBD Isolates are increasingly popular, but in reality, they may be less effective than whole plant extracts.

Full spectrum CBD or Hemp Extract retains more of the natural chemicals found in hemp. These include terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids that are generally believed to work synergistically with CBD, making the benefits higher than CBD alone. These products do contain very low amounts of THC. By contrast, a Broad Spectrum CBD or Hemp Extract retains some of these natural compounds, but lacks any THC.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s theoretically possible for any type CBD oil to cause a false positive for marijuana in a drug test. That’s because many tests are very inefficient and inaccurate. However, broad spectrum or CBD isolate products may be less likely to do so than full spectrum hemp extract. More research is needed before we have definitive answers about CBD and drug tests.

• SUGGESTION – Check the labels on the product to determine if the manufacturer uses the whole plant in their products, or check their websites for the information. Some brands use the term Whole Plant while others could use Full Spectrum or Broad Spectrum. Experiment to find out which works best for you.

Look for CBD brands that value communication and transparency

One common theme you might have noticed in this article? We frequently encouraged you to reach out to brands directly for more information.

The reason for this is two-fold. First, a brand knows their products best. But, perhaps more importantly, high quality CBD brands prioritize transparency and good communication. It should always be easy for consumers to find more information about CBD products, including how they were made. Customer service should be easy to reach and respond quickly, whether you use email, phone or social media.

Sometimes we hear from inexperienced consumers who see advertising for a disreputable CBD brand. One of the simplest indicators of high quality CBD brands is whether they have an easy to browse website and an active, friendly presence on social media.

• SUGGESTION – Only buy from brands with a professional looking website that’s easy to browse. If you can’t easily get questions answered by customer service, move on to another CBD brand that values its customers more.

Final thoughts on choosing high quality CBD oil

CBD oil is growing in popularity every day and we’re happy to say that it’s here to stay.

While most brands want to deliver high quality products, not all companies maintain this same level of integrity. CBD regulations and enforcement are likely to improve with time. But until this happens, the consumer must be cautious about what CBD brands to trust.

We have gone through five important things to look for when purchasing CBD oil and offered some suggestions on how to determine if your brand checks out. It is important that you do your own research before making your choice. Remember, you can always check for product reviews, or search for more answers to your questions on sites like Ministry of Hemp.

While buying CBD can feel intimidating at first, with a little knowledge you’ll be ready to make the right purchase.

Kit O’Connell contributed to this article.

The post How To Identify High Quality CBD Oil appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

The confusion is compounded by the lack of regulation around hemp-based supplements, particularly CBD oil. Misleading, and even outright dishonestly labelled products abound. In particular, Amazon.com is a dangerous place to buy CBD thanks to the thousands of fake and misleading products there.

We created this article in the hopes of clearing up the confusion around different types of CBD oil.

Table of contents

• The three different types of hemp oil
• Hemp seed oil
• CBD oil / hemp extract
• Hemp essential oil
• Why it matters

Three very different types of oil made from hemp

Simply put, it’s important to realize that there are different types of hemp oil and each one of them has different properties and benefits.

Hemp oils can be broken down into 3 different types:

• Hemp seed oil (Unrefined and Refined)
• CBD oil, also known as “hemp extract”
• Hemp essential oil

All these oils are both extracted from the plant and processed in different ways. More importantly, all these oils offer different benefits. Understanding what properties each of these oils have will help you understand which hemp oil to shop for the next time you’re looking to try one.

Hemp seed oil (refined and unrefined)

Hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the hemp plant. There are two different ways to make hemp seed oil:

Unrefined, cold-pressed hemp seed oil

This oil is green in color with a nutty flavor. Cold pressed hemp oil preserves hemp’s nutritious content, so it is often called “nature’s most perfectly balanced oil.”

Unrefined, cold-pressed hemp oil is processed in minimal heat. This means that the oil has not been bleached or deodorized.

A lot of unrefined oils are also called “virgin,” “extra virgin,” “raw,” or “pure.” This also means that unrefined oil has a much shorter shelf life and should be stored in the refrigerator once opened. The oil can also start smelling odd when it gets closer to its expiration date. When you hear someone complaining about the foul odor from a hemp seed oil they just bought, you can assume that the bottle was in storage for a while. In this case, we’d recommend you reach out to the manufacturer to ask for a refund and/or exchange.

Refined hemp seed oil

Refined oil is clear and colorless. It doesn’t have much flavor and also lacks the natural vitamins and antioxidants that hemp is known for. That’s because this oil is typically used as ingredients for body care products, fuel, lubricants, and even plastics.

This oil has been bleached and deodorized. That is why refined oil has a much longer shelf life, and can be used in body care products. Dr. Bronners, the biggest hemp soap maker, advocates hemp oil for its superfatting ingredients. They have been using hemp oil in their soaps for over 150 years for its amazing essential fatty acid (EFA) content, which essentially means that the soap is smoother and a great moisturizer.

CBD oil / hemp extract

CBD (Cannabidiol) is a a non psychoactive cannabinoid. It’s extracted from the flowers and leaves hemp plants, for medical use, as a nutritional supplement, or even a skin care ingredient. Somewhat confusingly, CBD oil can also be referred to on product labels as hemp extract, and sometimes even just “hemp oil.”

CBD oil has exploded into a billion dollar industry since the legalization of hemp at the end of 2018. CBD offers numerous benefits thanks to its interactions with the human endocannabinoid system, where it mimics natural compounds created by our bodies. Consumers report this type of hemp oil offers relief of pain, anxiety, and even epileptic seizures, among other ways CBD can help.

Although CBD oil is legal to buy, use and possess in the United States, it’s currently almost totally unregulated. That means you have to be very careful buying CBD Oil in order to ensure you buy a product that is pure and accurately labelled. Also, since hemp can absorb toxins and heavy metals from the soil, it’s important to buy only hemp oil products made from U.S.-grown hemp that’s produced under carefully controlled conditions.

Helping consumers buy better CBD products is a big part of our mission at the Ministry of Hemp. You’ll find more information, and reviews of some of the best hemp extracts, in the CBD menus at the top of our site.

Hemp essential oil

Hemp essential oil comes from the upper leaves and flowers of the hemp plant. The leaves and flowers are steam distilled to capture the pure essence of the plant. This oil is pale yellow to light green in color with a a highly concentrated therapeutic aroma. It takes over fifty pounds of hemp to make 1 ounce of hemp essential oil. It is also one of the most expensive oils in the world, and it contains no THC or CBD.

Hemp essential oil is well known for its essential oil aroma and therapeutic abilities on the central nervous system. Unlike the other types of hemp oil, you should not take hemp essential oil internally. Instead, it can be blended carefully into a carrier oil or used for its scent. It helps to release stress and relax the body. Its earthy, peppery and faintly sweet scent is alluring and sensual; blending perfectly with other fragrances to perfect the art of aromatherapy.

Hemp essential oil is the rarest type of hemp oil. A few brands offer hemp essential oil for sale while some others blend hemp essential oil into products like candles.

Why it matters

As hemp oil becomes increasingly popular among active people looking for a healthy supplement or patients considering a medical alternative, it’s important that we know which oil offers what benefits. Taking hemp seed oil with the hopes that it’ll help you “relax” or get rid of chronic pain can only be discouraging. At best, you’ll experience a few placebo effects.

So if you’re looking to try hemp oil, make sure to learn what type of hemp oil will best fit your needs. Proactively share your knowledge with your friends and family so they aren’t confused about the benefits that hemp oil offers. The sooner we can raise awareness of the differences in hemp oil, the quicker we can get rid of misleading reviews, such as the one that we’ve seen on Amazon.

Kit O’Connell contributed to this article.

The post Understanding the Different Types of Hemp Oil appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.