What is the difference between CBD and marijuana? Why is it important? And what can CBD oil do for you?
You are not alone in realizing this giant “fad” of CBD oil is not actually a fad, but is becoming a real staple in various communities around the world.
We’re going to dive into some research behind all this. While I will be somewhat scientific in my explanations, my goal is to not be overwhelming, just wonderfully educating and you will feel empowered to use CBD oil for your own individual needs.
Throughout this post, please keep in mind that I am neither a doctor nor a scientist. I am not prescribing or advising in any professional capacity. I am seeking to share the knowledge that I have gained through researchthat you, too, can find. And I strongly encourage you to continue to read and research yourself!
First and foremost CBD is NOT pot/marijuana. They are both from the same plant, cannabis (hemp), but they are different varieties.
Marijuana is produced when the hemp plant is grown without the male variety present. The resin produced from the small, hairlike appendages (called trichomes) of all female plants is full of THC, which produces the psychoactive effects associated with Marijuana.
CBD (Cannibidiol) is a natural substance from another variety of hemp. It is produced when the hemp plant is grown with both the female and male plant. The resin produced is full of CBD, which does not contain the same heavy psychoactive effects as THC, and has only small amounts of THC.
Why was CBD illegal? Is it bad?
CBD (Cannibidiol) is a natural substance from the hemp plant. Hemp originated in Asia and the Middle East thousands of years ago and has since spread world-wide. It showed up in the United States back in the 16th century. In fact, farmers used to be fined if a certain percentage of their production was not hemp plants because of how incredibly useful the plant can be. Hemp is used for paper, food, fiber, construction materials, clothes, and other products.
So what changed? In the 1920s, a negative media war was waged on Hemp/“Marijuana” due to financial (i.e., corrupt) reasons, and it was eventually deemed a Schedule 1 controlled substance. This category is for substances that have NO benefit and have a HIGH potential for abuse.
However, in July 2018, CBD was downgraded from a Schedule 1 controlled substance to a Schedule V controlled substance, meaning that it has SOME benefits and the potential for abuse is LOW. The FDA changed the category so that a drug containing CBD called Epidiolex could be sold. Funny how when a drug company wants something to be legal, they just get the law changed. =)
Finally, in December 2018, CBD went from a Schedule V controlled substance to an unscheduled substance due to the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, which removed hemp (defined as cannabis with less than .3% THC) as a controlled substance; this means that federal law makes CBD LEGAL in all 50 states. Some states have their own regulations so it is important to know what the regulations are in your state. If you are in the military, there may still be very strict regulations, so please do your research.
The Endocannabinoid System is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids, which are endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 & CB2) and cannabinoid receptor proteins that are expressed throughout the vertebrate central nervous system (including the brain) and peripheral nervous system.
In layman's terms, the ECS is linked to these body functions to help the body maintain homeostasis:
- Appetite
- Digestion
- Immune function
- Inflammation, including neuroinflammation
- Mood
- Energy regulation
- Sleep
- Reproduction/fertility
- Motor control
- Temperature regulation
- Memory
- Pain
- Pleasure/reward
If any of these get out of balance, the ECS sends out natural endocannabinoids and enzymes to regulate the body and bring it back into homeostasis. For example:
- When you get too hot, your ECS kicks into gear and you start to sweat to bring your body temperature down.
- If you get too cold, you shiver.
- When you get hungry, your stomach growls.
- When you get tired, you yawn.
If your body is unable to adjust to changes and effectively maintain homeostasis, this increases the likelihood that you will develop a disease.
Your body makes its own endocannabinoids but you can use plant cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids), like CBD, to help support the ECS in maintaining homeostasis in your body just like you use vitamins for extra nutrients.
Most people using phytocannabinoids are interested in the effects of THC and CBD. Let’s look at the difference between THC and CBD in regards to the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
CB1 receptors are in the central nervous system (brain and nerves of the spinal cord).
CB2 receptors are found all over the body in the peripheral nervous system (nerves in your extremities), the digestive system, and specialized cells in the immune system.
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THC acts on CB1 and CB2. When they attach to CB1 in the brain, it causes the intoxicating effects that are experienced with hashish, cannabis, and marijuana. It also affects the peripheral nervous system when it attaches to CB2, which is why some smoke marijuana to feel calmer or to decrease pain. It’s also why cancer patients receiving chemotherapy are prescribed medical marijuana, because the effects on the digestive system help prevent nausea.
While THC can have some great benefits, sometimes it isn’t a good idea to be exposed to THC. For some, there can be some risks of developing schizophrenia. Some are genetically much more sensitive to THC. It may be illegal in your state and of course if you need to pass a drug test*, you can not use anything containing TCH because you will fail the drug test.
SO what if you want the effects of cannabinoids but do NOT want the psychotropic effects that you get from THC? Or you need to be able to pass a drug test?
You use a CBD isolate from hemp.
CBD does not bind directly to either of these receptors but instead impacts them indirectly by modifying the receptors' ability to bind to cannabinoids. These indirect actions include activating another receptor called TRPV1 that works to control important functions in the endocannabinoid system.
By targeting and using the endocannabinoid system through cannabinoids, in this case CBD oil, we can help the body to regulate itself and thus accomplish a whole host of things. So we can utilize what the body already has in place, in a better, more consistent way by using CBD.
Work smarter, not harder, am I right?
*IMPORTANT
Please note that Nature’s Ultra CBD is an isolate and therefore does not contain any THC. You will not test positive on a drug test using Nature’s Ultra CBD. For this reason, and others that I will cover later, Nature’s Ultra is a great option for anyone to use.
Let’s break terpenes down and address why they’re a big deal. Terpenes give plants their aroma.
The fragrant imprint of each plant is a result of different combinations of terpenes.
Cannabis is unique in that each strain has a unique profile of terpenes. Terpenes are believed to have many positive effects on the body. These properties can act independently and in addition to what cannabinoids offer.
There are several known and studied terpenes that all exhibit different medicinal effects. Overall, terpenes contribute to the medicinal properties of cannabis - a phenomenon known as the “Entourage Effect”. Think of a team of players versus a single player; the team is the entourage effect of terpenes + Cannabinoids.
Now, where else have we heard of Terpenes? I’ll give you a hint… I love and use them daily.
Ding ding ding!! Essential Oils. Terpenes (with their multitudes of positive effects) are also found in essential oils.
There is certainly a bit of chaos when it comes to the availability of CBD products. There are a lot out there. Other than quality being an important factor, the other important difference to be aware of is the difference between Full Spectrum CBD and Isolate CBD.
Full spectrum CBD still has some trace THC in it. So while you won’t get the psychogenic effects of straight THC (marijuana), there is still the possibility of some effect from the THC.
It is also important to note that hemp is a phytoremediator by nature (phytoremediation is nature’s way of using living plants to clean the soil and groundwater) that absorbs chemicals and toxins from the soil. Traces of heavy metals absorbed from the soil may be left behind in a full spectrum product.
However, a lot of people gravitate toward full spectrum CBD because it still contains terpenes and many more compounds, thus it delivers the powerful Entourage Effect.
The other way to produce CBD is in its isolated form. CBD Isolate is pure CBD, and while it has no THC, no heavy metals or other compounds, it also has no terpenes in it and, therefore, loses the Entourage Effect.
But as already discussed, there is something else that contains terpenes that we can add to the CBD to create a synergistic effect and thereby increase the positive effects of isolate CBD; essential oils! This is what Nature’s Ultra has done, creating a SMART Spectrum CBD product for you.
USAGE:
Topical application:
CBD can be great to use topically.
First, clean the area and pat dry. Then, vigorously massage a generous amount topically into your skin.
Don’t exacerbate the area but give it a firm rub. Don’t be shy about a second or third application if needed.
Suggested places to apply:
- Temples
- Neck
- Elbows, knees, and other joints
- Wrists
- Soles of your feet
- Back of the heel/foot
- Shoulders
Follow the directions on the label of your products.
SAFETY:
If you are new or sensitive in nature, start with ½ the recommended dose and increase the dose as you read your body and notice how you are feeling.
The known side effects of CBD are potential fatigue, appetite change (increase OR decrease depending on which type of product), and, if one is sensitive to hemp products, then possible diarrhea.
CBD is also affected by your food intake. More cannabinoids are absorbed on a full stomach. Also, because CBD is fat-soluble, consuming with a healthy dose of fats can increase the amount of CBD that reaches your bloodstream by up to three times.
The other consideration to keep in mind is that CBD is broken down in the liver. This is done by the same enzymes that a lot of pharmaceutical drugs are broken down by. Therefore, it’s possible for your system to get a little overworked trying to break down too many things as once. Thus, we suggest that you always talk with your physician when thinking about utilizing a CBD product.
So now what? If you’re like me; after seeing this information, I was like, “Well, sign me up to try it out!” But where do I get it? And how? And who can I trust?
Young Living, who I trust with my life, has acquired a CBD company in Colorado called Nature’s Ultra. Nature’s Ultra follows the same seed to seal standards as Young Living.
I have used Young Living products for nearly 6 years now and am continually surprised and impressed by their purity, effectiveness, and integrity. Due to its high standards for its own products, it took Young Living some time to find a suitable company to partner with for CBD that will exhibit the same level of purity and integrity.
Nature’s Ultra provides high quality CBD oil that is pure, with 0.00% THC, and it is US certified organic. The best part is that they infuse their CBD with Young Living essential oils so you can have the synergistic effect when CBD is combined with terpenes.
Calm CBD Roll On from Nature's Ultra creates a peaceful environment that will help relax and quiet your mind. This is the perfect roll on for when you're dealing with the stress of the day or trying to wind down for the night. It will help give you a soothing, restful night’s sleep.
It is infused with Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lavender, Orange, Vetiver, & Ylang Ylang Young Living essential oils.
Available in two strengths 300 mg & 600 mg . . . crazy day or REALLY crazy day!
Oh and it smells SO amazing.
When you use CBD topically in the form of a rub, you can specifically target those sore, achy muscles.
CBD Muscle Rub from Nature's Ultra takes the hot-and-cold sensation of menthol and gives it a boost by infusing it with an array of all-natural Young Living essential oils: Camphor, Clove, Helichrysum, Lemon, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Wintergreen, and more. These ingredients work hard together to soothe your hard-working body.
Available in 300mg & 600 mg concentrations
Nature’s Ultra Cool Mint comes in a bottle with a dropper top for easy measuring and usage. It contains peppermint and spearmint essential oils.
Available in 500 mg & 1000 mg concentrations.
Nature’s Ultra Citrus comes in a bottle with a dropper top for easy measuring and usage. It contains grapefruit and orange essential oils.
Available in 500 mg & 1000 mg concentrations
Nature’s Ultra Cinnamon comes in a bottle with a dropper top for easy measuring and usage. It is infused with Cinnamon essential oil to give you a boost!
Available in 500 mg & 1000 mg concentrations
Pets can benefit from CBD, too! Do you have a dog that barks excessively, has separation issues/anxiety, or discomfort?
CBD Oil for Pets by Nature's Ultra is an all-natural product for cats, dogs and horses. Animals have their own set of CB receptors and Nature’s Ultra Pet CBD* can activate their CB2 receptor which can support your pet’s overall health and wellness.
Usage: Place 1 serving into your pet’s mouth, food, or water. Whichever method works best for your pet. Do not give to a pet that is allergic to hemp or hemp-related products.
*Nature’s Ultra Pet CBD does not contain any essential oils. It also contains no gluten, no fillers, no chemicals, no fragrances, no artificial flavorings, and is cruelty-free.
Allergy info: NO SUGAR, STARCH, SALT, WHEAT, GLUTEN, YEAST, MILK or SOY.
When you are a Young Living member, you can get wholesale pricing on these select Nature’s Ultra products.
Option 1 - Follow these steps to get your Young Living Membership.
- Get a Young Living wholesale membership with a one-time Basic Starter kit. ($45)
- Link your Young Living account with a Nature’s Ultra account.
- Enjoy your wholesale discount on Young Living and select Nature’s Ultra products!
Option 2 - More bang for your buck.
Start with the Premium Starter Kit (PSK) instead of the Basic Starter Kit. ($265- $165) A PSK comes with a full set of essential oils, diffuser (price variation based on diffuser choice), your membership, and more.
To see why you will want this premium set of oils, CLICK HERE and scroll down to the section that reads “Using oils to enhance CBD”
Already a Young Living member?
Linking your Nature’s Ultra account with your Young Living account will provide two benefits. First, you will receive wholesale pricing. Second, those who qualify will receive commission off the PV* total of your order. Win-win for everyone!
Link your Nature’s Ultra account to your Young Living account by following these simple steps.
- Log in to your Young Living account and select Quick Order
- Click the Nature’s Ultra CBD link
- Click Create account and send email.
- Activate your account using the link in your email.
NOTE: Use the same email account for Young Living & Nature’s Ultra.
It’s SUPER easy and just takes a second!
ORDER YOUR CBD PRODUCTS AT ANY TIME!
Once your account is linked, you can follow the same first two steps above. Once you click on Natures Ultra CBD under Quick Order in your Young Living account, you will see a hyperlink “Start Shopping.” Click on that and order any products you want.
*Select Nature’s Ultra products have an assigned PV (Product Value) to each product. The PV from your Nature’s Ultra order will be added to your YL account once your order has been shipped from Nature’s Ultra.
Young Living also pays out bonuses and commissions to members who qualify on products with PV value. If your members below you link their Nature's Ultra account to their Young Living account, you will receive the appropriate commissions in your Young Living check.
If you have questions about this or want more information on making money by sharing Young Living and Nature’s Ultra products, please reach out to your sponsor for further details.
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