CBD is the current rage. Everyone's talking about it but what do we really need to know?
Let's start with what is CBD?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that are found in plants within the cannabis family, including hemp and marijuana. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the cannabinoid that has many touted medical benefits in a natural and non-habit form. CBD won't get you high; THC is the component of cannabis responsible for that.
To further confuse the market you may see hemp oil - often in soaps, lotions and other products. It is not the same as CBD oil. Hemp oil comes primarily from seeds of the plant, and the seeds contain no or only very small (trace) amounts of CBD.
When a market explodes there are great products as well as knows-offs with no redeeming value. The CBD market is expected to multiply sevenfold by 2021, to $2.15 billion from roughly $292 million in 2016, according to the Brightfield Group, a market research firm that specializes in cannabis. With that kind of growth you can expect a lot of companies jumping into the market.
You now find CBD products—oils, tinctures, vaporization liquids, pills—at gas stations, vape/smoke shops, candy stores, and in states where legal, marijuana dispensaries. The options on-line abound. Tri-Sports is carrying at least 3 different CDB product lines.
Why is it so popular?
The Food and Drug Administration approved a prescription drug made from marijuana, with CBD as its active ingredient. Epidiolex cut seizures by about 40 percent in people with two rare but devastating forms of epilepsy. Now research suggests that CBD has properties that could translate into better health. For example a study back in 2009, found CBD to be an anti-inflammatory. Today many people are using to help with arthritis and some forms of pain. And it has many effects on brain chemistry, which could ease anxiety, insomnia, and depression, among others. An article in Medical News Today points to some of the research published.
An area that is getting a lot of attention is opioid addiction. Some animal studies and early research in humans suggest that CBD may help treat that problem and other forms of substance abuse. And other reports have shown that states with medical marijuana laws have seen drops in the rates of opioid deaths and use, possibly as people turn to cannabis products (which include CBD) as alternatives.
It is interesting to read the research as there are studies done on patients with Multiple Sclerosis, psoriasis, lupus and other auto immune diseases. A study published on the August 2018 issue of Frontiers in Immunolgy found “our studies suggest that CBD may constitute an excellent candidate for the treatment of MS and other autoimmune diseases.”
Of course there are studies that show CBD does very little to help with various conditions, so the jury is technically still out. However the National Institutes of Health has awards millions toward cannabis and specifically CBD research. Anecdotal reports are plentiful.
Let's start with what is CBD?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that are found in plants within the cannabis family, including hemp and marijuana. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the cannabinoid that has many touted medical benefits in a natural and non-habit form. CBD won't get you high; THC is the component of cannabis responsible for that.
To further confuse the market you may see hemp oil - often in soaps, lotions and other products. It is not the same as CBD oil. Hemp oil comes primarily from seeds of the plant, and the seeds contain no or only very small (trace) amounts of CBD.
When a market explodes there are great products as well as knows-offs with no redeeming value. The CBD market is expected to multiply sevenfold by 2021, to $2.15 billion from roughly $292 million in 2016, according to the Brightfield Group, a market research firm that specializes in cannabis. With that kind of growth you can expect a lot of companies jumping into the market.
You now find CBD products—oils, tinctures, vaporization liquids, pills—at gas stations, vape/smoke shops, candy stores, and in states where legal, marijuana dispensaries. The options on-line abound. Tri-Sports is carrying at least 3 different CDB product lines.
Why is it so popular?
The Food and Drug Administration approved a prescription drug made from marijuana, with CBD as its active ingredient. Epidiolex cut seizures by about 40 percent in people with two rare but devastating forms of epilepsy. Now research suggests that CBD has properties that could translate into better health. For example a study back in 2009, found CBD to be an anti-inflammatory. Today many people are using to help with arthritis and some forms of pain. And it has many effects on brain chemistry, which could ease anxiety, insomnia, and depression, among others. An article in Medical News Today points to some of the research published.
An area that is getting a lot of attention is opioid addiction. Some animal studies and early research in humans suggest that CBD may help treat that problem and other forms of substance abuse. And other reports have shown that states with medical marijuana laws have seen drops in the rates of opioid deaths and use, possibly as people turn to cannabis products (which include CBD) as alternatives.
It is interesting to read the research as there are studies done on patients with Multiple Sclerosis, psoriasis, lupus and other auto immune diseases. A study published on the August 2018 issue of Frontiers in Immunolgy found “our studies suggest that CBD may constitute an excellent candidate for the treatment of MS and other autoimmune diseases.”
Of course there are studies that show CBD does very little to help with various conditions, so the jury is technically still out. However the National Institutes of Health has awards millions toward cannabis and specifically CBD research. Anecdotal reports are plentiful.
Should I try it?
Because CBD is not regulated from the FDA there is not clear dosing information. In studies the dosing is typically quite a bit higher than what companies marketing the products would and do suggest. As with any supplement you want to know if it has an potential interactions with current medications.
Who should stay away? Medical experts say women who are breastfeeding or pregnant. The known side effects are tiredness, diarrhea and change in appetite and weight (typically not the direction everyone wants).
The biggest issue is that since the supplement market is not regulated you have no idea what is in the product. You should look for products with CBD (not just cannabinoids) and have the amount of CBD per serving. Better yet are products that have third party testing. In states where marijuana is legal the CBD products are regulated. In states like NY it is not, so the CBD oil you got at the gas station may just be coconut and essential oils. Since this is a fast growing industry it is better to understand where and how the hemp is grown. You also want to know what else is in your oil or lotion. Look for a full spectrum CBD oil. If the company is saying that their product will cure everything then steer away. Again there hasn’t been enough research to prove conclusively that CDB will provide pain relief in all patients. However the research is promising enough that you may want to add it into your health protocol.
How much do you need?
More is not better! Any reputable company will tell you to start with small doses. Appropriate dosing depends on the product, body weight, gender, metabolism and body chemistry. Many of the CBD oils come with a stopper. You can start with a drop or two under the tongue. Hold it there for at least 30 seconds before swallowing. Effects can be as quick as 30-90 minutes. You will also find CBD in capsules, gummies and lotions.
The tinctures that you put under your tongue is the fastest way to get CBD into your system. The capsules and gummies tend to be lower concentrations and get absorbed into through your digestive tract. When CBD is administered sublingually (under your tongue) absorption is achieved within 10‐15 minutes, which is generally much faster than when ingested orally. From a value standpoint, sublingual is more cost effective since the percent of each dose absorbed is generally higher than that achieved by oral ingestion (capsules). If you are interested in a slower release then maybe capsules or gummies are the right option.
Another delivery mechanism for CBD is the largest organ - your skin. Many of the pain relief lotions include menthol in oil or cream bases. These creams deliver CBD to a localized area and are typically used for pain and inflammation. Many athletes have turned to CBD lotions to help with muscle soreness and inflammation due to training.
The World Anti Doping Agency removed CBD from its list of banned substances in January, so now more athletes turn to it for pain relief instead of ibuprofen and related drugs. However you want to know how you metabolize substances especially if you are potentially being drug tested. Unless you are using a product that has been 3rd party verified and tested you may be getting more than trace amounts of THC.
Because CBD is not regulated from the FDA there is not clear dosing information. In studies the dosing is typically quite a bit higher than what companies marketing the products would and do suggest. As with any supplement you want to know if it has an potential interactions with current medications.
Who should stay away? Medical experts say women who are breastfeeding or pregnant. The known side effects are tiredness, diarrhea and change in appetite and weight (typically not the direction everyone wants).
The biggest issue is that since the supplement market is not regulated you have no idea what is in the product. You should look for products with CBD (not just cannabinoids) and have the amount of CBD per serving. Better yet are products that have third party testing. In states where marijuana is legal the CBD products are regulated. In states like NY it is not, so the CBD oil you got at the gas station may just be coconut and essential oils. Since this is a fast growing industry it is better to understand where and how the hemp is grown. You also want to know what else is in your oil or lotion. Look for a full spectrum CBD oil. If the company is saying that their product will cure everything then steer away. Again there hasn’t been enough research to prove conclusively that CDB will provide pain relief in all patients. However the research is promising enough that you may want to add it into your health protocol.
How much do you need?
More is not better! Any reputable company will tell you to start with small doses. Appropriate dosing depends on the product, body weight, gender, metabolism and body chemistry. Many of the CBD oils come with a stopper. You can start with a drop or two under the tongue. Hold it there for at least 30 seconds before swallowing. Effects can be as quick as 30-90 minutes. You will also find CBD in capsules, gummies and lotions.
The tinctures that you put under your tongue is the fastest way to get CBD into your system. The capsules and gummies tend to be lower concentrations and get absorbed into through your digestive tract. When CBD is administered sublingually (under your tongue) absorption is achieved within 10‐15 minutes, which is generally much faster than when ingested orally. From a value standpoint, sublingual is more cost effective since the percent of each dose absorbed is generally higher than that achieved by oral ingestion (capsules). If you are interested in a slower release then maybe capsules or gummies are the right option.
Another delivery mechanism for CBD is the largest organ - your skin. Many of the pain relief lotions include menthol in oil or cream bases. These creams deliver CBD to a localized area and are typically used for pain and inflammation. Many athletes have turned to CBD lotions to help with muscle soreness and inflammation due to training.
The World Anti Doping Agency removed CBD from its list of banned substances in January, so now more athletes turn to it for pain relief instead of ibuprofen and related drugs. However you want to know how you metabolize substances especially if you are potentially being drug tested. Unless you are using a product that has been 3rd party verified and tested you may be getting more than trace amounts of THC.
Final Thoughts
While it would be nice to get to the route of anxiety and stress and rid our lives of it. That likely won’t happen easily. Stress often leads to less quality sleep which can lead to greater levels of inflammation in the body. Why not try CBD to stop the cycle as you try to alleviate stress and work on anxiety? Athletes aren’t going to stop pushing the bodies and while we need to know pain and now how and when to recover. After a heavy training session a little CBD cream might help with pain so that sleep comes easier. CBD is a better option that NSAIDs that are incredibly hard on the stomach.
Find products that are third party tested. If the company is saying their product will cure every ailment you have then walk away, quickly.
Start with a low dose and see how you feel. For systemic inflammation, auto immune conditions, anxiety, depression or sleep issues then I would go for the full spectrum CBD in a dropper bottle. A couple of drops under the tongue for 30 seconds and then swallow. If you are looking for relief from muscle pain or arthritic pain then I would look at the rubs or salves. If it is a skin condition like psoriasis or rosacea then a lotion would be a good option. Typically those conditions are related to your gut health, so dietary changes are needed as well, but you can get topical relief from lotions.
We need to get through daily life so let's do it with the best products out there and really help ourselves. I've teamed up with Power Surge Wellness (grown in Oregon, processed in Florida and 3rd party tested) to provide you with some of the products that I think are really good and a couple of my favorites are the Freeze Rub and the Full Spectrum Tincture.
Check out Hislop Coaching to try some today.
Questions?
While it would be nice to get to the route of anxiety and stress and rid our lives of it. That likely won’t happen easily. Stress often leads to less quality sleep which can lead to greater levels of inflammation in the body. Why not try CBD to stop the cycle as you try to alleviate stress and work on anxiety? Athletes aren’t going to stop pushing the bodies and while we need to know pain and now how and when to recover. After a heavy training session a little CBD cream might help with pain so that sleep comes easier. CBD is a better option that NSAIDs that are incredibly hard on the stomach.
Find products that are third party tested. If the company is saying their product will cure every ailment you have then walk away, quickly.
Start with a low dose and see how you feel. For systemic inflammation, auto immune conditions, anxiety, depression or sleep issues then I would go for the full spectrum CBD in a dropper bottle. A couple of drops under the tongue for 30 seconds and then swallow. If you are looking for relief from muscle pain or arthritic pain then I would look at the rubs or salves. If it is a skin condition like psoriasis or rosacea then a lotion would be a good option. Typically those conditions are related to your gut health, so dietary changes are needed as well, but you can get topical relief from lotions.
We need to get through daily life so let's do it with the best products out there and really help ourselves. I've teamed up with Power Surge Wellness (grown in Oregon, processed in Florida and 3rd party tested) to provide you with some of the products that I think are really good and a couple of my favorites are the Freeze Rub and the Full Spectrum Tincture.
Check out Hislop Coaching to try some today.
Questions?
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