Hemp vs. CBD? And can it help you?

Posted on April 19, 2018

If you haven’t heard about all the health benefits of hemp extract and CBD…keep reading!!

Hemp extract and Cannabidiol (or CBD) is getting a lot of attention lately, and for good reason. It’s helping people feel a whole lot better in so many different ways! Are hemp extract and CBD the same thing? And are they the same as marijuana? No, but they’re all related to each other. Both hemp and marijuana belong to the same cannabis plant family, but they are two distinct plants, and they therefore contain different cannabinoids (their active ingredient, so to speak).

LEARNING THE TERMINOLOGY

So first, let’s talk about cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that bind to receptor sites throughout our brain and our body to help regulate homeostasis in numerous bodily systems – ones that control our mood, appetite/digestion, sleep, motor control, pain sensation and more. Now, our bodies produce cannabinoids naturally on our own – these are called endocannabinoids. For even more optimal functioning of these systems, we can supplement with plant-derived cannabinoids, called phytocannabinoids. THIS is what the cannabis plant is all about. It has numerous (some say anywhere from 85 to well over 100) different phytocannabinoids, all with different benefits depending on which receptors they bind to.

Marijuana contains a phytocannabinoid called tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. This particular phytocannabinoid attaches to receptor sites in the brain (called CB-1 receptors) and has a psychoactive effect, resulting in a feeling of “being high”. body (CB-2). Depending on a cannabis product’s cannabinoid profile, different types of relief are achievable.

Hemp extract usually contains only very trace amounts of THC, and therefore does not bind to the receptor sites in the brain, and does not result in a high. Instead it contains loads of cannabinoids that bind to receptor sites in the body (called CB-2 receptors) and has more regulatory effects on the body’s systems. The most concentrated of the many cannabinoids in hemp is called cannabidiol, or CBD. This cannabinoid has been found in particular to be great at helping the body to reduce inflammation, improve mood and decrease anxiety, improve nausea and regulate digestion, regulate sleep and help in muscle recovery and motor control. But CBD is just one of many cannabinoids that hemp extract contains. Some products contain just CBD oil already extracted from the hemp, and some are hemp extract with many cannabinoids, including CBD!

HEMP PRODUCTS

We are so excited about all the relief our patients are getting from hemp extract! Here are the awesome products we carry!

CBD CLINIC creams/ointments – Topical muscle relief 

We now carry the full line of CBD CLINIC pain relief topicals! These will be your new go-to pain relief products! They contain CBD, which is a natural pain reliever and an anti-inflammatory, as well as other natural analgesics such as menthol, camphor & lidocaine.CBD CLINIC products are all formulated with the renowned Charlotte’s Web cannabidiol (CBD+CW)TM, which is the highest quality CBD on the market.

CBD CLINIC creams and ointments are wonderful for relief from pain due to fibromyalgia, arthritis, athletic performance, injury and post-surgical recovery and all types of chronic pain. There are five levels of CBD CLINIC topical creams – with increasing amounts of CBD and topical analgesics in each level. The level that’s right for you will depend on your pain level, and your sensitivity to the ingredients. In a nutshell, here’s why we love them!

  • Contains Charlotte’s Web cannabidiol (CBD+CW)TM, which is the highest quality CBD on the market
  • FIVE levels of strength with varying analgesics in each to let you choose the right one for you
  • Contain ONLY natural emollients – organic beeswax, jojoba oil, cottonseed oil and shea butter. NO synthetics!
  • Contain FDA-regulated topical analgesics such as menthol, camphor and lidocaine

CHARLOTTE’S WEB HEMP EXTRACT INFUSED OIL

We also now carry Charlotte’s Web hemp extract infused oil. This oil is a supplement taken daily, by dropper sublingually (under the tongue). These are made with olive oil plus the hemp extract, so they have a very pleasant but grassy flavor. These have been wonderful for people that struggle with anxiety, exercise-induced inflammation, chronic pain, insomnia and digestive upset. Like the topical creams, there are different levels of strength/dosages with the hemp extract oils. It is recommended that you start conservatively so that you can see how your body responds to it, and to increase to a higher dose if desired. As with any supplement, you should consult your doctor if you’re taking any medications or if you have questions about whether this is good for you! If you decide to try the hemp extract oil, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Start with a conservative dose (we carry two different levels in the office) to see how your body responds to it.
  • Take it regularly, at the same time every day. It’s recommended to start at night, an hour or two before going to bed.
  • Give it time. While some people are more sensitive and notice its effects right away, others may take some time to tune in and notice changes.