How to use CBD Oil

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Shake the bottle before use to ensure the ideal consistency. Use a stopper — many products will come with one — to place the oil under your tongue. For maximum absorption, hold the oil under your tongue for 30 seconds to a few minutes before swallowing.

To determine how many drops to take, follow the recommended dose from the manufacturer or your doctor. Start with a small dose. Over time, you can increase the dose and frequency until you achieve your desired results.

Appropriate serving sizes for CBD vary greatly depending on individual factors, such as intended use, body weight, metabolism, and body chemistry.

Doses should be taken at least four to six hours apart. You can take CBD oil at any time of day. If you’re using it to improve sleep, take it before bed.

The immediate effects of CBD usually take effect within 30 to 90 minutes, but long-term results may take several weeks to achieve.

You can also mix CBD oil into drinks and food, but this may affect absorption.

Store CBD oil in a dry, cool place away from direct heat and sunlight. Make sure the cap is closed tightly after each use. It’s not necessary to refrigerate CBD oil, but it may help to prolong shelf life.

Avoid touching your mouth with the dropper to prevent bacterial contamination and preserve the quality of the oil.

CBD oil is also available in capsules or gummies, or infused into skin care products, such as lotions and salves. CBD oil skincare products can be absorbed into the skin and don’t need to be washed off.

IS CBD Oil Right For YOU?

CBD is generally well-tolerated and safe to use, though adverse reactions such as fatigue and digestive issues are possible. One study found that CBD-rich cannabis

Talk to your doctor before taking CBD oil if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have any medical conditions, or take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or supplements. CBD oil has the potential to interact with medications, including those that also interact with grapefruit.

Carefully read the ingredient list if you’re allergic to coconut oil or have any other possible allergies.

CBD oil is legal in many parts of the United States, but most manufacturers require you to be at least 18 years of age to purchase their product. It may not be legal in all countries.

Check your local laws before buying CBD oil. When buying online, confirm with the manufacturer that they will ship to your area, but also check local laws.

Since CBD oil can contain trace amounts of THC, tho our products contain zero THC,it’s still possible for it to show up on a marijuana drug test. Avoid taking CBD products if this is a concern.

Researchers don’t yet know all of the benefits or risks for CBD oil. Results may be slow and subtle, and they may vary among people. You may wish to track your results using a journal so you can see the effects over time.

Is CBD Legal? Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level, but are legal under some state laws. Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level, but are still illegal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labeled.

How CBD Can Help Your Pets

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n certain states across the country, medical marijuana is an option for people suffering from various ailments and seeking relief. Now, as research continues to emerge, pet parents and veterinarians alike are finding that medical cannabis can provide positive benefits for dogs as well.

 

Whether a dog has cancer, seizures, or anxiety, cannabis oil can serve as an alternative medication to help treat symptoms. Here’s everything pet parents need to know about cannabis oil for dogs.

 

What Is Cannabis Oil?

 

Cannabis oil is liquid derived from the marijuana plant. There are many ways to extract oil from the plant, including CO2 extraction.

“The [marijuana] flower contains trichomes, which are glands that have essential oils,” Shu explains. Once the glands are separated from the plant, they can be formulated to find the ideal ratio of cannabinoids, he says.

Marijuana plants contain 80 different cannabinoids, Shu says, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component) and CBD (cannabidiol, the medical component).

“When you use cannabinoids together, it’s more effective than separately,” Shu says of the “entourage effect” offered by cannabis. Hemp products, on their own, contain less than 0.3 percent THC.

Dr. Gary Richter, owner and medical director of Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, California, points out that cannabis oil has no psychoactive effect on dogs when dosed properly. “Depending on the nature of the product, if it contains little or no THC, then the dog is not going to get high.”

 

What Are the Benefits of Cannabis Oil for Dogs?

Cannabis oil can be used to treat seizures, nausea, stress, anxiety, arthritis, back pain, symptoms of cancer, and gastrointestinal issues, among other health conditions in dogs.

 

Relief is provided as the cannabinoids in marijuana interact with the endocannabinoid system, Shu explains. “It’s a series of receptors that run throughout the body,” he says. “The cannabinoids interact with the receptors in the body and modulate things like pain, anxiety, and nausea.”

 

Unlike some traditional pain medicine for dogs, medical cannabis has no life-threatening side effects with proper dosage, Shu points out. “It doesn’t damage the kidney, liver, or GI tract. The dogs aren’t high or sedated.”

 

What Are the Potential Risks of Cannabis Oil for Pets?

 

Like any medications, overdosing can lead to potential risks for pets. “The most significant is THC toxicity, meaning, essentially, they are high,” Richter says. “Depending on how significantly a pet has been overdosed, the effects of that can be quite long-lasting, even days.” During these episodes, a pet may not be able to stand or eat. If you suspect an overdose, take your pet to the veterinarian immediately.

 

Life-threatening risks for dogs from medical cannabis are “exceedingly rare,” Richter says, adding that toxicity more often occurs when a pet has eaten a product that contains chocolate, coffee, or raisins. “Even if the THC toxicity is not excessive, they can sometimes have problems due to these other ingredients.” That said, ingestion of large amounts of marijuana has been fatal in a number of dogs, so preventing overdoses with medical cannabis is still extremely important, warns Dr. Jennifer Coates, a veterinary advisor with petMD.

 

Graham Quigley, owner and acupuncturist at the Holistic Animal Clinic in San Rafael, California, worries that as the popularity of alternative medicine increases, pet parents may buy into “overly ambitious claims about cannabis oil” from unreliable sources. Quigley stresses that cannabis oil is not a “cure-all.”

 

As with any medication, pet parents should consult their veterinarian first before treating their dog with cannabis oil.

 

How Is Cannabis Oil Administered to Dogs?

 

Though there are some topical treatments, cannabis oil is typically administered orally to dogs. It also can be used in conjunction with traditional medications and treatments. Emerging research suggests there can be “synergistic benefits” between marijuana and traditional medications, Richter says. “There are few, if any, known significant drug interactions that you really need to be concerned about.”

 

Again, the correct dosage is imperative. “As is the case with any medication, success has everything to do with dosing,” Richter says. “If you dose pets properly, then they are going to get the positive effect that you’re looking for while not having any psychoactive side effects.”

 

But herein lies a problem. The research needed to determine the correct dosage for CBD oil in dogs simply hasn’t been done yet, Coates says. And, to make matters worse, FDA testing has shown that many CBD products contain little if any CBD, she adds. The best option available to pet parents at this time is to talk to a veterinarian who has experience with pets being treated with cannabis oil about proper dosage and reputable manufacturers, Coates says.

 

Where Can Pet Owners Get Cannabis Oil for Their Dogs?

 

Obtaining medical cannabis for your pet all depends on where you live and your state’s marijuana laws.

 

“In California, to legally purchase marijuana, you must have a medical cannabis card, which a person would get from their doctor,” Richter says. “There is no legal mechanism by which I, as a veterinarian, can provide a medical cannabis card for a pet.”

 

Pet parents who want to give their dog cannabis oil should speak to their veterinarian. From there, pet parents who have a medical marijuana card can visit a reputable dispensary and purchase the product that best meets their pet’s needs.

 

Pet parents who live in regions where medical marijuana is not available can also consider hemp products, which have lower doses of THC.

CBD STUDIES

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A 2017 survey conducted by Consumer Reports found that 55 percent of Americans regularly take a prescription drug. Many of those who use prescription drugs also take over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and other dietary supplements. The survey found that many of those prescription pills may be unnecessary and could potentially do more harm than good – as the opioid crisis continues to claim 130+ lives daily.

Prescription drug use is at an all-time high, but what if there was an alternative with less side effects?

 

CBD as an Alternative

Cannabidiol or CBD, is one of 85 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant that is being used effectively to treat several medical conditions. CBD is extracted from either the marijuana plant (marijuana-derived) or the hemp plant (hemp-derived).

Over the past few years, hundreds of CBD-related studies were conducted across dozens of countries. Many of the studies have contributed to the growth of understanding, and acceptance, of CBD.

Scientific and clinical research explores CBD’s potential as a treatment for a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, epilepsy, high blood pressure, chronic pain, arthritis, autism, Parkinson’s, PTSD, ADHD, sleep disorders, and other neurological disorders.

We compiled just six CBD-related studies that we believe are essential to understanding the benefits of CBD.

 

Does CBD Get You High?

CBD and THC have very similar chemical structures, but they differ widely in their properties. This close association between CBD and THC is likely why people are hesitant to use CBD as an alternative treatment method. This study examines two prior studies, and their misinterpretations, to combat the notion that CBD causes a THC high.

The first prior study analyzed the changes in CBD when mixed with petri-dish stimulation of stomach acids. The results yielded the researcher conclusion that CBD does convert to THC when exposed to stomach acids.

The second study also suggested CBD may convert into THC after oral administration. The conclusion was based on human volunteers.

 

The Misinterpretations

The authors of this study noted that both prior studies were filled with misinterpretations. This was mainly due to two reasons.

  1. While CBD might convert to THC under certain simulated conditions, it has not been shown to occur in living organisms.
  2. The results of the human volunteer tests were taken out of context. Traces of THC were not only extremely minimal in the human volunteers, but the alleged THC was not present in urine samples.

Current Study Takeaways

The researchers note that while conversion of THC may occur under artificial conditions, “Over 40 years of research on CBD does not suggest a conversion of CBD to Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or other cannabinoids in vivo after oral administration.”

The results of the study are important to highlight because of the common belief that CBD is a psychoactive compound.

 

CBD and Autism  

Autism is often the result of too little inhibitions in the brain, which leads to heightened sensitivity to stimuli (such as lights, sound, touch, and smells) and abnormal social behavior.

Israeli researchers have found more compelling evidence that medical cannabis is an effective therapy for children on the autism spectrum. The study, led by Dr. Adi Aran, director of the pediatric neurology unit at Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem, found that cannabis treatment with a high concentration of CBD improved the condition of 80% of the children in the study.

80% of the children’s parents who participated in the study reported a decrease in problematic behavior, with 62% percent reporting that their child’s behavior improved significantly. The study also found that half of the children who participated in the study also reported an improvement in their level of communication, with 40% saying that their anxiety symptoms had significantly improved. A third of the participants did not show symptoms of anxiety before the study began.

 

CBD for Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder is a disabling psychiatry condition that affects nearly 5% of the worldwide population. Currently, long-term selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first-line treatment for PD; however, the common side-effect profiles and drug interactions may provoke patients to abandon the treatment, leading to PD symptoms relapse.

This study analyzed prior human and laboratory animal studies to support the notion that CBD exhibits anti-panic properties. The study looked at findings from prior studies such as human anxiety in public speaking and electrical stimulation in animal subjects.

The biggest takeaway from this study is that CBD is non-habit-forming and doesn’t decrease tolerance. Thus, it could be a solid alternative for “high potency benzodiazepines and antidepressant drugs in PD patients who are resistant to the current treatments.”

For anyone suffering from panic disorder or varying types of anxiety, relying on medications, this study is encouraging.

 

Can CBD Reduce High Blood Pressure?

Having high blood pressure puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States. About 75 million American adults have high blood pressure—that’s 1 in every 3 adults.

This study explores the relationship between CBD and a reduction in blood pressure.

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study, nine healthy male volunteers were given either 600 mg of CBD or a placebo. Two hours after CBD/placebo was administered, subjects performed various stress tests, such as doing math without a calculator, while their cardiovascular outputs were monitored.

The study found that CBD was well tolerated, and there were no adverse events on the day of stress tests. None of the subjects reported any adverse events over the following week.

Most notably, data showed that a single dose of CBD reduces resting blood pressure and the blood pressure response to stress, particularly cold stress.

 

CBD’s Potential Healing Effect on Liver Injury

Chronic alcohol consumption is a leading cause of alcoholic liver disease in the USA and worldwide. Despite significant advances in understanding of the pathology of alcoholic liver disease, the therapeutical options are still very limited.

This study looked at how CBD could affect subjects with liver injuries resulting from chronic and binge alcohol consumption. CBD was given to subjects (in this case, mice and human blood samples) that had been fed alcohol.

Findings concluded that CBD lessened the elevated liver enzymes and the increased liver triglyceride. CBD also reduced fat droplet accumulation. CBD may be a potential therapeutic treatment for alcoholic liver diseases “associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and steatosis.”

 

CBD’s Effect of Drug-Resistant Seizures

50 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy, more than Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy combined, and it is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the United States. Of that 50 million, approximately 16 million are unresponsive to antiepileptic medication and other medical treatments.

This study’s goal was to evaluate the use of CBD as therapy for patients with refractory epilepsies (forms of epilepsy that do not respond to traditional medicines). The study was an observational study and was conducted by means of a survey addressed to the patient’s caregiver. The evaluation examined 15 patients with refractory epilepsies, who received cannabidiol over a period ranging from one month to one year.

The frequency of seizures decreased in 40% of the patients, 60% of the patients were seen to have control over 50% of their seizures and in 27% of them the seizures disappeared completely. Neurocognitive changes were also reported: behavior improved in 73%; 60% reported an improvement in language; in 50% sleep improved; 43% reported improvements in eating habits; and 100% said their mood had improved. The overall perception of the illness was that there had been improvements in 73% of respondents.

Results suggest a possible beneficial effect of CBD on the control of seizures and on the improvement of certain neurocognitive aspects in patients with refractory epilepsies.

 

Conclusions

We put together what we consider an essential list of CBD-related studies, but there are so many more topics that you can find studies on. We chose these six studies because we see a lot of CBD users with the related topics and so many questions about them.

In conclusion, the studies found that:

  • CBD is safe to use.
  • There is a major need for more research as most studies are performed for treatment of epilepsy.
  • Most common side effects reported are tiredness, diarrhea, and changes of appetite/weight.
  • CBD has comparatively fewer side-effects compared with prescription medication
  • CBD can be used as a supplemental therapy

WHAT IS CBD

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CBD. Three little letters that are causing quite a conversation; from people swearing by it to help with their everyday aches and pains, to the nonbelievers who think it’s all a placebo effect.

There is a good chance you’ve heard a friend, family member, or coworker talk about CBD and it sparked some interest. Let us break down the basics for you!

 

What is CBD and How Does It Work?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid molecule found in the flower of cannabis that is believed to possess broad therapeutic potential. CBD is often confused with its psychoactive cousin tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) when in reality CBD can actually counteract the psychoactivity of THC.

To understand how CBD works, you must first know and understand the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a vital molecular system for helping maintain homeostasis, or internal systemic balance. This system helps to regulate sleep, appetite, mood, motor control, immune function, pleasure, reproduction and fertility, memory and temperature regulation.

The ECS is widespread throughout the body and is made up of three main components: cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and metabolic enzymes.

Unfortunately, the ECS can change and become compromised over time and has trouble maintaining balance. Disease and injury can also play a role in throwing our bodies even further out of balance – this is where CBD comes into play. CBD is a natural reinforcement used to stimulate the ECS. CBD does not bind to receptors in the ECS; instead, it stops the breakdown of our own endocannabinoids, allowing the body to use more of what it’s already naturally producing.

 

What Are People Using CBD For?

Many people are turning to CBD as an alternative to pharmaceuticals because CBD is said to have fewer side effects and does not pose a threat for possible addiction.

While research on CBD is limited, CBD has been shown to help with the following:
Anxiety Disorders
Arthritis
Epilepsy
Chronic Pain
Autism
Type 1 Diabetes
Migraines
Sleep Disorders
PTSD
Parkinson’s

*Note: CBD is not a cure-all and should be used as a supplement.

Top CBD Consumption Methods

If you’re new to CBD, you might be overwhelmed with how many different products you can find on the market. The 4 most popular consumption methods are sublingual, edibles, topical, and inhalation.

Sublingual

CBD oil and tinctures are probably the most popular CBD products right now. They are meant to be used sublingually. Sublingual consumption means that you drop the oil under your tongue and let it sit for 20-60 seconds, then swallow the remaining oil. When using CBD oil sublingually, you will usually feel the effects within 15-30 minutes.

Edibles

CBD edibles are quickly becoming a favorite way for consumers to get their daily CBD. Edibles, such as gummies and drinks, must be digested and then absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of the stomach. This process can be timely and can take anywhere from 1-6 hours to take effect.

Topical

CBD-infused lotion and creams are typically used to help with pain from arthritis, sore muscles, and inflammation. Topical CBD doesn’t reach the bloodstream but interacts with endocannabinoid receptors found under the skin. Topicals are great for targeting pain in a specific area. These products can take up to an hour to take effect and can last up to 5 hours.

Inhalation

If you’re looking for immediate, short-term relief, then inhalation products such as a vape may be the right for you. When CBD is inhaled, it is absorbed through the lungs and takes effect almost immediately. This is the quickest method to reach the bloodstream, but you will have to take additional doses because it also has the shortest period of effectiveness.

Will CBD Result in a Positive Drug Test?

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The 2018 Farm Bill made it legal for farmers to grow hemp plants with less than .3% THC. CBD went from barely legal to being showcased on grocery store shelves and infused into your favorite snack foods. While people are using CBD for everything from arthritis to anxiety to adding a splash of flavor to their favorite summer drinks, there are still questions about drug testing. Can CBD cause you to fail a drug test? The answer is complicated.

CBD is made from the hemp plant, not from marijuana. Drug tests typically only screen for THC – the compound in cannabis that gets you “high” – or one of the compounds created when your body metabolizes it, but there are stories of people being fired for using CBD products. Let’s talk about how that could be possible.

How Can CBD Impact a Drug Test?

CBD can influence drug test results in a couple of ways. First, it could be the product is mislabeled by intent or by accident. Drug tests look for THC, not CBD. Not all companies are practicing honesty in their labeling, and this could influence drug test results. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that out of 84 products purchased from 31 online CBD retailers, only 31% were accurately labeled. Some products were found to contain small levels of THC which were not reflected in the labeling. CBD is considered legal if it contains less than .3% THC, but some of the products in the JAMA report found THC concentrations up to 6.43 milligrams per milliliter.

Part of the problem is states use different measures for THC within the hemp plant. Some of the high levels could be because the dry plant was measured before being processed into hemp oil. It could be that the buds or flowers were measured instead of the whole plant.

Trace amounts of THC are allowed in CBD products. These trace amounts can build up in the body over time with regular use resulting in a detectable level of THC. This is the second way CBD products can result in a failed drug test. THC is fat-soluble, meaning any THC that is not immediately used by the body will be stored in fat cells and slowly metabolize. This means CBD products that contain THC could build up in the body and be detectable in a drug test.

How to Avoid a THC-Positive Drug Test

 If you know you have a potential drug test coming up, there are several ways you can work to ensure that it is THC-free:

  • Ensure the product you are using is THC-free. Check the labels online and take a few minutes to do an online chat or phone call with a customer service representative from the company.
  • Research the brand before you buy. Double-check the product against the JAMA report, read reviews and ask questions before you make a final purchase.
  • Check for a COA Certificate of Analysis. A Certificate of Analysis is a document issued by Quality Assurance that confirms that a regulated product meets its product specification. That’s a bunch of fancy words that mean a COA assures that the product contains what it says it contains on the label. Look for COA or Lab Results on a product’s website.
  • Do not use CBD daily in the days before the test. Doctors say you need to be THC-free for two to three weeks to clear the THC from your system and pass a drug test.

What If You Fail a Drug Test Due to CBD?

If you fail a drug test and have been using a THC-free CBD product, talk with your employer or HR department. It is helpful if you have discussed your CBD use with a doctor and connected it with a diagnosis or medical condition. Any documentation you can provide could help make your case. Ask HR if you can retest a few weeks later and stop using CBD until the test.