As I continue to receive questions from clients about CBD oil, I have found there are multiple benefits and things to keep in mind when selecting a product. Furthermore, I have found the whole hemp extract to be superior, and less refined than CBD oil isolates.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is from the Cannabis sativa plant which is used to produce hemp and marijuana. The resin from the buds and flowers are extracted from the plant and combined with a carrier oil such as MCT oil from coconut. Sometimes olive oil or sunflower oil may be used (which would potentially be inferior to the MCT oil, in my opinion, since they are less stable). The major difference between CBD and marijuana is that CBD does not contain THC, the psychoactive compound that people associate with marijuana. Therefore, one cannot get high from CBD.
How does CBD affect the body?
CBD works by affecting the body's endocannabinoid system. This system helps the body adjust to stressors. Whereas the body can make endocannabinoids, CBD supplies a phyto-, or plant-based, cannabinoid that provides more than the body might produce. This provides the benefits we experience from CBD.
We have receptors for cannabinoids throughout the body in the immune, nervous, digestive and reproductive systems. Therefore phyto-cannabinoids can provide beneficial outcomes in multiple body systems. They do not heal the underlying issues, generally, but can bring about a reduction in inflammation and improve mitochondrial and metabolic functioning. This means we can reap the following benefits:
*reduction in pain (inhibits transmission of neuron signaling through pain pathways)
*reduction in auto-immune tendencies (reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production)
*decreases inflammation in the gut and digestive spasms
*relief from anxiety and depression. Cannabinoids can also improve neurotransmitter functioning.
*relief from seizures
*sleep better
*better behavior (for kids)
With all the given benefits, it's no wonder this stuff is popular. Remember, however, that changes in diet and lifestyle and proper attention to nutrient deficiencies can also bring about many benefits while addressing and healing the root issues.
CBD is safe for almost everyone, according to a World Health Organization Report from 2017. If you have a medical condition, it's important to check with your health practitioner first especially if you are taking prescription medications or are pregnant.
Side effects of CBD oil are few and mild. They typically are dose-dependent and resolve within 2-4 hrs. They include: nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea or dry mouth. If you experience these symptoms, you either took too high of a dose for you or you are sensitive and should stop the product.
One initial side effect I hear about often from clients is that they took the hemp extract or cbd oil and felt too relaxed or sleepy. I had this initial reaction, too, but after continued use, this effect wore off after the first few doses. The way that hemp extract works is by supplying much-needed endocannabinoids to your body systems, and it will go to whatever body system needs it most. If your nervous system, is on over-drive, then the endocannabinoids help bring it back into balance. This can feel like driving at 60mph and suddenly reducing your speed to 30mph. At first, it feels like you are going too slow, but that relaxation is exactly what your body needs. As you continue to supply endocannabinoids daily, and your nervous system is supported, then the effects of the hemp extract are not as extreme or noticeable.
I also sometimes hear that people took cbd oil and didn't notice anything. This can be due to dosing too low or because of how the body is applying the extra endocannabinoids from the supplement. Maybe you want to sleep better, but your digestive system needs it more. In such a case, you wouldn't necessarily feel any improvement initially, and it may take a few months of supplementing to see the effects in other body systems. If you are looking for a specific effect of cbd oil for relaxation, it can help to take hemp extract internally and then inhale lavender essential oil applied on your palms for 30-60 seconds. It is my understanding that the chemicals in the lavender oil can help direct the endocannabinoids into your nervous system better. This technique may help with getting better nervous system benefits from a hemp extract or cbd oil.
How is it available?
CBD is available in many forms: tinctures, capsules, balms, just to name a few. It is also available in lower concentrations appropriate for children and also for pets.
As it is a nutritional supplement and not closely regulated by the FDA, there are a range of CBD products and sources available. It is also important to get CBD from a trusted source and one that is tested and evaluated by a third party lab. That is one of the reasons why I like Enlita Farms Full Hemp Extract (other reasons are below).
CBD oil vs Full Spectrum Hemp Extract
Generally when choosing between a refined food or a whole food, the whole food provides more benefits and less side effects than the refined one. The same is also true of CBD oil vs whole hemp extract. I have found Enlita Farms hemp extracts to be superior to most CBD oil available. They have among the lowest price per mg for the highest quality CBD oil available. Enlita farms whole hemp extract contains numerous phyto-cannabinoids, including CBD, CBC, CBG, CBG-A, CBC-A, CBN and others. In addition to the cannabinoids naturally present in our industrial hemp extracts, there are also many other types of natural molecules such as amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins (including B1, B2, B6, D), fatty acids (including omega 3 and 6), trace minerals (including iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium), beta-carotene, chlorophyll, flavonoids, ketones, nitrogenous compounds, alkanes, glycosides, pigments, water, and terpenes. Especially “CBD isolates” aare nothing but CBD and will not provide the nutrition of whole hemp extract.
Enlita Farms uses a high-end proprietary nutrient program and to a proprietary extraction and formulation processes which help their oil to contain high amounts of the ingredients listed above.
They grow their own hemp plants on farms in Colorado and they test for purity and potency. I believe they have been growing hemp now for over 20 years. They are organic and non-GMO and do not use pesticides (the aromatic terpene compounds in hemp can actually act as natural pesticides), fertilizers, or herbicides in its cultivation. Hemp requires much less water than standard commercial farming.
Every batch of Hemp cannabis oil is analyzed through a High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) system, a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) system, and other methods to test for aerobic organisms, yeast, fungus, E. coli, pesticides, heavy toxic metals, cannabinoid potency, and terpenes.
How does one take hemp oil extract?
It is best kept refrigerated to extend it's potency (can be left out of the fridge, too). Most people swallow one dropperful (15 drops or more), as desired. The amount of Hemp Oil that people take on a daily basis can vary greatly. It can be taken day or night, preferably after a meal. I have found some people become very relaxed with they take it.
Like many natural supplements derived from plants, the taste may be strong and bitter. Some people like the flavor, some don’t. If you do not, you may mix with a smoothie, applesauce, juice etc. or try our hemp extract capsules.
We encourage doing your own research & experimentation with hemp extracts in order to find what feels and works best for you.
Those who are ill with a high need of support may find the 1500mg extract to be most appropriate. Most adults begin with the 1000mg or 1500mg extract. For children, you may give a lower dose of the 1000mg or purchase a 500mg extract.
Pets have their own products for smaller ones (Enlita Farms Little Paws) and larger animals (Enlita Farms Big Paws).