It seems like we’ve hit an overload on CBD.
No matter where you look, CBD – short for cannabidiol – seems to be everywhere in our lives. Investing experts claim now is the best time to put money into CBD companies, while celebrities seem to be incorporating it in literally every aspect of their lives. But does CBD actually offer any benefit for humans? Or is it just the latest trend in a long, long line of fads created by marketing companies?
Although it may feel like CBD is literally everywhere, there is some actual science behind the hype. When you take a CBD pill, CBD capsule or CBD tincture, clinical trials and studies show that there could be a lot of benefit for the common problems that ails everyone.
If you’ve ever considered taking CBD, now might be the time to jump in and find out what potential benefits it could provide for your lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know about starting a CBD regimen in your life.
What Exactly is CBD?
CBD is one of the primary compounds found in specially-engineered industrial hemp plants grown in the United States. Cannabis-friendly states like California, Colorado and Kentucky license crops that are ultimately grown to become CBD oil.
Although it is the primary compound, it isn’t the only one found in industrial hemp. There are hundreds of cannabinoids discovered in every plant, and many of them have suggested beneficial properties. Studies suggest that when CBD is harvested with other cannabinoids in full-spectrum CBD oil, it creates an “entourage effect,” which may boost the effectiveness of your CBD experience.
Is CBD Oil Legal in All 50 States?
While every state has different laws about hemp-based products, most full-spectrum CBD oil is legal across all 50 states and in the District of Columbia. It’s all based on the amount of THC harvested with the CBD – the psychoactive compound found in industrial hemp plants.
As a federal and industrial standard, CBD oil legal in all 50 states needs to contain less than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight. Even though full-spectrum CBD will still contain trace amounts of CBD, it’s impossible to get the “high” feelings from this small amount. More importantly, using full-spectrum CBD oil won’t cause you to accidentally test positive on a drug screen.
If you are concerned about how much THC your CBD pills, CBD capsules or CBD tincture has, be sure to look at the certificate of purity from the manufacturer. ProVerde Laboratories is the leader in the industry, and provides many of the purity tests for major companies. If your CBD provider of choice does not provide a purity certificate, or it isn’t certified by ProVerde, you may want to think carefully about getting their CBD.
What Are the Suggested Benefits of CBD Oil?
Although CBD has been studied since the mid-20th Century, its benefits have only been thoroughly looked at in the past 20 years. Thanks to the clinical research, the science suggests there are a lot of benefits to using CBD oil.
The biggest endorsement to the compound came in 2018, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a CBD-based prescription medication. Epidolex was given the green light by the agency for the treatment of two rare forms of pediatric epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. Over three clinical trials spanning over 500 patients, Epidolex was proven effective in reducing seizures when taken with other medications.
Pediatric patients weren’t the only ones to appear to benefit from fewer seizures thanks to CBD. A 2019 clinical trial conducted by the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences worked to find out if canines could also benefit from CBD. As a result of the study, 89 percent of dogs who were given CBD experienced fewer seizures, suggesting that there are potential veterinary applications.
But seizures may not be the only neurological condition where people could benefit from CBD. Two studies published within 10 years of each other suggest that CBD can help reduce anxiety and promote well-being. In 2011, a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology investigated how CBD can help those who suffer from situational anxiety. The group given a dose of CBD experienced “significantly decreased subjective anxiety,” allowing the subjects to have better social interactions.
Another study published by The Permanente Journal in 2019 suggested that those who use CBD could also experience reduced anxiety and better sleep. Among the sample group of 72 adults, those who were given CBD reported reduced anxiety and better sleep. In fact, nearly 80 percent said they had reduced anxiety, and two-thirds said their sleep quality improved. Although the study conceded that more research is needed, the preliminary results suggests lots of potential.
How Do I Get Started with CBD?
If you are ready to get started with full spectrum CBD oil, there are some things you need to know. Not all CBD capsules, CBD pills and CBD tinctures are created equal. That’s why it’s important to do your homework before buying CBD.
First, be sure your CBD provider sources their CBD from farms in the United States. Most CBD producers will identify where they source their crops from. If they don’t provide information on where they get their CBD, it may not offer all the potential benefits.
Next, always look for the USDA organic label. The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers the “organic” certification to industrial hemp crops grown in the United States. These farms must meet strict quality control standards, including regular crop rotations and limited pesticide uses. Getting a certified organic product means you are getting the highest quality products.
Finally, be sure to look for full-spectrum CBD products. Although CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD offer all the goodness of CBD oil, only full-spectrum CBD gives you the “entourage effect” boost of all the cannabinoids working together. A certified full-spectrum CBD capsule, CBD pill or CBD tincture may give you the best effectiveness of all.
Should I Talk to My Doctor About CBD?
As with every new supplement regime, you should talk to your doctor abut your goals and any medication interactions you may face. After working with your primary care physician, you can determine if CBD is the right addition for you.
Once you understand all the hype behind CBD and why it’s gotten so much attention, you can make an educated decision about how to incorporate it into your life. With all the science suggesting multiple benefits, there’s no better time to consider adding CBD pills, CBD capsules or a CBD tincture into your everyday routine.
