There is no shortage of information on bacteria and how best to do away with it in the world of wellness. Disinfectants are generally popular and for a good reason – goodbye bacteria! But, what if there were a more holistic and natural approach to eliminating bacteria? Would you still choose chemical disinfectants or would you try something different? Using CBD to kill bacteria is still something that needs to be widely researched before claims are made, but research is being done. Before we dive head-in what even is CBD? Is CBD safe? Oh, you thought CBD was illegal and could get you “high”? Think again! With this blog post, we here at Panacea Life Sciences will share the knowledge and research we have gained to assist in furthering yours. Then, hopefully, readers will have the understanding they need to make the correct choices for them as well as perhaps continuing their own research to share with others.
What is CBD?
There are 113 cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant, CBD is just one of them. Compared to THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is the lesser known component but is just as important, if not more important, because it is legal in all 50 states while THC is not. CBD is a cannabinoid of the Cannabis sativa plant that does not give users the “high” that THC does. Once CBD is extracted, it can be put into different types of products. The 2018 Farm Bill gave folks who want to farm hemp the permission to grow in all states and legalized products made from hemp plants.There are two types of Cannabis plants: hemp and marijuana plants. The hemp plant is grown with very low amounts of THC and therefore is legal. If a hemp plant goes over .3% of THC, it is legally no longer deemed a hemp plant, but a marijuana plant.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) + CBD (cannabidiol): What is the difference?
It is highly likely that you have heard or read about these two compounds together or not known the difference between them and therefore believed they were the same thing. Well, they are not! THC and CBD are just two of the cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD is the compound that does not contain a psychoactive effect. THC is the compound that gives users a “high” or psychoactive effect. THC makes up only .3% of hemp plants, while the percentage can get up to 30% in the marijuana plant. CBD has been described to give positive health and wellness effects. THC has been researched thoroughly because of the “high” it gives and now, CBD is getting the spotlight for its therapeutic and wellness benefits.
CBD and Bacteria
Bacteria and CBD? You must think we are crazy. How can something that comes from a plant kill bacteria? This study showed that CBD can work as an antibacterial. It has been known for a long time that Cannabis contains antibacterial cannabinoids. But, these antibacterial properties have not been tested. There are five main cannabinoids that have now been recognized as antibacterial. Are there CBD products that kill said bacteria? Yes! It is important to know that there is always ongoing research about CBD and bacteria. Always make sure the source of the product you are purchasing is quality and has the correct ingredients. There are a plethora of natural antibacterials available, but none provide the additional health benefits of CBD.
What are other uses of CBD?
Besides the current understanding of antibacterial uses of CBD. What other ways can one use it? There are physical and cognitive benefits to regular CBD use. Read on to find out more.
Physical Benefits/Uses
Anti-inflammatory traits: There have been descriptions of CBD assisting in reducing joint inflammation. Panacea Life Sciences has done research that suggests CBD increases joint health and flexibility. In our study, we evaluated the ability of CBD to increase movement in dogs that having age-related issues that inhibited their ability to move normally such as running, getting up from a sitting position, or jumping into a car. Over 30% of dog owners who administered a daily dose of CBD to their pets reported increased mobility in their furry friends.
Epidiolex: Epidiolex is currently the only FDA-approved supplement that contains CBD. Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome are two types of severe epilepsy. Epidiolex, a pure CBD product approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), decreases or eliminates seizures and is approved to be administered to children and adults two years old and older. Any CBD product that makes a medical claim about being able to alleviate symptoms is not approved by the FDA. Do your research!
Skin health: In this recent study, scientists tested skin health across a variety of categories before and after the use of a topical CBD. The tests used were hydration, transepidermal water loss, and elasticity. To support their findings, they took photos of subjects. They found that the administration of a topical CBD may assist in improving skin health for those who do have severe skin problems as well as those who do not.
Mental Benefits/Uses
Mental wellbeing: This study shows that the administration of CBD to rats assisted them with the overall feelings of anhedonia (the loss of interest in activities that gave feelings of pleasure or happiness before) and helplessness. These two feelings are often associated with mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety.
Sense of calm: Those who feel a sense of anxiousness have self-reported that CBD has assisted them in achieving an overall sense of calm. Researchers and users have found this.
Types of CBD
There are several types of CBD applications that can be administered. Here are some of them to assist you in making the choice that is right for you.
Topicals – CBD topicals are a great way to get localized maintenance or overall skin health. These come in salves, ointments, balms, or even bath bombs. The more you use the CBD topical, the more of an effect you may achieve. The bioavailability, meaning how much of the CBD will get into your body, of the skin is very low, and the effects are not felt right away ut will with time. Not sure what bioavailability is? Click here to learn more.
Softgels – CBD softgels are a great way to get an exact daily administration of CBD. Panacea Life Sciences offers softgels for canines as well as humans. Softgels for dogs can be hidden in a treat or punctured and the contents can be administered straight into your pup’s mouth. There are also CBD tablets that are administered orally. Unlike softgels, these are not absorbed by the digestive system and are felt at a much quicker rate. The bioavailability in the mouth is higher than that of the stomach. Therefore, it is more likely that the tablets will be felt more quickly than the softgel.
Tinctures – This way of getting CBD into one’s system is the quickest because the tincture can be administered under the tongue and the CBD is absorbed through the mouth, directly into your bloodstream.
Vapes – Although Panacea Life Sciences does not advocate for vaping, it is an option. When inhaled, the CBD gets into your bloodstream through the lungs.
Edibles – It takes longer to feel the effects of CBD edibles, but the effects are described as stronger and longer-lasting than other methods of administration. Edibles must go through the digestive processes before they are broken down and go through the bloodstream in the stomach. These are a fun and tasty alternative to taking tinctures or a softgel.
Where do you get CBD?
There are many places where one can find CBD products. This generally depends on where you live and the laws that your state or country has in place. For places like Colorado (where Panacea Life Sciences is located) you can find CBD products online, at CBD hemp stores, and at dispensaries. This is because the use of recreational marijuana is legal in Colorado for those who are at least 21. Those CBD products, however, are mainly derived from the marijuana plant and have a higher percentage of THC than our products do and are not made specifically to use for your animals. There are CBD products at general retail stores, but it is important to look at the ingredient list so that you know the quality of the product. Not all CBD products are created equally.
Conclusion
CBD and bacteria, who knew there was a correlation? We here at Panacea Life Sciences hope that this post has widened your knowledge and understanding of CBD and the potential benefits it may have to be antibacterial along with other positive benefits for a more holistic approach to life. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 1 (800) 985-0515 or email us at [email protected].
Links:
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
