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What happens when you experience CBD (Cannabidiol) edibles?

You have likely heard about cannabidiol (CBD). It is noticeably around us these days. It also seems to come in so many different forms. One of the more popular forms of CBD is as an edible.

CBD edibles can be any number of edible products from gummy candies to popcorn. So, it is easy to find one that can suit your taste. The question is, once you eat one, how will you feel?

Let’s explore that question.

What is CBD, and where does it come from?

It is best in situations like this to start with the basics. In this case, it is starting with defining CBD.

CBD comes from Cannabis plants. These include hemp and marijuana. These plants have chemical compounds in them that are known as cannabinoids. CBD is among the over 113 cannabinoids that are found in Cannabis plants. 

Most cannabinoids are fairly unknown. CBD is certainly rising in recognition, but there is one cannabinoid that is especially well-known. That is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is so popular because of its psychoactive effects. This means that it makes people high in a way that is associated with Cannabis. 

Despite the fact that they are both cannabinoids, CBD is quite different from THC. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive effects. It will not make you high. It may, however, help with creating a calmer state of mind.

There are three kinds of CBD that could be in a product. They are CBD isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum. The differences between them depend on what other compounds and cannabinoids are in the extract with the CBD. CBD isolate only has CBD in it, no other cannabinoids or compounds. Broad-spectrum has many other things in the extract, and the one exception is that it does not have any THC in it. Full-spectrum, on the other hand, has all of the other cannabinoids and compounds, including THC (it is usually shallow levels, less than 0.3%).

The other effects that CBD may have on people are still being studied, but the studies are numerous. For example, this study found that CBD may be able to help with reducing intestinal inflammation. Another study found that CBD was able to help increase the amount of sleep that rats got in their normal sleep-cycles. There have even been studies looking at CBD’s effect on the skin. This study, for example, found that CBD may be able to reduce sebum production, which helps reduce acne.

Now you know what CBD is, let’s talk about what edibles do.

What are edibles like?

Your experience with CBD depends on a few different factors.

Since CBD comes in three different versions, you may find that some of them may make you have a different experience depending on which kind is in the edibles. There is a reaction to some of the CBD extracts known as the “entourage effect.” This is when compounds build on each other to make a stronger experience (we have an article that goes into more detail about this here). So, it is likely that full-spectrum and broad-spectrum may give you a stronger effect than CBD isolate. However, edibles made with CBD isolate are more likely to give people what could be considered a “purer” experience, without the effects of other compounds and cannabinoids.

The other factors that weigh in on how you experience CBD edibles vary. They depend on each person. The way that CBD affects each person changes. Some people have a powerful experience with very little CBD. Others, it takes more for people to experience even a weak effect. There are a lot of reasons for these variations. For example, it could depend on weight or genetics.

The other thing to understand about CBD edibles, they may take a little while to start working. This is because the edibles have to digest in order for the CBD to enter the system. It could take up to an hour for them to start working. So, with CBD edibles, you will need to be patient and wait to be sure that the amount you take is not too little or too much for you.

What makes a good CBD edible?

As with anything, if you are going to try CBD, you are going to want to know how to find a good edible.

When looking for a CBD edible, there are a few things you need to consider. The main is the source of the product. The best way to ensure that you are getting a quality CBD product is by researching the manufacturer. A good CBD producer should be transparent about its extraction process. They should also use a third party to test the quality of their products.

It is also a good idea to read reviews both of the company and the products you are interested in. It is essential to see what other people are saying about the manufacturer and their product to be sure that you are getting a quality product. You should also read the reviews on third party sites to ensure a lack of bias.

Edibles are often a good option for a lot of people as they are easy to eat and control how much you take. But before trying them, many people want to know what to expect from the edibles. Hopefully, this article has given you a better idea of what the edibles will make you feel.

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Where to find ‘pure’ CBD (Cannabidiol) oil

Interest in cannabidiol (CBD) has gone up quite a bit in recent years. Many people have started to include it in their daily routines. Some of those people do not mind a product that has a bit more than just CBD. However, that is not for everyone. Some would prefer oil in which the CBD extract is only CBD.

If that is you, then this is your guide to understanding what exactly “pure” means in the context of CBD and what to look for in a CBD company.

Starting at the beginning: what is CBD?

There is a chance that you already know exactly what CBD is and what it can do. However, even if you do not know, a refresher can be very helpful.

Cannabidiol is what is known as a cannabinoid, chemical compounds that are found in Cannabis plants. Not all Cannabis plants are the same. Marijuana and hemp are variations of Cannabis, whose differences we will get into later. For now, just know that there are over 113 different cannabinoids, some more well-known than others.

While CBD has risen in notoriety, it is still not as known as its fellow cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is because THC has a very specific effect on people. It is the cannabinoid that is psychoactive. That is, THC creates the “high” that is what many tend to think of when cannabis comes up. THC is psychoactive and creates a “high”, but CBD does not. CBD has no psychoactive effects. It is known to promote a greater sense of calm, but no high. 

As mentioned before, hemp and marijuana are both Cannabis plants, but they are not the same. The difference between them is the level of specific cannabinoids they have. Hemp is defined as Cannabis, with less than 0.3% THC content and high levels of CBD. Marijuana is Cannabis, with more than 0.3% THC and not as much CBD. As a result, most CBD manufacturers use hemp to make their products. This is why the 2018 Farm bill was so exciting for so many, as it made industrial hemp legal across the United States. This, in effect, made CBD products legal as well, as long as they are hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3% THC.

There have been many studies about CBD over the last couple of decades. Researchers have been interested in seeing what exactly the cannabinoid has to offer. The research has moved in a number of directions, but one, in particular, seems popular and promising. It is looking at the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD. Many of these studies, including this one and this one, have found CBD to be incredibly helpful in reducing inflammation for a number of conditions. Other studies, like this one, have been looking at how CBD may be able to help with diabetes. Another popular area of study is CBD’s calming effect on epileptic seizures. In fact, this has been so closely studied; it has led to the development of the first CBD based medication approved by the FDA, Epidiolex.

CBD comes in a number of different kinds of products. This makes it very easy to take and make it accessible to most people. Many like to take their CBD in an edible form. There are many food products made with CBD that can provide a daily dose. Of course, CBD gummies are a popular choice. There are also CBD tablets and gel capsules that are looking for a way to take CBD that fits easily in with their routine. For more localized use, many people turn to CBD topicals like creams and lotions. Some prefer a more traditional route for their CBD and like using tinctures and oils. These are taken by either dropping some directly under the tongue or mixing some in with food or drink.

With many people starting to use CBD, there are those who are trying to find pure CBD products. While that is a possibility, it is good to understand what exactly “pure” means in the context of the CBD industry.

How pure is “pure?”

There are a few different kinds of CBD. Each of them has their own level of purity. That is, they each have a different number of other compounds within the CBD extract. They are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate.

Full-spectrum

If you are looking for a pure CBD product that contains no other cannabinoids, you may want to stay away from full-spectrum products. They are what would be considered the furthest from purely CBD. Full-spectrum CBD has everything that comes with the hemp plant when it is extracted. This includes other cannabinoids, like THC. However, as mentioned before, it is less than 0.3%, which is not enough to get someone high.

Broad-spectrum

This is the next one along the purity line. Broad-spectrum is really similar to full-spectrum. It includes pretty much everything that extracted from hemp along with CBD. The one exception is THC. THC is the main thing that is removed during the extraction process. However, as mentioned before, there are 113 cannabinoids that may come in combination along with your CBD. So, if you are looking for pure CBD but are not feeling overly picky, this may be an option to consider. While it does have other compounds, it does not have any THC.

CBD isolate

This is the purest version of strictly the CBD compound only. It is just CBD and nothing else. If you want pure CBD, this is what you are going to want to look for.

Another thing to understand is that most CBD products are going to have ingredients other than the CBD. Oils are going to have carrier oils, things like coconut or palm oil. You are not likely to find a product that is only CBD. The other ingredients do not necessarily mean that the CBD will not work as well. They are just there to make the CBD easier to take and give it more flexibility in bioavailability. For more information on bioavailability, check out our article here.

What should I look for in a CBD manufacturer?

As laid out earlier, the CBD industry has really only been around for about two years. Despite this, it has grown rapidly. As a result, the FDA is still trying to find the best way to regulate it. That does not mean that there are no regulations. However, it does mean that some disreputable companies will try to take advantage of the current situation. This may make CBD a little intimidating. But it should be perfectly safe if you take certain steps to be sure that your CBD is coming from a good company.

The biggest thing to do is to research. Look into the company you want to buy from. Read the reviews of their products, not just on their site, but on third party sites. Do not just read the reviews of the products you are interested in either. See what people have to say about as many of their products as you can. This is a good way to get an idea of the quality of the CBD that they use.

Another way is by researching what their extraction process is. Many trustworthy CBD manufacturers are transparent about their process. If they have a section on their website about their process, that is a good sign. They should also have a third party to test their products for quality. If they do not do that, you may want to consider looking into buying from a different company.

Are there any side effects associated with pure CBD?

CBD does appear to be safe for use overall. However, there are some potential side effects that may come with excessive use. These side effects may include things like dizziness and fatigue. They are not anything too serious, but they are not fun. They mainly happen when too much CBD is taken. They are easy to avoid if you are careful. We have an article that speaks to how much CBD is too much, click here to see. 

The best way to figure out how much CBD you need and to avoid unpleasant side effects is by being conservative when you first start taking it. Start out with little amounts, then if those do not bother you but still do not have the desired effect, try upping the amount you take. If you feel side effects, back off the amount and wait for the side effects of passing before trying again.

Some medications do not work well with CBD. If you are interested in trying CBD but are on medications, it is a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional before you start.

If you are looking for a cannabidiol experience without the presence of other compounds and cannabinoids that may distract from the cannabidiol, you may want to look into finding some CBD isolate products. They are what may be considered “pure” CBD. It is a great way to experience the many potential benefits CBD has to offer.

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns about CBD, please contact us. You can get ahold of a member of the Panacea Life Sciences team by either going onto our website or by emailing us at [email protected].

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The Basics of Cannabinoids

Whether you’re brand new to the Cannabis world or a seasoned pro, you’re bound to have noticed that there is a lot of jargon. Whether you’re trying to buy cannabidiol (CBD) oil, find a new strain of marijuana to try out, or simply learn more about herbal medicine, there are many technical terms and concepts you are likely to come across.

This is especially true if you’re new to Cannabis, CBD, and hemp. Whereas someone who has been smoking marijuana or taking CBD might be instantly familiar with terms like indica or sativa, for example, a first-time CBD consumer might not be familiar with the lingo.

Thankfully, this is a very welcoming community, with plenty of people to provide answers. Here at Panacea Life, we pride ourselves on making CBD and hemp products accessible to as many people as possible. No matter if you’re a cannabis aficionado or a curious new user, we want you to feel welcome and safe within this world.

That’s why we’re going to be looking at a commonly queried topic within the CBD world today. What exactly are cannabinoids, and what do you need to know about them? We’ll be going over common types, categories, and things to bear in mind as a user.

What are cannabinoids?

To start off with, what exactly are cannabinoids? 

As this article notes, the term cannabinoid is an umbrella term that refers to chemical substances that affect the cannabinoid receptors within the body. Mostly, cannabinoids are natural substances that are taken from the Cannabis plant- but there are synthetic ones as well.

If you’re unfamiliar with cannabinoid receptors, it’s worth noting that all mammals have an Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This network within the body is made up of receptors and enzymes known that interact with cannabinoids, and can regulate a number of different systems in a person- everything from memory and retention, to appetite and sleep. 

What types of cannabinoids are there?

As some of you may have seen already, there are countless different substances, compounds, and elements making up the cannabis plant. It’s a wonderfully vibrant and complex plant, with many different interesting elements making it up. As this article notes, there are some other important cannabinoids worth being aware of, including;

  • Cannabigerol. This is parent of the cannabiniods from which other cannabinoids are derived from.  This cannabinoid makes up a very small portion of the plant when it is fully grown. Cannabigerol, or CBG as it is known colloquially, has not been studied as much as other compounds in this list. There have been studies, such as this one, looking into it’s potential as an anti-inflammatory, but we will have to wait and see.
  • Cannabichromene. On the flip side to CBG, cannabichromene is found plentifully within the Cannabis plant. As with other cannabinoids, cannabichromene is being studied right now- with potential links to anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.
  • Tetrahydrocannabinol. This cannabinoid is also known as THC, and it is one of the most well-known compounds that comes from the Cannabis plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive compound that leads people to get ‘high’.
  • Cannabinol/cannabinodiol. Cannabinol is a lesser-known, psychoactive compound in the Cannabis plant. It is most commonly found in aged Cannabis. Cannabinodiol is another psychoactive element.

Of course, this list is not exhaustive by any means. There are over 113 cannabinoids within the Cannabis plant, all with different effects and uses.

Other key points to be aware of 

A common term that you’ll hear when cannabinoids are being discussed is phytocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids are the naturally occurring cannabinoids that can be found within the Cannabis plant, like CBD.

Endocannabinoid is another common term that it’s worth being aware of. These compounds are not produced within the Cannabis plant; in fact, they’re created by the human body to work with internal cannabinoid receptors.

A final category of cannabinoids to be aware of is synthetic cannabinoids. There are plenty of synthetic products, like synthetic CBD for example, but it’s worth being wary of these. Synthetic products can be harmless when made correctly, but in a lot of cases, they can be quite harmful. This CDC report highlights the dangers of synthetic CBD products.

Generally speaking, the human body can react in a wonderful way to cannabinoids. If you are going to use CBD or hemp, make sure to do your research and only buy verified products from suppliers that you trust.

To sum up

As you can see, the field of cannabinoids is not as complex as it might seem at first. There are so many different types and subcategories of cannabinoids available, and they all have different effects, purposes, and forms.

It’s worth reiterating the point that synthetic cannabis and CBD products can be quite harmful. There are plenty of unverified, dangerous synthetic products available right now, which is not great at all. Using these products can sometimes lead to physical pain or damage, or even mental health issues in some cases. 

Above all, make sure that you are being mindful if you are using any of the substances that we’ve discussed in this blog post. No matter if you’re using CBD oil, smoking legal Cannabis, or taking THC supplements, it’s vital that you do your research beforehand. Check out the supplier, read the ingredients, and note whether your existing health or medications could be affected.

Want to learn more about the world of CBD and Cannabis? Looking for somewhere to source incredible CBD and hemp products? Make sure to check out our full website today. Here at Panacea Life, we’re dedicated to bringing our audience the best of the best in natural medicine and herbal remedies, and we’ve always got something new to share. 

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Does CBD oil get you high? How can you tell?

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is very popular these days. It seems like you can find it in all kinds of products, in any number of stores.

Despite CBD’s popularity, there are still many misconceptions about it. For example, many people believe that CBD can get you high, when in reality it cannot. The worry about CBD and psychogenic effects has kept many people from trying something that may be able to help them. It is important to understand that CBD does not make people high. Let’s talk about how the myth came to be and  why CBD does not create the euphoric high associated with Cannabis use.

What is up with CBD oil?

In order to understand the effect that CBD has on people, it is best to start with understanding what exactly CBD is.

CBD is a chemical compound called a cannabinoid. These are compounds found in cannabis plants. You have likely heard of the two main kinds of Cannabis plants: hemp and marijuana. CBD is found in both of these plants along with over 113 other cannabinoids. Other compounds like terpenes are what give Cannabis plants their distinctive smell and flavor. There is another very well-known cannabinoid you may be familiar with, but we will cover that later. For now, it is important to know that CBD is a cannabinoid.

When CBD is extracted from the plant it is normally then converted into an oil. That oil can be made into any number of products. As a result, there are lotions, snacks, and hand sanitizers, made with CBD oil. Some people even prefer to take the oil just as it is. No need to mix it in with other products.

This is just the basics of what CBD is. We will cover a lot more about it in just a little while.

Why do people think that CBD oil can cause a high?

You are likely wondering, what causes the mix-up that makes so many people think that CBD can get you high? The answer is pretty simple. It is because of a chemical cousin of CBD.

As mentioned before, there is another cannabinoid that CBD often gets lumped together with. It is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC does create a high and CBD does not.

THC is psychoactive. This means that at a certain concentration, it will intoxicate users. It does this by interacting with specific receptors in the Endocannabinoid System. This is a series of receptors and enzymes in the body that can be regulated by cannabinoids. It has an effect on a number of functions, including things like memory and appetite.

THC actually blocks a number of these receptors in the brain having various effects on behavior. For example, THC can negatively affect our memory and can make your appetite more active than normal. This is how you get the stereotype of a Cannabis user who wants to eat all the time and has a poor memory.

What it really comes down to is that THC affects your cognitive functions. It may make things that are done easily while sober very difficult to do. That is what it is about THC that creates a high. Something that CBD does not do.

Does CBD cause a high?

As stated before; no, CBD does not create a high. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. 

Because CBD is a cannabinoid, it does interact with the Endocannabinoid System. However, it does not do it in the same way that THC does. CBD interacts with a different set of receptors in the ECS resulting in diverse responses compared to THC such as increases in the release of dopamine and serotonin. This means that CBD may be able to positively influence your state of mind. It does not, however, intoxicate. It does not cause any issues that could make cognitive functions difficult like THC may.

When using CBD oil or a product made with it, you are still going to be able to do everything that you do normally. It is not likely that you will feel intoxicated in anyway.

There are some CBD oils that do have THC in them. These are known as full-spectrum CBD oils. Full Spectrum oils contain very low concentrations of THC, less than 0.3% THC content (for reasons that will be explained in a little later). This low level of THC is not likely to get anyone high. However, if you are concerned about the potential of the THC getting you high, there are other CBD options. CBD products made with broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate have no THC in them. They will not get anyone high.

Is CBD oil legal?

This is an understandable question as CBD does come from Cannabis and in the United States the legality of cannabis is a little up in the air. When approaching this question, it is important to remember that hemp and marijuana are two different kinds of Cannabis. The difference between them depends on the level of THC in the plant.

Hemp is defined as Cannabis with less than 0.3% THC content. Marijuana is Cannabis with more than 0.3% THC. It just so happens that the CBD content is also different between marijuana and hemp. Marijuana has low levels of CBD, while hemp has much higher levels.

In December of 2018, the United States Legislature passed a bill known as the Farm Bill. This is a law that needs to be reviewed, revised and passed every five years. It sets regulations for all kinds of things to do with agriculture. The 2018 version of the Farm Bill included a new provision that changed things for many people; it legalized industrial hemp.

This means that hemp could be grown and sold across the country including products made from hemp. As a result, CBD products derived from hemp, with less than 0.3% THC content are officially legal. Most CBD manufacturers prefer to use hemp rather than marijuana anyway, because, as stated above, it has higher levels of CBD.

We have a blog that covers the 2018 Farm Bill in greater detail here.

CBD products that are made from marijuana and/or have THC levels higher than 0.3% are not legal federally. However, they may be legal in some states that have legalized medical or recreational marijuana products. If you are interested in products like these, it is best to first look into your state’s laws on marijuana.

How will CBD benefit me?

There has been a fair amount of research on CBD in the past few years. It has covered a number of different areas, as it seems that CBD holds a lot of promise.

One of the biggest draws of CBD is its calming properties. Naturally, this has made many researchers curious about how much it can help a user’s state of mind. One of these studies did this by having some people take some CBD before participating in public speaking. The researchers found that those who took the CBD seemed much calmer than those who did not.

Another area of CBD often looked at is its effect on inflammation. There are a multitude of studies on this subject, but let’s just focus on one for now. This study done in 2013 looked at how CBD may be able to help with pancreatitis and the inflammation associated with it in mice. They found that CBD was able to help greatly reduce the inflammation, making the mice much more comfortable.

One particularly exciting area of CBD is its potential ability to help calm epileptic seizures. There is much research that has been done on this particular area. So much so, in fact, that there is now a CBD-based epilepsy medication that has been approved by the FDA.

Can I take too much CBD oil?

What this is really asking, is can you overdose on CBD? The answer is no, not really.

However, there is a right amount of CBD for everyone and there are some not very fun side effects if you do take very high quantities. These side effects are along the lines of things like diarrhea and fatigue. These are not life-threatening side effects but they still can be unpleasant. 

Unwanted side effects of CBD can be avoided by carefully controlling how much you take. This means starting your initial serving low. Try taking a little bit of CBD oil then wait a little while and see how it sits with you. If you do not have any negative side effects, you can up the amount you take. This process takes time. You will need to be patient to make sure that you do not have a bad experience with the oil.

Despite the fact that CBD appears to be safe overall, it may not mix well with all medications. If you take any prescription medications, please consult with a healthcare professional before starting to take any CBD oil. The CBD may change the effect of the medicine.

What kind of CBD product is right for me?

The answer to this question depends on you and what you are looking for from the CBD.

One of the most popular forms of CBD is as an edible. People tend to like these because they are easy to take, are easy to control the amount they take and are delicious. Oral products like these are better if you are looking for an overall effect. They will not work as localized as some other products. They may also take a little while to start working. This is because the food that the CBD is in has to digest.

Other popular oral CBD products include soft gels and tablets. These are good if you prefer oral products but want them to work faster than an edible. Soft gels are like pills that are easier to swallow and digest much more quickly. Tablets tend to be something that you dissolve under your tongue. The CBD enters your blood stream much more quickly sublingually.

Of course, there are also the basic CBD oils and tinctures. They are CBD extract mixed with a carrier oil like palm or coconut oil. These are also considered oral CBD products. This is because you can either drop a couple of drops under your tongue, having them enter your blood stream in a way similar to dissolvable tablets, or you can mix them in with food or a drink.

Then there are topical products. This includes things like lotions and cremes. They are better for helping with more localized issues. For example, they are helpful with skin health and inflammation. The CBD in these products does not move too far beyond where it is used. So, topicals will likely not provide as much of an overall effect as the oral products.

Among topical products there is also an emerging product, CBD hand sanitizers. These are hand sanitizers that not only clean your hands, but also give you the potential benefits of CBD. These are just a handful of the products out there. It is worth keeping an eye out to see what other products may pop up over time. Who knows, you may find something that is the perfect product for you.

Hopefully, this article has provided you with some peace of mind regarding CBD. As outlined in this blog, CBD will not get you high. It may do a number of things to improve your life, but it will not intoxicate you. Now that you know this, why not try it out?

If you are curious about CBD, feel free to check out the rest of Panacea Life Sciences’ website. On here you can find great CBD products for you, your dog, even your horse. Plus, there are several interesting articles about the world of CBD. You can also contact a member of our team on this site. Or you can email us at [email protected].

What is Epidiolex?

Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained in popularity in recent years. As a result, there has been an increase in studies being done on its effects and products being made with it.

Recently there was a CBD-based medication that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is called Epidiolex. But what is it, what does it do and why does it have CBD in it?

Defining CBD

It is only best if we start with the most basic part of this, talking about what CBD is.

In Cannabis plants, like hemp and marijuana, there are many chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. There are over 113 different cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), arguably best-known cannabinoid, creates the high that is so commonly associated with Cannabis.In addition to the cannabinoids are terpenes, which are the compounds that give Cannabis its flavor and smell. 

Another cannabinoid is CBD. This is the cannabinoid that is all the craze right now. There are a few reasons for this, a couple of which we will go into. Part of the excitement is because of the new research being performed on CBD. Some of this research has been focused on things like how CBD may be able to help a number of different people. Another reason is because CBD is not psychoactive and does not create a high like THC does.

Most CBD products are along the lines of oils, capsules, and edibles. They are usually things that you can find at normal stores or ones dedicated to CBD. They are products that are not often prescribed by doctors. However, may they still offer potential help. 

Many of the studies have been looking at the calming effect that CBD seems to have and what it means for those who struggle with keeping calm. For example, this study looked how CBD may be able to help with the anxiety that comes with trying to engage in public speaking. The researchers found that the CBD was able to help keep the subjects calm and focus on the task given to them.

Other studies have been looking at how CBD could help with inflammation. This is encouraging for people who suffer from inflammation as it can make basic movements very difficult. Many of these studies have been incredibly promising. This study, for example, found that CBD was able to greatly help with inflammation because of the way that it interacts with some of the receptors in the body. 

One area that many of the studies have been focused on is how CBD interacts with epilepsy. This where Epidiolex comes into play.

Is CBD legal?

Before we actually get to Epidiolex, there is another question we need to answer; is CBD legal?

As discussed above, CBD is found in Cannabis so is an important to address legality.  While there is a legal stigma surrounding cannabis, it is not really a concern.   

In 2018, the United States Legislature passed a the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act, commonly referred to as the Farm Bill. This bill gets updated and passed every five years. It effects a number of different things that are focused on agriculture. It can even effect what can be grown and sold in the country. The 2018 version of the Farm Bill included an addition that made industrial hemp federally legal to grow and sell in the United States.

Let’s get into why this makes a difference with CBD. The first thing to understand is the difference between hemp and marijuana. One of the big differences between them is the content of certain cannabinoids, specifically THC. Marijuana has high levels of THC. Hemp on the other hand has low levels of THC (in fact, it is defined as having less than 0.3% THC content) and high levels of CBD.

The legalization of hemp was a big deal for those interested in CBD. This is because most CBD manufactures use hemp to make their products instead of marijuana. Hemp’s high CBD content and low THC content makes it ideal for extracting CBD.

As long as a CBD product has been extracted from hemp and has less than 0.3% THC in it, a CBD product is perfectly legal.

What about Epidiolex?

The question of the hour; what is Epidiolex? It is a CBD-based medication that has been approved by the FDA. This was the first pure CBD product to be approved as a medication by the FDA. This is a big and exciting step for the CBD industry. But what does Epidiolex do and how does the CBD help?

Let’s start with talking about epilepsy. It is a neurological disorder that effects brain activity. It causes things like unusual behavior and, most well-known, seizures. These seizures can be scary to deal with. This is especially true since epilepsy is more common in children. So, what does epilepsy have to do with CBD?

We briefly went over what studies have been done on CBD. But there is one area of study that has been very prevalent and exciting. These are studies on epilepsy and CBD. For example, this study found that CBD was able to help calm epileptic seizures in rats. Another study found that CBD was able to help with seizures in animals and humans. These are only a couple of examples of the many studies that have been done on CBD and epilepsy. A quick google search will show you that there a multitude of studies on the subject. Many suggest that CBD may be great for helping people who struggle with epilepsy keep their seizures under control.

These studies have led to the creation of Epidiolex. If you have not guessed, Epidiolex is aimed at trying to reduce the seizures of people with epilepsy. It is for anyone over the age of two that has Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, two rare conditions that are associated with severe epileptic seizure symptoms. 

What side effects are associated with Epidiolex?

This is a question that should be asked about any and every medication or supplement that you are thinking of taking. Afterall, what is the point of taking something if it will just make you more miserable? 

Let’s start with the main ingredient in Epidiolex, CBD. When it comes to side effects associated with CBD, there are not any that are considered all that serious. They tend to consist of things like diarrhea and nausea. They are not life threatening, but that does not mean that they are fun to deal with. They seem to be brought on by taking very high levels of CBD. However, that is only talking about CBD, not Epidiolex.

The main side effect associated with Epidiolex is that it may elevation of liver enzymes, a signal that long term use may result in liver damage. Doctors may require a blood test before starting you on the medication. They may even require your blood be tested throughout the treatment. This is to be sure that your liver is still in proper working order. You should contact your doctor if you notice certain effects while taking Epidiolex. These include change in appetite, fever, yellowing of skin (also known as jaundice) and itchiness, among other things. There is an initial fatigue you may experience with starting Epidiolex; however, it appears to fade after taking the medication for a while.

While Epidiolex is made for everyone two years and older, it is not really known how it effects those younger than two. It is also not recommended for pregnant women, as it may have pre-natal effects.

Beyond those things, like CBD, Epidiolex does not report any other common side effects.

What other CBD products are there?

If you do not have rare forms of epilepsy, your doctor may not be able to prescribe Epidiolex for you. However, there are many over the counter CBD products for you to consider.  We briefly covered what options are out there, but let’s talk about them in more detail as well as the kinds of CBD you can find.

Types of CBD products

The differences between CBD ingredients are based on the other compounds and cannabinoids are in the extract with the CBD. They are CBD isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum. CBD isolate has the smallest number of other cannabinoids and compounds, which is to say that it has no other cannabinoids and compounds. CBD isolate is just CBD and nothing else. CBD isolate provides a “purer” CBD experience, but may not be as strong. Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum are similar. They both have a high number of other compounds and cannabinoids. The difference between them is that full-spectrum has THC in it (less than 0.3%) and broad-spectrum does not. The appeal of these kinds of CBD is something called the entourage effect. This is when compounds work together to make a stronger effect. You can find most products in any of these versions.

Topicals

These are CBD products that you do not take, but instead apply to your skin such as lotions and cremes. Topicals may be better products for uses requiring a localized effect. This is because the CBD in the topicals do not move much beyond where they are placed. The cremes and lotions are often used for helping with skin health and, even, inflammation. There are also CBD hand sanitizers and sanitizing hand cremes. These are sanitizers that are infused with CBD to help with the bacteria killing.

Oils and tinctures

Tinctures are CBD extracts or isolate that has been mixed into a carrier oil like coconut oil. Oils and tinctures are very versatile as you can mix them in with food or drink if you want, or you can place a few drops directly under your tongue. These and the other oral products that are discussed below are a good way to get a better overall CBD effect than topicals.

Capsules and tablets

These are as they sound. They are pill-type products. Soft gels are a common version of these. They are CBD oil made into a soft gel that is easy to swallow and starts working quickly. Tablets are normally placed under your tongue and allow it to dissolve. These also start working fairly quickly.

Edibles

The last kind of product to cover is edibles. These are products that are food and drink with CBD extract mixed in. They are really popular. This is likely because they are easy to take and, usually, taste great. You can find edibles as almost any food, from candy to pasta. They do take the longest to start working. This is because they have to digest before the CBD can enter your system.

There are many different CBD products out there. If you are looking for a good one, take a look around and see what kind of product will work best for you. You may need to try a few to figure it out.

There is much exciting growth and change in the CBD industry that is encouraging and promising. Epidiolex is just one example. It is an example of the many things that CBD may be able to help people with the issues they struggle with. It will be interesting what else comes out of research being done on this cannabinoid.

CBD is an interesting extremely fast-growing industry. If you are looking for a good source of CBD products, you have come to the right place. Here on the Panacea Life Sciences’ website you can find a bunch of different high-quality CBD products. There are also many articles covering just about any question you may have about CBD. On this site you can also contact a member of our team, or you can email any comments, questions or concerns to us at [email protected].

CBD Water: why it doesn’t work and better options

If you have looked into cannabidiol (CBD) at all, you will know that it comes in many different forms. One kind that has gained in popularity recently is CBD water. But many experts are saying that CBD water is not the best way to get a daily dose of the compound. Let’s explore exactly why that is.

What should I know about CBD?

There is a lot to know about CBD. It is an interesting compound that we are still learning so much about. There are some specific basics that everyone should know.

CBD is a chemical compound found in Cannabis plants, like hemp and marijuana for example. It is a specific kind of chemical compound known as a cannabinoid. There are over 113 cannabinoids in cannabis plants. Another example of a compound found in Cannabis are terpenes. These are the compounds that give Cannabis plants their distinct smell and flavor and produce subtle effects on the body. A terpene you might be familiar with is linalool, the most prevalent compound in lavender, which has been reported to promote a sense of calm and relaxation. There is a rather well-known cannabinoid that is famous for its effect: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC has a major effect on people as it is psychoactive, meaning it makes people high. 

One of the important things to know about CBD’s effect on people is that it does not create a high. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. Research suggests that there are a number of different effects that CBD may be able to have on people. One of them is that it may be able to help create a sense of calm in users. This study found that CBD was able to help keep people calm before they participated in public speaking. Another potential effect that CBD could have on people is that it may be able to help with inflammation. One study found that CBD was able to help reduce intestinal inflammation. These are just a couple of examples of the potential help that CBD may be able to provide.

CBD is normally extracted from hemp rather than marijuana for two major reasons:  levels of CBD and legality. Hemp has higher levels of CBD and lower levels of THC than typical marijuana strains which are selectively bred to optimize THC levels. The higher CBD levels in hemp make extraction easier and more efficient. The other reason most CBD is derived from hemp is that industrial hemp is legal throughout the United States. This legalization (which we go into greater detail about in this article) also includes products made of and from industrial hemp. So, hemp is a better option for extraction of CBD than marijuana.

CBD products can be manufactured with full-spectrum oil, broad-spectrum oil, or isolate as the CBD ingredient The types of CBD in products are defined by how many other cannabinoids and compounds that are found in the hemp extract. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum are the most similar. They both have all or a majority of the other cannabinoids and compounds. The difference between them is that full-spectrum has a little bit of THC (less than 0.3%, not enough to get someone high) and broad-spectrum has no THC at all. CBD isolate, on the other hand, has nothing else in it. It is just CBD, nothing else. 

There are many different CBD products available to consumers. One kind are oils and tinctures. These you can mix in with food or drink, or you can place a couple of drops under your tongue. Another kind is topicals. Topicals would be products like lotions and cremes. These are better for more localized uses, as the CBD tends to stay in the localized area when applied topically. Edible CBD products are very popular. These include any kind of CBD product that you eat or drink. Edibles tend to take a little bit longer to start working as they have to be absorbed through the digestive system before entering your blood stream. The edible category also includes products like CBD water.

What exactly is CBD water and is it a good option?

CBD water is exactly as it sounds. It is a bottle of water that has been infused with CBD. The idea behind this product is that it is an easy way to get your daily dose of CBD as it just tastes like water and is easy to control how much you take. However, the question is: does it work the way manufacturers want it to?

One of the important things to know about CBD is that it is an insoluble compound in water and can be sensitive to air and light. Extracting it and making it into proper products at the designated concentrations requires manufacturers produce and store products appropriately.  

CBD purity degrades when it is stored improperly. This means the effective concentration of CBD in the product becomes lower over time so the product will not work as well over time as it may have when initially purchased. In fact, this study wanted to look at how storage conditions could affect CBD. They found that light led to decreases in the level of CBD in the products. The study also found that exposure to air may break down the CBD even more than light.

This makes a huge difference for the potency of CBD water, because most of these products are sold in the same bottles as regular water. They are kept in clear bottles in brightly-lit stores for extended periods of time. This means that even if the product once has the CBD content that was claimed on the label upon packaging, it likely doesn’t by the time it gets into your hands. Then, the minute you open the bottle, the water continues to lose its CBD content.

The studies looking at how well CBD water works are still preliminary. However, as of right now they are suggesting that it likely doesn’t have the effects that other CBD products do.

Another potential drawback of CBD water is that they tend to be much more expensive than other CBD products. A single bottle of CBD water with one serving may cost around $5. Meanwhile, a bottle of 30 CBD soft gels may cost around $30, making it about $1 per serving. You may get more CBD by taking a gel capsule daily than you can from CBD water.

Of course, just because CBD water is not a great option, it does not mean that no CBD drink is worth trying.

What other kinds of CBD drinks are available?

While CBD water may not be the best option as for taking the cannabinoid, there are other options for CBD drinks. Let’s cover some of them.

One of the more popular ones is CBD sparkling water. You may be thinking, what is the difference between sparkling water and regular water when it comes to CBD? The difference is in the storage. Most sparkling waters are stored in cans and those cans are often kept in cardboard boxes. This means that the CBD in the sparkling water is not going to be as broken down as in regular water. There may still be the breaking down that comes with the sparkling water being exposed to air, but the odds of having more CBD in the product are higher.

Another CBD consumable is juices. These are fruit juices that have CBD in them. The benefit of these is that not only are they also often stored in opaque bottles, so they are not as likely to have the CBD be broken down. The other appeal is that they have the vitamins and nutrients that fruit juices may offer.

Of course, if you do not want to buy a specific CBD drink, you can always make your own. Many people will just mix a CBD oil or tincture in with whatever drink they want. It is best to avoid putting it into hot drinks. This is because the heat may breakdown the CBD and make it ineffectual.

Even with these other drink options, it may be better to try CBD capsules, oils or edibles. These are CBD products that are likely to be more stable and work better. As mentioned above, they are also likely to be less expensive.

What other kinds of CBD products are out there?

CBD drinks are not a terrible kind of CBD product, but there are many others that may work better. Let’s talk about some of those.

One kind of product similar to drinks are edibles. These are CBD products like gummies and other food products with CBD in them. They are popular because they are easy to take and taste great. With the CBD being included in the food, it is less likely to be broken down by light and air. One thing to remember is since the food needs to digest, it may take a little while for the CBD to start working.

A quicker CBD product is capsules and tablets. These are products that you either take like a pill or take by placing it under your tongue and letting them dissolve. As these are kept is opaque bottles and do not get very much exposure to air, they are likely going to have the CBD content that the label says.

Of course, there are oils and tinctures. We already talked about them a bit above. You can mix them in with other food and drinks or you can take them by placing a few drops under your tongue. That is actually the faster way to get the oil or tincture to work, as they will absorb into the bloodstream much more quickly.

There are also CBD topicals. These include things like lotions and cremes. They are great products if you are looking for something that is more localized. The CBD in these products are likely to stay in one place, rather than have a more overall effect like most of the other products.

How much is the right amount?

If you are wanting to try a CBD product, this is a fair question to ask. However, it can be a little tricky to answer. Not everyone experiences CBD the same way. Some people require more CBD in order to feel an effect than others. So, it is a very individual experience.

Taking very high levels of CBD could cause some unwanted side effects. These side effects are not life-threatening. However, they are not very fun to deal with. For example, some of those are things like gastrointestinal upset and nausea. So, most people are going to want to do their best to avoid these side effects.

The best way to figure out how much CBD is the right amount for you takes some time and experimentation. You should start small and slow. Start by using a little bit and then seeing how it feels. If it sits well, then you can take a little bit more. Over the course of a few days you can keep building up the amount that you take in order to figure out how much is the right amount for you. However, this does not mean that you should take the CBD until you experience the side effects. Once you reach the level where you are experiencing the effects you are looking for without side effects, that is how you know you have found the right amount.

There are many great CBD products out there. CBD water is not necessarily one of these. It may not have enough proper CBD in it to do what you want it to. If you would like to try CBD, it is probably best to start with an oil, a capsule or a different kind of edible. They are likely to work better than a CBD water may.

This is just one example of the many CBD products out there to know more about. If you want to learn more about other CBD products, check out the rest of Panacea Life Sciences’ site. On here we have several articles covering a number of different CBD topics. You can also find many high-quality CBD products available for purchase. If you have any questions about our articles or products, please email us at [email protected].

Best Cannabidiol (CBD) Strains for your Yoga Practice

Namaste, yogis! There is much buzz around combining CBD and yoga and the reasons are pretty positive. Cannabidiol, or more well known as CBD, is a hot topic because of the recent research and understanding of its potential benefits. Like CBD, yoga has been around for centuries and has a plethora of benefits for the mind and body. But what do these two things have to do with one another? This article will explore CBD and its benefits as well as yoga and its benefits. After all of that, we will explore the mixture of them both. Can CBD enhance one’s yoga practice? If so, what type should you be taking? When should you be taking the CBD? Does the kind of CBD you choose depend on the different types of yoga practice you do? Let’s explore together.

What is Cannabidiol?

First and foremost, one needs to understand what cannabidiol is. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis Sativa L. plant. This cannabinoid is often confused with THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). Let’s be clear, these two cannabinoids are not the same, but they are found in the same plant and are often used in conjunction with one another. THC is the cannabinoid that gives users the “high” feeling. This inebriating effect is the reason THC is not legal in all 50 states. CBD is legal as long as it is derived from the hemp plant rather than the marijuana plant. Why may you ask? The Cannabis sativa L. plant can be grown in different ways. When the Cannabis sativa L. plant is grown with higher than .3% of THC, it is titled a marijuana plant. Whereas if the plant is grown with less than .3% of THC, it is deemed a hemp plant. The 2018 Farm Bill gave farmers across the United States the ability to grow hemp plants legally. Only a handful of states allow the legal growth of marijuana as well as the medical and recreational use. The most important thing to note about the difference between CBD and THC is that CBD will not get you “high,” but there are potential benefits that may follow the use of CBD.  

What about CBD and Yoga?

If you are reading this article, it is likely that you are either a new yoga goer or a seasoned yogi looking to improve your practice in some way. More often than not, those who practice yoga are often looking for more holistic ways to heal or improve their bodies and lives. To be clear, we are not saying that CBD or yoga will heal you in any way, but it may assist you in enhancing the holistic elements in your daily lives. So, what kind of CBD should you be using? When? What if I practice a vinyasa flow? Ashtanga? Let’s explore more.

Types of Yoga

There are so many different types of yoga. Like, a lot. Some are purely from the source, while others have been bent and twisted into a more westernized form. So, what types are there? Let’s explore the eight major types that you have likely seen while browsing for yoga classes in your hometown.  

These principles are used to make each class different from the other but use the same principles.

There is a plethora of different types of yoga around the world, but these top eight are the ones found most commonly here in the United States.

When should I take CBD for yoga? 

The timing of your intake of CBD could mean you feel the effects before, during, or after. This all depends on when you would like to feel the sense of calm CBD may bring you. And because of this, you need to know what type of CBD is available as they all have different bioavailability thresholds and therefore are felt at different times. If you want to feel the CBD right before your yoga class, a tincture is the best way to feel the effects ASAP. If you would rather feel the CBD after the class or perhaps during Shavasana (the relaxing end portion of most classes), maybe a gummy edible will do the trick as their bioavailability is different than a tincture. Now you may be asking what a tincture is or an edible? Continue on to learn about the different types of CBD.

What types of CBD are there?

There are many different types of CBD available for purchase across the United States. Here is a list of a few: 

Other times to take CBD. 

Okay, so, you can take CBD for yoga, cool! But are there other times to take CBD? When? If so, why? The time that CBD is taken depends on the user and their lifestyle. Some take CBD before bed to produce a sense of calm throughout their slumber. Others take CBD in the morning to produce the same sense of calm because they often have feelings of anxiousness. Other reasons to use CBD are that it may have anti-inflammatory properties such as Panacea Life Sciences found in this study about canines. Dog owners described more mobility in their pets with Osteoarthritis after the use of CBD. There is an FDA approved medication that contains CBD that stops seizures in those who have two severe forms of epilepsy. CBD has also been used for skin health (hence the topicals). There are many uses of CBD. How will you use it? 

Will you try CBD for your yoga practice? 

Alright, yogis. After exploring all the information about CBD and its uses for general life, will you use it for your next yoga session? Let us know! 

 

Links:

https://www.usda.gov/farmbill

https://www.gaiam.com/blogs/discover/a-beginners-guide-to-8-major-styles-of-yoga

https://www.anusarayoga.com/teacher-support/universal-principles-of-alignment/

https://panacealife.com/cbd-theapeutic-option-for-canine-osteoarthritis/

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-comprised-active-ingredient-derived-marijuana-treat-rare-severe-forms

 

Athletic Performance and CBD

Most athletes want to ensure that they are at their peak for every game, meet, match, or whatever terminology fits their sport. But often little things can get in the way of their performance. So, they are often looking for ways to fix those little things. Recently there has been an emerging forerunner on this front: cannabidiol (CBD). CBD products are slowly integrating into traditional athletic supplements, but what are the benefits?

Covering the basics of CBD

If you’ve looked around this website, you can tell that there is a lot to know about CBD. So, before we start getting to the nitty gritty details of CBD for athletes, we should cover the basics. Especially, what exactly CBD is.

CBD is a chemical compound known as a cannabinoid. There are over 113 of these compounds in Cannabis plants. Tetrahydrocannabinol, (THC), is the most known cannabinoid that is responsible for the psychogenic effects associated with cannabis use. CBD, on the other hand, has numerous reported health benefits, but does not create the high associated with THC.  Other compounds such as terpenes are also present in in the Cannabis plant. Terpenes are compounds that give Cannabis its distinct flavor and smell and also has beneficial health effects. Linalool, for example, is a terpene that gives lavender its taste and smell is present in cannabis in low amounts and has been reported to promote relaxation and helping quality of sleep. 

As mentioned above, CBD is found in cannabis plants. Most CBD manufacturers extract CBD from hemp rather than marijuana. This is because hemp has higher levels of CBD and low levels of another well-known cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), making CBD-focused extraction easier.

There are three kinds of CBD extracts. They are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. The differences between them are based on how many other cannabinoids and compounds are in the extract. Full-spectrum has the full range of other compounds. It has everything that may come with the CBD in the extraction process. Broad-spectrum is similar to full-spectrum, the difference is that it lacks THC. CBD isolate only has CBD in it, nothing else. It is the “purest” version of CBD available.

How do officials feel about CBD?

This is a fair question to ask, as CBD is extracted from a plant that is often considered a drug. However, it should not be too much of a worry. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is very strict when it comes to all things Cannabis, but has approved the use of CBD for athletes.  There are a few reasons for this.

One of the main reasons why CBD is not banned by the WADA is because CBD has no psychoactive effects. This means that CBD does not create a high. While it may be able to help create a greater sense of calm (we will talk about a little bit more later), it does not intoxicate its users. Though, the WADA does warn that some forms of CBD, like full-spectrum for example, may make you test positive for other banned substances, like THC.

How might CBD help with athletic performance?

There have been a multitude of studies that have been done on CBD. Many of them have findings suggesting various health benefits. These findings have the potential to help athletes with their performance. There are two specific benefits that CBD could offer athletes. These are CBD’s potential to help with inflammation and one’s state of mind.

Inflammation is an issue that can make even basic movements difficult, let alone athletic movements. So, if an athlete is experiencing inflammation, performing may be a near impossible. CBD may be a way for athletes to help reduce inflammation. For example, this study found that CBD was able to help reduce inflammation caused by oxidative stress. This could be a major benefit to many athletes.

The other big potential benefit that CBD may be able to offer is that it may be able to help people achieve a greater sense of calm. This could be helpful for athletes that struggle with jitters before a big game. One particular study found that CBD was able to help calm down mice with chronic anxiety.

These are just a couple of examples of studies that show the potential benefits of CBD for athletes. There are other ways that it may be able benefit its users. So, it may be worth trying.

What kind of CBD product should athletes use?

The answer of this question varies depending on what you are looking for from the CBD. Some are better for overall effects, other for localized. Let’s go over what options are out there and what they may provide.

Oils and tinctures

These are the more traditional routes for CBD. Most of these are CBD in a carrier oil like coconut oil. They can be taken in a few different ways. You can mix a bit of it in with a food or drink or place a couple of drops directly under the tongue.

Soft gels and tablets

These are how they sound. They are CBD products to be taken like a pill. The soft gels are easy to take and start working fairly quickly. Tablets tend to be products that you dissolve under your tongue. These also start working quickly as they entire your bloodstream easier. These tend to be popular with athletes because of the ease of administration.

Edibles

Edibles are probably one of the more popular CBD products. This is because they are versatile. You can find almost any kind of food you can think of with CBD in it. This means that they are easy to take and usually taste good. The one thing to bear in mind is that edibles will take more time to start working than most CBD products. The CBD enters the bloodstream via the digestive tract which provides a slower, but stronger effect. Athletes however are sometimes averse to the extra calories that can come with edibles.

Topicals

These products are things like lotions and cremes. They are good products for more localized uses. This is because the CBD does not spread much beyond where they are first applied. Topicals will not provide the more overall effect that most oral CBD products may have on people.

Once you decide what kind of CBD will work best for what you are looking for, the next thing you need to figure out how much CBD you need to take to get your sought-after effect.

How do I figure out how much to take?

This is a question that takes some time and patience to answer. This is because everyone is different. As a result, not everyone is going to experience CBD in the same way. Some people need high levels of CBD to get the effect that they are looking for. Others require only a little bit. Athletes my require greater doses of CBD due to their fast metabolisms. The most important thing is to avoid any potential side effects that might come from taking too much.

Before we go over how you should figure out how much CBD to take, let’s talk about what to expect from side effects. The side effects are not life threatening, but they are not pleasant to experience. They often include things like nausea and mild fatigue that result from taking too much CBD.  If you want to avoid these side effects, you need to be sure that you are taking the right amount.

It is best to start low and work your way up. Start with a small amount of CBD and see how it sits with you. Depending on the CBD dosage form (e.g. tincture or oral soft gel) you use, it may take a while for it to start working. For example, if you try a CBD edible, you may have to wait for up to an hour to see if the amount you have taken will work. Then, if the amount you take sits well, but still does not provide the effect you are looking for, you can try taking more.

This does not mean that you should take CBD until you feel the side effects. What you should do is once you find the right amount that gives you positive effects without any negative ones, that is when you have found the right amount.

One thing that is important to remember is that CBD may not interact well with some medications. So, if you take medication for something, it is a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting.

CBD offers many potential benefits for a lot of people, including athletes. They have much that they can potentially gain from trying it out. Especially because CBD is not banned by the WADA, not many things can say that.

If you are wanting to learn more about CBD for athletes, you are on the right site. On here you can find articles covering all kinds of CBD related topics. Here are some links if you’re interested in CBD for Yoga or CBD for Golf. You can also find several quality Panacea Life Sciences’ CBD products. There is also a way to contact a member of our team or you can email any comments, questions or concerns to [email protected].

How does hand sanitizer work with Cannabidiol (CBD)?

If you’ve done any research into the never-ending world of health and wellness, there is a high possibility that the acronym CBD has come up. But what is CBD and why has Panacea paired CBD and hand sanitizer? During this time of social distancing due to COVID-19 or as many have called it quaritime (quarantine and time, get it?) everyone has been looking at ways to keep themselves and their families safe. And it is likely that you have not been able to find hand sanitizer in your local grocery store — if you have, lucky you! As the stores have been emptied of these essential items there are some people looking for alternative ways to clean their hands. That is how CBD and hand sanitizer became a new research topic for us. Panacea Life Sciences has harnessed our manufacturing capacity to manufacture hand sanitizers with CBD to help with the COVID-19 crisis.  This article will explain our rationale and give you the knowledge regarding another choice in hand sanitizing products. 

CBD + Hand Sanitizer

Ok, CBD and hand sanitizer? Really? Yes! We’ve known for a while that CBD has antibacterial properties, but they are rarely mentioned along CBD’s more well-known qualities. This study concluded that CBD, in addition to other antibiotics, may help fight against some bacterial infections. Now, you are probably thinking, “okay, but COVID-19 is a virus,” and you are correct! This virus is not going away with something that can kill bacteria. However, the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) has stated that washing/cleansing your hand is of the utmost importance to stop its spread. COVID-19 is a virus that has an “envelope” which is just a name for the greasy layer around it and these viruses hate water and soap. Or in short, washing your hands. This is why people are buying antibacterial soap as well as hand sanitizer by the barrel. CBD has antibacterial properties on its own and then is added to alcohol to make CBD hand sanitizer! Panacea Life Sciences has created two different types of hand cleansers that contain CBD extract and ethyl alcohol. We have a hand sanitizer as well as cleansing CBD hand creme that will help moisturize and sanitize. Click here to go to our CBD topicals page.

CBD: what is it?

Before moving on to the nitty gritty of it all, let’s focus on definitions. What is CBD? CBD is an acronym for cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is one of the cannabinoids of the cannabis sativa plant. There are 113 cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant but only two are well known, CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). These two compounds are often mistaken for one another, but they are very different. Let’s begin with THC because that is the most well-known of the two. THC is the cannabinoid that gives a user a “high” feeling when it enters the bloodstream. Because of the psychoactive effect, THC products containing over 0.3% are not legal in all 50 of the United States. However, there are some states that have legalized the growth and use of the marijuana plant. Recreational use for those over 21 of age or medical use is legal depending on the state one lives in. CBD is the cannabinoid that is found in all types of Cannabis plants. But the hemp plant is the only form of Cannabis sativa plant that is legal to grow throughout the states. This is because of the low percentage of THC (0.3% or less). CBD has been described to give users multiple different wellness benefits. We will list them separately.

Other uses of CBD

So, CBD can be used for sanitizing purposes, cool, what else can it do? Here are some other health benefits of CBD.

First, let’s talk about the actual FDA-approved drugs. Epidiolex is one of the FDA approved medications that contains CBD. It is used for two different types of epilepsy Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. This treats seizures and is approved to be administered to children and adults two years and up. Other FDA approved CBD drugs include Marinol (dronabinol) this drug treats and prevents nausea for cancer patients, Syndros (dronabinol) is also used to prevent/treat nausea in cancer patients or it is used to help those who have AIDS and have a loss of appetite, and Cesamet (nabilone) does the same. These approved drug products are only available with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

CBD has also been known to produce a sense of calm in those who may feel an overall sense of anxiousness. CBD users have described this sense of calm as well as pet owners who have administered CBD to their nervous pets.

Physically, CBD has been tested for multiple properties. This study tested rats who had  osteoarthritis and concluded that joint mobility was improved, therefore concluding that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. Here at Panacea Life Sciences, we conducted a study addressing joint mobility issues, but had dog owners administer CBD to their dog. They stated that their furry friends had noticeably increased mobility. You can read more about this study here.

CBD has also been described to help improve skin health. The consistent application of a CBD topical assisted the subjects in this study. It concluded that a CBD topical improved the skin health of those with and without prior health conditions. The study includes photographic evidence.

CBD Products

Now that you know the other use of CBD, what are other available products?

Will you try CBD hand sanitizer?

With all this information we here at Panacea Life Sciences hope that we have helped you gain the knowledge to go forward with a decision. Read on if you’d like to learn some more about the disinfectant properties of CBD. During this uncertain time we hope to give you the most up to date information possible. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. Stay safe!

Links:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6747004/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5690292/

https://panacealife.com/cbd-theapeutic-option-for-canine-osteoarthritis/

CBD (Cannabidiol) Hand Sanitizer: Winning Combination

If you have clicked on this article, you’re likely looking for a more holistic approach to keeping you and your family safe from unwanted illnesses. Well, you have come to the right place. Cannabidiol, more well known as CBD, has become used throughout the United States for a variety of different reasons. Some of these are FDA-approved reasons (there are FDA approved CBD-derived medications) and other food or dietary supplements available for sale on line or at retail outlets. There is always ongoing research about CBD and its components. During this uncertain time, hand sanitizer is scarce and people are trying to find whatever they can to help protect their friends and family from contracting COVID-19 or the novel Coronavirus. But, does CBD hand sanitizer really work? We’ve got the lowdown, straight from the hemp plant.

CBD in Hand sanitizer?

CBD and hand sanitizer? You must think we are crazy. But, it’s true! Multiple companies have recognized the value of CBD hand sanitizer and now several brands and varieties are available. The antibacterial qualities of CBD have been no secret to science, but were rarely associated with sanitizing potential. Companies tend to focus instead on CBD’s relaxing or pain- attenuating qualities.

This study showed that in addition to antibiotics, CBD assisted in fighting certain bacteria. While COVID-19 is a viral infection, not a bacterial one, one of the most important items the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) has cited to slow the spread is the importance of keeping hands clean. Soap and water is the first and best way toto lower the incidence of contracting the novel CoronaVirus, but that is not always a convenient option.  That is where hand sanitizer comes in. The alcohol found in hand sanitizer and now along with CBD properties will kill off harmful bacteria and help minimize the virus staying on your skin.  Panacea Life Sciences offers two different types of CBD hand-cleansing products. CBD Hand Sanitizer and CBD Cleansing Hand Creme. The Creme is an especially great option for softening and soothing skin that might be dry from excess washing. These can be found here.

CBD – What is it and is it antibacterial?

Before venturing into the hand sanitizer realm of this subject, it is important to know what CBD is and what it is not. CBD or cannabidiol is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. This cannabinoid has been described as having many different positive effects. CBD is often confused with THC or tetrahydrocannabinol which is another cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. These two cannabinoids are more both present in Cannabis plants but have very different effects. CBD and THC are often confused with one another as well because of misinformation. THC is the compound that reacts with the endocannabinoid system to create a psychoactive “high” in users. This compound is also not legal in all 50 of the United States. CBD products made from industrial hemp was made federally legal in all states when the 2018 Farm Bill was passed. CBD products must have less than 0.3% THC to be sold everywhere. CBD with more than .3% THC may only be sold in states that have legalized marijuana. Panacea Life Sciences has less than .3% THC in each product and therefore can be shipped all across the country.

Other than hand sanitizer, how can I use CBD?

Hand sanitizer: check. Now, how else can one use CBD products? There are many described positive effects of using CBD.

The FDA has approved a handful of different medications that contain CBD. These medications must be prescribed by a doctor in order for use. Epidiolex is one of the medications. Epidiolex is used to help with two severe types of epilepsy Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. There is also Marinol (dronabinol) and Syndros (dronabinol) is also used to prevent/treat nausea in cancer patients. Sativex is approved to help with pain due to muscle spsticity in MS patients. Syndros is also used to help those who have AIDS and experience loss of appetite. Cesamet (nabilone) does the same as the two listed above.

For those seeking a sense of calm in their day to day lives, CBD may have the answer. Administration of a CBD product daily may help with feelings of anxiousness. This benefit has been observed by users as well as pet owners! Anxious pets are not uncommon and pet owners who have given CBD to their animals have described a sense of calm in their furry friend.

There are also physical benefits to CBD. Increased joint mobility is one of them. This study tested rats who had osteoarthritis and concluded that joint mobility was improved. They concluded that it may have been due to anti-inflammatory properties. Panacea Life Sciences conducted similar research on dogs with the help of their owners. Pet owners documented instances of increased mobility experienced by their pets during a period of steady CBD administration.

Skin health products are also common in the CBD world. There has been research done on the properties in CBD that may assist with skin health. This study described increased skin health in people who had prior skin conditions and those who did not. Either way, both types of skin were improved by the use of a CBD topical. 

What other CBD products are out there?

So, now that you know the potential benefits of CBD, what are the products that make these benefits come to life? There are edibles, softgels, tinctures, tablets, topicals and vapes.

Conclusion

CBD hand sanitizer is the real deal that can be a great option for consumers wanting a more holistic way to fight microorganisms. To learn more about about the antiviral properties of CBD, check out our article Can CBD Hand Sanitizer Ward Off a Virus? Stay home, stay safe, and wash your hands.

Links:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6747004/

https://www.clinicaterapeutica.it/ojs/index.php/ClinicaTerapeutica/article/view/377

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5690292/

Can Cannabidiol (CBD) ward off a virus?

One topic you’ve likely never heard addressed about Cannabidiol or CBD has been its potential to combat viruses. This is a new topic that has come up because of the current situation that our world is in. COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, has spread throughout the world and everyone is looking for a way to protect themselves as well as their friends and family. With all this uncertainty, people are looking everywhere for ways to help. But, CBD? Can a plant help protect against a virus? Great question. It has piqued our curiosity and hopefully yours too! Read on to see what Panacea Life Sciences has researched and now understands about CBD and viruses.

Why put CBD in a hand sanitizer?

Let’s define what CBD is and what it is not. The most common misunderstanding of CBD is that it is THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol. These are two of the compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. THC is the component that creates a “high” in users when ingested in an large amount. THC has been in the spotlight for longer than CBD because of the inebriating aspect. CBD is the component that users often describe as giving a sense of calm. Another difference between the two is that THC is not legal everywhere in the United States, but CBD is. The 2018 Farm Bill gave all 50 states the ability to grow the hemp plants to create CBD products derived from industrial hemp. For a Cannabis sativa plant to be a hemp plant it must contain less than 0.3% of THC. This amount does not get users “high.” There are states that are able to grow marijuana legally and sell certain THC products for medical use or recreational use. If you don’t already know, do some research to see what the laws are in your state.

What is a Virus?

To understand what a virus is and whether or not CBD can help ward it off,  we first need to know what a virus is. Viruses are the most simple life forms on Earth. And there are many types of viruses on Earth. A virus outside of a cell can practically do nothing, but once a virus reaches a cell, it harnesses the cell to replicate and either kills the cell or stops the cell from performing normal function. Some viruses have greasy coats called envelopes. These are the viruses that hate soap, because it disrupts the greasy membrane and minimizes the ability of the virus to not only survive but to enter into your body . This is why washing your hands is important to minimize viral infections. For a virus to spread, it must make its way into a cell, and this is no easy task with a healthy individual. However, those who are immunocompromised may have weaker cells and therefore, are more susceptible to getting a virus. A virus is only able to penetrate when given a pass of sorts and this often happens by the virus “tricking” the cell into believing it is not a virus.

What are CBD’s antibacterial properties?

Alright, let us add the two together. It is important to note before reading that there is a difference between bacterial infections and viral infections. In this article, they found that CBD may be a great addition to antibiotics to help fight against some bacterial infections. There is still more research to do, but this is good news!

We know they are different, but what is the difference? One simple difference is that viruses cause viral infections and bacteria causes bacterial infections. There are bacteria living in your body right now and they likely will not cause any harm to you. Some will cause infections including, but not limited to STREP throat, UTI’s (urinary tract infections), and tuberculosis. Viruses on the other hand require a living host (you) to spread. Commonly known viral diseases include the chickenpox, AIDS and the common cold! Now that we know the difference between a virus and a bacteria — read on to learn more.

The simple answer is: we do not know. There is still little research on CBD in general, let alone about viruses and CBD. There needs to be more research done on CBD and viruses before we can give a solid answer.

Now the question you have all been waiting for, does CBD help fight off the coronavirus? Well, we still do not know yet. It is likely that you have read about the mysteries of COVD-19 and they are still ongoing. There are things we do know. The best way to avoid a viral infection is to stop the virus from entering your body in the first place. CBD has antibacterial properties and has been reported to cut through biofilms bacteria produce so may have a similar effect on enveloped, or greasy, viruses.  CBD hand sanitizer or soap will wash the greasy virus from your hands if it has come in contact with it. COVID-19 is a virus that has the envelope around it that despises soap and water. So, wash your hands!

CBD Hand Sanitizer

That’s right! CBD hand sanitizer is a real product. This cannabinoid is added to a type of alcohol (we use ethyl alcohol) to create a hand sanitizing product. You can find our products here.  Remember that our skin is a barrier that prevents material and viruses from entering our body, so CBD will not reach the bloodstream through the skin.  Instead, CBDIt is absorbed through the pores in your skin. Panacea Life Sciences offers a regular CBD hand sanitizer as well as a Cleansing CBD Creme for cleaning and moisturizing. The Creme is especially useful to keep skin from getting dried out by repetitive hand washing.

Learn more about ways to keep your home clean and healthy in our article, CBD Hand Sanitizer: Why It’s a Smart Home Choice.

Other ways to ward off a virus

Always follow CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommendations regarding a virus. The CDC has recommended that we –

  1. Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub (hand sanitizer)
  2. Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze
  3. Avoid close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell
  4. Stay home and self-isolate from others in the household if you feel unwell – the best way to prevent illness is to be not exposed to the illness, which is why the CDC recommends staying at home and only leaving for essential trips.
  5. Don’t touch your face before cleaning your hands properly because you never know what can be on your hands.

Building up your immunity to viruses may help with warding off COVID-19. Doing your exercise routine at home, eating well, making sure you are getting the proper nutrients, etc. Keeping your home properly disinfected can go a long way as well. In this current state, it is important to keep up with the CDC’s recommendations. For updates on COVD-19 as well as other health recommendations, click here.

Other types of CBD products

Besides Panacea Life Science’s new hand sanitizer and cleansing hand creme, what other products do we offer? What do we not offer? Here is a list:

Orally:

Tinctures – Tinctures are taken orally (generally administered under the tongue) and are immediately entered in the bloodstream from the mouth.

Sublingual tablets – these are administered orally as well and then enter into the bloodstream from the mouth immediately, like tinctures.

Softgels – these are also administered orally and then travel through the digestive tract to reach the stomach and then disintegrate there into the bloodstream.

Edibles – edible are similar to soft gels and their bioavailability is the same but, instead of a pill, gummies or candies can be eaten for a tasty way to get CBD into your daily routine.

Skin:

Topicals – salves, creams, or lotions can be administered on the skin for potential benefits. Applying a topical liberally is necessary to feel effects but, never enter the bloodstream but are absorbed by the pore in the skin.

Other:

Vapes – although Panacea Life Sciences does not advocate for the use of vapes, it is a way to get CBD. The smoke is inhaled and the CBD is brought into the bloodstream by the lungs. But like other types of smoking and or vaping it can be harmful to the lungs and then overall health. We also do not carry CBD water.

Other uses of CBD

There are more than just one use of CBD products. CBD can be used to promote any of these issues but, speak with a healthcare professional before using CBD products. Here are a few other uses to consider for you, your friends, family members or even a furry friend.

Where do I get CBD?

There are many places where one can find CBD products. If you live in a location where the use of marijuana products are legal you can find CBD at your local dispensary, but, keep in mind that it may contain more traceable amounts of THC. Local grocery shops and health stores may sell CBD products. One of the more popular places to purchase CBD is online (from retailers like us, Panacea Life Sciences). It is important to know if your CBD retailer is a quality one. Reputable companies will put their labels for their products on their websites. You should also look out for the tests which the company goes through to make sure their products are high quality. As always, doing research on the companies will eliminate the non-reputable ones.

So, can CBD ward off a virus?

With all of this new information on CBD, viruses as well as bacteria, we hope that we have been helpful in your journey with CBD. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before using any type of CBD product. During these uncertain and scary times, it is essential to continue your own research as well as strictly follow the CDC’s guidelines. Panacea Life Sciences is committed to giving our customers the best and most up-to-date information that we can. We have added our own CBD hand sanitizer and CBD cleansing cream to keep our customers safe and as well as we can. If you have any comments or questions please feel free to contact us at 1 (800) 985-0515 or email us at [email protected]. Stay home, safe and wash your hands!

Links:

https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/2018-farm-bill

https://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2020/04/02/whats-a-virus-anyway-part-1-the-bare-bones-basics/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/45200487_Cannabinoids_and_Viral_Infections

https://www.healtheuropa.eu/can-cannabis-and-cbd-affect-coronavirus/98732/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6747004/

https://panacealife.com/product/cbd-hand-sanitizer/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fprevention.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5690292/

https://www.clinicaterapeutica.it/ojs/index.php/ClinicaTerapeutica/article/view/377

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/expert-answers/infectious-disease/faq-20058098

CBD hand sanitizer: why it’s a smart home choice

Hand sanitizer has become a more popular product than ever before. Even in a normal time, it wasn’t unusual to carry it. Due to the recent COVID-19 crisis, hand sanitizers are in higher need with limited supplies. If you are shopping for a good hand sanitizer, you are probably finding that there are many options out there. But how do you choose which one is best for you? One option that is becoming more common is cannabidiol (CBD) hand sanitizer. The questions to answer are why do people want CBD hand sanitizer and what is the best one?

Let’s define CBD

The basics are always the best place to start. In this case, there is nothing more basic than defining what exactly CBD is.

CBD is a chemical compound found in Cannabis plants, including hemp and marijuana. It is among over 113 of the same kind of chemical compound, called cannabinoids. These are compounds that can have a wide array of effects on people. One well-known cannabinoid that is famous for its effect is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Its effect is famous because it is psychoactive. This means that THC intoxicates users or, as it is better known, gets them high. However, it is important to know that not all cannabinoids have that effect. Most are not psychoactive at all, this includes CBD. The closest CBD may come to being psychoactive is helping the user achieve a sense of calm. That is not a psychoactive effect.

Hemp and marijuana both have CBD in them. However, most CBD manufacturers only extract their CBD from hemp, rather than marijuana. There are a couple of reasons for this. One of the main ones is that industrial hemp is legal across the United States. Marijuana, on the other hand, is still federally illegal. Some states have legalized it medically or recreationally, but regulations vary from state to state. The other reason is the hemp has much higher levels of CBD than marijuana. It also has much lower levels of THC. This makes extraction much simpler and the removal of THC from specific kinds of CBD easier.

There is much research being done on CBD and its potential effects on people. While many of these studies are still preliminary, they are still very exciting and encouraging. For example, this study took a look at how CBD may be able to effect skin health. They found that CBD was able to stem sebum production. This is the oil that skin produces to protect it from outside forces, but too much can clog pores and cause acne. Other studies have looked at the mental effects of CBD. This study, for example, found that CBD was good for helping calm down people who were about to deal with stress-inducing situations.

While it is great that CBD may be able to these things, how does that help with sanitizers?

How does CBD hand sanitizer work?

While CBD may be able to help with all kinds of things, recent research has looked at the antibacterial properties that CBD may have.

This study, published in 2008, looked into how CBD interacts with a particularly strong strain of Staphylococcus aureus. They found that the cannabinoid was able to break down the bacteria meaning that CBD may be able to help fight bacteria.

Hand sanitizers are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration require a specific percentage of alcohol, either ethyl- or isopropyl-alcohol.  Adding CBD to alcohol-based sanitizers in theory increase the antiseptic properties of the sanitizer. 

One of the potential benefits of CBD hand sanitizers is that it may be gentler on the skin and less drying than normal other hand sanitizers. Typically, CBD hand sanitizers are formulated with aloe vera.  This means that a majority of CBD hand sanitizers may have fewer harsh chemicals in them than normal hand sanitizers.

Another bonus of CBD hand sanitizer is that they may be able to provide you with the other benefits of CBD outlined above. This means that CBD hand sanitizer may be able to help with skin health.

What is so great about Panacea’s CBD hand sanitizer?

We have been discussing CBD hand sanitizers pretty broadly. But what makes Panacea Life Sciences’ sanitizing products stand out?

For starters, our CBD hand sanitizer is designed to not leave your hands feeling slippery or sticky like other sanitizers. It is made to clean the hands and keep them as soft and smooth as usual. It is made with very few synthetic ingredients. One of the main ingredients, in fact, is our own mix of Colorado-sourced CBD.

Here at Panacea Life Sciences we do not just offer hand sanitizer. We also have cleansing hand crème. This is a great product for those of us who may have to wash our hands more than others. Washing your hands frequently can often leave them dry and cracked. Not only does this product cleanse the skin, but the Cetearyl alcohol in it helps soften your hands as well.

Both of our sanitizers are scent-free. This is easier on sensitive skin, because there are no harsh fragrances. The bottles for these products are a good size, making them convenient for travel.

If you are looking for a more organic option of hand sanitizer, why not try some of Panacea Life Sciences’ products? They are cleansing and moisturizing, which not many hand sanitizer manufacturers are able to say. They are a nice alternative to many other harsh, synthetic hand sanitizers.

Check out our sanitizers along with our other products on the rest of our website. On there you can find multiple other articles about CBD. You can also find ways to contact members of our team, or you can email any questions or comments to [email protected].

CBD pills versus soft gels

As cannabidiol (CBD) rises in popularity and notoriety, so do questions around the products made with it. People search all the time for information regarding “CBD pills.” However, people should not be wondering about CBD pills, they should be asking about CBD soft gels.

You may be thinking that there is not really a difference between the two. That is not actually true. In this article we will go into the differences between them and what benefits they may have.

Starting simple: what is CBD?

There is much to cover for this article, so it is probably best to start at the beginning, defining CBD.

Hemp, marijuana, and other Cannabis plants have chemical compounds in them known as cannabinoids. There are many different cannabinoids in Cannabis, in fact there are over 113 of them. CBD is one of these cannabinoids. While it exists in both marijuana and hemp, it is more likely to be extracted from hemp as there is more CBD in hemp than there is in marijuana. 

One cannabinoid that you have likely heard of is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The reason you have likely heard of THC is that it is psychoactive. That means that it is the compound in Cannabis plants that creates the high so commonly associated with the plants. CBD does not have a psychoactive effect like that. It may help you relax, but it will not intoxicate you.

CBD is found in hemp and marijuana. However, most CBD manufacturers use hemp plants when extracting the compound. This is for a few reasons. The main one is that hemp has more CBD and less THC in it. This makes the extraction much easier. The other reason is that industrial hemp is legal in the United States. Marijuana, on the other hand, is legal in some states, but not all and not always for recreational use. That makes it so most CBD manufacturers need to use hemp to ensure that their product can be sold in more than just a couple of states. The use of hemp also means that the levels of THC that are in the CBD product are either very low (around 0.3%) or nonexistent. Learn more here about the FDA’s stance on CBD.

CBD products can be made with three different forms of CBD. The differences between them have to do with what other compounds and cannabinoids are in the extract. When CBD is extracted from hemp, other compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes come with it. Some kinds of CBD leave them in, and others take some or all of them out. The three main kinds are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate.

Full-spectrum has all of the other cannabinoids and compounds that come out of the plant with the CBD. It even has THC in it, though it is normally less than 0.3%, which is not enough to get anyone high. Broad-spectrum is similar. The main difference is that broad-spectrum does not have any THC in it. It does, however, have the other compounds and cannabinoids. CBD isolate has nothing except for the CBD. The appeal of full-spectrum and broad-spectrum is that they may be strong than CBD isolate. But CBD isolate may have a purer effect, without the other cannabinoids.

This is a lot of information about CBD. It does not answer a very important question, why do people even use CBD? Let’s answer that.

What does CBD do?

Research on CBD is booming. There is much that researchers want to know about it. In the course of this research, they have found a lot of interesting things about the cannabinoid. Let’s talk about some of those things.

Inflammation

This is a condition that can make life hard. It can make even basic movements difficult; it is also a condition that underlies many different diseases and conditions. Many of the studies about CBD have focused on its effect on inflammation. For example, this study found that CBD could help reduce inflammation associated with lung injuries. Another study found that CBD could help reduce inflammation associated with bowel diseases.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a very serious condition that many have to live with. It can cause dangerous seizures. There are several studies looking at how CBD may be able to calm these seizures. Take this study for example, the researchers found that CBD calmed epileptic seizures in rats. There is even an epilepsy medication that has CBD as the main ingredient. Its main goal is to calm the frequency and intensity of seizure activity.

Neurodegeneration

This is a symptom and/or cause for many different diseases. It can be rather scary to face. Researchers have been studying neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease for a long time. Recently some of the research has turned to CBD as a potential aid.  Two of these studies, this one and this one, found that CBD seemed to have a neuroprotective effect. 

Stress

It is well-known that CBD has a calming effect on most people. So, it is not surprising that there have been a multitude of studies on how CBD can affect someone’s state of mind. This study found that CBD was able to help relax mice with chronic stress. There is another study that found that CBD helped control symptoms of Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder. 

These are just a few examples of what CBD may be able to do for people. There is a lot of research happening on the cannabinoid. As there is always something new to know, it is worth keeping an eye out for any new research on CBD.

What is the difference between pills and soft gels?

There are a lot of CBD products out there, ranging from oils to lotions. Many people prefer a version of CBD that feels very familiar, CBD pills, tablets and/or soft gels. However, there are very real differences between these products. The question is, which is better?

Here at Panacea Life Sciences’ we have chosen to manufacture soft gels. There are many reasons for this. One of them is that since CBD extract is a liquid, soft gels are the ideal form for a liquid ingredient. Soft gels help keep the CBD liquid, meaning that you do not lose anything in the dehydrating that would be required to make a pill or tablet.

Soft gels are a better choice especially for those individuals who might have a hard time swallowing pills. Soft gels are more flexible than pills and tablets. The flexibility makes them much easier to swallow. This way, you do not have to deal with the rigidity that makes swallowing pills and tablets so difficult.

One of the biggest differences between regular pills and soft gels is how long it takes for them to absorb. Soft gels dissolve much more quickly. This means that they enter the system and start working faster. Pills and tablets tend to take much longer. The one exception is dissolvable tablets. These you put under your tongue to dissolve. The skin under the tongue is thin and as a result the CBD can enter the system quickly. However, you may not have time to wait for a tablet to dissolve. If that is the case, then soft gels are likely a better option for you.

As you can see, there are many reasons to choose soft gels over pills. If you do the next question to answer is, how do you find a good CBD soft gel?

How to find quality CBD soft gels

Looking for a good CBD product like a soft gel can be a little intimidating as there are so many options out there. So, it is a good idea to know how to find high quality CBD. But how do you do that?

One of the best ways to be sure that you are getting good CBD is by researching the CBD manufacturer. A quality CBD manufacturer should be transparent about their process for extracting the cannabinoid. This way you know that there is not anything iffy going on. They should also use a third party to test the quality of their products. This way there is no bias in the testing.

Another good way to be positive that a CBD product is worth it is by reading reviews. Read the reviews of not just the product you are interested, but others as well. That way you have an idea of what the company does well, and what products to steer clear of. Reading reviews of the company overall is also a good way to gauge the manufacturer’s worth. The review you read should not just be on the company’s website, but also on some third-party sites, to ensure there is not any bias in the reviewing.

Price is not always an indication of a good CBD product. Most CBD products tend to be more expensive than their non-CBD counterparts. There are some CBD products that are more expensive than others. That does not mean that they are better than other products. Some manufacturers feel that they can get away with overcharging their customers. If a CBD product’s price seems too good to be true, it probably is. A CBD product that is way too cheap may be of poor quality. The best thing to do is to find a CBD product that is somewhere in the middle.

Once you have bought the CBD soft gels, you are likely wondering, how much should I take?

How to decide how much to take

This is always an interesting question to answer. This is because there is no one set answer. Everyone reacts to CBD a little bit differently. The amount that would sit well with you, may not sit well with others.

The first thing to cover about this, is to talk about the side effects that CBD may have on people. These side effects are not anything serious. They are normally along the lines of nausea and fatigue. It is normally connected with taking too much CBD. So, if you want to avoid these unpleasant side effects, you will need to make sure that you are taking the right amount of CBD.

The best way to figure out how much CBD to take is to experiment a little. You should start by taking as little as possible and see how it sits with you. If you react to it okay, then you can increase how much you take if you do not experience any side effects. There is no need to take it until you have side effects. If you get to the point where you are getting the effect you are going for, then you can keep on taking that amount.

It may take some time to figure out how much CBD you need. Be patient and be careful, because it is better to safe than sorry.

It is also a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional before you start on CBD. This is because there are some medications that do not sit well with CBD. They may change the intended effect of the medication. So, if you take medication and are thinking of starting to take CBD, it is good to talk to the medical professional that prescribed them, to know how the medication and the CBD will interact.

When choosing between CBD pills and soft gels, it is best to understand what exactly pills and soft gels are. Once you do, it is easy to see why so many people prefer the soft gels over the pills and tablets. If you are interested in CBD, soft gels are definitely worth trying.

CBD is a recently re-established industry. While even some of the founding fathers grew hemp, most people know very little about it. That can make it a little intimidating. If you want to know more, but do not know where to start, you can try starting here on Panacea Life Sciences’ website. On here we have several blogs covering all kinds of topics in the CBD industry. You can also check out some of our great CBD products, like our CBD soft gels. Our team is also available for questions on our site, or you can email us at [email protected]. Check out our CBD oil capsules in our shop!

Sources:

https://sunrisehouse.com/prescription-drug-addiction-recovery/capsules-tablets/

https://aor.us/softgels-vs-capsules-vs-tablets-which-is-right-for-you/

https://coopercomplete.com/blog/supplement-forms-is-one-form-better/

Could Cannabidiol (CBD) slow brain cell death?

Neurodegeneration (brain cell death) is a scary thing to face. It is the culprit in many different diseases and conditions like strokes, Alzehimer’s Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease. Those who struggle with neurodegeneration can often find basic, everyday tasks difficult.

While neurodegenerative disease is very serious, recent research suggests that there could be hope for slowing down these conditions from an unexpected place. Researchers lately have been looking at how cannabidiol effects and potentially inhibits brain cell death.

Let’s define CBD

Cannabis plants (hemp and marijuana, for example) have chemical compounds in them known as cannabinoids. There are over 113 different of these compounds, including CBD. Cannabinoids have a number of different effects. 

For example, there is one cannabinoid that is very famous for its psychoactive effect on people. This cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the cannabinoid that creates the high that most people associate with Cannabis.

CBD has very different effects in the body than THC. The main difference is that CBD is not psychoactive. It does not create a high or intoxicate users in any way. The effect that it has on someone’s mental state is that it may help the user reach a calmer state of mind.

The effects of CBD and THC are exerted through the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is a series of receptors and enzymes throughout the mammalian body that control a number of physiological systems as diverse as appetite and memory. Cannabinoids also have an effect of the production of compounds like serotonin and dopamine. Some of the receptors also have an effect on motor control. 

While marijuana and hemp both contain CBD, CBD is usually extracted from hemp. There are a couple of reasons for this. One of them is that hemp, by legal definition, has a low concentration of THC. It also has a high concentration of CBD making extraction much easier. The other reason (arguably the more important one) is that industrial hemp is legal in the United States. 

CBD products are generally made of one of three different forms CBD that are defined by how many other compounds are in the extract with the CBD. These versions are CBD isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum. CBD isolate is just CBD. It is the purest form of the extract, with no other compounds or cannabinoids in it. Broad-spectrum has other compounds and cannabinoids in it. In fact, it has most of the compounds that come out of the hemp with the CBD, the one exception is that it has no THC. Full-spectrum is similar to broad-spectrum, but the main difference is that full-spectrum does have THC in it. Remember that CBD products cannot have more than 0.3% THC, which is not enough to get someone high or compromise their judgement.

Now that we understand what exactly CBD is, let’s talk about what brain cell death is and what it can do.

What exactly is neurodegeneration?

When talking about brain cell death, there is one specific word that comes up a lot. It is neurodegeneration, which is one of those medical terms that sounds more complicated than it is. 

Neurodegeneration is the break-down of cells within the nervous system. It mainly involves the death of neurons within the brain. As you can imagine, neurodegeneration causes all kinds of problems for people who have to deal with it. 

There are many different conditions that can be caused by or cause brain cell death. One example is Parkinson’s Disease. This is when the brain cells start to die and cause the nervous system starts to lose the ability to control normal body processes. This is what causes the tremors that are so often associated with the condition.

Alzheimer’s Disease is another neurodegenerative condition. It is when the brain cells and their connections start to break down causing memory loss and the development of dementia. It can be an incredibly difficult thing to deal with for those who have it and their friends and family.

Another condition caused by neurodegeneration is Huntington’s Disease. Huntington’s disease, like other neurodegenerative diseases has movement disorders as well as many other severe symptoms such as cognitive and psychiatric disorders.  Huntington’s Disease patients often have a high degree of anxiety, depression and insomnia. 

Clearly all of these conditions and disease are difficult to live with and no cure or successful treatment has been identified. But what do they have to do with CBD? What exactly does CBD have to offer?

Cannabidiol and brain cell death

There are many studies looking at a number of different benefits that CBD may be able to provide people. In recent years, much of the research has been looking at the neuroprotective properties that CBD may have.

One study, published in 2012 by the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology took a look at this. In this study, the researchers found that CBD interacted positively with CB2, a receptor that is associated with “specific pathological conditions (i.e. damage of immature brain).” This could mean a number of things.

Two different studies, one published in 2012 and the other in 2014, studied how CBD may be able to prevent declining memory in preclinical models. The researchers in both studies tested this by injecting some of the rats with CBD and gave them object recognition tasks. Both groups of researchers found that the rats that were injected with the CBD did better with the recognition tasks they were given.

Another study, published by Pharmacological Research in 2016 wanted to identify what exactly it is in CBD that gives it its neuroprotective properties. The researchers were not able to identify what is exactly. However, they were able to identify that it does have to do with the way that CBD interacts with the Endocannabinoid System, specifically CB1 and CB2.

One of the most recent studies was published in early 2020 by Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. The researchers wanted to see how CBD interacted with brain cells that had been exposed to hydrogen peroxide which causes cell death. They found that at specific levels CBD could be neuroprotective against the oxidative effects of hydrogen peroxide.

Much of this research is still very preliminary. There is still research that needs to be done to fully understand what exactly the effects CBD may have on the brain. However, this research is still very exciting and promising.

If you are thinking of taking CBD because of its potential neuroprotective properties, you may be wondering what is the best way to take it. Well, let’s cover that and what to look for in a CBD company. If you’re wondering who else can benefit from a CBD regimen, learn about the benefits of CBD for athletes here.

Ways to use CBD

CBD comes in many different forms. If you are thinking of using CBD, you have many options to choose from as CBD products are available as topicals or in oral forms. Within each of those categories there are many different options as well.

Topicals include things like lotions and creams. They are a good option for more localized use, as the CBD is not likely to leave the area where it is applied. Topicals may be helpful for dealing with skin conditions or with inflammation. However, for things like protection against neurodegeneration, topical CBD may not be the best choice as CBD needs to enter the brain to be effective. To have the best chance of CBD providing neuroprotective actions, oral products will be needed.  

Oral CBD products also come in a wide array of forms. Edibles are one very popular option. These can be things like gummies or even pasta. They can also be drinks. There are many CBD companies that have made CBD sparkling waters and cookies. Edibles are easy to take and are delicious. They can sometimes take longer to start working. This is because the CBD needs to enter the body through the digestion system. For some, that is enough of a reason to not take them. However, for many the convenience of the edibles is the biggest appeal.

You can also take CBD orally as capsules or tablets. Many like using CBD in this form as it is easy to include into their daily routine. They just take their CBD when they take their daily vitamins or medications. Like edibles these can take a little while to start working. There are things like gel capsules that may work more quickly.

There are also the more traditional options like CBD oils and tinctures. The appeal of these is that you can use them in a way that they start working faster. You do this by placing a couple of drops directly under the tongue. This way it absorbs directly into the blood stream, starting to work quickly. You can also take oils and tinctures by mixing them in with other food or drink that you normally take. For example, you can easily add a couple of drops into your daily cup of coffee. 

In all reality, there is no one product that may work better than the other. It depends on your preference. A product that is very convenient for some people may not be as easy for others to use. You may need to try a few different kinds before you find the one that is right for you.

There are many CBD manufacturers out there right now. Many of them produce some great quality products. However, there also some that make products that are not so great. This means that if you are interested in taking CBD, you need to try and find some products that are worth it. The best way to do that is through research. A quality CBD manufacturer will be open about the extraction process they use. They also should have their products tested by a third party to ensure the quality of the extraction.

We have covered how to take CBD and how to find good CBD products. Now let’s talk about what to keep an eye out for if you start taking CBD.

Potential side effects

It is completely understandable to wonder if there are any serious side effects that come with using CBD. However, it does not need to be too much of a concern. The side effects normally include minor symptoms like mild nausea and fatigue. They are not anything deadly, but they can still be unpleasant. 

The best way to avoid the side effects is to keep from taking too much, as the side effects are associated with taking large quantities of the cannabinoid. To help keep from taking too much CBD, start by taking low doses. If you do not feel any negative effects but still are not getting the results you are looking for, you can try taking more. The key is moderation. It will take time and experimentation for you to find the right amount of CBD for you. If you do experience unwanted effects, stop taking the CBD and wait for the side effects to pass.

There are medications that may not work as well when mixed with CBD. If you would like to start taking CBD, please consult with a medical professional before starting.

Neurodegeneration is a very serious condition to deal with. While the studies on CBD’s effect on brain cell death are still preliminary, they are still very promising. CBD could very well be a beacon of hope for people who struggle with neurodegenerative diseases.

There is so much to know about CBD. This article is just the tip of the iceberg. It can be very intimidating. If you want to know more about CBD, but do not know where to start, you can start here. On Panacea Life Sciences’ website, you can access a plethora of articles on CBD. You can also find Panacea Life Sciences’ many quality CBD products. If you have any comments, questions or concerns please let us know. You can contact a member of the Panacea Life Sciences’ team on the website or by emailing [email protected].

 

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/huntingtons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20356117

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19228180/

https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2012.04341.x

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21870037/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23893294/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043661816000396?via%3Dihub

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/can.2019.0102

How athletes use CBD to improve their game

Athletes are constantly trying to improve their performance. The question always is, what is the best way to do that? There are many options out there to choose from. One that has been gaining in popularity is cannabidiol (CBD).

But what is CBD, what does it do, and how should it be used?

Talking CBD

CBD is a chemical compound known as cannabinoid. These are compounds that are found in Cannabis plants like marijuana and hemp. There are over 113 different cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant. CBD definitely is more well-known than many of the other cannabinoids. However, there is one that is even more famous, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

THC is more renowned because of the way that it effects people. It is psychoactive. That means that it creates the high that is associated with Cannabis use. CBD is rather different than THC. It is not psychoactive, meaning it does not create any high.

CBD is found in all Cannabis plants, but most manufacturers derive the CBD from hemp rather than marijuana. This is because hemp has a low concentration of THC, but a high concentration of CBD, making the extraction process much easier. It is also because industrial hemp is legal in the United States, while marijuana still is not.

Not all forms of CBD are the same. In fact, there are three different forms of CBD that you can find. They are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. The difference between them is what other cannabinoids and compounds are in the extract beyond the CBD. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum have the most other compounds. Full-spectrum has everything in it, including THC, terpenes, and other cannabinoids. However, the THC in full-spectrum is so low that it is not likely to have much, if any, noticeable effects. Broad-spectrum is similar to full-spectrum, but it does not have any THC. CBD isolate is just CBD. There are no other compounds or cannabinoids found in CBD isolate.

One of the most important things to know about CBD is what it may be able to do for you. So, let’s talk about that.

CBD for athletes

There is much research currently being done on CBD. Researchers have found a number of different interesting things about the cannabinoid. The real question is, how could it help athletes with their performance? Well, there are a number of different ways. The two main ones are that CBD may be able to help reduce inflammation and that it can help athletes achieve a sense of calm.

Many athletes struggle with issues caused by inflammation due to micro-muscle tears that occur with strenuous exercise.  The inflammation may cause soreness and make normal movement more difficult. There have been a number of studies done on CBD and inflammation. For example, this study found that CBD helped lessen inflammation caused by oxidative stress. This is good news for athletes who struggle with inflammation. These studies suggest that CBD may be able to help make movement easier.

Another form of inflammation is the natural kind which slows down recovery time. When someone works out, they tear down muscle fibers which are able to rebulid stronger than they were before. Many post-workout supplements include elements aimed at decreasing the inflammation surrounding that broken muscle tissue to aid with recovery.

Another potential benefit for athletes that CBD provides, is that it may be able to help with creating a sense of calm. Jitters can be a common issue that athletes deal with. There have been multiple studies that have looked at CBD’s calming properties. This study, for example, found that CBD was able to help calm down people who were about to engage in public speaking. If you feel nervous before a big game, performance or race, CBD may be able to help you relax and focus on what you need to do.

These are only a couple of examples of what CBD may be able to do for athletes. The best way to find out what CBD may be able to do for you is to try it yourself. However, you have a lot of options when it comes to CBD products. If you’d like to know more about athletes in specific sports, check out this article about CBD for Yoga.

Best CBD products

CBD is a very versatile extract. It is easily put into a number of different products. You can find CBD in edibles, tinctures, capsules, and topicals. This versatility makes it easy to find the right product for you. So, let’s go over the details of your options.

CBD edibles are one of the most popular products out there. These come in many different forms including gummies, sweets (brownies and cookies), snack food (popcorn and crackers), and drinks. Many people prefer these because they are easy to take and the dosage is easy to control. The one downside is that they may take a little while to start working. This is because the CBD needs to enter the body through the digestion system.

Tinctures and oils are a more traditional way to use CBD. They are taken either by mixing some drops in with food or drink or more directly, by placing a few drops under the tongue. They enter the bloodstream more quickly in sublingual way. If you are concerned about the flavor, do not worry. Most oils and tinctures have flavoring in them. This makes them much more palatable.

Capsules and tablets are another good way to take CBD. These can either be gel capsules or tablets that melt under your tongue. The benefit of these is that they work more quickly than most edibles. They are also easy to include into your daily routine.

CBD is also available as topicals. They are things like lotions and skin cremes. The appeal of these is that they are localized. They work primarily in the area that they are used. This makes them ideal for things like skin health and inflammation. These also often come with pleasant scents, which is another appeal for many people.

It is a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional before you start taking CBD. While the side effects associated with the cannabinoid are minimal and not dangerous, it may not mix well with other medications. 

There are a lot of ways to improve your game. If inflammation and/or nerves leaves your athletic performance lacking. You may want to consider trying CBD. It may be able to help reduce inflammation or calm shaken nerves.