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FDA’s New Report on CBD (cannabidiol)

Earlier this March, the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) released a report featuring “what you need to know and what we are working to find out” about cannabidiol (CBD) products and CBD in general. Do you use CBD? Do you know what CBD is? Should this change anything about the way you use CBD? Are people still using CBD after this report? These are all valid questions to ask. To answer these questions, we must first answer the question: what is CBD? As well as the difference between CBD and THC. After that, we here at Panacea Life Science will describe what the new FDA report stated and help navigate our readers through it all. 

What is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant. CBD is a non-inebriating compound of the Cannabis plant that is often confused with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). For a cannabis plant to be used for CBD, it must have less than .3% THC. Users of CBD have described the minor amounts of THC to be useful in a handful of different ways. Although there may be user descriptions of the product’s positive aspects, there is still little research that has been done on CBD. This is important to note as you investigate the potential benefits of CBD and CBD products. CBD reacts with a person’s (or furry friend’s) Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This system is a series of enzymes and receptors owned by all mammals. It is important to note that THC and CBD are very different from one another. How so you may ask? Let us explain.

The difference between CBD and THC

THC and CBD are usually found together, but, when extracted properly they can be completely separated, which is good given that they have very different effects. THC is the aspect of the Cannabis sativa plant that is mind-altering. CBD on the other hand, does not have mild-altering or inebriating effects on users. Marijuana has higher amounts of THC and is only legal in a handful of states and countries around the world. THC is still a Schedule 1 Controlled substance, while CBD-abundant hemp was declared legal by the 2018 Farm Bill in all 50 of the United States. So, this means that you can use CBD without worry of the “high” effect that THC gives you. Products with high THC content derived from the marijuana plant, however, are not legal in all of the states. But CBD products derived from hemp plants are. This is because of the percentage of THC in hemp plants versus the marijuana plant. For a Cannabis sativa plant to be deemed a hemp plant it must have at or less than .3% THC.  

FDA New Report: What does it say? What does it mean?

In the new FDA report they state, “The FDA is working to answer questions about the science, safety, and quality of products containing cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds, particularly CBD.” Thank you, FDA! We are always wanting to understand more about CBD to give our customers the highest quality and the most information possible. Let’s dive in: here are some points of information that we have not yet covered in articles recently or new information. To read the report yourself click here.

  • The FDA has approved one CBD-derived product, Epidiolex, which helps two severe forms of epilepsy.
  • It is illegal to state that CBD is a dietary supplement or that it can be added to food. 
  1. There are potential harms to using CBD. The FDA states these: 
    • CBD can cause liver issues
    • CBD may affect the way medications work with your system
    • Using CBD and alcohol or other drugs could slow brain activity
  2. There are potential side effects while using CBD these include: 
    • Drowsiness may occur
    • Your appetite may change
    • A change in mood may happen
  3. Then there are questions that the FDA, and us also, would like to see answered such as:
    • What happens if you use CBD daily for a long period of time?
    • What amount of CBD could cause the potential effects stated above?
    • How do the different types of entering CBD into your system affect this?
    • How does CBD affect children?
    • What about newborns or babies who are being breastfed? 
    • Does CBD react differently when herbs or other plant materials are added?
  • It is important to understand that there is limited information on CBD and this concern is valid and should be in the back of your mind as you research CBD. The FDA is actively working on answering these unanswered questions. 
  • Some CBD products advertise to cure medical conditions. 
  • Some CBD products are also being manufactured unsafely. 
  • The FDA is continuing to evaluate regulations of CBD and CBD-derived products. 

The report concludes with, “The FDA is committed to setting sound, science-based policy. The FDA is raising these safety, marketing, and labeling concerns because we want you to know what we know. We encourage consumers to think carefully before exposing themselves, their family, or their pets, to any product, especially products like CBD, which may have potential risks, be of unknown quality, and have unproven benefits.”

Going Forward: What do we do? 

With all of this information, what do we do? Should you use CBD? How do we make sure that our products are in line with the CBD regulations? Luckily for you, we here at Panacea Life Sciences take pride in special care in how we cultivate our CBD products. Here are our recommendations going forward with this information:

  •  Use caution when purchasing CBD products: this is an important aspect to think of when looking for CBD products. Not all CBD products are made equal and because of this there may be products out there that are unsafe, such as the FDA explained.  
  • Make sure you understand the process at which the CBD is extracted: extracting CBD from the hemp plant is an important process and if done incorrectly can cause harmful effects.
  • Purchase CBD from a reputable source: do your research! Some CBD sources are not high quality and may not follow FDA regulations.  
  • A Certificate of Analysis from a third-party laboratory is an excellent place to start when wanting to know about the quality of a CBD product.
  • Understand how to use it and why to use it: how and when and why you use a CBD product is important as using too much or too little may affect the way it helps or hinders potential benefits. 
  • Always speak with a healthcare professional before using CBD.

How are Panacea Life Sciences CBD products made (CBD extracted)?

There are three different ways that CBD is extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant. Panacea Life Sciences uses carbon dioxide or ethanol to extract our CBD from a hemp plant. This article explains three types of extraction methods. These include carbon dioxide, steam distillation, or hydrocarbon and natural solvents. 

Conclusion 

So, what do you do with all of this important information? Be cautious in the products you are using and what they claim to be. Panacea Life Sciences is dedicated to bring you the best products available as well as give you the knowledge you need to make the right decision for you.

Links:

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis

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

https://www.cbdoil.org/cbd-extraction-methods/

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Yoga, CBD, and the Endocannabinoid System

Anyone who has tried it knows that yoga is not easy. It requires many movements that can difficult for the most limber of yogis. But what do you do if movement in general is difficult? If you struggle with issues caused by inflammation, it may seem like yoga is out of your reach.

However, recent research suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may be able to aid in improved flexibility and movement.

Who wants to know more about CBD?

Within Cannabis plants, hemp and marijuana for example, there are over 113 different chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. CBD is one of them. These cannabinoids can have a number of different effects on people. One cannabinoid that is famous for its effects on people is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). You likely have heard of it because it is psychoactive. That means that it creates the high that is so commonly associated with Cannabis. CBD on the other hand, has a different effect on people. It is not psychoactive, so it does not create a high.

If you are concerned about the legality of CBD, do not fret. As of 2018, industrial hemp is legal in the United States. This means that a CBD product that is derived from hemp and has less than 0.3% THC is perfectly legal. CBD that is extracted from marijuana and has more than 0.3% THC may or may not be legal depending on your state’s Cannabis laws, as marijuana is still federally illegal.

CBD can be taken in several different forms. After it has been extracted from the hemp, it is easily added almost anything. There are many options for CBD edibles, in gummy form or in any other kind of food. Similar to the edibles are capsules and tablets. They are exactly what they sound like, pills that you can take once a day to get a serving of CBD. Many people like to use CBD oils and tinctures. With those you can just place a few drops under the tongue, and they absorb quickly into the blood stream, no need to wait for digestion. Another way to take CBD is through topicals such as  cremes and salves. These are good products if you are looking for a more localized experience. Oral products are likely to provide a more overreaching effect, whereas topicals are going to stay in the place where they are used.

There are three different forms of CBD available. They are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum are the most similar of the three. They both have other compounds and cannabinoids in them along with the CBD. The main difference between the two is that broad-spectrum has no THC, where full-spectrum does (though it is less than 0.3%, and is definitely not enough to get you high). CBD isolate, unlike the other two, has no other compounds in it. It is only CBD and nothing else. The benefit of having the other compounds is a potential effect called the entourage effect, this is when compounds build on each other potentially making a stronger experience.

How do CBD and yoga mix?

Now that we have laid out what CBD is, you may be wondering what this all has to do with yoga. Well, if movement is difficult for you, but you are still interested in doing yoga, then research suggests that CBD may be able to help.

Inflammation can be the cause of movement difficulty. Many studies have looked at how CBD interacts with inflammation. The general consensus from most (if not all) of these studies is that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. This is because CBD interacts with what is known as the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). It is a series of receptors in the body that controls a number of things, including inflammation. The way that CBD interacts with these receptors may be able to reduce inflammation, especially inflammation associated with oxidative stress.

If you are a yogi who struggles with inflammation, you may want to try a CBD topical. When these are used on an inflamed area, they may be able to reduce the inflammation. This could mean that poses like reverse warrior and upward dog may be much more comfortable than they were before. Oral CBD products may work well to increase joint movement and flexibility. However, as discussed before more topicals are much more localized, meaning that the area of application will get the full effect of the CBD, instead of it being spread out throughout the body.

Other research, like this study, has also found that CBD may be able to promote a sense of calm. Anyone who has practiced yoga before knows that being trying to achieve a sense of relaxation is one of the goals of the exercise. CBD may be able to help get to that point of calm.

How much should I take?

The answer to this question varies. It depends on each individual person and how they are taking the CBD. Some people will require more or less than others. Some products may produce a stronger effect than others. So, in order to figure out how much CBD you need, it will take some experimentation.

This does not mean that you should rush in and try to find your limit immediately. Afterall, CBD does have some side effects. These are not serious, but they are not fun. They tend to be things like nausea and diarrhea. They also seem to be associated with taking too much CBD, so it is not a good idea to start too big. Start your serving size small and work your way up from there.

Certain medications and CBD do not necessarily mix well. If you are considering taking CBD and are on medications, please consult with your healthcare professional first. 

If you suffer from inflammation that makes movement for things like yoga difficult, you may want to look into trying CBD. Not only may it help, but there are many options for how you can use it, making it very accessible.

 

 

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21238581/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24419242/?from_term=The+endocannabinoid+system%3A+an+emerging+key+player+in+inflammation&from_pos=1

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21307846/

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Tell me more about CBD gummies

These products are a lot like Haribo, but with very different side effects – here is what you need to know about cannabidiol (CBD) gummies.

With CBD working its way into every household whether on the news, by word of mouth, or because you are supplementing CBD yourself, chances are you have heard of CBD gummies or at least CBD.

CBD comes from the Cannabis plant, which houses many of the same benefits of Cannabis; however, without containing THC, responsible for producing a ‘high.’ CBD’s lack of THC allowed it to be legalized in the U.S alongside many other countries across the globe, working wonders for many.

Taking CBD and CBD products such as gummies may improve sleep, help with your state of mind, and even reduce inflammation. Check out this article if you want to know more about CBD for sleep. However, before getting into the specific benefits of taking CBD gummies, let’s first discuss gummies themselves alongside other alternatives. 

What are CBD gummies? 

CBD gummies are sweets or candies which contain CBD, allowing you to receive the benefits of taking CBD in a much more discrete, fun, and tasty way.

These CBD gummies are great for those who are not fans of swallowing capsules or pills, who do not want to take the CBD oil itself, or quite frankly would like their CBD to taste great – almost as if you would not know it was CBD. CBD candies can be a great way to disguise that CBD taste. If you need to take care of your oral health afterwards, there are even CBD toothpastes to try.

Why should you choose CBD?

CBD gummies are great for beginners looking to get into CBD, as they are discrete, pocket-sized, and full of flavor. You can take these without getting stared at.

However, research on CBD is still preliminary, with CBD being relatively new to the health and wellness market. CBD candies, in particular, are less acknowledged. Each different brand uses different quantities of CBD oil for their gummies.

Therefore, it is essential to take in the information on each pack of gummies separately – do not treat one bag the same as the next. While it is difficult to overdose on CBD products, it does not hurt to be a little cautious from time to time, especially with some of the known side-effects.

Are there any side-effects to taking CBD gummies?

While CBD gummies are convenient and full of flavor, there are some potential side-effects you should probably know.

Potential side effects include:

  1. Fatigue
  2. Weight fluctuation
  3. Diarrhea
  4. Changes in appetite

While one user may experience unusual levels of fatigue or changes in appetite, another may not be affected whatsoever. So, what do we recommend? We suggest trying CBD candies in smaller quantities to begin with. This will help you to see what works best for you and how your body responds to it.

Existing research suggests that CBD may react with enzymes produced by the liver, stopping any other medications that rely on the liver from being efficiently broken down.  This can cause side effects from the prescription drug as the level of the prescription medication may increase in the body.  We recommend that people wishing to start a CBD regimen consult with their physician to avoid any drug-drug interactions.

What are the benefits of supplementing CBD?

Okay, now that we have got any potential side-effects out of the way, let’s discuss the good stuff.

So, what are the benefits of taking CBD and CBD gummies?

  1. Regulate inflammation response
  2. Help achieve a state of calm
  3. Convenient & tasty
  4. May help reduce epileptic seizures

To begin with, many individuals choose to take CBD and CBD products, such as CBD candies, to help with creating a calm state of mind. Research suggests that the CBD changes the way the brain responds to serotonin, inhibiting reuptake. This may result in reduced heart rate, stress, and might even assist one’s ability to fall asleep.

Second, a popular method for including CBD gummies in one’s diet is to regulate inflammation. This includes chronic inflammation relief from conditions such as arthritis or MS, as well as much more acute inflammation sustained from short-term injuries.

Third, as we have previously touched upon, CBD gummies are both convenient and tasty. A much more manageable and exciting way to take CBD if you are not a fan of alternative methods such as creams and topicals or CBD tinctures.  

Are CBD gummies healthy?

Good question. As CBD gummies are candies or sweets, this generally means they are going to contain a considerable amount of sugar. The quantity of this sugar depends on each brand; however, it is something to be wary of, especially if you are not one to react well to copious amounts of sugar in your diet. 

Is CBD legal? 

Industrial hemp and hemp-derived products are legal throughout the United States.  Many other countries other than the United States have also legalized CD products.

The bottom line 

CBD gummies are a convenient, fun, and alternative method to ingesting and supplementing CBD, especially when compared to other means, including capsules, CBD oil, or even CBD tinctures.

While research is still happening, current research on CBD does point in the right direction. However, be wary of the side effects and as always consult a medical professional before purchasing and or supplementing CBD yourself.

Reference Links:
Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol
Involvement of serotonin-mediated neurotransmission in the dorsal periaqueductal gray matter
Cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage
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Can cannabidiol (CBD) be used as a disinfectant?

If you have been paying attention to the talk surrounding cannabidiol (CBD), it can feel like CBD has been claimed to do just about anything. However, recent research has been aimed at something rather fascinating; CBD may have antibacterial properties. This means that CBD may be able to be used as a disinfectant.

Here at Panacea Life Sciences, we find new research surrounding CBD to be exciting. We want to explore this idea a bit more and dive into what it could mean.

What is CBD?

It’s hard to talk about why the idea of CBD being antibacterial is so exciting if you don’t know what CBD is. So, let’s lay down a quick definition and why exactly it is so popular.

CBD is one member of a class of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The name may sound familiar. This is because they are named after the kind of plants that they are commonly found in, cannabis plants (though they are more often called hemp and marijuana). Cannabis contains over 113 cannabinoids, including CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

THC is so famous because it has psychoactive properties. This means that it creates the high that has led to cannabis being considered a drug. This infamous ability of THC has led many people to equate all cannabinoids with getting high. However, THC and its oxidized form cannabinol (CBN) are the main cannabinoids that seem to have any psychoactive effect. 

When people ask if CBD can get you high, the answer is quite simply, no. Many people who use CBD report that the only change in their mental state is that CBD promotes a feeling of calmness. The only way a CBD product will get you high is if it has a high content of THC in it, which would be illegal in most states.

Much research has been done on CBD to see what properties it has. A lot of this research has been aimed at helping people with inflammation and issues caused by inflammation. Researchers have also looked at how CBD may help with mental wellness for people who struggle with PTSD or depression. There have also been studies looking at how CBD could potentially be beneficial for those who deal with severe conditions like Parkinson’s Disease or heart disease.

There are plenty of people who use CBD for the reasons listed above. Some take them just to help with their skin health, or for their general wellbeing.

CBD has seen a rise in popularity since hemp was legalized (we’ll go into more detail about that legalization later). You can now find CBD in just about everything. It is in many foods and drinks, including crackers and sparkling water. You can buy lotions and skin creams that are made with CBD. Of course, many people prefer taking CBD in a tincture or oil.

Is it legal?

This is a legitimate concern. After all, cannabis in most forms has been illegal in the United States for a very long time, with laws surrounding it only changing in the last few years. So, why has the attitude around cannabis changed?

There was a growing fear in America during the early 1900’s surrounding cannabis as a lot of misinformation spread about it, including that it made people want to commit violent crimes. There even was a film released called “Reefer Madness,” which advised parents to keep their children away from cannabis as it would lead to a life of addiction, crime, and jazz parties. This led to most states outlawing it in a matter of 15 years, despite there being no actual evidence to support these claims. Then in 1937, it was officially banned in the country through the Marijuana Tax Act.

For about 20 years in the US, the general consensus was that cannabis had no health benefits, despite a lot of the medical community trying to argue otherwise. However, in the 1960’s there was a shift in people’s feelings toward the plant started to change. Because of this both Presidents Johnson and Kennedy commissioned studies look at cannabis’s effects. These studies found that cannabis use did not cause violent urges. Despite these findings, cannabis remained illegal.

Then in 1996, California legalized marijuana for medical use. This opened the flood gates for the country to reevaluate cannabis. Soon many states were legalizing medical marijuana. Then the most noticeable change came in 2018. 

The United States Legislature passed the 2018 Farm Bill in December of that year. This is a fairly routine bill that is supposed to be a review, revised, and renewed every five years. However, 2018’s bill was different. This version included a section that effectually made hemp legal. This way, farmers could grow cannabis low in THC for commercial purposes. The bill also made it so that hemp and products derived from it (as long as they have less than 0.3% THC content) could be sold and transported across state lines. This was the first time in over 70 years that the United States had any form of cannabis that had been legalized on a federal level.

All of this just to say, yes, it is legal. As long as CBD has been derived from hemp and not marijuana, it is perfectly legal. Since December of 2018, industrial hemp has been legal in all 50 states. As of the writing of this article, recreational marijuana is still illegal in most states, but medical use is legal in most. The main difference between hemp and marijuana is THC content. If a cannabis plant has less than 0.3% THC content, it is defined as hemp. If it has over that amount, it is marijuana. 

Essentially, what this means is that if a CBD product has been extracted from hemp and has less than 0.3% THC in it (which is most CBD), it is legal anywhere in the United States.

Is using CBD safe?

Despite its legalization and the lack of psychoactive effects of CBD, there is still some worry about how safe CBD is. But they need not worry. There are no severe side effects that are associated with CBD. The side effects that people do have are things along the lines of nausea and fatigue. However, these side effects are mainly felt by people who take large doses of CBD over a short time. Many who do experience the side effects report them going away after they stop or lower their dosage.

According to recent research, CBD seems to be safe for both children and pets. So, if there is concern that was using a CBD product in a house with kids and/or dogs, you can rest easy. The first CBD based medication to be approved by the FDA is aimed mainly at children. It is called Epidiolex. It’s an epilepsy medication designed to stop seizures, especially in kids. 

Though it should be noted that, as with most things that are not toys, CBD should be kept out of reach of children and animals. As mentioned, there are no severe side effects associated with it, but it is still something that should be controlled.

Is CBD antibacterial?

As we laid out before, research on CBD has picked up in the last couple of decades, and we are still learning so much about it. 

In 1976 a study was conducted to test the antibacterial abilities of THC and CBD. This study found that both cannabinoids considerably brought down the activity of both staphylococci and streptococci. However, this study was largely ignored. This may be because of the time it was published, as cannabis in any form was criminalized in 1937. 

In 2008 this line of research was started up again when a group of researchers looked to see precisely how certain cannabinoids stood up to staphylococcus. They found that the cannabinoids were effective in destroying parts of the bacteria but could not seem to pin down how exactly they do it.

It is becoming more apparent that CBD may be useful in breaking down bacteria. What is particularly interesting about the cannabinoids’ bacteria-fighting is that scientists still don’t fully understand how they do it. It appears that cannabinoids use a different technique of killing bacteria is not how regular antibiotics do it. It seems that scientists have plenty more research to do to understand all the CBD can do fully.

In the meantime, let’s shift to what all of this article has been building up to; is CBD a proper disinfectant.

Can CBD be used as a disinfectant?

First, let’s talk about what a disinfectant even is and how it works.

A disinfectant is something that can kill or impede potentially harmful microorganisms, namely bacteria. They work through three primary methods; they can cause cells to clump together, they can disrupt the structure and, therefore, the function of the cell, or they can oxidize the cells entirely.

Two ingredients are ubiquitous in most disinfectant products. They are alcohol and chlorine. These two use different ways of killing bacteria. Alcohol does it through the clumping method. When exposed to the right dilution of alcohol (cells can generally hold up against pure alcohol), the bacterial cells clump together, and their membranes start to fall apart. Without the membrane structure, the bacteria lose their ability to function and replicate.  

Chlorine disinfects using oxidization. Specifically, it is good at oxidizing lipids and proteins. The disruption of the membrane, similar to alcohol, and destroying the function of proteins, makes it very difficult for the bacterial cell to function and grow.  Chlorine is also impressive because, unlike many disinfectants, it can even breakdown certain viruses and bacterial spores. However, chlorine can be dangerous when mixed with certain chemicals and should be used carefully.

Getting back to the main question at hand, the studies discussed in the above section would suggest that yes, CBD does have antibacterial properties. However, that doesn’t mean that you can use CBD oil in place of washing your hands or wiping down your counter. There are CBD infused products that are made specifically to disinfect. For example, a hand sanitizer is likely also to contain alcohol along with the CBD. A lotion, likely will not have any other disinfectants. Many CBD manufactures have produced CBD wipes and hand sanitizers. These products vary in price but mainly seem to hover around $20.

You may be wondering why you can’t just use a CBD cream instead of buying CBD hand sanitizer. After all, if CBD has disinfectant properties, then it should work that way, right? Well, not really. The best way to get CBD to work is to use it in its intended way. Meaning CBD cream is designed to work better for helping with aches and inflammation. In contrast, CBD hand sanitizer is going to be a better disinfectant because that is what it is intended to do. It will have other ingredients to help the disinfecting to work.

While this is something that goes without saying, it should still be said; read the labels of the CBD disinfectants you are thinking about buying. If they contain any ingredients you are allergic to, please do not use them.

The promising research surrounding CBD is exciting, but it does not mean that you should be using a CBD cream to treat an infection. Nor does it mean that it can replace proven preventive measures, like vaccinations. Just like any other supplement, you may use; it is also smart to talk to a medical professional before starting use. 

As research on CBD continues to grow, we are learning so much about this fantastic compound. It is exciting to see what else it has in store for us.

Want to learn more about CBD? Have any questions that haven’t been answered by this article? Feel free to contact us or explore the many other articles we have on our website. You can contact a member of the Panacea Life Sciences team through our website or by emailing [email protected].

 

Sources:

https://www.cmmonline.com/articles/the-science-of-disinfectants

https://libguides.law.uga.edu/c.php?g=522835&p=3575350

https://www.history.com/news/why-the-u-s-made-marijuana-illegal

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31635105

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6033872/

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/np8002673

https://arstechnica.com/science/2008/08/killing-bacteria-with-cannabis/

https://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/cbd-has-antibacterial-properties-and-can-even-kill-superbugs/

https://www.projectcbd.org/science/cannabis-and-immune-system

https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/determination-of-the-antibiotic-properties-of-cannabidiol-2329-9126-1000266.php?aid=78201

https://adai.uw.edu/marijuana/factsheets/cannabinoids.htm

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1085130

How Do Vets Feel About CBD?

The writer Colette once said that a perfect companion should never have less than four feet. For many people, this is true:  the bond that they have with their dog (or cat!) is more reliable than that with any family member. It is therefore understandable that we will go to great lengths to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our animals. From that perspective, CBD for animal companions makes a lot of sense.

Cannabidiol

CBD is the abbreviation for ‘cannabidiol,’ and it has been used, up until now, mostly to help humans. But the pet care market is catching up! Researchers say that CBD in the pet care market will be one of the fastest-growing segments in the entire CBD sector by the end of 2020. But what do veterinarians say? In this article, we hope to answer your questions. First, we look at what CBD is and how it works. Then, we’ll connect it to your pet: is it safe?  Are there any downsides? How should you give it to your beloved little fur-face? What conditions can it help?

There is some controversy surrounding CBD products and animals, because the industry is new and somewhat underregulated. We’ve asked vets some relevant and pertinent questions. So, let’s get started!

What is CBD?

A part of marijuana

Cannabidiol or ‘CBD’ is a cannabinoid and can be found in marijuana and hemp plants. However, most CBD products are made only with hemp which is legally required to have .3% or less Tetrahydrocannabinol  (THC). THC is the compound responsible for the high associated with Cannabis. CBD is not psychoactive, and it will not get you (or your pet!) ‘high.’

CBD triggers the ECS

Cannabidiol interacts with the body through the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). In short, the ECS is an essential modulatory system that helps the endocrine and immune systems to work. It also plays a vital role in the function of the brain. The ECS works at the cellular level to maintain balance between systems in the body. All mammals, fish, birds, and reptiles have an ECS system. (Some sea urchins and leeches have been found to have ECS systems as well!) This is what makes it so animals can also be treated with CBD.

What does the ECS do, and how does CBD work? 

The ECS system has two main receptors.     

When a body is not working as it should, the ECS is activated to help remedy the situation.  Lifestyle choices can activate or deactivate the ECS. CBD supports healthy ECS activity. CBD molecules fit neatly into the receptors of the ECS and will bind to receptor CB1 (in the spinal cord) and provide relief from discomfort. Alternatively, receptor CB2 binding with CBD will signal the immune system if inflammation is present.   

So, is CBD safe to use on my animal?

Yes, it is!  According to a 2017 World Health Organization report, CBD is non-toxic and safe for use on animals.

Veterinarians across the board agreed on the following:

The downsides to CBD

In most cases, the use of CBD shows no severe side effects. It must be administered responsibly, but it is safe for use in humans and pets. Just be sure to buy the “real McCoy” by reviewing your product’s certificate of analysis.

How do I administer CBD to my pet?

The shapes and sizes of CBD products for animals

There are loads of CBD animal products on the market nowadays.

It seems the most favorable is CBD oil as, according to a recent study done on dogs specifically, it reached the highest concentration in the blood and stayed in the bloodstream the longest. It acts fast!

You can also get CBD for animals in the following shapes and sizes:

The benefits of CBD for your pet according to vets

If only they could speak

According to the American Kennel Club, there have been no formal studies yet as to if CBD oil for dogs actually works. If animals could speak, it would have been so much easier to know!  We don’t (and won’t) know. What we do know is that animals seem to be less reactive to pain when they take a CBD product.    

Specific benefits

According to scientific and veterinary studies, the following benefits have been identified when using CBD in animals:

Your pet won’t get ‘stoned’ from CBD, but the minuscular amounts of THC will give much of the same therapeutic benefits and make your pet less reactive to low-level pain stimuli.

A study published by an assistant professor at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences showed that CBD might help to reduce the number of seizures your pet may have.

Vets agree that CBD helps with the symptoms of the above-mentioned health problems in animals.

It is essential, though, to choose a product made for animals from a reputable manufacturer. Learn more about choosing a high-quality source of CBD online here. Human-friendly CBD products in gummy form, for example, might contain Xylitol, which is toxic for animals.

Some questions to a vet about CBD products

CBD is considered safe to use on your pet. Studies by veterinarians have found that CBD in dogs, as in humans, is metabolized by the liver. A canine study found that the liver enzyme ‘alkaline phosphatase’ increases during CBD treatment. 

Further tests also proved that the dogs’ livers weren’t failing and came back clear. Although the latter has been established, most veterinarians would think twice about giving CBD oil to a dog who is already suffering from liver issues.

There are specific potential side effects noted like sedation (drowsiness), a dry mouth due to a decrease in saliva production as well as low blood pressure. Otherwise, no other significant risks were determined.

Can I use CBD with my pet’s other medication?

There is a possibility that CBD can interact with other supplements or medications that your pet is currently receiving, especially those which also need to be broken down by the liver. We don’t know 100% yet precisely which ones and in what way the interaction takes place. Your vet should know more.

The main reason we don’t know is that research into this subject has been blocked by the old laws surrounding marijuana and hemp in this country. In people, we know that there are a few suspected drug interactions between CBD and certain blood pressure medications, anti-epileptic drugs, and antidepressants. In pets, however, we don’t exactly know for sure.   

So, yes, this is part of the reason why your vet might be hesitant to discuss the benefits of CBD for your pet. It has been proved, however, that there are little or no side effects associated with using the products.

Various factors can play a part. It depends on the condition of the product or oil you are using and the specific ailment you are treating.

In the end, results may differ from dog to dog, so there is no clear-cut answer to this question.

CBD is safe to use in comparison to other products with the same effect. CBD derived explicitly from the hemp plant is considered safe. It does not cause a “high” and is not intoxicating. It has been tested on animals as well as on humans and found to be safe when used on cats and dogs.

The doctor is in – the final word.

An evolving, but exiting sector

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) believes that the research on the treatment of animals with CBD is still limited and evolving. But there are many success stories! It can’t be disregarded. Some veterinarians think that due to a shortage in the variety of drugs available, CBD products can be a suitable, effective alternative with little or no side effects. Hopefully, the years to come will rapidly advance the information we have about CBD products and how it can be more beneficial to our furry friends.

Reference Links:

https://cbdoilreview.org/cbd-cannabidiol/cbd-for-pets/


https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/cbd-and-pets-why-your-vet-cant-talk-about-it


https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/


https://www.cnet.com/news/is-cbd-safe-for-pets/


https://observer.com/2020/01/best-cbd-oil-dogs/


https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325871#differences


https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system-4171855


https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system#how-it-works


https://cannanine.com/how-long-before-cbd-oil-starts-working-for-my-dog/


 

Brushing up on CBD toothpaste

When people say that cannabidiol (CBD) seems to be everywhere these days, they are not kidding. You can find CBD in many stores in several different forms. The number of different CBD products out there seems immense. There are CBD snacks, water, oils, and tablets. There are CBD products for people, dogs, cats, and horses. CBD can be found in products aimed at helping with inflammation and in beauty products. But did you know that you can even find CBD toothpaste?

It may seem a little odd, but CBD oil toothpaste may be the answer some people have been looking for. We want to talk about this more, but first it is good to start with talking about the big question; what is CBD?

Let’s talk about CBD

There is a lot to say and know about CBD. It can seem a little intimidating, so we are going to start with answering five basic questions: What is CBD? Does it create a high? Is it legal? What is it used for? What kinds of CBD are there?

CBD is a type of chemical compound known as cannabinoid which abundantly found incannabis plants, more specifically hemp and marijuana. So abundant, in fact, that there are over 113 different cannabinoids. That is a lot of cannabinoids, so it makes sense that you likely have not heard of most of them.

One cannabinoid you may have heard of is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This cannabinoid is rather infamous because it is psychoactive in humans. In other words, it is the compound that gets you high if you use marijuana. CBD is probably the second most well-known cannabinoid. However, there are some pitfalls that come with this. Because THC is so well known all cannabinoids, including CBD are often thought of having the same activity as THC in the body. As a result, many people think that CBD can get you high. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive effects but does help promote a sense of calm.

Despite the fact that CBD does not create a high, there are still plenty of people who are nervous about adding CBD to their daily supplement regimen. Often the rational for this hesitation is a concern about legality. After all, marijuana is still federally illegal. People do not need to worry about the legality of hemp-derived CBD because of the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill made industrial hemp and products derived from it legal. This means that CBD extracted from hemp with less than 0.3% THC content is legal in the United States. CBD products extracted from marijuana with more than 0.3% THC content may or may not be legal, depending on your state’s Cannabis laws.

This legalization was good news for many people. Research into what CBD can do has suggested that it could be helpful to a lot of different people in many different ways. Several studies, including this one, have found that CBD may be able to help reduce inflammation. Because of CBD’s calming qualities, many studies have looked into how CBD may be able to effect feelings of unease. Probably the most exciting use for CBD is helping with epileptic seizures. The first ever CBD based medication to be approved by the FDA is for epilepsy. 

There are three main kinds of CBD extracts. The differences between them have to do with what else is extracted along with the CBD. The three types are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. In full-spectrum and broad-spectrum oils, the majority of the other compounds are left in the extract. The difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD extracts is that broad-spectrum has no detectable amounts of THC. CBD isolate is exactly as it sounds. There are no other compounds, no other cannabinoids in it. Isolates are also sometimes called CBD crystal.  People often like using full-spectrum and broad-spectrum, because the other compounds and cannabinoids have their own benefits and can also create the entourage effect.

The questions now are, what is CBD toothpaste and why use it?

There is such thing as CBD toothpaste?

It may seem kind of surprising, but it is true. CBD toothpaste is here and ready for use. However, what is the point?

Most CBD toothpastes have a lot of the same ingredients that regular toothpastes have, but they tend to have more organic ingredients and, of course, CBD. The benefit of this mainly comes from CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties. As tooth pain and tooth sensitivity may be caused by inflammation, CBD may be a way to help combat that. CBD toothpaste may be a just the thing for toothaches, while cleaning your mouth and leaving it minty fresh.

Another benefit of CBD toothpaste is that it is another way to consume CBD. One of the fastest ways to get the benefits of CBD is by placing a couple of drops of a CBD tincture or oil under your tongue. While, the toothpaste likely will not work as quickly, it still exposes you to CBD in a similar way.

Most of these toothpastes are made with full-spectrum CBD. This does mean that they will have THC in them. This should not be too much of a concern, as in most states CBD products are not allowed to have more than 0.3% THC content. That is not enough to get anyone high.However, if using a product with THC makes you nervous or just is not an option for you, it may be possible to find CBD toothpaste made using either broad-spectrum or CBD isolate.

These toothpastes are going to be a little pricier than the normal stuff. However, this is not very surprising when you consider what goes into it. Not just the CBD (which will increase the price just to for the work that goes into creating quality CBD), but also the fact that many of these toothpastes are going to have more organic ingredients than your average toothpaste. This leads to a higher cost. 

That being said, the manufacturers of these toothpastes try to avoid using chemicals in the making of the toothpaste. So, if you are trying to avoid fluoride, CBD oil toothpaste may be the option for you. Plus, you can take advantage of CBD’s antibacterial properties.

What is the downside?

If CBD has the potential to do so much, what is the downside? What are the side effects?

You will be glad to know that while CBD can have side effects, they are not all that serious. They generally include reactions like nausea and fatigue. These side effects are also mainly associated with taking too much CBD. The best way to avoid them is to start low and work your dosage up to the amount of CBD that works best for you.

Finding the right amount of CBD for you will take some time and experimentation. Normally, we encourage starting the amount you take small, but with toothpaste it will be a little different. You may want to start by only brushing with the toothpaste once every other day (using your normal toothpaste the rest of the time). If it sits with you well, but you still are not getting the results you are looking for, you can start using the toothpaste more.

Most of these products are labeled as being safe for children. So, it is likely that they will not be a problem for a child to use. However, be sure to follow the American Dental Association’s advice about how much toothpaste a child should use. That is, toddlers need little more than a smear and young children only a pea sized drop. It is also a good idea to ease your child into using the cannabis toothpaste just as you would with yourself. If anything, you should take greater precaution with them. 

It is important to note that CBD may not mix well with certain medications. If you are thinking about starting to use any CBD product, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional about drug interactions first.

Other CBD beauty products

As hinted at above, CBD is not just for dental care. There are many different CBD products for things like skin health. 

For example, there are many products that are aimed at helping to reduce acne. This is because many studies, including this one, have found that CBD may be able to stem sebum production. Sebum is the oil that is on skin that, while protects it, can clog up pores and cause zits.

Other CBD skin health products are trying to help reduce scaring and signs of aging. A study(among others looking at the same thing) found that CBD may be able to help scale down scarring caused by chronic skin problems. There are creams that are made with CBD and other ingredients designed to help keep skin looking as smooth as possible.

CBD topicals and creams can be used for more than just keeping skin smooth. Many CBD creams are aimed at another purpose, decreasing inflammation. Being an anti-inflammatory is a quality that CBD is well known for. So, it is not very shocking that it is a common use for CBD topicals. They may be a better option for you if that is the benefit of CBD that you are looking for, as CBD creams are going to have a more localized effect than most other CBD products.

Many CBD manufactures have been producing CBD bath products. Some of these are skin scrubs, others are body washes. There are even CBD bath bombs. One of the biggest advantages of these products is CBD’s effect on the mind, the way that it can produce a sense of calm. After all, relaxation is one of the main reasons for taking a bath. 

There are also make-up removing products made with CBD. Some are wipes and others are a liquid remover used with a cloth or a cotton ball. These offer many of the same benefits to your skin as the products discussed above, plus have the added benefit of taking off your makeup after a long day.

Along these lines, there are also CBD cosmetics on the market. You can find CBD in lip gloss, lipstick and lip balms. There are CBD mascaras and foundations. It would not be surprising to find CBD eye shadows and eyeliners. Basically, this means you can reap the benefits of CBD in whatever part of your day you like, in whatever way you choose.

How do I find a quality CBD Oil toothpaste?

If CBD toothpaste seems like something you would like to try, do some research. Look at the reviews on different CBD toothpastes, not just on the manufacturers’ sites, but elsewhere as well. This is one of the best ways to find, not just a toothpaste, but any CBD product to fit your needs.

Researching CBD products is also important because the industry is so new and lacks manufacturing regulations. The hemp plant CBD comes from has only been federally legal to grow for two years (as of the writing of this article). This means that the products on the market are severely underregulated. Unfortunately, people take advantage of the current lack of strict regulations. They sometimes take shortcuts in their manufacturing and can produce products with heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants. This is why it is important to research a company. Look to see what others are saying about all of their products, not just the ones you are interested in. Make sure that they use third-party testing to prove that their CBD is as pure as they report. This research will take some time, but if it can help you make sure that you get the best product out there, it will be worth it.

As you can tell, if you are interested in making CBD part of your daily routine, it is very easy. The main thing you have to decide is how. If you struggle with toothaches or inflammation of the gums, cannabis toothpaste may be the CBD product for you.

There is a lot to know about CBD. If you are curious and want to learn more, check out the rest of Panacea Life Sciences’ website. Not only can you find a number of blog posts exploring several different CBD subjects, but you can also check out some great CBD products. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us on the website or email [email protected].

 

Sources:

https://cannabis.wiki/strains-and-products/top-5-cbd-toothpaste-of-2018

https://cbdtechcenter.com/cbd-and-hemp-oil-products/cbd-toothpaste/

https://hempindustrydaily.com/colgate-to-aquire-brand-with-new-cbd-line-of-toothpaste-mouthwash/

https://buycbd.co/product/orl-labs-cbd-toothpaste/

https://herb.co/news/health/cannabis-toothpaste/

https://canex.co.uk/cbd-toothpaste-colgate-acquires-hello-products/

What’s in your drink? CBD on the rise

There are many trendy drinks are out there, from sparkling water to kombucha. You may have dabbled with these drinks. Did you know that there are versions of those drinks that could benefit you even more? These are drinks with cannabidiol (CBD) in them.

In fact, there are many different types of CBD-infused beverages. This is not very surprising as it seems like CBD is everywhere these days. There are CBD gummies, lotions, and oils all with CBD in them. But what is CBD and why do people want it in drinks?

Learning more about CBD

Let’s lay out exactly what CBD is. CBD is a chemical compound that is known as a cannabinoid. These are found in Cannabis plants like hemp and marijuana. There are over 113 cannabinoids in Cannabis. They can have a number of different effects on people. The one cannabinoid that is very well-known is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as this is the psychoactive compound that creates the high associated with marijuana use.

While CBD is a cannabinoid, it is quite different from THC in that mainly it is not psychoactive. CBD does not create a high. It may help the user have a greater sense of calm, but it will not make them feel intoxicated.

CBD is usually derived from hemp and not marijuana. There are two main reasons for this.The main one is that hemp, by definition has much higher levels of CBD than THC. This makes the extraction a lot easier and provides a lot more CBD. The other reason is that industrial hemp is legal in the United States, while marijuana is still illegal.

CBD comes in three different forms: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Each of those names refers to what is in the extract along with the CBD. Full-spectrum includes everything. It has other cannabinoids, including THC (less than 0.3%, which is not enough to get someone high), and terpenes, which give Cannabis its distinct smell and flavor. Broad-spectrum is similar to full-spectrum, but there is one key difference: broad-spectrum does not have any THC in it. CBD isolate is what it sounds like. It is just CBD and nothing else.

Now that we have covered what CBD is, let’s talk about what it has to offer.

Why is CBD such a big deal? 

There has been quite the increase in studies on CBD over the last few years. Researchers have been really interested in what CBD may be able to do for people.

As talked about before, CBD may be able to help people achieve a sense of calm. This study found that CBD was able to help some people with Social Anxiety Disorder face one of the more terrifying aspects of life: public speaking. The CBD was able to help them calm down and face the challenge.

Another area that many researchers look at is inflammation. Many studies, for example this study and this one, have found that CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties. This means that taking CBD daily may be able to help with movement and/or mobility.

The area of study that many researchers are excited about is CBD’s effect on prescription drug-resistant epileptic seizures. There are many studies, like this one, that have found that CBD may not only reduce seizure frequency but  even protect against damage caused by epileptic seizures. In fact, these studies have been so promising, the FDA approved a CBD-derived medication for epilepsy, called Epidiolex.

These studies are really just the tip of the iceberg regarding research on CBD. There are many scientists exploring the numerous claims and applications of CBD for human and animal health.  The healing potential that is known to date is why physicians, scientists and consumers are so excited about CBD. So, what CBD drinks are out there, and why take them?

What drinks have CBD in them?

Since the legalization, there has been a boom in the number of CBD-infused drinks on the market. They range from just the basic, like water, to the more complex, like kombucha. But what other ones are there?

Water, still and sparkling

Let’s start with the more basic of the CBD drinks, water. CBD isolate is naturally flavorless, so basic waters with the cannabinoid will likely just taste like water. Many of the CBD waters out there are sparkling. These often include flavors and/or sweeteners. These products can be delicious and refreshing.

Soda

Soda can be a nice, sweet treat. CBD in the soda can make it even better. There are CBD manufacturers who make CBD sodas that range in flavors from lemon-lime to root beer. Now you can have things like CBD root beer floats.

Coffee

CBD coffee is interesting because you get many options. Some companies sell CBD-infused coffee grounds in bags or pods. That way you can brew the coffee yourself and make it the way you like it. Pre-made CBD coffees are also available, if you do not have time to make the coffee yourself. These are often things like cold brews and iced lattes. There are also CBD coffee creamers if you are looking for more flexibility in your CBD coffee.

Tea

Some of us are more tea than coffee people. If you are one of those, you may be interested in CBD tea. There are a lot of options with this one as well. You can find CBD tea in bags and loose leaf. If you do not want to brew the tea yourself, there are plenty of pre-made iced teas that you can buy.

Kombucha

This is an area of CBD beverages that not everyone may be familiar with, so let’s just cover what kombucha is. It is basically fermented green or black tea. It normally has fruit and/or spices mixed in to give it some flavor. Because it is fermented, kombucha is a great way to get some probiotics in your system. And now you can find it infused with CBD. With drinks like these, you can get a boost to your day in a few ways.

Nutrition drinks

This is a broad category of beverages that includes sports drinks and juices. The sports drinks may be a good option for athletes, because they not only tend to have electrolytes, but also include the CBD which may be able to assist with post-workout inflammation. Juices are also a great CBD beverage. They give you the benefits of CBD, but you also get the vitamins and nutrients that are in fruits and vegetables.

These beverages are a good way to get a daily dose of CBD. This is partially because you can get in the form of your favorite drink. They also make it easy to control your dosing. With the information printed on the drinks, like CBD content and serving size, you know exactly how much CBD you are getting. It can also make including CBD into your daily routine easy. If you drink coffee every day, you can just replace your normal brew with a CBD one.

How much is too much?

This is always a tricky question to answer. Everyone experiences CBD a little bit differently. That is, everyone requires a different amount to get the effect that they are going for. While CBD is safe overall, it is also something that you do not want to consume too much of because there are some side effects. These side effects are not necessarily detrimental, but they are not fun. They include things like dizziness and fatigue. 

The side effects mainly appear to be associated with taking too much. As a result, they are easy to avoid. The best way to do that is by keeping your daily dose low to start with. Starting out with drinking only one or even half a CBD drink at the beginning. If that dose does not bug you, but you still have not reached the effect you are looking for, you can start drinking some more.

As CBD beverages are technically edibles, they may take a little while to start working. This is because the cannabinoid needs time to digest and enter the system. As a result, be sure to wait about an hour after drinking a CBD beverage to see if the amount you drank is enough.

There are some medications that do not work well when CBD is involved. So, if you are on medications, please talk to a healthcare professional before you start taking CBD daily.

If you drink specialized beverages every day, like coffee or sparkling water, you may want to consider trying the CBD version of your favorite drink. You may get an added bonus beyond what the average drink may give you.

There is a lot to know about CBD. If you want to know more about CBD check out the rest of Panacea Life Sciences’ website. On there you can not only find many articles about the different areas of the CBD world, but you can also check out some of Panacea Life Sciences’ products. If you have any comments questions or concerns please contact a member of the team either on the website or by emailing [email protected].

Questions to Ask your Vet Before Starting CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is used as a management aid for humans suffering from many different difficulties, and now pet owners are looking to manage similar situations in their pets using CBD.

CBD is derived from a natural source and shows minimal side effects at the proper dosage, so it can be an excellent choice for pets that may be suffering. CBD use in pets is growing in popularity, so much so that according to a Healthline survey, 63% of vets from a group of 2131 reported being asked about CBD treatment at least once per month.

Before starting your pet on any new supplement, including CBD, it is crucial to seek advice from a vet and ask the right questions. You should especially ask if your pet is on any other medications. CBD is broken down by the liver and it can become overwhelmed when asked to break down too many foreign substances in the body at once. Although vets are currently not able to prescribe CBD, they can help pet parents make an informed decision for their furry friend.

Is Cannabidiol right for my pet?

The first question you should be asking is, is this type of treatment necessary, and will it be beneficial for my pet’s condition? A veterinarian will understand your pet’s health better than anyone else and will know whether use of CBD would be a suitable option.

Although CBD may seem like the ideal treatment for many conditions, it is essential to discuss this with your vet to decide if this is an appropriate course of action for your pet – especially in cases of hormone disorders, tumors, or organ dysfunction. 

Asking for a professional opinion about whether CBD is right for your pet will ultimately help ensure they’re given the best care as well as avoid adding extra medication, difficulty, and expense to your life. If you’re interested in using it as a preventative measure, CBD makes a great addition to your pet’s first aid kit.

What kind of conditions can CBD help manage?

There has been much research looking into how CBD may be able to help things like epilepsy, inflammation, and achieving a positive state of mind.

Unfortunately, there are not many medical studies on pets which examine the effects of CBD to confirm the exact results and dosing for pets. Therefore, it is a great question to ask your vet and see what their experience is with CBD at their clinic or hospital. 

As there are still limited studies on the use of Cannabidiol for specific animal health conditions, it’s best to find a vet clinic that has had success in using this medication for a particular health condition. If your usual vet does not have personal experience with CBD treatments, you can ask them if they know of other vets who may have. 

Will my pet experience side effects?

This is a great question to ask your vet so that you can be aware of all side effects caused by CBD once taken. According to the American Kennel Club, your pet may experience dry mouth, lowered blood pressure, or drowsiness.

Your vet should have some knowledge based on past cases (whether through their own direct experience or veterinary literature) and will be able to share what you should expect and how to approach it.

It is essential to know what to expect after your pet has its CBD so that you are not surprised. Confer with your vet about what dosage is most appropriate for your pet’s breed, size, sex, age, and activity level. At the correct dosages, the odds of undesired effects should be limited.

Will CBD interact with my pet’s other medication?

This is a crucial question to ask your vet if you are already currently giving your pet medication. It is essential to know how they interact together. It is also vital to be sure whether the medicines are safe to use with CBD.  If you are seeing a new vet, you must disclose all medications your pet is currently on so that they can safely manage the health of your pet and determine whether CBD oil is a suitable option.

How quickly can we expect results?

Understanding how CBD will work for your pet will give you an idea of what you should expect to see and how quickly any changes will occur. Depending on the case, efficacy may show after different periods. Reoccurring problems may require longer dosing schedules than temporary ones.

Before shrugging off a treatment as non-effective or useless, try to give two weeks for the full effect. Your vet can give you an idea of what behaviors or effects to keep an eye out for to ensure your pet is handling it well. It is a good idea to keep a 7-14-day logbook to monitor your fur baby’s health and condition during this time of treatment. This is useful in concluding whether there has been an improvement in their state. It can also help in deciding if nothing has changed at all.

Can I tell others that my pet is taking CBD?

It’s essential that you feel entirely comfortable giving CBD to your pet once you have spoken to your vet. For the time being, CBD cannot be prescribed by veterinarians who may make owners feel cautious about announcing that their pet is on this treatment.

It would be beneficial to ask your vet how to approach the subject if someone asks you about giving this type of medication to your pet. Your vet will be able to provide you with an informed, medical, and professional approach to your reasoning.

It’s important to note that if your pet needs to go to another veterinary clinic, for instance, an emergency clinic or a specialist, then you must disclose all medications your pet is on, including CBD.

How much will it cost?

Although we wish cost didn’t have to be a consideration when it comes to our little fur babies, it is good to know where CBD stands in terms of price.

Working out the cost per serving can be an effective way to see whether CBD is a viable option for your family, and perhaps per bottle, it works out more affordable.

You’ll need to weigh up other considerations besides cost, such as wanting your pet to be on a more natural substance or reducing side effects that are caused by pharmaceuticals.

Where can I source CBD for my pet?

The quality of CBD varies hugely depending on its manufacturing process and where you are sourcing it, so it is essential to know that your pet’s medication is of high quality and coming from a reputable source. 

It’s essential to do your research on any potential suppliers of CBD products for your pet.  Again, your vet should be able to assist and (possibly) suggest options. Ultimately, you will need to make your judgment based on the reputation of the supplier, the advice of your treating vet, and what you believe will be best for your pet.

When assessing an online provider of CBD, look for a Certificate of Analysis guaranteeing the CBD content. This Certificate should have on it the name of an independent testing facility.

Many pet owners are looking for more alternative medications for their pets and finding success with using cannabidiol to support their pet’s condition and improve their quality of life. Pets are a big part of the family, and we want to do anything we can to help them feel more comfortable and happier. Still, it is always important to seek veterinary advice before changing or introducing new things into your pet’s diet.

We look forward to many more studies taking place supporting the use of CBD in pets and keeping you well informed so you and your fur babies can live your best lives! To learn more about CBD and pet care, check out How to Build a First-Aid Kit for pets!

Reference Links:
Treating Your Dog with CBD
Cannabidiol: Pharmacology and potential therapeutic role in epilepsy
Cannabidiol as an emergent therapeutic strategy for lessening the impact of inflammation
Antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects of cannabidiol
CBD Oil for Dogs: What You Need to Know

How CBD Kills Bacteria

In this day and age, the term CBD, formally known as cannabidiol, gets thrown around a lot, and quite casually. It seems to pop up everywhere, from coffee shops to Netflix documentaries to the brand new CBD store that may have just popped up right down the street from you! A term we do not toss around lightly is “antibiotics,” and even less lightly do we toss around the actual thing itself—the medication. We are all told from a young age just how harsh these pills can be on your body and therefore we ought to avoid them unless there it is absolutely and direly necessary. Now CBD hand sanitizers are making people wonder what CBD can do to combat bacteria and germs.

Yet according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in just the year of 2015 alone an estimated 269 million antibiotic prescriptions were written and filled at pharmacies in the United States. This would not be so alarming if every written script was absolutely necessary, but unfortunately, this is not the case. Not even close.

It is estimated that roughly 30% of all prescribed antibiotics are entirely unnecessary. That means that each year in the US 47 million prescriptions are written in medical facilities for (to put it bluntly) no. good. reason. 

The risk here is that more and more people are developing resistances to various antibiotics, making it difficult to adequately treat or cure serious, and sometimes deadly, bacterial infections. Medical researchers are constantly working to develop new medications and explore new methods of fighting bacteria. One promising method at the forefront of antibiotic approaches that may surprise you is none other than the very trendy, completely natural, CBD.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol is the second most prevalent of the 113 chemical compounds (called “cannabinoids”) found in the cannabis plant. 

When you hear the word Cannabis, the first thing that comes to mind is likely marijuana, followed by the “high” people experience when they use it. Cannabidiol, however, is not the chemical compound that produces those “high” feelings of euphoria associated with marijuana. That is tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as “THC.” Tetrahydrocannabinol is the most prevalent of the chemical compounds found in the Cannabis plant. The reason THC causes a high and CBD does not is because the former is psychoactive.

As opposed to the significant and sometimes unpredictable altered state of mind that comes with using marijuana, due to the manner in which it more loosely binds to receptors in the brain, CBD produces feelings of calm, along with other non-psychoactive mental and physical effects. Many of these observed effects have piqued the interest of researchers across a range of fields, from psychiatric care to epilepsy treatment to pain management. 

Antibiotic research!

Since the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the cultivation and study of hemp containing no more than 0.3% THC content, an entire new wave of research has burst forth in the United States. This comes at an especially good time due to the fact that “superbugs” are one of the major health crises of the 21st century. A concerning number of bacteria, fungi and parasites are becoming increasingly resistant, and some even entirely immune, to the typically avoided, “last resort” antibiotics. 

So, what exactly are these notorious superbugs, and what about these microscopic monsters has got everyone so worried?

Superbugs and Supervillains

When you hear the word “super,” you might be inclined to attach positive connotations. For example, all you bargain hunters out there just immediately pictured bright red “super sale!” signs outside your favorite department store, didn’t you? 

Well, a superbug is more like a supervillain. To put it scientifically, superbugs are drug-resistant strains of bacteria that can no longer be treated by medications that were previously able to eradicate them. Superbugs become “super” through processes which allow them to adjust, improve, and strengthen themselves as well as their offspring. 

To put it poetically, they are wily, nightmarish shapeshifters whose continuously growing resilience makes them a steadily increasing threat to mankind.

Through genetic mutations, horizontal gene transfer, natural selection, and their ability to multiply quite rapidly, superbugs are able to modify their DNA and continually create new and improved bacteria at an impressively fast rate. It’s basically accelerated evolution.

One direct cause for the increase of superbugs are the over-prescribing of antibiotics. Ultimately, antibiotics wreak havoc on people’s immune systems and gut microbiomes, thus allowing the spawning of these superbugs, as well as an increasing rate of disease spreading, due to antibiotics inability to defeat whichever supervillain it’s going up against. 

CBD and Bacteria: How does it work? 

CBD and Bacteria is something that has begun to be more heavily researched as people turn to more holistic resources for health and wellness. One study showed that CBD can work as an antibacterial. Cannabis contains antibacterial cannabinoids, this is something that has been known for quite some time. Cannabinoid  antibacterial properties have not been tested because the focus has been on other properties of CBD. And, we have regular hand sanitizer and bacteria killers, so some say, “What is the point?” There are five main cannabinoids that have now been recognized as antibacterial. Are there CBD products that kill said bacteria? Short answer: yes! There is always ongoing research on CBD and bacteria. It is important to do your own research as well. You can read more about CBD and bacteria here. 

Do we have products that kill bacteria and also contain CBD? Yes! We here at Panacea Life Sciences have been diligently creating a CBD hand sanitizer and a CBD cleansing hand cream.  Our CBD hand sanitizer ingredients are “Purified Water, Dimethicone Copolyol, Carbomer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Triethanolamine, Cannabidiol (200mg).” Currently this product is out of stock, but we are working on creating more to reach all of our faithful customers and newcomers alike. Until we are back in stock with the hand sanitizer, try out our CBD cleansing hand cream. The hand cream contains, “Purified Water, Alcohol, Petrolatum, Sorbitol, Cetearyl alcohol, Propylene glycol, Ceteareth-20, Simethicone, Glyceryl stearate, PEG-30 stearate, Sorbic acid, BHT, Cannabidiol(200mg), Citrus bergmia peel oil, Cinnamomum verum leaf oil, Thymus vulgaris leaf oil, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil.” This CBD hand cream not only contains germ-fighting cannabinoids, but leaves your hands without that awful dry feeling from repeated hand-washing and alcohol-based products. You can find these products and more information on them here. 

How to get CBD: Online? In store? 

Besides an online retailer like Panacea Life Sciences, there are several other places to purchase CBD. The best way to find CBD for purchase is by searching “CBD near me” in your favorite online search engine. The places that you can purchase CBD all depend on where you live and the legalization of THC in your state or country. You may be able to find types of CBD in dispenaries if you are living in a state that allows legal use of marijuana but, it is important to look for the percentage of THC in a CBD product from these places as it is likely to have more than .3%. No matter where you find your CBD products, it is important to read the labels to ensure quality products and make sure that you are purchasing from a reliable retailer. Because not all CBD is created equal. When purchasing online (this is the most popular way to purchase CBD products), here are some things to look out for to make sure that your CBD is of the highest quality.

  1. THC content – the THC content is important when purchasing CBD oil. If a product has more than .03% of THC it can not be sold as CBD. It also may be psychoactive and inebriate a user. If that is not what you are looking for, it is important to keep that in mind.
  2. Reliability of a company – It is important that when looking for a CBD retailer you look for a reliable company. Read their reviews! Make sure that the company is reputable so that the CBD products they describe are also of high quality. 
  3. Extraction methods – The process of extracting the CBD is also something to look for when looking at the safety of CBD products. Not every extraction method leaves behind no trace of harmful additives. Do your research!   
  4. Third party lab verification – Panacea Life Sciences has our oil tested by a third party to confirm the cannabidiol levels and to make sure there are no traces of unwanted pesticides or contaminants.   
  5. In-house testing – There are also several in-house tests that we do to make sure our products are quality. These include: 

These are just some of the steps you can take to make sure the CBD product of your choice is up to your standards. 

Other Ways to Prevent Superbugs

There are several ways to prevent the spread of a superbug. Here is a list of a few ways to prevent superbugs:

  1. Wash your hands. Washing your hands is key to spreading a superbug. Unwashed hands can be home to a number of germs. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom, before eating or making food, after any type of task that may have exposed you to germs. You should be washing your hands after blowing your nose, coughing and sneezing. You should even wash your hands after petting your pet! Washing your hands is extremely important when visiting elderly, very young, or sick people as their immune systems can be compromised. Washing keeps them and you safer.
  2. Get recommended vaccines. It is more likely that you could carry disease if you are not current on your vaccinations. Getting recommended vaccines helps you and those around you prevent superbugs. 
  3. Use antibiotics properly. Taking antibiotics correctly is of high importance. It is also important not to push your doctor to give you antibiotics if not necessary. Do not take anyone else’s antibiotics just because you think it may help your situation. Wait the proper amount of time before asking your doctor for more antibiotics, they know what they are doing! When taking antibiotics, take them as prescribed! 

Overall it is important to follow the CDC’s (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) recommendations on taking action against and preventing superbugs. 

Conclusion: How does CBD kill bacteria? 

In these scary, uncertain times it is important to research the products you are using and why you are using them. If you are like us, the holistic way is the best way. How CBD can best be used to kill bacteria is still being researched, but is looking to be another positive application of CBD. Here at Panacea Life Sciences, we will continue to update our readers and customers as soon as we hear more about this fascinating use of CBD. We would advise you to make sure to research the retailer you are using to make sure that their products are high quality and their company is reputable. Hopefully the information that was given will assist you in your journey with CBD and perhaps you will want to try out the germ-fighting cannabinoid. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at 1 (800) 985-0515 or email us at [email protected].

Links:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/treatments/Pages/The-History-of-Antibiotics.aspx

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2018/12/14/the-farm-bill-hemp-and-cbd-explainer/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4378521/

https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/02/stop-spread-superbugs

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1085130

https://panacealife.com/product/cleansing-cbd-hand-creme/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/you-can-protect-yourself-against-superbugs

Does cannabidiol (CBD) have antiseptic properties?

We are in a time where people are into disinfecting in a major way. Under normal circumstances, many people carry hand sanitizer with them in their bags or keep disinfecting wipes in their cars. Most surfaces in many houses are cleaned using disinfecting wipes and sprays. Schools are usually filled to bursting with hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes (and with good reason).

Have you ever wondered what other alternatives there are? There’s nothing wrong with most traditional disinfecting products, but what about something a little bit less traditional?

With cannabidiol’s (CBD) rise in popularity, there has been an upswing in products made using CBD. You can find something to fit almost any need. But what about disinfecting products? Are CBD hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes worth it? What can CBD even do against bacteria and other microorganisms?

What does antiseptic even mean?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let’s answer some basic questions. Namely, what is an antiseptic?

To give it a simple definition, antiseptic is something that slows the growth of harmful bacteria and other potentially infectious microorganisms. Some examples of antiseptics include hydrogen peroxide, iodine, and alcohol.

It is common for antibacterial and antiseptic to be used interchangeably. However, antiseptic is a bit different from antibacterial. Antibacterial focuses primarily on bacteria, while antiseptic deals with just about any microorganism (like fungus and other pathogens, as well as bacteria). Antiseptic does not necessarily kill the microorganisms, as mentioned before, it mainly just slows down their growth. Antibacterial, on the other hand, does actually kill the bacteria.

You may be wondering which is better. Well, they are both good. Antibacterial products kill the bacteria, but they only kill bacteria. They do not do anything to stop fungi and other pathogens that may cause infection. Antiseptic does not really kill anything, but stemming the growth or microorganisms is very beneficial. It can allow the immune system to catch up and hopefully eradicate any infection that is trying to take root. The one that may work best just depends on the reason you are using it.

So, what does all of this have to do with CBD?

Let’s talk about CBD

Before we can answer that question, we need to talk about what CBD actually is.

The name CBD gets thrown around a lot. If you do a quick Google search it almost feels like people are saying that it can cure anything and be found in any form. However, that is not quite true. Let’s get into what about CBD actually is true.

CBD is just one of over 113 cannabinoids, a type of chemical compound that is found in plants that are members of the Cannabis family. These plants consist mainly of hemp and marijuana. Each cannabinoid has a number of different functions. Marijuana plants also have over 200 terpenes, the synthetic precursors of cannabinoids that give Cannabis plants their singular taste and smell.

The fact that these cannabinoids can be so different means that they can have different effects on people. One of the more well-known cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (usually called THC), has a psychoactive effect on most animals, especially humans. In fact, THC is what creates the high that is so commonly thought of in conjunction with Cannabis.

THC is quite different from CBD. The main difference between the two of them is how they affect people. As mentioned before, THC does have psychoactive effects. It causes a high that can impact things like motor functions and memory. CBD on the other hand does not seem to have any psychoactive effects. It may give the user a greater sense of calm, but that appears to be the closest it gets to any sort of high.

CBD is usually extracted from hemp rather than marijuana. This is for a number of legal reasons, but also that hemp is much higher in CBD content and lower in THC content. This makes it easier for CBD manufacturers to get the CBD and to remain compliant with Cannabis laws. After all, Cannabis and Cannabis-derived products are only legal in all 50 of the United States as long as the Cannabis plant is hemp and not marijuana. The two are defined by how much THC there is in them. Hemp is only hemp as long as it has less than 0.3% THC.

CBD can be found in a number of different products. It is easy to use and very accessible when it is in edible form. These edibles can be anything from candy to pasta. CBD is also often found in lotions, crèmes, and other topicals. These are good for aiding with something a bit more localized, as the CBD often does not travel beyond where lotion has been used. There are also CBD capsules and tablets. They may be helpful for those who are used to taking vitamins. The CBD capsules are easily added to that routine. Many people prefer the more traditional route of taking CBD as a tincture or an oil. These can be taken by mixing it in with a food or drink or by dropping some directly under your tongue.

Because of its origins, there are many people who are worried about using CBD. They question the safety of a product that comes from Cannabis. However, many studies, like this one, have found few adverse effects from CBD use. There are some side effects, but they usually consist of things like fatigue and diarrhea. These are not dire side effects; however, they can be unpleasant. Many people who use CBD keep these at bay by limiting how much they take. Overall, CBD does appear to be safe.

There are three main forms of CBD used to produce a CBD product. They are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and CBD isolate. Their titles are in reference to what other cannabinoids and terpenes are in the CBD extract. Full-spectrum has the most. It involves very little isolating, leaving the extract with other cannabinoids like THC and terpenes. People often like this kind of CBD as it has the potential to provide the entourage effect, which is when compounds build on each other to provide a stronger reaction. Broad-spectrum is similar as it has many other cannabinoids except THC. This is appealing to many, as it may still give the user the entourage effect, but it does it without any THC. The last one, CBD isolate, is just CBD. No terpenes, no THC, no other cannabinoids. This is a good option for those who are looking for a pure CBD experience.

While CBD is not something to be afraid of, it is also something that should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Most CBD products are made with human adults in mind. While there are CBD products that are made specifically for pets and kids, they are still something you do not what to take too much of. Some CBD products look like normal food or treats. It may be easy to confuse them, so the safest thing to do is to keep them completely separate from any pet or human treats they may be confused with.

CBD is versatile in its ability to be taken in just about any form and it also appears to be safe for use. The question now is, why do people take it? Research into what properties and abilities CBD has is still preliminary, but a lot is being learned. For example, one study has found that CBD may be able to help with glaucoma. Another study found that CBD was helpful in reducing acute inflammation in rats. Several studies, like this one, have reported CBD to be a way of stemming sebum production, thus helping keep down acne. 

These are only a glimpse of how much research is going into CBD and how much scientists are learning about it. Some of this research is suggesting that CBD could be a way to kill or stem the growth of bacteria. Let’s take a closer look at that.

How antiseptic is CBD?

In 2008 a group of researchers published a study looking at the antibacterial properties of a number of different cannabinoids, CBD among them. They specifically wanted to see how the cannabinoids stood up to antibiotic resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus. Afterall, if traditional antibiotics have difficulty taking it out, why not try to find a different route, a different bacteria fighter?

They found that overall, the cannabinoids were somewhat effective, exhibiting some antibacterial activity. However, they were not very strong when it came to actually killing the bacteria. The cannabinoids did appear to slow down the bacterial activity. This could mean that CBD and other cannabinoids could be antiseptic, but not likely antibacterial.

One odd fact to come out of this study is that the researchers have yet to pin down how exactly the cannabinoids had the effect that they did on the bacteria. Most disinfectants follow a few different routes in killing or slowing microbial growth. The researchers of this study did not identify which of those techniques the cannabinoids may use. Instead, they suggest that there is likely another method that the compounds use.

Different kinds of CBD disinfecting products

Why is it such a big deal if CBD has antiseptic properties? Why should anyone care? Well, this is exciting because it opens a whole new world of possibilities for CBD products. 

Many companies have already jumped on board with this. There are several CBD manufactures that are selling CBD hand sanitizers. These can come in a gel or a spray. They usually have some ethyl alcohol (to help with the fight against germs) and a soothing component like aloe vera (to help moisturize as well as disinfect). Many of them also have pleasant scents added to them, like lemon and lavender. The CBD in these products tend to be full-spectrum or broad-spectrum, but it may be possible to find some hand sanitizer made with CBD isolate.

Other companies have even branched out into CBD disinfecting wipes. These products are aimed more at disinfecting different parts of the body (hands and feet, for example) than for disinfecting surfaces. They are more gentle for sensitive skin as they are fragrance free. As CBD may also help with stemming sebum production, these wipes may also help with oily skin.

Who knows what the future may bring for CBD disinfecting products? It would not be surprising to see CBD disinfecting wipes that are made for surfaces instead of skin. We may even see CBD disinfecting spray. If you are curious, you only need to keep your eyes open and ear to the ground. It is hard to say what CBD cleaning product we will see next.

While it does appear that CBD may have some antiseptic properties, it is important to remember this research is still preliminary. It does not mean that you can disinfect yourself or any surfaces with CBD oil alone. There are CBD disinfecting products out there, but those have other ingredients in them to help with the stemming and killing of microorganisms. These products are designed to kill bacteria. Basic CBD products are not.

The next time you are looking for a new hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipe, it may be worth your time to look into what CBD has to offer. If you are interested, check out your local stores. You may surprise yourself and find some great CBD cleaning products. Of course, it is always easy to find products like these on the internet with a quick search. Try it out. You may just find your new favorite disinfecting product.

Be sure to check out the rest of the Panacea Life Sciences’ website. On there you can find all sorts of great CBD products and more information about the world of CBD. You can also get ahold of a member of the Panacea Life Sciences team either on the website or by emailing [email protected].

 

Sources:

https://blog.safetec.com/what-is-the-difference-between-antiseptic-and-antibiotic

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/np8002673

https://arstechnica.com/science/2008/08/killing-bacteria-with-cannabis/

Panacea Life Sciences is Featured in CBD Cosmetics and Toiletries

Jamie Leto (Director of research, Development, and Quality Systems), has been selected to be interviewed by CBD Cosmetics and Toiletries. Please check out her interview below!

Reference Links:
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Cannabidiol (CBD) Morning Vs Night

There are plenty of news outlets raging about the “next best thing” in wellness. And it is likely that you have heard or seen CBD in those rages. But what is CBD? Why is it all over your favorite wellness blogs claiming to be good for sleep and energy? CBD can be used any time of the day. In the morning or the night. Are there different benefits in the morning? What about the evening? Could certain CBD products help you get a better night’s sleep? We here at Panacea Life Sciences want our readers and customers to get the highest quality CBD and to use that CBD correctly to enhance their overall health and wellbeing. Sleep is a huge segment of our day-to-day health as well as the energy we feel in the afternoons. This blog post will first describe what CBD is and explain how this is not the component that contributes to a “high” effect when used. Then we’ll describe why people use CBD. Then we will help readers understand the difference between using CBD in the morning versus the evening to better prepare you to make a choice. 

CBD (Cannabidiol): What is it?

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is the lesser-known component of the Cannabis plant, compared to the renowned cannabinoid Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).  Cannabidiol is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant. It is a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid. CBD has been described to have multiple health and wellbeing effects. CBD is extracted from a Cannabis plant or a hemp plant. A hemp plant is defined by the percentage of THC  it contains. For a Cannabis sativa plant to be deemed hemp, it must have less than .3% of THC present. If there is more THC present in the plant, then it is considered marijuana, not hemp. 

CBD, after extraction, can be made into several different products. Softgels, tinctures, edibles, and even topical ointments. Our FAQ page on the Panacea Life Sciences website does a great job of furthering the exploration of CBD. You can read that here.

Why do people use CBD?

There are many reasons that people choose to use CBD. Here are some:

Use of CBD in the Night

The evening use of CBD is quite popular among users. And there are plenty of products that are marketed for just that. CBD may produce a sense of calm, and this may assist those who have trouble sleeping. This may be the right time for you to take CBD because it may work better with your evening routine rather than the hustle and bustle of the morning time. Again, it is important to try out your administration of CBD in the morning and the evening before deciding which time gives you the best results.

Use of CBD in the Morning

Now, when is the right time to take CBD? There are different potential benefits to using CBD in the morning versus the evening. Incorporating CBD into your morning routine can be a great kick start to your day. If you are a person who feels anxious through the day, a morning dose of CBD may assist you. There is also a possibility that CBD administration in the morning will assist those who are wanting to increase their appetite. Some folks have described CBD as being an energy booster when used in the morning, perhaps with a cup of coffee. This all depends on how an individual responds to CBD. It is important to try using CBD at different times of the day to see what fits right with you. 

Is there a difference between CBD and THC?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions about CBD and THC. These two cannabinoids are found in the same plant, true, but differ in  the effect each has on a user. CBD is the non-psychoactive component of the plant, while THC is the psychoactive component. CBD can be used daily as it does not inebriate you in any way. You can drive a car, go to work, and walk your dog without any fear of feeling unlike yourself. However, THC is a different story. THC is only legal in a handful of states because of the effect it has on a user’s ability to function through day-to-day activities. The 2018 Farm Bill gave farmers the ability to grow hemp throughout the United States. The growth and use of marijuana is only legal in a handful of states. The biggest takeaway from this is that CBD does not get users “high” while THC does have psychoactive components. 

What types of CBD can I use?

There are many types of CBD products available for use. Panacea Life Sciences offers multiple different types of CBD for your choosing. These include sublingual tablets, soft gels, edibles, salves or creams, and tinctures. Sublingual tablets are administered in the mouth and enter into the bloodstream from there. Soft gels are administered orally, go through the  system, and then enter the bloodstream. The same process happens with edibles (we have cherry gummies). Salves and creams or CBD topicals are used on the skin to affect skin health at the point of application . Tinctures are used in the mouth, and like tablets, enter the bloodstream from there to get rapid effects. There are other types of CBD that Panacea Life does not offer but that can be found elsewhere. We do not advocate for the use of CBD vapes in any form. You can find a list of our products here. We are always working to create the best and most reliable CBD for our customers. 

Where do I get CBD?

There are many places to get CBD products. The most convenient way is through Panacea Life Science’s online store! There are also retail stores that offer CBD. If you live in a state that has legalized marijuana, dispensaries may have CBD available. It is important to research the CBD retailer that you are interested in, because not all CBD is created equal. A reputable CBD company will help you to find the right type of CBD for you. 

Conclusion 

So, morning or the evening? It is truly up to you and the reason you have decided to incorporate CBD into your day-to-day routine. If you want an overall sense of calm throughout your day, CBD in the morning may be right for you. If you are the type of person who needs a little assistance to fall asleep, CBD in the evening may benefit you the most. It is also important to note that maybe you need to administer CBD in the morning and the evening to assist in your wellbeing all day. Try taking CBD in the morning and notice how you feel during the course of your day. Then the next day, try taking CBD in the evening and see how your Endocannabinoid System reacts. After doing this, decide when the best time for you to take CBD is. Morning? Night? Both? There is no right or wrong answer. If you have more questions, feel free to contact us at 1 (800) 985-0515 or [email protected].

 

Links:

https://panacealife.com/faq/

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

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

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031938418307509

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

https://panacealife.com/

https://echoconnection.org/whens-best-time-take-cbd/

Cannabidiol (CBD) isolate’s multiple uses

Cannabidiol (CBD) is finally starting to get the recognition it deserves in the mainstream. This is great news for a lot of people as CBD has so much to offer. However, there are still many things about CBD that people just do not understand. One of those things is what CBD isolate is and what it can do.

CBD basics

The best way to start to understand CBD isolate and what it may do for you, is to first understand what CBD is.

There are over 113 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids are found in Cannabis plants like hemp or marijuana. One of these cannabinoids in CBD. The most famous cannabinoid that you may know of is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This particular cannabinoid is well-known because of the effect it has on people. THC is the cannabinoid that creates the psychoactive high that most people associate with Cannabis.

The association of CBD with THC means that many believe that CBD also creates a high. This is not true. CBD has no psychoactive effects. It does help create a sense of calm in the user. However, unlike THC, it does not seem to have any adverse effect on cognitive functions.

Is CBD isolate even legal?

With cannabis laws being so varied from state to state, this is a completely reasonable question and cause for concern. In December of 2018, the United States legislature did what they are supposed to do every five years, they passed a revised version of the Farm Bill. This bill effects a number of things, but most predominantly agricultural and food programs. In 2018, they included something new into the bill. They added an amendment that made growing and selling industrial hemp and hemp-derived products legal. If hemp is legal, what does that mean for CBD?

First, you should understand the difference between hemp and marijuana. Hemp is defined as Cannabis with less than 0.3% THC content. Marijuana, on the other hand, can have much more THC. While hemp is naturally low in THC, it is also naturally high in CBD. Making hemp legal also made hemp products legal. This means that hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC is legal across the country.

Marijuana-derived CBD may be a different story. That all depends on your state’s Cannabis laws, as marijuana is still federally illegal.

Kinds of CBD extract

There are three kinds of CBD extract. CBD isolate is one of them and we will define exactly what it is, but it is good to understand the others as well. The other two are called full-spectrum and broad-spectrum. The names of these CBD extracts refer to what else in the extract as well as CBD.

Full-spectrum is the best to start with. It is CBD along with everything else that may come with it. This includes cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG) and terpenes. Probably the most important cannabinoid to be found in full-spectrum CBD products is THC. Its presence is what separates full-spectrum from the rest of the extracts. This does not mean, however, that a full-spectrum CBD product will get you high. As detailed above, CBD products are legally not allowed to have more than 0.3% THC content. That is not enough THC to get most people high.

Broad-spectrum is similar to full-spectrum, but still distinct. While it does have a majority of the cannabinoids that get extracted from the Cannabis plant along with CBD, it does not have any THC. You may be wondering why people even want full-spectrum or broad-spectrum. Afterall, if you are looking for a CBD product, why not go with something that is just CBD, nothing else? The draw of these two extracts is a potential reaction known as the “entourage effect.” This is when compounds use each other’s presence to create a stronger feeling (we have an article that goes into more detail about the entourage effect here). In theory, this means that the effects of a full-spectrum or a broad-spectrum CBD product may be stronger than one made with CBD isolate. But that doesn’t mean that CBD isolate is not worth it.

It is probably pretty obvious what CBD isolate is, but let’s go over it anyway. This is a kind of CBD extract that is only CBD. There are no other cannabinoids or other components from the plant in the extract. Only CBD. But with the entourage effect, why would anyone want CBD isolate? There are a lot of reasons. 

CBD isolate’s uses

Research on CBD is something that is still rather preliminary, but it is providing many interesting results and giving people many reasons to use CBD. Some of this research has looked into how CBD can aid in creating a greater sense of peace, other research has looked into CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties. There are so many studies looking at the potential benefits of CBD, so let’s take a look at a few.

Because CBD often gives the user a feeling of calm, many studies have looked at how it can affect anxiety. One study done in 2011 gave CBD to people with social anxiety before they had to participate in public speaking. They found that the CBD greatly helped the participants settle their nerves and go through with the activity.

Much  research has been conducted on how CBD interacts with inflammation. One particularly interesting study looked at how CBD helped with the inflammation associated with a lung injury. The CBD had a very noticeable impact on the inflammation, helping reduce it. This is very exciting as lung injuries can be detrimental.

Many studies, like this one, have looked at CBD and epilepsy. Most (if not all) of these studies have found that CBD may have a promising effect on epilepsy. In fact, Epidiolex is a pure CBD-based medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat severe forms of epilepsy.  

Another study (among many similar to it) was aimed at understanding what effect CBD has on acne. This study found that not only did CBD appear to act as an anti-inflammatory against acne-caused inflammation, but it also reduced sebum production. Sebum is the oil that skin produces that can help protect the skin, but too much of it can cause acne.

As stated before, there are many reasons why people take CBD. Now, let’s look at how much you should take.

Figuring out how much to take

This is where things get a little vague. Unfortunately, there is no exact science that tells you how much CBD to take. There is not a chart that you can look at that is based on something like height and weight. This is because everyone reacts to CBD a little bit differently. Two people who seem very much alike may require different amounts of CBD to achieve the same effect.

This means that if you start taking CBD, you will have to experiment a little. The best way to go about that is to take it slow and begin with low doses. Start your servings small and see how it makes you feel. If you feel like you can or should add more, then do. It will take time, so be patient. As suggested above, if you are taking CBD isolate instead of any other kind of CBD you may have to take more to get the desired effect.

How you take the CBD may make a difference as well. Some forms of CBD product take longer to kick in than others, which may make you think that you need more when you do not. CBD oils and tinctures can be the fastest, if you are placing drops under your tongue. This is because they will absorb directly into the bloodstream that way. However, if the oils or tinctures are mixed in with food, they are likely to take longer. They will need to digest in your stomach before they can get started. The same goes for CBD edibles like gummies. CBD creams and topicals are likely to work fairly quickly. However, these effects are going to be more localized. You cannot put CBD cream on your arm and feel it everywhere else.

If you are on any medications, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before you start taking CBD. There are some medications that may not mix well with the cannabinoid. So, it is best to talk to someone to be sure to cover your bases.

Other than the potential of being a poor mix with some medication, there are no serious side effects associated with CBD. There are some side effects, though. They normally include fatigue and mild nausea. The best way to avoid these is by following the same advice that we have for figuring out how much to take; keep your servings as small as possible. If you start feeling these side effects, stop taking the CBD until they pass.

 

Source:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21307846/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22265864/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4707667/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25061872/

Building a Pet-Friendly First Aid Kit

Broadly speaking, there are two kinds of medications available to human beings and only one for dogs. People can use prescription medications or over-the-counter ones. But, while vets can prescribe medications to your pup, your local pharmacy isn’t likely to carry anything Fido-friendly. Or do they? While products aren’t always marketed for pets, there are still options from your grocery store that can be used to treat your pet before they start displaying vet-worthy symptoms. There are also products you can keep on hand that could make a huge difference in an emergency.

Hydrogen Peroxide & Syringe

For cleaning up cuts, right? Not exactly. Hydrogen peroxide squirted directly down the back of their throat can make a dog throw up. If your dog ever eats something dangerous, hydrogen peroxide can help bring it back up. If you come home to find that your dog chewed up a bottle of aspirin or ate a whole bag of chocolate, you can react immediately if you have hydrogen peroxide stored with a needleless syringe.

Because we don’t have to worry about people eating non-food items, this is one of the most underutilized tools in a pet parent’s arsenal. But we don’t love them because they’re smart, we love dogs because they’re lovable idiots who occasionally eat things that can make them sick.

Cannabidiol (CBD) Tincture

CBD is the perfect substitute for human-grade pain relievers. If you and your dog went for a long hike, you might take an aspirin to help with soreness the next day. Similarly, CBD can be used with your dog to manage stiffness and discomfort. If your dog is having a hard time getting in and out of the car, you can use CBD to help manage the discomfort.

CBD is also a boon for treating situational anxiety, the same way a person might drink tea or use essential oils. CBD can be used on trips or in unfamiliar surroundings to help your dog stay calm and relaxed. Halloween and the Fourth of July are common seasons for CBD usage.

CBD can also be a panacea for your dog’s car sickness. Try a dose of CBD about 15 minutes before getting in the car, so it has plenty of time to take effect before your dog starts to feel nauseous. CBD can also help minimize the pacing and movement that often makes carsickness worse.

Antihistamine

Antihistamines work in dogs similar to how they work on humans. They’re great to have on hand in the summertime, especially when pups are outside and sniffing around spiders and wasps. If your dog seems to have an allergic reaction or reacts to some kind of venom or poison, antihistamines at appropriate dosages will immediately start counteracting allergic reactions. If you suspect that your dog is having an allergic reaction, as soon as you’ve applied it, take them to the vet.

If you buy soft gels, you can also puncture the antihistamine capsule with scissors and mix it with item number 6 to create an at-home topical to treat allergies and skin inflammation. Use it to manage any temporary inflammation or redness on your dog’s skin.

Antibiotic Ointment

A good tube of an antibiotic ointment is perfect for treating the little cuts and scrapes your dog will get in the course of playing and roughhousing. Apply it liberally and try to keep your pup from licking it off, if possible. Sometimes socks or a little latex bandage can provide that barrier of separation. Follow up on those scrapes to make sure they healed up properly.

Vitamin A&D lotion

This stuff is a great carrier lotion for other products (like #2 and #3!) and also works great alone. For skin that needs healing attention, an ointment with Vitamin A&D will do nicely. Use it when your pup burns their paws on hot pavement or when their nose gets chapped from traveling in dry areas.

Probiotics

Probiotics are a great way to respond to any tummy trouble your pup experiences. Dogs have the same risk factors for an underdeveloped microbiome as people: a diet that lacks diversity, antibiotics, and stress. If your pup starts having digestion problems, the core issue might be that their gut needs a little assistance breaking down food.

Canned pumpkin/rice

If there is one doggy over-the-counter pet parents need, it’s an anti-diarrheal for dogs. For now, while that’s not offered, a way to help your dog with loose stool is by adding starch to their diet. Canned pumpkin is easy to keep in the pantry for pet use. Rice is also highly effective at providing some starch and easy to prepare. Use chicken stock instead of water if your pup is particularly picky. Of course, make sure to take your pet to the vet if they experience diarrhea for more than 12 hours or if there are any accompanying symptoms.

BONUS: Pet Go-Bag

Need somewhere to store your fantastic pet first aid kit? Consider making your pet a go-bag. Fill a small bag with enough food, supplies, and any medications your pet might need in an emergency situation to get by for 36 hours. Consider an extra leash, a collapsible pet carrier, and a small blanket. Then put that go-bag in your car or somewhere easily accessible at home. In an emergency situation, you’ll be ready to react.

We love our pets, and we want to make sure we can provide them an almost human level of comfort and security. Having a pet first aid kit prepared can help you provide immediate help to your furry friend in the case of an emergency and help you feel more confident in taking care of your pet when they aren’t feeling well. Ask your vet if there are any other supplies you ought to consider for your pet during their regular checkup.

Want to learn other tricks to help in a pet emergency? Review your doggy Heimlich Maneuver positioning and review pet CPR. We also have another article that explores more about “Should You Try CBD for Your Pet?“

Reference Links:
Cannabidiol, a non-psychotropic component of cannabis
Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs
CPR for Dogs and Puppies

Can CBD Improve Your Golf Game?

Are you wondering if cannabidiol (CBD) can improve your golf game? Look no further – here’s what you need to know.

Chances are you’ve heard of CBD. Over the last few years, it’s gained a great amount of traction. In fact, it’s likely you’ve had a discussion about it before, even if it’s to ask what it is and what all the rage is about. Let’s be real, CBD is taking the world by storm, popping up at gas station checkout counters, and being discussed all across the country. 

The research on CBD is still relatively new, with new scientific research being done every single day on the wide array of health benefits, the safety of CBD, and much more. Many of these studies have been promising for a several people, especially those who suffer from limited mobility.

However, what about CBD for sports? More and more research is being published around this topic, and the potential benefits include enhanced recovery time, reduced inflammation, and reduced nerves. CBD in the sports space is an exciting topic right now – so much so, that this article will specifically look at how CBD can improve your golf game. 

Nevertheless, before we dive into whether or not CBD is the right choice to up your golf game, let’s first explain what CBD is, so we’re all on the same page. 

What is CBD?

If you don’t already know, CBD is one of the many chemical compounds found in the Cannabis plant. However, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD will not produce a psychoactive high. This is because the chemical THC is either not included or included in only imperceptible amounts, allowing CBD products to produce wellness results similar to traditional Cannabis without the need to binge eat a bag of chips. 

So, what are the benefits of taking CBD, and who is it for? 

The research on CBD is still preliminary; however, the existing research points to a wide range of benefits. These benefits include reduced anxiety, insomnia, stiffness, including movement concerns caused by arthritis. 

Okay, that’s all good but what about CBD for sports? Well, as you can imagine, many of the above benefits can also be applied to sports, such as golf. To provide a quick example, golfers who suffer persistent back pain, which impacts their game or ability to walk around the course, may benefit from this wonder supplement. 

Are there any side-effects?

While the benefits sound great, are there any side-effects we should know about?

There are some potential side effects, although these may differ from person to person, also impacted by your chosen method of supplementation. However, that being said, some previously reported side effects include:

  1. Dry mouth
  2. Low blood pressure
  3. Drowsiness
  4. Light-headedness

However, these symptoms were overwhelmingly mild and usually a result of 

heavy, consistent CBD use. Most users experience no side effects whatsoever. It’s entirely individual-based, so you’ll have to try it yourself. However, if you’re unsure, we recommend visiting a healthcare professional for confirmation and support on choosing your preferred method. 

How to supplement CBD?

The magic question, how do I take CBD? Well, there are many different ways to use CBD. From tinctures to topicals, there’s a way for everyone.

Popular methods of supplementation include:

  1. CBD sublingual tablets
  2. CBD tinctures
  3. Creams and topicals
  4. Capsules
  5. CBD edibles
  6. Gummies
  7. CBD oil

Panacea sells sublingual tablets under our golf brand Mulligan.  This tablet works well for relaxation, loosening your grip, and taking the pressure off intensive shots.

We recommend starting with these due to their easy-to-dose properties, but it’s really down to personal preference. Those listed are some of the most simple and convenient methods to get a daily or occasional dose of CBD. 

CBD for sports such as golf 

Existing research on CBD suggests supplementing CBD to help achieve a sense of calm and even reduce inflammation. As you can imagine, this can be seen as a great tool for professional and even amateur athletes who suffer from post-play stiffness, intense exercise, or even difficulty sleeping – another factor that affects recovery. 

Likewise, golfers who’ve been players for years themselves or have run into a few chronic pain issues, either from playing or general wear and tear, may also benefit – mainly due to the inflammation reduction benefits. For example, let’s say you deal with lower back tightness daily, affecting your swing and sometimes even stopping you from heading onto the course to complete nine or eighteen holes. 

Enter CBD – with this housing the ability to reduce inflammation such as that which can cause lower back pain, you may know be able to continue playing – with increased recovery time. Perhaps re-lighting a passion, you were unable to continue with due to pain.

Awesome, right? Right.

Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of supplementing CBD for golfers:

Reduced lower back discomfort 

As previously mentioned, supplementing CBD into your diet may help reduce lower back tightness. As you can imagine, being able to maintain proper posture is essential to a good swing – if you currently have lower back tension, whether this is minor or much more serious, CBD may be the calling you’ve been looking for. 

Enhanced recovery

Likewise, taking CBD may result in enhanced recovery – allowing you to get back on the course sooner with less discomfort and fatigue. The question you are most likely asking is how? 

Well, this is down to numerous reasons. For example, CBD may help you to relax, helping you fall asleep quicker while also potentially increasing your overall quality of time hitting the pillow. As you most likely know, during exercise, our muscle fibers are broken down, and it is during sleep that the vast majority of rebuilding and recovery occurs. Therefore, supplementing CBD may be able to speed up your recovery, also reducing your risk of injury. 

Similarly, as CBD may help you achieve a state of calm, this will also aid in relaxation – helping you fall asleep and get that well-needed recovery you deserve from a good day out on the course. However, anxiety also contributes to nerves – whether you were anxious about a test back in school, your driving test, or a round of golf with your friends, CBD may be able to help with this – subsequently improving athletic performance. 

Finally, athletes and competitors looking to benefit from CBD, including golfers, should use full-spectrum products for the relief benefits. Whether fatigued from your last round the day before, everyday tasks preventing you from that second eagle of the day or general fatigue, CBD may be able to reduce this, allowing you to take your golf game to the next level.

The bottom line 

CBD is no longer just for those suffering from epilepsy and mental health issues. Instead, CBD has found itself in the world of sports. While existing research is limited, the current known benefits suggest CBD to be an effective supplement to enhance sporting performance, including taking your golf game to the next level. 

If you’re looking to purchase some CBD products yourself, whether it’s your first time or want to stock up your supply for your next golfing trip, you can visit our online shop by clicking here. We have many different CBD products, including sublinguals, soft gels, edibles, creams, and tablets. 

Finally, it’s important to note that research is still currently limited. Nonetheless, scientific research is pointing in the right direction, with millions of people across the globe benefitting from CBD.  

The question is: are you ready to lower your handicap by 2 to 3 points?