Fortunately, CBD oil and its related products have evolved in the health and wellness space beyond the status of a fad. Most long-time critics have been silenced thanks to the sheer volume of valid evidence resulting from thorough clinical trials.

Now that CBD has been legalized in most states, CBD has gone from sporadically being available to being available almost anywhere. Coffee houses offer CBD mochas. Spas provide facials using CBD oil. Beauty supply companies compete to release the most innovative lotions with CBD. There is even a market for CBD cakes and brownies that are vegan!

Additionally, millions of people who are wanting to live a lifestyle free of pain and discomfort are eager to get their hands on CBD Tinctures to help supplement their wellbeing.

In 2018, the sale of CBD products surpassed $512 million dollars in the United States alone. Countries such as Canada, Spain, and Uruguay have followed suit in legalizing CBD for cultivation, manufacturing, and sales, with other countries not far behind.

Even though CBD products are sold in many locations, there is still some confusion surrounding it. Many people are unclear about what CBD does, the right way to use it, and whether the product in question is legitimate.

To clear up any misconceptions, we have created this guide to edify those who may still have questions and concerns.

What is CBD?

The term “CBD” stands for cannabidiol which is a chemical compound found in all varieties of the Cannabis Sativa L. plant. CBD is a substance that occurs naturally and is one of over one-hundred different cannabinoids used in products like edibles, topicals, and oils.

Countless people claim CBD helps them relax and maintain a state of calm and focus.

Advocates and patients turn to CBD because this cannabinoid is not intoxicating, compared to THC, meaning it does not impair the mind, get people high or leave them feeling altered or sedated. CBD and THC are the two most recognized cannabinoids in the cannabis plant varieties.

Mammals have specific receptors in the brain (CB1 and CB2) that are part of what is referred to our endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is designed to interact with cannabinoids to help restore the body to a state of homeostasis. Thus, CB1 and CB2 are the receptors responsible for assimilating the cannabinoid molecules into our system. Because mammals have this endocannabinoid system, there is an equal market for CBD that is dog and cat-specific as well.

It is worth mentioning that anyone who takes CBD for the first time should consult with The Wellest CBD specialist and a licensed medical professional. This is because one never knows how their body will react to any new dietary supplement. There is a very small percentage (the low single digits) of people who say they have experienced varying reactions with CBD, in many instances, these are commonly the same individuals who have adverse reactions to Tylenol or Advil.

It is also highly recommended to purchase CBD from a reputable company that uses a third-party laboratory to test their products and ensure they are safe for consumption, THC-FREE, free of pesticides and heavy metals, and accurate in label descriptions before the products are sold.

This is important for two reasons:

1. Third-party testing allows for greater quality assurance.
2. Per the recent Farm Bill passed in 2018, in order to be federally legal, all CBD must contain less than .3% THC. At The Wellest, we can assure that all of our products not only meet that requirement but exceed it. Our products have a 0% THC guarantee because we intentionally removed all the THC. Thus, those who use The Wellest CBD oil can rest assured that because of our 0% THC guarantee, they can have the health benefits that they want, without any psychoactive side effects that they don’t.

What to look for in a CBD Lab Report?

• Cannabinoid Content
  • We offer broad-spectrum CBD products that contain a wide range of cannabinoids present, without Delta-9 THC.

• Terpenes Results/Profile
  • Terpenes are a classification of unstable hydrocarbon compounds. They are produced in the flower clusters cannabis plants. Terpenes are the compound that gives cannabis its distinct aroma.

• Residual Solvents Screening
  • Chemical solvents are required in many extraction methods used to create hemp extracts.  This screening reports if after extraction there are any remains of residual solvents.

• Heavy Metals
  • This screening proves that a product is free of heavy metal contamination.

• Microbial Testing
  • This testing proves that a product is microbial free from e-coli, mold, yeast, and salmonella.

• Pesticide Screening
  • This screening proves that a product is pesticide-free.

It is vital that someone new to CBD understands the distinction between CBD, hemp, and marijuana. In many cases, the three are mixed into the same conversation when speaking about the topic of CBD.

There are two primary categories of the Cannabis sativa plant. The first is hemp and the second is cannabis, otherwise referred to as marijuana. Both categories of the plant contain CBD. However, there tends to be a higher percentage of CBD in hemp when compared to a majority of cannabis strains. Hemp also has a THC level that is significantly lower than that of marijuana. From a genetic standpoint, CBD is the same regardless if it comes from cannabis or hemp. However, for a plant to be considered legal hemp for sale, it must meet the legal requirement of having less than .3% THC to fall under the category of hemp. If it exceeds the limit of .3% THC, it can be considered cannabis, which is subject to more stringent rules and regulations.

In addition, as it pertains to hemp and CBD oil, it is important to note that they are not the same. The nuances may be small but by technicality, when people refer to hemp oil, they are specifically referring to the oil that’s extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. Hemp oil does not contain any cannabinoids. By itself, it does not contain CBD or THC, making it a comparable product to that of extra virgin olive oil or grapeseed oil. Because of this, hemp oil is commonly used in beauty products due to its moisturizing properties.

Those who are seeking to supplement a healthy lifestyle, either by maintaining healthy oxidant levels or a normal inflammatory response tend to seek out products containing CBD oil vs products that are just labeled as hemp oil.

How CBD Is Used

Once the compound of CBD is removed from the cannabis and/or hemp plant, it is typically infused and sold as a form of concentrated oil, softgel, or cream.

Those interested in getting in on the popularity of CBD, infuse it in other goods to create a variation of consumer experiences through vaporizers, beauty creams, candy, shampoo and more.

Others who are focused on the health and well-being of their audiences put their resources toward manufacturing tinctures, salves, topicals, gummies, and even energy drinks that offer a more tailored and unique experience.

Many who purchase CBD oil and related products do so to help supplement common physical or psychological abilities like being able to get a good night’s sleep or maintain a pain-free state of being. So be wary of any individual or organization that advertises CBD products with over-exaggerated or unrealistic claims including ones that say CBD can cure cancer or other serious diseases.  There is no research that supports those types of medical claims.

The FDA has issued several warnings to businesses who have stated such claims and are likely to continue to do so as the popularity for CBD continues increasing.

The Health Benefits of CBD

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an endogenous system that our bodies possess.  The ECS contains cannabinoid receptors that respond to phytocannabinoids. A phytocannabinoid, produced by the cannabis plant, is a naturally occurring compound. Holistic relief for a broad scope of symptoms and ailments are possible when the cannabinoid receptors in the ECS physically interact with phytocannabinoids initiating cell changes.

Although there is a need for medical studies to research the effects of CBD on a specific diagnosis, there are still innumerable testimonials from individuals who state CBD has helped them.  Many individuals claim that CBD has helped them to maintain a normal pain-free life and avoid the types of deficiencies that can lead to situations commonly related to inflammation, pain, and stress. But CBD to date has not been proven to cure any condition, ailment or disease to the satisfaction of the FDA.

Doctors today are inundated daily with patients who ask about CBD, and even though CBD has been consumed by people for thousands of years, the research and clinical trials are only just beginning. It is only in the last 50 years or so that modern medicine has enlightened the general public about the biological processes that occur in the body after using CBD. Over the last 10 years, heavily funded research in the field has grown exponentially.

How CBD Can Supplement Your Everyday Life

In 2018, President Trump signed The Farm Bill that made it legal to grow hemp in the United States. The bill now allows for the commercial growing and production of hemp and hemp-related products if they are compliant with the laws in their state, and federal regulations.

Regardless of state laws, it is always best to be more mindful if you are traveling with any CBD products. One of the most common questions we are asked is whether CBD can be taken on flights.  The TSA has recently stated that domestic travel is permitted so long as the CBD contains less than the .3% THC level mandated by the Farm Bill Act. Additionally, they are not actively searching for these products. However, taking a tincture on a plane, for example, could be problematic because there are limits established by the Transportation Safety Administration regarding how much liquid can be brought onto an airplane. As a result, it is always a good idea to plan ahead and many consumers of CBD travel with the Lab Reports of their CBD to support the product contains less than .3% THC. Furthermore, there is no reliable “in the field” test to determine levels of THC and this may result in authorities being overly cautious and seizing any suspected CBD products.

Another benefit to CBD is that it is unlikely to show up on a drug test screening for marijuana if it contains zero THC.  If you are purchasing your CBD products from a company that has its inventory tested by a reputable third-party lab, we recommend the CBD should contain less than .3% THC. Athletes, first responders, CDL drivers, and construction workers are often required to take drug tests prior to participating in an event or as a condition of their employment. In many instances, some are also subjected to random drug screening tests.

In a situation of using an unverified product, it is possible to test positive for trace amounts of a banned substance like THC if the CBD purchased is not exhaustively tested.

The Potential Health Benefits of CBD

Now that cannabis is becoming legal across the U.S., the industry will be reaping the rewards of additional research. This will come in the form of additional funding being granted to gain greater insight into the possible benefits of the cannabis plant and CBD.

According to the federal database that tracks accredited clinical trials around the world, ClinicalTrials.gov estimates there are approximately 150 trials in progress that are researching CBD in an effort to better understand how this cannabinoid interacts with the human body. As always, consult with your physician if you would like more information.

To date, the research has been promising. Some of the research indicates that people have been able to manage pain and continue to do normal physical activities like hiking, aerobics, yoga and more.

For those in the medical community who are interested in CBD and its capacity, there is great interest in further researching the effects of CBD as they relate to the maintenance of normal inflammatory levels.

Conclusion

For thousands of years, people have used CBD as a traditional method of maintaining a normal and healthy lifestyle through the supplemental support it has to offer. However, only recently has the medical community begun to study it in depth.

The legalization of cannabis in recent years has companies, entrepreneurs and private citizens exploring the application of CBD in everything from candy to skincare products.

Though much of the evidence around CBD appears to be irrefutable, there is still a shrinking societal stigma associated with its use.

People new to CBD are encouraged to discuss CBD oil with one of our specialists at The Wellest if they are considering it for the first time.

The market for commercial cannabis is mostly unregulated right now. As such, if not properly informed, there is no way to fully know that what you intended to buy is what you are receiving.

The best way to ensure you are getting a high-quality product is to purchase your CBD products from a company that has their inventory tested by an independent 3rd party laboratory.

At The Wellest, we provide a diverse selection of Zero THC, organically grown products in addition to vegan options as well.

Our entire inventory of CBD products goes through an exhaustive series of tests that are conducted by a third-party lab to make sure our CBD is safe and of the best quality.

Our multi-point testing process is designed to make sure our USA grown products:

• Have 0% THC
• Do not contain pesticides
• Are all pharmaceutical grade
• Do not contain metals
• Are broad spectrum
• Are gluten-free
• Allow the fastest absorption possible for maximum bioavailability
• Are non-GMO
• Are supported by third-party lab reports

We are proud to say our customer testimonials tell stories of how our products are used to maintain overall health and wellness while providing them with a great supplement to their diets.

To learn more, visit our site or take a look at our CBD store to see our extensive line of premium organic CBD products.