CBD OR

CBD or not CBD

By D. Scott

With everything going on in the world today, we can all use a break. We all need something to calm down and try to relax. CBD is an excellent addition to your daily routine. CBD stands for cannabidiol, the non-intoxicating substance found in cannabis. We often think of cannabis in terms of “getting high” or watching our cousins or uncles at the family reunion roll up something to smoke. CBD is not that. The uses are widely spread out and recently have entered the beauty market.

“We often think of cannabis in terms of “getting high” or watching our cousins or uncles at the family reunion roll up something to smoke. CBD is not that.”

Hemp derived CBD is legal due to the 2018 Farm Bill. CBD derived from industrial hemp, defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC, is not a controlled substance under federal law. There are only two states that consider CBD to be illegal and there is legislation currently working on that. Because CBD is non-intoxicating, which means it doesn’t produce the “high” of THC, it is considered by some to be “non-psychoactive”. That is not entirely true. It can directly affect mental processes of cognition and mood. CBD has a well-known psychoactive effect in the calming feeling that is frequently associated with the cannabinoid.

Research suggests that CBD may reduce absorption of the body’s pain regulating endocannabinoid anandamide, which could lead to pain relief. CBD has also been shown to reduce epileptic seizures by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters. Studies show that CBD may activate serotonin receptor 5-HT1A in mice, making it potentially helpful in treating depression and anxiety. There are also studies that show CBD can suppress chronic pain and inflammation by targeting alpha-3 glycine receptors according to research conducted on rodents.

CBD falls into one of three categories. There is full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. Full spectrum CBD contains minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and trace amounts of THC in the plant. (0.3%) Broad spectrum contains a full spectrum of extracted cannabinoids and terpenes but with trace amounts of THC removed. Isolate is pure CBD and with other cannabis compounds removed, only the powdered or crystalline form of CBD remains. Products that say “hemp oil” or “hemp seed oil” usually do not contain any CBD at all.

The FDA continues to crack down on CBD oil labels with unproven claims. Always check the amount of active CBD. Be clear of the suggested use of the product. Make the distinction of broad spectrum, full spectrum or isolate. If the CBD in the product wasn’t lab tested, don’t buy it.

As for wellness, CBD tinctures are a good option. These can be taken orally with a dropper. A study published in the February 2019 issue of “Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry” found that CBD may be useful for treating social anxiety associated with public speaking. Doses ranging from 150mg to 600mg seem to help with public speaking while 300mg helped alleviate anxiety related symptoms.

While CBD may not be a woman’s go to beauty product, there are brands that create luxury products infused with CBD. Trulybeauty has a wide range of products that contain CBD. 716CBD is Black woman owned and contains hand curated and made to order products like shea butter, mud masks, beard oil and bath bombs. CBD has been known to have anti-aging properties when used on the skin as well as anti-inflammatory. Whatever you use to wind down, do the research. CBD will be around for a long time.

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