FAQs

1. What is CBD and how does it work?

      CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating therapeutic compound found in cannabis and hemp. It is commonly extracted and processed into oils, gummies, topicals, and other products. Each of our bodies has a set of receptors that interact with cannabis compounds called cannabinoids, like CBD. These receptors, found throughout the body, comprise the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex signaling system that ensures our bodies maintain homeostasis.  In other words, the endocannabinoid system keeps us in balance by directing the communication traffic in our bodies. Cannabinoids such as CBD interact with this system, mimicking Natural compounds (called endocannabinoids) produced by the body.

1A How does it work?

   In the human body, CBD influences cannabinoid receptor activity and encourages the production of the body’s natural endocannabinoids. Interestingly, CBD also affects activity beyond the endocannabinoid system and can also interact with opioid, dopamine, and serotonin receptors. The ability of CBD to interact with so many different systems throughout the body suggests it has the potential to open new frontiers in psychiatry and medicine.
 

2. How is CBD different from marijuana?

     While CBD is a naturally-occurring compound of marijuana, it does not cause a “high” like some may think. CBD is derived directly from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. Hemp is defined by US Law as cannabis having 0.3% or less delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content by dry weight.
 

3. What is the difference between broad and full-spectrum CBD?

      If an extract is full-spectrum, this means it contains all phytochemicals naturally found in the plant, including CBD, trace cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils. Full-spectrum extracts from hemp also come with negligible THC content – below 0.3%.
    Like full spectrum CBD< broad-spectrum CBD contains cannabidiol and all other compounds within the plant. However, it goes through an additional process to remove the trace amounts of THC, completely removing it after the initial extraction.
 

4.  Does CBD show up on drug tests?

      When taking a drug test, you are not being screened for CBD. But you can still fail a drug test by only using CBD products. That’s because drug tests screen for THC and Full Spectrum CBD products have trace levels of THC. Because there can be up to 0.3% THC is a full-spectrum CBD product, that is not enough to get you high and you would likely have to ingest A LOT of CBD oil to fail a drug \test for THC, it is still worth knowing that the risk is technically there.
 

5. What are some conditions CBD can potentially treat?

(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. These products should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing.)

      CBD is a compound with diverse medical potential, so it’s no surprise that it’s become a trendy “cure-all” in the wellness space of late. Considering there’s currently no supervision over ingredients in CBD oil and other products or the medical claims tied to them, it’s OK to be skeptical. We encourage that.

These claims often begin with anecdotal evidence, early research, and animal studies, but human studies are finally starting to fill in the gaps around CBD’s touted benefits. With that caveat in mind, here’s what we understand about CBD’s potential therapeutic applications based on current research studies and product reviews.

5.1 Anxiety Support – Ask around and we don’t doubt you’ll find a friend, relative, or acquaintance who swears by CBD for anxiety and stress relief. And there’s no reason yet to doubt it; so far, a majority of CBD research suggests it may be beneficial for anxiety symptoms, possibly by influencing activity in the serotonin system.

For quick relief of acute stress and anxiety, consider vaporizing high-CBD strains that also contain an array of botanical compounds—or try a clean, lab-tested CBD oil. Ingesting CBD oil may also help alleviate anxiety on the fly, but the effects are not instantaneous.

5.2 Pain Support – According to research so far, CBD seems to help with two types of pain: neuropathic and inflammatory. For other types of pain, CBD appears to be less effective. The euphoria-causing cannabinoid THC appears to also lend pain-relieving benefits, so if that’s your use case, you might consider a product with both CBD and THC. You may even consider starting with a low dose of THC (2.5 to 5mg)—one likely to deliver little to no detectable high—to see if it enhances the painkilling power of CBD.

Not only can cannabis help supplement and replace a regimen of opioid painkillers, but cannabis also appears to enhance the effects of opioids, allowing some patients to cut back their regular dose of pharmaceutical painkillers.

5.3 Sleep Support – The relationship between CBD and sleep isn’t well understood yet. So far, it appears that dosage plays a role, with higher doses appearing to be more effective than lower doses. For context, one study indicated that a 160mg dose of CBD correlated with longer sleep duration, while 25mg of CBD seemed to have no effect on insomnia symptoms. Another consideration: What’s keeping you up at night? CBD may help with symptoms that cause sleeplessness. If pain, anxiety, or stress is keeping you from settling into sleep, CBD just might be your ticket to a peaceful mind and body—and restful sleep.

5.4 Epileptic seizures Support – For children with epilepsy, many treatment options drag along a host of side effects that impact one’s quality of life. So when CBD began to show promise as an effective treatment for seizures with little in the way of adverse effects, researchers started paying attention.

In 2018, the FDA approved a CBD-based medicine called Epidiolex for treating two forms of epilepsy—Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Although anecdotal evidence and early studies show promising results, researchers haven’t yet reached a scientific explanation for why CBD might help reduce seizures.

6. What is the right dose of CBD?

There is no ideal, one-size-fits-all dose with CBD. Your perfect CBD dose depends on a few different factors, including your individual biology, the delivery method, and the specific nature of your symptoms. For example, high doses of CBD (upward of 600mg daily) seem to be more effective for conditions like epilepsy, whereas low doses are potentially effective for anxiety.

Research is beginning to show that there’s a sweet spot when it comes to dosing cannabinoids like CBD: Consume too much or too little, and you may feel limited relief or side effects.

More research is needed to develop specific guidelines around CBD dosing for different medical conditions. Until then—if you’re using CBD oils, edibles, or other products to treat symptoms like anxiety, stress, pain, or insomnia—consider starting with a low dose of CBD (around 5mg) and slowly increasing until you’ve found the optimal dose for you.

7. Is CBD safe for pets?

Just as humans can benefit from CBD’s benefits, so might your furry best friend. Between anecdotal evidence and early research, we’re starting to understand CBD’s potential in treating symptoms and conditions like seizures, arthritis, and anxiety in animals, but more peer-reviewed clinical research is needed to fully understand the safety, efficacy, and optimal dosages and delivery methods associated with CBD for pets. We also need more data to understand how these medicines work in cats compared to dogs, given their biological differences.

Veterinarians can’t currently prescribe or recommend CBD for pets, so it’s important that you thoroughly research a CBD product before giving it to an animal in your care.

For the original source and more, visit  Leafly.com for additional information

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always check with your physician before starting a new dietary supplement  program.