CBD 101
The Basics
for understanding, buying and using CBD.
What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?
Cannabidiol or CBD is a natural compound which is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant.The compound contains a variety of healthy cannabinoids and terpenes beneficial for the human body. Cannabinoids are active compounds found in the hemp plant which interact with the body's own endocannabinoid. system.Terpenes are a second class of compounds produced by the hemp plant which have been used by humans for millennia in what's commonly known as aromatherapy and that have powerful effects on our bodies. The rich combination of cannabinoids and terpenes creates what is called the entourage effect. By working together these compounds provide an wide range of benefits much more effective than each separately.
Cannabis & HEMP
Cannabis and hemp are both terms for plants in the Cannabaceae family, but there are differences between them -- some botanical, some cultural.
Cannabis is often divided up into three species - Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica & Cannabis ruderalis.
Hemp is a specific type of cannabis known as Cannabis sativa L.
CBD products are produced from this form of hemp.
PCR HEMP VS. INDUSTRIAL HEMP
Hemp is grown for both CBD and industrial products. PCR Hemp - short for phytocannabinoid rich - is used for premium CBD products and contains tens times the concentration of beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes as industrial hemp used for textiles and buildings materials.
PCR HEMP VS. MARIJUANA
Anisoptera Mercantile's CBD comes from PCR hemp and not the cannabis form of marijuana. Although close relatives, hemp contains no more than .3% THC - the psychoactive compound found in much higher concentrations in marijuana and what causes the "high" experienced by marijuana users.
CBD AKA CANNABIDIOL:
A compound found primarily in the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. One of many powerful cannabinoids in cannabis, CBD is known for supporting body, mind, and soul.
Wellbeing & the Benefits of Taking CBD
WELLBEING - is the complete integration of body, mind, and spirt - the realization that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our state of wellbeing. - Greg Anderson
HEALING - a holistic transformative process of repair and recovery in mind, body, and spirit resulting in positive change, finding meaning, and movement toward self-realization of wholeness. - NCBI
SYNERGY - the interaction of two or more beings, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
WELLNESS- the state of being in good health by practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health.
Benefits of Taking CBD
Growing incomparably over the past few decades, CBD is being used by many to promote emotional and physical wellbeing. The synergistic experience for those who have used CBD is a transformative process that leads to support for joint and muscle flexibility and comfort, recovery from exercise-induced inflammation, reduction in everyday stresses and anxiety, and support for good digestion and healthy sleep cycles.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The body has a vast network of receptors called the Endocannabinoid System.The purpose of this system is to help our body stay balanced and in good overall health, even when external factors and certain lifestyle choices diminish our wellbeing.
Phytocannabinoids are external cannabinoids produced by plants. These phytocannabinoids interact with the body's ECS receptors and enzymes to assist in maintaining the overall homesotasis in the body.
Endocannabinoids are internal cannabinoids produced by human and other mammal bodies. These cannabinoids, naturally produced by our bodies, act as signaling molecules and are technically called transmitters. When a system is out of balance they will send signals to the brain and nervous systems. Once it is determined a system is out balance the nervous system produces neurotransmitters which travel through the bloodstream and interact with receptors on cells instructing them to change their behavior.
How Does the ESC Work?
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is vast and far-reaching and continues to be studied. It works with the brain and nervous system to regulate a wide number of the human body's functions, from appetite regulation, to sleep patterns, mood, immune response, and much more. The Human Endocannabinoid System (ECS) has two sets of components. First, are the endocannabinoid receptors found on the surface of the cells throughout the body. Second, are the endocannabinoids themselves. CBD and other phytocannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid receptors to assist the body's efforts to maintain good health and overall homeostasis.
One well-known endocannabinoid is called anandamide. Anandamide is responsible for the production and uptake of serotonin and is often referred to as the "bliss" molecule as levels of serotonin in the body are directly associated with mood. CBD works indirectly to stimulate the production of anandamide through inhibition of the enzyme that metabolizes and destroys anandamide.
HOMEOSTASIS
A state of balance among all body systems needed for the body to survive and function normally. A state of overall balance and wellbeing.
List of Common Cannabinoids
Cannabidiol (CBD) - the second most common cannabinoid produced by the cannabis aka hemp plant that is non-pyschotropic (it doesn't get you high).
Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana that gives users a feeling of euphoria.
Cannabichromene (CBC) - this is the third most common cannabinoid, also non-psychoactive, and is thought to support mood and joint and muscle function.
Cannabinol (CBN) - believed to support joint and muscle function and restful sleep.
Cannabigerol (CBG) - non-psychoactive and used to support mood and joint and muscle function.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCv) - less psychoactive than THC.
Delta(8) THC - similar to delta(9)-THC, less psychoactive and may support a relaxed mood.
Types of CBD Oil Products
CBD Oils & Tinctures - generally used at home in the morning and evening and also if your work situations is conducive to it. Do not travel well as they can be messy and come in glass bottles.
CBD Oil Softgel Capsules - capsules are made with gelatin which melts within minutes in your stomach and delivers the entire serving of CBD oil. Capsules are convenient, easy, and allow for exact serving sizes.
NOTE: Anisoptera Mercantile softgels are formulated using a water-soluble nanoemulsion technology which encapsulates the active compounds in nano-sized emulsions. The average size of nanoemulsion CBD oil droplets is between 4 and 200 times smaller than the industry standard. This smaller size leads to higher absorption in the blood and results in extremely high bioavailability.
CBD-Infused Topicals - include skin creams, balms, salves, and oils can be infused with pure CBD or a PCR CBD oil contain natural moisturizers, and may contain anti-inflammatory ingredients meant to penetrate deeper into tissues and aid in discomfort relief.
CBD-Infused Edibles - include gummies which are edible candies infused with CBD oil. Discreet and an easy way to ingest CBD.
Types of CBD
Full Spectrum CBD Oil - raw PCR hemp extract contains terpenes as well as other cannabinoid compounds similar to CBD. Due to the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes found in the original cannabis plant, this product is referred to as Full Spectrum CBD.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil - contains the same concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes however, has all trace amounts of THC extracted.
CBD Isolate - this is CBD in a crystalline solid or powder form that has been isolated and purified. This can be consumed directly or used as an additive in edibles and beverages. As an isolate though, it lacks the beneficial terpenes and cannabinoids found in other types of CBD.
CBD-Infused Oil - this term is used to described products that have been infused with either CBD isolate, full spectrum CBD oil or broad spectrum CBD oil.
Bioavailability of CBD Oil
The bioavailability of any compound is the percentage of a given serving that ends up being available to your body. In the case of CBD oil, the active ingredients include both cannabinoids and terpenes. Each method of consumption of CBD will result in a particular range of bioavailability.
As a tincture is liquid and is taken by mouth, the CBD will be absorbed fairly easily. Absorption rates will be anywhere from 10% to 40%.
CONSIDERATIONS WHEN TAKING CBD OIL
Lifestyle Considerations - being at home or traveling
Use Considerations - support for skincare vs. support of joint and muscle health
Time Considerations - various products and methods of use require different amounts of time
Bioavailability - using a product with a high bioavailability will provide more value for your money
Serving Considerations - ease of gauging daily servings with predetermined servings such as in softgel capsules vs. tinctures
LENGTH OF TIME FOR CBD OIL TO TAKE EFFECT IN THE BODY
As no two people are the same, genetics may affect the timing of the effects of CBD. Factors such as age, health, weight, circulation, and metabolism.The number of cannabinoid receptors in the body and how they function may affect the timing of the effects.The type of product being used and how it is being used will affect this timing as well. Typically, the affects from edibles will take longer than that of tinctures.
CBD OIL FAQS
No, CBD oil should not get you high. Properly produced CBD oil from hemp does not contain THC in high enough concentrations to cause a high.
CBD is generally well tolerated and considered safe. As with any other supplement and organic compound there is a chance that it could cause adverse reactions for some people, and/or could interact with certain medications. As with any dietary supplement, consult your physician before use if you are pregnant, nursing, have or suspect a medical condition or are taking any medications.
Taken in nominal servings, CBD is unlikely to cause drowsiness. However, if you use CBD is higher servings, there is a potential that it could cause drowsiness.
Yes! High quality CBD is safe for pets. Similar to humans though, the activity level and weight of your pet should be taken into consideration when deciding on a serving size.
SERVING SIZE SUGGESTIONS
There is not a "one size fits all" serving recommendation for taking CBD. The most important factor to be considered is what effect you are interested in achieving when taking CBD. Along with the "why", the ideal serving for each individual depends on a variety factors including the product being used, the concentration of the CBD in the product, genetic makeup, weight, lifestyle, among others.
Some CBD products list a suggested serving size as a guideline. However, without taking into account all of the variables, the recommended serving size might be far too small or possibly even too high. In particular, the serving size will vary greatly depending on why it's being used.
In addition, a serving that is appropriate for one product might be much different than that of a similar product. This is because various CBD oil products contain varying amounts of CBD. It will take some experimentation to determine an ideal serving of CBD for a particular person.
General Guidelines to Determine Your Ideal Serving
Stick with one product. This will allow you to gauge the effects of that particular product and if your serving size is working for you. Start with a low serving size. This will give you a chance to determine your body's reaction to CBD and provide insight into increasing or decreasing the serving size. Start before bedtime. It's best to start at night, one hour before bedtime. This way if CBD makes you drowsy, you're not tired during the day. You can always shift to mornings. Increase your serving size slowly. This will give your body a chance to become used to the CBD. Each time you change your serving size it will take a few days to understand how your body is reacting.
HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY THE RIGHT COMPANY TO BUY YOUR CBD FROM?
With the CBD industry expanding at lightning speed, the marketplace is saturated with companies that provide premium, quality, products that are grown, harvested, and produced eco-consciously and sustainably as well as companies not following the same processes and trying to capitalize on the current trend.
Take a look at our checklist below which will provide you with suggestions to choosing a reputable company and in turn, providing you a path to a positive and effective CBD experience.
#1 - Source & Variety of Hemp
Hemp is farmed all over the world. The United States is just beginning to rebuild the hemp industry after a century of prohibition however, produces some of the finest hemp products in the world. As mentioned earlier in the guide, hemp is grown for both industrial and CBD purposes. Industrial hemp is grown primarily for its seeds and fibers and must be additionally refined removing or destroying many of the naturally occurring beneficial compounds. PCR hemp does not go through these refining processes and maintains the rich cannabinoids and terpenes produced by the plant. If a manufacturer specifies that their CBD was extracted from industrial hemp, it is safe to assume that the product is either lower in CBD and terpenes than a product made with PCR hemp.
#2 - Quality of Additional Ingredients
The vast majority of CBD oil products contain ingredients such as vegetables oils or other essential oils. Other oils found in CBD products such as hemp seed oil, coconut oil, MCT oil (made from coconut oil), and almond oil are generally healthy. If a product contains many ingredients that you are not familiar with or that sound like chemicals, the manufacturer is most likely trying to cut corners to meet a profit margin goal.
#3 - Quality of Testing
A third recommendation to consider is third-party lab testing. The majority of quality manufacturers will send their products to testing labs to determine whether or not they contain any contaminants and also measure the levels of cannabinoids in the product. Understanding the different levels of CBD oil in their products is paramount for good manufacturers and equally important for you as a consumer to understand and be confident in the products you are using. Third-party testing will also confirm whether a product contains THC and if so, what percentage of this compound is in the product. Top CBD manufacturers will often provide these lab test results via their websites or with links on their product packaging. Also important to check off your list is that you are purchasing your CBD products from a company that does not make serious health claims about their products. These types of claims are not supported by the level of scientific studies required by the US FDA.
#4 - Products with Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids produced in labs have been know to cause serious illness and should be avoided at all times.
History, Legislation, and the Future CBD
The FDA, under the FFDCA (FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol), regulates many of the products marketed as containing cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds, including CBD.
Notable Time Periods & Dates
Chinese emperors, Romans, and Greeks are claimed to have used CBD for healing in tinctures, balms, salves, and teas.
The Atharva Veda, the ancient Hindu 20 book collection of scripture of hymns, chants, spells, and prayers, discusses healing and removing stresses, among other topics, and refers to the use of cannabis.
In 1839, Dr. William O'Shaughnessy, famous for his wide-ranging work in pharmacology, chemistry, and inventions, introduced a groundbreaking paper to a group of students and scholars at the Medical & Physical Society of India re-introducing therapeutic use of cannabis to the modern world.
Between 1839 and 1900, more than one hundred articles appeared in scientific journals describing the medicinal properties of cannabis.
Cannabis was used to address a variety of conditions.
In August 1930, Harry Jacob Anslinger became the director of the newly formed Federal Bureau of Narcotics and began a crusade against the use of cannabis.
Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was enacted placing a sales tax on cannabis. This act was repealed in 1969 with Leary v. United States.
In response to the repeal of the Tax Act, Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 which classified cannabis along with heroin and LSD as a Schedule 1 Drug.
During the late 1970's and early 1980's, 31 states passed legislation addressing the medical use of cannabis.
Compassionate Use Act of 1996 legalized the use of medical marijuana in CA and began a trend through legislation in other states.
2018 Farm Bill removed hemp containing not more than .3% from the definition of marijuana and as a Schedule 1 Drug. CBD became legal in all 50 states.
As of 2021, medical marijuana is legal in 36 states and D.C.
Bipartisan bills in both the House of Representatives and the Senate to allow the use of hemp, cannabidoil derived from hemp, or any other ingredient derived from hemp in a dietary supplement were introduced as legislation in 2021 however, no further action has been taken by Congress or the FDA at this time.
Bringing it all together…
While the scientific community is still at work to help us learn even more about this amazing cannabinoid, decades of user experience has shown us that taking CBD oil has a wealth of benefits to support health and wellbeing, no matter what your lifestyle. At Anisoptera Mercantile, we know how important your health and wellbeing are to you and that is why we bring you the best quality CBD products that you can trust. Our products are made using premium ingredients and are manufactured to meet the highest of standards.
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Medical Disclaimer
The information contained in this guide should not in any way be construed as medical advice because it hasn’t been reviewed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Pregnant women and those nursing babies are strongly urged to refrain from using CBD as there is no hard scientific data regarding its potential effects upon these categories of women.
Additionally, it is recommended that you talk to your physician if you would like to use CBD alongside your current medication, or if you have a health condition you want to alleviate using CBD.
CBD products are only for sale to persons who are at least 18 or 21 years of age depending on where you are purchasing the products.
Use this guide for educational purposes only, and defer to the diagnosis or prescription of an experienced medical professional for any medical condition you would like to treat.