The ABC’s of CBD

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound derived from hemp for use as a dietary supplement.  Though hemp is a type of cannabis, unlike marijuana, it contains only trace amounts of THC, so it has no psychoactive effects, nor is it likely to show up in drug screening unless significantly high doses are used (higher end dosing would simply require specialized drug testing).  Current legislation prevents CBD from being grown or harvested in the US at this time, so it must be imported.

How CBD works:

CBD activates receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). All vertebrates make their own endogenous cannabinoids, and receptors are found throughout the brain/nervous system, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells. In fact, the ECS is the MOST RECEPTOR RICH SYSTEM IN THE BODY! The ECS performs different tasks in each area of the body, but the goal is always the same: maintaining homeostasis, a stable, steady state in the body's internal environment despite fluctuations in the external environment. These compounds act as a bridge between body and mind. Understanding how this system operates helps to explain how states of consciousness can contribute to health or disease.

The three key components of the ECS are found within almost every major system of the body and include:

• Cannabinoid receptors are found on the surface of cells...they appear to “listen” to extracellular conditions and trigger the appropriate intracellular response

• Endocannabinoids are molecules made within the body that activate cannabinoid receptors

• Metabolic enzymes break down endocannabinoids after they are used by the body

How Could CBD Help You?

As a science-based practitioner, I’m always extremely skeptical of any type of medication or supplement that is marketed as a cure-all.  However, given the unique nature of the body’s own endocannabinoid system, it’s no wonder that a compound that activates these receptors can help to normalize or improve such a wide diversity of conditions and symptoms. The following list of conditions that are known to respond well to CBD is provided by Project CBD:

• Acne

• ADD and ADHD

• Addiction

• AIDS

• ALS

• Alzheimer’s Disease

• Anorexia

• Antibiotic Resistance

• Anxiety

• Atherosclerosis

• Arthritis

• Asthma

• Autism

• Bipolar

• Cancer

• Colitis and Crohn’s

• Depression

• Diabetes

• Endocrine Disorders

• Epilepsy and Seizures

• Fibromyalgia

• Glaucoma

• Heart Disease

• Huntington’s Disease

• Inflammation

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Kidney Disease

• Liver Disease

• Metabolic Syndrome

• Migraine

• Mood Disorders

• Motion Sickness

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Nausea

• Neurodegeneration

• Neuropathic Pain

• Obesity

• OCD

• Osteoporosis/Bone Health

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Prion/Mad Cow Disease

• PTSD

• Rheumatism

• Schizophrenia

• Sickle Cell Anemia

• Skin Conditions

• Sleep Disorders

• Spinal Cord Injury

• Stress

• Stroke and TBI (traumatic brain injury)

• And more!

Because the ECS is spread throughout so many different systems and tissues in the body, and each person has their own unique imbalances, dosing and even which specific product works best is very individualized.

Potential Drug Interaction:

Also, since CBD is metabolized down the P450 pathway in the liver, the same metabolic pathway that processes over 60% of pharmaceuticals on the market, there is some potential for drug interaction.  In one study, it was determined that CBD was a slightly more potent inhibitor of these liver enzymes than Bergapten, a P450-inhibiting compound found in grapefruit. However, in most research settings, CBD is used as an isolate, not as part of the whole plant with all the other plant constituents, which increases the likelihood of side effects, and the doses ranged from 25-40 mg daily, which is significantly higher than most patients require to regain homeostasis in the ECS.

Choosing the Right Product and Dosage:

We carry several different brands of CBD since each company uses different parts of the plant, different extraction and processing methods, and the plants are grown by different methods, the plant compound profile for each product will be different. If you fail to achieve the relief you’re seeking with your first attempt, another product may work better.

For most symptoms, we recommend you start with a product that delivers 1-3 mgs per dose, and use it 1-2 times daily. If you’re using a liquid formulation, holding the oil in your mouth for 30 seconds allows time for the CBD to be absorbed sublingually.  If you tend to be sensitive, you can start with an even smaller dose, and just slowly increase until you start to see the desired effects. If you're seeking pain relief, or are extremely anxious, you will likely need a higher dose.  As you get started, simply pay attention to how you feel and increase or decrease your dose accordingly.  For most patients, it takes around two weeks to establish your best dosing range, and the goal is always to find the smallest effective dose.  Over time, as the ECS becomes balanced, you should be able to slowly lower your dose and discontinue.  This may take several weeks to several months, or longer if symptoms are long-standing or severe, or if stress or pain levels remain high.

Most patients require once or twice a day dosing in the range of 3-10 mg. Pain usually responds best to 20-80 mg divided into 2-3 doses. We do NOT recommend using CBD as a stand-alone treatment for cancer, MS, Parkinson’s or other more complex illnesses. CBD works best in most, and especially these types of cases, when supported by a holistic approach (improving lifestyle, diet, and addressing specific imbalances such as infections, toxicity and nutrient deficiencies).

For more information about CBD, please see our additional blog post here.