CBD 101

CBD’s popularity continues to grow with absolutely no sign of slowing down. With this rise in information, research and education we’re also seeing the number of uses and benefits climb. More people than ever are turning to this powerhouse plant and it’s a wide range of products as a staple in their wellness routines. The best part is, thanks to the legislation passed in 2018, it's legal. 

CBD, or by it’s more formal name cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating chemical found in the cannabis plant. It does not make people high like it’s close cousin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another compound found in the plant. Which gives it an appeal to a wide range of people looking to capture it’s benefits without the high. CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant and typically paired with a carrier oil to create many different ingestible products including tinctures, gummies, under-the-tongue sprays and softgel capsules. Some forms of CBD oil are applied directly to the skin, like salves and creams, while others are used to create vapes. 

INTERACTION WITH THE HUMAN BODY

Scientists have discovered that, just like the cannabinoids found in plants, our bodies actually produce our own cannabinoids that work with receptors in our bodies to help regulate different functions including mood, sleep, memory, immune activity, appetite and more. This _ is known as the Endocannabinoid system, or ECS for short. 

CBD interacts with these receptors and seemingly increases the quantity of cannabinoids produced by the body. It appears to bind with serotonin receptors and stimulate GABA receptors that help calm the nervous system. This discovery is raising expectations about the potential of CBD in treating a variety of conditions.

THE FIRST CBD-BASED MEDICATION

Children with severe epilepsy have found relief from seizures with a drug called Epidiolex, the first FDA-approved CBD-based drug. Clinical trials included 171 people, mostly children, with a rare, severe seizure disorder. Those taking CBD saw a median drop in monthly seizure frequency of about 44%. The results were published in March 2018 in the Lancet.

AN INCREASE IN FUNDING FOR RESEARCH

The rise in CBD’s popularity has led to a major push in increasing funding for more research on the plant's relationship with the body and it’s potential benefits. Support for CBD studies is increasing, with funding from the National Institutes of Health reaching about $16 million in 2018. Many small trials are now being conducted, examining the effect of CBD on pain, anxiety, depression and various other health problems. This funding allows discoveries, information and uses for CBD to be uncovered on a regular basis. 

CBD IN THE EYES OF THE LAW 

In 2018 the Farm Bill was voted on and signed into congress. ThisBill removed hemp, which includes low- THC derivatives of cannabis, such as CBD products, from the definition of marijuana. It also made it so hemp is now governed by the USDA and not the Justice department. In January of this year the USDA published a final rule with further regulations for hemp farmers and some changes based around the public's response and lessons learned in prior seasons. In layman's terms, hemp and therefore CBD derived from hemp (Cannabis with less than .3% Delta 9 THC) is federally legal. Each state was allowed to make their own ruling on the subject, so please always check with your local state and county guidelines. 

CBD AND THE TSA

Have you ever wondered about the possibility of traveling or rather flying with your favorite CBD products? Going through TSA is stressful enough without worrying about whether or not you’re going to get your CBD confiscated at the airport. It turns out that as long as they're within federal guidelines then these items are allowed in carry-on luggage or checked baggage for domestic flights. TSA guidelines specifically state that consumers can travel with CBD products as long as they contain no more than 0.3 percent THC. And in case you were wondering ALL HARA products are compliant containing .3% or less THC. 

There may however be different restrictions for international flights due to foreign laws, so always check the TSA website along with the laws and regulations in your area as well as your destination.

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT CBD AND ITS POTENTIAL BENEFITS 

While the benefits of CBD oil are endless, the promotion of relaxation is a significant one. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) responds to CBD by naturally promoting a sense of calm throughout the body, which can benefit everyone who needs a moment away from the tension of life. In addition, CBD has been shown to promote healthy sleeping habits by helping relax muscles and reduce inflammation levels before bedtime. So that when morning comes around again, you'll feel refreshed and ready for another day of training. 

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

CBD is generally considered safe and there haven’t been any reports of lethal overdoses and few reports of major complications. Current research indicates that short term use has low overall risks, but research must still be conducted to clarify possible long-term risks. If you are interested in trying CBD oil, it is important to discuss the possible side effects with your physician.