While more and more people are using CBD, there is limited research into the possible short and long term side effects of CBD oil, although preliminary evidence is pointing to very little, if any, adverse reactions experienced by the general public.

The popularity of cannabis, particularly hemp CBD, has soared over the last 3 years and continues to grow with forecasts predicting that the CBD market could reach $22 Billion by 2024!  

Twenty-six percent of Americans have tried CBD at least once in the past two years. For patients with conditions that seem to respond to CBD treatment, the numbers are much higher.  A recent survey shows that 57% of arthritis patients have tried marijuana and CBD for medicinal reasons.

If you’re considering trying CBD for the first time, read our Beginner’s Guide to CBD.

Current Status of Cannabis

People have been using the cannabis plant as medicine for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, such as:

• Anxiety and mood disorders
• Pain (the most common use for medical marijuana)
• Nausea or vomiting from chemotherapy
• Epileptic seizures
• Muscle stiffness or spasms from multiple sclerosis
• Many other uses

Research is starting to turn the tide on the decades old notions that marijuana is the devil’s lettuce, and more and more states are beginning to legalize it for medical and/or recreational purposes.

While people are starting to open up to the idea, there is still a stigma associated with cannabis, especially when it comes to recreational marijuana.  This is mainly due to THC. THC is the chemical compound in cannabis that is responsible for making you high.

CBD, on the other hand, seems to offer the best of both worlds when derived from hemp.  CBD contains medicinal properties and has been shown to alleviate symptoms of many ailments, without the psychoactive effects of THC.

Even though cannabis derivatives are emerging as safer options over conventional prescription medications, we still have a lot to learn.

What is CBD?

To understand the side effects of CBD, we first need to understand what is CBD. As mentioned, CBD (short for cannabidiol) is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant.  Unlike it’s cousin THC, you won’t get high from CBD.

There are several varieties of cannabis that intensify specific characteristics of the plant. One variety of cannabis that is responsible for the CBD market surge is hemp.  Hemp contains a high amount of CBD, and only trace amounts of THC… which makes it the preferred plant for extracting CBD.

Is CBD Oil Legal?

While the 2018 US Farm Bill legalized hemp derived CBD, the details and execution are still in flux.  What the farm bill did was removed hemp derived CBD and all hemp derivatives from the DEA’s list of Schedule I drugs.  It also allows farmers to grow hemp legally.

The confusion is that marijuana and THC remain illegal, and it’s difficult for law enforcement agencies to distinguish between CBD derived from hemp and CBD derived from marijuana.

The legality of CBD mainly depends on whether the CBD comes from hemp or marijuana.

Another issue is that the FDA has some apprehensions about CBD. The fact that the FDA has approved a CBD-based prescription drug, Epidiolex, it expects that any product that markets CBD for health purposes should go through the same FDA official drug approval process.

In addition, if CBD is added into food, it is considered a “food additive” according to the FDA, and they have not approved CBD for that purpose yet.  This has led some jurisdictions to outlaw any CBD added to food.  

How Does CBD Oil Work?

CBD takes effect by working on the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).  All humans and animals have an ECS, which plays a huge role in regulating various major functions in our bodies such as mood, pain sensitivity and sleep patterns.

Our endocannabinoid systems produces cannabinoids of our own that bind with receptors all throughout our bodies.  Cannabinoids from plants (such as CBD and THC) interact with these receptors as well, and can help people who don’t produce enough cannabinoids themselves.  

Is CBD Oil Addictive?

There is no known risk of addiction to CBD. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that CBD is well tolerated by most people and is considered safe and that “CBD oil exhibits no side effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.”  

The report also states that “To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

So in other words, there is no evidence that CBD hemp oil is either physically or psychologically habit forming.

That being said, some people can develop a tolerance to cannabinoids in general. Some may even experience side effects of withdrawal if they stop taking CBD oil regularly, such as irritability, restlessness or nausea.

What Are the Side Effects of CBD Oil?

Various studies on the safety and side effects of CBD oil have suggested that CBD is generally safe and non-toxic in humans and animals and that high doses up to 1,500 mg/day of CBD are well tolerated by humans.

While the WHO has also stated that CBD is generally well tolerated by most people and is considered safe, there are some people who may be particularly sensitive to cannabinoids and might experience some minor side effects.

Some of the noted side effects for higher doses of CBD oil include:

• Diarrhea
• Changes in appetite
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Nausea and vomiting

There is a documented list of side effects associated with the specific CBD-based drug Epidiolex.  These side effects include:

• Sleepiness
• Sedation and lethargy
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Rash
• Malaise and weakness
• Insomnia, sleep disorders
• Infections

What about liver damage?  One recent study by the University of Arkansas looked at the effects that CBD had on the livers of mice and showed evidence of liver damage in 75% of the mice.  

Interestingly, many other herbal supplements can cause adverse side effects including liver damage. These products, like CBD, are not regulated by the FDA and caution should be taken when consuming higher doses. 

A big caveat to this study is that the mice were given doses that were the human equivalent to the maximum dose of the drug, Epidiolex. According to website for Epidiolex, a dose of 20 mg per kg of body weight is recommended per day for the greatest reduction in seizures.

To put that in perspective, that would be over 1300 mg of CBD per day for an adult weighing 150 pounds!  This is much higher than the typical daily dose of casual CBD oil users. Most people stick to somewhere in the range of 10-80 mgs per day, with slightly higher doses for insomnia, therapeutic effects and “flare ups”.

Some of the more serious side effects listed for Epidiolex include “thoughts about suicide, attempts to commit suicide, feelings of agitation, new or worsening depression, aggression and panic attacks.”

While these side effects sound pretty scary, as we’ve demonstrated above, the hemp-derived CBD products you can find on the market today such as tinctures, capsules and gummies contain much lower doses of CBD than Epidiolex. Therefore, it is not likely that over the counter CBD products will present much, if any, harm to the general consumer.  

Can CBD Oil Interact With Other Medications?

The biggest side effect of taking CBD hemp oil is that it can interact with other medications you may be currently taking.

Our liver has a family of enzymes called Cytochrome P450, which breaks down drugs into smaller bits that allow our cells to absorb them better and eliminate them properly.  

Although the effects have been shown to be minimal, if you take high enough amounts of CBD, it can inhibit the CYP450 enzyme’s ability to metabolize certain pharmaceutical drugs.

Interestingly, CBD is not alone in CYP450 inhibition. Eating a portion of grapefruit or grapefruit juice have a similar effect.  Furthermore, Watercress, St. John’s Wort, and Goldenseal have all been shown to impact the CYP450 liver enzymes and inhibit drug metabolism.

If you are currently taking any pharmaceutical drugs or medications such as NSAID or blood thinners, you should discuss with your doctor before using CBD oil to discuss any potential complications regarding reduced CYP450 enzyme activity.

But Isn’t CBD All Natural?

You may be thinking that CBD is completely safe because it comes from a plant and it’s all natural.  That being said, the reality is we don’t know for sure if adverse reactions are possible in high enough doses.  

Even though CBD comes from the hemp plant, many natural herbal supplements have been shown to pose some risks and carry adverse side effects such as St John’s Wort, Echinacea, Ginkgo Biloba, Saw Palmetto, as well as Chaparral, Comfrey, Kava, and Skullcap.

Researchers have also identified over 20 traditional Chinese medicinal herbs that have been shown to possibly cause liver toxicity, despite being used for centuries.

Side Effects of CBD Oil Depends on Dosage

As with any treatment, dosage has a direct correlation not only on the effectiveness of the treatment, but also to the prevalence of side effects.

Since CBD is not regulated by the FDA, there is no standard therapeutic effective dose for specific medical conditions, so many people are left wondering how much CBD oil should I take?

Furthermore, everyone reacts differently to CBD.  Several factors influence each person’s optimal dose of CBD including weight, diet, metabolism, sleep patterns, stress levels and genetics and it may take a bit of trial and error to find the right dose of CBD oil for you.

We always suggest starting with a low dose (10-20 mg of CBD) and see how you react.  You can slowly increase the dose over the next few days until you find the most effective dose for you without any adverse side effects.

Use Only High Quality CBD Oil for Safety and Reduced Risk of Side Effects

Since CBD is not yet regulated, and there is no external body holding CBD companies accountable, there is no guarantee that a product you purchase contains a safe or effective level of CBD.  

In fact, a 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 70 percent of CBD products sold online are incorrectly labeled.

The worst thing you can do is to pick up some random CBD product from your local vape shop, (or God forbid… a gas station!) without doing any research.  

It’s up to you as the consumer to educate yourself on what to look for when buying CBD oil products and not put yourself in danger, or waste your money and experience ineffective results.

Here are some tips when considering CBD products:

• Always review certificate of analysis (COA’s) and/or 3rd party lab reports to ensure the products contains what is on the label
• Look for products that are manufactured in a GMP certified (Good Manufacturing Principles) facility and that the lab is registered with the FDA
• Look for CBD from hemp that is organically grown, preferably in the USA
• Make sure you understand the difference between full spectrum, broad spectrum and CBD isolate
• Only purchase from a reputable company that is focused on quality and standing up for the health and safety of the consumer, rather than just making a quick buck

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Key Takeaways

• Cannabis has been used as a medicine for centuries with no history of lethal doses.
• CBD derived from hemp is federally legal, while THC and CBD derived from marijuana is still illegal.
• CBD works with our endocannabinoid system to help regulate various functions such as mood, pain sensitivity and sleep patterns.
• CBD is non addictive.
• Side effects of CBD can include diarrhea, changes in appetite, fatigue, dry mouth, nausea, elevated liver enzymes, sleep disorders and infections.
• Most side effects of CBD oil occur when taken at extremely high doses (10X+) compared to the casual user of over the counter CBD products.
• Purchasing high quality products from a reputable source is the safest option to avoid the dangers of any unregulated products you consume.
• Before taking CBD, make sure to consult your healthcare provider first to discuss whether it’s appropriate for you and your condition.

Does hemp CBD oil help with pain? What about other treatments?

On a summer 2018 getaway to the mountains of Colorado, Olga Cohen was offered a sample of hemp CBD cream to try on her knees.  Olga had suffered from knee pain for many years due to Chondromalacia Patellae, also known as “runner’s knee”, and had not been able to enjoy some of the activities she loved like hiking and HIIT workouts.

Within a few minutes of applying the CBD cream, she felt a sense of relief that she hadn’t experienced in a long time!  This was her first encounter with CBD, which led to many months of research and development with this miracle compound, until finally launching Tessera Naturals with her husband, Jason.

In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at the different types of pain, and some of the common and alternative treatments available, and using CBD oil for pain.

What is pain?

Most of us are not big fans of pain. Although unpleasant, it is one of the most important functions of our body.  It’s what makes your brain tell the muscles in your arm to snatch your finger off a hot stove.  

Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong and needs attention.

In simple terms, pain starts when a specific nerve ending is stimulated, and sends a message to the brain. This could be caused by tissue damage, such as a cut or scrape, or when you stub your pinky toe on the bed frame in the middle of the night!  Pain can also come from damage to the nerves themselves.

Nerves function like cables transmitting signals (including pain signals), through your spinal cord to and from the brain. Your brain responds by beginning the healing process, such as sending additional white blood cells and platelets to help repair the tissue at the injury site. Your brain can also release pain-suppressing chemicals during the healing process.

Different types of pain

Acute pain refers to sudden pain, or pain for a limited duration, usually resulting from damaged tissue (cuts, scrapes, broken bones, torn muscles, etc.)

Chronic pain is ongoing and is usually associated with a long-term illness, such as osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia. Chronic pain often results from nerve damage and causes severe muscle or joint pain.  Oftentimes, chronic pain is the defining characteristic of the disease. 

All pain can affect a person’s state of mind. In the case of chronic pain, it can cause emotional triggers like anger, depression, mood swings or irritability.  The emotional toll can even amplify the pain, causing a vicious cycle and worsening the situation.

Psychogenic pain refers to pain that is caused by psychological factors. Psychogenic pain can stem from physical pain (tissue damage, nerve damage, etc.) but the pain perpetuates and leads to anxiety, depression, stress, or fear.

Some types of pain can be localized, such as shingles, while some pain such as damage to the central nervous system, can affect a large part of the body.

Inflammation is a natural immune system response to pain and is part of the healing process.

When the body senses some sort of damage, it begins sending inflammatory agents to the affected cells.  The inflammation works to kill damaged cells, which is the body’s way of ridding itself of possible cancers and maintaining optimal functionality.  Unfortunately, inflammation can cause pain as well, exacerbating the impairment, such as the case of sciatica caused by a bulging or herniated disk.

Everyone experiences some sort of acute pain on a regular basis, but according to a CDC study in 2016, more than 20% of adults in the US experience chronic pain, with 8% having high-impact chronic pain, meaning the pain has limited at least one major life activity.

Common types of chronic pain include:

• Migraines
• Fibromyalgia
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Arthritis

Along with drastically reducing quality of life, chronic pain can negatively impact our productivity and wreak financial havoc due to healthcare costs.

Different Ways to Treat Pain

Conventional pain treatments

Medication

Standard pain medications are the most common form of treating pain.  NSAIDs relieve pain by preventing the body’s cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes from working. COX enzymes make hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which contribute to pain and inflammation. NSAIDs include over the counter products such as ibuprofen and naproxen, as well as more powerful, prescription-level drugs.

Opioids

Opioids are another type of pain medication.  Opioids are considered narcotics, and are currently the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States overall.  Opioids are typically used to relieve more severe forms of pain such as chronic pain, pain from cancer, terminal illnesses or severe injury.

Unfortunately, many standard pain medications carry a long list of side-effects from dizziness or drowsiness, to more severe conditions like blood clots and liver disorders. 

Opioid Epidemic
Opioids are extremely addictive, which has led many pain sufferers down a path of abuse. Prescriptions for opioids have quadrupled in the US since 1999 and the rate of opioid overdose has tripled in that time. Some statistics conclude that opioid addiction, overdose and deaths are at an all-time high in the United States.

Physical Therapy and Chiropractic

Physical manipulation techniques such as physical therapy and chiropractic treatments are extremely popular for conditions such as back pain, injuries and sports recovery.  Physical therapists and chiropractors usually work on aligning the body’s musculoskeletal structure to restore mobility to joints, and to aid the body in healing itself without surgery or medication.

Surgery

Advances in technology have resulted in sophisticated surgical options to treat chronic pain.  There are many types of procedures used in various categories of pain.

The drawback of surgery is that is can be very invasive, risky and extremely costly, causing many to seek alternative treatments for pain management and leaving surgery as a last resort.

Alternative treatments

Eastern Medicine

Traditional Eastern medicine has existed for thousands of years and many believe it is far more advanced and effective than conventional Western medicine.  

Eastern medicine involves various techniques such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercises and dietary approach.

Massage

Massage therapy is extremely popular for the treatment of stress and pain.  There are dozens, if not hundreds, of different types of massage techniques all treating various needs and providing different benefits.  

For chronic pain sufferers, a good massage can be a godsend, but the results are often very temporary.

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation often go hand in hand.  The main purpose of these techniques is to decompress the mind and body and relieve pain through relaxation.

Our bodies have a built-in healing capacity.  Holding a relaxing pose can put the body and mind at ease.  This, along with breathing exercises, can strengthen the flow of energy and promote a sense of well-being, directing our body’s energy towards growth and repair.

Natural Supplements

There are many natural supplements available to help relieve a variety of pain conditions.  Below are 6 natural options for pain management.

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and can be a powerful natural pain reliever.  Turmeric contains Curcumin, which has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and promotes immune response. Besides pain and inflammation, there are many other health benefits of turmeric and curcumin that show much promise as a natural treatment for various conditions.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

Fish oil has also been found to contain anti-inflammatory properties, and should be part of your supplemental regimen if you don’t consume enough fish in your diet.

3. Chili peppers 

Chili peppers contain Capsaicin, which is an analgesic used for pain relief.  Capsaicin is typically applied in a topical cream for muscle and joint pain, and for minor strains and sprains.

4. Bone broth

While delicious as it is, bone broth can promote healing, recovery, immune support as well as pain relief.  Bone broth is jam packed with nutrients such as collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin which acts as a pain reliever for stiff joints.

5. Herbs

There are many herbal pain remedies that people have used for centuries, such as Willow Bark, Cloves and Boswellia to name a few.

6. CBD 

As more and more people are seeking natural ways to treat pain because of the negative side effects often associated with standard pain medications, CBD hemp oil for pain is showing much promise in this regard.  

Some people are suffering from conditions that cause chronic pain and are looking for ways to avoid or get off opioids.  As concerns over opioids continue to escalate, there is preliminary evidence that suggests CBD oil can reduce substance abuse behaviors and may provide a solution to opioid addiction.

What is CBD?

Using cannabis for pain relief dates back to ancient China.  Recently, CBD derived from hemp (a strain of cannabis) has become extremely popular, and is showing significant promise as a treatment for many conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, nausea, neurological disorders as well as pain with little to no side effects.

CBD, which stands or cannabidiol, is one of 100+ cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.  The hemp strain of cannabis contains high levels of CBD and low levels of THC, which makes hemp ideal for those seeking the therapeutic effects of cannabis, without the “high” associated with recreational marijuana.

How Does CBD oil Help With Pain?

Along with contributing to brain functions like memory and mood, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in our bodies influence pain sensation and inflammation response.  

CBD and other cannabinoids and terpenes from hemp interacts specifically with CB2 receptors in our ECS, which are thought to serve an important role in immune function and inflammation.

The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD is unique, in that it does not work like other anti-inflammatory drugs by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 receptors.  This means there is no risk of developing ulcers, kidney and liver damage or heart attacks, unlike traditional NSAIDs. Some studies have even shown that cannabinoids (CBD and THC) are up to twenty times more potent anti-inflammatory agents when compared to NSAIDs.

CBD also inhibits glutamate release and other inflammatory agents, which makes it ‘neuroprotective’ and helps to reduce the negative sensations that neuropathic pain causes.

How To Use CBD Oil for Pain

For localized pain relief, topical hemp products are a great way to provide treatment as CBD is delivered through the skin directly to the affected area.  This process bypasses the digestive system, which leads to higher bioavailability and absorption over oral ingestion.

For more severe conditions and chronic pain, CBD oil can be taken orally in order to enter the bloodstream and address neuropathic pain, which is chronic pain resulting from injury to the nervous system.  How much CBD oil you should take will depend on the severity of your condition, as well as several factors such as your diet, metabolism, sleep pattern, stress levels, etc.

Note: When ingesting CBD oil orally, it’s best to use the sublingual method in order for it to absorb directly into the bloodstream through the capillaries under the tongue, rather than going through the digestive system.

To reap the most benefit of pain relief from hemp derived CBD, you should seek out either a full spectrum or broad spectrum hemp product, rather than a CBD Isolate.  This is due to the “entourage effect”, which is the exponential positive effects of consuming the various plant compounds together.  The combination of cannabinoids and terpenes in hemp, especially CBD and  β-caryophyllene, appear to be very promising for the treatment of chronic pain when taken together.

As mentioned above, pain can also lead to emotional and psychological break down.  CBD oil from hemp can also aid in this effort by curbing anxiety, stabilizing mood and reducing insomnia.

While CBD oil may not necessarily cure your underlying cause for pain, you might want to give it a try and see if it will provide some relief in order to restore balance and quality of life.  Combining both CBD oil and CBD pain cream can be a powerhouse for attacking pain from the inside and out.

If you’ve never tried CBD from hemp before, start by reading our Beginners Guide to CBD, which answers many of the common questions from newbies.

As with any treatment, a multi-disciplinary approach is always best to attack your ailments from all angles, so we hope you take note of some of the various suggestions and options above and get back to living!

A word of caution: If you are currently taking any medications, CBD may temporarily deactivate cytochrome P450, which is an enzyme in our liver used to metabolize a wide range of compounds and drugs.  Please speak with your doctor before introducing CBD (or any new supplement) to make sure it will not cause any adverse drug interactions.

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Key Takeaways

• Pain is our body’s natural response telling us something is wrong.
• Different types of pain include acute, chronic and psychogenic.
• At least 20% of adults in the US experience chronic pain, with 8% having limited quality of life.
• There are various conventional pain treatments including medication, physical therapy and surgery.
• Many alternative pain treatments exist such as acupuncture, yoga, massage and herbal supplements.
• CBD oil is a rising star in the treatment of acute to severe chronic pain.
• CBD can be used topically as well as ingested and should be a full spectrum or broad spectrum hemp product, rather than CBD isolate.
• It’s best to use a layered approach by combining Hemp CBD with other conventional or alternative treatments.
• Always check with your doctor before beginning any new health regimen.
  

Balance is a wonderful thing.  Whether it’s mental, physical, environmental or spiritual balance, everything works better when there is harmony.  

With the rising popularity of CBD, science has recently uncovered a system within our bodies made up of a network of receptors, as well as the chemical compounds that interact with these receptors to support and regulate our internal equilibrium. This system is called the endocannabinoid system.

The main role of the endocannabinoid system is to promote homeostasis, which is the body’s ability to maintain balance and function properly.

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

The Endocannabinoid System (or ECS) is in a sense our body’s control panel. It is found in both humans and animals.  

The endocannabinoid systems has only recently been discovered in the 1990’s and research is still evolving.  What we know for sure is that the ECS is a major factor in regulating many functions of our body including:

• Pain sensitivity
• Inflammation response
• Appetite
• Sleep patterns
• Mood balance
• Memory retention
• Cognitive and motor functions
• … and more

“The discovery of the Endocannabinoid System is the single most important medical scientific discovery ever and will save more lives than the discovery and application of sterile surgical technique.”

• Dr. David Allen, Cardiovascular Surgeon.

The Endocannabinoid System is comprised of three parts:

1. Cannabinoids
2. Cannabinoid receptors
3. Enzymes that break down the cannabinoids

1. Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds produced naturally inside our bodies.  They are molecules similar to neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.

These cannabinoids have a profound influence on the human body’s health and well being.  The two best known cannabinoids produced in our bodies are Anadamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG).

Anandamide (AEA)

Anandamide comes from the Sanskrit word ‘ananda,’ which means “bliss” or “joy.”  This endocannabinoid is considered the body’s natural version of THC.

Have you ever experienced a “runner’s high” or a euphoric feeling after a vigorous workout?  If so, this is due to elevated levels of anandamide, which can be stimulated by exercise.

Fun fact: Anandamide is also found in chocolate!

2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG)

2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) has also been shown to mimic some of the physiological effects of THC such as enhanced mood and appetite, as well as anti-inflammatory and immune system response.

2. Cannabinoid Receptors

Cannabinoid receptors act as a sort of sensing device, like thousands of tiny radar scanners dispersed throughout our bodies picking up biochemical cues.  These receptors are activated by cannabinoids and influence many different biological functions, including:

• Inflammation response
• Neurological signaling
• Appetite stimulation/suppression
• Heart rate moderation
• Mood regulation

There are currently two known types of cannabinoid receptors… CB1 and CB2.  Both types of receptors are very similar in structure, but have slight differences that cause a different array of responses in the human body.

Although both types of receptors are dispersed throughout the entire body, CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system while CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral tissues, gastrointestinal system and the immune system.

Cannabinoids interact with our cannabinoid receptors in various ways.  Some are agonists, which produce a biological response such as euphoria or hunger.  Some cannabinoids act as antagonists, which block the response. Some cannabinoids can even bind to areas of the receptor and change its shape. These are called allosteric modulators.

3. ECS Enzymes

Specific enzymes are responsible for breaking down and recycling cannabinoids, and regulating the activity of the ECS.  These important enzymes include Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) and Monoacylglycerol Lipase (MAGL). Without these enzymes, the ECS would not function properly.

Interestingly, there is a case of a Scottish woman with a genetic mutation in her FAAH gene which resulted in elevated anandamide levels.  This caused her to be immune to anxiety, unable to experience fear and have no pain sensation.

Deficiencies in the Endocannabinoid System

The ECS is constantly battling external forces to maintain a stable internal environment.  A well functioning ECS is essential for optimal health and well being.

If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and mood imbalances, chronic pain, inflammation, dysfunctional immune systems or a host of other health related issues, you may have an endocannabinoid deficiency that your ECS is not able to meet.

Many outside factors can cause a disruption in our ECS such as diet, stress, environmental pollutants, viruses and genetics.  Whatever the cause, think of a computer virus that can wreak havoc on a device and cause a variety of glitches, or even complete shut-down of certain functions… there is definitely an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Deficiencies in the endocannabinoid system can greatly disrupt our body’s internal balance, or homeostasis, and lead to a variety of medical conditions such as:

• Mood swings
• Lack of focus
• Acne
• Anxiety and depression
• Insomnia
• Digestive issues
• Autoimmune deficiencies
• …and many more

Israeli scientist Ester Fride concluded that mice missing CB receptors resemble babies who suffer from “failure to thrive” syndrome.  The mice lacking CB receptors didn’t suckle and died prematurely. This is a clear indication resulting from a dysfunctional endocannabinoid system.

University of Washington neurologist Ethan Russo concluded that “clinical endocannabinoid deficiency” (CED) is the underlying cause for migraines, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel disease, and many other degenerative and autoimmune conditions, which may respond favorably to cannabinoid therapies.

What are Phytocannabinoids?

The development of treatment options for ECS deficiencies are still in its infancy.  What we do know is that for people who have a deficiency in their ECS, phytocannabinoid supplements may be essential to restore health and wellness.  For people who are healthy, phytocannabinoid supplements may be a powerful preventative tool to help maintain balance and curb disease.

While our endocannabinoid system creates cannabinoids within our own body called endocannabinoids, plants also create cannabinoids called phytocannabinoids.

Endo = body
Phyto = plants

While phytocannabinoids are different than the endocannabinoids our ECS creates, they can still interact with our ECS receptors in the same way that endocannabinoids do.

In the end, both endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids interact in various ways with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our endocannabinoid system.  Some have a stronger binding affinity, causing a more heightened biological response, while others have a low binding affinity, causing a more subtle response. Some may even block the receptor altogether, hindering specific unwanted responses entirely.

CBD vs THC

Phytocannabinoids from the cannabis plant has become a major topic of research in recent decades due to the therapeutic effects they produce.

The two most studied cannabis derived cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

THC is the primary known for its psychoactive effects.  This is due to CB1 activation and its ability to induce heightened anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol synthesis produced naturally in the body’s ECS.

CBD, on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive (non-intoxicating) cannabinoid and has been shown to possess incredible therapeutic properties for a number of symptoms and conditions.

Interestingly, cannabis is not the only plant that produces phytocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids are also found in several other plant species including Echinacea, Kava, black truffle and several varieties of teas.

How Does CBD Work With the Endocannabinoid System?

Our bodies are a self-healing organism. We are brilliantly equipped with natural mechanisms that kill cancer cells, fight infectious diseases, repair broken bones and naturally fight the aging process.  Cannabis is a unique herbal medicine that taps into how our bodies work naturally.

The hemp strain of cannabis contains high levels of CBD and low levels of THC, which makes hemp ideal for those seeking the therapeutic effects of cannabis, without the “high” associated with recreational marijuana.  In fact, some studies have shown that CBD may even reduce or soften some of the psychoactive effects of THC.

Hemp derived CBD can interact with our ECS both directly and indirectly.  It can act as an allosteric modulator, which alters the shape of endocannabinoid receptors to block a physiological response. CBD may also act as an agonist, as well as an antagonist which will either enhance or inhibit the binding action of certain receptors.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that CBD can even influence several non-endocannabinoid signaling systems as well. Some of these mechanisms include:

• Inhibition of adenosine uptake, possibly resulting in indirect agonist activity at adenosine receptors.
• Enhanced activity at the 5-HT1a receptor.
• Enhanced activity at glycine receptor subtypes.
• Blockade of the orphan G-protein-coupled receptor GPR55.

Because of CBD’s ability to both bind to CBD receptors and alter the shape of receptors, CBD has been implicated in the treatment of a multitude of different biological afflictions.

Some of the conditions currently being studied include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• PTSD
• Epilepsy
• Chronic Pain
• Inflammation
• Arthritis
• Hormonal imbalance
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Substance Abuse Disorders
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Cancer

As the research and popularity of medicinal cannabis and cannabinoids has increased in recent years, many professionals and advocacy groups are actively involved in spreading awareness.  This has created even more research and interest in studying the ECS and cannabinoids, which has led to countless lives being changed!

How to Take CBD to Regulate Your Endocannabinoid System

There are many ways to take CBD such as tinctures, vaping, edibles and topicals.  How you take CBD depends on your lifestyle, goals and personal preferences.

If you’re interested in trying Hemp CBD oil but not sure where to start… read our beginners guide to CBD.

If you’ve tried CBD products before but have experienced mixed results, you know how important it is to choose quality products and experiment with dosing to find the optimal supplement regimen for you.

Unfortunately, there are many low quality products flooding the market as CBD has become a “hot” new trend.

Tessera Naturals provides the highest grade whole plant hemp CBD products on the market and offers a variety of tinctures, capsules and topicals to help you in your quest for wellness and homeostasis.

Our commitment:

• Made from 100% organically grown non-GMO hemp
• Made in the USA from farm to bottle
• Manufactured in a GMP certified FDA registered facility
• 3rd party tested for potency, quality and safety
• Free of heavy metals, harsh chemicals, solvents or pesticides
• Legal in all 50 states, 2014/2018 Farm Bill compliant
• 30 day 100% money back guarantee
• Free shipping in the US

Lastly, every product you buy from Tessera Naturals helps protect our planet through our partnership with 1% for the Planet!

Feel free to get in touch if you have additional questions about the endocannabinoid system or about our company or products!

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Key Takeaways

• The main purpose of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is homeostasis.
• The ECS is made up of cannabinoids, receptors and enzymes that break down the cannabinoids.
• Symptoms of anxiety, pain, or other health related issues may indicate  a deficiency in your ECS.
• Phytocannabinoids (cannabinoid from plants) can interact with our ECS system and restore balance and help with various medical conditions.
• CBD specifically interacts with our ECS in multiple ways to provide a whole host of health benefits.
  

If you’re interested in trying CBD oil for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions on how to use CBD oil such as: What kind of CBD oil should I get? How to take CBD oil? How much CBD oil should I take?

While CBD has been growing in popularity in recent years, there is still a lot of confusion and it may be overwhelming to someone who has never tried it before.

We break down many of the common questions about CBD in this Beginner’s Guide to CBD.

What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a medicinal compound found in the cannabis plant. Hemp is a specific strain of cannabis that is naturally high is CBD and low in THC, which makes it ideal for extracting CBD. You can reap the benefits of CBD without the “high” associated with recreational marijuana.

CBD oil has been found to provide a multitude of health benefits with little to no side effects. Whether you want to promote a more relaxed mood, relieve aching muscles and joints, or if you’re dealing with more severe neurological issues, CBD may help.

Besides CBD, hemp also contains other beneficial compounds including 100+ minor cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and amino acids.  When consumed together, these compounds have been shown to work synergistically and increase the healing properties of one another.  This is what is called the “entourage effect”.

For a more in-depth look at what is CBD, please see our About CBD page and read our FAQ’s.

How Does CBD work?

The human body has an Endocannabinoid System (ECS) that translates signals from cannabinoids through thousands of receptors in our brain, central nervous system and immune system. The ECS is responsible for regulating many functions such as appetite, sleep, pain sensitivity and immune system responses. The ECS produces cannabinoids of its own, which are called endocannabinoids.

When cannabinoids from plants (phytocannabinoids) enter the body, they interact with our ECS receptors in the same way our internal cannabinoids do. These phytocannabinoids activate responses and provide a host of benefits from anxiety relief, pain management to neuroprotective properties.

3 Types of CBD Oil Extracts

There are three main types of CBD oils extracted from the hemp plant.  These include Full Spectrum CBD, Broad Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate.

Full Spectrum CBD

Refers to the whole plant hemp extract, including up to 0.3% of THC.

Broad Spectrum CBD

Starts as full spectrum CBD that undergoes an additional process to remove the trace amounts of THC. It offers the “entourage effect” associated with full-spectrum CBD, without any chances of THC being ingested into the body.

CBD Isolate

Contains pure CBD only, and none of the other cannabinoids, terpenes or other natural compounds found in the hemp plant.

Research has shown that full spectrum and broad spectrum are superior for overall health and wellness than CBD isolate and provide a higher level of relief due to the whole plant profile and the entourage effect.

Broad spectrum CBD hemp oil is an excellent choice for individuals who wish to consume the full spectrum of beneficial compounds found in hemp, but can not have any traces of THC in their system, whether for legal purposes, passing a drug test, or any other reason.

Read our full post about Full spectrum CBD vs Broad Spectrum CBD vs CBD Isolate

How to Take CBD

As the popularity of CBD is growing, there are many different formats for taking CBD such as tinctures, capsules, topicals, vapes, and edibles.  While there is no “best” way to take CBD oil, there are some pros and cons to each and will ultimately boil down to your personal preference based on your individual goals, convenience and lifestyle.

Another factor in deciding how to take CBD is that different formats offer various levels of bioavailability, absorption rates and time frame for staying in your body.

Here are the most common ways to take CBD and the pros and cons of each.

Tinctures

Pros:

• Fast absorption and high bioavailability taking sublingual CBD as the capillaries under the tongue lead directly to the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system
• Easy to use (for both humans and animals)
• Versatility (can be consumed sublingually or added to food and beverages)
• Flexible dosing (fill the dropper to the desired dose and can also be split into multiple doses throughout the day)

Cons:

• Some people don’t like the taste of hemp
• Some people feel that the process of holding the oil under the tongue for 60-90 seconds is inconvenient compared to taking a CBD capsule

Capsules

Pros:

• Arguably the most convenient way to consume CBD
• Tasteless and odorless
• Exact dosage every time
• Taking a CBD capsule doesn’t feel different or intimidating if you’re used to taking vitamins, supplements or other medications

Cons:

• Effects may take 1-2 hours to work as the CBD needs to go through the digestive system first
• Ingesting CBD may be less effective as the CBD must pass through the liver, which reduces its concentration before sending it to the bloodstream

Note: Although ingesting CBD capsules have a slower absorption rate and less bioavailability, Tessera Naturals softgels use a proprietary nano-emulsion technology process, breaking down the oil into water-soluble nano-sized droplets that provide up to 5X the bioavailability of standard oil ingested orally.

Topicals

Pros:

• Targeted relief for specific pain and inflammation
• Useful for skin repair and skin conditions
• Can be formulated and combined with other essential oils and beneficial ingredients

Cons:

• Can be messy before fully absorbing into the skin
• Does not enter the bloodstream, therefore only offers relief to the specific area applied

Vaping / Smoking

Pros:

• Highest absorption rate and bioavailability
• Effects can be felt almost immediately, usually within minutes
• Easy to carry around and use on the go

Cons:

• Effects will last a shorter time vs ingesting CBD orally
• Additional vaping apparatus is required
• Stigma around vaping/smoking

Edibles

Pros:

• Fun and convenient way to consume CBD while snacking
• Can be a tasty treat
• Everyone likes to eat!

Cons:

• Low absorption and bioavailability due to being processed through the digestive system
• Typically contains low doses of CBD vs other methods
• Some edibles include artificial ingredients and sweeteners
• Not all edibles adhere to dietary restrictions such as celiacs or vegans
• Unwanted calories

Any Other Methods?

There are a few other methods to take CBD including rectal and vaginal suppositories and intravenous injections, but for obvious reasons, these are not desirable or convenient for the general public.

How Much CBD Oil Should I Take?

Finding the optimal dose is an individual process as each person is different, as well as the method of ingestion, so it may take a bit of trial and error to find the right dose of CBD for you.

Several factors influence each person’s effective dose of CBD including weight, diet, metabolism, sleep patterns, stress levels and genetics.  Also some individuals are just more sensitive to the effects of CBD than others.

Visit our free CBD Dosage Calculator for a starting recommendation based on weight, condition and severity.

In any case, it’s always best to start with a low dose (we suggest starting with 10-20mg of CBD) and see how you react.  You can slowly increase the dose over the next few days to find the most effective dose for you and your goals.

Most people stick to somewhere in the 10-80mg of CBD per day, with higher doses for sleep, therapeutic effects and “flare ups”.

Where Can I Buy CBD?

There are many places to buy CBD hemp oil in all types and formats, but first and foremost, we highly advise against picking up some cheap unknown CBD product from your local smoke shop or gas station!

If you wish to buy CBD online, you will find the widest selection available as well as the convenience of shipping to your home. You may also find reputable local retail locations that sell high quality CBD by Googling “CBD near me”… but beware as not all CBD is created equal.  

Also beware that “hemp” products on Amazon are most likely made from hemp seed oil, which do not contain any significant amounts of CBD. They will not list CBD on the label, nor any amount of actual CBD contents. Although CBD from Hemp is legal according to the 2014 and 2018 farm bill, Amazon’s policy does not allow any CBD products to be sold on their platform as of yet, so you can’t technically buy CBD oil on Amazon.

Things to look for…

Read Labels

Always read labels to make sure you know exactly what you’re buying.

Is the CBD full spectrum, broad spectrum, or is it a CBD isolate?  

Is there any THC in the product?

How much CBD does the product actually contain? (Look for CBD contents in the entire package as well as CBD per serving or recommended dose)  

Are there other artificial ingredients or fillers?

Origin and Manufacturing

Many hemp plants obtained from Eastern Europe, Asia, or other uncontrolled or unknown sources may be contaminated with harmful substances or synthetic chemicals in order to increase yield, weight, or potency.

Look for hemp that is organically grown in the USA.

Are the CBD products manufactured in a GMP certified FDA registered facility?

What extraction method is used? Look for CO2 extraction for a solvent free whole plant extract.

3rd Party Lab Tests

Transparency should be key to any CBD product you are purchasing.  

Make sure to review COA’s (Certificate of Analysis) and 3rd party lab tests showing the product’s potency, quality, and safety.  Lab tests should confirm that the product is free of heavy metals, harsh chemicals, solvents, or pesticides.

Company Reputation

We like to support companies that go above and beyond just selling a product.  Learn about the company and its founders. Look for positive online reviews for the company and its products.

Does the company add value to the consumer through educational content and community support?

Does the company have good customer service and is able to answer your questions or concerns about CBD?

Does the company offer a return policy and a money-back guarantee?

How about free shipping?

Does the company give back and support good causes?

Price

While price should not be the ultimate factor in choosing to buy CBD products, look for competitive pricing between $0.10 – $0.15 per mg of CBD, give or take.

Some companies are unnecessarily overcharging for CBD products based on their brand recognition.

The opposite extreme is also true.  Watch out for unusually low prices. Keep in mind the old adage that states “you get what you pay for”.  

Cheap is cheap… We believe in consuming only high quality, natural, healthy products and do not think it’s worth saving a few dollars to buy inferior quality products that may compromise your health and that of your loved ones.

Purchasing high quality CBD oil may not be cheap, but investing in your health and well being far outweighs the expense of chronic illness and disease.

The Tessera Naturals Difference

Tessera Naturals is committed to providing the very best premium grade broad spectrum CBD oil for sale on the market.

All Tessera Naturals CBD products are:

• Broad Spectrum profile (THC-free)
• Made from organically grown non-GMO hemp
• Made in the USA from farm to bottle
• Manufactured in a GMP certified FDA registered facility
• 3rd party tested for potency, quality, and safety
• Free of heavy metals, harsh chemicals, solvents or pesticides
• Legal in all 50 states, 2014/2018 Farm Bill compliant
• 30 day 100% money-back guarantee
• Free shipping in the US

Lastly, every product you buy from Tessera Naturals helps protect our planet through our partnership with onepercentfortheplanet.org and other organizations we support!

See About Us page to read more about how and why we are the number one trusted resource for premium quality CBD products with no gimmicks.  Feel free to get in touch with us if you have additional questions.

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Key Takeaways

• CBD may help with a variety of issues such as anxiety, pain, cognition, and movement disorders.
• Look for full spectrum or broad spectrum, rather than CBD isolate.
• Choose your preferred format for taking CBD oil (tinctures, capsules, topicals, vapes, and edibles) based on your specific conditions, lifestyle, and goals.
• Experiment with dosage.  Start low and slowly increase until you find the optimal dose for you.
• Read labels and review lab reports to ensure you know what you’re buying.
• Purchase CBD from a reputable source.  Familiarize yourself with the company and its founders.