Questions about Hemp? We’ve answered your most burning questions…

By Amanda Tiberi, MsCN, HHP
Hemp has quickly become a household name for all those in the wellness world, but many find that they don’t actually know what it is and why they are using it. In this article we will cover all of your questions regarding adding CBD to your daily routine. 
WHAT IS CBD?
CBD is a chemical found in marijuana. CBD doesn't contain tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana that produces a high. The usual CBD formulation is oil, but CBD is also sold as an extract, a vaporized liquid and an oil-based capsule. CBD is often found in products you purchase everyday such as food, drinks and even beauty products.
 WHAT ARE THE ACTUAL BENEFITS?
As stated above, there are benefits backed by scientific evidence that support the use of hemp therapeutically. In fact, physical, psychological and emotional benefits have been touted since its ancient use in 2,600 BC. While hemp does not elicit the same psychoactive effects of THC, it still has an effect on the CB1 receptors found in the brain, without the high. The CB1 receptors are involved in the modulation of memory, pain, emotion and movement. The use of hemp extracts having shown positive effects upon these receptors results in improvements in mood, such as anxiety and depression.
 Medically, the strongest scientific evidence is for its effectiveness in treating some of the cruelest childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which typically don’t respond to antiseizure medications. In numerous studies, hemp was able to reduce the number of seizures, and, in some cases, it was able to stop them altogether. Videos of the effects of hemp on these children and their seizures are readily available on the Internet for viewing, and they are quite striking. Recently the FDA approved the first ever cannabis derived medicine for these conditions, Epidiolex, which contains hemp.
 Additionally, hemp has been found to be effective in studies performed on patients with Multiple Sclerosis, noting improvements in sleep disturbance and neuropathic pain. Research and studies continue to be conducted clinically to validate the use of CBD to treat various health conditions.
 ARE THERE RISKS?
Like anything in life, we need to be aware of the downfalls and risks, as well as the benefits. While there is evidence to the benefits of using the plant extract, Epidiolex remains the only CBD-derived drug approved by the F.D.A. Most of the research on cannabidiol has been in animals, and its current popularity has outpaced science. “We don’t have the 101 course on CBD quite figured out yet,” said Ryan Vandrey, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Without sufficient high-quality evidence in human studies we can’t pinpoint effective doses, and because CBD is currently mostly available as an unregulated supplement, it’s difficult to know exactly what you are getting.
 IS ALL CBD CREATED EQUALLY?
You might be wondering which type of CBD is the right type to purchase, since as mentioned, you might not be sure what you are getting when purchasing hemp.
There are three main types of cannabidiol. CBD isolate is the pure form of CBD, while full-spectrum CBD is an extract containing other compounds of the cannabis plant, such as terpenes and other cannabinoids. The third type is broad-spectrum CBD.
Full Spectrum
Contains multiple cannabis plant extracts, including essential oils, terpenes, and other cannabinoids, such as cannabinol. Full-spectrum CBD products may also contain up to 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid in the cannabis plant that produces the ‘high’ feeling in people. However, such a low amount is not strong enough to have significant psychoactive effects. Because full-spectrum CBD contains all cannabis plant compounds, it may have a more potent effect than pure CBD.
 Full-spectrum CBD products contain some THC, but usually at low quantities of less than 0.3%. However, during the manufacturing process, THC levels can rise as the CBD converts into a concentrate. 
Broad Spectrum
Broad-spectrum CBD is very similar to full-spectrum CBD in that it contains additional cannabis plant compounds. Most broad-spectrum CBD products zero or trace amounts of THC, but there should be less than the 0.3% contained in full-spectrum products. 
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is a pure form of CBD. It contains no other cannabis plant compounds. It usually comes from hemp plants, which typically contain zero to very low amounts of THC. CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD. It may be a suitable product for first-time CBD users who wish to experiment with the potential health benefits, without the interference of other cannabis compounds, which may alter the effects. CBD isolate is also refined, so it has no discernible taste or odor.
People who wish to take high doses of CBD may prefer a CBD isolate. This is not necessarily a negative quality of CBD isolate. Some people may prefer a product without THC, or they might be sensitive to this substance. As there is no THC, this substance should not show up in any drug tests.
CAN YOU OVERDOSE ON CBD?
No. CBD has a long history of safe use, and has been cultivated for over 10,000 years. It was recognized for its wellness uses and has little to no known negative side effects, and it is virtually impossible to overdose on it.
IS CBD LEGAL?
Yes! The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp, a form of cannabis that is not psychoactive. The regulation provides that hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC, however Cloud Water products are certified by third party laboratories to contain ZERO THC.    
HOW TO CONSUME CBD?
Fortunately, CBD is popping up all over the place. These days you can find it in food, beverages and even topical skincare. Many brands are transparent about where their CBD comes from and the amount in their products, in order to ensure safety of consumers. 
 
MOVING FORWARD…
In conclusion, giving CBD a try is a relatively low risk in relation to all the potential benefits discussed in this article today, but every person is individual so it really is dependent on each person how they will respond specifically to the plant extract.

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