and with companies developing products.
Understanding where some of the uncertainty about CBD comes from
The CBD molecule is found largely in the cannabis plant. However, new evidence suggests that it also appears in an invasive species of pine tree. Early research suggests that many plants contain a host of other molecules that mimic the functions and properties of CBD.
From a federal standpoint, cannabis containing THC is illegal. Hemp cannabis, which contains 0.3 percent or less THC content by dry weight, has been allowed for use with various FDA disclaimers on use practices. CBD is derived from hemp cannabis. (Head to the later section “Looking at the Legality Surrounding CBD” for more on legal specifics.)
The declassification of hemp cannabis cleared the way for the allowance of CBD in products. Retailers clamored to get their hands on the new “it-girl” ingredient. This frenzy incited a rush to the marketplace with everything from tinctures and balms to CBD-infused pillows. Little regulation on the natural and supplement market in the United States meant few barriers to entry.
As knowledge of CBD’s uses as a supplement grew, companies began churning out long lists of claims about its supposed benefits: pain relief, better sleep, reduction of wrinkles, cell turnover — the list goes on. Some of these claims were merely that — claims. Some were and are based on private studies and years of experience. Ultimately, some CBD products may be scams; as with any new industry, companies with little integrity try to make a quick buck.
But it’s not all smoke and mirrors. CBD has lots of legitimate uses as natural medicine. Interestingly enough, the United States even holds patents (almost 40, in fact) on cannabis. One of the most acknowledged and talked about is on cannabis as a neuroprotective as well as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidative agent.
HOLDING CBD PRODUCTS TO A HIGHER (DOUBLE) STANDARD
Consumers today are more knowledgeable and empowered in their ingredient knowledge than ever, but they don’t necessarily hold all plant-derived ingredients to the same standard. Take tea tree oil. It first came to the Western product market as an antibacterial; soon, it was in everything from soaps to toothpaste to honey. People took it at face value and consumed it in abundance. Now compare that approach to the hoops consumers want CBD products to jump through. They want to look at certificates of analysis (COAs) and know the location of the farm. I don’t know about you, but I don’t know exactly where the tea tree in my toothpaste comes from, and I’m an over-the-top kind of principled buyer of products. Most consumers didn’t even know what a COA was before the cannabis market opened up. The difference? Tea tree oil doesn’t come with the stigma of having been classified as an illicit substance.
CBD is not a cure-all, but neutralizes many difficult symptoms
The early phases of CBD in the consumer marketplace have led to a host of one-size-fits-all forms of CBD. The most common offering is full-spectrum tinctures. Other varieties include capsules, powders, balms, and salves. Some companies are creating very targeted ingredients with CBD, and still others are creating products with CBD and other ingredients designed to address specific conditions.
Research and anecdotal evidence for the many uses of CBD continues to expand. Broad applications showed success in inflammatory relief, and evidence indicates CBD can address topical conditions like eczema, scarring, and acne. Now researchers are testing extra functions such as antimicrobial and antifungal qualities.
More than 50 percent of Americans suffer from chronic pain, sleep, and anxiety conditions, and CBD can help there as well. The reported internal benefits of CBD range from help with chronic and acute pain to stress reduction and relief from depression and sleeplessness. Other applications include gut health, mental fog, arthritis, exercise fatigue, and more. The formal medical uses are limited because of CBD’s novelty, but they’re showing incredible promise.
The most significant medical applications to date are related to epilepsy and seizures. A pharmaceutical company created the drug Epidiolex, which is designed to treat a severe seizure condition and has been proven to limit the severity, duration, and frequency of condition-related seizures. Researchers are exploring other pharmaceutical uses in more depth, including a host of neurological conditions that have stumped the drug industry and healthcare professionals for generations.
Applying and Ingesting CBD
CBD is not just a one-trick pony, or a one-form pony, for lack of better analogies. That’s a common misconception that needs to be corrected. Many people think that the whole-plant form reigns superior for consumption. CBD cannabis flower, the true whole-plant form, is beautiful. The host of plant chemicals contained inside can address a broad spectrum of conditions and side effects. However, it is not the best form of CBD if it is not a form that works for you.
Uncovering the right form for you is a bit of an art. And while I go into some of the details of the form factors later in this section, it's helpful to go into a more specific approach to conditions and side-effects and evaluate the “right” form factor from there. As a start, read through this chapter, and if you find you want to jump straight to the deeper information on form factors, hop to Chapter 7. Topicals are discussed in more depth in Chapter 14, more specifically as they relate to skincare. Chapter 21 offers a broader overview of the “why” coupled with what form.
As an all-natural remedy, CBD has been declared effective as both a topical and ingestible treatment. The condition you’re treating ultimately determines the best form to use. A topical application of CBD is best for localized or acute pain, which can be caused by a bonk or a bruise. Examples of topical products include body oils and lotions. Ingestible forms of CBD are best for chronic pain conditions. The following sections break down the basics of topical and ingestible treatments.