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All About CBD Oil for Cats

Being a cat owner means you are always looking for ways to improve the health and wellbeing of your kitty friend. Although cats are comparatively easy to care for, there are times when they develop psychological and medical problems just like human beings. Pet owners spent $75.38 billion on their pets in 2019. Out of this figure, more than $34.12B was spent on medication, vet visits, and supplies. 

Fortunately, an affordable health alternative has been introduced in the market, which is known as cannabidiol (CBD). This natural compound gained lots of attention in a short time due to its excellent potential benefits. Read on this article to know everything about the CBD and how it’s useful for your puffy friend.  

What is CBD?  

The cannabis plant contains two cannabinoids in large concentrations, known as CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Since THC causes a high in its users, the consumption of cannabis became illegal for many years. CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t cause any euphoric sensation or serious side effects. Despite this its use also became illegal. In the 2018 Farm Bill, it was stated that CBD is a natural and safe cannabinoid to use. After its legalization, the CBD demand has been continually increasing as it offers numerous potential health advantages.  

Benefits of CBD for Cats  

CBD For Joint Health in Cats  

With the increase in age, cats may experience a decrease in joint health, which may be painful and cause discomfort. To the surprise of several pet owners, CBD may help support joint health for their cats. Anecdotal evidence indicates that cats consuming CBD seem to have better health. As it has been shown to contain anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.  

If your puffy friend is suffering from stiff movement, consuming CBD may be able to help.  

CBD for Nervous Cats  

Just like human beings, cats can also have nervous dispositions. Some cats are born with this problem, while others develop it due to abuse or abandonment problems. No matter what the reason is, nobody wants to see their cats suffering from nervousness. In fact, excessive nervousness may lead to other health concerns, such as fur loss, poor digestion, and stress.  

As CBD may provide anti-anxiety effects in humans and animals, it may be helpful in reducing anxiety in your cat. 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) 

Frustratingly, this is common in cats. IBD cats are most likely to have a cough, get diarrhea, or lose weight. In comparison to other treatments, CBD may be able to help reduce inflammation and, potentially, symptoms.  

Seizures  

Although these are rare in kitties, CBD may be able to help calm those seizures. If your kitty is already taking seizure drugs, do not immediately interrupt them, and consult a vet.  

Asthma  

Some cats have very minor symptoms that require little or no medical procedures. Many cats need inhaler medication for long periods of life. CBD may be a great choice to help these kitties with less inflammation and, therefore, fewer attacks of asthma. Before talking to your veterinarian, you must never stop giving medication that your kitty is taking. When your cat needs an inhaler to breathe, it is suggested not to substitute it with CBD oil. 

Keep in Mind  

If your cat is already under some kind of medication, before providing CBD, please consult your veterinarian to inquire about any potential drug reactions. 

Past work has shown that CBD has a inhibits CYP450 enzymes, which are one of the major class of proteins in the liver used to metabolize drugs. In humans, CBD’s inhibitory activity of P450 enzymes means that taking CBD while taking another drug can impede the action of these enzymes. As a result, the effective drug concentration in the body will be higher and the time to eliminate the drug will be longer.   

In fact, if your cat isn’t taking any traditional medicine, it’s still a good idea to reach out to your vet. These animal experts can give you more advice specific to your pet’s health. 

Ways to Give Your Cat CBD  

Add CBD Oil to Cat Food  

Most cat owners prefer this method for CBD intake, as it’s easy and effective. Just prepare your cat’s meal like you usually do, and add an appropriate CBD amount on top of the food. Both dry and wet food is good to go for this method.  

Place CBD in Your Cat’s Feeding Bowl  

Another successful method is putting CBD oil in your cat’s eating bowl. Since your cat is familiar with its bowl, it’s easier to feed them CBD edibles or oils. Leave it there for some time and observe if your cat has a liking to it.  

Put CBD to Your Cat’s Treats  

Adding CBD to your cat’s favorite treat is also a great idea. It’s similar to adding the CBD to cat food. Just grab your cat’s favorite treat, put CBD on it, and wait for them to eat it. Breaking the treats into pieces can create more surface for the CBD oil to get absorbed.  

Put CBD Oil on the Paws  

If no method mentioned above works, this is the last one to try because it can be wasteful and messy. Still, it’s worth trying since cats are perfectionists when it comes to cleaning and grooming. They keep licking their paws, so putting some CBD oil on their feet will help you feed it to them. There is also a possibility that your cat will end up running and getting the CBD everywhere. Keeping your cat in a bathroom or crate could be helpful in this method.  

Where to Buy CBD? 

If you are looking for the original and best quality CBD product, there are several platforms you can entirely rely on. They offer CO2 extracted, 100% natural, and non-GMO CBD products to every client – all you have to do is look for the right manufacturer.  

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Pup-Parenting 101: CBD for Dogs

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a household name at this point. Ever since the 2018 Farm Bill passed, which essentially legalized the farming and manufacturing of the hemp plant (with exceptions in some states), CBD has become a major source of potential relief for a multitude of ailments. Based on personal accounts and budding research is viewed as an all-purpose daily aid. One area in particular that CBD has risen to the top of is pet care. Whether it’s your dog, cat, or even horse, CBD has something to offer. 

But this article is not for felines-fans and equestrians. Rather, we will be exploring exactly what CBD may do for your canine companions. Before we get into the nitty gritty of CBD’s potential benefits for your pup-pals, let’s get some background information on the compound in question.

What is CBD? 

CBD is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in plants in the cannabis genus. It is one of over 113 cannabinoids found in the plant. These are compounds that interact with our brain producing a meaningful effect. Another well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). For many years CBD was associated with THC, and therefore remained illegal on a federal level. This all changed when the aforementioned 2018 Farm Bill factored into account one major difference between the two cannabinoids. That is, the way in which they interact with the endocannabinoid receptors in our brain.   

Endocannabinoid receptors expressed by cells in our brain that can communicate with cannabinoids, causing our brain to release varying signals, resulting in equally varying effects. THC binds strongly with these receptors and produces a “high,” while CBD binds weakly with the receptors and does not result in such an intoxication. To put it simply, THC is psychoactive, and CBD is not.  That being said, just because CBD doesn’t get you high doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its own effects. As promised, though, we will not be getting into all the wonderful benefits CBD may offer humans. Rather, we’re going to focus on our furry friends.  

What Might CBD Do for Dogs? 

Much like our own brains, dogs also have endocannabinoid receptors. This means that they too could reap the rewards of CBD. While there is no scientific data that definitively proves CBD can completely treat any ailment, there is promising research in the area suggesting possible benefits. 

In particular, CBD has shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. To translate this into how it may be useful for pup-parents, CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may offer relief to your dog’s discomfort related to inflammation. Many owners prefer to avoid the serious and potentially harmful side effects that come with many pain medications. CBD, as an alternative supplement, comes with very little risk and may be quite effective in comforting and relieving your dog of tension and discomfort associated with inflammation. In one study, CBD oil was given to dogs with arthritis. Researchers found that there was a “significant decrease in pain and increase in activity” in the dogs, and “no observable side effects.” 

Feelings of nervousness in their dogs is another issue that more and more pet owners are turning to CBD for. While our furry friends cannot communicate how they’re feeling to us, there are behaviors that suggest what they may be experiencing. Plus—and let’s be honest—it can sometimes feel like we’re more in tune to our dogs’ feelings than our closest friends! Dogs, just like humans, can suffer from a number of disorders, including PTSD, separation anxiety, and situational anxiety (think fireworks, vet visits, and traveling in a car). Common signs that may suggest feelings of anxiety in dogs include reduced appetite, excessive barking, frantic running, aggression, and restlessness. According to research, CBD may help with some of these behaviors. It may increase appetite, and have a relaxing, calming effect on your dog, thus reducing behaviors like excessive barking, aggression and frantic behavior.   

Lastly, CBD research has shown that the cannabinoid may significantly reduce treatment-resistant seizures in both humans and dogs. While there is much more research on CBD for epilepsy and seizures in humans, there is promising research for its efficacy in dogs as well. A small clinical study at Colorado University found that of the dogs with epilepsy who received CBD, 89% showed a reduction in the frequency of seizures. 

What Are the Risks? 

As mentioned earlier, there is little risk with CBD. Given that CBD is a naturally occurring, plant-derived compound, the safety of it is relatively good compared to many pharmaceutical medications.  Some possible side effects of CBD in dogs includes dry mouth or an increase in thirst, drowsiness, and a reduction in blood pressure. Some of these side effects increase or decrease depending on the dosage given to your dog. As well, you may have noticed that the side effects are related to some of the behaviors the CBD may be attempting to relieve. For instance, the “drowsiness” may be associated with the relaxing effect CBD has shown to have on dogs demonstrating feelings of anxiety. The increase in thirst may also relate to the attempt to stimulate your dog’s appetite and water intake. Overall, the list of potential side effects is a small one, and a significantly less dangerous one compared to many other options. 

How Do I Give My Dog CBD? 

There are a multitude of products out there, specifically catered to meet the needs of your dog. While there are CBD edible treats designed to meet your pup’s flavor pallet, many owners prefer to simply add the CBD oil to their dog’s daily food or treat. Panacea Life Sciences offers Canine CBD Oil Drops, which can be used to do exactly that. The instructions for proper doggy-dosage are right there on the bottle to make it easy for owners. Panacea also offers Canine CBD Soft Gels, which are pre-packaged into the appropriate dosages, making it that much easier! Our favorite way to feed our furry friends their daily CBD is by wedging in between a little bread and peanut butter… how will you get your dog drooling over their very own CBD supplements? 

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Is CBD water a good choice?

Cannabidiol (CBD) products are pretty much everywhere these days. They are in many grocery stores and pharmacies almost all across the country. Because of its popularity, CBD manufacturers are trying to find as many products to make CBD into as possible. However, quantity does not always guarantee quality. Some CBD products are just not very good ideas. One that has been circling around that may not be the best is CBD water. But let’s talk about exactly why CBD water is not always the best option. 

An overview of CBD 

There is a fairly good chance that if you clicked on this article, you already know what CBD is. However, it is always good to review the basics and this time the basics boil down to defining CBD. 

CBD is one of over 113 different cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds found in cannabis plants, like hemp and marijuana. Cannabinoids are largely unknown to most people with just a couple of famous exceptions. CBD is one of those exceptions, its fame coming only recently due to us understanding better in the last ten years or so what it could do. The other exception is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

Seeing the letters “THC” probably sparked some sort of connection for you, even if you are new to CBD. This is because THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis. That means that it creates an inebriated state, more commonly referred to as a “high.” THC’s fame still kind of outshines CBD’s. As a result, many people think that CBD creates the same psychoactive effect as THC. However, that is just not the case. CBD is psychoactive and does not create any sort of high. So, if that was a concern for you, you can put it out of your mind. 

When CBD manufacturers make their products, they usually use CBD that has been extracted from hemp. There are a couple of reasons for this. One main one is that hemp has a very high CBD content and a very low THC one (less than 0.3%). The other is the hemp is legal in most states. There are a few exceptions, but for most of the United States it is legal. Marijuana is a different story. It has varying levels of CBD and high levels of THC. It is also federally illegal in the US, with a few states legalizing it on one level or another. 

Is CBD water worth it? 

In case you did not already guess, CBD water is water that has CBD in it. Which at first glance does not seem like a bad idea. However, when you look more closely at CBD water, you will probably change your mind. 

Most CBD waters come in bottles similar to other bottled waters. Meaning they come in clear plastic bottles. This may not seem like a big deal. However, CBD extract breaks down when exposed to light for too long. Most stores have very bright florescent lighting and display their products out in the open. Generally, that is fine, but when you are dealing with something that works best when stored in the dark, it is not great. 

The other problem with CBD waters is that their prices generally do not reflect their concentrations. Most bottles of water cost around a dollar, but CBD waters cost about five dollars per bottle. On top of this, they generally only have around 10mg for a 500ml bottle. That is a very low concentration and is not likely enough to actually give you the effects of CBD. 

So, to put it simply, CBD water is probably not worth it. Between all of the drawbacks of how it is stored and the general price, it just does not make the best CBD product. But there are other CBD products that you can choose from. 

What about other CBD edibles? 

After reading the above section, it may be easy to believe that CBD edibles are just not worth your time. But there are many CBD edibles that are so much better than CBD water and for some very good reasons. Afterall, CBD edibles are among the most popular kinds of CBD products out there. With so many people loving them, there has to be some virtues to edibles. But what are they? 

One thing about CBD edibles that appeals to many is the flavor. Many CBD extracts (though not all) taste like hemp. For many people this is not a problem at all. In fact, some may actively look out for that flavor. However, for others that is a serious drawback. This is where CBD edibles provide a solution. Most edibles taste like the food that they are. Any hemp flavor is more or less overpowered by the food. This makes the CBD much easier and even pleasant to take. 

Another upside of edibles is that they make it very easy to know exactly how much of the cannabinoid that you have taken. Sometimes, with other oral CBD products, it is easy to accidentally take too much or forget how much CBD you have taken. For example, most oils and tinctures come in little bottles with droppers attached to the lid. When measuring out a specific amount, it is all too easy to allow an extra drop or two fall in your mouth, or wherever you are placing the oil. This is not likely to cause you any serious harm, but it can be a pain if you are trying to stick to a specific amount. Most CBD edibles do not have that problem. They are made with the same amount of CBD in every serving. That way you always know exactly how much you have taken going off of how much of the edible you have eaten. 

One thing that does turn some people away from edibles for their CBD intake, is the fact that they take the longest out of all CBD products to start working. This is because in order for the CBD to work, the food it is in needs to digest. So, this could take a couple of hours. However, many people who use CBD edibles report that the effects of the edible last longer than most other CBD products. So, you just have to decide if the wait is worth it to you. 

When it comes down to it, CBD water is probably not your best bet for getting the full potential of CBD. However, there are still many other options that could work for you. If you had your heart set on taking CBD in the form of some food or drink, no worries. Most CBD edibles from reputable companies are definitely worth it. 

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CBD Oil Guide for Newcomers

CBD has been making waves in mainstream culture since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. It would be hard to believe someone hadn’t heard of it at this point! We’re seeing CBD in people’s morning beverages, at the corner store, and in that trendy new pop-up. Not only is CBD everywhere, but it’s also IN everything! I’m talkin‘ vitamins, lotions, baked goods… even putting it in the water! I’m not exaggerating when I say, anything your little heart desires you can just about find.   

Among these many faces of CBD has emerged an especially attractive one in particular: CBD oil. If you haven’t yet been introduced to this liquid gold, I can guarantee by the end of this article, and you’ll be itching to dive into the miraculous substance like it’s a clear blue pool on a hot summer day.     

Let’s Break it Down   

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are chemical compounds found in the marijuana or hemp plant. Both chemical compounds are what we call cannabinoids. While there are over 480 different compounds found in the cannabis plant, only 113 falls into the cannabinoid category.   

What defines a cannabinoid from other compounds is its ability to interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS). You see, our bodies naturally produce their own endocannabinoids, which are molecularly similar to cannabis’ cannabinoids. In effect, THC and CBD can reach the receptors in our ECS and influence how they communicate. Since the ECS is connected to many parts of the brain and body, their influence can reach a multitude of processes, like mood, sleep, appetite, pain, and stress.  

Researchers have defined CB1 and CB2 as our two receptors in the body that mediate many of the effects attributed to these cannabinoids. CBD and THC both interact with our own CB1 receptors but in a significantly different way. THC binds directly with CB1 resulting in feelings of euphoria, and the “high” THC is usually associated with. This is why THC is defined as psychoactive, and explains the controversial history and legality behind it and the marijuana plant.     

What presently excludes CBD from being dragged into THC’s legal business is that it’s not psychoactive. Rather, it binds indirectly or not at all with the CB1 receptors; it can even interfere with THC’s ability to bind, potentially diminishing the bond and resulting psychoactive effects.   

Let’s Dive In   

CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the hemp or marijuana plant and then diluting it with a carrier oil, such as avocado oil, coconut oil or hemp seed oil. In order to manufacture and sell legal CBD, its content must be no greater than .03 percent THC. The hemp plant only produces trace amounts of THC, to begin with, but the marijuana plant with its higher THC content can still be used to produce CBD.  

Pure CBD oil (less than .03 percent THC) is reported to produce a feeling of relaxation and elevated mood. Researchers have found support for many of the current uses being popularized in mainstream culture and continue to study its medical potential to this very day. With a quick web search, one can find volumes of studies and feedback covering every concern and possible usage under the moon, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, inflammation, pain, seizures, withdrawal, migraines, and nausea. Depending on the ailment in question, however, one might notice a trend of different methods of use for different concerns.   

Let’s Explore Options  

There are a variety of methods to using CBD oil which. Naturally, each comes with its own individual upsides and downsides.      

Edibles & Pills  

Edibles come in all forms; beverages, baked goods, candies, and condiments, to name just a few. CBD oil can be infused into almost any recipe or consumable form. Edibles offer a TON of variability and creativity—endless options, delicious flavors, dosage exploration, and the ease of inserting CBD into one’s pre-existing routine, especially now that more cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores are putting CBD on the menu. On the downside, some people may find it to be an unreliable method. Firstly, it takes much longer for the CBD to take effect since it enters the digestive system and takes time to build up in your bloodstream. Second, you can’t always be 100% sure of dosage, especially when they’re homemade. Most agree that CBD pills are a more trustworthy way around this dosage discrepancy, however.   

Vaporizers  

Vaporizer devices like vape pens heat up a small amount of CBD oil and transform it into the vapor you can inhale, put it simply. One of the main pros to this is that the cannabidiol enters your bloodstream faster than other forms, making it a great option for those seeking to manage acute issues. A truly legitimate negative associated with vaping is the possibility of ingesting a solvent called propylene glycol along with the CBD oil, which presents a number of risks to your health. As well, it can be tricky to control dosing, due to confusing or misleading labeling, or individual factors such as variations in inhaling.   

Tinctures  

The CBD oil found in tincture form has been extracted from the hemp or marijuana plant using a pressurized gas or solvent, which is later removed. The remaining CBD is then diluted with a carrier oil to preserve and improve the taste, and then, voila, you have a CBD infused tincture! Typically, one would ingest it orally with a dropper or spray, making it the second quickest method to absorb CBD. Tinctures share basically the same pros and cons detailed above under vaporizers.  

Topicals  

Lotions, balms, and salves all fall under the category of topicals, and therefore should be pretty familiar to you. To increase skin health, simply apply the topical on the body’s appropriate area and allow the extracts, fat (coconut oil, beeswax, etc.), and CBD oil to sink in. Because this CBD product isn’t ingested, it is arguably safer given the lack of research on long-term CBD use. On the other hand, because it’s not ingested, they typically boast a higher CBD content in order to prove effective, making them costly—especially if you’re using them regularly to cover large portions of your body.  

Let’s Be Smart  

As with anything, there is a risk of side effects with CBD, usually observed when people take very high doses. Nausea, fatigue, and blood-thinning are among them. It is always important to talk with a medical professional before adding any new supplement to your dietary routine or health regimen. Do your research and seek professional guidance for the safest, most effective CBD experience possible. 

Interesting Facts About CBD Water

Cannabidiol, affectionately known as CBD, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, it is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce the “high” effect often associated with the marijuana plant. 

CBD has made its way into our coffee shops, convenience stores, health food aisles, and homes. The once illegal and misunderstood cannabinoid has blossomed into an accessible, mainstream supplement that can be used and consumed in every which way imaginable. From gummies and oils to sanitizers and salves and everything in between, the sky is the limit when it comes to the boundless possibilities of cannabidiol. 

It can be quite fun to join the trendy consumers’ and corporations’ exploration of the many forms of CBD available today, but do you know what’s even more fun? Becoming the expert trendy consumer. 

CBD Water 

CBD water is one cannabidiol product that has made its way to forefront of trends in recent years. It’s exactly what it sounds like: water infused with CBD particles. The major selling point is that this particular method of ingesting is an easy, no-fuss way in which to inject your daily CBD fix into your diet and reap the rewards. In theory, the product makes perfect sense. I mean, we all have to drink water anyways, right?  

But like all trends once put to the test, we are forced to ask: is it really worth the hype? 

The Facts 

For starters, the typical CBD water product contains a comparatively small amount of CBD—around 2-5 mg per container. To give you a point of reference, the average dosage shown to produce significant effects on average is 15 mg minimum, according to research. The companies accused of being stingy with their dosages argue that this smaller-than-average dose is acceptable due to something called nanotechnology. 

Nanotechnology is a process that essentially gift wraps the CBD molecule in microscopic nano-carriers which stabilize the CBD. This teeny-tiny, brand new, and shiny CBD package can supposedly move much faster in our blood and remain much longer in the body than tired, old, plain Jane CBD molecule. Thus, “nano-CBD” not only reaches its target faster, but also releases more slowly over time, allowing for an overall more effective CBD experience. Sounds great, right? There’s just one issue: research on nanotechnology is limited, while skepticism is relatively abundant. 

Another tidbit worth noting is that CBD can break down when exposed to light and air exposure. As a result, storage conditions matter. Given that CBD water is typically sold in grocery stores, one would question whether those days or even weeks of sitting under bright lights might degrade the already minimal CBD content.  

Lastly, CBD water is expensive. Compared to basic bottled water, which averages around $1 to $2 dollars, CBD water typically runs a cost of $5 or more. Even when bought in bulk, CBD water can be more expensive compared to a different CBD form of the equivalent dose.   

Whether or not CBD water deserves its spot on the trendy list is up to you to decide. In the meantime, there’s always: Panacea’s Cherry Bomb Gummies.  

By the way, with us, you never have to question the hype. 

THC, CBD, and Cannabinoid Differences

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been a topic of discussion for quite some time, and a controversial one at that. On the other hand, Cannabidiol (CBD) has only recently entered the chatroom, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. Since then, CBD has dominated the cannabis conversation.   

Let’s be honest: CBD is #TRENDING. I don’t mean it’s trendy like kale, circa 2012 trendy, but trending, due to the numerous reported health benefits.   

In other words, this trend is lasting.    

What is it about CBD that makes it so exciting? How is it different from THC? And what the heck is a cannabinoid?!  

Cannabinoid  

While many people upon hearing the words marijuana or cannabis immediately think of “weed” or whatever other coined term they might have adopted over time (pot, the Devil’s lettuce, wacky tobacky…to name a few), there is so much more to the incredible plant that is Cannabis sativa L.  

The THC “weed” compound (which we’ll get back to shortly) is actually just one of over 480 naturally occurring chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. Of these 480, around 113 are considered cannabinoids.   

These little compounds can regulate how cells communicate in the body. Within our central nervous system lies the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is comprised of a number of receptors and enzymes that interact with cannabinoids to produce biological effects.  One of the main studied receptors are the CB1 and CB2 receptors.  CB1 receptor activation has been associated with the euphoric effects of cannabis.  Different cannabinoids will produce different effects when introduced to our own ECS, but what they all have in common is their ability to interact with receptors and affect bodily activities like mood, sleep, memory and appetite.1  

Cannabidiol (CBD) vs. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)  

Both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (THC) are cannabinoids, which, as we know at this point, means they both can interact with the ECS. However, there are some key differences between them.  

THC binds directly with the CB1 receptors, allowing it to produce the “high” sensation that arguably makes it so famous (and not always legal) in the first place. CBD interacts very weakly with CB1 receptors, but can only bind indirectly or not at all to them, rendering it non-psychoactive and even giving in the ability to reduce the effects of THC. While CBD does not lead to the intoxicated “high” seen with THC, it can still produce significant effects. Notably, a sense of calm and relaxation or lift in mood.     

Since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, which essentially made CBD legal so long as it contains less than 0.3 percent THC, it has exploded into popular mainstream culture. Manufacturers, researchers, and your everyday consumer boast claims of CBD’s ability to treat a plethora of ailments, with several studies supporting these very claims. Among these ailments include insomnia, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, stress, chemotherapy side effects, seizures…the list goes on and on.  

For more information on CBD’s magic, THC, and everything else cannabis-related, head to our blog page!  

Resources

What are cannabinoids?

CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference?

Are CBD edibles worth the hype?

It is no secret that the cannabidiol (CBD) industry is doing well right now. People have been interested in CBD and the potential benefits it may offer. As a result, there are a quite a few CBD products out there for people to try. There is one particular kind of CBD product that seems to be getting the most hype. That would be CBD edibles. But why do people enjoy them so much? Are they worth trying? Let’s answer those questions along with a few others.  

What is CBD, and what does it do?  

One thing that we need to cover before anything else is what CBD even is and how it many benefit its users.    

You have likely heard of the two main kinds of cannabis plants out there, hemp and marijuana. But do you know what it’s that makes them so special? It is a group of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. Many of these compounds are found in cannabis plants, with over 113 cannabinoids that scientists have identified and named so far. CBD is one of these 113 cannabinoids. However, it is not likely to be the only one that you have ever heard of. Another cannabinoid that is even more famous is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).  

The reason that you have likely heard of THC before is that it is psychoactive. This means that it is responsible for creating the high that is commonly associated with marijuana. Because THC is a cannabinoid, there are many people who confuse and/or conflate it with CBD. They believe that CBD could also create a high, that it is also psychoactive. However, these people are mistaken. CBD isnt‘ psychoactive at all and will not cause a high.  

When CBD manufacturers make CBD products, they tend to use hemp, rather than marijuana. While CBD can be found in both cannabis variations, the concentrations tend to be different. Hemp plants have very high concentrations of CBD, and very low concentrations of THC (less than 0.3%). This makes the extraction of CBD so much easier. Marijuana has high concentrations of THC, and varying levels of CBD. These concentrations are one of the main reasons why hemp is federally legal in the United States (with exceptions in some states), but marijuana is only legal in a handful of states and still federally illegal.  

While the studies on CBD’s effects are generally considered to still be preliminary, they are still growing in number at an encouraging rate. A majority of these studies have found some very exciting results, as well. For example, many studies have suggested that CBD could be helpful in achieving a greater sense of calm. Other studies have shown that CBD may be able to support joint health. There are even studies that have found that CBD could be useful in fighting acne. These are just a handful examples of the kind of studies surrounding CBD that have been going on over the last couple of decades. Odds are, as time goes on, we will learn more about the benefits this cannabinoid could offer us.  

Are CBD edibles worth exploring?  

In case you were not sure, CBD edibles are any food or drink that has been made using CBD extract. As mentioned, they are incredibly popular among the CBD community. But why?  

There are many reasons why people love CBD edibles. One of the main ones is how easy they are to take and control how much you take. Most CBD edibles are made to have the same amount of CBD in every serving. That way you know precisely how much CBD you have taken. This is rather different from other CBD products, like oils for example. With oils you measure out the amount with a dropper. However, it is all too easy to accidentally get an extra drop or two. While that is not the biggest of deals to many, there are some who are rather sensitive to CBD. If they take a little too much, it could cause some side effects (while the side effects are not serious, they are still not fun to deal with). With edibles, you do not have to worry about those extra drops.  

Another reason why edibles are so popular is the flavor. Some oral CBD products carry the earthy flavor of hemp. For many that is not a problem, it is even a bonus. But for others, it makes CBD very unpleasant. Luckily, CBD edibles do not have that problem. They tend to taste like whatever food or drink it is. The flavor of that food overpowers the herbal hemp taste. So, if you are concerned about the flavor of oral CBD products, then you may want to give an edible a try.  

However, it is not all good things with CBD edibles. The one downside of this product is that they tend to take the longest to start working out of all CBD products. This is because the food or drink needs to digest before the CBD can start doing its work. The flipside of this is that the effects do tend to last longer. So, there is a little bit of a trade-off with that negative aspect.  

If you are looking for something that will start working quickly, then you may want to look into using an oil or a tablet. Those are placed under the tongue, instead of simply swallowed. Because the skin beneath the tongue is thin, the CBD absorbs into the bloodstream quickly and starts its work faster.  

So, are CBD edibles worth all of the hype they are given? Well, that depends on you. After reading this article, hopefully you have better idea of the pros and cons of edibles. Then you will be able to decide if it is the right CBD product for you. If you are still not full convinced one way or another, why not give some edibles a try? We, here at Panacea Life Sciences, have our Cherry Bomb CBD Gummies. They are delicious and packed full of CBD. Check them out here. 

Can you take too much CBD?

As cannabidiol (CBD) becomes more popular, there are more and more questions surrounding that pop-up. This is understandable, as it is a relatively new product for many people. One of the major questions that come up is how much CBD is too much? We here at Panacea Life Sciences are such firm believers in a proper education and understanding about our products, we want to be sure that you know exactly how to use CBD safely. So, let’s talk about how much is too much and how to find the right amount of CBD for you.  

What is CBD, and what does it do?  

CBD is a chemical compound found in cannabis plants, like marijuana and hemp for example. It’s a member of a particular class of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. There are many cannabinoids. So far, scientists have found over 113 different cannabinoids, and it is likely that they will find more in the future. There is another cannabinoid that is likely more memorable for most people. That cannabinoid would be tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). But THC is famous for reasons that are not exactly the best.  

THC’s fame is derived from what it does to those who use it. It is a psychoactive cannabinoid. That means that it makes an inebriating high. It is the prominent cannabinoid responsible for creating the high that is so commonly associated with marijuana. This leads many to suppose that because CBD is also a cannabinoid, it is also psychoactive. However, CBD is not psychoactive in any way. It does not make its users inebriated or high at all.   

When CBD companies make their products than more often than not, use hemp rather than marijuana. One of the main reasons is that hemp is rich in CBD. On top of that, it only contains a THC content that is never more than 0.3%, which is such a minimal amount that it cannot create any sort of high. These concentrations make the hemp ideal for extracting CBD. Marijuana is nearly the opposite of hemp. It has very high concentrations of THC, and its CBD levels vary from plant to plant. This preference is also helped by the fact that hemp is legal throughout most of the United States (there are some states where it is still illegal). Marijuana is only permitted in a handful of states with some significant restrictions.  

We are still learning much about what CBD has to offer its users, but so far, studies have shown some promising results about the benefits of CBD. Several studies have looked at CBD’s effect on one’s state of mind. Many have found that CBD could be useful in reducing nervousness. Other studies have focused on how CBD may support joint health, and the results have been encouraging. Some other studies have suggested that CBD could be a good aid for those struggling with acne. These studies are just a handful of examples of the many studies that have started to appear over the last couple of decades. We will likely see more studies and learn more about this cannabinoid in the future.  

Is there such a thing as too much CBD?  

The short answer to this is yes. There is such a thing as too much CBD. After all, we should be taking all the good things in moderation. While CBD is considered safe, it is possible to experience some negative side effects if you take too much of the cannabinoid. These side effects often include things like fatigue, nausea, and gastrointestinal upset. Clearly, these are not the most life-threatening side effects, but that does not mean that they should not be avoided. The problem is, there is no one set amount of CBD that everyone should take. Everyone reacts to CBD a little bit differently. Some are more sensitive to it than others. So, how do you figure out how much is enough for you?  

Well, you do it very carefully. Start out taking the smallest amount of CBD possible. Wait a little while and see how it sits with you. Remember that some CBD products take longer to take effect than others. If you are not experiencing any negative effects, but are not getting the positive ones either, then you can try increasing the amount by a little bit. Once you find the lowest amount that gives you good effects and no bad ones, you know that you have found the right amount of CBD.  

It should be known and remembered that CBD does not mix with certain medications. Some medications stop working or do not work as well when used with CBD. So, if you are interested in taking CBD, it is a good idea to discuss it with your healthcare provider first, as they should know if CBD will sit well with your medications.  

Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. So, when using CBD, especially when you are new to it, be sure to take it easy at first. Start with a low amount and see how it sits with you. Taking a lot of it at once can create a rather unpleasant experience, and no one wants that.  

Hopefully, this article has helped answer any questions you may have had about CBD. But if you still have any questions, comments, or concerns, let us know. You can reach a member of the Panacea Life Sciences team by emailing us at [email protected] or visiting our contact page. If you feel like you are ready to give CBD a shot, check out our shop page. We have a wide range of high-quality CBD products for just about everyone (including pets)! All of our CBD products are made with organically grown, locally sourced hemp, and is tested to be sure that we are giving our customers the best quality CBD products possible. 

An overview of CBD capsules and other products

If you are new to the world of cannabidiol (CBD), you will quickly find that there are many CBD capsules products out there. So many that it may feel like a daunting task just to find the right one for you. However, we here at Panacea Life Sciences are all about education. We want to give you the correct tools to make an informed decision about your CBD choice. So, here is a small description of each kind of CBD product, so that you can find your perfect match.  

CBD capsules: an explanation  

If you are reading this article, there is a good chance that you are new to CBD capsules. As a result, we want to make sure that our customers know what CBD even is. Let’s get started.    

All variations of the cannabis plant contain a group of chemical compounds found in them that are called cannabinoids. These compounds are highly diverse, with over 113 that researchers have found so far. CBD is one of these cannabinoids. It is among two of the more famous cannabinoids, the other being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).    

There is a fairly good chance that you heard about THC a long time ago. This is because it was one of the first cannabinoids to have its effect identified. THC is the compound that creates the high that is associated with marijuana use. Because both CBD and THC are found in cannabis and are both cannabinoids, there is a misguided thought that CBD is psychoactive as well. However, CBD capsules does not have psychoactive effects whatsoever.  

The two main variations of cannabis are hemp and marijuana. While you can find CBD capsules in either of these variations, CBD manufacturers usually prefer using hemp, rather than marijuana. One of the reasons for this is that hemp is federally legal in the United States (with exceptions in a few states), which makes selling the CBD much easier. Marijuana is still federally illegal, which, despite the few states that have legalized it, makes selling it much more complex. The other reason why hemp is the go-to is because hemp is rich in CBD, while only containing a THC concentration of 0.3%, which is not enough to cause a high. Marijuana has consistently high THC concentrations and inconsistent CBD levels.  

CBD products  

So, now that you have a clearer picture of what CBD capsules is, let’s get into its products.  

CBD Capsules & tablets  

These are a pretty popular product. They are essentially CBD in pill form. Capsules are the most pill-like. They usually come in the form of soft gels. This means that they are made from liquid CBD extract. The appeal of this is that the capsules are softer and as a result easier to swallow. They also digest more quickly than hard-packed pills. CBD tablets are little bit different, but still a great option. These you take by placing them under your tongue (or just directly into your mouth, depending on the size of the tablet), and you let them dissolve. This way of taking CBD is more efficient because the skin in your mouth is thin, allowing the CBD to enter your bloodstream faster.  

Tinctures & oils  

Oils and tinctures are considered to be the more traditional form for CBD to take. They are pretty simple, being made by mixing CBD capsules extract with a carrier oil, like coconut oil for example. Their general appeal is that they offer some options in how you can take them. One simple way is pretty direct, you just place a drop or two into your mouth and hold it there for a minute or two. This utilizes the same idea as tablets. Taking advantage of the thin skin of the mouth, the CBD can enter your system pretty quickly. The other way you can take a CBD oil is by mixing it in with food or drink to create your own edible. The one downside of this is that the food or drink needs to digest before the CBD starts to work. This means that you might have to wait up to a couple of hours for the CBD to work.  

Edibles  

CBD edibles are definitely the most popular product out there. This is totally understandable and not at all surprising. In case you have not guessed, edibles are any food or drink that has been made using CBD extract as one of its ingredients. Edibles are a delicious and easy way to get your daily dose of CBD. They help provide you with CBD without that earthy hemp taste that turns so many off of CBD. However, edibles do have their downside. Like with CBD oil that has been mixed with food, the edible needs to digest before the CBD can take effect. As a sort of tradeoff though, the effects tend to last the longest out of all of CBD products.  

Topicals  

CBD topicals are a very wide category of products. They include anything that you use on your skin rather than taking it orally. They could be lotions, creams, salves, hand sanitizers, or even cooling/heating patches. When applied topically, CBD usually is not absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, instead absorbs through the pores. That way the CBD does its work in a much more localized area and stays in that general area.  

FDA approved medications  

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a few different CBD based medications over the last couple of years. One of these is Epidiolex. This medication is made to help those, especially children, who struggle with two rare forms of epilepsy. There is another medication, Sativex, that is aimed at helping keep down the spastic pain that is associated with Multiple Sclerosis. Most of the other FDA approved, CBD based medication are made to help fight the nausea that is a common side effect of cancer treatments.  

So, now you have a better idea of what each kind of CBD product has to offer. All you need to do now is decide which one you would like most to try. Who knows? Maybe you will want to try more than one! 

Can I take CBD for sleep?

Nobody likes it when they have issues falling asleep at night. A poor night’s sleep can completely ruin your day. It can leave you feeling irritable and groggy, and even produce physical effects like headaches. For some, having issues relaxing enough to actually fall asleep is an ongoing issue. It leaves many looking for some kind of solution. While there are medications out there that may help, not everyone wants to take those due to their potential side effects or just because they do not want to be dependent on a medication. So, they turn to more holistic options. One that has come up in recent years is cannabidiol (CBD). 

What is CBD? 

If you are going to talk about the potential benefits of CBD, you need to have at least a basic understanding of what it is. So, let’s give a quick definition. 

There are 113 different members of a particular kind of chemical compound found in cannabis plants (like marijuana and hemp). They are called cannabinoids. While most of the 113 different cannabinoids you have probably never heard of, there are two that are pretty famous. One of them is CBD. The other is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

The acronym THC is likely more familiar to you than CBD. This is because THC is well-known for being the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. This means it is responsible for creating an inebriated state normally thought of as a high. Because it is also a cannabinoid, those who are unfamiliar with CBD often think that it is psychoactive as well. However, CBD is not psychoactive. It does not create any sort of high or inebriation. 

You can find CBD in both variations of the cannabis plant, whether it is hemp or marijuana. However, when CBD manufacturers make their products, they prefer to use hemp instead of marijuana. They have some pretty good reasons for this preference. One is that it is easier to get large amounts of CBD from hemp than it is with marijuana. Hemp has very high concentrations of CBD. Plus, its THC content is only 0.3%, which is such a small amount, it is unlike to cause anyone to get high. Marijuana, on the other hand has varying levels of CBD. Some marijuana plants could be rich in it, while others have a tiny amount. On top of that, marijuana has very high THC levels.  

Another reason for the preference of hemp is the fact that it is federally legal in the United States. That means that it is legal in practically every state of the country (there are a few exceptions though, so be sure to know your state’s laws). Marijuana is still federally illegal. Which makes selling products made from marijuana that much more complicated. 

Now that we have covered the basics of CBD, it is time to move on to the big question: could CBD help people get to sleep? 

Could CBD be helpful for sleep? 

If there is one thing that CBD is famous for, it is helping people achieve a greater sense of calm. However, could those potential soothing properties actually help people calm enough to get them to sleep? Possibly.  

Before we get into what exactly the studies surrounding CBD say, let’s cover one other piece of basic information. Most animals (including humans) have a series of receptors known as the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The receptors of this system respond to stimulation from compounds in the body called endocannabinoids. Cannabinoids are very similar to endocannabinoids. The main difference is that they are found in plants (and as a result, are often called phytocannabinoids) rather than synthesized in the body. Their similarities are enough that cannabinoids can actually interact with and cause reactions from the ECS. This is good news for those who struggle with sleep, because a study from 2016 found that the ECS has an effect on helping regulate the sleep cycle. So, with this in mind, let’s look at some other studies on CBD and sleep. 

One study conducted in 2013, looked specifically on how CBD effects the sleep cycle of rats. The researchers broke the rats up in groups depending on how much CBD they were to be given (2.5mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and a placebo group). The researchers then recorded the rats’ sleep cycles before giving them the CBD to get an idea of what the regular cycle was like. Researchers noted the rats that were given 10mg/kg CBD had a significant increase in the amount of sleep, whereas the other groups either saw a decrease or no change. This would suggest that more sleep could be achieved when the right amount of CBD is found. 

Another study that was published in 2016 focused on the way CBD may be able to help a small child, who was struggling with insomnia caused by post–traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This child had had a traumatic early childhood. As a result, she was struggling with getting to sleep and staying asleep. The researchers gave her a trial of CBD oil. The researchers report that it not only created an increasing improvement in the amount of sleep that she was getting, but it also created a drop in her anxiety symptoms.  

An important thing to remember about these studies and other, similar ones, is that most of them have been done on animals like rats. There have not been many yet that have been done on humans. However, the results are still encouraging because the ECS is still present in rats and humans, which suggest that the results could be similar if not the same. But more research does need to be done on humans in order to fully understand CBD’s effects. 

So, could you take CBD to help with sleep? Potentially, but it is important to talk about it with your healthcare provider first. If it does appear that CBD could be a good option for you, we here at Panacea Life Sciences carry CBD capsules that are made with melatonin, to create a formula to help ease you into a restful sleep. 

Alternative Discomfort Relief

Discomfort relief is something that plagues everyone. There are many different types of discomfort relief and they are all bad and all deserving of support and relief. But there are some in types of discomfort that negatively impact people’s lives on a much larger scale than others. According to the American Council on Science and Health, 20% of Americans report experiencing pain every day or pain that lasts more than 24 hours. This means that roughly 50 million US citizens live with chronic pain. The incidence of chronic pain is more prevalent than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined. Sadly, mainstream treatments may come with risks, and sometimes very great ones.  

The opioid crisis is a plague in and of itself. While America combats this crisis and the medical field grapples with finding less risky but still effective treatment options for discomfort, more and more people turn to alternative methods. These alternative methods can be someone’s entire treatment plan, or simply a supplement to their existing health regimen. One alternative option that has been growing rapidly in popularity cannabidiol, otherwise known as CBD. 

While much research still needs to be done and the validity of claims regarding CBD and pain management are by no means definitive, there have been promising findings and positive reports from individuals. A 2018 cross-sectional study of cannabidiol users found that pain was among the top three motivators among people to use CBD. Moreover, the study found that 36% of respondents reported the particular CBD in question worked “very well by itself” in reducing their pain, while only 4.3% stated it worked “not very well.”  

CBD: What is it? 

CBD is a natural occurring chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, formally referred to as tetrahydrocannabinol, it is not psychoactive. This means it does not induce the euphoria or “high” effect associated with THC. Despite its non-psychoactive status, CBD does indeed interact with cell communication in the brain, and therefore has its own set of unique and varying effects. Since the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD products of all kinds have been popping up everywhere, but businesses trying to profit off a piece of the CBD pie are not the only ones who have taken an interest.    

Volumes of studies within the medical field are being turned out left and right as researchers make up for lost time, exploring every possible facet of this fascinating compound in attempts to access and understand all its magical properties. The more researches learn of CBD, the more it becomes clear that its magical properties are very much rooted in reality.  

The studies exploring CBD and pain management are among those continuously turning out promising findings, giving those afflicted by discomfort a new and hopeful option to turn to when considering treatment alternatives. What’s even better, the research on CBD’s potential benefits goes above and beyond the general umbrella that is chronic pain. In fact, research has quite purposefully included many other types of pain, such as arthritis, migraines, cancer pain and neurogenic pain. Much like those linked to chronic pain, these findings of these studies have also proved promising. 

CBD’s Potential 

One of the major potential benefits of CBD to come out in recent years is related to its anti-inflammatory properties and possible ability to alleviate neuropathic pain. These findings are especially significant given that inflammatory and neuropathic pain are two of the most difficult types of chronic pain to treat. 

A 2015 review led the reviewers to claim, “CBD reduces inflammation through several pathways in the body and represents an effective potential treatment for a range of conditions characterized by inflammation.” A 2016 study on rats with arthritis found that four daily CBD gel applications reduced inflammation in that rats’ joints, as well as a reduced the exhibition of pain related behavior. Similarly, another study on rats with osteoarthritis found that, after two weeks of applying a topical CBD treatment, acute inflammation of the joints had decreased. Moreover, the CBD prevented further nerve damage and joint pain.  

The pain relief observed in the rat studies has been observed in a substantial number of other studies as well, leading many medical experts to take notice and seek further consideration into cannabidiol as a viable option for the management of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. The implications here are significant when looking at the numerous ways in which inflammation and neuropathic pain are connected to both acute and chronic pain related to not only to arthritis, but cancer, diabetes, asthma, lower back pain, multiple sclerosis, and more.  

Methods of CBD Treatment  

An important thing to consider when finding the appropriate method of CBD use is dosage. CBD oil in liquid or capsule form is a great option when experimenting with dosing. The milligram content should be labeled clearly, and oils typically come with a dropper or applicator allowing you to ingest your desired CBD dosage with more precision and certainty. Other edibles, like baked goods and gummies, usually specify the exact CBD content as well. It’s important to remember, however, that CBD is in the beginnings of being regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so you cannot always be 100% sure of what you’re getting. This is where research and professional guidance is especially important. 

CBD pills and edibles take time to digest, which might be acceptable for someone seeking regular, sustained relief, but if you’re looking for more immediate relief, directly administering CBD oil to your tongue will be a much faster way to achieve it. Topicals, like salves and balms, are great for applying and reapplying directly to the afflicted area in hopes for localized and lasting relief. Because the cannabidiol is not being absorbed into the bloodstream, topicals are unlikely to present risk of unwanted side effects, such as nausea and fatigue.  

As always, the best way to decide which method of CBD is right for you is to speak to a medical professional. This will help you get informed on whether CBD is a suitable choice for you, and likely help point in you in the right direction to make sure the product you’re buying is safe and reliable. 

  

Guide to find quality CBD oil

For most of us, it may seem like cannabidiol (CBD) hopped from nowhere. The mysterious compound contained in cannabis plants has changed from near anonymity to a drug to a dietary supplement with multiple health claims that is welcomed by millions within a few short years. Everybody is thinking about CBD, from college campuses to nursing homes, leaving others wondering where the other shoe will drop, exposing an adverse side of the wellness phenomenon.  

CBD goods have achieved worldwide mass acceptance. It is not unusual to see retail stores selling CBD goods where their uninhibited sale is allowed by statute. However, it is a little more challenging to buy CBD than to purchase other dietary supplements. You need to make sure that the producer from whom you are buying has the proper documents or can face issues with the quality of the product. Beyond that, you should locate a reputable distributor that can guarantee the consistency of the product they sell. Here’s how you can identify better CBD oil without being a specialist on the matter.  

Make sure you buy genuine CBD oil:  

The CBD industry is fresh, and its popularity is beginning to grow. The rise has attracted many scammers, most of whom aim to benefit by leveraging the complete lack of knowledge of the material in the people. You’ll find many online sellers trying to pass hemp seed oil as CBD oil, for example. Hemp seeds do not contain cannabinoids.  CBD hemp oil needs to be extracted from the arial parts of the plant (flowers and leaves).   

Know how it is extracted:  

Some of the aspects you would be involved in when you browse at a manufacturer’s website are transparent. How open are they to their manufacturing processes? Do they illustrate how the CBD is extracted from the hemp? There are many ways to get derive CBD from the hemp plant. Inexpensive solutions include the use of strong solvents, which do the job, but may contaminate the finished product if not treated carefully. The costliest — and better way of extracting the CBD is to use supercritical CO2. If you can, purchase products from manufacturers using the second process. Transparency is a positive thing in every direction. Ignore manufacturers not disclosing this kind of information.  

Look for test results:  

The best way to guarantee that a CBD product is contamination-free is by getting it checked by a third-party laboratory. Upstanding sellers also have their CBD checked and post the tests online to verify each batch’s purity right before you order their stuff. People who skip this step save money and may bring down the products’ price, but buying CBD, which has been tested, is safer.  

Find out the details of hemp:  

Another approach to further guarantee high-quality CBD is to figure out where the hemp has come from and how the plant biomass is handled by the manufacturer. The roots of the plant may absorb any contaminants the hemp is grown in and will be concentrated in the plant and subsequent products.   Poor processes in growing and storing hemp will result in material that is contaminated with harmful microbial organisms, heavy metals, pesticides, and herbicides.  Ideally, the manufacturer should work with growers who regularly test their soil to prevent contamination of these kinds.  

Contact your retailers:  

The strongest source of knowledge is always the people related to the field. Ask other retailers that deal with CBD or look online at conferences and conventions. See if you can find good suppliers and what drawbacks to avoid in the future that can spare you many headaches. 

Do CBD edibles taste like hemp?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an ever-increasingly popular ingredient in the area of holistic products. This cannabis-derivative has been gaining fame and use throughout the United States. There are a few reasons for this. But one of them is that CBD is easily mixed in with food and drinks, making CBD edibles. If you are new to CBD, these may be an excellent introduction, but it is understandable to have some questions. For instance, if CBD comes from cannabis, will it taste like the plant? Let’s explore that idea together.  

What is CBD?  

Let’s start simply by defining CBD first.  

Cannabis plants, like hemp and marijuana, contain chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. These compounds are very diverse, with over 113 different ones that researchers have identified so far. CBD is one of these compounds. While it is one of the more famous cannabinoids, there is another that is even more well-known. That would be tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).  

THC’s fame comes mainly from its effect on those who use it. THC is the psychoactive component. That means that it creates an inebriating high that is often thought of in junction with cannabis. It is not uncommon for people to misunderstand and conflate CBD and THC, thinking that because they are both cannabinoids and are both found in cannabis, they are both psychoactive. However, CBD is not psychoactive at all. It does not give any sort of high or inebriation.  

Manufacturers of CBD products usually extract the CBD from hemp rather than marijuana, although it is found in both variations of cannabis. There are a couple of reasons for this. One of the main ones is legality. Hemp was officially legalized in the United States in 2018 by the Farm Bill. This is a bill that regulates everything to do with agriculture, including what farmers can and cannot grow and sell. Every five years, it is reviewed, updated, and passed again. That year the bill included a provision that legalized hemp for farmers to grow and sell (with limits in some states). On the other hand, marijuana is still illegal in most countries, with some that have legalized it either for medical or recreational use.   

Another reason why CBD companies prefer hemp is accessibility. Hemp has high CBD levels and low THC (less than 0.3% to be exact). Meanwhile, marijuana has high levels of THC and varying degrees of CBD. So, it is easy to see why hemp is preferable.   

Now that readers have a good idea of what CBD is and where it comes from, let’s talk about CBD edibles.  

What do CBD edibles taste like?  

This all depends on what kind of edibles you are taking. Usually, they taste like whatever food they are made out of. However, some might have a little bit of an earthy hemp taste to them. If that is something that you would either like to avoid or actively seek out, let’s talk about what to look for.  

Let’s start by defining a couple of different kinds of CBD. There are three main types of extract: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full and broad spectrums are more likely to have more of the earthy hemp flavor because they still have a specific kind of cannabinoid known as terpenes. They are the cannabinoids that give cannabis plants their distinctive flavor. CBD isolate just CBD with nothing else. As a result, that form of the extract is flavorless. So, CBD edibles with a full or broad-spectrum are more likely to have a hemp flavor, whereas edibles with CBD isolate will not.   

It also depends on the kind of food that the edible is. If it is a food with a more robust natural flavor, it is more likely to overpower the hemp flavor. If it is something with a more subtle flavor, you may still get a bit of that hemp taste.  

What is the correct amount of CBD for me?  

This is a common question, but that does not make it an easy one the answer. This is because there is no smooth formula for figuring out the right amount of CBD for everyone. While there does appear to be a link with weight, age, and genetics, that is not always a guarantee in choosing the right amount of CBD. Some people need high levels of CBD to get their desired effect, while others only need a little. So, to give you an idea of how much CBD to take, let’s start by laying out what to expect if you take too much.  

In general, CBD is considered safe. However, that does not mean that it does not have any side effects. They generally consist of things like nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. While these are not life-threatening, they are not fun and not something you should have to deal with. These side effects are usually associated with taking too much of the cannabinoid. As a result, they are reasonably easy to avoid as long as you are taking the right amount. So, how exactly should you go about figuring out that amount?  

The best way to figure out how much CBD you should be taking is by starting slow. Start with as small as an amount as possible. What a little while and see how it sits with you. This aspect is especially crucial with edibles as they require the food to digest before the CBD can start working. Once an appropriate amount of time has passed and you are still not experiencing your desired effect, but are not having any adverse side effects either, then you can up the amount you take. Increase it only in small increments. The lowest amount that gives you the desired result without adverse side effects is the right amount for you.  

It is important to remember that CBD does not always mix well with medications. Some do not work as actively or stop working entirely, when in the presence of CBD. If you are interested in using CBD but are currently taking medication, it is best to discuss it first with your healthcare provider. They should know how the CBD will sit with your medicine.  

CBD edibles are among the most popular ways to take CBD out there, and there is a good reason for this. But it is always good to know what exactly to expect from what you are buying. Hopefully, this article has given you a more unobstructed view; if you have any unanswered questions, feel free to contact us by emailing [email protected].   

 

How could CBD benefit your dog?

Let’s face it: You are probably more concerned with your dog’s wellbeing than your own. Don’t worry, we understand. What can we say? We love our pets too. While you are looking out for your furry friend it is likely that you look for the best things possible. The best toys, food, and even that giant bed they never really sleep in! The same should be with what you give them to help their overall wellbeing. You are reading this article for a reason, perhaps it’s because you are looking for a more holistic alternative to a medication or just want your pet to feel as good as possible. Well, you are in the right place. Let’s first start off with some basics. 

What is cannabidiol?  

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. The Cannabis sativa plant is a naturally found plant that comes in many variations. One of these being the Hemp plant. As of 2018 the Hemp plant is federally legal in all fifty states because of the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill allows farmers across the United States to grow and sell the hemp plant. This is because the hemp plant contains high amounts of CBD and at or below 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is another cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. However, THC gives users an inebriating effect or a ‘high’. The marijuana plant is likely something that you have heard of. This plant contains large amounts of THC and therefore is not legal in all states. With that being said, it is important to note that marijuana is legal in a handful of states for recreational use as well as medical use. One of the biggest misconceptions is that CBD will get you ‘high’ that is not the case. The products that are labeled CBD must have at or lower than 0.3% of THC and that is not enough to give psychoactive effects. 

CBD? For dogs?   

Now, we know what you are thinking: these people are crazy! Why would I give CBD to my dog? Well, let us tell you why.   

Joint health: In this study we asked pet owners of dogs with joint health issues to give them CBD to see if there would be any improvements to their pet’s ability to move and in quality of life.  Animals with joint health issues may have inflammation in their joints and discomfort which hinders the dog’s ability to walk, run, get up from a sitting position, or jump into a car.  We asked these pet owners to give their dogs CBD twice a day for four weeks consecutively. One milligram was administered for each five kilograms of body weight to ensure the animal was getting the proper amount for its size (an important aspect when giving animals CBD). The owners also took an online weekly assessment and before and after videos were taken of dogs doing certain movements. After the four weeks, we found that all of the measures we had taken had significantly improved. The dogs in the study had increased mobility and because of this we can understand that CBD may assist with anti-inflammatory issues.    

Sense of calm: Another study we have done is not about dogs, but, equine (horses). Yes, this study is not looking toward dogs, but it can still be helpful when looking at CBD for pets in general. These horses were given 50 milligrams of CBD two times a day for two weeks. The horses before the study were understood to have types of chronic discomfort or feelings of anxiousness. At the end of the two weeks they looked at the results and found that CBD was helpful for the horses who had chronic discomfort and not all, and a significant trend towards reducing anxiety in the horses.  We plan on performing more studies to fine tune our understanding of CBD’s ability to effect anxiety in horses. 

These are just two reasons to give your dog CBD that have been nicely researched and that come with some evidence. So, what products can you give your doggo? Here are some of the products we carry. 

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

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

These are great options for your dog. But do you have a cat? What about a horse? Here are products that we have created for pets other than dogs.  

Feline Transdermal Creme: This is our first feline CBD product. Like all topicals, the CBD never reaches the bloodstream of your feline, but may have certain positive effects when applied to the skin. We suggest using this twice daily.   

Equine CBD Tablets: These tablets are chalk full of 75mg of CBD. These are easy to administer and come in a peppermint flavor. Some horses may respond to the CBD sooner than others but waiting 5 days before seeing a reaction is not unlikely.  

It is important to note that not all CBD is created equal so doing your own research on the products are very important. It is also important to reach out to a veterinarian to talk about CBD for your pet. And you should speak to a health care professional before taking CBD yourself! We bet you are wondering what products are available for you to try. Well, take a look.  

CBD – for you too 

It is important to note that all of our animal CBD products are THC free but, some of our human products have that 0.3% or lower in them. To ensure you get the right product look for labels that say THC free (if that is what you prefer) on the product.  

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

Topicals: CBD topicals are a bit different than the others as they never reach the bloodstream. They, however, can reap benefits from the pores on the surface of the skin. These are best used frequently and in the same area. They come in lotions, salves, creams, and even hand sanitizer for antibacterial purposes.  

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

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

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

The reasons that people choose to use CBD are similar to the reasons we have given for dogs. There is a bit more reason done regarding CBD and humans. So, keep that in mind as you search for your CBD! If a company claims that their CBD will do this or that without connecting research, it is a possibility that their CBD is not of quality.  

So, can CBD benefit your dog?  

There are so many up and coming health products that it makes it difficult to know which to choose from. We here at Panacea Life Sciences are dedicated to giving you the best and up to date information possible so that you can benefit from this naturally and potentially very useful plant. When it comes to animals it is important to start with a small amount and then slowly increase until you see the desired results. As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns about CBD for you or your furry friends at [email protected]. 

What to expect from full-spectrum CBD Oil

If you are new to cannabidiol (CBD), you will quickly find that there is a long list of new words that you need to learn to navigate your way around. This can make facing CBD fill incredibly intimidating. But have no fear, because we here at Panacea Life Sciences are dedicated to making sure that people understand CBD and all of the words surrounding it. After all, one of the keys to living a healthy life is knowing what you are putting into (or, in some cases, on) your body.   

To help with your CBD education, we want to talk about full-spectrum CBD, what it is, and what you can expect when you take it.  

Going over CBD in general  

To understand what to expect from full spectrum CBD, you need to have a general understanding of CBD. So, let’s get into it.  

Cannabis plants, including the variations hemp and marijuana, contain a class of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. There are many of these compounds, with over 113 that researchers have identified so far. CBD is one of these cannabinoids. However, there is one other cannabinoid that is much more famous. It is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).  

THC’s fame is drawn from its psychoactive effects on people. That means that it creates the “high” that many associates with individual cannabis variations. CBD often gets thrown in with THC in people’s minds, causing them to believe that it causes the psychoactive effects as THC. However, it does not cause any sort of high or any psychoactive effects.  

While CBD is found in both marijuana and hemp, most CBD products are made using CBD that has been extracted from hemp. There are many reasons for this, but one is simply eased of extraction. Hemp has high levels of CBD and less than 0.3% THC content. This makes extracting the CBD much simpler. Marijuana, on the other hand, contains very high THC levels and concentrations of CBD that vary wildly. This makes marijuana less than ideal for extracting CBD.    

Another reason why CBD manufacturers prefer hemp over marijuana is because of the legal status of the plants. In 2018 a new version of the Farm Bill was passed that allowed for the growth and sale of hemp across the country (with restrictions in individual states). The Farm Bill was able to accomplish this because it affects all things agricultural in the United States. It is reviewed every five or so years and is passed again. The 2018 version federally legalized hemp, among other things. Meanwhile, marijuana is still federally illegal in the United States. Some states have legalized it, either for general or medicinal use, but it is still considered a controlled substance.  

In the last decade or so, there has been a significant increase in the number of studies on CBD. Most of them have been aimed at trying to figure out what benefits the cannabinoid may be able to offer people. While this research is still preliminary, much of it has been incredibly promising. For example, some studies, like this one, have shown that CBD may be able to help its users achieve a higher state of calm. While other studies, like this one, have suggested that CBD could be useful in improving joint health.  

What is full-spectrum CBD oil, and why is it unique?  

Not all CBD extracts are the same, as you may expect. One of the main differences between extracts is what is in the extract besides CBD. The term “extract” would suggest to some that it consists of just what it claims to be, but this is the case.  

As mentioned earlier, cannabis plants have many cannabinoids. Over 113, if you recall. That means that when something is taken from a cannabis plant, in this case, hemp, it is rarely alone. CBD extracts, while CBD is the primary compound found in the extract, there are other cannabinoids, terpenes, and compounds. The name “full-spectrum” comes from the fact that this extract includes the full spectrum of compounds and cannabinoids found in hemp. This consists of the infamous sibling of CBD, THC. However, as discussed above, hemp does not have THC very much in it (less than 0.3%). It certainly does not have enough to cause a high.  

So, what is the point of full-spectrum CBD? Why not just have it be CBD on its own? While it appears that CBD has an effect on people on its own, its effects are stronger when in the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes. If you want a secure CBD experience, you will wish to understand the “entourage effect.” This is when compounds build upon each other to create a more substantial effect. Because CBD is the main compound in CBD oil, it is what you are likely to feel the strongest. But the entourage effect could help to heighten CBD’s effect.  

While this increased strength may be desirable, you need to be careful when using any CBD product to avoid adverse side effects. CBD is considered safe overall; there still are some adverse side effects that are generally associated with taking too much CBD. They tend to include things like diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea. As you can see, these are not overly dangerous, but they are still no fun and should be avoided. Because the entourage effect adds to the CBD’s power, you may need less than you would expect to get your wanted result and prevent these side effects.  

Other kinds of CBD oil  

As mentioned above, there are a few different kinds of CBD extracts out there. After reading about the full spectrum, you may decide that it is not for you. That is okay. You still have other options. Let’s go over what those are.  

Broad-spectrum  

Broad-spectrum is not too different from the full spectrum. As with the full spectrum, broad spectrum is not extensively processed and has many cannabinoids, terpenes, and compounds found in the hemp plant with the CBD. But it has one significant difference. Broad-spectrum CBD oil has non-detectable THC, (aka extremely low levels). Like with full-spectrum, the name “broad spectrum” gives you a good idea of what is in it, in the sense that it a wide range of compounds, but not all of them.  

This makes broad-spectrum an excellent option for those interested in getting the entourage effect but are concerned about the presence of THC. As mentioned before, the THC level in most full spectrum CBD oils is not enough to cause any sort of high. However, it may still show up on a drug test. So, if your employer has strict rules concerning THC, broad-spectrum CBD oil could be your solution.  

CBD isolate  

Despite the potential benefits of having other compounds, cannabinoids, and terpenes in a CBD extract, some may be poor. Everyone reacts to CBD a little bit differently. As a result, full and broad-spectrum CBD oils may be too strong for certain people, causing them to experience adverse side effects. If you think this maybe you, then you may want to try a CBD isolate.  

CBD isolate exactly what it sounds like. It is just CBD isolated so that it is on its own with no other cannabinoid, compounds, or terpenes. The effects of CBD isolate are not likely to be as strong as the effects of a full or broad spectrum. The flipside is that the results are more likely to be purely CBD effects. Making them feel clearer, without the clouding of other compounds.   

When you shop for a CBD product, you should be able to find just about any kind of product in whatever CBD extract version you prefer. So, no matter what kind of extract you think you would prefer after reading this, you should be able to get it in an edible, and oil, a topical, or a capsule. This way, you can get a product that works for you with extract that is best for you.  

Hopefully, this article has answered any questions you may have. But if it has not, that is okay. You can reach out to us at Panacea Life Sciences with any comments, questions, or concerns. You can do that by either visiting our Contact page or by emailing us at [email protected]. If your items are all answered, and you are ready to start shopping for some CBD, why not check our full range of CBD products? Here at Panacea Life Sciences, we are not only dedicated to education, but also to providing our customers with high-quality CBD products to fit just about every lifestyle. We offer several different kinds of products in the full spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolates. No matter who you are, you can find your CBD fit with us.