WHAT IS CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of over 100 compounds called cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant. The two most well-known of these are CBD (which is non-psychoactive and does not get you high), and THC (which is and does).

The wondrous compound of CBD has therapeutic effects that can be attained topically and has been shown to be safe and effective due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, pain-relieving and wound healing properties. Cannabinoids are used to treat a number of ailments and work better in full spectrum form, rather than isolate (refined or synthesized products), and the effects even compound over time.

Full spectrum means the CBD contains .3% THC (the legal limit) which acts as a catalyst, helping the CBD to work more effectively. Full spectrum CBD contains all the phytocannabinoids, terpenes and chlorophyll that increase efficacy. Isolate CBD has been stripped of all THC, terpenes and chlorophyll. 

The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network of receptors in the central nervous system (CB-1 & CB-2 chemical messengers), molecules and enzymes that work together to help maintain cellular balance, or homeostasis, within our bodies. Cannabinoids are molecules that activates these molecular messengers. When our receptors interact with a cannabinoid, they send molecular messages throughout the cells, tissues, organs, and body, allowing cells, organs and systems to function optimally. Humans and all vertebrates have an endocannabinoid system that has evolved within us over time.

Many of the health issues people face could be due to underlying endocannabinoid deficiencies. From ailments like migraines and fibromyalgia to skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis, cannabinoids are proving to be a useful tool in recovery.

The discovery of the endocannabinoid system came from scientists attempts to understand the effects of cannabis on the human body. Through research, it was discovered that cannabinoids exist outside of our bodies, such as THC and CBD, which are found in the cannabis plant, and our bodies actually produce endocannabinoid receptors to interact with these cannabinoids. This proves humans and cannabis have evolved together over thousands of years.

Important Cannabinoids: 

CBC - Cannabichromene: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, bone stimulating, anti-microbial, anti-proliferative, anti-fungal.

CBD - Cannabidiol: Anticonvulsant, antioxidant, reduces anxiety, treats psychotic disorders, relieves pain, reduces inflammation, relieves spasms.

CBDa - Cannabidiolic Acid: Anticonvulsant, anti-nausea, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and cancer preventing properties.

CBG - Cannabigerol: Antibiotic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic.

CBN - Cannabinol: Sleep aid / sedative, regulating immune system, pain relief, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant.

THCa - Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid: Antispasmodic, antiemetic, anti-proliferative, pain relief, mild euphoria, neuroprotective, sleep aid / sedative.

THCv - Tetrahydrocannabivarin: Induces euphoria and relieves anxiety.

The Importance of Quality

We use the highest quality, organically grown, full spectrum CBD in our products. Whole Plant or Full Spectrum CBD contains all elements of the cannabis plant such at terpenes and phytocannabinoids, including up to .3% THC.

Broad Spectrum contains every element of the cannabis plant (all terpenes and cannabinoids) except THC. CBD isolate is exactly what it sounds like - CBD with nothing else. (ie. trash - think gas station CBD). The myriad of compounds found in whole-plant cannabis work better together than alone. 

Any reputable CBD product should have a COA or Certificate of Analysis done by a third-party lab and made available to consumers to ensure the level of THC is under .3 percent. Heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial levels should also be included; look for “ND” (“not detected”).

It's also crucial to look for organic certifications in hemp-derived CBD because hemp absorbs everything in its surrounding soil (including heavy metals or pesticides). 

Does CBD Get You High?

No, no, a thousand times, no! CBD is the non-psychoactive extract of the hemp plant. THC is the active ingredient that causes the “high." The minescule amount of THC found in full spectrum CBD will never show up on any drug test. 

If you ingest it in a supplement or edible, it enters the bloodstream, interacting with the many endocannabinoid receptors in the body. At the topical level it’s not possible for the CBD to actually penetrate the bloodstream, but it is "transdermal" meaning it does absorb into the skin's layers. It’s thought that the stored CBD provides longer-term pain relief and moisture retention.

Is CBD Legal?

Yes, but only if it’s extracted from industrial hemp, labeled and tested correctly. Cannabis is legal in much of the US with medicinal marijuana now being legal in the majority of US states. As long as it is properly tested and under .3% THC content, it’s legal to ship across state lines.

The 2018 Farm Bill loosened regulations on CBD by allowing the cultivation of industrial hemp and dropping hemp-derived products from the list of Schedule 1 drugs. As of now, the FDA has only approved one CBD-powered drug called Epidiolex, used to treat seizures in children with rare types of epilepsy.

Under the FD&C Act, cosmetic products and ingredients don’t need pre-market approval by the FDA, but food and drugs (ingestibles) do.

You can transport and travel with topical CBD products freely. 
 

What's Next in the World of Canna Beauty?

Natural, plant-based ingredients are quickly becoming the preferred choice of many consumers. Most skincare products contain synthetics, low-grade, filler carrier oils, chemicals, sulphates and parabens to name a few. Studies show ingredients like these actually do more harm in the long run, causing irritation and damaging the skin's cells and natural oil production.

Terpenes are the part of cannabis that give it flavor and aroma. They’re basically the essential oils of weed. Terpenes in cannabis may work synergistically with cannabinoids. 

Functional Mushrooms will be the new wave of the beauty industry with countless varieties of fungi offering a plethora of skin health benefits. 

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We are always here to answer questions and talk all things cannabis! Feel free to shoot us an email through our contact page or email us directly at hi@sacredaceskincare.com