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Benefits of CBD Oil in the Home

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a cannabis-derived product. CBD is a type of cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, of course. Although it is extracted from cannabis plants, CBD does not produce a “high” or any intoxication induced by another cannabinoid called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) typically associated with cannabis use.  

There are some misconceptions regarding cannabis derivatives like CBD oil due to the recreational use of a specific form of cannabis, marijuana. But as time goes on, the better we understand CBD oil, the focus will transition to the many health benefits CBD provides. Here’s what you need to know about the potential medicinal benefits of CBD oil, let’s have a look!  

What is CBD?   

CBD is a cannabinoid that emerges naturally from the cannabis plant. It is one of over 113 named cannabinoids in hemp plants. Unlike the entire cannabis plant, CBD does not contain THC, which is responsible for the inebriated feeling that is often associated with cannabis. Extracted from the hemp plant’s flowers and buds, CBD is pressed into oil. Recently it has become increasingly popular in potentially treating and even aiding in preventing a wide range of health problems.  

Benefits of CBD Oil  

Feelings of Anxiousness Relief   

CBD may be able to help you access a more significant state of calm. Research has suggested that it could change how your brain receptors react to serotonin, a mental health-related chemical. Receptors are the proteins on your cells that receive chemical messages and help your cells respond to various stimuli.  

According to a study, individuals who suffer from social anxiety were given a 600 mg CBD dose before public speaking.  The results showed that the CBD helped provide a sense of calm.  Other researchers have concluded that CBD may be able to contribute to easing anxiety by potentially improving symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  

Anti-seizure   

CBD is becoming famous as a potential medicine for severe forms of epilepsy. Studies are still preliminary, but promising. Scientists are researching how much CBD can minimize the number of epileptic seizures in people and how effective it is. According to the American Epilepsy Society, cannabidiol research has hope for seizure problems and that research is being carried out to understand safe use better.   

A 2016 study worked with 214 people suffering from epilepsy. Participants in the survey also applied oral doses of 2 to 5 mg CBD a day to their current anti-epilepsy medications. Scientists from the study tracked the participants for 12 weeks, reported adverse side effects, and tested the frequency of their seizures. Overall, there were 36.5% fewer seizures per month for participants. However, there were negative impacts on some of the test subjects.  

Supporting joint health  

One major area of study for CBD is if the cannabinoid could help with joint health. Weak joints can cause movement to be strenuous and, sometimes, even impossible. With the many other potential therapeutic uses, it was not a far leap for researchers to start to focus on this idea.  

One study looked at collagen-induced arthritis in mice. They administered some of the mice an oral dose of CBD. The mice that were given the CBD were found to have less joint damage from the condition. Those mice also had less spread of the condition in their joints.  

Neuroprotective   

Scientists are looking at a brain-based receptor to learn whether CBD may benefit people with neurodegenerative conditions, illnesses that cause the brain and nerves to deteriorate over time. The receptor is called CB1.  

There are researchers who are studying the use of CBD oil for treating the following:   

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)  
  • Alzheimer’s disease   
  • Parkinson’s disease  
  • Stroke

Uses of CBD Oil   

CBD Topical 

CBD Topicals are infused products are applied to the skin to soothe pain and directly reduce inflammation where necessary. Creams, salves, shampoos, hand sanitizers, lip balms, bath salts, and lotions are among the topical products.  

Ingested CBD   

Swallowing the CBD oil allows it to pass through the digestive system and be metabolized by the liver, releasing the active compounds for many hours in the body. Typically, CBD oil is ingested into drops, tinctures, and capsules or applied to foods and drinks such as gummy sweets and coffees. CBD may also be taken as a powder by removing all plant matter to show a crystalline powder with no odor or taste.   

Sublingual CBD   

Another standard method of taking CBD is to put a few drops of oil or tincture, or a little bit of the powder, under the tongue and keep it there for a few seconds. It allows for the rapid absorption of the active ingredients into the bloodstream via mucus membranes in the mouth.  

Inhaled CBD   

CBD can be inhaled by vaporizing the oil or adding oil or powder to and smoking e-cigarettes or tobacco. Inhaled CBD quickly reaches the bloodstream through the lungs, thereby bypassing the digestive system. “Vaping” has become a common way to use CBD for this purpose. But a recent outbreak of inhalation-related lung injuries prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to warn people to refrain from vaping while investigating. According to the CDC, most people in the more than 800 cases identified by the end of September 2019 were in patients using THC items. Like CBD, THC is a cannabinoid, and the two are often found together in vaping products.   

Is CBD Oil Legal?   

Yes! As long as CBD is derived from hemp rather than marijuana. Hemp was legalized in the United States in 2018 by the Farm Bill (with restrictions in some states). This bill regulates what farmers can and cannot grow and sell in the country. It’s reviewed and passed every five years. That year the bill legalized hemp across the country. So, if a CBD product is made using hemp, but not marijuana (which is still federally illegal, but legal in a handful of states), it is legal. 

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The popularity of CBD Topicals: skincare’s next star ingredient

Topical products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are proving to be one of the fastest-growing trends within the hemp market. Of the roughly 1.2 billion dollar CBD market in 2019, $736 million is comprised of CBD topicals. Even more exciting — the topical market is expected to surpass 3.8 billion dollars by 2026, with a staggering 24% CAGR. The current market is fragmented with boutique topical manufacturers offering products, and a small but growing number of retailers offering CBD products. Currently, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS Pharmacies, and Rite Aid have engaged in carrying CBD products. Specialty stores such as Ulta and GNC are focusing on specific CBD products for their customer base. These products are popular for consumers and retailers alike, namely due to their ease of use, benefits to the skin, and clear guidance by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding product legality.  

Legalization Loopholes  

A significant issue for retailers that are considering carrying any CBD product is whether the products are legal to be manufactured and sold. However, one of the reasons for the surge in topical CBD sales is the clear federal legality and regulatory pathway. 

Cannabidiol derived from industrial hemp was federally legalized with the passing of the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act, commonly referred to as the Farm Bill. From that point, many uses of CBD are under evaluation by the FDA to test for safety and to gain clarity about how CBD products should be regulated.  

While ingestible cannabidiol is under evaluation, the FDA made it very clear that under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, cosmetic products and ingredients are not subject to premarket approval by FDA (except for most color additives). Certain cosmetic ingredients are prohibited or restricted by regulation, but currently that is not the case for any cannabis or cannabis-derived ingredients.  

Although federally legal, there are a few states (currently Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota) that still prohibit CBD products, in which retailers are encouraged to evaluate prior to placing CBD products on their shelves.  

Great! So, what’s the problem? 

While the cosmetic industry seems to be in the clear for manufacturing and selling CBD products, due to the uncertainty in regulations regarding most CBD products, there is a lack of ingredient identity and conformity for most CBD products. Cannabidiol is extracted from the industrial hemp plant and may be used as an ingredient in few forms: 

  • Full-spectrum oils contain all the components of the plant, including terpenes, which give the hemp plant its characteristic cannabis smell, among other cannabinoids.  
  • Broad-spectrum oils are refined to contain all the components of full-spectrum oil, but the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC — the psychogenic component of cannabis plants) has been removed.  
  • CBD isolate is pure CBD. 

Based on the desired effect of the CBD ingredient, manufacturers may choose a full or broad-spectrum oil or stick with pure CBD. In order to correct the lacking uniformity, the Personal Care Products Council has taken a lead to adopt nomenclature that provides much-needed clarity for cannabidiol producers, personal care product manufacturers, retailers and consumers. The names designated by the International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient (INCI) describe the strength of the CBD in the oil ingredient as well as its level of refinement.  

Are CBD’s benefits worth the legal ambiguity? 

Most topical market players would argue yes. Cannabidiol works through the endocannabinoid system (a diverse collection of enzymes, ion channels, and receptors in the body) to exert primarily anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Inflammation is a catch-all phrase for how the body reacts to and combats insults to the body, whether it be a damaged body part (e.g. sprained ankle), infectious agent, or uncontrolled cell growth like that of psoriasis or cancer. Because of CBD’s anti-inflammatory activity, this cannabinoid has been reported to treat or alleviate a wide array of conditions, from bacterial infections to arthritis pain (S.A. et al., Antioxidants 2020 v9 p21). 

Additionally, CBD and CBD hemp oils are easy to formulate into topical products. CBD products range from essential oil-based salves to lotions, lip balms, shampoos, and bath bombs. Manufacturers will most likely make numerous claims about CBD’s ability to ease stress, improve skin health, and assist with work out recovery. While some of these claims are hopeful at best, there is a growing body of scientific studies that support many positive health impacts that topical CBD products provide.  

Over the past few years, since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, research on the biological effects of CBD has increased dramatically. Cannabidiol has been reported be very well tolerated whether ingested or applied topically. CBD will absorb into the skin, and unless specifically formulated, will not pass through the skin into the blood stream. Thus, topical formulas of CBD are generally concentrated at the site of application. In fact, CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties have been reported to provide benefit for many skin conditions:   

Acne:  The skin disease with complex pathogeny with inflammation at its center. Acne is triggered by various processes such as excessive oil production by sebocytes, hormonal imbalances, immune reactions, and microbial infections, as well as other factors. CBD has been shown to address underlying inflammation associated with acne but also decreases sebocyte production of oil and inhibits bacterial growth. A phase 2 clinical trial — focused on the ability of a CBD preparation to treat acne and scaring — has recently been completed with results pending. The potential ability of CBD to address several aspects of acne make this a promising ingredient to address this condition. 

Anti-infective: CBD has recently been reported to have anti-microbial activity, specifically working on antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria (including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus), and working in concert with existing antibiotics (2019 American Society for Microbiology Microbe, Dr. Mark Blaskovich and University of Southern Denmark ). These results suggest that CBD should be incorporated not only into acne creams, but also into topical sanitizers and soaps.  

Allergic Contact Dermatitis: This condition is a delayed hyper activation of the immune system when the skin comes into contact with an allergen. CBD has been shown to inhibit this inflammatory reaction which suggests that CBD lotions may alleviate this dermatitis and potentially enhance “allergen-free” topical lotions and detergents. 

Psoriasis:  This autoimmune disorder causes keratinocytes to hyper-proliferate, resulting in rashes or plagues of gray, scaly skin. This condition is also associated with pain. Psoriasis has been shown to be caused by a dysregulation of the immune system, so current pharmaceutical therapies target the proteins released by immune cells that result in epidermal proliferation. CBD has been shown to directly inhibit proliferation of keratinocytes while also lessening the associated inflammation.  

Arthritis Pain:  Arthritis is a condition in which the inflammation of joints leads to swelling, pain, stiffness, and diminished motion. Topical administration of CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain in preclinical models by as much as 50% after four days of treatment. Additionally, there are numerous anecdotal reports that topical administration reduces the swelling in joints, increases joint mobility and decreases pain. More defined clinical studies are needed to determine correct dosing and the extent that CBD may alleviate this condition. 

Skin Aging: CBD has greater antioxidant activity than the better-known vitamins C and E. Through this activity, CBD can prevent damage to skin cells and promote recovery to healthier-looking skin. CBD has also been shown to stimulate the synthesis of collagen to help maintain skin smoothness and elasticity, which in turn is proposed to reduce wrinkling and sagging skin. 

Hair loss:  Scalp inflammation has been proposed to be a cause of alopecia or hair loss. A 2019 clinical trial found that commercial hemp-oil products boosted hair growth over a six week period. Notably, the hemp oil used was CBD oil, not hemp seed oil, the latter of which does not contain cannabidiol. The hypothesis is that CBD improves blood circulation to improve the health of hair cells while protecting against damaging inflammatory responses, similar to the way it interacts with psoriasis.  

With such a well-tolerated ingredient that has multiple skin health benefits, it is easy to understand consumer excitement and demand for these products. After looking at the multitude of benefits provided by the inclusion of CBD, it is only logical to conclude that more and more retailers and consumers will want to add these products to their shelves and shopping lists. 

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Approved Dog CBD Products

The world of holistic health can be confusing and sometimes may not even feel real. But, we here at Panacea Life Sciences are here to debunk some questions that you may have regarding one holistic health product, cannabidiol (CBD). We love our pets and we know you do as well. With the holistic health industry growing it may be hard to know what to choose when it comes to your furry friends. One of the more popular ways that holistic health has grown is CBD. It is likely that you have many questions regarding CBD and the safety of it. Whether it be for you or your dog. We are dedicated to give you the highest quality CBD as well as the most up to date information. We will try to answer all of the questions that you may be asking in your head regarding CBD and dogs.  

CBD? What is it? Will my dog get ‘high’?  

CBD or cannabidiol is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Cannabinoids are a component that is found in every version of the Cannabis sativa plant. There are a few different versions of cannabis, hemp and marijuana are two of them. Hemp contains high amounts of CBD and at or less than 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Because of this the hemp plant and CBD derived from the hemp plant is federally legal. the 2018 Farm Bill has allowed farmers across America to grow and sell the hemp plant. The low 0.3% of THC found in the hemp plant is not enough to make one get the inebriating effects of THC or the ‘high’. The marijuana plant, however, contains high amounts of THC. Because of this factor the Marijuana plant is considered an illegal drug at the federal level and not legal in many states. A handful of states have legalized marijuana for recreational as well as medicinal purposes, so make sure to know the laws in your state before purchasing or using marijuana derived products. The answer to “will CBD gets my dog high?” is no. We here at Panacea Life Sciences have decided not to use THC in our pet products as we have deemed THC to be toxic to animals.  

CBD for dogs, why? 

Why should someone use CBD products for their best friend? While there is plenty of research that still needs to be done regarding CBD and animals, there have been a handful of studies already done that may be useful while making your decision on CBD and your dog. Below is a little of what we found that may help.  

Joint health: In this study we asked pet owners of dogs with joint health issues to give them CBD to see if there would be any improvements to their inflammation. With age, movement is reduced due to deteriorating joint health that may result from inflammation, but definitely cause discomfort.  We asked these pet owners to give their dogs CBD twice a day for four weeks consecutively. One milligram was administered for five kilograms of body weight to ensure the animal was getting the proper amount for its size (an important aspect when giving animals CBD). The owners also took an online weekly assessment and before and after videos were taken of dogs doing certain movements. After the four weeks, we found that all of the measures we had taken had significantly improved. The dogs in the study had increased mobility and because of this we can understand that CBD may assist with anti-inflammatory issues.  

Sense of calm: Another study we have done is not about dogs, but, equine (horses). Yes, this study is not looking toward dogs, but it can still be helpful when looking at CBD for pets in general. These horses were given 50 milligrams of CBD two times a day for two weeks. These horses before the study were understood to have types of chronic discomfort or feelings of anxiousness. At the end of the two weeks the results showed that CBD was helpful for the horses who had chronic discomfort and not all, but some of the horses demonstrated lower anxiety.  

These are just two reasons and studies that we have found to be useful when gearing conversations toward dogs and CBD. As we stated before, we like to use CBD that is THC free so that our furry friends stay safe. To use CBD for your animal, start off with a small amount and see how they react to it. If you feel like you are not seeing the results you want, give a larger amount. Also, do not forget to contact your veterinarian before giving your animal CBD.  

CBD products for you dog 

Now that you know a few reasons that CBD may be beneficial to your dog. What are the products available?  Here are a few that we have available:  

For dogs: 

  • Canine Softgel – These canine soft gels are full of our pure hemp oil. All of our pet CBD products are THC free. The soft gels are formed into a fish shaped soft gel so that the end of the gel is easily removed to administer the CBD into the jowls of the dog’s mouth (the recommended application). Our soft gels are formulated with fish oil and medium chain triglycerides (MCT) from coconut oil to enhance the absorption rates. 
  • Canine Tincture – Our canine tinctures are also formulated to be THC free products. These come in small breed, medium breed, and large breed droppers for the perfect fit for your “man’s best friend.” This product contains omega 3 from fish oil as well as beneficial triglycerides from coconut oil. These can be easily administered directly into the jowls, added to water, or poured over food.

Other animal products: 

  • Equine CBD Tablets – These tablets are chalk full of 50mg of CBD. These are easy to administer and come in a peppermint flavor. Some horses may respond to the CBD sooner than others but waiting 5 days before seeing a reaction is not unlikely.  
  • Feline CBE relief creme – This is our first feline CBD product. Since it is difficult to give cats pills or drops, and when cats alter eating behavior if they don’t feel well, we formulated this crème to be applied to the inner skin of the cat ear.  We suggest using this twice daily.   

When it comes to CBD in general, the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has only approved a handful of CBD products that are made of humans not dogs. So, if you would like to try any of these products ask your veterinarian before purchasing them so that you can determine whether or not they are fit for your animal.   

What makes a good dog CBD?  

To determine this, we have to ask what makes a good CBD product in general. There are a few things that future consumers can look at while deciding whether a CBD product is right for them. The first thing you should look at is the method in which the CBD is extracted from the Hemp plant. This is an important process because without a proper extraction method the CBD that is extracted may not be of high quality. Here are three of the most popular ways of extracting CBD from the hemp plant.  

Carbon Dioxide Extraction: Carbon dioxide is used to extract the CBD from the plant by using “supercritical” which, in simple terms means, using both carbon dioxide liquid and gas properties to extract. This is why carbon dioxide extraction is often known as Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE). In the beginning of the extraction, two different pressurized chambers are used. One, with the carbon dioxide, while the other contains the hemp plant. Then the chamber filled with carbon dioxide is pressurized and cooled to create liquid CO2.  This is then pumped into the second chamber containing the hemp, where it infuses the hemp plant to solubilize the hemp oil allowing separation of the oil from the plant matter.  The CO2 hemp oil mixture is then pumped into a third chamber where the carbon dioxide is evaporated, leaving behind pure CBD oil .  

Steam Distillation: In this process, the steam separates the CBD oil from the plant itself. The hemp is placed in a separate container while a boiler is full of water beneath the hemp. Once boiling, the steam from the water travels upward to extract the CBD as an oil vapor from the hemp plant. The vapor from the plant is then trapped in a tube and added to oil or water. After this is collected, the oil is extracted from the water to make an oil. This process works well but requires more of the hemp plant than other methods and if the steam gets too hot it may damage the CBD oil extract.  

Solvent Extraction (Hydrocarbons and Natural Solvents): This process is similar to the Steam Distillation extraction method. But, in this process one would use a type of solvent rather than water. The solvent and CBD oil are combined and then the solvent is extracted leaving the CBD behind. There are two types of solvents used: hydrocarbons and natural solvents. Some solvents that can be used include naphtha, petroleum, butane, or propane for hydrocarbon extraction.  Natural extraction will use food-grade ethanol to extract the hemp oil.  Following extraction, the ethanol is removed by heat leaving a rich solvent- free hemp oil.  

This may all be confusing, but we have a few tips for you. First, choose which method seems the best for you. Then make sure that the company that you choose to get CBD from uses that method. Also make sure that they list the ingredients that their products are made up of. We want you to have the highest quality product that you can buy. The next step to making sure your product is quality is testing. We here at Panacea Life Sciences have our CBD go through multiple different tests to ensure our products are good. We also use third-party testing for our products.  

But what products are available for humans?  

CBD for pet owners 

Here are a few products that you can use! These products are specifically designed for humans to use and unlike our CBD pet products they come in all different types of spectrums so they may contain the 0.3% of THC that is legal in CBD products.  

  • Softgels: A soft gel is a capsule that is full of CBD. Once the capsule is swallowed it goes through the digestive tract and then lands in the stomach. Once there the CBD is absorbed as the capsule is broken down. The CBD is absorbed by the stomach and enters the bloodstream from there.  
  • Tinctures: This type of CBD gets into the bloodstream quickly. When the dropper full of CBD is placed in the mouth it is absorbed into the bloodstream from there. A tincture is an oil like substance that is added to carrier oil. Some tinctures come flavored to mask the earthy hemp taste that some do not enjoy. Although tinctures give the CBD effects quite quickly, they have been described to last not as long as other products. These are similar to tablets in their bioavailability.   
  • Topicals: CBD topicals are a bit different than the others as they never reach the bloodstream. They, however, can reap benefits from the pores on the surface of the skin. These are best used frequently and in the same area. They come in lotions, salves, creams, and even hand sanitizer for antibacterial purposes.  
  • Vapes: Panacea Life Sciences does not advocate the use of vapes, it is an option for CBD use. This way of using CBD has a high rate of absorption as it directly enters the bloodstream via inhalation. That being said it is important to note that the effects may be shorter lived and inhaling CBD may have negative health associations. 
  • Tablets: A tablet is placed in the mouth and dissolves there. It enters the bloodstream from the mouth as the tincture does. You can add or subtract amounts of CBD with a dropper, but tablets are made with the same mg every time making it easier to know how much you are getting.  

Dog CBD? Approved. 

With everything going on in the holistic world of health it can be confusing to choose the right product for you and your dog. As always, make sure to talk with a veterinarian before giving CBD to your dog. And please contact us with any questions or concerns at [email protected]. 

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How could CBD effect sleep?

Oftentimes, us as humans, forget that sleep can have a huge impact on our day to day lives. Every person is different when it comes to how much sleep but, we all know that having a good night of sleep can make a huge difference on your day tomorrow. There are plenty of different sleeping medications out there as well as different methods to help you fall and stay asleep. Some medications make you feel groggy when you wake up or help you fall asleep but staying asleep is a different story. When it comes to medications in general there seems to be much more negative effects than positive ones. Perhaps you are just diving into the holistic health world and have seen cannabidiol (CBD) pop up once in a while. So, can CBD help you sleep? Will it cause negative effects for sleep? Let us find out together. 

First and foremost: what is CBD? 

It is important to understand the basics before moving on to the potential benefits that CBD may have to offer. What is CBD? CBD is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. The Cannabis sativa plant comes in a few different variations. One of these variations is highly well known, the marijuana plant. The marijuana plant is well known because of the cannabinoid found in it called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This particular component gives users a ‘high’ or a feeling of euphoria when used. This is a huge misconception when it comes to CBD and THC, they are often lumped together.  

The two cannabinoids are found together often but can be separated from one another. CBD does not have the ability to get one ‘high’ and that is the reason that CBD derived from another form of the Cannabis sativa plant, hemp is legal in all fifty states (with some restrictions). The 2018 Farm Bill allowed farmers across the country to grow and sell the hemp plant. Why is this so? This is because the hemp plant contains high amounts of CBD and less than 0.3% of THC. This small amount of THC cannot get users to the inebriated feeling commonly associated with cannabis use. The marijuana plant, however, contains higher amounts of THC and therefore has not been deemed legal in all states. Marijuana has been legalized in a handful of states for recreational and medical reasons. Our most common question is, will CBD get me high? The answer is a short, NO! Okay, so, what can CBD do for you?  

CBD and your sleep 

Can CBD help you fall asleep and stay asleep? In this study they looked at patients who had several different pain conditions including: “multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathic pain, intractable cancer pain, and rheumatoid arthritis.” This was an ongoing study that was testing a new cannabis medication called Sativex. They concluded that throughout the years 40-50% of subjects had good or great quality of sleep. So, how can we use this information when thinking about CBD for sleep for those who do not have medical conditions that are regarding discomfort? Can CBD help these folks sleep as well? Perhaps!  

Another study we can look at is this one. CBD may promote a sense of calm! CBD has been described as promoting a sense of calm in those who have feelings of anxiousness. In this study they tested people who have SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder). The subjects were given either a placebo or CBD. They used neuroimaging (pictures of the brain) to see the results. To put it simply, those who were given CBD showed significantly lower SAD brain activity. Oftentimes when people struggle with sleep it is because they are unable to “shut their brain off” or calm down. Using CBD to calm down the brain may help with falling asleep.  

Okay, what else can CBD do?  

CBD may be helpful when it comes to sleep. But, what else can it do for you? Here is a list of ways that we have found CBD may be helpful for day-to-day life:  

Because CBD is just gaining popularity there still needs to be a lot of research done surrounding the subject. When purchasing CBD products ensure that the company you are using does not make claims as to what CBD will and will not do without proper information.  

CBD Products for you 

Now that you know some of the reasons that CBD is being used, what products are available? 

When should I take CBD for sleep? 

The answer to this question all depends on when you sleep and what type of product you choose. Like we have noted above, different products take different times to work. If you take a CBD edible as you are laying down to sleep, it may not help you fall asleep for quite some time. But, if you use a CBD tincture right before you lay down, it may help you fall asleep a bit quicker. When starting the use of CBD, in general, it is important to start with a small amount and slowly increase until you see the desired effects. CBD may be right for you; it may not be right for you. But it may be worth a try!  

CBD for sleep? Maybe, just maybe! 

Having a nice night of sleep can mean everything to your day following. If you struggle with sleep, you are not alone, and it seems like most people search for a way to help this. Yes, you should ask a healthcare professional before trying CBD for sleep to ensure they think it is the right thing for you. Asking a healthcare provider before using CBD for anything is important. Again, we suggest starting small and then slowly increasing it to see the desired results. Trying different types of products could be helpful as well to ensure that you are taking the right product for you and your needs. If you have any comments or questions please feel free to contact us at [email protected] And, happy snoozing!  

CBD or Melatonin: Which is the better choice for you?

CBD (cannabidiol) and melatonin are often viewed as similar things, however, it is not particularly true. CBD and melatonin are both naturally found and may give some of the same effects. But they are also quite different. In the article we will attempt to navigate you through to answer the question, which is the better choice for you? Because these two compounds are not as comparable as one might think, we will start with a definition of each. 

What is CBD?  

CBD is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. The Cannabis sativa plant is naturally found and comes in a variety of different variations. This particular cannabinoid is often confused with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Although these cannabinoids are both found in the Cannabis sativa plant, they are quite different. THC is the cannabinoid that most are familiar with because it creates psychoactive effects or a ‘high’ associated with marijuana use. Because of this, the variation of the Cannabis sativa plant, marijuana is not federally legal, but has been legalized in a handful of states for recreational use as well as medical use. Another variation of the Cannabis sativa plant is the hemp plant. As of 2018 with the Farm Bill this variation has been legalized throughout the United States. Why is this? The hemp plant contains at or less than 0.3% of THC and therefore cannot cause inebriated effects. The other cannabinoids it contains (including CBD), however may have a positive effect on your overall wellbeing, etc.  

What is Melatonin? 

Melatonin is a hormone that is found naturally in your body. This hormone helps regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. So, why are we talking about this and CBD? CBD is not naturally found in your body! This is correct. Melatonin has been synthetically made into a pill form as well as gummies and other types of products. Melatonin is used to help you fall asleep as it is found in your body naturally for that same reason. Therefore, those who need a little more help falling asleep and getting a good night’s sleep may benefit from a bit more melatonin.  

Which is best for you? 

Though CBD has been used for increasing calmness, that is just one of the many reasons that people use CBD. If you are only seeking something to help you fall and stay asleep, Melatonin may be a better option. However, CBD may be able to help you with that and a bit more. So, what else can CBD do?  

What products are available?  

Now that you know all the reasons that people use CBD, what products are available? 

Why extraction is important when it comes to CBD: 

This is an important part of CBD: extraction. Extraction is how CBD is taken out of the Hemp plant. This is important because some methods are better than others and therefore some products are better than others. So, what methods are there? Here are three popular ones: 

There are different reasons to use different products, perhaps CBD will be the option for you. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at [email protected]  

CBD (Cannabidiol) for Sleep

They say that a good night of sleep can make a huge difference to how your entire day will turn out. And we would have to agree, but there are so many different pills and remedies for sleep. How do you choose the right solution for you? Some over the counter pills leave people feeling groggy and not bright or chipper like they thought they would feel after a good night’s rest. There may also be negative side effects attached to solutions like those. So, what about trying a more holistic approach? We know what you are thinking, holistic? Does that stuff ever work? Short answer, yes! CBD or cannabidiol is rising in popularity because of the potential benefits it has in several different realms of holistic health areas. And sleep may be one of them.  

First, what is CBD?  

Let us start with a simple question that is often asked because there are several different misconceptions. CBD? What is that? CBD or cannabidiol is one of the 113 different cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. The Cannabis sativa plant is a naturally found plant that has been around for a very long time. The component CBD is found in the cannabis plant as well as a cannabinoid that you have likely heard of more, THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is a bit more well-known because of the research that has been done surrounding it. Why, you may ask? This is because the THC has a psychoactive effect on the user. This psychoactive effect is often called a ‘high’ or a feeling of euphoria. This cannabinoid and the plant it is derived from are not legal in all 50 of the states. The Cannabis sativa plant comes in different forms. One of these forms is referred to as the marijuana plant. This plant contains very high amounts of THC and therefore has not been legalized in all of the states. However, there are several states that have legalized marijuana and THC for recreational and medicinal purposes. Be sure to know the laws in your state.  

Now, what about CBD? CBD is also found in the marijuana plant, but in smaller percentages. On the other hand, industrial hemp plants are a strain of Cannabis sativa that contains low concentrations of THC.  As of 2018, the hemp plant is federally legal to grow and sell within all of the fifty United States. This is because of the Farm Bill this bill allows farmers across the country to sell and grow the hemp plant. Why? Because the Hemp plant has high amounts of CBD and at or lower than 0.3% of THC found in it. This small percentage of THC cannot get a user ‘high’. However, CBD has gained quite a bit of research in the past and is growing in popularity.  

So, can CBD help you sleep better? 

In general, there is much to be learned about CBD. As prior focus has been on THC because of the psychoactive effects it does have, research on or surrounding CBD is a bit skim. This review looked at all the research that has been done regarding CBD and sleep since 2014 and was posted in 2017. They concluded that there may have been inklings of CBD assisting those who have insomnia. They also found that THC could decrease the amount of time it takes to fall asleep but could weaken sleep long term.  

This study looked at adults to determine whether CBD may help sleep as well as feelings of anxiousness. Seventy-two adults who had concerns regarding sleep or feelings of anxiousness. The scores regarding feelings of anxiousness increased by 79.2% of fifty-seven of the subjects and the sleep scores improved by 66.7% of forty-eight of the participants within a month. With this information, the possibilities of sleep and CBD are on the rise! Much more research needs to be done, but this is a start and a positive one at that!  

Now what we understand that CBD may be a way to help sleep as well as promote a sense of calm, what else can CBD do? 

What else can CBD do? Other uses of CBD:  

Like we have said before, there are many different ways that CBD has been used. What are a few of them?  

Promote a sense of calm: Like we have touched on before in this post, CBD may be helpful to promote a sense of calm in those who have feelings of anxiousness. In this study, they used brain imaging to test subjects who have SAD (social anxiety disorder). Those who were given the CBD showed a decrease in their SAD via brain scans. Those who did not receive the CBD did not have any decrease. Another similar reason is for the anti-inflammatory or joint health benefits.

Joint health: There have been many different inklings that CBD may help support and increase joint health. Panacea Life Sciences has done a study regarding dogs and their joint health. In this study we looked at dogs who were elderly and had impaired mobility. After four consecutive weeks of using CBD and taking a questionnaire online, these dog owners reported that their dogs had increased activity and perceived quality of life.

Antibacterial properties: In this study they concluded that CBD had the capability to kill certain types of bacteria. Therefore, CBD hand sanitizer was born. This is a great product to use that has less chemicals than normal hand sanitizer. 

FDA approved medications: There are several FDA approved medications that contain CBD. There are a handful of medications that assist those going through anti-cancer treatments and the nausea it may cause. These are called Marinol (dronabinol), Syndros (dronabinol), and Cesamet (nabilone). These medications can only be prescribed by a healthcare professional. Epidiolex is the most well-known. This medication helps those with two severe types of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.  

Skin health: CBD topicals usually never reaches the bloodstream. However, this does not mean that they cannot assist in skin health. In this study they explain that those with and without skin conditions had improved skin health after the use of CBD topicals. They used several tests to test before and after the use of a CBD topical. Their evidence was enhanced by photographic evidence.  

What type of CBD product should I use?  

When it comes to CBD there are several different products that one could use. What is the best for you? Here is a list of products that we offer:  

Topicals: CBD topicals are used to promote skin health. Topicals come in salves, lotions and even creams. The CBD added into these topicals usually never reaches one’s bloodstream. However, they have been described to give benefits from the pores of the skin. These work best when used liberally and often. CBD hand sanitizer is also available for antibacterial properties. We also offer Cleansing CBD hand cream that helps clean and moisturize.  

Tincture: CBD tinctures are an oil like substance. These tinctures are best placed under the tongue. From the mount the CBD is absorbed and goes into the bloodstream from there. This is one of the quickest ways to get CBD into your system.   

Vapes: Panacea Life Sciences does not advocate for the use of CBD vapes. With this being said, it is an option. After being inhaled the CBD reaches the bloodstream through the lungs. 

Soft Capsules: Soft capsules or softgels are CBD in a pill-like form. These are swallowed and then go through the digestive system to reach the stomach. This is where it is broken down and the CBD is absorbed through the stomach lining and into the bloodstream.  

Tablets: Sublingual tablets are similar to tinctures or oils. These tablets are placed in the mouth and dissolved from there. As they dissolve in the mouth the CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream from there.  

Edibles: Edibles come in various forms and are similar to soft capsules. But instead of swallowing the product you chew the yummy gummy. From the stomach, like the soft capsules, it is absorbed into the bloodstream by the stomach lining.  

With all of the different products, it is important to choose one that would work best for you. We always suggest starting off with a small amount of CBD and then slowly increase it as you see fit to then reach the potential benefits you are seeking.  

CBD and your sleep 

Sleep is so important and if you are struggling with it, it can cause a lot of harm to your health, work and life in general. Perhaps you are like us and would rather try a more natural way before choosing the over-the-counter type of solution. Again, CBD has been around for a very long time, but research being done is just in its infancy. Keep this in mind as you continue your CBD journey. If a company makes claims that their CBD will do something, make sure that there is research to back it up to ensure that their CBD is of quality. We have all tried counting sheep, a warm cup of tea, and perhaps certain breathing techniques. These may have worked for you but, if not, maybe it is time to try CBD to help you sleep.  

Would cats benefit from CBD?

There are many trends that rise and fall. But cannabidiol (CBD) is a popular trend that just keeps rising. Why is this so popular? That is a great question and we here at Panacea Life Sciences have the answers (well, most of them).  In this particular article we will touch base on CBD animal products, specifically cats!  

Cats? Really? Do they need CBD? Is it safe to give them? Again, these are great questions. While there is still much research to be done regarding CBD in general, there needs to be even more research done involving CBD and pets. But there have been a few researchers that wanted to know the same thing as you… CBD and cats, what is the deal? To begin, let us start with a very simple question: What is CBD?  

CBD? What is it? 

CBD is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. The Cannabis sativa plant is naturally found and comes in different variations. As of 2018 because of the Farm Bill, the hemp plant is federally legal in all states. The hemp plant is a variation of the Cannabis sativa plant. Hemp contains high amounts of CBD and low amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is likely the cannabinoid that you have heard of as it has been in trending topics for quite some time. Why is this?  

THC is another one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. However, this component is psychoactive. Those who use it feel a ‘high’ or a sense of euphoria. This cannabinoid is not legal in all of the United States because of this inebriating effect nor is the variation of the Cannabis sativa plant that has high percentages of the cannabinoid, marijuana. Though the marijuana plant is not legal in all 50 states it is legal in a handful for recreational as well as medicinal purposes. So, what can this non-psychoactive plant compound do for your cat? What about you?   

CBD and your cat 

It is true that there has been more research conducted in dogs and CBD rather than CBD and cats. But that does not mean that there has been none. In this study, scientists looked at both dogs and cats and how well they absorb CBD as well as evaluating safety This study shows that cats have less oral absorption than dogs, but that CBD was deemed safe in both species.. We here at Panacea Life Sciences specifically formulated a Feline CBD Relief Cream so that your cat may reap the benefits of CBD by application through the skin. This cream is administered by rubbing the cream on the insides of your kitty’s ears. This THC free product is manufactured in our Golden, Colorado USA facility and made with organic ingredients.  This may help with your cat’s overall wellbeing, feelings of anxiousness, reduce shedding or even help the decline of seizures. Again, it is important to note that there needs to be much more research regarding CBD and cats, so make sure to speak with your veterinarian before administering CBD to your cat.     

What about my other pets? Can they benefit from CBD? 

Do you have a dog and a cat? What about a dog and a horse? Or a horse and a cat? Either way, we have some good news for you. There are several products made for dogs as well as horses. But why do we give our dogs/horses CBD? 

Joint health: In this study we asked pet owners of dogs with joint health issues to give them CBD to see if there would be any improvements to joint movement and flexibility. Joint health may deteriorate due to inflammation which limits motion and causes discomfort.  We asked these pet owners to give their dogs CBD twice a day for four weeks consecutively. One milligram was administered for each 5 kilograms of body weight to ensure the animal was getting the proper amount for its size (an important aspect when giving animals CBD). The owners also took an online weekly assessment and before and after videos were taken of dogs doing certain movements. After the four weeks, we found that all of the measures we had taken had significantly improved. The dogs in the study had increased mobility and because of this we can understand that CBD may assist with inflammatory issues.  

Sense of calm: Another study looked at equine (horses). These horses were given 50 milligrams of CBD two times a day for two weeks. These horses before the study were understood to have types of chronic discomfort or feelings of anxiousness. At the end of the two weeks they looked at the results and found that CBD was helpful for the horses who had chronic discomfort and not all, but some of the horses displayed less anxiety.  

If you ask us, this is great news! Using a more holistic approach to your pet’s needs can be quite powerful and a bit healthier than others. Like we said before, be sure to ask your veterinarian before giving your animal CBD products. We suggest starting off with a small amount of CBD and then slowly increasing the amount until you see the results you want.  

Available CBD products 

Now that we know why people have used CBD for their pets, what products are available? We have already told you about our Feline Relief Cream. Here are products for your furry dog friend or your horses: 

Dogs: 

Canine Softgel: These canine soft gels are full of our pure hemp oil. All of our pet CBD products are THC free. The soft gels are formed into a fish shaped soft gel so that the end of the gel is easily removed to administer the CBD into the jowls of the dog’s mouth (the recommended application). Our soft gels are formulated with fish oil and MCT from coconut oil to enhance the absorption rates. (Monthly Subscription available). 

Canine Tincture: Our canine tinctures are also formulated to be THC free products. These come in small breed, medium breed, and large breed droppers for the perfect fit for your best friend that happens to have four legs. This product contains omega 3 from fish oil as well as coconut oil. These can be easily administered directly into the jowls, added to water, or poured over food. (Monthly Subscription available). 

Equine/Horse:  

Equine CBD Tablets: These tablets are chalk full of 50mg of CBD. These are easy to administer and come in a peppermint flavor. Some horses may respond to the CBD sooner than others but waiting 5 days before seeing a reaction is not unlikely. (Monthly Subscription Available).  

Pet owners + their CBD 

There are many different options available for pet owners as there has been more research done around CBD and humans. However, we give the same advice when it comes to humans. Start with a small amount of CBD and slowly increase until you see/feel the results you want and speak to a healthcare provider before beginning your CBD journey. So, what products are available for you?  

Tablets: A tablet is placed in the mouth and dissolves there. It enters the bloodstream from the mouth as the tincture does. You can add or subtract amounts of CBD with a dropper, but tablets are made with the same mg every time making it easier to know how much you are getting.  

Tinctures: This type of CBD gets into the bloodstream quickly. When the dropper full of CBD is placed in the mouth it is absorbed into the bloodstream from there. A tincture is an oil like substance that is added to carrier oil. Some tinctures come flavored to mask the earthy hemp taste that some do not enjoy. Although tinctures give the CBD effects quite quickly, they have been described to last not as long as other products. These are similar to tablets in their bioavailability.   

Topicals: CBD topicals are a bit different than the others as they usually do not reach the bloodstream. Topical application will absorb into the skin providing multiple reported skin health benefits. These are best used frequently and in the same area. They come in lotions, salves, creams, and even hand sanitizer for antibacterial purposes.  

Softgels: A soft gel is a capsule that is full of CBD. Once the capsule is swallowed it goes through the digestive tract and then absorbed into the blood stream. Softgels may take longer to for CBD to be absorbed into the body but will provide a time-release effect providing CBD to the body for a longer period of time than other methods.  

Vapes: Panacea Life Sciences does not advocate the use of vapes, it is an option for CBD use. This way of using CBD has a high rate of absorption as it directly enters the bloodstream via inhalation. That being said it is important to note that the effects may be shorter lived and inhaling CBD may have negative health associations. 

Meow: your feline friend and CBD 

The world of CBD is just beginning to be understood and CBD and felines may not be at the forefront of research, but that does not mean it is not important.  We here at Panacea Life Sciences are committed to giving you the most up-to-date information as possible as well as the highest quality products for you and your furry friends. 

CBD for Dogs: Young and Old

We love our pets and want them to feel the best that they possibly can. How do we do this?  There are so many pet products out there that are made specifically for dogs. Those dogs who are older and those who are just little puppies. What about cannabidiol (CBD)? What is CBD? Can it work for dogs? What can it do for older dogs? What can it do for younger dogs? These are all great questions that will be answered in this article. The holistic world of health is ever expanding and therefore reading between the lines and doing plenty of research before starting a product is of high importance so that you know that you are making the right choice. Is CBD a good choice for your young pup or elderly dog? Let us find out together.  

Cannabidiol: What is it? 

Starting with the bare basics will help you understand the rest of this article. What is CBD? CBD or cannabidiol is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. The Cannabis sativa plant is naturally found and comes in a variety of variations. One of these is the hemp plant. As of 2018 the hemp plant is federally legal to grow and sell throughout the United States because of the 2018 Farm Bill. This variation of the Cannabis sativa plant is different than the one you have most likely heard of, the marijuana plant.  

Unlike the hemp plant, the marijuana plant is not legal in all of the fifty states. Why is this? The marijuana plant contains very high amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is a cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant as well. THC is the cannabinoid that gives users a ‘high’ or a feeling of euphoria. CBD, however, does not give users a ‘high’ and this is the most common misconception. Now that you understand what CBD is and what it is not, what can CBD do for your dog? Is it safe? 

CBD and your dog 

There are several reasons that one would use CBD for their animals, and they are similar to the reasons that you would use CBD for yourself. One of the most important things to understand about CBD is that there needs to be much more research done regarding CBD and everything surrounding it. This includes CBD for dogs. We here at Panacea Life Sciences did a bit of our own research in dogs and horses. Here is what we found: 

Joint health: In this study we asked pet owners of dogs with age-related movement issues to give them CBD to see if there would be any improvements to their ability to walk, run or simply move. Joint health issues in older dogs may result from inflammation and definitely causes the dog discomfort. We asked these pet owners to give their dogs CBD twice a day for four weeks consecutively. One milligram was administered for each 5 kilograms of body weight to ensure the animal was getting the proper amount for its size (an important aspect when giving animals CBD). The owners also took an online weekly assessment and before and after videos were taken of dogs doing certain movements. After the four weeks, we found that all of the measures we had taken had significantly improved. The dogs in the study demonstrated increased mobility and because of this we can understand that CBD may increase joint health and flexibility.  

Overall wellbeing: Another study we have done is not about dogs, but, equine (horses). Yes, this study is not geared toward dogs, but it can still be helpful when looking at CBD for pets and animals in general. These horses were given 50 milligrams of CBD two times a day for two weeks. These horses before the study were understood to have types of chronic discomfort or feelings of anxiousness. At the end of the two weeks they looked at the results and found that CBD was helpful for the horses who had chronic discomfort and not all, but some of the horses demonstrated lower anxiety.  

What do we do with this information? Perhaps you have an older dog who is not as mobile as they once were, and you would like to improve their joint health. CBD may be the answer. Or you have a brand-new puppy that is nervous around loud noises. CBD may be the answer. It is important to speak with a veterinarian before giving your dog CBD. We recommend starting with a small amount and slowly increasing until you see results. 

What products do we offer for dogs? 

We have a couple of different products that we have made with your dog best friend in mind.  

Canine Softgel: These canine soft gels are full of our pure hemp oil and fish oil. All of our pet CBD products are THC free. The soft gels are formed into a fish shaped soft gel so that the end of the gel is easily removed to administer the CBD into the jowls of the dog’s mouth (the recommended application). Our soft gels are formulated with fish oil and medium chain triglycerides (MCT) from coconut oil to enhance the absorption rates.  

Canine Tincture: Our canine tinctures are also formulated to be THC free products. These come in small breed, medium breed, and large breed droppers for the perfect fit for your “man’s best friend.” This product contains omega-3 from fish oil as well as coconut oil. These can be easily administered directly into the jowls, added to water, or poured over food. 

What about other animals? We carry CBD products for equine as well as felines:  

Equine CBD Tablets: These tablets are chalk full of 50mg of CBD. These are easy to administer and come in a peppermint flavor. Some horses may respond to the CBD sooner than others but waiting 5 days before seeing a reaction is not unlikely.  

Feline CBD Relief Creme: This is our first feline CBD product purposefully formulated for cats.  Since it is hard to give cats pills or drops and they typically alter their eating behavior, we formulated our Feline CBD product as a cream that is applied to the inner surface of the ear flap. We suggest using this twice daily.   

It is important to ensure that your CBD is THC free as THC may be harmful to your animal. Again, we suggest speaking with a veterinarian before giving CBD to your animal. CBD products may be a great alternative to over the counter medications that could cause side effects to your furry friends.  

What about Me?  

Now that you know that CBD may be right for your dog. What about you? What CBD products are available for you to choose from? And of course, how do they work? Here is a list of products that we offer for our pet owners.  

Softgels: A soft gel is a capsule that is full of CBD. Once the capsule is swallowed it goes through the digestive tract and then lands in the stomach. Once there the CBD is absorbed as the capsule is broken down. The CBD is absorbed by the stomach and enters the bloodstream from there.  

Tinctures: This type of CBD gets into the bloodstream quickly. When the dropper full of CBD is placed in the mouth it is absorbed into the bloodstream from there. A tincture is an oil like substance that is added to carrier oil. Some tinctures come flavored to mask the earthy hemp taste that some do not enjoy. Although tinctures give the CBD effects quite quickly, they have been described to last not as long as other products. These are similar to tablets in their bioavailability.   

Tablets: A tablet is placed in the mouth and dissolves there. It enters the bloodstream from the mouth as the tincture does. You can add or subtract amounts of CBD with a dropper, but tablets are made with the same mg every time making it easier to know how much you are getting.  

Topicals: CBD topicals are a bit different than the others as they typically do not reach the bloodstream. They, however, can provide benefits as the CBD lotion is absorbed into the skin and poresThese are best used frequently and in the same area. They come in lotions, salves, creams, and even hand sanitizer for antibacterial purposes.  

Vapes: Panacea Life Sciences does not advocate the use of vapes, it is an option for CBD use. This way of using CBD has a high rate of absorption as it directly enters the bloodstream via inhalation. That being said it is important to note that the effects may be shorter lived and inhaling CBD may have negative health associations. 

CBD for puppies and old dogs 

Health is one of your top priorities and so should your dog’s health. If you wouldn’t take a certain medication or food item, why would you give it to your “man’s best friend”. We here at Panacea Life Sciences are committed to giving you the most up to date information possible to ensure the quality of our knowledge and products. If you have any questions feel free to contact us at [email protected] 

The Best CBD Cream and Essential Oil Combos

There are plenty of new products that have been revolving around the holistic health world for quite some time. It is highly likely that you have heard of both cannabidiol (CBD) and essential oils. First off, it is important to note that these are two very different things and should not be confused with one another. CBD comes in many different types of products and this includes CBD creams. Perhaps you are already familiar with essential oils and want to see what potential benefits CBD has for you. Or maybe you are already a CBD fanatic and want to learn a little bit more about essential oils. Well, you have come to the right place. In this blog we will attempt to answer questions regarding the two topics. 

CBD? What does that mean? 

It is important to start with the basics when it comes to items like this. What is cannabidiol? Cannabidiol or CBD is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. The Cannabis sativa plant has been around for a very, very long time, but it has been popularized more recently. The biggest misconception when it comes to CBD is that it will get you ‘high’. This, however, is not the case. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is another cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. This cannabinoid indeed creates a feeling of euphoria or a ‘high’ when used. These two cannabinoids are found in the Cannabis sativa plant together, but they are not the same and they can also work without one another.  

Because of the 2018 Farm Bill it is legal to grow and sell the hemp plant throughout the United States. Wait, hemp? I thought we were talking about Cannabis sativa. We still are! The hemp plant is just a variation of the Cannabis sativa plant that contains very high amounts of CBD and low concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), less than 0.3%.  This small amount of THC cannot get users that psychoactive feeling associated with marijuana use. Products that are made from the marijuana plant, however, generally have higher amounts of THC than CBD. This is one of the reasons that marijuana is not legal in all 50 states. Some states have legalized the plant and cannabinoid for recreational and medical purposes. But, not all, so make sure that you are aware of the laws in your state. The most important thing to take out of this is that CBD will not get you or other users ‘high’.  

What is CBD cream? 

CBD cream is just one of the many products that contain CBD. These creams come in a variety of different concentrations as well as types. There are creams for your face, or creams that are intended to soothe certain areas of your body. A CBD cream is a type of topical infused with CBD to help your skin health. Topically applied CBD usually will not reach the bloodstream unlike most other CBD products without specific formulation. How do we know that the CBD cream will actually work? In this study subjects with severe skin conditions applied CBD topicals to their affected areas twice daily for three months. They conducted three different tests: a hydration test, an elasticity test, and a TEWL (transdermal water loss). There was also a questionnaire taken. At the end of the study they concluded that CBD topical creams with no THC significantly improved the skin conditions of the subjects. There were no allergic reactions to the topical application. To support their conclusion, they used photographic evidence. This study, among many others, suggests that CBD topicals would be useful for those who do not have skin conditions as well. It may be potentially beneficial for daily use to improve one’s overall skin health. Here at Panacea Life Sciences, we carry topicals such as CBD Soothe Salve, Transform THC-Free CBD Face Cream, Transform CBD Natural Face Cream, and even hand sanitizer with CBD in it. What can these CBD topicals do for you?  

Soothe CBD Salve: Ingredients found in this topical are: Shea butter, Coconut oil, Jojoba oil, Argan oil, CBD Hemp oil, Calendula, Arnica. Essential Oils: Lavender, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Camphor. This product is formulated to support joint health and increase flexibility. This is best used in a specific area to provide the most benefits.  

CBD Hand Sanitizer: Yes, it is true. There is hand sanitizer that has CBD in it, but, why? CBD has been described to have antibacterial properties. Therefore, the CBD hand sanitizer was born. Instead of using a hand sanitizer with unknown chemicals, you can gear toward a more holistic way of cleaning.  

Cleansing CBD Hand Creme: This is similar to the CBD hand sanitizer but, with an added creme aspect. Moisturize and clean at the same time without CBD hand cleansing creme. This leaves the hands sanitized and soft.  

Transform THC-Free CBD Face Creme: This is the first type of CBD face cream that Panacea manufactured. This is specially formulated for your face to potentially help with anti-aging, soothing, age spot correcting, sun damage correcting, and overall skin health. This would be best used twice daily for full benefits. The ingredient list includes: Purified Water, Sorbitol Solution, CBD Hemp Oil, White Petrolatum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Propylene Glycol, Simethicone, Polyethylene Glycol Monostearate, Glycerol Monostearate, Sorbic Acid and BHT.  

Transform Natural CBD Face Creme: If you prefer to get the full spectrum of the hemp plants cannabinoids. This product may be for you. This product is similar to the THC free face creme in what it may do for you and your skin health, but this has the full profile that you may be interested in. The ingredient list looks like this: Purified Water, Sorbitol Solution, CBD Hemp Oil, White Petrolatum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Propylene Glycol, Simethicone, Polyethylene Glycol Monostearate, Glycerol Monostearate, Sorbic Acid and BHT. 

Each of the face creme’s comes in two different MG’s for different sizes.  

What are essential oils? 

It is likely that you have heard of or even experienced the smell of an essential oil. But what are they? They are compounds extracted from plants. This can be any plant, but generally essential oils compounds are chosen for the smell and properties of the plant. Much like the way a CBD tincture is created, the essential oil is added to a carrier oil to create the perfect product. How do they work? Most essential oils are used for their aromatherapy aspect. Here is a list of popular essential oils:  

Bergamot: may reduce stress and improve skin conditions like eczema 

Chamomile: may improve mood and relaxation 

Jasmine: may help with feelings of sadness, childbirth, and libido 

Lavender: may relieve stress 

Lemon: may aid digestion, mood, headaches, and more 

Peppermint: may boost energy and aid digestion 

Rose: may improve mood and promote a sense of relaxation 

Sandalwood: may calm nerves and help with focus 

Tea Tree: may fight infections and boost immunity 

Ylang-Ylang: may treat headaches, nausea, and skin conditions 

Essential oils and CBD are similar in the way that they both need much more research before any claims are made. The best combos for CBD and essential oils are those that both promote a sense of calm as that is something that they both have in common. Both of these natural products are generally safe, so using them both together should not cause harm, however, make sure you watch how your skin is affected.  

What are other uses of CBD? 

Now that you know of the Skin health realm of use of CBD, what other ways are CBD products used? Let’s start with one that may be familiar to those who have used essential oils in the past:  

Promote a sense of calm: Promoting a sense of calm in those who have feelings of anxiousness may be quite helpful to some. In this study, they used brain imaging to test subjects who have SAD (social anxiety disorder). Those who were given the CBD showed a decrease in their social anxiety disorder via brain scans. Those who did not receive the CBD did not have any decrease.  

Antibacterial properties: There has been information coming to the forefront of the potential antibacterial properties of CBD. And this information may be true. In this study they concluded that CBD had the capability to kill certain types of bacteria.  

Anti-inflammatory properties: CBD has been researched for the possibility of joint health benefits. Panacea Life Sciences has done our own research regarding this aspect. We looked at dogs who are older and have joint health issues. During this study, we asked pet owners to administer CBD to their dogs two times a day for four consecutive weeks. The owners were to take a weekly test to show if anything had improved. At the end of the four weeks pet owners described their dogs to be more mobile. Therefore, the CBD may have helped with their joint health!   

FDA approved medications: There are several FDA approved medications that contain CBD. Epidiolex is the most well-known. This medication helps those with two severe types of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. There are also a handful of others that assist those going through anti-cancer treatments and the nausea it may cause. These are called Marinol (dronabinol), Syndros (dronabinol), and Cesamet (nabilone). These medications can only be prescribed by a healthcare professional.  

These are just some of the ways that CBD has been used. It is important to speak with a health care provider before using CBD products.  

Other CBD products 

CBD uses? Check. Now, what product to choose? Other than CBD topicals, what is out there for you to choose from?  

Tinctures: This type of CBD gets into the bloodstream quickly. When the dropper full of CBD is placed in the mouth it is absorbed into the bloodstream from there. A tincture is an oil like substance that is added to carrier oil. Some tinctures come flavored to mask the earthy hemp taste that some do not enjoy. Although tinctures give the CBD effects quite quickly, they have been described to last not as long as other products. These are similar to tablets in their bioavailability.   

Softgels: A soft gel is a capsule that is full of CBD. Once the capsule is swallowed it goes through the digestive tract and then lands in the stomach. Once there the CBD is absorbed as the capsule is broken down. The CBD is absorbed by the stomach and enters the bloodstream from there.  

Vapes: Panacea Life Sciences does not advocate the use of vapes, it is an option for CBD use. This way of using CBD has a high rate of absorption as it directly enters the bloodstream via inhalation. That being said it is important to note that the effects may be shorter lived and inhaling CBD may have negative health associations. 

Tablets: A tablet is placed in the mouth and dissolves there. It enters the bloodstream from the mouth as the tincture does. You can add or subtract amounts of CBD with a dropper, but tablets are made with the same mg every time making it easier to know how much you are getting.  

When choosing a CBD product, it is important to read the label to ensure that the ingredients are what you are looking for. If you live in a state where marijuana products are legal, be sure to see what percentage of CBD and THC are in it. This way you are getting the right product for you. When you begin using CBD be sure to start out with a small amount and then slowly increase the amount once you feel sure you need more.  

A creative combo: CBD and essential oils 

CBD and essential oils are both part of the holistic world and may be helpful if used together. They may be helpful when used alone. Either way, they could be helpful for you to gear yourself more toward the holistic health world. As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns at [email protected]. 

How is THC harmful to dogs?

It is likely that you have heard of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and may be wary of it. This is understandable, but we are here to give you the information you need. It is like they say, knowledge is power!  

It is also likely that you have heard of cannabidiol (CBD) and that is probably the reason you have chosen to read this article. CBD? For dogs? That’s right. CBD and THC are often mistaken for one another. This is common and understandable, but the fact is that they are very different indeed. There is information regarding THC and dogs that could help your choosing natural products for your furry friend. This article will guide you through the ins and outs of THC, CBD, and your dog. 

What is THC? What is CBD?  

What are these three letter acronyms and what do they mean? THC and CBD are both cannabinoids that are found in the Cannabis sativa plant. These two cannabinoids are often found together but can be separated as well. They also have different effects in the body and mind. THC has the ability to get one ‘high’ or give a feeling of euphoria as some would say. This inebriating effect is the reason that the growth and ability to sell the marijuana plant is not legal in all 50 states.   

The Cannabis sativa plant is a plant that has several different strains. The marijuana plant is one of the varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant. This variation has a higher percentage of THC over CBD. Because of this, the marijuana plant is only legal in a handful of states for medicinal or recreational uses but is not legal at the federal level. CBD, however, has been legal in all states as of 2018. The Farm Bill legalized selling and growing the hemp plant in all 50 states. The hemp plant is another variation of the Cannabis sativa plant. This is because the hemp plant has a very low percentage. To be a CBD hemp plant product the THC level must be at or lower than 0.3%. This percentage of THC cannot get a user ‘high’ unlike marijuana products. It is important to understand the legality of CBD and THC in your state.  

THC and your dog: the unknown  

There is much we don’t understand about THC and how it reacts with dogs. We here at Panacea Life Sciences have decided to keep THC out of our pet products so that if there are any negative reactions with your dog and THC, we are in the clear. However, it is good to understand why THC and your dog may not be a good match. The likelihood of you watching a video showing a pet that got into their owner’s edibles is high. Although these are a bit humorous to watch, it may be likely that their pets feel uncomfortable. When humans use THC products, they generally understand what they are getting themselves into. The feeling is known and understood. However, we cannot communicate to our furry friends about what they are feeling. So, it may be understandable that they would feel nervous or scared after ingesting something containing marijuana. There is still much, much research that needs to be done surrounding THC and what it may or may not cause. Because of this, we advise you to steer clear of THC products for dogs. If your pet has ingested any type of marijuana product contact your veterinarian for more information.  

What about CBD? Why is it better? CBD uses for dogs 

Now that we understand that we don’t quite understand what THC does to animals. What about CBD? There is no inebriating effect that happens when you use CBD, right? So, can you use it for dogs? Yes, you can! Like the Cannabis sativa plant in general, there is still much research that needs to be done, but there is more information and hope surrounding CBD and your animals. Why use CBD for animals?  

Anti-inflammatory properties have been a hot topic of research. Even here at Panacea Life Sciences! We conducted our own research regarding this specific potential property. We looked at dogs who had poor joint health. They were given CBD twice daily for four weeks and owners were given a questionnaire at the end of each week. In the end, we found out that CBD helped improve the joint health and increased the mobility of the subjects.  

In another study we looked at horses who were in need of feelings of calm and overall wellbeing. This was a shorter research that only lasted 2 weeks. They were also given CBD twice daily and owners took a questionnaire as well. At the end of the study most horses showed signs of an increased overall wellbeing.  

Again, there is still much research that needs to be done when it comes to CBD and dogs. But this is a good starting point.  

Pet products 

Now that you have a little understanding of CBD and what it can do for you pet. What products are out there? Panacea Life Sciences has several different CBD products that your pet could benefit from.  

These are the handful of pet products we offer here at Panacea Life Sciences. With research there will come more products to choose from. It is important to speak with a veterinarian about your CBD choice to make sure it is safe for your animal. Now, what about CBD for you?  

Human CBD products 

Enough about your pet, what about you? What CBD products are there for you? Here is a list of the products we provide and how they work.  

Human CBD use 

We know why CBD is used for dogs, but why should humans use CBD? Some are similar to the reasons that we have used above for dogs! But, for humans. Here is a list of “other” reasons humans use CBD and reasons similar to why dogs could benefit from CBD.  

Be aware: CBD/THC and your animal 

There is much that needs to be looked at regarding CBD in general. The amount of research that needs to be done about dogs and CBD/THC? Even higher! As a rule of thumb, always talk to your veterinarian about using a CBD product before giving anything to an animal. Also choosing products that contain no THC would be in your and your furry friend’s best interest. CBD may be a more natural alternative to different wellness options to improve the overall wellbeing of your pet. Do your research and keep safe! Overall, CBD may be helpful to some animals. Start with a small amount and slowly increase until you see the effects that you would like, and your animals acts comfortable. As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns at [email protected] or give us a call at +1 (800) 985-0515. 

CBD benefits for dogs

How much do you know about CBD oil, an all-natural, highly in-demand product that can have benefits for athletes, the elderly, and even dogs! And we’ve got the scoop on what you need to know about pets taking CBD. This article will describe a couple of essential things all dog lovers should be conscious of when it comes to using CBD. We’ll talk about: 

Fido’s Endocannabinoid System: 

Let’s speak of the Endocannabinoid System first. Something you and your dog and all mammals have in common is an Endocannabinoid System. This series of enzymes and receptors can influence your brain, skin health, digestion, and even behavior. Similarly, the Endocannabinoid System of your dog also impacts your pup’s overall well–being. One of the two most predominant cannabinoids in Cannabis is called cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD. 

CBD benefits for dogs: 

Recent studies have found CBD to be especially beneficial for dogs. How? It decreases behavior problems associated with fear, discomfort, irritation, and may give a boost to skin health as well, according to some articles. CBD could help dogs even more.  

Researchers are exploring how CBD may have positive effects on various mental conditions such as anxiety, depression, loss of appetite, glaucoma, sleeplessness, and more. Now, because dogs and humans seem to be similarly affected by CBD, many scientists are trying to figure out whether dogs may also benefit from CBD in the ways mentioned above. As we talk, more studies on the advantages of CBD for dogs are underway. In time, science will show us more on how CBD will benefit overall health. 

Choosing the right CBD for dogs: 

There are a couple of steps to take before selecting the best CBD product. First is to make sure you give quality CBD oil to your dog. Now, there are many companies out there selling CBD for dogs, but not all of them sell quality products. You should only buy from companies that have Certificates of Analysis from reputable third-party labs. If this certificate isn’t made available by the company, you’re taking their word for the contents. Some CBD products are made from oil with residual pesticides, solvents, or heavy metals.  

Searching the company’s web feedback is also a smart idea. Use third-party sites to confirm that clients love the products as much as the company does. If the reviews or lackluster or if the company does to have a track record of producing quality products, you may want to consider a more reliable company. 

Note that the terms “hemp oil” and “CBD oil” are not interchangeable. If a product uses the phrase “hemp oil” but doesn’t mention CBD, this ingredient is most likely hemp seed oil which contains no cannabinoids, so you won’t get all of the CBD benefits. You’re looking for a product that is high in cannabinoids, including CBD. The label should explicitly specify how many milligrams of CBD are in the container. You will find the price will be higher depending on how much CBD the bottle has in it. You may also find excellent performing CBD-containing dog treats or tablets. Additionally, they will mention how many milligrams of CBD are in one treat or tablet and how many milligrams to administer per lb. of pet weight. 

Is CBD safe for a dog? 

There’s much discussion in the pet care world about what kinds of CBD products are best for pets and how well they work in comparison to traditional drugs. Veterinarian incorporating CBD into their practices and numerous scientific research has shown that pets process CBD in almost exactly the same ways as people. For most pets, the only side effect is a little extra tiredness from a high dose. CBD oil is pretty much legal everywhere. And it is absolutely safe for you and your dog to enjoy Hemp-derived CBD oil! 

Doses of CBD: 

It is important that you make sure that your dog is given the correct dose of CBD oil. The label should also include dosing instructions. For a good, high quality product, 1 mg per 10lbs of pet weight is a common dosage. This is also the ratio used to calculate light doses of human CBD use! Who knew you and Fido could have so much in common! For liquid CBD, the dosage may be measured in milliliters, the volume of the dropper, or even in drops if your pup requires a small enough dose! 

Higher doses may be necessary for pets experiencing ongoing stiffness or anxiety. For pet parents who want to use CBD to encourage calmness, make sure to use it in an ongoing fashion in order to make behavior changes. For instance, if your pup has a habit of getting carsick or barking at the door, the problem will likely not be solved by the first dose of CBD. However, a regimen can produce changes over time as your pet adjusts to how the CBD makes them feel. 

CBD may be immensely useful to dog owners worldwide, as it really has great benefits for our beloved pets. 

How To Get The Best CBD Benefits Out Of Your Hemp Gummies

There is so much information concerning more natural remedies of health and wellness. How can you make sure that you are making the right decision for you and your wellness? Knowledge is power and we here at Panacea Life Sciences are committed to educating our customers the best we can. It is likely that you have either heard of cannabidiol (CBD) or are researching CBD, otherwise you probably would not be here. What is CBD? What is hemp? How do you know you are getting the best benefits possible out of your hemp gummies? There are so many questions surrounding this particular topic. It is time to shed some light! Read on to find out more about CBD and its potential wellness benefits.

What is CBD? What about THC?

Let’s start with the basics. What is CBD? CBD is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. There are different varieties of cannabis, one of them being the hemp plant. Because of the 2018 Farm Bill it is legal to grow and sell hemp throughout the United States. This is different from other strains of Cannabis, commonly referred to as marijuana, which contain greater than 0.3% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).  The various strains of Cannabis will contain different amounts of THC and CBD.

THC is another cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. This particular cannabinoid, however, has an inebriating effect. THC gives users a feeling of euphoria or a ‘high.’ Because of this, products made with marijuana or products that have higher than a 0.3% amount of THC are not legal to sell in all 50 states. However, there are some states that have legalized the use of marijuana products for recreational and/or medicinal purposes. It is important to know the laws in your state before purchasing any products. Unlike THC, CBD does not have the inebriating effect when used, but could have the potential to increase user’s overall health wellbeing in many ways.

Hemp gummies: What are they made of?

There is a reason you decided to read this article out of the many we have posted on our blog. You are likely interested in hemp gummies and want to learn more about them. Hemp gummies are considered edibles and are a great option for adding CBD to your dietary regimen.  A gummy made with CBD is made like any other type of gummy you may encounter, but, with CBD.

The way that the CBD gets into your system through a gummy goes like this: chew the gummy, swallow the gummy, then the gummy reaches the stomach and is digested as a normal food. Once broken down, the CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream. Then you are able to reap the benefits of CBD.

There are many ways to make gummies. How does Panacea Life Sciences do it? Our Cherry Bomb CBD Gummies are vegan and contain 20mg of CBD in each piece. After the extraction process, the CBD is mixed with these ingredients: Panacea Pure CBD Hemp Oil Extract, sugar, invert sugar, corn syrup, modified corn starch, citric acid, tartaric acid, natural and artificial flavors. These cherry flavored gummies come in 20 and 30 count bottles.

Why use hemp gummies?

There are many options when it comes to CBD products (we will discuss these later) but, why use gummies specifically? There are many benefits surrounding choosing CBD gummies. First, it is an easy way to get CBD into your system. Each gummy comes in with a certain mg so getting the same amount every day is easy. It is also a delicious and fun way to get CBD into your bloodstream. Hemp gummies take a bit longer of a time to get into one’s bloodstream but tend to last longer than other options. Keep in mind the height, weight, and other factors may make your hemp gummy experience different. Another reason is because the hemp gummies are flavored it masks any of the earthy flavor from the CBD.

Why use CBD?

Now you know why people choose to use hemp gummies over other CBD products. Why are the benefits of CBD and why are a growing number of people adding CBD to their diet?

CBD products available

As there are several reasons to use CBD there are just as many products to choose from. Besides CBD hemp gummies that is.

How is CBD extracted from the hemp plant?

Although the extraction process can be a bit complicated it is important to know before purchasing CBD products. Here are the top three different extraction methods.

Solvent extraction (hydrocarbons and natural solvents): In this process one would use a type of solvent to extract the CBD. The solvent and CBD oil are combined and then the solvent is extracted leaving the CBD behind. There are two types of solvents used: hydrocarbons and natural solvents. This type of extraction is not as preferred because it has been found to leave unwanted elements after the solvents have been extracted. These elements could be including naphtha, petroleum, butane, or propane for hydrocarbon extraction. These elements can be harmful and therefore products that were made with this extraction process should be tested thoroughly.

Steam distillation: In this process, the steam separates the CBD oil from the plant itself. The hemp is placed in a separate container while a boiler is full of water beneath the hemp plant. Once boiling, the steam from the water travels upward to extract the CBD oil vapors from the hemp plant. The vapor from the plant is then trapped in a tube and added to oil or water. After this is collected, the oil is extracted from the water to make an oil. This process works well, but it does require a lot of the hemp plant and if the steam gets too hot it may damage the CBD oil extract.

Carbon dioxide extraction: Carbon dioxide is used to extract the CBD from the plant by using both carbon dioxide liquid and gas properties to extract. This is why carbon dioxide extraction is often known as Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE). To begin the extraction, two different pressurized chambers are used. One, with the carbon dioxide, while the other chamber contains the hemp plant. Then the chamber filled with carbon dioxide is pumped into the second chamber that contains the hemp, where it solubilizes the hemp oil containing CBD and allowing the oil to be separated from plant material. CBD-CO2 mixture is then pumped into a third chamber where the carbon dioxide is evaporated, leaving the CBD oil without the carbon dioxide.

Why should you know this information? How your CBD is prepared as an ingredient is important as certain extraction techniques may leave behind unwanted contaminants.  Companies who do not disclose their extraction process are not likely reputable. We want you to have the best CBD possible. That’s why we explain how we extract CBD and all the testing it goes through.

Where can I get CBD?

There are many places to get CBD products. Some grocery stores carry it, as well as natural food stores, dispensaries, drug stores, and even vape shops. Call ahead to double check they have the product you are looking for.

One of the most popular places that carry CBD are online retailers. Everything has moved to online and CBD companies are one of them. Shopping online can be nerve racking, so, make sure to read reviews, check for their reliability, their extractions process, etc. It is important to look for labels. If their product labels are not on their sites it is likely a bad idea to purchase from that company.

Hemp gummies: the benefits

There are so many different products to choose from when it comes to CBD. All products have their pros and cons. It just takes preference to decide what works best for you and your overall wellness. When it comes to gummies, make sure the ingredient list is up to par with your health decisions. If you are vegan, make sure they are vegan as a lot of gummy candy contains gelatin (not a vegan product). If you are a one a sugar-free diet, a lot of gummies contain sugar, so double check the label!  There are so many reasons that one would want to try CBD and hopefully we have assisted our readers on making this decision. As always, feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns at [email protected]

Buy CBD oil at a good company

If you perform an internet search for CBD (cannabidiol) oil, you will have millions of results with thousands of companies offering a variety of CBD products for sale . But how do you know which companies are actually worth buying from? There are so many options, it can feel overwhelming trying to weed out the good from the bad. 

We here at Panacea Life Sciences are dedicated not only to providing our customers with high-quality CBD products, but we also want to be sure that our customers have a firm understanding of CBD and the world surrounding it. So, let’s talk about what you should look for in a good CBD company. 

To start with: what even is CBD? 

It is likely that you have heard of CBD before, but do you know what it actually is? Even if you do know, a little refresher can be very helpful. 

CBD is one of a type of chemical compound known as a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are found in cannabis plants, like hemp and marijuana. There are a lot of different kinds of cannabinoids out there. Scientists have discovered over 113 so far, and there are likely more to discover. CBD is probably one of the better-known cannabinoids. Another famous one is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

You have probably heard more about THC than CBD. The reason for that is because THC is psychoactive. That means that it creates the inebriating high that is so commonly associated with cannabis. Because of THC’s reputation, many people think that CBD is also psychoactive. However, those who believe that are mistaken. CBD does not have any psychoactive effects whatsoever.  

Most CBD manufacturers extract their cannabinoid from hemp rather than marijuana. This is because hemp has high levels of CBD and low levels of THC. It is also because hemp is federally legal in the United States. Marijuana is pretty much the opposite of that. It has high levels of THC and is still federally illegal. There are some states that have legalized marijuana on some level (whether it is for medicinal or recreational uses), but that is only a handful so far. 

There are three main kinds of CBD extract that manufacturers use to make their products. These are full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate. The differences between them are based in the other cannabinoids and compounds that are found in the extract with the CBD. Full spectrum has all of the compounds and cannabinoids that come out with the CBD. This includes THC, though the THC content legally cannot be more than 0.3%, which is not enough to create a high. Broad spectrum is similar in that it has a majority of the cannabinoids and compounds that the full spectrum has. The one exception is that it does not have any THC. These two are popular options because of something known as the entourage effect. This is where compounds build on each other to create a stronger effect. However, if you are looking for a clearer CBD experience and do not mind it being weaker, then you will want to look for CBD isolate. This kind of extract is exactly what it sounds like. It is just CBD. There are no other compounds or cannabinoids in it. 

Now that you have a foundation of CBD information (or, at least, a review), let’s talk about what makes a good CBD company. 

What to look for in a good CBD company 

There are many  factors to pay attention to when looking for a good CBD company to buy from. But what it boils down to is the biggest thing that you need to be willing to do: read. You are already part way there, just by reading this article. But it does not stop here. 

When looking for a reputable CBD company, do your research. Be sure to read reviews about their products and the company as a whole. These reviews should be both from the company’s site and from third party sites. This way you avoid bias and get a clear idea of how good their products really are. 

Any trustworthy CBD manufacturer should be as transparent as possible about their processes. They should have their extraction process laid out somewhere on their site for you to read. They should also be open about the rest of their manufacturing process as well. If they do not have this information readily available, then you should stay away. 

Reputable CBD companies should also test their products. They should have their testing information available on their site. They should be testing not only the quality of their products, but also to be sure that no unwanted compounds are in the CBD. It is not a problem if they do their own testing, but if they do, they should also have a third-party test their products to be sure that there is no bias in the tests. If they have no information about their testing on their site, you should avoid them. 

It also helps to understand what the most recent information that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released on CBD is. If a CBD company is not compliant with what the FDA has laid out or does not even talk about it anywhere on their site, you may want to avoid them. All CBD companies should be keeping up with FDA regulations and guidelines. 

Price is another factor you should pay attention to when it comes to high-quality CBD. Some manufacturers charge an exorbitant amount, just because the industry is relatively new, and they feel like they can. This is not an indication as to whether or not the company has quality products. But, on the other end of the spectrum, there are some companies whose prices feel like they are too good to be true. In those cases, they often are. If a CBD product seems dirt cheap (even before it goes on sale or has a coupon), there is a chance that it has been made with synthetic CBD, or the company does not follow safe practices. More often than not, it is best to find products that are a bit more middle of the road in their price. Of course, reading reviews, as talked about above, helps weed out the overpriced and untrustworthy a lot. 

What CBD products are out there? 

Now that you have an idea of what to look for in a CBD company, let’s talk about what different products are out there.  

Oils & tinctures 

Oils and tinctures are probably one of the simpler forms of CBD. They are CBD extract that has been mixed with a carrier oil, like palm and coconut oil. You can take this either by mixing them in with some food or drink, or by placing the drops directly into your mouth. Most companies recommend the more direct way. This is because if you place the drops under your tongue, the CBD can absorb through the thin skin there and enter the system more quickly. This way it starts working faster. 

Tablets & capsules 

These are pill-like products that have been made with CBD. Tablets are normally sublingual, which means that you take them by placing them under your tongue and allowing them to dissolve. Like with the tinctures, this allows them to start working rather quickly. The capsules are usually soft gels. This means that they have been made with liquid CBD. This way they digest and start working faster than regular pills.  

Edibles 

You can probably guess what these are. Edibles are anything that is edible and is made with CBD. These are very popular, mainly because they taste great and are fun to take. However, they do tend to take the longest to start working. This is because the food or drink needs to digest before the CBD can enter the system and start working. But their effects tend to last the longest. 

FDA-approved medications 

So far, there have been a handful of CBD-based medications that have been approved by the FDA. The most famous of these medications is Epidiolex, an epilepsy medication. It is designed to help fight the seizures that are caused by two kinds of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. The others are all medications that are made to help with the nausea that is often caused by cancer treatments. 

Topicals 

This category of CBD products includes anything that you use on your skin that is made with CBD. They can be lotions, salves, balms, hand sanitizers, and even patches. These will not provide the same overall effect that the oral products may. This is because their products do not enter the bloodstream. Instead, they have a localized effect that is caused by the CBD absorbing into the pores. The CBD does its work there and does not move much beyond. 

Those are broad categories listed above. There are subcategories to each of these. To find the right product for you, you may need to do some exploring. But hopefully, this list has given you an idea of what you want to look for. 

What is the right amount of CBD for me? 

If you are looking for an exact number of milligrams, you are going to be disappointed. There is no set amount of CBD for someone to take. This is because everyone reacts to CBD a little bit differently. Some people require only a small amount, while others need a lot of the cannabinoid. This means that you will need to experiment a bit in order to find the right amount of CBD for you. There is a safe way to go about that, but first let’s talk about what you should keep an eye out for.  

Overall, CBD is considered safe. As mentioned above, it is not psychoactive, so you do not have to worry about too much of it creating a high. It does, however, have some side effects. They tend to include things like fatigue and gastrointestinal upset. Clearly, they are not life threatening. But they are still not fun. These side effects are usually associated with taking too much CBD. So, avoiding them is simply a matter of making sure you are taking the right amount for you. 

So, how exactly should you go about finding the right amount of CBD for you? As mentioned above, it does require some experimentation. Most CBD products do have a suggested amount on the label. It is not a bad idea to start with that much and see how it sits with you. However, it is best to start with as small of an amount as possible. Once you try your chosen amount, wait a little while to see how it sits with you. Remember that some products take longer to take effect than others. If, after a reasonable amount of time has passed, you still do not feel any positive effects or negative side effects, then you can up the amount a little bit at a time. Be sure to stop once you find the lowest amount that gives you benefits without any side effects. There is no need to test your limits. 

An important thing to be aware of is that CBD does not always mix well with certain medications. These medications could not work as well, or not work at all, in the presence of the cannabinoid. If you are on medication and would like to start taking CBD, it is best to discuss it with a healthcare professional first. They should know whether or not the CBD will sit well with your prescription. 

Hopefully, this article has given you newbies to the world of CBD more confidence to dive in and find the perfect CBD product for you. As for the CBD old hands, hopefully this article has given you some new information on what you should expect from your CBD manufacturer. There is a lot of exciting potential in CBD, but as its industry is still new, it is best to be careful and be sure that you are getting the best product available. Buy CBD oil from our shop with just a few clicks!

What to look for when you buy CBD oil

As more and more people learn about cannabidiol (CBD) and the potential benefits it holds, the more the industry grows. But that means that there are many choices out there when looking for a CBD company to buy from. So, how do you find one that is trustworthy? With so many options, the idea of trying to find a good CBD company may seem daunting. But no need to worry. We here at Panacea Life Sciences are dedicated to making sure that people understand CBD and know what makes a good and a not-so-good CBD producer.

For starters: what is CBD?

It is always best to start simple when something seems daunting or intimidating. So, let’s start with the basics and define CBD.

Cannabis plants, like hemp and marijuana, have their own class of chemical components, known as cannabinoids. CBD is one of these. It is one of over 113 that have been identified so far, but there may be even more that scientists discover in the future. While CBD is certainly much more well-known than it used to be, there is still another cannabinoid that is much more famous. It is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

THC’s notoriety comes mainly from the fact that it is psychoactive. That means that it creates the inebriation, more often referred to as a “high.” There is some confusion surrounding CBD and THC. Many people think that because they are both cannabinoids that means that they are more-or-less the same, including the psychoactive effects. However, those who think this are understandably mistaken. CBD is not psychoactive. It does not create any sort of high. The closest it may come is it may help its users achieve a greater sense of calm.

CBD is usually derived from hemp rather than marijuana. This is because hemp has higher levels of CBD and low levels of THC. Marijuana is almost the opposite. It has high levels of THC and its CBD levels vary. Most CBD manufacturers also prefer hemp to marijuana for another reason:. Hemp is legal throughout the United States. The 2018 Farm Bill officially made hemp legal for farmers to grow and sell across the country (with certain restrictions in specific states). Marijuana is currently still federally illegal. There are some states that have legalized it. Some only for medicinal uses, and others for recreational purposes.

There have been many studies that have looked at the potential benefits that CBD could provide. For example, this study found that CBD was useful in helping people keep calm when facing a stressful situation. Another study found CBD to be very helpful in reducing inflammation caused by a lung injury. This study concluded that CBD could be great tool in trying to keep down acne. These are just a few examples of what researchers have been discovering about the cannabinoid. Odds are, there is even more to learn about it.

So, now that you have a better idea of what CBD is, let’s talk about what you should look for in your CBD provider.

What should I look for when buying CBD?

The CBD industry certainly is growing, both in size and notoriety. However, that does not mean that everything is settled when it comes to regulations that exist for more traditional food and dietary supplement companies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been working hard to determine the best way to establish rules to establish potency and purity standards. There is still much work that needs to be done. In the meantime, it is best to know what makes a good, trustworthy CBD company, and what to look out for when it comes to the not-so-trustworthy.

One thing that is always worth looking at when buying any product, but especially with CBD, are reviews. You should read the reviews of both the products you are interested in and the company you are thinking of buying from. Look for reviews on the company’s site and on third party sites. This way you ensure you are not getting biased reviews, because it is not unlikely for the company’s site to only have positive reviews, and no CBD company is completely perfect.

When you are looking into a CBD manufacturer to buy from be sure to spend some time exploring their site. They should have some very important information readily available on their website. They should have information about their extraction and/or production processes. If they are not transparent about that then you should stay away. Extraction and production processes are not things that CBD companies need to or should hide.

Another thing to look at on a CBD company’s website is information about their testing process. They should include what they test for. They should also have a third party test their products as well. This acts as some double checking and to ensure that there is no bias in their testing process. If they do not have that information, then there is a chance they are not testing their products at all and you should avoid them.

A trustworthy CBD company should also have information about the latest FDA regulations and guidelines. This shows that they are staying up to date and make sure that they are compliant. Again, if this information is not readily available on their site, they may not be worth buying from.

Different kinds of CBD products

Now that you have a better idea of what to look for in a CBD company, it is probably time to talk about what options you have when you finally settle on a provider.

Tinctures & oils

These are often considered the more traditional of CBD products. CBD oils and tinctures are CBD extract that has been mixed with carrier oils, like coconut oil for example. These provide some flexibility when it comes to taking them. You can take them by mixing them in with some food or drink. But if you take an oil or tincture this way, you do need to wait for the food or drink to digest before the CBD can enter your system and start working. You can also take a tincture or oil by placing drops directly into your mouth. This way, the CBD absorbs through the thin skin under your tongue and starts working much more quickly.

Edibles

CBD edibles are pretty much exactly what they sound like. They are food or drink that have been made with CBD infused in it. These are some of the most popular CBD products. This is likely because they are easy to take and taste great. When taking edibles, it is important to remember that they tend to take the longest for the CBD to start working. This is because, like with eating something with CBD oil mixed in, the food needs to digest before the CBD can enter your system. They also tend to have the longest lasting effects.

Capsules & tablets

If you would rather have your CBD in pill form, then you should look for CBD capsules and/or tablets. CBD capsules are the most similar to regular pills, but they are normally made as soft gels. That means that they have been made using liquid CBD extract. This makes it so they digest faster and start working quicker as a result. The CBD tablets are usually sublingual. That means that you take them by placing one under your tongue and allowing it to dissolve. Like when you take an oil or tincture directly, the CBD absorbs through the thin skin under the tongue and enters the bloodstream much faster.

FDA-approved medications

Research into CBD and its benefits has led to some exciting developments. Namely, it has led to some CBD-based medications that have been officially approved by the FDA. The first one is called Epidiolex. The goal of that medication is to help reduce the number of epileptic seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. The other few CBD-based medications that have been approved by the FDA are ones that are made to help with the nausea that often comes with cancer treatments.

Topicals

CBD topicals include any product that you place or rub onto your skin that has been made with CBD. Unlike CBD products that are taken orally, the CBD in topicals typically never reach the bloodstream. Instead they absorb through the pores and their effects generally stay in the place that they are used. This means that they are likely to have a more localized effect than the oral CBD products, which are more likely to provide you with an overall effect.

As the CBD industry grows, it is more than likely that there will be different kinds of products that will pop up. For now, these are the main ones to know.

Does CBD have any negative side effects?

Yes, it does when very high concentrations of CBD are ingested. The negative side effects that you may experience with CBD are not necessarily all that dangerous. But they should still be taken seriously. These side effects tend to include things like mild dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. They are more often associated with taking too much of the cannabinoid. So, it is not too hard to avoid these side effects. You just need to take the right amount for you. But how do you figure out what is the right amount of CBD for you? That is a question that is not all that easy to answer

There is no one set amount of CBD that is right for people of a particular weight or age. While those factors can come into play, there is a lot more to it than that. Everyone has a slightly different experience with the cannabinoid. Some people need a lot of it, others only require a little before they start noticing effects. So, to find the right amount of CBD for you, you will need to experiment a little. It is best to start with a small amount and wait to see how that sits with you. Remember that some products take longer than others for them to start working. If you do not feel any negative side effects but are not getting your desired results, then you can up the amount that you take. There is no need to test your limits with CBD, so do not take it until you feel the negative side effects. Once you find the smallest amount that gives you good effects without any of the bad, then you know that is the right amount for you.

It is important to remember that not all medications mix well with CBD. Some of them do not work as well when taken with the cannabinoid. Others stop working entirely. If you want to take CBD, but are already on medication, be sure to discuss it first with your healthcare provider. They should know what risks are included.

Approaching the CBD industry when you are new to it can feel more than a little intimidating at times. It feels like there are so many companies out there and so much to know about them and the cannabinoid. Hopefully, this article has provided you with a bit of a guide to help you find the right CBD product and a good company to buy it from. This way you can dive headfirst into the world of CBD with even more confidence than before.

Is there more that you would like to know about CBD? Are you ready to start shopping, but are not sure where exactly to start? Then you are on the perfect website. Here on the Panacea Life Sciences Website, we have a plethora of articles about everything and anything that you could possibly want to know about the cannabinoid. If all of your questions are answered and you just want to get your hands on some high-quality CBD products, then check out our products page. We have a whole line of CBD products for you to try out. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns we would love to hear from you! You can get a hold of a Panacea Life Sciences team member either through our site, or by emailing us at [email protected]. Take a minute to check out all of the wonderful products in our shop!

The Best Way For Athletes To Use CBD

Cannabis may be the last thing you associate with working out and the world of sports, but the plant could be a great win for athletes! Cannabidiol (CBD) may have a variety of uses during different times throughout training, performance, and recovery.  

Non-psychoactive CBD is just one of many different cannabinoids within the Cannabis sativa plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is typically the more well-known part due to its ability to produce a ‘high’ feeling, but CBD is different in that it will not make you feel those psychoactive effects. CBD may have many health and wellness benefits that athletes may use to improve their game!  

CBD could be beneficial for athletes prior to exercise, during exercise, and after exercise to optimize performance.  Here are a few ways that athletes may take advantage of CBD.   

CBD promoting a sense of calm   

CBD may be excellent for helping athletes cope with the stressors of competition and the feelings of anxiousness of a large tournament approaching. In one double-blind study from 2019, a group of researchers tested CBD’s effectiveness at treating social feelings of anxiousness disorder by using functional neuroimaging. Results showed that CBD significantly reduced feelings of anxiousness by interacting with the limbic and paralimbic brain areas. This finding could be applied to anyone encountering a stressful situation, especially athletes who need to shake off some bad mental energy and get their head back on a winning track.   

CBD for overall wellbeing 

Accidents like shin splints and muscle strains that bring along discomfort can be a major setback to an athlete in training and unfortunately discomfort is all too common as athletes look to break records and push limits. But popping traditional medications isn’t the only way to get rid of aches and get you back on your feet. In fact, those medications might not even be the safest option, as they may bring on negative side effects. Studies, like this one, show that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may raise the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and other heart problems, as well as heighten the risk for several other health issues.   

Instead of relying too much on NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen, athletes should consider CBD as a more holistic addition to their discomfort management plan. CBD products are widely available these days and come in many forms, like CBD-infused gummies for daily discomfort management or balms that can be rubbed directly onto the skin. 

CBD may reduce joint swelling 

CBD may also be a great choice for promoting a healthy inflammatory response. Joint swelling may be a very common occurrence for athletes but using some CBD discomfort gel may significantly help. In one 2016 study, researchers wrote, “transdermal CBD gel significantly reduced joint swelling…” They concluded the data indicated that topical CBD application has therapeutic potential for relief of arthritis discomfort-related behaviors and inflammation without evident side-effects. 

Anyone who puts through their bodies through repetitive movements is at risk for arthritis, especially those in contact sports like football. Older athletes may need to target arthritis-related discomfort or inflammation in general to keep themselves in the game. Did you know that using CBD may actually be an effective form of medication to treat arthritis? Consider a study from 2005 that assessed the efficacy of a cannabis-based medicine in the treatment of discomfort due to rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers wrote, “in comparison with placebo, the CBD produced statistically significant improvements in discomfort on movement, discomfort at rest, quality of sleep…” CBD topicals or balms could be more useful instead of relying on too many NSAIDs.  

CBD may assist with the recovery process 

CBD may help reduce the inevitable inflammation that occurs in the body after a strenuous workout, which is why many athletes are touting CBD as their wellness miracle worker. CBD is a great choice to help athletes recover from hard workouts. Some athletes especially like it to tackle aches and joint inflammation after heavy lift days. The study above suggests that CBD may help reduce muscle soreness when you rub it on the body as a muscle ointment or take it orally in a form like a tincture, tablet, or gummy.  

CBD may help you obtain a better night’s sleep 

We all need a good night’s sleep to work well the next day, and athletes especially require enough sleep if they want to be at peak performance. But sometimes, even hard-working athletes may have a hard time falling or staying asleep due to stress, feelings of anxiousness, or environmental factors. Being well rested is essential for any athlete who wishes to reap the rewards for more training gains during practice.  

Luckily, CBD may help athletes get more rest, with many studies suggesting that CBD could be an effective aid for insomnia and other sleep problems. One study from Project CBD found that CBD reduced the average time it took individuals to fall asleep from 62 to 20 minutes. Their users also said they woke up less throughout the night, from 4 times on average to just once after taking CBD. Another 2019 study reported “sleep scores improved” within the first month of CBD use in 66.7 percent of the patients, 48 adults, attributing the sleep relief to CBD’s “calming effect in the central nervous system.” 

Athletes who use CBD  

Today, many athletes and former pro athletes are using CBD products to help improve their game and recovery. Soccer star Megan Rapinoe is well-known for using CBD because she wanted a more natural option for managing discomfort, falling asleep and for general recovery. David Wells, a pitcher for Major League Baseball who won two World Series, said he was under the influence of opiates throughout his career to deal with typical aches from the game and discomfort after surgery. He credited CBD for now helping him remain opiate-free.  

In 2019, the World Anti-Doping Agency removed CBD from the 2020 list of prohibited substances. CBD is likely to gain more popularity among athletes as more people discover the cannabinoid’s natural benefits and learn about popular athletes who have found success with CBD products.  

Reference Links:
MLB Pitcher’s Journey: http://cbdoilexpert.com/mlb-pitchers-journey-from-opioids-to-cbd-oil/  

2016 study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/  

2005 study: https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/45/1/50/1788693 

Project CBD study: https://www.projectcbd.org/reports/cultivating-wellness/sleep  

2019 sleep study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30624194  

Soccer Players Embracing CBD: https://www.cbdwire.com/why-soccer-players-are-embracing-cbd/