FAQs

The endocannabinoid system is a key component of the human body that helps explain why CBD works the way it does. This system is responsible for the production of endogenous cannabinoids that interact with those found in the cannabis plant. CBD and THC are able to mimic and augment the effects of these endocannabinoids, giving us an understanding of why cannabis is such a widely consumed plant. By studying the endocannabinoid system, we gain a greater insight into the health benefits of CBD and THC and their potential applications in the medical field.

It is clear that the endocannabinoid system plays an essential role in maintaining our overall health and wellbeing. From regulating our mood and energy levels, to controlling our appetite, pain, stress response and immune activity, this complex system helps to ensure our bodies are functioning optimally. Unfortunately, if the endocannabinoid system is not working as it should, the consequences can be serious. A chronically deficient or overactive endocannabinoid system has been linked to a range of diseases, so it is essential to ensure it is functioning as it should.

Cutting-edge science has yielded groundbreaking results, with research showing that the endocannabinoid system is dysregulated in a large number of pathological conditions. This has led scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to suggest that modulating endocannabinoid system activity may have potential therapeutic effects across a broad range of diseases. Cannabinoids like CBD and THC have been shown to be effective in modulating the endocannabinoid system and enhancing endocannabinoid tone, proving to be an effective tool in slowing, or in some cases, stopping the progression of a wide range of diseases

Cannabidiol (CBD), one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, is most prominently present in the resinous portions of the flower. It was first isolated in 1940, and is second only to THC in terms of the amount of research conducted. Its therapeutic properties have been identified through preclinical studies and human trials, including anti-convulsant, anti-psychotic, analgesic, and anti-diabetic effects. Studies involving human volunteers have shown that short-term dosing with CBD is safe and well-tolerated, and it is not considered to be mood-altering. However, higher doses may be anxiolytic.

There's a lot of excitement about the healing potential of CBD, and for good reason. On June 25, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized this medicinal potential by approving Epidiolex, a pharmaceutical CBD formulation, as a treatment for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, two severe pediatric seizure disorders. This marks an incredibly important milestone, since it is the first time since the peak of the reefer madness era 80 years ago that the federal government has officially approved a cannabis-derived product. This is a huge step forward in recognizing the healing potential of CBD.

In September 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made a historic response to the FDA's decision by removing Epidiolex from Schedule I classification. The move was a monumental shift that placed Epidiolex in the least dangerous category - Schedule V - under the Controlled Substances Act. Subsequently, the DEA removed Epidiolex from the list of controlled substances completely. However, cannabis and CBD (derived from cannabis plants with more than 0.3 % THC) remain on Schedule I, classified as an illegal narcotic by the federal government. This raises a disparity between pharmaceutical CBD and the rest of the cannabis plant, which continues to be deemed an ‘evil’ weed.

Given its reputation as a popular, artisanal remedy, one might expect that Epidiolex would be frequently prescribed off label to treat conditions not studied in clinical trials. Unfortunately, the high cost of the drug - more than $30,000 a year - means that off label use is largely out of the question and that access is simply not affordable for the tens of millions of Americans without health insurance.

For those who can't obtain pharmaceutical CBD, there are numerous options available. Internet storefronts, community markets, coffee shops, health clubs, chiropractic offices, upscale boutiques, and even gas stations are now retailing a variety of hemp-derived CBD oil products, such as pure CBD isolates that are chemically similar to Epidiolex. Additionally, cannabis dispensaries in states where it has been legalized for medicinal purposes are offering CBD oil products and flower with varying levels of THC and CBD for smoking or vaping. It is no wonder that the market for CBD oil products has grown immensely in response to its sudden popularity, with many athletes, celebrities, and parents of children with serious illnesses singing its praises.

As CBD oil becomes increasingly popular for its potential health benefits, there has been an abundance of misconceptions about CBD and cannabis therapeutics. From claims of being a curative for the sick to a preventive for the healthy, CBD oil has been touted as an all-purpose remedy for both people and pets of all ages. Despite the misconceptions, research is continuing to reveal the potential of CBD oil to help improve health and wellness.

It's important to remember that CBD is not a miracle molecule, and legal access to a broad range of cannabis remedies is essential for people to experience the full therapeutic benefits. Research has shown that CBD is most effective when used in combination with THC and the full spectrum of cannabis components, and this has been a driving factor in the advancement of medical marijuana across the world. The introduction of potent cannabis oil concentrates, non-intoxicating CBD-rich products, and innovative smokeless delivery systems has revolutionized the therapeutic landscape and opened up the public conversation surrounding cannabis.

The therapeutic potential of cannabis is no longer up for debate, and today the challenge is to learn how to best use it for our benefit. With its low-risk profile, CBD is increasingly being used as an add-on therapy to existing treatment plans. Unfortunately, many health professionals lack the knowledge and expertise to properly guide their patients in terms of dosage, administration, CBD/THC synergies, and any risks or interactions with other drugs. As a result, the burden has fallen on self-reliant patients, their supportive families, and a few pioneering physicians to figure out the best approaches to cannabis therapy through trial and error, and to share their findings.

The cannabis prohibition movement that started off as a grassroots effort has now evolved into a multi-billion dollar market, largely due to the rediscovery of CBD as a wellness option. CBD oil has become a hot commodity, with everyone - from those with altruistic intentions to those looking to profit - wanting to get in on the action. This newfound focus on CBD has also sparked a revival of the U.S. hemp industry, which was suppressed for many years due to drug war politics. The 2018 Farm Bill, which legalizes the cultivation of hemp (cannabis with no more than 0.3 % THC), is evidence of CBD's immense popularity and the economic power it wields.

Growing hemp is now a legitimate agricultural enterprise in the United States, but extracting CBD-rich oil from hemp biomass and marketing CBD oil concentrates and isolates for consumption is still seen as a threat to Big Pharma and is heavily regulated by the DEA and FDA. However, this has not stopped the sale of hemp-derived CBD oil products from being easily accessible, creating a situation where quality control is often overlooked. As such, standard CBD oil products are often mislabeled regarding their CBD and THC content, as well as containing artificial flavors and colors, pesticides, and other contaminants. But, for those willing to take the time to research reliable brands, quality CBD oil products are still available, allowing for cannabis and CBD to be used responsibly and as part of a healthy lifestyle.

With the rapid growth of the CBD industry, many consumers have been enticed by the various CBD-related products that are now available. However, with the lack of regulatory oversight, it is important to be aware that not all of these products are safe and effective. Through the use of third-party analytical testing, it has been discovered that the quality and safety of many of these products are not up to par, and that many of these products contain far lower percentages of CBD than advertised. Additionally, some products claiming to be THC-free have been found to possess THC as well as other psychotropic adulterants. Furthermore, commercially available CBD products have been found to have far lower quantities of CBD than are necessary to yield therapeutic effects in clinical trials. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when purchasing CBD products and to do your research to ensure that the product is safe and effective.