What do you know about cannabidiol (CBD)? Lately, cannabidiol has been in the limelight to be sure. Anyone interested in natural health products, homeopathic remedies, alternative medicine, or dietary supplements is undoubtedly aware that CBD has been linked to several exciting therapeutic possibilities. No wonder CBD has suddenly appeared in everything from bath oil to dogie treats.
It should come as no surprise that one recent survey found 86 percent of the 2,000 people polled were familiar with CBD. Yet far fewer have heard about CBD isolate. If you are one of those, don’t worry, just read on. As drug laws continue to relax, increasing numbers of people will explore the therapeutic aspects of marijuana and marijuana-derived products. There will be 11 states in 2020, along with Washington, D.C., that have legalized recreational use of marijuana. An additional 22 states now allow its use for medical purposes.
However, regular CBD use is still relatively rare. Even though 86 percent of those polled were familiar with CBD, only 22 percent admitted ever using it. Only 7 percent admitted they used CBD often. Western states like California and Colorado tended to poll much higher than states in other parts of the country. In the meantime, trends show that CBD use is increasing nationally.
Cannabinoids, Phytochemicals, and Terpenes
CBD is the primary therapeutic chemical in the hemp guide. CBD has no psychoactive properties. Most CBD oil contains very little tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound in marijuana that produces the narcotic effect.
- Both CBD and THC are called cannabinoids. Cannabis sativa (marijuana) contains over 460 phytochemicals besides the cannabinoids mentioned above. Phytochemicals are chemical substances that plants create to ward off competitors, pathogens, or seed predation by animals. Some phytochemicals are thought to healthy growth and cellular regeneration and are associated with a healthy diet.
- The term “terpenes” might sound like a weird race of evil aliens in a science fiction movie, but in fact, they are neither exotic nor scary. On the contrary, terpenes are a class of phytochemicals that humans learned to use long ago for a variety of cultural beneficial and medicinal uses.
Terpenes give lavender flowers their lovely soothing quality, and pine trees that crisp, clean aroma. When you burn lavender or pine oils for incense, it’s mostly the terpenes that produce those beautiful smells.
The Entourage Effect
Terpenes are the substances responsible for the “therapy” in aromatherapy. Since time immeasurable ancient cultures have recognized the unique and needful quality of terpenes. The ancients burnt dried lavender and rose petals in religious ceremonies just as modern people buy shampoos and cosmetics full of such oils.
- To experience optimal mental and physical benefits of terpenes, research suggests they must be used synergistically. Recent examination has recommended terpenes to have the most profound effects when they remain combined when used. However, the exact mechanisms by which they do so are still mostly unknown. The science is emergent, and much is yet undiscovered.
- It is difficult for biologists to isolate the specific properties of individual terpenes because when they interact, they produce results many times more potent than the sum of their individual effects. The precise behavior and interaction of the numerous compounds in full-spectrum CBD oil (CBN, CBDV, THCV, etc..,) are not precisely understood.
Since everyone’s body contains a wide-spread network of cannabinoid receptors, the molecular compounds in cannabis preform many diverse functions. For instance, research has shown that CBD helps to control pain and inflammation of the tissue. We also know that people find CBD oil helps them relax and sleep. Clinical studies have shown CBD oil to cause significant reductions in the occurrence of seizures, dementia, nervous disorders, and depression. Yet since CBD oils contain therapeutic substances that all work in tandem, it is hard to know exactly how they influence one another.
What is Full-Spectrum CBD? And What is Full-Spectrum Best for?
What is full-spectrum CBD? Just what the name suggests. The two most popular forms of CBD are full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. CBD oil is often synonymous with what is considered “full-spectrum CBD” because of its expansive phytochemical composition. In U.S. states that have not legalized marijuana, consumers may buy CBD oil if its THC content does not exceed .2-.3 percent. Otherwise, CBD oil can contain higher amounts of THC depending on where it is sold. The slightly higher THC content may enhance the therapeutic outcome for some. Full-spectrum CBD oil is best for the treatment of anxiety and depression, along with other maladies of the central nervous system and chemical imbalances in the brain that lead to a range of symptoms. CBD oil’s total synergistic interaction and, therefore, its therapeutic action upon some individuals is much broader and more holistic than the effect of CBD isolate alone.
What is CBD Isolate?
What is CBD isolate? CBD isolate is a very pure form of CBD, and unlike the oil contains little to no other compounds. It comes in a powdered crystalline form. CBD isolate best for ailments connected to muscle pain, nerve pain, and tissue swelling. The isolated form seems to lack the therapeutic potential of full-spectrum oil.
Should I Use Full-Spectrum CBD or a CBD Isolate
Only you can know what works in your case because no two examples are the same. Since every person has a unique biochemical signature, it is hard to know precisely what form of CBD will work best at the individual level. As with any other treatment regime, consumers should consult a physician before deciding which course to follow. There is a wealth of printed and electronic information aimed at a general readership. For those with some advanced education or training, there is a rich and ever-expanding technical literature on CBD research.
The Role Of Independent Research
The medical history of CBD clearly illustrates how vital independent research conducted by non-specialists can be. The seminal breakthrough in medical CBD arose from a father trying to help his daughter. This is the case of Charlotte Figi.
- Following otherwise healthy infancy, at 3 months, little Charlotte was struck by violent epileptic seizures. Mainstream science was baffled. All the technology of the modern medical-industrial complex could do nothing for the suffering little girl. Halfway into her second year, she was diagnosed with Dravit syndrome. When doctors say that a patient has a “syndrome,” it means they have no sure ideas concerning causes, conditions, or remedies for the set of symptoms the patient suffers from. Little Charlotte seems doomed.
- Not to be discouraged, Charlotte’s father Matt persisted in his research, though doctors had little hope that such an “armature” could discover anything noteworthy. However, a breakthrough occurred when Matt read about the case of a little boy who was rescued from the worst aspects of Dravit syndrome by ingesting CBD. A similar approach was tried with Charlotte, causing in her a near-miraculous recovery. Matt’s amateur and independent research have indirectly lead to the CBD industry we have access to today.
Don’t be afraid to do your research and make up your mind about how to best treat your pain. CBD isolate is often best for chronic pain, while the oil has applications beyond mere pain. To find out if CBD oil or isolate is best for you requires independent homework. Also, be sure to consult professionals, and always start with low dosages. You have a pain free life to gain and only a few bucks to lose. For many, CBD isolate can make the difference between a day spent in nagging pain and a day free from it.
What is Full Spectrum CBD Best For?
Research suggests that for many Full-Spectrum CBD is Best for dementia, Alzheimer’s, nerve pain, and epilepsy, CBD oil can be used to treat anxiety. Full-Spectrum CBD is Best for others who experience depression and anxiety-related symptoms.
- Modern life is stressful. We could all use a healthy and natural way to take the edge off, some more than others. People are looking for something to lighten their mental burdens. The antidepressant craze generates enormous profits for big pharma, HMOs, and insurance industries alike. At least 15.5 million Americas have been on some medication for 5 years or more, and usage has skyrocketed by 60 percent since 2010.
- CBD oil can be a natural and organic alternative to synthetic prescription drugs. There is mounting evidence that full-spectrum CBD oil can significantly reduce symptoms of social anxiety and functions at the neural level, much like antidepressants. However, CBD oil is good for the entire body in a variety of ways and does not carry the same risk of toxic side effects as do antidepressants.
A promising 2011 study showing clear evidence that the CBD full spectrum oil had a calming effect was followed up by a more extensive analysis in 2015. The 2015 study showed that CBD full spectrum oil is likely a suitable treatment for anxiety disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What is Broad-Spectrum CBD?
When people ask “What is Broad-Spectrum CBD” I explain as follows:
- Broad-Spectrum CBD oil is nearly identical to a full-spectrum cousin, yet lacks the THC. It does produce most of the same types of synergistic effects. However, there is absolutely no psychoactive component. This is good for individuals who particularly dislike the psychoactive effect of THC. In some individuals, THC leads to paranoia and increased levels of anxiety, or otherwise produces confusion and fear. Broad-spectrum oil is best for those who dislike feeling “high” yet want to experience the calming effects of full-spectrum oil otherwise. Trials have shown this form to be suitable for treating opined, and nicotine withdrawal.