CBD Research - Beginners Guide to CBD

Online Beginners Guide to CBD oil

BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO CBD – SCHOOL IS IN!

It's starting to pop up everywhere.

CBD.

The much easier way to say Cannabidiol (thank you initials!)

CBD infused water
CBD gummies
CBD in beer???

Yes.

Many people who hear the word CBD have no idea what it is.

Many others have negative connotations thinking that it's illegal or Marijuana.

There needs to be one place that gets in to all the questions people have.

Research is being done that shows CBD has a tremendous effect on many ailments.

After all, we have an entire system in our body that can use it!

What Is CBD

CBD is short for Cannabidiol.

Cannabidiol is a member of the cannabinoids, a family of chemicals found naturally in Hemp and Cannabis (Marijuana).

There are over 113 Cannabinoids that have been identified and we don't know what most of them do!

The two we'll focus on are THC and CBD...which are the best researched.

We'll actually give full attention to CBD since it has tremendous potential for health.

A few important notes on CBD to first-time readers:

CBD is NOT psychoactive (does not produce the high)
CBD has almost no side effects (more on that below)
CBD has powerful and positive effects within the body
CBD is legal in all States (hemp-derived)
All animals (aside from insects) have CBD receptors throughout the body

THC (it's a psychoactive cousin) has received the lion's share of both research and condemnation.

CBD is newer on the scene but the results have been nothing short of amazing.

For that reason, you're about to see an explosion of options on the market.

Some will be great while others will be snake oil.

So we need to arm ourselves with information!

Starting with, how does CBD work?

How Does CBD Work?

First, let's start with a quick primer:

Whenever you have a substance that affects so many different systems in the body, it's probably operating at a systemic level.

Translation, please!!

Let's look at a common medication...the anti-depression meds.

The most popular class are SSRI's.

They basically attempt to increase the amount of serotonin (the feel-good neurotransmitter) available to nerves in the brain.

Sometimes it works, while other times it can go horribly wrong (just look at the side effects!!)

Our current take on medicine is a whack-a-mole approach.

We increase or decrease one chemical somewhere in the body to affect one symptom.

The problem is that we're not as smart as we think we are.

There are unintended consequences! (check out the book Drug Muggers about what basic nutrients are leached out with different meds!)

So how does CBD affect so many different systems?

The current research is pointing to a long but very important word...

Homeostasis.

It's a fancy way to say "balance".

There's a push-pull going on across the body and brain.

Cortisol wakes you up. Melatonin and Gaba cause you to relax (and if enough is present sleep).
Cortisol spikes in the morning, during times of stress, or if you see light (hence the don't look at screens before sleep).
Melatonin spikes at night with absence of light.

Push-Pull.

These systems exist all over the body!

Some are simple while others are very complex – The immune system and Endocrine system (hormones) for example.

Lots of players on the field there.

Umm...I thought we were talking about CBD!!

We're getting there.

CBD appears to work one level above all these systems.

Think of a referee sitting above all the players on the field.

Ahhh...that part of the system is too strong...dial it in!

Penalty!!

How does it do this?

It turns out that we have an entire system called the endo (means inside) cannabinoid system.

We literally have a body-wide system that CBD can influence.

This requires an entirely separate article on how CBD works since we like to geek out on it!

Let's take one example that research just discovered.

CBD reduces inflammation in the gut (uh-um... Crohn's, Arthritis, and all the other immune diseases that plague modern society) in two ways.

The endocannabinoid system is the transporter of toxins (from daily metabolism and environment) across the gut lining to the intestine and out of the body!

CBD basically stimulates that system to activate and do its job!

Otherwise, toxins build up just behind the intestinal lining and bad things happen!

That's one simple example of a specific system, but you can see how powerful that is!

Is Hemp CBD And Marijuana CBD Different?

A quick lesson in botany.

If you see the cannabinoid designation, it comes for a group of related plants.

Cannabis Sativa
Cannabis Indica
Cannabis Ruderalis

They all have a common ancestor if you go back far enough.

Keep in mind that cannabis has been cultivated by humans for 1000's of years.

Every mammal will eat cannabis in the wild.

They can even detect the better plants.

The real difference between hemp and marijuana outside of looks (size of plant, leaf, etc) is the ratio and level of THC and CBD.

THC is the psychoactive chemical that has made marijuana illegal in the U.S.

CBD is NOT psychoactive and actually provides an offsetting effect to THC.

It's calming and neuroprotective.

A quick look at CBD versus THC:

The levels of THC are a primary determinant of the legal label of Hemp.

Hemp cannot have levels of THC beyond .3%.

The CBD is the same chemical in either.

In hemp, there will be high CBD concentration and very low if any THC at all.
In marijuana, there will be a higher THC level and a range of CBD levels.

We're focusing on the CBD part of it (legal and not psychoactive).

The chemical is the same for either.

At dispensaries (where THC is legal) you may see a ratio of say 20 CBD to 1 THC.

That's a very high CBD level.

We'll discuss more in the THC versus CBD and the How to Shop for CBD article.

The net net...

CBD is the same from either but CBD from hemp is legal for sale in all States.

CBD from marijuana can only be found in dispensaries within states where marijuana is legal.

We'll focus on the hemp CBD here since it's available to everyone and exploding on the scene!

Is CBD Safe?

CBD by itself has been found to be very safe.

There have been no known overdoses on CBD and it is non-toxic.

Levels up to 1500 mg have been tested up to 4 weeks with no adverse effects.

Keep in mind that we're talking about CBD only.

THC is a different chemical altogether!

There may be side effects for THC depending on a person's chemical and genetic makeup.

Our focus is CBD which has been tested for safety.

We'll discuss the side effects (for some people) below.

We have an entire page of CBD safety here.

But first, what's all the commotion about? What does CBD do for people?

What Are The Benefits Of CBD

With every passing week, we get new research on a given symptom, system, or disease with pretty amazing results for CBD.

Dozens of further experiments are in the process right now!

Here's a quick list but we'll be breaking out each topic separately over time:

Antipsychotic
Anti-convulsant
Anti-inflammatory
Autoimmune disease
Anti-arthritic
Various cardiovascular benefits (lowers blood pressure, etc)
Stabilizes neurotransmitter – Anti-anxiety, depression, Bipolar, and other mood disorders
Detoxification and immune response mediator

We can go on and on which tells you something.

CBD and more importantly, the endocannabinoid system is working at a high level within the body.

It's not activating at the individual system but further up the scale on a system-wide basis.

This is what makes it so exciting.

Most nutrients, supplements, and medications affect one small system.

Maybe even a piece of a system.

CBD appears to stimulate a system that monitors, adjusts, and strengthens all the systems:

Endocrine (hormones)
Immune (gut and immune system response)
Neurotransmitter (brain and gut systems for mood, response, and motivation)
Detoxification systems
Cardiovascular (heart and arterial system)

Okay...that's it???

If you look at what makes the body and brain work well...that's getting close to it!

Something is going on at a systemic level and that's why CBD is showing progress across the board.

There are CBD receptors throughout the body!

Brain
Blood cells
Skin
Immune cells
All major organs

This furthers the idea that the endocannabinoid system is a master system in the body and brain.

We'll tackle all the benefits of CBD here but what about side effects?

What Are The Side Effects Of CBD

CBD is well tolerated by the body.

It's non-toxic across the animal kingdom (except for insects)

With higher doses, these side effects have been reported:

Dry Mouth
Drowsiness
Low Blood Pressure
Lightheadedness

That's it.

Take a look at the possible side-effects for even a psoriasis medication:

Numbness or tingling
Vision problems
Weakness in your legs
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
New joint pain
Hives
Itching
Swelling of the face, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Rash on your cheeks or arms that gets worse in the sun
Trouble breathing or swallowing
Fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
Unusual bruising or bleeding
Pale skin
Dizziness
Red, scaly patches or raised, pus-filled bumps

Are you kidding me?

That medication can cost up to $50K/year.

THAT'S why our healthcare system is falling apart.

We've seen anecdotal but amazing results with CBD roll-ons for psoriasis, acne, and a host of skin-related autoimmune diseases.

This small example but written across the entire body is why we're so excited about CBD and its ability to help people!

More on the benefits of CBD as we'll add specific issues over time (Sleep, Anxiety, Pain, etc).

What's The Best Way To Take CBD

This depends on what you're trying to address.

Here are the most popular:

CBD comes in all sorts of form factors:

Tinctures
Balms
Capsules
Skin Patches
Edibles

We have an entire article on the best way to take CBD but are considerations:

The area you're trying to treat
Stomach sensitivity
Allergy sensitivity
Taste
Cost

Let's look at each one.

The area you're trying to treat with CBD

If your issue is skin-related, then it might be best to apply a topical CBD.

This is usually a balm or roll-on (like a deodorant stick).

This also works well for specific pain areas such as feet, arthritis, joints, back, etc.

So specific body pains and skin issues, topical might be best.

Keep in mind that they may have a stronger smell.

You may not want to go to work as a preschool teacher smelling like Indonesia!

The scent goes away pretty quickly but you can apply at night.

Check out the product page for the best CBD balms here.

Stomach Sensitivity and CBD

Some people may have sensitive stomachs.

In that case, the sublingual (under the tongue) tinctures. The patch would also work here but they might be more expensive.

This is usually an allergic reaction to full-spectrum CBD (see full spectrum versus CBD Isolate).

The vape pens also avoid digestion and deliver very fast CBD effects.

Taste

There are so many different ways to take CBD now.

CBD Isolate has almost no taste (especially if in MCT or coconut oil) while full spectrum can taste really strong.

The tinctures have a distinct taste which isn't terrible but you're not going to consider it a treat!

Edibles work well here but make sure to get the infused CBD options and not the spray-on CBD (typically gummies).

The CBD isolate generally has no real taste if clean.

Check out this article on What does CBD taste like.

Cost

This is a big factor as the costs can swing significantly.

Some trial and error are important here to see what works for you.

Check out the CBD cost comparison here:

On average, here's the cost from less to most expensive:

Tinctures
Vapes
Balms
Edibles
Patches

The main key is the cost per mg of CBD!

You can research all these options at the link above.

What Is Important When Shopping For CBD

There are 1000's of CBD products now available on the market.

With differing levels of quality, availability, and in many cases...clarity!

Here's a CBD Buyer's Checklist:

Organically grown
3rd Party tested for solvents, pesticides, mold, etc
Amount of CBD
The ratio of CBD to THC is purchased in the dispensary (where legal)
Other ingredients (especially if sensitive) – preservatives, coloring, etc
Origin of CBD – Location, and Extraction
Extraction Method
COST COST COST – You're probably going to make this part of your daily regiment – It needs to be affordable!

This is a good list to start with.

Beyond that, it's the application that's important.

Tincture
Edible
Balm/Roll-on
Patch
Vape

The tincture is the most popular for more therapeutic dosages.

The balms/roll-ons work well for skin-related issues or area-specific pain/inflammation.

Learn all about CBD for inflammation here.

The company is important but California is forcing many of the lesser quality actors out of the market with their new regulations.

We've seen a large number of CBD companies leave the market because they couldn't keep up with California's requirements.

This is good news for the consumer ultimately!

There are still lots of bad brands and products out there just trying to make a buck on CBD's popularity.

Where can we shop based on our requirements above?

Where Can I Shop For High Qualify CBD

There are now 100's if not 1000's of CBD stores and brands online.

After comparing the different options, we found multiple that meets our requirements.

Compare the major CBD brands and products here:

They meet the requirements on our checklist but maybe, more importantly, their CBD is very effective.

That's one thing you will notice if new to the CBD marketplace.

One product will have an amazing effect for you while another seemingly similar product will not.

This may be a question of how the CBD is processed, where it is sourced from, and many other factors.

Keep in mind that CBD is coming from a plant.

Anyone who buys watermelons can attest to the sheer disappointment when getting home, slicing up the watermelon and taking the first bite of a not so good one.

The original source of the CBD oil is critical and we've found the above, linked product to be consistent and effective.

You can read more about our CBD company and product comparison here.

CBD Introduction Review

This was NOT meant to be everything about CBD.

That would take 100's of pages (which we'll get to)!

We wanted a clean introduction for people new to the world of CBD.

Hopefully, we delivered.

We'll be adding those other 100's of pages to this site on every possible topic you can imagine.

It's really exciting times.

If you have a personal story on CBD or a specific product (good or bad), PLEEEEAAASSSE let us know!

You'll help the next person who is investigating or using CBD to changes their life.

You can read my personal story on CBD for my family. It's made me a believer...almost religious in nature.

CBD has the potential to radically reduce suffering.

Let's get started with that, please!