CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant. CBD is one of several cannabinoid molecules that are contained within the active parts of the hemp plant. Among these compounds, CBD is one of the most widely studied. The collective of cannabinoids has been shown to be more clinically beneficial as compared to the single CBD isolate. In addition, cannabinoids can be found in foods such as carrots, chocolate, Echinacea, clove, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and other plants/herbs. Unfortunately, one would need to consume an enormous amount of these foods to have any effect, but Hemp, on the other hand, has a larger concentration of cannabinoids.
Cannabis also includes Terpenes, the organic compounds which create the aroma and provide therapeutic benefits. The overall effect of cannabinoids and terpenes is known as the entourage effect, where the benefits are beyond the addition of just the elements included.
The body’s internal Endocannabinoid System [ECS], produces some cannabinoids of its own, which are called endocannabinoids. The ECS with its modulating effects, specifically on the brain, gut, immune system is directly influenced by cannabinoids and helps to regulate functions such as sleep, immune-system responses, and pain.
CBD vs. THC
CBD vs. THC? Of the at least 113 cannabinoids that have been isolated to date, these two are undoubtedly the most well-known and, the most well researched. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are both naturally occurring compounds found in plants in the cannabis genus. Known as phytocannabinoids, these compounds interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors found in the endocannabinoid system present in all mammalian species.
THC and CBD are different because of their differing physiological effects. CBD is non-psychotropic and therefore does not illicit a “high” whereas THC is psychotropic and is the only known cannabis-derived compound to illicit a “high”. Since CBD and THC interact with slightly different receptors in the brain, CBD is unlikely to get one high.
Incentive Gourmet only uses CBD extracted from Industrial Hemp plants which contains little THC, and has independent labs test all our CBD and product for THC levels.
Variations on CBD- Full Spectrum Oil, Broad Spectrum, Hemp Seed Oil
With “Full Spectrum products”, you get many of the benefits of the other cannbinoids besides just CBD [i.e. CBN, CBG, etc.]. Thus the weight and measurement for milligrams per piece is higher than just CBD. Incentive Gourmet uses only Full Spectrum for their CBD edible and tincture products.
What is Broad Spectrum- while Full-spectrum CBD is full of all the terpenes, cannabinoids, flavonoids, and fatty acids found in hemp, all of which have therapeutic value of their own and help create what's know as the entourage effect. Broad-spectrum CBD is a little bit of both. Broad-spectrum starts as Full Spectrum CBD is and then has a varying amount of these items removed, and thus, can be substantially less beneficial.
Isolate is CBD that has been isolated and purified and is both colorless and odorless. Unfortunately it has had the terpenes and natural cannabinoids, and their related benefits found in the other “Spectrum” forms mostly removed.
CBD Oil and Hemp Oil Extract should not be confused with Hemp seed oil which comes from hemp seeds which is being used in some commercial products. Hemp seed oil comes from the small seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. The seeds do not contain the same levels of compounds as the plant itself, but they still have a rich profile of nutrients, fatty acids, and useful bioactive compounds. They are high in Omega 3-, 6- and 9 and are the basis of many creams and topicals. Incentive Gourmet offers a full suite of Hemp Seed Oil infused edibles.
A comparison of Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, Isolate and Hemp Seeds Oil can be found here: https://www.thebrothersapothecary.com/cbd-isolate-vs-broad-spectrum-vs-full-spectrum/
Benefits of CBD
Research has suggested that CBD has excellent anti-seizure and anti-inflammatory properties. CBD has shown to also reduce pain, addiction to opioids and may lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally CBD may help with both falling and staying asleep.
CBD does show a lot of potential for pain relief. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it can be used to help manage chronic pain in many cases.
CBD is especially promising due to its lack of intoxicating effects and a possible lower potential for side effects than many other pain medications.
Here’s two articles that expand on the Benefits of CBD:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319475.php
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324450.php
How much should you take daily?
Most recommended dosage of CBD daily range from 20-33mg, as explained below, with the understanding, that an individual’s serving size depends on a multitude of different factors.
- Metabolism
- Weight
- The ailment you are looking to treat and the severity of it
- Individual body chemistry
Carl Germano, our associate and the esteemed CBD writer, explains in his book “Road to Ananda” [available on our site] that our body’s physiology changes so do the receptors in our endocannabinoid system, which are directly responsible for interactions with CBD. As a result, optimal CBD dosage will change throughout an individual’s lifetime.
In short, there is not a universal or standard or recommended CBD dosage
How to Choose Your CBD Dosage
1. Estimate your dosage based on your body weight
As with most substances, individuals with more body mass will require more CBD to experience its effects. With that being said, a good rule of thumb to determine your proper CBD dosage is to take 1-6MG of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight based on the individuals level of pain.
For example, 20MG-33MG would be a great starting dosage for a 200lb patient, while 15MG-25MG would be best for another who weighs 150lbs.
Some individuals might be more comfortable starting with a low dosage and increasing it over time.
For further information: https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-dosage#research
You also may want to consult with your health provider especially if you are on prescribed medications.
How do you find a good CBD supplier
Below are the salient points from Consumer Reports on shopping for CBD: https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/how-to-shop-for-cbd/
- Decide why you want to use CBD and in what form;
- Be sure there is minimal THC included, and the CBD comes from Hemp [Certificates of Analysis provide this information];
- Find their source of Hemp, and where it is grown- Domestically or EU certified is suggested;
- Make sure the label lists the CBD amount and other information [i.e. Nutritionals] that you would normally expect;
- Avoid labels or advertising that make sweeping changes;
CBD Consumer Insight & Buying Habits
Per High Yield Insights, a Chicago-based, cannabis-focused consumer insight and market intelligence firm, conducted the online survey of 2,000 consumers 21 and older across the United States:
The report’s authors highlighted that most of the consumers surveyed were using CBD to treat health and wellness issues such as depression, chronic joint pain or arthritis, chronic muscle pain and insomnia.
- Those health- and wellness-focused CBD users want to feel the same level of trust with CBD brands that they have for CPG brands they are used to having in their household or seeing on store shelves.
- This level of brand recognition and value should bode well for mainstream health-focused retailers who have entered the market for CBD products, hoping to capture a piece of a market that may exceed $1 billion in sales this year.
To date, this includes health-based retailers CVS, Rite Aid, The Vitamin Shoppe and Walgreens.
Here’s what else you need to know about the situation:
- Seventy-five percent of the survey group identified themselves as current users of CBD – defined as someone who uses CBD regularly or at least once within the previous three months.
- Just over half of CBD users surveyed are new to the party, having used CBD for one year or less.
- Preferred intake methods varied by age group, with consumers 21-34 years old preferring vape pens and those 35-44 preferring infused chocolate edibles. CBD users age 45-54 preferred to use topicals, while tinctures are preferred by consumers 55 and older.