CBD provides a wide array of potential benefits for overall health & wellness!
BOTANY OF THE CANNABIS SATIVA PLANT: Since ancient times, various parts of the Cannabis plant have provided food, medicine, clothing, paper, fuel, and building materials to humanity. Cannabis was a widely prescribed folk medicine in Europe and the Americas prior to the age of synthetic pharmaceuticals, and still figures in the religious practices of some cultures. Until 1883, Cannabis was amongst the largest agricultural crops on the planet and ranked highly in medications globally. In 1910 these traditional uses came under political pressure initiated by the American, British, Egyptian, and South African governments.
The Cannabis family can be separated into three main groups: Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis. Sativa plants are taller and have more space between the leaf intersections due to their origins in tropic, sub-tropic, and equatorial climates. Their leaves tend to be thinner and slightly lighter green than their Indica or Ruderalis counterparts, which originate in central Asia. These cold mountainous regions produce short, compact bushy plants with wide and often very dark green leaves. Indica and Ruderalis plants do not contain noticeable amounts of THC.
Only the female Cannabis plants are consumed, as their flowers produce trichomes or resin glands containing chemical compounds responsible for the drug effect of the plant. Male Cannabis plants closely resemble mature hop plants. Cannabis is also distantly related to the nettle plant.
CBD 101: WHAT IS CBD? You may not be aware of it but the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a part of each of our bodies. It is a regulatory system designed to bring us into homeostasis, which balances our health and wellbeing. Furthermore, this system is comprised of receptors that interact only with cannabinoids, the compound found in cannabis. This knowledge has aided further research and discoveries into the medicinal use of cannabis.
When it comes to cannabis, one of the most-studied areas is its use in pain relief. Studies show that including cannabinoids in the symptom management of various conditions, including cancer, the digestive and respiratory systems, the immune system, mental health, and the endocrine system is very beneficial.
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a compound found naturally in hemp that belongs to a larger family of compounds known cannabinoids. The natural properties of CBD that provide a wide spectrum of potential benefits set it apart from other cannabinoids. In the last decade, CBD has gained distinction for the way it interacts with the body systems, and studies suggest it may help support various aspects of health. As a result, thousands are turning to CBD products, such as oils, edibles, and supplements, to help them lead a healthier, more active life naturally.
CBD is an excellent option for those seeking a natural alternative to wellness support. Introducing hemp-derived products to the everyday routine can help with productivity, focus, and pain relief. In the beginning, it is best to try a low-strength product to make it easier for the body to adjust. Always consult a health practitioner or herbalist to determine the best type of CBD product and dosage to use.
WHAT IS HEMP AND IS CBD LEGAL? Hemp is defined as plants of the Cannabis sativa species that contain less than 0.3% THC, meaning their extracts are non-psychoactive and legal. Hemp is very sustainable and renewable. It can be refined into countless commercial items, including food, paper, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, animal feed, insulation, and biofuel.
The Agriculture Improvement Bill, also known as the “Farm Bill”, was approved in December of 2018, making hemp legal in the United States. This bill removed industrial hemp from the federal list of controlled substances and recategorized it as an agricultural commodity to be regulated by the Department of Agriculture and individual state agencies. As a result, hemp-derived non-THC products are now available nationwide in the form of oils, edibles, and topicals.
Tennessee’s new law regulating CBD took effect on July 1, 2023. The law defines hemp-derived CBD as “a cannabinoid other than delta-9 THC or an isomer derived from such cannabinoid, that is derived from hemp in a concentration of more than 0.1%, or a hemp-derived product containing delta-9 THC in a concentration of 0.3% or less on a dry weight basis. This includes, but is not limited to, delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC.”
Any store selling CBD must:
• Card customers to insure they are age 21 and over.
• CBD must be stored behind the retail counter.
• Pay a 6% tax in addition to sales tax.
• Do not provide public samples.
• By July 1, 2024, obtain a license to sell CBD issued from the Department of Agriculture. There are labeling and testing requirements, as well as a distance requirement.
THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM (ECS): a large network of receptors and transmitters found throughout the body that are responsible for regulating numerous systems and functions.
The ECS itself is made up of three parts:
• Endocannabinoids.
• Receptors in the nervous system and around the body for them to bond with.
• Enzymes that help break down endocannabinoids and cannabinoids.
The ECS is a natural and crucial part of the body. It is responsible for homeostasis, the optimal balance and stability of the body’s internal environment. The body works continuously to monitor important levels and functions in the body, including temperature, hormone levels, heart functions, and cell health. When something is operating outside of the right range, the body activates the ECS to help correct it. The ECS does this via cannabinoid receptors found in select tissues.
There are two types of cannabinoid receptors which are most plentiful in the central nervous system:
• CB1 receptors are found in the central nervous system including the brain and nerves of the spinal cord.
• CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system including the nerves in the extremities, the digestive system, and specialized cells in the immune system.
Through those receptors, the ECS helps regulate a lot of important functions:
• Appetite.
• Digestion.
• Immune function.
• Inflammation.
• Neuro-inflammation.
• Mood.
• Sleep.
• Reproduction and fertility.
• Motor control.
• Temperature regulation.
• Memory.
• Pain.
• Pleasure and reward.
The body activates the ECS with precision so that it impacts only what it needs to. For example, if the reproductive hormones are out of whack, it will work to regulate them without altering digestion or immunity. Once the endocannabinoids have done their job and brought things into balance, certain enzymes come along to break them down and prevent them from going too far and upsetting the balance in the opposite direction. It's a precise response. Homeostasis is essential to health and survival, so when the ECS isn't working properly, it can cause a lot of problems.
TERPENES: Cannabis terpenes are natural compounds found in the flower and bud of the Cannabis sativa plant. These compounds are responsible for cannabis’ aroma and are thought to help increase the healing properties of the plant. Terpenes are found in essential oils, and are attributed to uplifting, relaxing, or healing effects.
There are over 200 different kinds of terpenes that have been identified in the Cannabis sativa plant, and each individual terpene is associated with its own unique effects! The medicinal benefits of terpenes are still being researched, however, recent studies have shown that they work in synergy with CBD and other cannabinoids, to improve the value of cannabis products. The most important value of terpenes, when it comes to cannabinoids, is that they help speed up the absorption of cannabinoids into the bloodstream.
WHAT IS CBD OIL? Oils and tinctures are the most common type of CBD products out on the market due to their convenience and ease of use. CBD oils can be taken directly or mixed into foods and beverages like coffee, fruit bowls, and smoothies. Oils are extremely popular because they are available in different strengths varying from moderate to highly potent, thus making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced users. While oils provide a simple, practical introduction to CBD, there is more to this hemp compound than just oils. As opposed to other natural extracts, CBD is impressively versatile. In addition to CBD hemp oil, naturally occurring CBD can be formulated into edibles such as CBD gummies, topicals like hemp creams, herbal supplements, and even CBD treats for dogs and cats.
Skin Conditions: CBD helps repair damage from free radicals and promotes healing of damaged skin. It can aid in the healing of wounds and is beneficial for treating acne and psoriasis.
Digestion: CBD calms digestive issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s disease, Colitis, leaky gut, and nausea. Endocannabinoids are a vital part of the digestive system, and taking CBD can help to effectively soothe an inflamed digestive tract.
Epilepsy and Seizures: CBD can be used for controlling seizures from epilepsy and other disorders.
FULL-SPECTRUM CBD: Full-spectrum hemp-derived products contain CBD and less than .3 % THC, along with other cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and other compounds found naturally in the hemp plant. By promoting a healthy ECS, continued use of full-spectrum CBD oil may help maintain healthy joints, support a healthy inflammatory response, help regulate sleep cycles, reduce stress and anxiousness, and promote healthy digestion.
Full-spectrum CBD extract is obtained from cannabis in such a way that all cannabinoids remain in the final extract as they were initially present in the plant. All full-spectrum extracts are required to contain at least four cannabinoids, and our full-spectrum oil contains CBD, CBDa, CBG, CBN, THC, and THCa.
The main thing to be aware of when using full-spectrum extracts is that they contain trace amounts of THC. Although the concentration of THC must be below the legal limit of 0.3 percent to be sold in all 50 states, full-spectrum extracts are not THC-free products. People who undergo drug examinations routinely, or who are specifically sensitive to THC, should stay away from full-spectrum extracts. The benefit of using full-spectrum extracts is their significant potency compared with other spectrums.
BROAD-SPECTRUM CBD & CBD ISOLATES: Broad-spectrum hemp-derived products contain CBD, along with other cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and other compounds found naturally in the hemp plant. Broad-spectrum CBD extract combines multiple cannabinoids and has been through an additional process to remove THC completely. This means that they do not have even trace amounts of THC and are commonly labeled as “zero-THC”. Because these products retain most of the cannabinoids, they too have strong potency, and are not a risk to those undergoing drug testing or who are sensitive to THC. However, because of the additional process to remove THC, these products are sometimes more expensive than full-spectrum or isolate-based oils.
CBD Isolates contain pure CBD only and no other cannabinoids or THC. Isolate-based CBD is very safe to consume because the only cannabinoid it contains is the CBD molecule. This means that CBD powder has been isolated and used to prepare the products, which causes them to lose the entourage effect and strong potency. Studies show that the potency of CBD isolate is lower than that of full-spectrum products. CBD isolates are easier to combine with other active ingredients, which makes them an outstanding addition for condition-specific supplements. For example, if you want to address sleeping issues, the combination of CBD isolate with melatonin is a great solution. Similarly, you may benefit from pain-relief creams that combine CBD isolates with lidocaine or capsaicin.
CBD for Blood Sugar & Cholesterol Support:
• CBD helps control diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar.
• CBD helps with complications that come along with diabetes.
• CBD is beneficial for glaucoma by decreasing eye pressure.
• CBD is great for cardiovascular health and reducing cholesterol.
• CBD lowers blood pressure and is anti-inflammatory.
• CBD is beneficial for the heart and arteries.
• CBD lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol numbers.
• CBD raises HDL (“good”) cholesterol numbers.
CBD for Stress, Anxiety, Depression, & Other Mental Health Disorders:
• CBD reduces symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.
• CBD helps in the treatment of the symptoms of OCD, PTSD, Social Anxiety, and Schizophrenia.
• Research shows that CBD is an effective therapy for children on the autism spectrum. This includes improvement in problematic behaviors, communication, and decreased anxiety.
• CBD is beneficial for treating ADD and ADHD, helping to calmly focus and clear the mind.
• CBD regulates brain health.
• Cannabinoids are neuroprotective, and they encourage the creation of new nerve cells, even as we get older, and our brains start to age.
• CBD can help treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia.
CBD FOR PAIN RELIEF AND INFLAMMATION:
• CBD reduces pain levels in chronic pain conditions.
• CBD products decrease the need for pain medication and opiates.
• CBD relieves inflammation, and its anti-inflammatory properties are used by all parts of the body, making it very effective for most types of inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune disorders.
• CBD clears a headache and has also been shown to be beneficial for migraines. It works better than prescription medication with less side effects.
• CBD can be applied topically for more localized pain.
CBD TOPICALS: are available in the form of CBD creams and roll-ons that are meant to be applied directly to the skin and not ingested. CBD topicals are not transdermal, and they won’t penetrate the skin deep enough to enter the bloodstream. They will, however, soak into the skin’s pores enough to create an effect. CBD topicals target the areas where they are applied, and the higher the concentration of CBD in the product and the more liberally it is applied, determines how well the product works. Some people who use CBD topicals do so for helping to relieve and soothe discomfort associated with the joints and muscles.
WILD CHILD CBD PAIN CREAM: There are numerous pathways through which CBD creams can help to relieve pain. The Endocannabinoid System is involved in pain sensation, along with many other conditions and processes such as our immune system and mood. Phytocannabinoids are those that are produced by plants, and CBD exerts many of its effects through interaction with this system. CBD exhibits immuno-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that positively impact pain and inflammation. This classifies CBD as an endocannabinoid modulator, which is unique among both natural remedies and medications for pain.
Wild Child Herb Shop of Tennessee can formulate a pain cream that is unique to each individual's needs.
Two recent case studies:
• The client is sensitive to warming herbs and desired a product with a calming effect for joint pain relief. This individual formula contains grapeseed, arnica, calendula, and vitamin E oils, shea and cocoa butters, CBD oil, and rosemary, chamomile, frankincense, and lavender essential oils.
• The client needs the powerful healing effects of cayenne and desired a product with a warming effect for joint pain relief. This individual formula contains grapeseed, arnica, calendula, cayenne, and vitamin E oils, shea and cocoa butters, CBD oil, and rosemary, chamomile, frankincense, and lavender essential oils.
CBD FOR PETS: It has been established by scientists that the cannabinoids in CBD have a role in the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps to maintain homeostasis in the body. Both humans and other mammals have this system in their bodies. CBD for pets is effective for joint pain, muscle pain and weakness, anxiousness, and symptoms related to appetite disorders and seizures.
CBD reduces separation stress: One of the most common mental issues that pet owners deal with is separation stress, which is characterized by excessive barking, destructive behavior, or extreme restlessness when their owner isn’t home. CBD oil, when given twice daily, has the same calming effect that humans see with continued use.
CBD relieves discomfort: CBD supports a healthy inflammatory response. A large amount of physical discomfort experienced by both humans and pets is related to inflammation, whether it’s muscles or joints that are affected. CBD oil can be used to treat older pets who often suffer from discomfort and soreness.
CBD provides nervous system support: CBD is very effective when used for symptoms of seizures, which can be difficult to control with traditional medicines that also may cause damage to the liver.
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