HOW CBD CAN HELP YOU DEAL WITH HOLIDAY STRESS, INSOMNIA AND ANXIETY

If you’re like me, the holiday season can be a stressful time of year. Between family gatherings, work obligations, shopping, and parties, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. And if you’re feeling anxious or depressed, you’re probably experiencing some form of stress. But what can you do about it?

If you’re struggling to deal with stress, insomnia and anxiety during the holiday season, CBD may be a great alternative. In this article, we’ll tell you how CBD works, and how it can help you feel more relaxed and calm.

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is the non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It’s similar to THC, but it doesn’t produce a high. Instead, it has a calming effect on the body.

In fact, many people who use CBD report feeling calmer, more relaxed, and less anxious. CBD is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with pain and other conditions that result from inflammation.

So how can CBD help you?

Let’s start with sleep. Many people struggle with insomnia during the holidays, and if you’re not sleeping well, you’re likely to feel sluggish. Recent studies have found that CBD may improve sleep by reducing anxiety and sleep disturbances during the holiday season. CBD may also be able to help you with anxiety and depression.

CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety.

If you are suffering from chronic pain, stress, anxiety, muscle tension or just feeling run down, it is important to know about the many benefits of CBD. Patients in the studies also show how CBD could improve their mood.

While CBD has been used for thousands of years to treat pain and other medical conditions, it is just now being studied as a treatment for mental health conditions like stress, anxiety, PTSD, and others. There is ongoing research on the effects of CBD. And many studies show the positive effects of CBD. A lot of the research done so far shows that CBD may have potential to treat some mental health conditions. The cannabis plant contains over 60 different compounds called cannabinoids, which are found in both the hemp and marijuana varieties of the plant. CBD is one of these compounds and is believed to be responsible for most of the medicinal benefits of the plant.

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system.

This system is similar to the one that produces natural pain-killing and anti-inflammatory chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins play a role in feelings of happiness, relaxation, and well-being.

CBD can be a great way to combat the holiday season blues and can even be used to improve sleep.

HOW CBD CAN HELP YOU SLEEP BETTER: BENEFITS OF A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

We all know that CBD should help you sleep better, but what are the benefits of a good night’s sleep? In this article, we will explore CBD and its effects on stress levels. CBD is known to have anti-anxiety properties which can cause less stress in your life. This has been shown to lead to a more sound sleep, which will then result in improved health and productivity.

During these stressful times, many factors can affect your mood and your sleep. Posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety related disorders, generalized social anxiety disorder, chronic pain… these are just a few sleep disorders that can keep you from falling asleep and the many health benefits of a sound sleep.

When you are in a good mood, it is much easier to sleep well. CBD can help bring your emotions back down when they become too overwhelming and stressful for the body. This allows the body to relax more fully at night which will result in better sleep quality. You’ll wake up feeling refreshed without any feelings of grogginess or fatigue.

The end result of using CBD is a healthier and happier you, which will then lead to improved productivity during the day. You’ll feel like you can take on anything that comes your way! Being well rested means having more energy throughout the day as well.

Some people find it easier than others to stay away from their phones before bedtime, but for many of us, the temptation is just too great. We all know how bad it can be to scroll through our feeds after a stressful day before going to bed. CBD has been shown not only reduce stress levels, but also improve your mood .

This makes it much easier for you to fall asleep and stay away from those pesky devices. You can finally go to bed at a decent hour knowing you’ll wake up feeling rested and ready for your day.

It’s also important to use high quality, pure CBD tinctures likd Pure Plan. A full spectrum CBD oil with no fillers or additives has a much higher CBD potency and can help reduce poor sleep.

The CBD industry is making great strides and clinical data is being collected that shows promise of how CBD can improve mental health, anxiety disorders, reduce anxiety levels, and provide pain relief.

The most important thing is that CBD has been shown to improve sleep quality in many ways. It reduces stress levels, helps bring down mood swings, and improves the overall health of our body which will result in increased productivity during the day. You’ll feel like anything is possible when you’re taking CBD oil before going to bed every night!

WHY GOLFERS LOVE PUREPLAN 3,500MG CBD LOTION

Imagine you are on the first tee, ready to hit your first drive. But the pain and stiffness from yesterday’s 36 holes causes you to shank it hard to the left and instead of landing in the middle of the fairway, you’re out of bounds and already down 2 strokes.

But now imagine this. After yesterday’s 36 holes, you applied PurePlan 3,500mg CBD Lotion to your aching muscles. Within minutes, you can feel it working to help relieve the pain and reduce inflammation. So, the next time you hit that first drive off the tee, you’re amazed that you hit it 20 yards further than before and you’re more relaxed and flexible than ever.

As golfers, we all know that golf is a game of inches. And PurePlan 3,500mg CBD Lotion can help you gain those extra inches on the golf course by helping to improve your flexibility and reduce inflammation to improve your game. Take just a few minutes to learn more about how CBD Lotion can benefit golfers today.

PurePlan 3,500 mg CBD Lotion is one of the strongest, pure CBD lotions you can buy. 

It takes advantage of the many benefits of CBD, or cannabidiol.  This is a compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, which may affect your psychomotor performance and can alter senses, CBD has no psychoactive properties. That means golfers have nothing to worry about while on the golf course! In fact, PurePlan CBD Lotion has no additives, unlike other CBD lotions. And with 3,500mg of CBD, you are getting the powerful help you need.

Benefits of PurePlan 3,500mg CBD Lotion golfers will love:  

• Reduced inflammation:  CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory, which helps golfers recover faster from muscle soreness and injury.  

• Muscle Recovery: Long, repetitious bouts of exercise — whether that exercise is a relaxing 18 holes or a weekend tournament — often trigger your body’s injury responses, resulting in muscle soreness and stiffness. According to Sports Medicine, preclinical studies have noted the “robust anti-inflammatory” properties of CBD, which is a key factor in CBD as an effective tool for athletic recovery.  

• Increased flexibility: CBD also has documented effects on human cell membranes, allowing golfers to increase their flexibility with regular use.  

• Reduced pain: Many golfers suffer from chronic or acute pain, and CBD is a powerful treatment for pain symptoms, both muscular and neuropathic, without the side-effects that often come with traditional OTC pain medications like Nsaids, ibuprofen and acetiminophens.

CBD has very few known side-effects if any at all. CBD is a natural compound that comes from the cannabis sativa plant and is legal in all 50 states. That’s right golfers, CBD derived from US grown, locally sourced hemp works just as well as traditional CBD… but without any THC!

The golf offseason is often a time for golfers to focus on their health and fitness, and that usually means doing anything possible to improve strength, power, and flexibility.

But sometimes golfers overlook simple things they can do in everyday life that will help them play better golf when the season begins. One of those things that golfers should start using if – they haven’t already – is PurePlan 3,500mg CBD lotion.

You’ve probably heard of PurePlan 3,500mg CBD lotion, but you might not know what it’s really capable of. That’s why we put together this easy-to-follow guide to using PurePlan 3,500mg CBD Lotion and why golfers love it so much.

First, golfers should understand how CBD works.

CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol, a major chemical found in the hemp plant. It’s what makes CBD lotion so popular among golfers and non-golfers alike…

“CBDs are very important because they help activate the human endocannabinoid system (ECS), which we need to stay healthy,” says Mike Holland, a golf fitness instructor from Pittsburgh. “In fact, CBDs activate receptors within the ECS to help release specific neurotransmitters that can attach to those receptors and boost our mood, sleep cycle and overall sense of well-being.”

So, golfers already know how CBD lotion works on them – but what can golfers expect when they use it?

If golfers are using CBD lotion, here’s what to expect:

• A reduction in inflammation and pain after golf rounds.  

• An overall improvement of mood – which can lead to better golf scores and a happier golf game.   

• Anti-aging properties that help golfers recover faster from a round of golf.

• Improved golf swing because of the CBD lotion’s power to reduce anxiety and stress on golf days.  CBD lotion is a golfer’s best friend because it can improve power, flexibility, mood and recovery after golf rounds.

“Every golfer knows that golf itself is not physically demanding,” says Holland. “But golf requires golfers to be in a constant state of mental stress and anxiety.”

That means golfers need CBD lotion to help them relax and stay calm on golf days, which might boost their scores even more.

Golfers aren’t the only ones who benefit from PurePlan 3,500mg CBD lotion …so does anybody else who spends a lot of time on their feet and suffers from sore muscles.

PurePlan 3,500mg CBD lotion is the most powerful CBD golf product on the market, so it’s easy to see why golfers are so excited about it!

CAN CBD LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE?

Yes, there is some evidence to suggest that CBD may help lower blood pressure.

Doctors may prescribe medications for people with high blood pressure. If an individual is taking blood pressure medications and uses CBD products, it is important for them to inform a doctor.

What does the research say?
Some research studies indicate that products containing CBD may help with lowering blood pressure.

A 2020 study found that CBD may have vasodilatory effects in human and rat arteries. The authors suggest that CBD may improve a person’s blood flow, as it widens their blood vessels.

Additionally, a 2017 studyTrusted Source looked at the effects of a single dose of CBD oil in healthy participants. The authors found that it lowered blood pressure in individuals who were at rest and those under stress.

According to the American Institute of Stress, stress may cause blood pressure to rise. This is due to the heart pumping faster and stress hormones constricting the blood vessels.

However, researchers need to conduct more studies to determine the effect of CBD on cardiovascular conditions.

Risks of CBD
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source states that there may be some potential risks when using CBD products. These may include:

interactions with other medications
drowsiness or sedation, if the individual is taking medications that treat anxiety, stress, or sleep disorders
an increased risk of diarrhea and loss of appetite
mood changes, such as irritability and agitation
liver injury
low blood pressure
A 2017 research studyTrusted Source found that taking CBD with antihypertensive medications may change the blood concentration of either substance. If an individual uses CBD and blood pressure medications, it is important for them to inform a doctor.

CBD and pregnancy
The FDATrusted Source does not recommend using CBD products during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

There is not enough research into how CBD may affect a developing fetus. There is some evidenceTrusted Source, however, to suggest that high doses of CBD in pregnant test animals may affect a male fetus’s reproductive system.

That said, one 2021 study investigating the effects of CBD in pregnant mice found that daily doses of CBD were unlikely to accumulate in the mice and their fetuses.

There needs to be more research to investigate the potential risks of CBD use during pregnancy.

CBD products for blood pressure
CBD products that may suit people with hypertension come in oils, gummies, tinctures or drops, and capsules. They can either be full-spectrum or broad-spectrum.

Full-spectrum products consist of naturally occurring cannabis plant extracts and up to 0.3% THCTrusted Source. Broad-spectrum CBD products have several cannabis plant compounds, but they are free of THC. However, sometimes, these may still contain traces of THC.

It is important to check a product’s label before making a purchase. Some products may contain up to 0.3% THC.

Can CBD help with depression?

CBD has gained popularity in recent years as a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals, thanks in part to a growing body of research into its potential health benefits, which may include treating depression. The initial results of some studies into CBD and depression look promising.

In a recent article from Medical News Today, learn about the potential for CBD to help relieve the symptoms of depression. CBD may not be right for everyone, and consult your doctor before using CBD treatment for any condition.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with sadness, depression, or anxiety during get help by calling the Disaster Distress Helpline Call or text 1-800-985-5990

According to the Medical News Today article, depression and anxiety disorders are common mental health conditions that can have lasting effects on a person’s health, social life, ability to work, and overall well-being.

A doctor may prescribe pharmaceutical drugs to help a person treat or manage depression. Many of these drugs have difficult side effects, such as mood swings, sleeplessness, and sexual dysfunction.

CBD has shown promise in initial studies as a treatment for both depression and anxiety, and it may cause fewer side effects in some people.

The findings of research from 2014 may help explain why CBD could be useful in treating depression. They indicate that, in most studies, CBD appears to have a positive interaction with serotonin receptors in the brain.

Serotonin impacts a range of functions in the body, including a person’s emotional state and feelings of well-being or happiness. Keeping serotonin levels balanced is often a key therapy for people with depression.

What the research says

Testing in animal models has provided some evidence for the use of CBD to help treat depression.

According to the authors of the 2014 review, results from a variety of studies indicate that CBD appears to act as an antidepressant and anti-anxiety compound in animal models of depression.

Authors of a review from 2018 also noted that many studies have shown the anti-stress and antidepressant activity of CBD in animal models.

The compound exhibits a clear anti-stress effect after short- or long-term use. In certain tests, CBD acted as an antidepressant.

The authors also found that the compound worked without activating the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors directly, which may indicate that there is less risk of CBD becoming habit-forming, or addictive.

Researchers have even studied CBD’s potential to help reduce cravings in people with opioid use disorder.

In a study from 2018, researchers indicated that CBD has promise as a fast-acting antidepressant.

Most researchers conducting animal studies of CBD call for more direct research in humans, but their initial results are an essential step toward establishing how CBD works in the body.

CBD, BABY BOOMERS AND GENX’ERS

It’s no surprise that two of the biggest groups of adults using CBD are the Baby Boomers and GenX generations. Since the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018, the use of CBD or cannabidiol has increased over 212%. No matter where you turn, you can find numerous articles about the health benefits of CBD, what is the best form of CBD, what dosage of CBD should I take and the list goes on.

And these two groups account for over 50% of all CBD use.

But why are Baby Boomers (born 1946 – 1964) and GenXers (born 1965 – 1979) so enthralled with CBD? For years, the Boomers have had a lot of experience and awareness of cannabis and to the early claims of its health benefits. Whether they smoked it or not, they heard about how it could help any number of ailments from arthritis and joint pain to insomnia and anxiety.

And now, with CBD derived from hemp, it is non-psychoactive with less than .03% THC, the active ingredient in cannabis that gives you the ‘high’ most often associated with marijuana. So with Boomers now 56 to 74 years old, it makes sense that they would be interested in a natural solution to the ailments of aging through the use of CBD. And GenXers are turning to CBD for help with pain relief from sports activities to relief from parenting and job stress.

The Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana

CBD (Cannabidiol) oil is derived from hemp. Many people confuse hemp with marijuana, but hemp is a very different plant. Marijuana and hemp may share the same scientific name, Cannabis sativa, but they are not the same.

Marijuana is cultivated primarily for its psychoactive cannabinoid, a chemical compound called tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, for recreational and medicinal use. Marijuana contains both THC and CBD.

Hemp contains only a trace of THC, less than 0.3% compared to marijuana’s hefty 5-35%. The main cannabinoid in hemp is CBD, but there are over 100 other cannabinoids in hemp, as well as compounds that produce tastes and scents called terpenes (e.g. citrusy smell of oranges, unique aroma of pine trees, or sweet flower smell of lavender). 

They Say 60 Is The New 40

While aging is inevitable, both Baby Boomers and GenXers want to keep as active physically and they used to be and are turning to CBD for a natural alternative to over-the-counter drugs, reflecting a trend nationwide.

There are numerous scientific research projects on-going now to further understand the medical benefits of CBD, and while the FDA doesn’t allow specific health claims to be made about CBD, the areas of study and why Boomers are using CBD relate to the following conditions:

Pain and Inflammation

Unlike OTC pain medications, CBD doesn’t affect the liver and the kidneys, and is non-addictive. So as Boomers and GenX’ers age, they are using CBD tinctures and CBD lotions to help relieve pain caused by arthritis, joint pain, muscle pain and other forms of chronic pain.

A 2015 review published in Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry discussed the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD. They found that CBD may help reduce inflammation through several pathways in the body and represents an effective aid for a range of conditions characterized by inflammation.

Stress, Anxiety and Sleeplessness

During these uncertain economic and pandemic times, more and more people are searching for help with anxiety – and turning to CBD for assistance. CBD has been shown to help calm the mind and improve sleep, which is a major symptom associated with anxiety.

Research published in 2019 looked at whether CBD could improve sleep and or reduce anxiety. The study involved 72 subjects, with 47 experiencing anxiety and 25 experiencing poor sleep. The subjects were each given 25 milligrams (mg) of CBD in capsule form each day. In the first month, 79.2 percent of the patients reported lower anxiety levels and 66.7 percent reported better sleep. 

 Circulation and High Blood Pressure

Adults over 55 are the most at risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.

Regular use of CBD helps lower anxiety, improves sleep and in turn, helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke.

The Future of Baby Boomers, GenX’ers and CBD

With more and more companies entering the CBD market, national chains like CVS and Walgreens carrying CBD products and high quality, pure CBD products like Pure Plan delivering them right to your door, you can expect even more adults turning to the benefits of CBD to help them live their best lives possible.

Can CBD Oil Benefit You?

By Carol Chuang

CBD (Cannabidiol) oil is derived from hemp. Many people confuse hemp with marijuana, but hemp is a very different plant. Marijuana and hemp may share the same scientific name, Cannabis sativa, but they are not the same.

Marijuana is cultivated primarily for its psychoactive cannabinoid, a chemical compound called tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, for recreational and medicinal use. Marijuana contains both THC and CBD.

Hemp contains only a trace of THC, less than 0.3% compared to marijuana’s hefty 5-35%. The main cannabinoid in hemp is CBD, but there are over 100 other cannabinoids in hemp, as well as compounds that produce tastes and scents called terpenes(e.g. citrusy smell of oranges, unique aroma of pine trees, or sweet flower smell of lavender).

For thousands of years, hemp has been cultivated for food, clothing, fiber, and fuel. It is one of the world’s oldest domesticated crops. In the early days, hemp was a vital crop in the U.S. During the 1700s, colonial farmers grew hemp mainly for its strong fiber.

However, hemp production came to a screeching halt when the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was passed. Mainstream attitudes towards cannabis began to sway greatly towards the negative. Hemp became the “evil weed” because it shares the same species as marijuana even though it does not contain marijuana’s abundant THC.

Over the years, many have speculated that the real reason for the anti-cannabis campaign boiled down to the worry that hemp could become a low-cost substitute for paper pulp. American industrialist William Randolph Hearst and the DuPont family had major investments in the timber and newspaper industries. They initiated a smear campaign to destroy the lucrative hemp market for fear that the rise of hemp would undercut their profits. Nevertheless, years later, it became known that hemp does not contain a high enough concentration of cellulose to be an effective paper substitute.

Eighty long years later, hemp finally regained its legal status in the U.S. after the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp, defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC, is removed from Schedule I controlled substances. Hemp-derived products are legal as long as they come from licensed hemp growers. More and more universities and hospitals have begun to study it. Americans can now use CBD legally. It can be ordered online and shipped to all 50 states.

Marijuana laws are also changing at a rapid pace across America. Even though it is still illegal on the federal level, many states have legalized marijuana. For the remaining states, some have allowed it for medical use and some recreational use.

The Human Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Cannabinoids made by our own bodies are called endocannabinoids (the prefix “endo” means within). In the 1990s, researchers made an astonishing discovery that the ECS plays a major role in our overall health.

The ECS maintains constant communication with every organ system in the body.

This communication involves messenger molecules called endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors on every cell that accepts them. Think of it as a “key and lock” system. The receptors are locks and the endocannabinoids are keys that bind to these receptors and unlock them.

There are two main types of receptors within the ECS – cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2).

Researchers found more than 1,000 receptors in the body. CB1 receptors are located largely on nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, as well as the eye and retina. CB2 receptors are predominantly found in the immune system and in the organs and tissues, such as brain, spleen, blood cells, gastrointestinal, and urinary tracts.

The body produces two types of endocannabinoids – anandamide and 2-AG. These are transported into the cells through the CB1 and CB2 receptors. As we age, the body becomes less efficient in producing anandamide and 2-AG. The proper functioning of the ECS also depends on the adequacy of omega-3 in the diet.

Many people have experienced the feel good sensation or “high” after strenuous exercise. The lifted mood comes from the release of endorphins. Researchers now know that it is also from an increase in anandamide, which targets mainly the CB1 receptors and, to a lesser extent, the CB2 receptors.

The other endocannabinoid, 2-AG, transmits signals across the brain cells and activates both CB1 and CB2 receptors. 2-AG supports brain health, immune health, as well as insulin sensitivity.

Researchers have now discovered that both endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-AG, have a considerable impact on a variety of functions including appetite, energy and balance, immunity, memory, metabolism, nervous system, sleep, and stress response.

Evidence For CBD Health Benefits

The Cannabis plant contains over 100 cannabinoids. These compounds closely resemble the human endocannaboids. The main cannabinoid in hemp is CBD, and in marijuana, THC.

Unlike THC, CBD does not bind directly into our cannabinoid receptors. Nevertheless, it does stimulate the activity of both CB1 and CB2 receptors without directly tapping into them. A study by the National Institute of Health found that CBD causes the body to release more endocannabinoids, especially 2-AG. Moreover, CBD inhibits the degradation of anandamide.

Scientists are now beginning to discover many of CBD’s health benefits:

Childhood Epilepsy

CBD has been touted for a wide variety of health interests, but the strongest scientific evidence is for its effectiveness in treating two rare drug-resistant childhood epilepsy conditions, namely Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome (DS). The FDA has recently approved the first ever CBD-derived drug Epidiolex for these conditions. In numerous studies, CBD was able to reduce the number of seizures, and in some cases it was able to stop them altogether.

Pain Relief

CBD may offer an option for treating different types of chronic pain: fibromyalgia, gout, HIV, multiple sclerosis, neuropathic, and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies found that applying CBD oil directly on the problem area helps to lower pain and inflammation. CBD works by impacting cannabinoid receptor activity in the body, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters.

Researchers also found that subjects did not build up a tolerance to the effects of CBD, so there was no need to increase dosage continually. Unlike some pain medications, CBD is not addictive and does not have any intoxicating effects, offering much relief for people who have chronic pain.

An oral spray called Sativex, which is a combination of CBD and THC, has been approved in a number of countries in Europe and Canada (but not in the U.S.) to treat pain and muscle spasms related to multiple sclerosis.

Another controlled study found that Sativex significantly improved pain during movement, pain at rest, and sleep quality in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Anxiety and Depression

Clinical trials have revealed that both marijuana and CBD may be effective in reducing different forms of anxiety including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Not only did participants in the studies felt better, they also reported reduced cognitive impairment and anxiousness. Scientists suggest that in addition to impacting the endocannabinoid system, CBD may influence receptors involved in the modulation of serotonin, a chemical messenger that plays a role in anxiety regulation.

In addition, some studies showed that CBD eases depression and helps with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. (Please note that marijuana does not help with either and may actually worsen psychosis.)

Cancer-Related Symptoms

Researchers found that cancer patients treated with CBD and THC, the psychoactive compound from marijuana, experienced significant reduction in pain. In addition, a one-to-one combination of CBD and THC administered via mouth spray reduced side effects associated with cancer treatments like nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

At present, more research needs to be done on whether CBD alone can produce the same beneficial outcomes.

A number of cell culture studies found that cannabinoids can help slow tumor growth, reduce tumor invasion, and induce tumor cell death in various types of cancer, including brain, blood, breast, colon, pancreatic, and prostate.

Scientists believe that CBD probably works by starving cancer cells of energy, making them more sensitive to the body’s immune response, and by blocking a newly discovered cannabinoid-related cancer pathway. However, human trials are needed before further conclusions can be drawn.

Other Potential CBD Benefits

• Lowers blood pressure (caution if taking blood pressure medication).

• Lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol.

• Lowers uric acid levels and reduces gout symptoms.

• Helps with insomnia due to relaxing and anxiety-reducing effects.

• Helps people to quit smoking and is a promising treatment for those with opioid addiction.

• Mitigates neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Some research suggests CBD could protect brain cells from damage and oxidative stress. Early results have been broadly positive but more studies are necessary.

• Reduces likelihood of developing type 1 and type 2 diabetes, especially at the early disease stages (no human trials yet).

• Lessens inflammation and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (no human trials yet).

CBD Side Effects And Safety

CBD is generally well tolerated and rarely produces side effects. However, some people should take additional precautions, including:

• People with weakened immune system. In cell studies, CBD was associated with decreased activity of T and B immune cells, hence, increasing the likelihood of infections and worsening HIV, tumor growth, metastases, and asthma.

• People taking medications. CBD may decrease the activity of liver enzymes, called cytochrome P450, responsible for metabolizing more than 60% of prescribed drugs. Check with your doctor to rule out any interactions as CBD may increase or decrease the effects of your medications.

• Use caution when combining CBD with herbs or botanicals in dietary supplements. There is limited research on such interactions.

• Use caution when combining CBD with alcohol.

• Most people who use CBD do not report any side effects, but some may include a slight decrease in blood pressure, dry mouth, light headedness, drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset, decrease in appetite, and mood changes.

Pregnant, Lactating Women And Children

At present, there is a lack of research regarding the safety of CBD use for pregnant and lactating women as well as children. Please consult with your doctor before use.

Avoid using marijuana while pregnant. Studies show that THC can interrupt the formation of neuronal networks and result in nervous system-related birth defects. Teenagers should not use marijuana either as the THC may have an effect on their developing brains.

Important Considerations When Buying CBD Oil

• Do not buy from vendors selling on Amazon. It is hard to verify the authenticity and quality of the products.

• It is best to buy USA grown hemp from licensed farmers. China is now a big exporter of CBD oil and has over 10% of the global market.

• Only buy CBD products that use the whole hemp plant, not synthetics and not isolates, as the whole plant contains the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, the active compounds that give plants their taste and smell. Herbalists believe the terpenes in hemp interact synergistically with the cannabinoids to create an “entourage effect” that enhances the healthful effects of each individual component.

• Only buy organically grown hemp utilizing eco-farming practices and without pesticides and herbicides.

• Make sure the hemp is processed using CO2 extraction that is gentle, clean, and does not use harsh solvents, ETO (ethylene oxide) or gamma radiation. This method does not require heat and the entire spectrum of cannabinoids are retained in the blend.

• Only buy CBD products that are all natural and contain no additives, preservatives, emulsifiers, or flavorings.

• When buying CBD oil, the label should indicate how much CBD is in the bottle (in milligrams or mg) and its concentration (e.g. 1 drop = 2.4 mg of CBD).

• Only buy from a company that provides third-party lab-verified test results for each batch of CBD it sells. Since CBD oil is not regulated, there is no guarantee the consumer will get what is being advertised by a company. The Certificate of Analysis (COA) verifies that the product actually contains what it claims as well as the concentration of the CBD. It should include an analysis showing the levels of pesticides, herbicides, mold, fungi, mycotoxins, and heavy metals in the product. If the company cannot produce a COA, do not buy its products.

How To Use CBD Oil

First and foremost, there is no addiction with CBD oil. The U.S. federal government puts THC addiction at about 4%. CBD is zero. So there will not be any problems quitting cold turkey.

Additionally, the reason there have never been any deaths linked to cannabis overdose is because our brainstem, which controls our heart and breathing, have hardly any cannabinoid receptors. (The safety of vaping is a separate issue which is still under investigation.)

CBD oil can be taken sublingually, orally or topically. For sublingual use, hold the drops under the tongue for one minute before swallowing. For oral use, add to drinks or a smoothie. For topical use, apply the oil directly to the problem area.

Dosage

Effective dosage varies from person to person and can be different for every ailment or disorder.

For pain, the majority of CBD users use between 10 and 30 mg of CBD per day. Start with 5 mg of CBD on the first day. If you do not notice any positive effects, increase by 5 mg the following day. Repeat this process for several days until you notice positive results.

For psychological disorders like anxiety or depression, start off with an initial dose of 2 mg per day. Increase by 2 mg every day until you notice positive results.

Consistency is the most important part of taking CBD oil. It is good to split the drops between morning and night, taking it roughly at the same time each day. From there, you can adjust the number of drops up or down as you start noticing the impact it has on your body.

Drug Testing

As mandated by U.S. law, full spectrum CBD oil contains less than 0.3% THC. However, depending on the sensitivity of the drug test and the individual, it is possible that one can test positive for THC using full spectrum CBD oil.

Summary

• CBD is now legal in the U.S. It comes from hemp and does not give you a “high”. It contains less than 0.3% of THC, which is the psychoactive compound in marijuana.

• CBD is non-addictive and the body does not build up a tolerance to it.

• Studies showed that CBD is quite safe and there are very few reported adverse effects. However, if you have a weakened immune system or are taking any medications, consult with your doctor before using CBD. Use caution if you drink alcohol or are using herbs or botanicals. Pregnant and lactating women and children should check with their doctors before using CBD.

• There are now two CBD-derived drugs – one for two rare forms of childhood epilepsy and one for multiple sclerosis.

• CBD has natural pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties.

• CBD may help reduce anxiety in people with certain related disorders.

• CBD, in conjunction with THC, are effective in alleviating cancer and cancer treatment-related symptoms.

• Hemp tends to suck up all the harmful chemicals from the soil. Therefore, it is pertinent that the CBD oil comes from plants grown using organic and sustainable farming practices.

• Buy CBD products that are whole-plant extracts (not synthetic or isolates) using CO2 extraction that retains the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes.

  Carol Chuang is a Certified Nutrition Specialist. She has a Masters degree in Nutrition and is a Certified Gluten Practitioner. She specializes in Metabolic Typing and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition.

  Article Source: Can CBD Oil Benefit You

Hemp Oil: What You Need To Know

What exactly is ‘hemp oil’, and is it the same thing as CBD oil?

No, they are actually completely different products – hemp oil is primarily used in cooking or in beauty products, whereas CBD oil is an oral tincture or lotion that provides many health benefits. Both are made from hemp, but the difference is substantial.

How Can I Tell the Difference?

Read the label. Just because a product is marketed as hemp oil doesn’t make it a CBD product. Even products marketed as ‘infused with hemp oil’ don’t have pure CBD in them.

Hemp is a specific type of cannabis plant that is rich in cannabidiol and extremely low in THC with levels less than 0.3%.

“Hemp oil” is more accurately known as hemp seed oil and is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. Some popular brands market their product as “hemp oil”, but when you look at the ingredients, it says “raw, organic unrefined hemp seed oil”.

CBD oil is made using the entirety of the hemp plant, not just the seeds. The active ingredient will likely be listed as a “whole plant extract”, most commonly CBD isolate or CBD distillate. CBD oil tinctures such as Pure Plan CBD tinctures then use a carrier oil like MCT oil. Certain types of CBD oil are full spectrum which can contain trace amounts of THC under 0.3%, or broad spectrum, which has zero amounts of THC.

How Is It Produced?

Another major difference is the extraction process. Hemp seed oil is extracted using cold-press extraction using just hemp seeds. CBD oil uses the whole hemp plant and uses a much more expensive process called ‘supercritical fluid or CO2 extraction.’ This process gives you the highest quality, purest form of CBD oil.

What Color Is It?

Hemp seed oil typically has a dark to clear light green color and a nutty flavor.

CBD oil made with CO2 extraction using whole hemp plants typically has a clear to dark gold color and has either a neutral or earthy plant flavor.

How Much CBD Is in It?

If the hemp seed oil doesn’t list the amount of CBD in milligrams, it is not a CBD product.

Premium CBD products like Pure Plan will publish independent 3rd party test results with a detailed breakdown of the cannabinoid and terpene profile as well as other quality control metrics.

Why Is Hemp Oil So Cheap Compared to CBD Oil?

As stated earlier, high quality forms of CBD oil like Pure Plan is much more expensive to produce than hemp seed oil. If a product claims to be a premium CBD oil and is inexpensive, you should double check it for legitimacy.

What About Products On Amazon or in Health Food Stores?

Both hemp seed oil and CBD oil can be found at your local pharmacy, grocery store, and health food stores. However, most of the time you will find that they are generally sold in different locations. The most reputable, high quality CBD oil brands can be purchased online. A lot of pharmacies have started carrying high quality CBD oil brands like Pure Plan. A few years ago, this was not the case. And one big red flag – even though CBD is legal in all 50 states, Amazon still does not allow the sale of CBD oil, only hemp oil made from hemp seeds.

So What’s The Answer?

Simple. If you are looking to benefit from pure cannabidiol or CBD to help improve your general health and wellness or explore other potential health benefits, make sure you choose a high quality CBD product with high potency amounts of pure CBD like Pure Plan CBD products.

Elective Surgery Cancelled? How To Get Relief From The Pain.

In a recent USA Today Op-ed piece, US Surgeon General Vice Adm. Jerome M. Adams, MD recommended to delay elective medical, dental procedures to help us fight coronavirus. He said “The lives of many, especially our most vulnerable, are at stake. We can win this war if we all commit to taking the right actions for our country.”

But what does that mean for you – and how can you manage your pain until you are able to reschedule your surgery? Several Pure Plan customers are using CBD for successful pain management. According to one Pure Plan customer Pat P. from Colorado, her 75-year-old mother had double knee replacement surgery cancelled and to help her with her knee pain, she got her the Pure Plan 3,500 mg topical pain cream and reported great results!

According to an article in the Harvard Health Blog: “CBD may offer an option for treating different types of chronic pain. A study from the European Journal of Pain showed, using an animal model, CBD applied on the skin could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis. Another study demonstrated the mechanism by which CBD inhibits inflammatory and neuropathic pain, two of the most difficult types of chronic pain to treat.”

Please remember we are not giving medical advice – we strongly suggest consulting with your primary care giver with any medical questions.