Understanding CBD

CBD: Understanding the Basics of Hemp Oil
Hemp has been cultivated for industrial use throughout the ages, used in the production of canvas, cloth, rope, and paper for centuries. These industrial products are typically created from the hemp plants strong, durable fibers.The fact that hemp is a cannabis plant has fueled the controversy and confusion surrounding hemp-derived products for many years. For a while, it wasn’t even legal to grow hemp in the US. Fortunately, those times have changed.Today, there is a significant amount of interest in the oil extracted from this multi-purpose plant. Hemp oil, CBD, is shown to offer a multitude of potential health benefits. We can help you understand the basics of this fascinating, natural product.

Cannabis Use Without the High
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the 113 potentially beneficial cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Some people are initially uncomfortable learning that CBD comes from cannabis, but we can assure you that there is no cause for alarm. There are two potential CBD sources – hemp and marijuana. You may be reassured by the following:

• The CBD Extracted from Marijuana  The CBD extracted from marijuana contains high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), as much as 30 percent. THC is the cannabinoid that causes marijuana’s psychoactive effects. It’s because of the THC that marijuana is classified as a schedule 1 drug. While the laws regulating marijuana use vary by state, typically marijuana is only available when prescribed by a health care provider.  
• The CBD Extracted from Hemp  While hemp is cannabis, the CBD extracted from hemp does not contain high levels of THC. The government is very clear on acceptable THC levels. To qualify as hemp, the plant needs to contain .3 percent THC or less. Even if you consume a large quantity of hemp oil, the likelihood of feeling “high” is very unlikely. Because there are no risks of THC interfering with your cognitive abilities or motor skills, hemp oil is available without a prescription.

Hemp Oil and CBD Are Interchangeable Terms
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, one of the more prominent cannabinoids found in cannabis extract. When you are searching for hemp-sourced CBD products, you will likely find CBD also referred to as hemp oil.Hemp oil contains CBD. Consumers are looking for hemp-sourced CBD products. You may need to know that “CBD oil” and “hemp oil” are terms used interchangeably within the industry. Since CBD manufacturers are not able to include the term “CBD oil” on their product labels, products are often labeled as “hemp oil” or “hemp supplements”, and specify the amount of cannabidiol (CBD) they contain.

There is No CBD in Hemp Seed OilWhile reputable manufacturers will identify their products as CBD or hemp oil, you need to be aware of one more significant point. CBD is a cannabinoid found in the whole plant milled biomass of hemp plants. Hemp seed oil is the oil pressed from the seeds of the plant. There is no cannabidiol (CBD) in hemp seed oil.When you are considering purchasing a hemp oil product, it’s essential to note the product ingredients. A quality CBD product will specify how many milligrams of cannabidiol it contains. For example, when you are searching for a CBD tincture, you will likely have a choice of several levels of potency, 250 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg or more of CBD in a 15-30 ml bottle. Capsules will be labeled according to the mg per tablet. If the amount of cannabidiol in a product is not specified, consider purchasing a different product.

Supplementing Your Endocannabinoid System with Hemp OilThe messengers, the neurotransmitters, of your endocannabinoid system are cannabinoids. Your body makes two cannabinoids, anandamide, and 2-AG. These cannabinoids are made as your body needs them and are quickly broken down by enzymes. Unfortunately, sometimes the production can’t keep up with the demand. The system is no longer efficient.Your endocannabinoid system also responds to the cannabinoids found in hemp plants, a derivative of the cannabis plant species. Many people directly associate marijuana with cannabis and do not understand the difference between hemp and marijuana. Here is what you need to know.

• Marijuana – It is the THC content that differentiates hemp from marijuana. The CBD extracted from marijuana contains up to 30 percent THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive properties marijuana is known for. Because of marijuana’s impact on the brain, it is classified as a schedule 1 drug. While the legality of marijuana varies by state, it is typically available with a doctor’s prescription.
• Hemp – Most CBD available online is sourced from hemp. The CBD extracted from hemp contains only trace amounts of THC, less than .3 percent. There is not enough THC in hemp CBD to cause intoxication. Hemp-derived CBD is available online, and ships to all 50 states. For those concerned with ingesting any THC, look for a product made with CBD isolate. A product made from CBD isolate is typically THC-free.

The cannabinoids found in the hemp and marijuana plants mimic the effects of your naturally occurring cannabinoids. The cannabinoids in hemp oil bind with the receptors of your endocannabinoid system to keep this vital communication system functioning at optimal levels.Fighting Pain and  Inflammation Without the Risk of Side Effects“Rather than relying on potentially damaging non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like Tylenol and Advil, I have been turning to CBD and seeing incredible results with no side effects.”~Sergio Pettis – #2 UFC Flyweight Division (“The Phenom”)The pain or discomfort you feel within the days or weeks after increasing the intensity of your workout is caused by microscopic damage to your muscles. This damage initiates a response from your immune system. Your immune system responds with inflammation and pain.Maybe you have tried over-the-counter medications to alleviate post-workout discomfort. Maybe you rely on prescription medications to keep minor injuries from interrupting your routine.  While these medications will likely ease your discomfort, they can also cause side effects. Just a few of the many potential side effects associated with over-the-counter and prescription pain medications include:

• Liver and kidney damage
• Stomach upset, indigestion, and vomiting
• Bloating, diarrhea, and constipation
• Ear ringing (tinnitus)
• Vision disturbances
• Skin rashes
• Blood thinning
• Chemical dependency

For the symptoms of overworked muscles or minor strains and sprains, many athletes rely on CBD.Topical Products Can Provide Targeted ReliefHemp CBD will not cloud your senses or impair your athletic performance. While many athletes prefer to use a CBD tincture to experience the potential health and wellness benefits, CBD still has a lot to offer to those who prefer a more targeted approach.Many athletes prefer using topical CBD salves and creams so they can zero in on specific areas of their body affected by injury or overwork. When applied topically, the cannabinoids in CBD penetrate the skin to provide endocannabinoid system support. Whether applied topically or ingested, CBD is shown to inhibit the breakdown and encourage the production of anandamide. This naturally occurring neurotransmitter is the endocannabinoid linked to pain perception. The more anandamide circulating in your system, the less pain you will feel.

Beyond Inflammation and Pain PerceptionAlthough exercise is essential for good health, it puts a good deal of stress and strain on your body. An intense workout can push your vital processes to their limits. Under the stress and strain of exercise, your body may need more cannabinoids than it can produce on its own. Supplementing your fitness regimen with CBD can restore balance to the endocannabinoid system and keep vital processes functioning efficiently. Consider the following potential benefits:

• Improving Sleep Quality  Your body needs rest to gain the full effects of working out. Soon after you fall asleep, your body begins to produce growth hormones, a complex protein that supports your metabolic functions. CBD has the potential to improve sleep quality by reducing stress, easing sore muscles, stabilizing circadian rhythms, and improving your capacity for REM sleep.  
• Minimizing the Impact of Stress  Challenging your potential can cause stress, physically and mentally. Whether the competition you face is internal or external, stress can cause your focus to drift and your muscles to tighten. Since the moods and emotions that could impact your performance are regulated by your endocannabinoid system, restoring balance could minimize the effects of stress on your performance. CBD has been shown to have an anxiolytic effect similar to the effects of prescription anxiety medications. Reducing stress also benefits your immune system function and bone density.  
• Promoting Healing Processes  There is more to fitness recovery than reducing inflammation and minimizing discomfort. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains hundreds of potentially beneficial vitamin, minerals and plant terpenes that have the potential to facilitate health and healing. CBD is high in vitamin A, C, and E as well as all 20 essential amino acids, the building blocks of proteins.  
• Reducing Muscle Spasms  Muscle spasms typically occur after an intense workout or during activities that test your endurance. While some studies indicate that fluids and electrolyte supplements can alleviate or prevent cramps, other studies find little correlation. CBD has the potential to demonstrate antispasmodic properties. 
• Your endocannabinoid system regulates nearly every critical system in your body, from your circulatory system to your moods and emotions. While physical fitness has a distinctly positive effect on your health, vigorous exercise can disrupt the balance of your endocannabinoid system. Supplementing your endocannabinoid system could enhance your athletic performance and minimize your recovery time.