As I promised, here is round two of the most common questions people ask us about CBD. As always, if you have questions, ask. We have answers.
1. How do carrier and essential oils work in concert with CBD oil?
Carrier oils such as sweet almond, avocado, grapeseed and a host of others in addition to 300-plus essential oils, possess therapeutic benefits of their own. The addition of organic, cold-pressed carrier oils and essential oils, either steam distilled or CO2 extracted, are combined with CBD oil to address conditions from arthritis to skin care.
With the presence of cannabinoid receptors in the human body, the FSHO delivers the natural healing benefits of these carrier and essential oils more effectively and efficiently to target the area of need. Think of it as a streamlined delivery.
2. What conditions can CBD help?
There have been few studies done in the United States to highlight the benefits of hemp-derived CBD due to its inaccurate comparison with marijuana. The vast majority of early studies involving cannabinoids have taken place in Israel. The existence of the endocannabinoid receptor system in mammals was first identified in the 1960s by Raphael Mechoulam, a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Two recent studies, the Tikun Olam study in Israel and Care by Design, partnered with Project CBD, have surveyed more than 2,500 CBD users. Remarkably, the majority of participants in both studies found that the introduction of cannabinoids relieved their symptoms and improved overall wellness. In the combined studies, between 88.2% and 95.5% of all those surveyed had improved appetite, sleep and sense of wellness. Some of the benefits experienced by the study respondents include reduction of prescription pill intake, decreased anxiety and depression, reduction of inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, Crohn’s disease and IBS, decreased pain and discomfort from neuropathic pain, headaches, migraines, and fibromyalgia along with improved mood and increased energy levels.
3. What is the best way to use CBD?
There are basically four ways to use CBD. Sublingual (under the tongue), inhalation or vaporization, ingestion and topical application. Hemp oil does not have a pleasant flavor on its own, so using a concentrate under the tongue is beneficial for users more sensitive to taste. Tinctures are also delivered under the tongue and are mixed with ingredients such as coconut and other essential oils and herbs depending on the manufacturer. Hemp oil E-liquid, commonly referred to as vapes, is the quickest and most powerful way to mix the compound into the bloodstream through the lungs. The oral ingestion method is the most common form used. Ingestible CBD in the form of gel caps or hemp oil can be easily swallowed with water or juice. Other forms of ingestibles are edibles and teas. Topical application in the form of lotions or salves is applied directly to the skin. Topical CBD products are best for individuals who need targeted pain relief for muscles, joints and nerves, or to address numerous skin conditions.
4. How quickly can CBD kick in?
Timing depends largely on the delivery method. Inhalation or vaporization enters the bloodstream through the lungs the fastest. The sublingual method, using concentrates or tinctures, also offers quick results as it bypasses the digestive system and allows the compounds to interact immediately with the endocannabinoid system. Topical applications also offer pain relief relatively quickly because it, too, interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors located in the skin. Ingestion takes a bit longer to notice the effects. Capsules and other edibles enter the digestive system and metabolize in the liver before the active compounds mix into the bloodstream and are carried to the receptors.
5. How do I select a CBD product that’s right for me?
You’ll need to do some research on the various suppliers. Not all CBD products are the same, regardless of claims. The most important consideration should be given to the way the hemp is grown. It should be grown as organically as possible without using harmful herbicides, pesticides or growth enhancers. Second on the list is the manner in which the CBD is extracted. Look for a product derived from CO2 extraction. This is the most expensive extraction method, but by far the safest.