CBD

Disclaimer

Please note that all information is strictly recommendations. CBD does not affect everyone the same, make sure to start at a low dose and build up. Make sure to consult also a doctor before starting any products.

The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.

What is CBD?

• CBD is short for cannabdiol
• CBD is the non-psychoactive component found in cannabis and hemp.
• Cannabinoids are compounds that interact with a receptor network in cellular tissues to promote health in the body.
• CBD is extracted in two different forms.

-cannabis sativa plant, which must contain less than .3% THC

-extracted from industrial organic hemp.

How Safe Is CBD?

When purchasing CBD, look for laboratory results to show if there are any contaminants.

A safe dose of 5mg-400mg per day gives most people no side effects.

It is not recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding due to lack of completed research.

Use by elderly has shown many benefits, but half the recommended dose should be taken.

Make sure to talk to a medical professional for drug interactions. For example, when using anticoagulants and/or anti-epilepsy medications, CBD can cause an increase in blood levels in these medications, which can cause adverse effects.

• Most people require less than 100mg per day.
• One wants to start at a low dose and increase it 5mg-10mg every four days until you find the best results.

• Reevaluate your dose every three to six months. To taper off, decrease the dose by half every four days.
• If too much is taken, it can flood the cannabinoid receptors, which sink into the cell leaving few receptors and requiring a higher dose.

How To Use CBD

Delivery Methods

Inhalation

-Rapid effect. The CBD gets quickly absorbed in the lungs and enters the bloodstream. The blood is directed towards the brain rather than the liver.

-Vaporized the user receives results within 10-20 minutes, with the effects lasting 60-90 minutes.

Orally

-Takes over an hour for the cannibinoids to enter the bloodstream.

-It can take over an hour for effects to be felt.

Sublingual

-Provides a fast-acting response that is effective.

-Drops are put under the tongue and after 30-40 seconds it is swallowed.

-Effects take about 30-45 minutes to become effective and lasts for 3-4 hours.

Topical

-Applied directly to the skin for a localized effect.

1. Start Small

-Begin with the smallest dose possible. It is recommended between 10mg and 25mg. By doing this one makes sure that their tolerance remains lower and one can become familiar with body response.

2. Size Matters

-Larger individuals may prefer a higher dose. It is easy to scale up a few milligrams to meet your needs.

3. Consult A Medical Professional

-If you have medical condition or are on any prescription medications, always consult your physician before beginning to use CBD.

4. Consistency

-It may take some time for CBD to have an effect. Routinely using CBD can help stimulate the endocannabinois system. As your body get acclimated it becomes more sensitive to cannabinoids and one will begin to experience better effects.

How To Start

CBD Consumption

Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

The human body internally generates its own cannabinoids (endocannabinoids). This combined with their receptor network form the endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) modulates other systems that can be overheated. The most common receptor is in the brain. This system works by getting naturally occurring endocannabinoids to attach to the cannabinoid receptors. CBD imitates these endocannabinoids. CBD does not directly interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS. It blocks the enzyme that breaks downs our natural cannabinoid. The result is an increase in naturally occurring cannabinoids in the brain and body. 

CB1 receptors are found mostly in the brain and are associated with the following functions: hippocampus, hypothalamus, limbic system, cerebral cortex, nucleus accumbens, basal ganglia, and medulla. CB2 receptors are found mostly in the immune system cells. These cells are involved with immunity and inflammation.

Full Spectrum v. Isolate

Full Spectrum generally refers to CBD oil products that not only contain CBD,but also contain some terpenes and other cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN and even some THC. Usually these will be in ratios that were naturally occurring and extracted from the plant and specific strain. But they are also occasionally added back into products as an isolated form to raise the potency of the product. For those that get drug tested, Full Spectrum is something to be cautious about. The THC found in full spectrum hemp products is minimal (less than 0.3%), but can still trigger positive drug tests.

Isolate is typically the CBD oil product of choice for those who get drug tested or are sensitive to other cannabinoids such as THC. Products labeled as Isolate will generally be highlighted as being 99+% pure CBD. Usually, these products will have nothing but CBD in them because the CBD has literally been isolated from everything else. You can find pre-made isolate oils that typically consist of a carrier oil, such as MCT Oil, infused with the crystalline isolate powder. You can also find the “raw” crystalline powder or slabs (a form of concentrate) on its own.

Seizures and Epilepsy

Seizures are a change in the brains electrical activity. When a seizure occurs there is either too much or too little activity causing an imbalance that leads to a surge of electrical activity. Epilepsy is numerous recurrent seizures.

CBD has been found to be effective in reducing the severity and the frequency of seizures, by activating the CB1 receptor.

For children the recommendation is to do half a milligram per pound of the child divided into three doses. I.E. 100lb child= 50mg/day or about 17mg/dose.

Cite: Dr. Gregory L. Smith. CBD: What You Need To Know. 2017.

Headache & Migraine

Migraines are a vascular headache, causing; nausea, sensitivity, and over activation of the trigeminovascular nervous system (sensation to head and face). These can be caused by hormonal changes, stress, high caffeine, alcohol, sensory stimuli, certain foods, medicine, and a change in sleeping patterns. 

CBD is recommended as more of a preventative than a reliever. CBD can reduce the number of occurrences and the severity of migraines. It is recommended that an adult begins with 10mg three times a day. One can increase the dose every four days by 10mg, not exceeding 400mg per day. 

Cite:Dr. Gregory L. Smith. CBD: What You Need To Know. 2017.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is defined by pain lasting longer than three months. Chronic pain can originate in many different locations in the body, such as the; brain, nerves, muscles, or sites of trauma. 

Types of Pain Site Pain- This is due to inflammation and swelling at the site of an injury. Many feel achy, stiff, or sore. CBD creams are recommended for this type of pain, because they block the sensation of pain. If the pain is in a large area, an oral dose of 10mg three times a day is recommended. Nerve Pain- This is due to a nerve being irritated, pinched, or injured. If it is a localized pain a topical cream is recommended. If the brain is effected by the pain, an oral dose of 10mg three times a day is recommended. 

Cite: Dr. Gregory L. Smith. CBD: What You Need To Know. 2017

Addiction is characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences. Addiction deals with dopamine in your body, which is the pleasure chemical. Dopamine transmits signals to the brain to regulate movement and motivation. The brain also contributes to addictive tendencies. The hippocampus lays down memories of a rapid sense of satisfaction and the amygdala creates a conditioned response to the addictive substance or behavior.

CBD can reduce the cravings and addictive behavior. An oral dose is recommended of 10mg three times a day. One can increase the dose 10mg every four days until optimal effects are received. It is recommended not to exceed 400mg per day.

Cite: Dr Gregory L. Smith. CBD: What You Need To Know. 2017

Multiple Sclerosis is when the immune system eats away at the protective covering of nerves (myelin), and it causes wrong signals to be sent. In short, it disrupts the communication between the brain and the body. 

Suggested dosage is 10mg three times a day under the tongue. You can increase the dosage by 10mg every four days until the desired effects are felt. One can also use the topical creams. It would be applied to the area that is tight and painful three times a day.

Cite: Dr. Gregory L. Smith. CBD: What You Need To Know. 2017.

Multiple Sclerosis

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is chronic widespread muscle tenderness and pain, usually lasting longer than 3 months.  An extract is recommended. One can take 10mg three times a day. One can increase the dosage every four days by 10mg.

Cite: Dr. Gregory L. Smith. CBD: What You Need To Know. 2017.

Gastrointestinal Conditions

Colitis, Crohns Disease, IBD, and IBS effect the small and large intestine. Inflammatory Bowel Disorder is caused by infections and diseases, and is recognized by inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is an intestinal disorder that effects the colon. It is believed that faulty communication between the brain and the intestinal tract occurs.  Recommended dosages: Oral dose of 10mg three times a day. One can increase the dose 10mg every four days until the desired results are found.  Suppository is another option. Look for a 50mg dose three times a day. 

Cite: Dr. Gregory L. Smith. CBD: What You Need To Know. 2017.

Arthritis

Arthritis is the the inflammation of joints, which leads to stiffness and pain in that area. Arthritis is a broad term used for many kinds of joint pain.  The body has high levels of CB2 receptors in joint tissue, which can potentially allow CBD to have a positive effect. It is recommended that you start with 10mg three times a day, increasing the dose 10mg every four days until the relief is felt. One can also use the topical creams. These are recommended to be used three time a day wherever the pain is located. 

Cite: Dr. Gregory L. Smith. CBD: What You Need To Know. 2017.

Anxiety is characterized by both mental and physical symptoms, though not everyone has the same symptoms. These symptoms are have a great enough effect to interfere with a person's daily life. What all of the conditions have in common is that they are a response to adverse memories. These memories are stored in the hippocampus (Image Below) . For most people the adverse memories fade away over time, however some retain these memories in detail. When triggered there is an increase in adrenaline, which causes that stressed, scared, or worried feelings.

The hippocampus has high levels of cannabinoid receptors. CB2 receptors raise the excitation threshold, meaning that stimulation the CB2 receptors with CBD can decrease the response of the adverse memories, potentially resulting in decreased symptoms.

It is recommended to start at 10mg three times a day, increasing the dosage 10mg every four days until relief is found.  For long-term daily dose, it is recommended to take 20-60mg under the tongue daily. This is recommended for daily therapeutic effects, it is not recommended for episodes but for reducing the symptoms in general.

Anxiety, PTSD, & Stress

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

OCD is usually when someone has excessive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). OCD can manifest in different forms like; obsessions, repetitive urges, cleanliness, rituals, avoidance, and fears. Many people with OCD are aware of the compulsive behavior they have, but without doing something specific it triggers anxious feelings. 

Anti-depressants can have some effect for those who have OCD. They effect the serotonin neurotransmitter systems, which are known to deal with depression and anxiety.

CBD is recommended for long term daily use, versus one time use for symptoms. 10mg three times a day is recommended, and increasing the dose 10mg every four days until relief is felt. It will also take a few months for the daily dose to have an effect, because you body needs to get used to the regimen. 

Cite: Dr. Gregory L. Smith. CBD: What You Need To Know. 2017.

Neurodegenerative Disease

Neurodegenerative disease is the progressive degeneration and/or death of nerve cells. This damage is usually permanent due to the body not reproducing these nerve cells. Diseases associated with this are; Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and Huntingtons. 

CBD stimulates the CB2 receptors found on the immune system cells un the brain. This can potentially decrease the inflammatory response and decrease the extent of damage due to inflammation. CBD can also potentially improve symptoms. 

It is recommended that you begin with 10mg three times a day, increasing your dose 10mg every four days until relief is felt. Give it 3-6 months to test its efficacy. 

Cite: Dr. Gregory L. Smith. CBD: What You Need To Know. 2017.

Kratom

Kratom is derived from a species of tree known as Mitragyna speciosa, native to Southeast Asia. It is a deciduous evergreen, which grows to anywhere from 12 to 30 feet high. It is notable for its large leaves, which can be 7 inches long and 4 inches wide. Kratom has been widely used in Southeast Asia for millennia by laborers for energy as well as pain relief. One of its first mentions was by a Dutch Botanist, Pieter Korthals, in the early 19th century. During his time he saw that it was used as a cure for physical and mental ailments. It is also known to have effects varying from mood enhancement to treating diarrhea.

The Kratom leaf is taken from leaf form, dried and then crushed into a powder. This powder can be consumed in many different ways; from mixing it into a drink to taking capsules of powder. The leaf is used due to it being rich in active alkaloids, the main one being Mitragyna speciosa. This alkaloid is a mu-opioid receptor agonist, which is simply a pain reliever.

Effects Of Kratom

1. A stimulating feeling, with cerebral energy

2. Mood boost, due to the anti-depressant qualities of mirtagynine

3. Enhanced concentration (nootropic), found in white and green strains

4. Relaxation, calm mind, and stress reliever, usually with larger dosages

5. Analgesic (Pain Reliever), works on headaches, arthritic pain, vascular pain, muscle pain, and chronic pain

6. Improves sleep, it can help shut off your mind

7. Heightens sociability, can help make the user feel more confident to participate in social interactions

8. Sexual enhancer, extracts can double as an aphrodisiac

9. Eases opiate withdrawal

10. Promotes health, powerful anti-oxidant, potential to reduce neuron damage after a stroke, lower blood pressure, boost immune system

11. Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety)

12. Aids with inflammation issues

13. Can help to lower blood sugar

Kinds Of Kratom

Red Vein

One of the most popular strains and widely available to users. It is popular due to the fact that it offers both high energy and high pain relief to the user. This strain has a slower onset of effects, but the effects last longer ranging anywhere from 5 to 10 hours. This is due to the higher concentration of 7-hydromitragynine alkaloid. The effects that one may feel from red vein strains is; energy, a mild sedation, reduction in stress and anxiety, deep relaxation and calm, and the feeling of restfulness.

Green Vein

This kind of kratom is one of the most powerful. It gives the user high energy that is long lasting, about 8 hours. Green vein contains more mitragynine, which is why the effects are more powerful. It is known to increase cognitive abilities and cellular activity, as well as giving the user; energy, motivation, a feeling of calm, and a strong analgesic (pain) relief.

White Vein

White vein also contains a higher concentration of mitragynine, which gives it quick and intense effects, lasting 3 to 5 hours. This kind will give the user all day energy, while erasing pain. It is also known to have effects such as; increased concentration and focus (nootropic), ease on social anxiety, anti-depressant, a relaxed feeling in higher doses, and increased sexual stamina. For this kind the user could take 1 or 2 in the morning to get the day started, and take a larger dose in the evening to get the relaxing effects.

Gold Vein

Gold vein is a high quality strain that tends to be very sedative. It is an effective painkiller, appetite booster, relaxer, and anti-anxiety strain. It is a strain where you want to know your dosage, taking more than normal can cause adverse side effects.

Types Of Kratom

Maeng Da is known as the "working mans" strain. It is a good pain relieving strain, that will help you get through the day. It is also one of the most popular strains for daytime sports. It gives the user both stimulation and pain relief, while also being mood lifting. Maeng Da can also give the user a feeling of mental and physical readiness. This type activated at a lower dosages, with one downside being a quicker tolerance build-up than other types.

Bali is a good strain for advanced pain relief due to its strong analgesic properties. It is a relaxing and euphoric strain, which promotes good sleep and relaxation. Bali tends to come in a red vein, which gives it its increased pain relief. This type is good to mix with another strain when the user is feeling undesired effects.

Malay is one of the most popular strains, due to its moderate effects. It has the potential for the user to feel either the stimulating effects or the relaxing effects. A low dose will give the user energy and euphoria, while a higher dose will be more sedating. This type is a good pre-workout tonic to numb pain and push boundaries. Malay helps the user stay focused during pain and withdrawal. A new user can see effects lasting as long as 8 hours, and an experienced user can see effects lasting 3 to 4 hours. On the health side, Malay can be used to aid in the release of stomach problems, relax the muscles, lower blood pressure, and is a strong anti-oxidant.

Thai is a good type to use during the day for pain relief. It is one of the better types for energy and stimulation, though at high doses it can be over stimulating. Remember whenever taking kratom less is more. When using Thai 1 to 2 grams can help control anxiety. The difference in this type is that the alkaloid make-up of it tends to offer different users, different experiences.

Borneo is another strain that is the best of both worlds, it is energizing as well as relaxing. Borneo can offer the user energy to excel at tasks as well as offer mental focus. This is on top of the pain relief that it has to offer. The energy feeling users can experience is a bright and clear energy. White vein strains make work more productive, while the red vein strains are the strongest offering high sedation and pain relief.