N O V E M B E R
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DEPARTMENTS
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Letter from the Editor What’s new in CBD? Going Green — Personal Tales of CBD Success
BUSINESS
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GW vs FDA What CBD Product is right for your store? Bluebird Botanicals
Olga Skuratovich applies Cannabis industry tactics to CBD production
FEATURES
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Cali says no to CBD
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CBD in your coffee cup? Maybe...
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5 reasons you should be taking CBD daily
CBD may help reduce instances of relapse CBD use in beauty products pushes for mainstream
CBD and Pets CBD Curbs Nicotine Cravings CBD Business Wellicy Inc.
CBD Magazine is the only CBD focused magazine with US distribution of 25,000 where CBD professionals find the latest news, products and trends.
EDITORIAL Publisher Matt Schramel content@vapemz.com 800-958-6427 x2 Editor in Chief Corey Noles Managing Editor Chris Mellides Art Director Van Avazando Graphic Designer Anil Verma Director of Sales Jacob Barger
Letter from the Editor Dear readers, I’m beyond excited to finally introduce you to the inaugural issue of CBD Magazine! This project has been an ongoing labor of love for the past 8 months, so we’re excited to finally get it to the people. For those of you who don’t know us, we also publish VAPE News Magazine, Vape News Wholesaler and VAPENews.com. We’ve been working together for almost 7 years and have a combined 85 years of publishing experience between our management. We look forward to bringing the same quality of publishing that we have been proud of in recent years. The magazine will be published bi-monthly and be geared toward both business owners and consumers. We will strive to keep you abreast of regulatory news as well as product reviews, event coverage, new science as it becomes available and new products. CBD Magazine offers several recurring features such as Going Green — Personal Tales of CBD Success; our vendor spotlight where we toss five questions to industry movers and shakers; and our What’s New section that will showcase a number of new CBD products and accessories. Please also check us out online at CBDMagazine.com. Our staff of web writers will be covering the big news of the day as it happens online. Make sure to subscribe to our email newsletters as well so you can be alerted as the news happens. Here’s to the future of CBD! Thanks for reading, Corey Noles Editor in Chief
Director of Marketing Dennis Robinson Social Media Manager Angela Garrity Director of Photography Ezra Zuniga Webmaster Axel Gillespie Contributors Angela Garrity, John Castle, Chris Mellides, Tony Ottomanelli ADMINISTRATIVE Chief Executive Officer Matt Schramel Executive Assistant Erin Aly ADVERTISING Jacob Barger, jacob@vapemz.com 949-910-2138 Zach Barger, zach@vapemz.com 619-993-6087 China-based advertisers contact Wingle Group Electronics LTD +852 51759256 dev@winglegroup.com CONTACT Advertising sales@vapemz.com News news@vapemz.com New Products newproducts@vapemz.com Employment jobs@vapemz.com CBD Magazine is wholly owned by Starpixel Marketing LLC 6209 Mid Rivers Mall Dr,Suite 194 Saint Peters, MO 63304 info@vapemz.com 800-958-6427
DEPARTMENTS
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FEATURES
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CALI SAYS NO TO HEMP CBD
BY TONY OTTOMANELLI II
As of recent, California seems to be complicating some areas surrounding the legal status of several consumer products. Besides attempting to ban e-liquid flavors, with the exception of tobacco flavors, the prohibition of plastic straws has also recently been targeted by the state of California. To complicate matters further, California has created major barriers for the industrial hemp industry, especially CBD brands. Products with Cannabidiol are already widespread in the state of California. After California first announced their position on CBD products made from industrial hemp, even the
the most accurate online sources could barely make sense of the stance taken by the California Department Of Public Health, Food and Drug Branch (CDPH-FDB). Highly respected attorneys of the cannabis law sector have basically communicated their own legal interpretations of this situation by stating that “it is not necessarily clear how the CDPH-FDB plans to regulate CBD products.� Either way, one thing is absolutely clear, industry professionals and consumers are not too thrilled about this developing story.
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THE STATE’S PERSPECTIVE
WHY SUDDEN HEMP RESTRICTIONS NOW?
Even though California has legalized the manufacturing, sales and consumption of cannabis products, yet the use of industrial hemp as the source of CBD to be added to food or dietary products is prohibited. Therefore, CBD products associated with the legalized marijuana industry are regulated under the CDPH Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch (MCSB) and thus dietary supplements or food products made from industrial hemp are not acceptable for regulatory consideration by MCSB.
While CBD products have been considered disruptive to the American economic landscape, in California, these products are being strategically targeted and deliberately placed on a scapegoat pedestal.
The California Department Of Public Health website states, “CBD or CBD oil derived from industrial hemp is NOT approved for human and animal consumption by the FDA as food and therefore cannot be used as food ingredient, food additive, or dietary supplement.” Therefore, given this particular explanation, in order to justify their opposition on the rise of hemp cannabidiol products, it seems that the state of California is firmly standing by the Schedule 1 narcotic classification of non-psychoactive CBD determined by the U.S. Federal Government. This is a very controversial issue, since states have been given the authority to determine how they will approach the regulation of industrial hemp based CBD products. Not to mention, these products have already been over-analyzed so many times, ultimately overcoming a confusing and unidentifiable legal standing as well as a misunderstood connotation in several states already. Furthermore, the CBD Industry has been taking American consumers into a whole new world of natural wellness. However, this also means that CBD has been a major economic disruptor. Overall, when it comes to the particulars in matters of legality surrounding CBD, there is not just one simple answer, there are various interpretations state-to-state and this has created a situation where the industry professionals, consumers and advocates have all essentially become in-depth researchers as if they were studying for the bar exam — understandably so. Even for a number of law firms and practicing attorneys, providing the proper legislative explanation, clearly and concise, is not at all a task that is easy to do. For anyone, it is never a perfectly interpreted explanation of the legal status surrounding CBD whether the products come from industrial hemp or medical/recreational marijuana. It varies state-to-state. It is important to remember how CBD can indeed be derived from the marijuana plant, however the nationwide CBD industry uses industrial hemp plants to extract Cannabidiol — in which the hemp plants must contain a low THC level less than 0.3% according to the The Federal Agricultural Act of 2014, also known as the Farm Bill. It is also crucial to understand how there are vast differences between the hemp and marijuana plants — they are, by no means, one in the same.
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Taking this into account, this same pedestal has another scapegoat already with its very own special reservation carved out by the California Department of Public Health. This scapegoat is, of course, the entire vaping culture for tobacco harm reduction, the technological movement that once dominated the Golden State, marking Cali as the vape capital of America. Yet, the glitz and glamour that California brought to the vaping lifestyle created far too much attention too soon, overwhelming local communities unprepared for this innovative technology. So, the anti-vape establishment has been united by tobacco control groups and public health groups sharing in much financial support along with a common goal, to seek and destroy anything that may be assisting the preservation of vape shops, including the CBD brands that help these shops sell more product. Basically, is industrial hemp CBD being targeted because of its association and link to the vape community? A number of manufacturers of nicotine-based e-liquid brands have also launched CBD products under their company’s umbrella — CBD products derived from hemp. Not to mention, there are countless retailers selling these industrial hemp CBD products, in which most cases these retailers are vape shops. California already has launched a major offensive battlefront on the vapor industry, it would certainly make sense that the relationship between vaping and hemp CBD may prove to be an easy target for the antivape establishment. It is always a possibility that the CBD connection to the vape industry has been directly exploited for political purposes. Then again, California has been said to be the fifth largest economy in the world, which is rather impressive. Although, this could also be threatening to American solidarity. When growing up in America, California used to be a shining beacon for freedom of choice, a capable democracy and a true example of liberty. Now, it is banning anything that might be disruptive to the state’s financial interests and limiting innovation only in select areas of commerce. Plain and simple, the California public health department is not getting a substantial cut of the profits. Since everyone wants a piece of the action whether that be ambitious entrepreneurs or established industry professionals — now the state wants a piece of the pie.
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Written by Tony Ottomanelli II
FR F I OM E L U SC H E D
By TONY OTTOMANELLI Just a few short months after the US Food & Drug Administration approved Epidiolex — the first government approved CBD medication — the Drug Enforcement Administration has carved a razor thin path to remove just that drug from the Schedule I list. On Monday, June 25, 2018, the FDA caused some massive disruption in the unregulated hemp-based CBD industry with their approval of Epidiolex. The new Epidiolex medication launched by GW Pharmaceuticals, is essentially a strawberry flavored CBD tincture made for oral ingestion and it’s extracted from marijuana-based cannabis, rather than hemp-based cannabis. The recent DEA order shifted ONLY FDA approved drugs containing CBD derived from cannabis and no more than 0.1 percent THC to the Schedule V list. Schedule V drugs are believed to contain minimal amounts of addictive substances. Some examples of other drugs on that list are cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine or per 100 milliliters (Robitussin AC), Lomotil, Motofen, Lyrica, Parepectolin. The order states that because raw cannabis is required for Epidiolex production and cannabis remains a Schedule I drug, DEA can continue to closely monitor its production. Under the provision, it is important to clarify, any CBD product which is not an FDA approved extract remains a Schedule I controlled substance.
MORE ON EPIDIOLEX Back to the matter at hand, Tim Gordon, president of CBD manufacturer Functional Remedies, explains the distinct differences of the newly approved medication Epidiolex, as opposed to the many retail products containing CBD. According to Gordon, “the majority of CBD extractors use whole-plant infusion and CBD isolate techniques to make their products, while Epidiolex is made by refining the marijuana concentrate down to a single molecule, which is then removed of all THC before becoming the base for the medication.”
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Gordon also believes, unlike many others from within the industry, there’s more than enough room for the hempbased CBD industry to maintain its rapid growth. The FDA approval for Epidiolex is technically limited to patients with Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, two rare forms of epilepsy for which there are barely any treatments. Yet, doctors will have the option to prescribe Epidiolex for other uses as well. In regards to this, the new pharmaceutical enters an increasingly complicated legal environment for marijuana. All in all, GW Pharmaceuticals will manufacture Epidiolex in the United Kingdom straight from cannabis plants — specially grown as a strain of marijuana with high levels of CBD. The pharmaceutical company plans to continue importing the drug, avoiding demanding and exhaustive U.S. regulations on manufacturing substances that are federally restricted.
FDA’S COMMENTS FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb mentions in a press release that Epidiolex approval “is not an approval of marijuana or all of its components.” It was very obvious the FDA wanted to make this point abundantly clear. Basically, the FDA definitely felt the need to reiterate their strong position about how they viewed unregulated CBD products. The statement they shared in a press release the day they approved Epidiolex was immediately interpreted by countless CBD industry professionals as slightly threatening. Of course, in classic FDA fashion, the statement was extremely well-written with strong language containing a number of action verbs. In essence, their language seemed much less vague when compared to other issues. It seems they want the public to be made well-aware that the current hemp-derived CBD Industry which has been built to be interlinked between several industries that already bother the FDA or some they already heavily regulate — such as, wellness, vaping, marijuana and even the food and beverage industry. Below is just a minor portion of the lengthy statement: GW Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing novel therapeutics from its proprietary cannabinoid product platform, along with its U.S. subsidiary Greenwich Biosciences (www.gwpharm.com). Tony Ottomanelli is a regular contributor to CBD Magazine, VAPE News Magazine and Vape News Wholesaler.
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FEATURES
CBD SHOWS POTENTIAL FOR RELAPSE PREVENTION AND SEIZURE MANAGEMENT
By JOHN CASTLE A study conducted by the Scripps Research Institute found that the use of Cannabidiol (CBD) could be the answer for preventing addiction relapse for those suffering from addiction to alcohol, cocaine, or other drugs. The study, the findings of which have been published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, used addicted rats to test the effects of CBD on the occurrence of relapse behavior. The study found that rats treated with CBD were not only less likely to relapse while on the seven day transdermal CBD treatment, they remained less prone to relapse five months after such treatment, with no CBD remaining in their systems. In the words of the study’s findings: “CBD attenuated context-induced and stress-induced drug seeking without tolerance, sedative effects, or interference with normal motivated behavior. Following treatment termination, reinstatement remained attenuated up to ≈5 months although plasma and brain CBD levels remained detectable only for 3 days.”
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The research study’s team leader, Friedbert Weiss, also stated the following in a press release announcing the study’s findings: “Drug addicts enter relapse vulnerability states for multiple reasons. Therefore, effects such as these observed with CBD that concurrently ameliorate several of these are likely to be more effective in preventing relapse than treatments targeting only a single state.” In layman’s terms: There are multiple factors involved in whether or not an addict will relapse into active addiction. CBD offers a full-spectrum treatment which addresses most or all of these factors, rather than just one, and that’s why it’s more effective at preventing relapse. CBD also, “reduced experimental anxiety and prevented the development of high impulsivity in rats with an alcohol dependence history.” Additional preclinical studies suggest that CBD acts through via the neurotransmitter serotonin to reduce or eliminate the neurochemical triggers which cause cravings, and it’s via this mechanism that CBD can reduce or potentially even eliminate the odds of addiction relapse. Additional research has determined, and an FDA advisory committee has unanimously agreed, that CBD is measurably effective in the treatment of symptoms associated with Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, severe forms of epilepsy which primarily affect young children. Published in the New England Journal Of Medicine, the findings of a double-blind placebo-control study demonstrated CBD’s potential to manage seizure frequency and severity. According to Principal Investigator Orrin Devinsky, director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at New York University Langone Medical Center: “This study clearly establishes cannabidiol as an effective anti-seizure drug for this disorder (Draven Syndrome) and this age group. It certainly deserves to be studied in other types of epilepsy.”
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A total of 120 children and teenagers with Dravet Syndrome were part of the study. Dravet Syndrome’s symptomatic seizures are not only drug resistant but so prolonged and so frequent that they often appear to be continuous. The participants were divided into a test group, which received the test drug Epidiolex, and a control group which received a medically inactive compound. Over the course of fourteen weeks, the test participants receiving Epidiolex saw a reduction in the median frequency of seizure events from 12.4 per month down to 5.9 per month. The control group, meanwhile, saw a reduction in the median number of seizure events from 14.9 to 14.1. These new findings are consistent with the findings of previous, less rigorous trials. These studies were undertaken because, in the findings’ words, “interest in cannabidiol for the treatment of epilepsy was generated by media reports of efficacy in children with Dravet syndrome” perhaps largely due in part to media coverage of now ten year old Charlotte Figi of of Colorado, who was reported to suffer “hundreds of seizures a month” by age 3. It was then that her parents began administering CBD in an effort to treat their daughter’s condition with a specially formulated CBD oil now referred to in the child’s honor as “Charlotte’s Web.” According to Devinsky, the anecdotal evidence of CBD’s effectiveness goes back far longer than the Figi family, as important as the spotlight on the therapeutic use of CBD as their case has been. Other sources of evidence have included anecdotes from the late 19th century about the effectiveness of Indian Hemp, and further still, 3,800 year old Sumerian tablets which bear similar evidence. Devinsky adds: “That (the Figi family’s story)’s certainly one of the motivations for this research… The parents added fuel to the fire, but… anecdotal evidence was there for millennia.” With its effectiveness in treating such devastating neurological disorders as severe epilepsy and addiction, CBD is rapidly on its way to recognition as not only a less harmful but more powerful alternative to opioids and synthetic medications. John Castle is a staff writer for CBD Magazine, VAPE News Magazine, VAPE News Wholesaler and VAPENews.com.
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FEATURES
CBD COSMETICS BEAUTY IN STIGMA 28
By ANGELA GARRITY
Cannabidiol (CBD) is for more than just anxiety and pain relief. The so-called miracle compound is now being integrated into a lot of body essentials as a bid to make it a daily part of our lives. The past year has been great for oils, vape liquids, and edibles, but this year, cosmetics and skincare products derived from the compound are expected to help the market grow bigger.
With media coverage in big names such as The New York Times, Vogue, Forbes, Allure and The New Yorker, Lord Jones is turning heads and gaining a lot of attention. The skincare mogul is slaying the red carpet with its high CBD pain & wellness formula body lotion. The moisturizing lotion is formulated for sore muscles, joint pain and skin conditions making it ideal for long nights in high heels to hiding eczema. The anti-aging market is estimated to be worth USD $191.7 Billion globally by 2019, according to Transparency Market Research. Cosmetics and skincare products derived from CBD are expected to push market growth this year. CBD based cosmetics are known to have both anti-aging and antiinflammatory properties. Studies have shown that that the cannabinoids are proven helpful for treating ailments such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. When applied topically to the skin, CBD stimulates activity. This encourages the skin’s own responses of repair and rejuvenation.
“LASHES SO REAL, THEY LOOK FAKE”
Kush from Milk Makeup Nicholas Garrity photo
Milk Makeup released their Kush mascara ironically on 4/20/18. The high-volume mascara has been listed as a best seller with great reviews on their site since its release. The CBD-rich cannabis oil fuses heart shaped fibers to lashes for thickness and fills hollow fibers for a double dose of volume. Kush is also vegan, talc-free and cruelty free. The Body Shop has an entire body care collection devoted to the green, simply known as “Hemp.” Body butter, hand, face and foot protectors, lip balm and body mitts can all be found available by the retail mogul. The Body Shop has pioneered hemp as a lead ingredient in their products since 1992. Their crops and supplier’s location and identity are kept confidential; however, their hemp plants are nurtured carefully in France.
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“CAN YOUR HAIR DO THIS?”
Hair + Scalp Tonic from Fig + Yarrow Nicholas Garrity photo
A known anti-inflammatory with antiaging properties, cannabis might surprise some with it’s skin healing benefits. Hemp seed oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which provide moisture and protection from the sun’s damaging rays. Hemp oil is another option. As a nutrient rich moisturizer that hydrates all skin types, hemp oil brings benefits to hair, skin and nails. This is different than other plant-based oils, as hemp seed oil benefits all these areas of the body at once, using only one ingredient. Hemp oil has a high amount of omega-3, -6, and -9s, which are essential to treating rough spots on elbows, feet, knees, hands—and even hair. Say “so long” to split ends. CBD found in beauty and wellness products isn’t just for ladies. CBD is quite popular in the Drag community, as well. Estelle Shambles is a renowned artist and performer in the Chicago area who knows that CBD in cosmetics is more than just a “girl’s” best friend. Shambles feels that the concept of CBD is one of her favorite trends in the beauty industry, but is relatively a new concept to the public. The drag community has had this best kept beauty secret for years. Shambles has used CBD
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for both skin/paint improvements as well as her general well-being. Her favorite CBD product is the CBD Face Cream from CBD For Life. She credits the product for glowing skin and a glowing mind. As one who deals with crippling anxiety, Shambles credits CBD for making her feel fabulous even when she’s feeling her worst. She finds CBD makeup and skincare products to be a two for one solution for her performances. Shambles doesn’t feel like CBD cosmetics are a kept beauty secret solely within the Drag community. It’s just taken a bit for the beauty trend to go more mainstream with both men and women. CBD science within the cosmetic and beauty industry is breaking barriers with its trends, uses and treatments to alleviate suffering. It is quickly drawing the attention of scientists, plant-medicine lovers, dietary-supplement companies, venture capitalists, athletes and beauty queens. Raphael Mechoulam, PhD, an Israeli organic chemist who pioneered groundbreaking cannabis research in the 1960s to help combat 20thcentury stigmas against its use. The politics of the little green plant might be complex, but the multitude of usage is simple.
FEATURES
THE ROAST WITH THE MOST CBD COFFEE By JOHN CASTLE
While marijuana may or may not be legal where you are — and even where it’s legal, may be used for medical purposes, recreational purposes, or both. What this means for CBD consumers is that the array of available CBD products is already coming into full bloom. One of the first uses of CBD oil to appear is also one of the most satisfying for many consumers: CBD infused coffee. But before you pour that first cup, there are some things you might like to know.
WHO IT’S FOR & WHO IT’S NOT CBD has been shown to have myriad positive benefits for consumers, from anxiety management to pain management to use as a natural sleep aid. But its
utility goes beyond that, to managing the frequency and severity of seizures and other serious neurological symptoms. How does this affect those who choose to consume CBD-infused coffee? Well, according to Bonni Goldstein, M.D., a California-based specialist in cannabinoid therapy: “Those who want to use CBD for serious medical conditions, such as seizure disorders or inflammation from autoimmune disorders, should not take CBD in this manner, as accurate CBD dosing is extremely important for efficacy in these types of illnesses. For a healthy person who wants to take CBD as a nutritional bonus or supplement, dosing issues are not as important.”
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Additionally, the temperature at which CBD is administered could also affect the efficacy of the compound. A study published in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine found that the temperature of cannabis-infused tea can affect the uptake of the compound for the consumer. According to Goldstein, the results of this study, “(means that) the milligram amount of CBD someone might require for his or her condition will not be consistent when delivered in a heated drink.”
WHO’S PRODUCING IT? There is already a small army of brands producing CBDinfused coffee, and it’s no stretch to predict that army of brands will only continue to expand as time goes by. Some of the most popular brands currently are:
Ultimately, this means that coffee may not be the most effective delivery method for CBD; however, as a delivery mechanism, coffee can still be very pleasant. Effects may vary from consumer to consumer, however; some maintain that the relaxation-inducing effects of CBD result in a “groggy” state because they nullify — or are nullified by — the stimulant effect of caffeine. Others report no such conflicts, instead reporting a more mellow caffeine lift without the jagged edge of caffeine jitters.
WHERE CAN I GET IT? As of 2018, the number of cafes where you can sit down to a table and order a cup of CBD coffee is exploding. Portland, Seattle, L.A., New York City, the New Hampshire seacoast, and many more cafes across the U.S. are now offering it as a menu option. You can also purchase it as ground coffee for your own home coffeemaker.
TIPS FOR HAPPY CAFFEINATING Remember that CBD-infused coffee isn’t intended to pull heavy duty for treating serious issues like seizures. With that in mind, don’t be afraid to start off easy with a low dosage per serving, and step it up from there until you find the dosage that’s both comfortable and effective for you. While it may be tempting to go for the highest dosage you can get, if you’re a coffee lover who goes through two or three cups before noon, that might not be the best way to approach the afternoon workload; according to Dr. Goldstein, a low dosage of CBD can have a mild stimulant effect and provide you with a calm focus that synergizes well with caffeine — a high dosage may have the opposite effect and leave you feeling sleepy and sluggish. Don’t hesitate to experiment until you find the dosage that works best for you.
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STRAVA COFFEE COMPANY Probably the leading brand of CBD-infused coffee in 2018, Strava offers an entire line of the beverage. Their “Peace and Wellness” line includes a decaffeinated option that still packs 60mg of CBD, while their other offerings load up with 30mg, 120mg, or 240mg of CBD.
GREEN ROADS Green Roads offers an African roast coffee infused with 10.5mg per serving of broad spectrum CBD
HELLION COLD BREW COFFEE Hellion produces a CBD-infused competitor for Starbuck’s bottled iced coffee packing 30mg of CBD in every 350ml bottle, and you can find it in select retail locations.
PINNACLE FULL SPECTRUM CBD COFFEE 160mg ground full spectrum CBD coffee.
John Castle is a staff writer for CBD Magazine, VAPE News Magazine, Vape News Wholesaler and VAPENews.com.
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FEATURES
FOCUS
It’s theorized that CBD increases calcium ion concentrations in the hippocampus, the part of the human brain involved in memory formation, amping up short term memory, which improves the user’s focus. In short, the user has fewer moments of self interruption where he or she stops, draws a blank, and wonders, “What was I doing?”
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The health and wellness benefits of CBD become increasingly clear with every new study, every new medical trial, and every anecdote. And while it has proven to be effective against some severe conditions such as epilepsy — causing even the FDA and DEA to accept the medication Epidiolex — there are plenty of reasons for every consumer to make CBD a part of their daily life. In fact, the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology has identified the following benefits, for everyone, of CBD:
ANTIEMETIC reduces nausea and vomiting ANTICONVULSANT suppresses seizure activity ANTIPSYCHOTIC combats psychosis ANTI-INFLAMMATORY decreases inflammation ANTIOXIDANT counteracts oxidative stress
CALM
Similarly, while CBD “revs up” the hippocampus, it is also thought to put the brakes the amygdala, the part of the human brain responsible for emotion. Under this effect, the user is not as quick as usual to change moods. Because focus is higher and the user’s emotional responses have been slowed, the user experiences an increased sense of calm.
ANTICARCINOGENIC mitigates cancer cell growth ANTIDEPRESSANT combats depression
BY JOHN CASTLE
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PAIN MANAGEMENT A study published as far back as 2012 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine carries an abstract which reads, in part:
“We report that systemic and intrathecal administration of cannabidiol (CBD), a major nonpsychoactive component of marijuana, and its modified derivatives significantly suppress chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain without causing apparent analgesic tolerance in rodents… Our findings suggest that the α3 GlyRs mediate glycinergic cannabinoid-induced suppression of chronic pain.” Put into easier to read language, CBD can suppress chronic pain — but without leading to tolerance in the way that opioids do, meaning that the consumer who uses CBD to manage chronic pain will never form an addiction to it, nor will the consumer have to “up the dosage” in order to continue to receive the benefits of CBD they need for pain management.
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INFLAMMATION MANAGEMENT While more human trials are never a bad thing, animal testing has also revealed that the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis may also be suppressed by the use of CBD. The European Journal of Pain published the results of a 2016 study in which rats with arthritis were administered CBD transdermally at dosages of 0.6, 3.1, 6.2 or 62.3 mg per day for four days. This resulted in fewer observable pain responses in the test animals and reduced inflammation biomarkers in tissue samples. What this means for you, the human consumer, is that research backs up what other users have reported — reduced inflammation and pain while using CBD.
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SLEEP QUALITY Although CBD at low dosages is reported to have a mild stimulant effect similar to that of caffeine, users have also reported that a dose of CBD oil just before bed can alleviate the symptoms of insomnia and other sleep disorders, providing a deep, restful sleep. If one were to theorize about the apparently contrary nature of these reports, one might need look no further than the other four reasons for taking CBD daily: With pain managed, stress reduced, and emotions calmed, there are fewer unpleasant stimuli “getting in the way” of a good night’s sleep. While each of those five reasons for adopting a daily regimen of CBD is persuasive on its own consumers suffering from each (or more than one) of those daily obstacles to health and wellness, the culmination of all five together makes for a solid and compelling case. As with any decision to make use of CBD products, however, it can’t be stated often enough: choose the type of CBD (isolate, broad spectrum, or full spectrum) that’s right for you, increase the dosage of your preferred CBD product until you find the dosage that fits your needs best, and ensure that the brand of CBD product you buy is laboratory certified for accuracy in labeling and purity in product.
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CBD MAY TREAT EPILEPSY IN PETS By JOHN CASTLE
The benefits of CBD for human consumers are rapidly gaining widespread knowledge and acceptance — for good reason. A human consumer can articulate just how cannabidiol improves their comfort and sense of wellness. But can it do the same for our pets? Initially, at least, the answer appears to be, “Yes, it can.” But researchers are aiming to reinforce anecdotal evidence with empirical evidence. CBS 4 in Denver has reported that Colorado veterinarians at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital are now conducting research to determine whether or not CBD could be an effective treatment for canine epilepsy. Dr. Stephanie McGrath, an assistant professor and veterinarian at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, a specialist in neurology and neurosurgery, is leading the second such study. The catalyst for this line of research came to McGrath after hearing of research into CBD as a treatment for pediatric epilepsy, saying, “Well, if it’s potentially working for pediatric epilepsy, why not try it for canine epilepsy?” The CBD product being tested is produced by Applied Basic Science, a Colorado CBD producer which offers the same product for public purchase as well as offering guidelines for the appropriate dosage for pets. Part of McGrath’s research involves finding the optimal dosage for CBD products in treating canine epilepsy. McGrath is now engaged in her second study on the subject, and has enrolled 60 dogs for participation. So far, positive findings are inconclusive, but she says, “We haven’t seen anything that’s been adversely affecting our dogs.” Currently, however, research of this kind remains scant — primarily due to the bureaucratic minefield that surrounds CBD itself. While cannabidiol is a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid found both in marijuana and in hemp, it has been mostly within the last year or so that Federal law, in the form of amendments to the 2018 Farm act, and various state pilot programs, have finally opened the door to substantive research in this area.
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OTHER STUDIES Cornell has also been conducting similar research, though their study focuses on canine osteoarthritis. By administering 2 mg/kg of CBD oil, daily, Cornell researchers observed a decrease in pain and concurrent increase in activity in dogs suffering from osteoarthritis. The methodology of the Cornell study is impressively solid. Per Veterinary News: “Investigators tested CBD oil’s pain management properties using a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study. Dogs received either CBD oil at 2 mg/kg every 12 hours or they received placebo oil, according to the abstract. Dogs were treated for four weeks with a two-week washout period. The dogs’ owners completed questionnaires and veterinarians conducted assessments—including physical exam, hematology and serum chemistry—before treatment and at weeks two and four. The Canine Brief Pain Inventory score and Hudson activity score (a visual analogue scale questionnaire used to assess pain and lameness in dogs) determine response to treatment. All variables were analyzed by a mixed model of variance. A p value of < 0.05 was determined significant.”
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in cats, and there are plans for additional studies on the efficacy of CBD oil in acute pain management, behavior management, feline pain and concurrent usage with chemotherapy in oncology patients—so stay tuned.” Cornell’s results, as well as those of the Colorado study, are extremely promising for pet owners whose furry friends suffer from a variety of neurological and nonneurological maladies, whether from heredity or from aging. There’s not much an owner would not do to improve and sustain the best quality of life for their pets. In fact, Cornell and Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital are only the first major academic bodies to launch investigations into the efficacy of CBD for treating pain and neurological disorders in pets. Again, however, it must be mentioned that this relatively late start for research into the benefits of CBD both for humans and for pets is the result of vague and sometimes contradictory bureaucratic stances on the subject.
Canine testing isn’t the end of Cornell’s plans for research, however:
If CBD proves to be a useful tool in furtherance of that goal — and such seems more and more likely to be the case — then veterinary medicine along with human medicine may be on the cusp of a genuine breakthrough that could transform not only non-human pain management but so many more veterinary medical applications, as well.
“According to Dr. Wakshlag, in addition to this study, his team is completing a pharmacokinetic and safety study
John Castle is a staff writer for CBD Magazine, VAPE News Magazine, Vape News Wholesaler and VAPENews.com.
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BUSINESS
CHOOSING THE RIGHT
CBD PRODUCTS
FOR YOUR STORE By JOHN CASTLE
In the grand scheme of things, CBD products are relatively new to the marketplace. As a result,, there are still plenty of consumers who are still new to CBD products. In this article, we’re writing to those individuals. First, we’ll take a look at the types of CBD products on the market, as well as describe how the CBD consumer can best ensure that he or she is getting the safest and most effective product for the money. You’ve likely heard these terms tossed around, but they are not interchangeable. There are basically three categories of CBD products, named in the heading above. Let’s take a moment to dive into each, briefly:
Isolate vs Broad Spectrum vs Full Spectrum 43
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Isolate CBD Isolate denotes CBD products which contain Cannabidiol only, meaning no (or only trace amounts of) other cannabinoids or terpenes are present in the product. As a purchaser, you can and should expect CBD Isolate product to come with a lab-verified purity rating, such as 99.9%+, or in some cases of lower purity of the isolate, 99.5% or lower. CBD Isolate products with a purity rating of 99.9%+ are recommended for those who may be subject to drug tests, or those who have a sensitivity to THC in any percentage. Even in CBD Isolate products with a lower rating of 99.5% or less, THC should appear only in trace quantities. Additionally, there exist CBD products described as â&#x20AC;&#x153;terpsolatesâ&#x20AC;?, which consist of CBD isolate which is then re-infused with additional terpenes. Depending on the terpenes used in the infusion process, these products may be more effective in general, or more effective for certain purposes (such as pain management, anxiety management, etc.) than CBD isolates alone.
Broad Spectrum Broad spectrum CBD products contain more cannabinoids and terpenes than isolate, but still exclude THC, so far as is possible. Unlike terpsolates, broad spectrum CBD products do not extract CBD as an isolate, then re-add terpenes; instead, broad spectrum CBD products extract and discard only the THC before resulting in a finished product.
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Full Spectrum Full spectrum CBD products extract all the cannabinoids and terpenes from the source material; this is often reported to produce more effective CBD products useful for a broad array of consumer purposes. However, the potential downside of full spectrum CBD is that the amounts of THC contained in these products have a greater likelihood (while still very slim) trigger positive results on drug tests. While THC amounts still test below 0.3%, it’s important to understand that quality full spectrum will still not make you feel “high.” Any product that creates such feeling may in itself not be safe for use and should certainly not be sold in your store. When choosing from these three types of CBD products, the consumer should understand these potential trade-offs before shopping. To recap them: CBD isolates are the “safest”, where drug testing is concerned, but may require a higher mg/ml level to be best effective for the consumer. “Terpsolates” may be more effective but more targeted to achieving specific effects for the user. Broad spectrum products may prove more effective in a broader array of applications. Finally, full spectrum products may prove to be the most effective for any and all applications, but present a slightly greater risk for consumers who may be drug tested and who then may have to explain the presence of a THC positive result. Make Sure You’re Getting The Best One of the best things you, the consumer, can do when shopping for any product, but particularly CBD products, is to ensure that the product you’re going to put into your body has been laboratory-tested for purity and for reassurance that the ingredients on the label are indeed what’s in the package. And as with any other products, don’t hesitate to get opinions from people you trust. To recap: Know what kind of CBD product you’re purchasing, and always check to be sure that it’s been lab-certified to contain what the label says it contains. John Castle is a staff writer for CBD Magazine, VAPE News Magazine, VAPE News Wholesaler and VAPENews.com.
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STANDING OUT IN A SATURATED MARKET BLUEBIRD BOTANICALS BY TONY OTTOMANELLI II
There are only a handful of million dollar Hemp-based CBD brands standing above the rest in this very young industry — and Bluebird Botanicals always seems to be the near top of the crop.
With Bluebird Botanicals facilities located in Louisville, Colorado, just outside Boulder, the company seen marked success on a worldwide scale. Former offices were located in Broomfield, Colorado.
Founded in 2012, becoming one of the first legitimate hemp-based CBD businesses in America, BB sold their first CBD product in 2013.
There are some key elements to this company that reveal just how dialed in Bluebird truly has grown to be.
Nevertheless, while most offices are filled with dead-eyed cogs in the machine, desperately attempting to appear busy while hardly working and counting the seconds until the clock strikes five — the complete opposite scene was the case at Bluebird. MICHAEL HARINEN, Chief Brand Officer, said the operation that now has a facility big enough for three semi trucks all began in his basement.
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Bluebird is comprised of a special group of people. The company has always had a keen eye for innovation — even in terms of accepting payment.They currently accept more than 70 difference Cryptocurrencies. Bluebird Botanicals is ranked #4 in Sales in the Hempbased CBD industry. Countless sources of information, whether digital or print, always reference Bluebird as one of the top companies to buy CBD products from.
“You don’t have to make Lambo money, just give back to your customers, give back to the world,” Harinen said. “If you are making the world a better place, you’re making yourself a better person. The feelings that you get from putting your heart out there and helping the world become better, is way more rewarding than any high you’re ever going to buy.”
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PRODUCTS Bluebird Botanicals products begin their process at one of four Certified Colorado Hemp Farms, with which they work closely. For all products, Bluebird uses CO2 or ethanol for extraction methods. Bluebird has a variety of hemp product options to choose from, including concentrated extracts, regular extracts, capsules, isolates and pet products. If you’re seeking out some apparel made of hemp, Bluebird even has an option for that. The company offers a 365-day guarantee on all products. They even have a set up where you can mix your own vape flavors with Bluebird’s CBD vape juice. “We tell our customers the truth, which is that everyone is different,” Harinen said. “Everyone responds differently.” Their site clarifies encourages doing your own research and experimentation with hemp products in order to find what feels best for you.
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“The only specific instructions our customer service provides consists of, starting off with a small amount of CBD and then listening to your body. It’s all about empowering people to educate themselves. Altogether, we try to be a living example and set a standard for the industry,” he said.
QUALITY CONTROL The system for quality control developed by Bluebird is what sets them apart from competition while also a model for becoming the industry standard with a transparent Batch Database. Bluebird assures their customers that all ingestible and vape products are analyzed by third party laboratories for: cannabinoid potency, heavy metals, pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, microbial content, and mycotoxins/mold. “All of our products also meet California’s prop 65 requirements, the standards of which are typically the strictest in the nation,” Harinen said. Their batch database is different because all the raw testing data related to each manufactured batch is published online for all to see. Many companies only provide an in-house pass/fail sheet. However, in the spirit of going above and beyond, Bluebird implements a cutting edge batch database to provide customers with the extra comfort and transparency. The instructions to check the quality of your Bluebird hemp product are user-friendly, check the product’s batch number, go to the webpage for that product, click the test results tab, click your batch number and it’s that simple.
PROGRAMS Bluebird Botanicals offers assistance programs to serve individuals that might otherwise find it difficult to purchase their products. For instance, Bluebird Botanicals identifies three distinct groups as being eligible to receive a discount on full-price retail orders. The groups fall under these 3 categories: long-term disability, low income or veteran.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS The company recently acquired its GNP Certification with hopes of bringing back their line of CBD topical products. Many popular mainstream retailers, like Whole Foods, will only accept GNP certified products to sell in their stores. In 2015, Bluebird had sales of $3.75 million, which jumped to $4.9 million in 2016. Founder and CEO Brandon Beatty confirms the company had sales of $6.5 million in sales for 2017 — altogether a 32% increase. Though it is only half way through the fiscal year of 2018, a number of substantial additions to their business model are already being put into action, so they expect another increase for the current year. Bluebird Botanicals Won the #1 Hemp CBD Company of the Year at the 2016 Cannabist Awards. The 2nd annual Cannabist Awards were presented November
16th, 2016 at the Marijuana Business Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, honoring the most progressive and brightest names in the cannabis industries.
THE BIG PICTURE Bluebird Botanicals is directly involved with manufacturing, distributing and retailing of hemp-based products. The company handles nearly the entire process itself, with the exception of cultivation and extraction. Even though they are not an entirely exclusive vertically integrated business, they are actively engaged in every aspect of the seed-to-sale process. Just seven months ago, this company had 15 employees, they have since hired an additional 17 staff members. Many of these new-hires have been instrumental for an expansion to their customer service platform. Standing above the rest is difficult in this very young industry. However, from creating an industry standard quality control system, implementing special discount programs for those in need and simultaneously manufacturing a highly effective product, Bluebird Botanicals has cemented itself as among those at the top of the CBD industry. Tony Ottomanelli is a regular contributor to CBD Magazine and VAPE News Magazine.
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Study: CBD Curbs
Nicotine Cravings By JOHN CASTLE
PsyPost reports that CBD “reduces attentional bias to cigarette cues” in regular cigarette smokers. In other words, cannabidiol use limits the tendency of smokers to reflexively light up for a dose of nicotine in response to seeing someone else smoking. The study was published in the journal Addiction and focuses on the mechanism by which CBD reduces the nicotine cravings of smokers in nicotine withdrawal. Vape News has covered previous studies in which vaping had a similar effect on other forms of addiction withdrawal symptoms, which suggests a link between nicotine and cannabidiol in withdrawal management. According to study author Chandni Hindocha, a doctoral student at the Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit of University College London: “Cannabis, and the brain system which it acts upon, the endocannabinoid system, is highly
associated with tobacco use, but I wanted to investigate if a component of cannabis, cannabidiol, a nonintoxicating cannabinoid could be used in a positive way, to treat withdrawal. The second reason was that there was another study in 2013 that showed that a week of CBD inhaler vs placebo reduced cigarette smoking in the following week by 40%. This was such a large effect, but there was no mechanism investigated. I thought that the mechanism might be through a modulation of the salience (or attentional grabbing) properties of drug cues; as we have seen this also before,” Hindocha said. “In other words, cannabis users with high CBD in their cannabis showed a lower bias to cannabis cues.” The study split 30 smokers into two groups, who were then tested while allowed to smoke, then twice more after abstaining overnight. The test group was provided with 800mg of CBD,
while the control group was given a placebo. Each group’s participants were shown tobacco-related images. The control group was attentionally biased — meaning, fixated on — the tobacco-related images. The control group was not. Regarding the findings, Hindocha said: “Cannabidiol can reduce some aspects of nicotine withdrawal in dependent cigarette smokers, which include the attentional bias to and liking of drug cues, but did not affect craving withdrawal, cognition or impulsivity associated with withdrawal. This is likely because we gave people a single dose of the drug.” John Castle is a contributing writer and news contributor for VAPE News Magazine. Contact him at johncastle@ vapemz.com.
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BUSINESS
Skuratovich APPLIES CANNABIS INDUSTRY TACTICS TO CBD PRODUCTION
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BY TONY OTTOMANELLI II TOTTS608@GMAIL.COM
t seems outdated to think that “Women in the Workplace” may still be considered controversial. More often than not, females are sidelining any naysayers by becoming founders of modern organizations, serving as the brains behind the entire business’s operations — and the businesses with female leaders have revealed a higher rate of effectiveness in the overall decisionmaking process. Most recently, the Cannabis and Hemp industrial revolution has seen a huge surge of female leaders and visionaries.
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Olga Skuratovich is a perfect representation of the modern emerging female industry leader. As a previous owner of Metro Cannabis, Olga Skuratovich was practically one of the very first in the state of Colorado to capitalize on the medical marijuana movement from the establishment of one of the very first dispensaries in Colorado. Now, Skuratovich is the founder and owner for the JustHempCo. brand. “Well, I was the founder and owner of Metro Cannabis from 2008 until 2014,” she said. “I began the business as a medical marijuana dispensary and was one of the
first in Denver to add a recreational marijuana license as soon as it was approved by the State of Colorado.” Innovation has long been the primary feature of capitalist societies that has driven in new eras of social change, with so much technological advancement ushering in entirely new professions for the working class to excel at. “It was the medicinal aspect of marijuana, the strong emerging medical research, and the challenge of a new business frontier, that drew me into the business,” Skuratovich said.
limited, as it was prior to the Industrial Hemp Farm Bill of 2014, which allowed for the mass growing, refining, researching, and selling of industrial hemp and hemp products. “Since the average cannabis plant naturally carries from 1% to 5% cannabidiol (CBD) and industrial hemp contains as much as 40% CBD, the options not only became more varied, but more affordable as well,” Skuratovich said. “This too, fueled my love and research of how to grow and package hemp oil CBD for the purest and most potent effect.”
Initially, Metro Cannabis served medical patients, and later a diverse range of recreational buyers. “We provided a variety of cannabis and cannabis products (edibles, drinks, and oils), as well as smoking glass and vaping products,” she said. “Initial buyers wanted high THC cannabis and cannabis products.” With this newly legalized industry on the marketplace, a high demand for products also means a high demand for the proper research, education and medical studies. Coincidentally, from the documented medical value of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid compound strictly known as CBD. “Our demand for high-CBD products grew exponentially,” Skuratovich said. “My dispensary developed a loyal following of buyers looking for high-CBD oils and Hemp oil-rich products, for their health and wellness needs.” Sales for low-THC/high-CBD products are predicted to be more than $4 billion by 2021. “I love the fact that JustHempCo, can reach and serve so many people, easily, affordably, and online,” she said. “There’s no license needed. It is not addicting, and, because there are no psychoactive side-effects, does not affect the users’ ability to work, drive and live his or her best life.” Early on in the cannabis industry, low THC oil options were rather
She serves as the co-founder and co-owner of JustHempCo. LLC along with business partner, Vlad Pollack. She feels her history in the MMJ industry provide her with a wellrounded perspective of just how to build and sustain a CBD hemp oil organization.
The brand she has helped developed has grown into a business that is no ordinary operation, going above and beyond what is expected by studying qualitative and quantitative consumer research and market research. “CBD is thriving, it is global,” she said. “We recently expanded into the International Marketplace where we are now serving some European countries and fielding inquiries from China, Puerto Rico, Italy, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Russia.” It became so clear that whatever brand you are developing can only expand if the business owner is willing to expand their own understanding of how their particular industry operates, including what it is the consumer is seeking. “The single most exciting trend we see, is that minds are opening and more people are addressing their specific health care needs with natural, organic hemp CBD,” she said. “From the smallest of children with health issues, to aging seniors, from those who would embrace cannabis with THC, to those who would have never, ever even considered it.” She is passionate about what the CBD Industry can provide for anyone in need of therapeutic relief.
The JustHempCo. full spectrum vape or tincture as well as 99.9% pure isolate powder. They’ve found that those dealing with addiction, PTSD, acute tremors, or chronic pain, often prefer the isolate.
All the JustHempCo CBD products are made from only the finest Organic Hemp grown in Colorado and presented to consumers in a variety of CBD products. JustHempCo. has been featured on Newsweek, FOX NEWS, The Wall Street Journal, CBS, Men’s Health, CNN, National Geographic, and NBC.
“It seems that for others, what works best is combining two types of CBD to get the desired results,” Skuratovich said. “For instance, we found that those who consume tincture or gel caps daily, maintain a higher level of CBD in their bodies, so the vaping works even better. We actually recommend to new users that they try a couple different forms of CBD, to find the best product and application method for them.”
Amidst all the conroversary and attempted regulations, whether it be vape products or hemp products, one thing becomes quite clear -- when you are dealing with determined visionaries, you can not stop progress.
Skuratovich also holds several patents on CBD infused beverages in which the growth of such products have been on the rise much like Skuratovich and her career.
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CBD Business Wellicy Inc. launching products,
showing steady
growth BY TONY OTTOMANELLI II TOTTS608@GMAIL.COM
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T
he CBD industry is full of ambitious entrepreneurs, experienced professionals and even established businesses who are seeking exciting opportunities and branching out into a new horizon. One of those businesses that is paving the way for instituting the proper industrial standards with experienced business people consists of an online retail venture which has also become known for their work in the manufacturing/ distribution of specific CBD products. This expanding enterprise is called “Wellicy, Inc.”
Wellicy, Inc., through their creativity, consistency and commitment, has become one of the more prominent webbased ecommerce sites for CBD users. Wellicy originated with roots in the vape industry and has quickly began retail and distribution of some of the top CBD brands.
In the U.S. and globally, there are only a handful of million-dollar CBD brands at the moment. Wellicy, Inc. carries nearly all of them in their ecommerce retail shop. Therefore, top quality is one of the most crucially important aspects to their business model. It’s all about consumer satisfaction, Wellicy strives to offer a guaranteed experience of the therapeutic relief created by products infused with Cannabidiol. For vape juice, the brands carried by Wellicy.com are among some of the most well-known and sought after — CBDfx, Koi CBD and Freshleaf CBD — just to name a few. As a Colorado-based business, Wellicy, Inc. has even begun carrying brands that originated in the Marijuana industry, like Dixie Botanicals. The site carries everything from edibles, tinctures and topicals, CBD crystals, capsules, oral sprays, and even products for pets.
Plans are to offer the line in grape, apple, strawberry and blueberry flavors with a flavorless CBD additive.It will be available in 250mg, 500mg and 1,000mg. “One of our top priorities, one of many, is to develop a series of quality CBD options for consumers to have a variety of choices,” Coleman said.“In other words, we want to be able to have every possible CBD-based product available through our retail web store offered by the Wellicy brand.”
CBD Brand Launch Thoughts on the Industry Wellicy is involved in multiple sectors of the CBD Industry. In addition to being an online retailer and distributor, the company is also involved with manufacturing their own Wellicy Hemp Oil.
Coleman said he has found the CBD industry to be both fun and rewarding. “There are so many people out there suffering — We care about these consumers feeling better,” he said.“Whether feeling relief from the symptoms causing directly by symptoms of diabetes, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, insomnia, anxiety, pain, etc. If we can help, then we’ve done our job.”
“We currently just released our brand name product line of He went on to say that one of his tinctures,” said CEO goal’s is to help legitimize CBD as a modern alternative therapy. Eden Coleman. “The truth is, CBD speaks for itself — CBD works, and it works well. It’s “As of right now, we actually a very impressive therapeutic are also preparing to option for countless people.” release flavored CBD CBD NEWS AND PRODUCTS vape juices.” VAPENEWS.COM/CBD SEE OUR FULL COVERAGE REPORT ON
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DEPARTMENTS
GOING GREEN
— PERSONAL TALES OF CBD SUCCESS When I was 16, I was diagnosed with Behcet’s’, an autoimmune disease known for its mimicking capabilities. I never thought that one day I would be another statistic. Another statistic to our failing pharmaceuticals. We all take a cocktail of drugs, that help make day to day life more beautiful. ibuprofen for your lower back pain. naproxen for that migraine you have had since noon. We can’t forget about the sleepy times pills, just to wake up and do it all over. Unfortunately, not everyone gets to walk away from their daily concoction. I was given two drugs barely tested together that have a catastrophic failure rate. I died when I was sixteen. The two drugs big pharma said would be ok together, turned into heart failure and mini strokes. Being only sixteen years old I laid in a hospital on the ground gasping for my last few breaths. Luckily the world isn’t done with me yet. Ever since then I have taken a botanical approach to my disease. I come from a very right-wing family where things like CBD were frowned upon. I was very skeptical at first. It was eye opening game changer. My disease is inflammation based. Luckily, CBD is known for its ability to settle inflammation. It’s very hard to take a botanical approach due to our country being so deep into the pockets of corporate giants that feed us “medicine” since we are born. I started with CBD infused honey. Within the first two weeks I noticed giant changes within my body. I feel significantly better. My body feels more maintained. I moved up to taking the tinctures. Now my Tylenol that
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I had to take every four hours seven days a week is 10 drops once a day and a honey stick at night. Wake up, people! Big pharma doesn’t love you, they love your wallet. We as Americans should have a right to seek botanical options — CBD being one. Nature has medicine for everything. Let’s start using it. How far can CBD go? Depression? Autism? The corporate giants don’t want you to know. They just want to keep it illegal until they patent it and hold our bodies hostage. I’m not just an advocate. I’m a survivor thanks to the use of CBD. Dylan Drews, 24 Killeen, Texas 7 Seas Vapor Co.
On October 6th, 2017, I received news that every pet owner dreads. Confirmation through biopsy that the large bump I noticed on my 12-year-old lab/chow mix’s shoulder was inoperable bone cancer. The cell count on his slide was above 80. My best friend had two months to live. This cancer was both in his shoulder and leg, so amputation was out of the question.
I DECIDED TO ADD CBD OIL TO HIS MEDICATION REGIMEN TO EASE HIS SUFFERING AND IN HOPES OF PERHAPS A MIRACLE.
I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT WE ARE NOW PAST SIX MONTHS WITH CBD TINCTURE. My dog Buddy is now 13 and has lived as long as long as any dog is expected to live with amputation and removal of all of the bone cancer. I have dosed Buddy with 1,000mg CBD oil x2 droppers per day as well as CBD dog treats. It’s important to add that I have also changed Buddy’s diet. I’m now feeding him all grain free food and treats. I have added turmeric and coconut oil to his crockpot meals. I also began to take CBD oil myself at the same time to treat neck pain, anxiety and ADD. I Have stopped taking Adderall for my ADD and my blood pressure is back to normal. My neck pain is completely gone. Jerry Reed, Jr., 48 Maryland
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