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Silver Shadow CBD > Blog
Uncategorized
December 13, 20180

Farm Bill Passes Senate and the House

With a push from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for the past year, Congress just voted to legalize hemp.

Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 2018 Farm Bill by a vote of 369 to 47.

There’s only one more step to permanent legalization – the President’s signature – and he has already indicated support of the measure.  As soon as he applies his pen to paper, the law takes immediate effect.

We expect some sort of ceremonial bill signing imminently, and we will keep you informed.

So what is this all about really?

As it stands, farmers face several barriers to growing hemp due to federal prohibition — including restricted access to banking (for those selling retail brand products it also almost impossible to find a merchant processor), water rights, and crop insurance. The bill removes these restrictions, putting the US Department of Agriculture and state agencies in charge of regulations.

There are already limited research and pilot programs for hemp, which McConnell backed in the past. And it’s actually already legal to sell hemp products — but cultivation is banned in most cases.

Key Points to Legalizing Hemp

  1. Medical properties of cannabiniods can now have real scientific studies done without the red tape.
  2. all aspects of the plant and by products are legal. That means hemp paper, cars, homes, hemp bottles that biodegrade, medicinal products and more.
  3. Credit cards and banks will start allowing processing almost immediately. 
  4. CBD alone will become a 30 billion dollar industry within the next 3-4 years.
  5. farmers can start making livings again and many new farmers will start. Agriculture will become a leader of professions once a gain.
  6. Bill gives $867 Billion in aid.

“The passage of the 2019 Farm Bill is good news because it provides a strong safety net for farmers and ranchers, who need the dependability and certainty this legislation affords,” Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said in a statement after the bill passed the House.

With more research comes for reasons for almost an human to be taking or using some type of cbd product. At Silver Shadow we are the leading and one of the oldest FDA registered CBD Manufacturing facilities (DBA: cbdoilmanufacturer.com) since march 2015. We have over 20,000 sq feet of manufacturing cleanrooms ready in January 2019 with no stoppage of production for the new clean room setups, full automated bottling lines, full automatic encapsulation machines and more. Many can say they are the “Manufacturer” but very few can prove it. We are FDA registered, Insured (product liability 2 million also), and will be applying for cGMP & NSF certification mid 1st quarter for our new clean rooms.

Contact us to buy wholesale blank bottles at MOQ of only 50 bottles and private label starting at 250 MOQ.

CBD Oil Wholesale
CBD Oil Wholesale
March 2, 20180

What You Should Know About CBD Oil Wholesale Buying

CBD Oil Wholesale

What You Should Know About CBD Oil Wholesale Buying

People tend to portray some level of skepticism when one mentions products that are obtained from cannabis. This is because they mostly associate the use of these products with the recreational marijuana. However, CBD oil and many other CBD-based products are in a group of themselves. They do not have any psychoactive effects despite being derived from cannabis. In simple terms, you cannot use them to get high.

Contrary to many other cannabis-related products, the legality of CBD cannot be questioned since it is legal for purchase and use in all states in the US. You can easily buy it online with no restrictions and have it brought to your doorstep. The numerous benefits that CBD has to make it a good product for sale on your e-commerce website or retail store.

Getting sources of wholesale CBD -related products shouldn’t be a challenge. CBD oil is arguably the most popular of all the products, but there are other less known items like edibles, capsules, sprays, topical ointments, and suppositories. CBD is a product with numerous uses, and it comes in various forms as well. If you run any natural health store, you will discover that CBD will turn out to be among your best selling products.

But for starters, you must help customers in understanding what CBD is, its difference from marijuana products, its health benefits, and why they should buy it. Otherwise, you will end up with an unlimited stock of edibles, topical ointments, and oils that cannot get a buyer. Let us explore the basics in this article so that you will quickly sell your new product.

What Is CBD?

CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol, which is just one of more than 80 cannabinoid variations extracted from the cannabis plant. And unlike the other cannabinoids, CBD bears no psychoactive effects. It is rich in vitamins and has been found to have numerous positive effects on our bodies. CBD is known to be the second most prevalent cannabinoid in the cannabis plant with the reigning one being THC.

Plants that usually are cultivated for the extraction of CBD are known as high-CBD, low-THC hemp plants. On the contrary, plants used for medical marijuana are referred to as high-THC plants. As is, hemp is known to contain very minimal traces of THC. It is for this reason that it is mainly used in the textile industry among many other sectors.

Just like many other cannabinoids, CBD tends to interact with our bodies in numerous ways. It is known to interact with a component referred to as the endocannabinoid system, which is a unique set of brain receptors which deal with cannabinoids alone. The human ECS is known to have an impact on pain sensations, appetite, mood, and memory.

With the existence of ECS, it is evident that our brains can handle cannabinoids. In fact, our bodies tend to produce cannabinoids which are meant to communicate with the ECS receptors. A majority of people today do not include cannabinoids in their diet, and as such, ECS is not well maintained. Although the internally produce cannabinoids are beneficial, their impact is not the same as that of the natural, plant-based cannabinoids.

And as mentioned earlier, there are numerous ways in which you can introduce CBD to your body with the most popular one being through CBD oil. If you are not entirely sure of the CBD product you should sell on wholesale, then CBD oil is a product you should consider investing in.

What is CBD Oil?

To begin with, you should note that the hemp oil and CBD oil you might see in your local grocery are entirely different. Hemp oil is a supplement that is usually extracted from the hemp plant seeds. While it is hugely beneficial to our bodies, it also has different effects on the body. One important aspect is that it has no CBD, so it only offers nutritional value.

CBD oil is entirely obtained from the stalk of the plant, though some seed extracts could be added to the oil to boost the oil’s nutritional value. It is advisable to view CBD oil as hemp oil with a slight addition of the CBD aspect which makes it a massive improvement over the conventional hemp oil products.

The extraction oil for both products is also different. The extraction process is aimed at removing CBD from the plant without extracting other cannabinoids. However, some vitamins and additional minerals like omega-3 fatty acids could be extracted.

On completion of the extraction process, it is up to the specific manufacturer to decide what additional compounds to add to this mixture. It is advisable to leave the extract as pure as it is so that other people down your supply like can add what they fancy. Pure CBD oil is what you need if you want to enjoy the numerous health benefits of CBD. It could be hard for you to make more sales if there are other ingredients or chemicals added to the oil.

Benefits of CBD

If you deal with the sale of CBD oil, many buyers will often want to know about the benefits of using this product. Their curiosity is quite understandable for that matter considering the sensitivity of the subject. There more than a dozen benefits of CBD oil and other related products. Here are a few of the many advantages.

1. Fighting Acne: A study concerning the topical utilization of CBD oil was conducted by the Journal of Clinical Investigation, and it was discovered that CBD functioned as a sebostatic as well as an anti-inflammatory compound. The findings were that CBD reduced lipid synthesis and consequently acne breakouts. Surprisingly, the specimen used was a cream made from CBD oil and not the pure oil.

2. Fighting Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: PTSD is a problem faced by millions of people, and especially military personnel. In PTSD, a patient has to deal with severe anxiety and stress regularly. Anxiety and stress have been found to be two psychological aspects which could be impacted by ECS. On many occasions, CBD has been found to bear anti-anxiety effects.

3. Treatment of Schizophrenia: CBD has become the focal point of much attention in psychology due to the potential and ability it has to combat various conditions. In the year 2012, a study was conducted concerning the impact of CBD on schizophrenia, and it was found that this plant extract could treat this disorder better than many popular medications that were being used at the time.

4. Mitigate Cigarette Cravings: Another study was conducted to find out whether CBD could be helpful in the fight against cigarette addiction. The study utilized two specimen groups; one group was issued with an inhaler filled with CBD while the other was given an inhaler filled with placebo. Both groups were to use their inhalers any time they felt the urge to smoke. The group with a CBD inhaler were found to have reduced cigarette usage by about 40 percent by the time the research was concluded.

The benefits as mentioned earlier are just a few of the numerous benefits CBD is known to offer. Moreover, they are the most known benefits. CBD is popularly known to provide pain relief, reduce the risk of diabetes, mitigate the symptoms of cancer, improve cardiovascular health, and fight nausea. It is surprising how all these effects could come from just a simple cannabinoid.

Buying Wholesale CBD

At first glance, the laws in the States could give the impression that it is difficult to deal with CBD oil. Unfortunately, the growth and processing of the hemp plant in the United States are still viewed as illegal. There are many farms that grow the hemp plant, but they are allowed by the government to do it for research and medical purposes.

And while it is against the law to cultivate or process the hemp plant in the United States, you are allowed to buy hemp-based products which were produced outside the country. For instance, you could buy wholesale hemp from outside the United States and have it shipped to the US. Hemp products are always everywhere in the United States, and they got into the country legally. The imported hemp is not worth close to half a billion dollars.

As time goes by, the chances are that the US government will legalize the cultivation of hemp plants for commercial use further than just the 2014 Farm Bill. But until then, you should stick to obtaining a wholesale supplier from across the border or a US-based wholesaler who imported the hemp plant extracts and manufactured the oil locally.

While the former option could be difficult, it is apparently affordable. Buying from a US-based wholesaler means that you will buy the products at a price higher than what you would have paid if you purchased directly from a wholesaler who is abroad. There are also numerous legal hurdles that toy must cross to take this route. Also, you need to consider the quality of the oil you are getting as well as the production stage in which you buy the oil.

Most of the wholesale suppliers in the US purchase the extracts abroad and convert them into oil locally. This gives them the chance to test the safety and quality of their product as well as monitor the manufacturing. If you want your buyers to enjoy high-quality products, these are the wholesale companies you should be looking for.

Do Your Homework

Whether you will be buying from a local or international wholesaler, it is imperative that you do enough research. Seek to learn a lot about the company as well as other businesses that buy from them.

Uncategorized
November 9, 20170

Why Topical CBD Shows So Much Promise As An Option For Joint Pains, Inflammation And Arthritis

Why Topical CBD Shows So Much Promise As An Option For Joint Pains, Inflammation And Arthritis

You can swallow a pill, take an extract or vape it, but some individuals find that it is best to apply CBD to their skin directly.

We were interested in learning more about why topical applications are being chosen by some CBD consumers, like massage oils or lotions, over other forms of the supplement, and we were surprised to find how many ailments it can help.

Although CBD oil is a non-psychedelic industrial hemp extract, it appears to provide healing benefits no matter how it is ingested, from some skin conditions, some forms of chronic pain, and other types of localized issues, topical applications enable users to directly to the source. Topical CBD also works faster, since it doesn’t need to first travel throughout the digestive system.

Just like our investigations into whether or not CBD can help anxiety and chronic pain, we have reviewed the scientific literature on the subject at look at reports as well from ordinary people who benefit from hemp extract. There is extensive research on the overall benefits that CBD provides in human, but most of the studies on topical applications that we were able to find used animals.

A University of Kentucky research team in July 2016 published the results from their successful CBD study in the European Journal of Pain regarding relieving arthritis symptoms found in rats. Arthritis was artificially induced in the knee joints of rats by scientists, and then it was studied whether or not their pain was reduced and mobility improved by CBD.

The researchers noted that joint swelling was significantly reduced by transdermal CBD gel, and noted other pain indicators, including how the affected joints were positioned by the rats appeared to be improved as well.

The researchers added that the CBD did not alter exploratory behavior which indicated that higher brain function had only a limited effect, and there was additional evidence that few side effects were associated with CBD.

The scientists concluded that according to the data topical CBD application appears to have therapeutic potential for relieving arthritis pain-related inflammation and behaviors without any noticeable side effects.

Although maybe not as applicable to daily applications, it has been suggested by other animal studies that CBD might reduce numerous different types of inflammation. Another thing that is worth noting is there are two patents at least already on specific topical CBD formulations.

Possible relief of Psoriasis by study at NCBI Here

When cannabinoids are topically applied, it enables them to be directly absorbed into the affected area for more focused and faster relief.

They noted that one benefit was even psychoactive cannabis-based topical formulations are not mind-altering since they bind with CBD receptors close to the skin, which activates the endocannabinoid system, and not absorbed into the bloodstream ever.

Beyond just the basic chronic pain problems, it has also be shown that the topical use of the combination of CBD and THC have been reported as being effect against multiple sclerosis’ central pain. It might help with skin conditions as well, including skin infections, psoriasis, eczema, rashes, and burns.

The freelance fitness writer Rachael Schultz, in her January 2017 report published in Shape magazine, had a more cautious take on topical CBD. She warned that there very little scientific data supporting the concept that a CBD-infused topical cream is more effective compared to other topical pain relievers, such as Icy Hot, BenGay or Tiger Balm.

It was also speculated by Schultz that other herbal ingredients contained in topical CBD cream might be as active or more than CBD itself. However, the experts that she consulted with did admit that CBD is promising, but mainly still unproven in human-based lab testing.

According to Gregory Gerdeman, a cannabinoid expert, and neurophysiologist at Exkert College, the stiffness and pain coming from overexertion or post-workout does have a pro-inflammatory aspect to it, and therefore it is reasonable to believe that CBD or other types of cannabinoids may have benefits. But there is no research supporting that yet.

According to some CBD users, CBD is the only thing that helped them and state why they have gone topical.

On Reddit at /r/CBD/, users were asked about topical use of CBD, and there were numerous individuals who were eager to discuss its benefits.

Dr. Ranga Krishna, a Brooklyn-based neurologist, said he both holds a patent and prescribed topical CBD due to its amazing promise.

He said that topicals are a great option since it is easy to measure them when it comes to ingredient compositions, and they have higher bioavailability compared to orally ingested compounds due to having the ability to skip liver metabolization.

Although he is hoping CBD can shine through when it comes to topical application, he said they were doing studies still regarding that. He said he hopes to eventually combine it along with other kinds of topical pain relievers.

Since everyone is different, topical CBD does not work for everybody.

One user reports that he tried it for a stubborn chronic pain issue and that it did help some but wasn’t enough for his level of pain or the spot.

He said they had gone back to other ingesting CBD methods that appear to help more. Although topical creams did not help with chronic pain, another, an unexpected benefit was discovered. It worked great on menstrual cramps.

Other people on Reddit were very enthusiastic about topical CBD benefits. One person suffering from postherpetic neuralgia, which is a lingering type of chronic pain that might be caused by shingles, wrote that CBD was the only thing that helped.

There are severeal Studies done on CBD and Skin Care from the NCBI below:

Another user wrote that he used topical salves because he had stopped ingesting cannabis, but that they still helped when his joints and muscles were knotted or tense.

In another discussion, it was suggested that topical CBD might help with hemorrhoids.

Uncategorized
November 3, 20170

Key Facts About Pure CBD Isolates

Key Facts About Pure CBD Isolates

A wide array of CBD products exist for purchase on the open these days, and it makes good sense for everyone to gain a strong understanding of CBD-related terminology and definitions. Doing so will enable all of us to choose products that are well-suited to our own requirements. In the following paragraphs, we will cover the fundamentals of CBD isolates, learn how they are made, examine the ways in which they can be used and explain their beneficial qualities.

Basic Features Of CBD Isolates

CBD crystals, or isolates, represent the purest and most intense CBD product available at the present time. With 99 percent purity, these isolates take the form of a power that is comprised of CBD chemical compounds alone. Isolates are not created in a lab and are not synthetic, but rather all-natural products taken straight from hemp plants. Once extracted, it is further refined and made into this impressively pure substance that is truly prized by those in the know.

The Multi-Step Process Of Making CBD Isolate

CBD crystals are sourced from marijuana plants via a range of procedural steps that facilitate the critical facets of extraction and isolation. An organic cannabis plant is the starting point. Keep in mind that this is not marijuana of the sort that produces a high. Hemp of commercial-grade quality is what CBD isolates are made from, and it is grown for the purpose of providing an optimal biomass. The hemp that is used is quite distinct from the cannabis a recreational user would want. Though the plant origins are the same, the products are not. Hemp contains no THC, making it ideal for making CBDs.

There are many steps involved in making the CBD isolates. First, it is necessary to use CO2 in order to get the oils and resins from the plant itself. Having received the FDA’s imprimuatur of safety, a greater concentration is achievable, containing cannabinoids and fatty acids that naturally occur in hemp.

Then, the extracted substance will need winterization and purification. At this stage, CBD oils can be purified in a specialized process designed to remove unnecessary plant materials. Extraneous waxes are filtered away and lipids are separated during winterization. Now, extra plant substances are eliminated from what remains. The result is a CBD isolate with almost complete purity. Lastly, wax and chlorophyll that may be left can be removed. The end product is a pristine CBD suitable for ingestion or used in a variety of applications.

To verify the reliability and purity of a CBD isolate, it is important for it to undergo rigorous laboratory tests. Adhering to these recommendations helps make certain that the cannabinoid concentration is appropriate and effective and that there are no heavy metals, toxins, fungi, molds or mildew left behind. Products should be free from contaminants to the highest degree possible.

The Myriad Of Uses For CBD Isolate Products

Because of the lack of THC and plant material, the isolated crystals are said to be a truly ideal rendering that is difficult to beat. The powder itself has no discernible smell or flavor, and it can be used in an impressive range of other products. Be sure to measure the potency of the isolate being used when developing oil infusions. The 99 percent purity of these crystals indicates that each milligram of CBD isolate equals an active CBD milligram.

Sublingual Use of CBD Isolates

Similarly to other products made with hemp oil, isolates of CBD can be used orally. Those who wish to do so may place the substance under their tongue for quicker introduction into the system. When the oil sits for 60-90 seconds under the tongue, it gets into the blood much faster than via other routes. Also, the oil will steer clear of rapid metabolism by the liver, something that ought to be avoided if at all possible. Using the CBD isolate in this way is also simpler and easier than other methods.

Making CBD Oils And Preparations On Your Own

A surprisingly large number of folks have a keen interest in developing edible products at home. Though it is possible to use CBD oils in an array of foods and drinks, none are as powerful as CBD isolates. Fortunately, the isolates are soluble in lots of different oil types, including coconut, avocado and palm, and they can be used to make infused liquid preparations.

After an oil has been made, it can be used to infuse almost any edible item, such as cookies, brownies and the like. It is also useful for smoothies, coffee and, to the surprise of many, as an oil for massage. CBD has a boiling point of between 320 and 356 degrees Fahrenheit, and heating to this level can reduce potency somewhat. This is a good reason to exercise a bit of caution and discretion when utilizing CBD isolates in this way. The truth of the matter is that it is better to cook with lower temperatures in order to prevent unnecessary degeneration. It would be disappointing indeed to end up limiting the efficacy of the product by making the avoidable mistake of overheating it.

Vaporization Of CBD Isolates

180 to 200 degrees Celsius is the range for vaporization of CBD isolates. Vapor has a number of useful applications, including those related to water bubblers and vape pens. It is also possible to inhale these vapors straight or use in a dabbing manner. Isolates are great for making concentrates known to elevate CBD levels for those who vape. Once vaporized, CBD is able to get into the blood in an efficient manner that does not reach the liver or digestive system.

It is possible to purchase CBD isolate from a significant number of distributors and manufacturers. Buying in bulk is always a wise idea, and the product can be shipped straight to your home. Those interested in learning more about CBD isolates should visit a local dispensary to discover even more information than is provided here.

Water Soluble CBD
November 3, 20170

Everything You Want To Know About Water Soluble CBD

Everything You Want To Know About Water Soluble CBD

If you have been keeping up with the news on CBD oil, you must have recently heard about water-soluble CBD which is touted to be a new type of CBD.

When you take CBD oil sublingually by placing it under your tongue and holding it in for up to 3 minutes, you can feel the effect much more quickly as the active component in the CBD oil get absorbed directly into the bloodstream in this manner. This has a number of benefits over consuming CBD oil in a capsule form or putting CBD oil directly into your stomach. When you put CBD oil drops directly in your mouth, these go through your digestive system before being absorbed in the bloodstream and CBD components need to get absorbed in the bloodstream in order to provide you with the required benefits.

Therefore, the major advantage of taking CBD oil sublingually is that it helps in getting CBD as well as various other cannabinoids into the CB2 receptors much quicker and in a much more efficient manner as compared to when you just swallow CBD oil. This happens due to the terpenes in the CBD oil getting distributed much more efficiently and quickly in your body.

However, there is still a problem when you take CBD oils sublingually. This is due to the reason that oil does not mix well with water and 80% of your blood is nothing but water. To understand it better, consider the process of making a vinaigrette salad where you mix oil with vinegar. When you mix all these things, vinegar (which happens to be a water solution) and oil stay separate at the bottom of the salad bowl. You need to use a whisk with a lot of force in order to mix the oil and vinegar together.

You will notice that the vinegar and oil still separate out in case the vinaigrette salad is left out for too long before you serve it. Also, you will find small oil beads floating in the water when you take a close look at the vinaigrette. This is due to the reason that oil and water do not mix well.

This is what happens when CBD oil is absorbed the bloodstream. Due to the powerful pump action provided by you heart, which acts as your internal whisk, the blood rushes through the blood vessels and mixes with the CBD oil molecules. However, this does not lead to full dissolution of CBD oil into the blood in the cells as these cells are made up of around 90% water. In such a situation, some of the cannabinoids and terpenes reach the CB2 receptors but a lot of these nutrients go waste as they never get a chance to be get dissolved into the blood. What really happens is that most of the nutrients in the CBD oil are flushed out from your body before they can be absorbed.

This is where you need to understand the term bioavailability. In simple terms, bioavailability may be defined as a measure of the amount of nutrient that can actually be used by the body and put to good purpose when it goes into your system. Some experts have estimated that only around 10% of the total available cannabinoids and terpenes are directly absorbed in your body when you take CBD oil sublingually and this ratio goes further down when you consume it in capsule form or directly.

The biggest advantage of buying water-soluble CBD is that a much higher percentage of cannabinoids and terpenes are directly absorbed into your body. In fact, it is estimated that almost all the cannabinoids and terpenes present in the CBD oil are absorbed in the blood in case of water-soluble CBD. In simple terms, you get much greater benefits even if you take a lower amount of water-soluble CBD. You can also save a lot of money without compromising on the therapeutic benefits of CBD oil.

There are several other advantages of water-soluble CBD. One of the other advantages is that it allows you to accurately measure the serving size which means you can easily get the desired therapeutic effect. One of the biggest problems with CBD oil is that users are unaware of the actual dosage they are receiving as they are unable to measure the exact amount of active components that are actually absorbed by the body. On the other hand, you can rest assured that a majority of the terpenes and cannabinoids as well as other nutrients present within the CBD oil will be absorbed in the body in case of the water soluble CBD. This will allow you to accurate measure your dosage in order to get the desired benefits.

CBD oil isn’t naturally water-soluble and therefore, some reengineering needs to be done inside a laboratory in order to make it water-soluble. Once the processing has been done, it is usually sold as water-soluble CBD powder or water-soluble CBD liquid. As far as the process for converting regular CBD oil into water-soluble CBD is concerned, it is patented and nobody is aware of the exact details about how the process works.

However, here are some bits and pieces that we do know about the process. In this process, the CBD oil molecules are processed into nano-sized particles. These particles are so small that these can easily mix into the blood. While you wouldn’t call it dissolution exactly but the final results are close to that.

Another thing we are aware of is that these CBD oil molecules are combined with curcumin in order to make them more water-soluble. As far as the benefits of curcumin is concerned, it may help with keeping Alzheimer’s disease at bay. It is also considered safe. Also, CBD oil is known to prevent many different types of cancers including colon cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer among others. Curcumin has a neutral pH and is slightly water-soluble at room temperature. However, researchers have been able to make curcumin molecules a lot more water-soluble by tinkering with the pH and temperature levels.

When you are buying water-soluble CBD, it is important for you to ensure that it’s a full spectrum version. A full spectrum version means that none of the cannabinoids, phytonutrients or terpenes were removed during the reengineering process. The water-soluble CBD is sold in liquid as well as powder forms.

THC Vs CBD Why Isn't CBD Psychoactive
THC vs CBD
August 16, 20170

THC Vs. CBD: Why Isn’t CBD Psychoactive?

Why is CBD not psychoactive the way that THC is? How is one cannabinoid able to profoundly alter the mind, whereas another one doesn’t seem to at all?

When we are discussing psychoactivity and cannabis, we are exclusively dealing with CB1 receptors. They are concentrated within the central nervous system and brain. The difference between THC and CBD comes down to the fundamental difference in the way that each of them interacts with the CB1 (cannabinoid 1) receptor. CB1 cannabinoid receptors and THC bind well together. However, CBD has a low affinity for binding with CB1 receptors. This is where the two part ways.

It is similar to an electrical plug that connects to the wall socket. The shape of a THC molecule is ideal for connecting with CB1 receptors. Whenever that connection occurs, THC stimulates, or activates, the CB1 receptors. THC is referred to by researchers as a CB1 receptor agonist, meaning the THC works to activate the CB1 receptors.

Anandamide, which is a naturally produced neurotransmitter and called “the bliss molecule,” is partially mimicked by THC. Anandamide is a type of endocannabinoid that activates CB1 receptors. We have learned from animal studies that anandamide can increase the pleasure that is associated with consuming food and increasing appetite. It is also probably responsible for some of the rewarding effects that we receive from exercising (for example the “high” that runners get). Anandamide plays a role in pain, motivation, and memory as well. THC resembles anandamide so closely that it can activate CB1 receptors, which allows it to produce similar feelings of bliss.

THC Vs. CBD: Why Isn’t CBD Psychoactive?

By contrast, CBD and CB1 receptors are not a good fit. CBD is an antagonist of the CB1 agonists. What that means is it doesn’t directly act to suppress or activate CB1 receptors – instead, it suppresses the CB1-activating qualities that a cannabinoid such as THC has. So when you ingest CBD and THC, the CB1 receptors are directly stimulated by the THC, whereas CBD modulates the THC. According to Martin Lee, co-founder of Project CBD, CBD opposes THC action at the CB1 receptors, which mutes THC’s psychoactive effects.

How does this work in actual real life? Say that cannabis flower is vaporized with 24 percent THC. If this flower contains 0.2 percent CBD, then the THC will excite your CB1 receptors without hardly any CBD interference. You might feel very high and may also experience some of THC’s less desirable effects, like heightened paranoia feelings. However, if you consume cannabis that is 6 percent CBD and 24 percent THC, then CBD should dampen the THC’s effect. You will still feel high, but probably not as much, and also your paranoia should be kept in check by the CBD.

THC Vs. CBD: Why Isn’t CBD Psychoactive?

There are significant political implications with the differences in psychoactivity. As has been noted by the Project CBD founders, some people have labeled THC mistakenly as the “bad cannabinoid” while CBD has been called the “good cannabinoid.” Many CBD-only laws have been passed by legislators in the Southern states to try to provide patients with access to this powerful cannabinoid and at the same time prohibiting THC. However, Raphael Mechoulam, who is a pioneering cannabis researcher, frequently talks about the “entourage effect,” which is the concept that terpenes and cannabinoids might work better together compared to in isolation. For example, GW Pharma’s Sativex is a drug that has been approved outside of the United States for treating MS-related muscle spasticity. There is almost a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio contained in Sativex.

As researchers continue learning more about CBD along with the role that other compounds and cannabinoids play in treating conditions such as MS, we might be able to dose CBD more accurately in combination with other kinds of cannabis-derived compounds.

How Cannabidiol (CBD) Works To Treat Anxiety
CBD For Anxiety
August 16, 20170

How Cannabidiol (CBD) Works To Treat Anxiety

Although we don’t usually think of stress as being something that is desirable, actually it is a critical adaptive response that may help us with coping with threats to either our or another person’s welfare and safety. Those answers help us with recognizing and averting possible threat; and they may also help with motivating us to take action or improve our situation (improve relationships, pay bills, work harder, etc.). However, whenever we are unable to effectively manage those natural responses, they may become maladaptive and can impact our relationships and work. That can lead to anxiety-related disorders. All of us are familiar with the saying of, “stress kills.” It is true.

A high percentage of our population is affected by anxiety-related disorders – 40 million adults (18%) age 18 and older in the U.S. Big Pharma has responded by developing numerous drugs for treating anxiety-related disorders, ranging from tranquilizers (with benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium being the most popular) to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Zoloft and Prozac.

Although for many patients the drugs may be effective, some people do not have a favorable response. Some patient does not see a lot of improvement or are unable to handle the side effects. Also, tranquilizers such as Xanax and Valium may be highly addictive. Alternative treatments are warranted. Is it possible that cannabidiol (CBD), which is the most prominent of the non-psychoactive components in cannabis, offer a viable alternative to the anxiety medications that are currently available? It is quite possible!

How Cannabidiol (CBD) Works To Treat Anxiety

CBD in recent years has been generating lots of interest among scientists, clinicians, and consumers. Why is that? The evidence not only suggest that many of THC’s adverse effects are counteracted by CBD, but many animal studies as well as mounting evidence from epidemiological, clinical and human experimental studies have suggested that there are powerful anti-anxiety properties contained in CBD. When administered acutely (on an “as needed” basis) it appears to be well-tolerated, safe and might be beneficial for treating numerous anxiety-related disorders, including the following:

– Mild to moderate depression
– Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
– Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
– Social Phobia
– Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
– Panic Disorder

How Does CBD Work?

Several actions are exerted into the brain by CBD which explains why it can be so effective in the treatment of anxiety. Before diving in, it is essential to note that a majority of research that describes how CBD works is based on animal studies and is preclinical. “Mice are not men,” as the says go, so results coming from animal studies do not always transfer neatly over to human therapies. Preclinical studies, however, have provided insights for moving us in the proper direction:

5-HT1A agonist: 5-HT1A is actually a sub type of the serotonin receptor. The reason why this is so important is because depression and anxiety may be treated sometimes with medications for targeting the serotonin system. That is why SSRIs (elective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as Zoloft and Prozac have been developed by drug companies. SSRIs work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin inside of the brain. This increases the amount of serotonin that is available within the synaptic space. It helps brain cells with transmitting more serotonin signals. This can help to boost mood and reduce anxiety in certain situations (although the entire biological basis is a lot more complicated and not completely understood).

CBD, similar to SSRIs, might boost signaling via serotonin receptors. Spanish researchers in an animal study found that 5-HT1A transmission is enhanced by CBD and might affect serotonin more quickly than SSRIs.

Hippocampal neurogenesis: One of the major areas of the brain is the hippocampus. It plays a crucial role in various brain functions. It is best known for its role in cognition and memory formation. Brain scans from patients who suffer from anxiety or depression frequently display a smaller hippocampus and successfully treating depression is associated with new neurons being born (neurogenesis) within the hippocampus.

There was an animal study that used mice that found that administering CBD repeatedly might help the hippocampus with regenerating neurons, which may be useful to treat depression or anxiety. Research shows that both CBD and SSRIs might promote neurogenesis. That is significant since it is suggested by the evidence that severely impaired neuronal plasticity might influence suicidal behavior. Research in the future that compared the effect of SSRIs and CBD on neurogenesis might open up new avenues that are quite promising in the way that we understand depression and the most effective way to treat it.

How CBD Can Help With Anxiety

Human studies are beginning to build on the foundation made by animals studies and are now providing evidence that demonstrates that CBD might improve many common anxiety-disorder symptoms, such as anxiety and acute stress.

Human Studies Show How Anxiety Is Reduced By CBD

A small double-blind study was conducted by Brazilian researchers of patients who suffered from generalized social anxiety. Participants reported having significant decreases in anxiety after consuming CBD. Patients’ subjective reports were validated by researchers through conducting brain scans that showed cerebral blood flow patterns that were consistent with having an anti-anxiety effect.

There was another small study where researchers had patients who suffered from Social Anxiety Disorder to a simulated public speaking test. It was reported by participants that they had significantly less anxiety, with these findings being supported by objective stress indicators such as blood pressure and heart rate.

The conclusion of the researchers was that CBD significantly reduced discomfort in speech performance, cognitive impairments and anxiety. On the other hand, the placebo group experience higher discomfort, cognitive impairment, and anxiety.

Final Thoughts

Evidence coming from animal studies has started to fill in the details of the way that CBD acts inside of the brain. Also, human studies with patients who have anxiety disorders and those who don’t have to started to validate the efficacy of CBD as an anti-anxiety treatment. Given the enormous financial and social costs of anxiety disorders within the United States, CBD can potentially play a very significant role in the treatment of various anxiety-related disorders.

Although additional research is clearly warranted, including larger randomized-control trial (RCTs) for examining the potential and long-term effects of CBD, the efficacy that it has demonstrated, and its very favorable safety profile (especially when it is compared with drugs that are currently available) make it a very viable adjunct or alternative to pharmaceuticals that are currently available.