When beginning a journey into the world of cannabis-based supplements, there seems to be a growing amount of information to process, and new products are regularly springing onto the market. There are often confusing and contradictory claims about the benefits and uses of various cannabis derivatives. While the FDA still has not approved the vast majority of cannabis-based compounds for clinical or medicinal use, recent changes in the laws governing cannabis have revealed many compounds as having promise in providing benefits and helping to relieve stress for many users. The commercial viability of these compounds and products has spurred new research, development, and clinical study rounds.

Phytocannabinoids 

These are a class of various unique compounds found naturally in the cannabis plant. There are over 100 different types of phytocannabinoids that have currently been identified. The concentration of many of these compounds will vary among individual cannabis strains and often differ with how they are grown and handled. While it is the source of the compounds that cannabis is best known for, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) is often referred to as “The Mother of all Cannabinoids.” Subsequent cannabinoid compounds are transformed through decarboxylation, where the compounds are activated by exposure to heat and oxygen.

Introducing CBDa 

One of the products to emerge in the cannabis-based supplement market is one of the most basic. CBDa, or cannabidiolic acid, is the base compound from which the more familiar CBD (cannabidiol) is derived. While CBD may be the more popular and well-known cannabis compound in current use, CBDa as a precursor and as a viable therapeutic compound is currently undergoing further study. Studies have shown that CBDa is effective against nausea and has effects similar to antidepressant medications. By attaching to a specific serotonin receptor that governs the response to nausea and stress, CBDa is estimated to be up to 1000% more effective in relieving those symptoms than CBD alone. 

The benefits of a full spectrum CBDa such as Ananda Professional CBDa Gels, as demonstrated by the Entourage Effect, bring all of the therapeutic properties of cannabis compounds for relief of symptoms of stress, sleeplessness, and nausea.

The unstable nature of CBDa and its decarboxylates at room temperature have made it difficult to work with. Despite being abundant in raw form, CBDa is often not accessible to most cannabis users due to the common consumption methods. Since CBDa transforms into CBD with the introduction of heat and oxidation, there is no smokable application for CBDa. CBDa softgels would be an easy way to access the benefits of this compound.

There are research studies underway to develop methodologies for making the CBDa molecule more stable for commercial purposes. The potential therapeutic benefits of CBDa are coming to light. One clinical trial has shown CBDa to be more effective than a commercially available medication for nausea commonly prescribed to chemotherapy recipients. 

Note- For informational purposes only. Please consult your physician before beginning or discontinuing any medication. CBD or CBDa should not be used with any medication containing a “grapefruit warning.”  Commercial cannabis compounds may, by law, include no more than 0.3 % of THC. While this is not enough THC to create a psychoactive effect, it may still be detectable in some tests. If you are prohibited from using any product containing THC or any hemp-derived products, CBD/CBDA treatments may not be an option.

There has been a steady growth in the types of health and personal care products on the market that feature hemp-derived compounds as a featured ingredient. Beauty and skincare products containing CBD are becoming more popular and are appearing on store shelves everywhere. A product such as CBD moisturizing body butter would be a great choice to start your CBD skin care program.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol or CBD is a naturally-occurring compound found in cannabis plants. But unlike its buzzy cousin THC (the compound responsible for the cannabis “high”), CBD lacks the psychoactive properties. Recent changes in the legal codes in the US have made certain hemp compounds legal for use in many products, and there is a growing body of research that shows the beneficial properties of CBD in certain applications. 

How does CBD Work? 

A study from 2014 has shown that CBD has a probable anti-inflammatory effect on the specific skin cells known as sebocytes that are responsible for producing sebum. 

Sebum, along with fatty substances known as lipids mix together to create a protective barrier on the surface of the skin. While sebum plays an important role in protecting the skin from UV radiation and provides protection from certain types of staph infections, the overproduction of sebum can lead to oily skin. 

Dead skin cells when mixed with excess sebum often cause a clog in the pores, trapping bacteria, and can result in blackheads and pimples. An exfoliating face mask with CBD can ease the overproduction of sebum in the facial skin. 

CBD has also been shown to reduce inflammation in certain types of tissue. It shows promise in helping to reduce pain, swelling and irritation from existing skin conditions or periodic breakouts. A product such as Koi CBD Facial Serum would be ideal.

Oxidative stress is recognized as a contributing factor in the aging process. CBD has been shown to have proven antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and can contribute to the reduction of aging in the skin. 

What to Look For?

Not all products containing hemp products are equal. Beware of the “greenwashing” trend in the cannabis product market. Many companies are trying to take advantage of the popularity of CBD in personal healthcare products, and are making false claims about their ingredients. 

Check the product labels for true CBD content when shopping for CBD skin care products. While hemp seed oil has excellent skin moisturizing properties, it is not CBD. While shopping for products such as CBD balancing facial toner, check the ingredients list. Even products with a higher content of CBD by milligram may have lower quality ingredients which may not benefit your skin. 

Also check the manufacturer’s product information for lab results to ensure that products such as an exfoliating face mask with CBD  made with extracts that were farmed without harmful chemicals. And always follow the usage directions to allow for maximum effectiveness. The addition of CBD body care products into your health and beauty product selection can provide additional benefits for your skin. Shop wisely, and you’ll see the difference. 

Call us today to get the CBD skin care products that will suit your needs.

Note- For informational purposes only. Please consult your physician before beginning or discontinuing any medication, or if you have questions about the use of health and beauty, or personal care products containing hemp-derived compounds. CBD should not be used with any medication containing a “grapefruit warning”.  Commercial cannabis compounds may, by law, contain no more than 0.3 % of THC. While this is not enough THC to create a psychoactive effect, it may still be detectable in some tests. If you are prohibited from using any product containing THC or any hemp-derived products, CBD treatments may not be an option. 

There is a rapidly-developing body of knowledge available in the world of supplements with reported therapeutic benefits that are being developed with extracts of plants from the cannabis family. While the potentially beneficial properties of cannabidiol (CBD) are more well known, there is another compound derived from the cannabis plant that is getting new attention for its attributes. 

Cannabinol (CBN) is one of the over 100 chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. While CBN shares a similar molecular structure with its more well-known cousin CBD, its effects and benefits are now being studied with greater focus and reported therapeutic benefits are coming to light. One of the more popular uses is cannabinol for sleep.

The Difference Between CBD and CBN

Both CBD and CBN are compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body. This system is reported to have a regulatory effect on certain systems in the body such as sleep, mood, and appetite. Many endocannabinoids occur naturally in the body. CBD and CBN are compounds that bind to the body’s CB2 receptors. While related, these compounds interact differently within the body. THC is the most well-understood compound found in the cannabis plant, and the compound responsible for the psychoactive effect of marijuana. THC is also the base compound for CBN. CBN is extracted by degrading THC by exposure to heat and oxygen, changing its chemical profile, and ridding it of many of its intoxicating properties. While studies suggest that CBN is non-psychoactive, it still retains between 10% to 20% of the potency of THC, and therefore there exists a potential for abuse, especially in larger than recommended doses. CBN, on the other hand, is entirely non-psychoactive, regardless of dose.

Benefits of CBN

There are promising reports of CBN having real potential as a sleep aid. There was a study in 2019: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31158702/ that found that combination of CBD and CBN was effective in relieving pain in rats. Another rodent study in 2005 found that CBN was found to be effective in slowing the onset of ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gherig’s Disease). There is also ongoing research in rodents that suggests the CBN may be effective in reducing the inflammation associated with arthritis. Further human studies are required to confirm these initial results. The Entourage Effect (the cumulative effect of multiple compounds) is reported to enhance the effectiveness of these compounds. CBN (cannabinol) shows real promise for aiding with sleep.

While CBN is expensive compared to CBD, CBN products are becoming more available in: 

• Tinctures
• Gummies/Edibles
• Oils
• Vape Pens
• Capsules

Contact The Hemp Pharmacist for a consultation and see what CBD and CBN preparations may be right for you. 

Note- Please consult your physician before beginning or discontinuing any medication. CBD should not be used with any medication containing a “grapefruit warning”.  There is not enough available research concerning drug interactions with CBN. Commercial cannabis compounds may, by law, contain no more than 0.3 % of THC. While this is not enough THC to create a psychoactive effect, it may still be detectable in some tests. If you are prohibited from using any product containing THC, CBD/CBN treatments may not be an option. 

Mankind has developed a relationship with medicinal plants that date back as far as civilization itself. Botanical remedies for many medical conditions originated in antiquity and are still being used today. The knowledge and use of cannabis for medical, religious, and recreational use date back as far as 6000 BC. Hemp, the botanical cousin of the marijuana plant, was being used as a raw material for ropemaking in Europe and the Americas for centuries, and the importance of hemp rope in shipping and textiles resulted in the cultivation of hemp being mandatory in some of the early colonies of the early United States.

The medical benefits of cannabis have been long established. In 1830, a doctor in Ireland identified cannabis extracts as being useful in lessening the pain and discomfort of Cholera. By the late 1800s, patent medicines containing cannabis extracts (many containing the psychoactive cannabinoid THC) were popular in Europe and the United States. Social pressures stemming from the use of marijuana as a recreational drug led to its prohibition in the United States and other countries in the early 20th century. With a few exceptions, this prohibition resulted in significant restrictions on the use of cannabis in medical research. 

Recent discoveries and reexaminations of the medical properties of cannabinoids,  primarily cannabidiol (or CBD) and the endocannabinoid system itself, have resulted in reforming many of the laws concerning prohibitions on the use of cannabis for medical research. 

What is THC and is it included in CBD medication?

There is an extant body of knowledge covering the physical effects of cannabis. This largely concerns the effects of THC that cause the feeling of being “high” and was the primary reason for the prohibition of the plant. THC is only one of the 140+ known cannabinoid compounds in cannabis, and these compounds are undergoing careful study to determine their potential medical applications. CBD compounds are legally prohibited from containing any more than 0.3% of THC.

Medical Uses for CBD Compounds 

CBD for Sleep and Stress: CBD gummies and CBD tinctures are two of the most popular CBD compound products. There is research that supports the use of CBD to reduce stress. CBD has been found effective in reducing stress levels in test subjects. 

CBD for Soothing the Body: Studies into the analgesic properties of CBD are yielding positive results in calming the body. Studies also suggest that there is a possibility for future use of CBD for chronic problems. 

CBD for Pets: CBD dog treats and CBD for cats have been found to relieve stress from travel, separation, and distress from medical conditions or surgeries. To learn more about our CBD products, please call 757-577-1024.  

Note- Please consult your physician before beginning or discontinuing any medication. CBD should not be used with any medication containing a “grapefruit warning.” 

CBD compounds may, by law, contain no more than 0.3 % of THC. While this is not enough THC to create a psychoactive effect, it may still be detectable in some tests. If you are prohibited from using any product containing THC, CBD treatments may not be an option. 

With the increased awareness of the dangers of opioid abuse, medical professionals and pain sufferers are actively searching for additional remedies that do not carry the potentially dangerous characteristics of opioids. 

Cannabis has been known and used for medicinal purposes for millennia, and was a recognized pharmaceutical during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Legislation in the early 20th century criminalized cannabis due to its psychoactive properties and abuse potential. 

Recent research and changes in legislation have opened the potential of cannabis-derived compounds for the relief of specific symptoms, namely for pain, stress, and inflammation. Commercial CBD compounds for chronic pain relief are tightly regulated and may only contain less than 0.3% of THC (the psychoactive compound that is responsible for the feeling of being “high”).

How does CBD work in the body?

Everyone has an Endocannabinoid system in their body. This is a system of receptors that respond to the presence of a variety of compounds from both inside and outside of the body. Endocannabinoids are produced as needed within the body and contribute to the regulation of a range of bodily functions such as sleep, appetite, metabolism, and motor control. It is also partially responsible for the management of stress, inflammation, and the function of muscle, skin and nerves. In the event of injury or stress, it is believed that the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is largely responsible for returning balance to the body. The introduction of cannabis-based compounds such as Cannabidiol (CBD) is believed to assist in this process. 

The Entourage Effect

When exploring CBD oil for chronic pain relief, consider full-spectrum CBD products. There are nearly 100 identified compounds in cannabis-derived products, each with different properties. The cumulative, combined effect of these compounds within the body is known as the Entourage Effect. 

There is a growing body of research examining the efficacy of CBD specifically for cancer and arthritis pain. According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information Rats with laboratory-induced arthritis responded positively to a topical application of CBD oil. There was a reduction in inflammation and pain in the affected joints. This suggests possible positive results in humans. 

In the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology a study discussed how despite the need for additional research, CBD was effective in contributing to pain relief in specific settings. 

When considering CBD products, speak with a trusted professional and insist on products that are laboratory-tested and free of pesticides. 

Explore the range of full-spectrum CBD products available for pain relief: 

https://thehemppharmacist.com/product/ananda-professional-full-spectrum-extract-300mg/

https://thehemppharmacist.com/product/ananda-professional-full-spectrum-cbd-extract-2000mg/

As with any supplement, consult your physician before using CBD oil for chronic pain relief. CBD is not intended to replace an existing pain management regimen. It is not recommended to use CBD products in combination with any medication that comes with a “Grapefruit Warning”, as it can interfere with the metabolization and performance of those medications. To learn more about our full spectrum CBD products, please call 757-577-1024.