CBD Products: 8 Things to Know

What are CBD Products? 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is derived from the Hemp plant. Both Marijuana and Hemp are strains of the Cannabis plant but differ in their uses. Hemp seed oil is commonly found in many hair and skin care products, and Hemp is often used to make textiles and paper. CBD, which comes from the flower of the Hemp plant, has medicinal uses and is not psychoactive, meaning it does not create the “high” that is associated with the THC in Marijuana. Federally legal CBD products contain 0.3% or less THC, and Marijuana contains more.

Is it Legal?

Unlike Marijuana, CBD which contains less than 0.3% THC is federally legal. Because California legalized Marijuana, CBD products are also legal in California and all other states that have legalized marijuana. All products at Hempeutics pharmacy contain less than 0.3% THC. The Farm Deal, passed in 2018, made CBD federally legal. However, some states are not honoring the Farm Deal and instead defaulting to their own laws. All states are allowing CBD use to some extent but some are only allowing patients to purchase CBD products with a medical card, and some are only allowing online purchases. Here you can find updated information on the legal status of CBD by state. Patients who are concerned about having even small traces of THC in their products can choose THC-free products instead of full-spectrum products which can include 0.3% THC or less.

Benefits of CBD

CBD can be used to treat a range of both physical and mental conditions. CBD can help treat pain and inflammation, diabetes, high blood pressure, migraines, depression, arthritis, anxiety, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBS).

There are five different cannabinoids commonly found in CBD products that all have different benefits: THC, CBD, CBN, CBC, and CBG. THC produces the feeling of being “high”, but the trace amounts found in CBD products are so low, that only those extremely sensitive to THC such as older patients or children will experience an effect from it. CBN is a weaker version of THC that helps with sleep, chronic pain relief, high blood pressure, and epilepsy-related seizures. CBC like CBD is non-psychoactive and has anti-cancer and anti-tumor capabilities. It also reduces inflammation and has anti-depressant effects. CBG is also non-psychoactive and helps with Dementia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s disease. CBG can also help with IBS and promote bone strength. Hempeutics pharmacy creates custom formulas by combining different cannabinoids and essential oils for patients’ individual conditions and needs. 

How does CBD work?

Human bodies have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is a network of chemical signals and receptors that regulate different cell functions. Cannabinoids, including CBD, interact with this system to produce different effects on the body including reducing pain and inflammation.

Does CBD work for dogs and cats?

Similar to humans, dogs and cats also have endocannabinoid systems that CBD interacts with. CBD can have similar effects on dogs as on humans including pain reduction and treatment for arthritis. CBD is commonly used to treat cat and dog anxiety.

Is it safe?

CBD is a safer alternative to many prescription drugs such as opioids. CBD has fewer side effects than many prescription drugs and no risk of addiction. Because of the lack of psychoactive effects, CBD is safe to take while performing daily tasks, unlike some prescription medications. But like any substance, patients may experience side effects. Patients should check with their doctor before taking CBD as it may interact with other medications. Older patients and children tend to have a low tolerance to THC, even in the low doses found in CBD products, so we recommend they choose THC-free CBD products. Older patients tend to have a lower tolerance due to decreased metabolism. However, THC tolerance varies greatly depending on the individual. If a patient has used THC or Marijuana products previously, they may have a higher tolerance and may be able to use CBD with trace amounts of THC.  At Hempeutics Pharmacy, our board-certified pharmacist, Dr. Peggy, consults with patients to ensure our older patients are receiving products that will work for them based on their history and conditions.

How much CBD should I take?

CBD products come in many different forms including edibles (gummies), tinctures (edible oil), topical creams, oils, and sprays. Patient preference and condition determine the recommended form of treatment. We recommend tinctures for pain and inflammation throughout the body, mainly because it is inconvenient and expensive to use topical treatments on large areas of the body. For localized pain, we recommend topical treatments because they can work faster, and patients can apply them to a specific area. Patients should apply CBD cream in a thin layer to the affected area. After an hour, patients can add an extra layer for a stronger effect. Patients can use CBD cream three to four times per day as needed. Hempeutics pharmacy provides sample creams for patients who want to try the products. When patients use tinctures or edibles, the dosage varies much more based on the patient and the condition being treated. It is always recommended to start with a low dose when using CBD for the first time, but patients are advised to consult with our pharmacist, Dr. Peggy. before taking tinctures and edibles. Patients should take CBD either two hours before or after other medication.

Possible Side Effects

 CBD can increase the risk of short-term memory loss, impaired attention, and foggy thinking. Other possible side effects include dry mouth, diarrhea, and reduced appetite.

What to look for in CBD products?

The FDA does not regulate CBD products, so it is important to look for products that you can trust. Patients should look for independent lab-tested CBD products to ensure good quality. Products that are independently lab tested come with a certificate of analysis that outlines the amounts of each cannabinoid in the product, including CBD and THC. The certificate of analysis should also contain the name, contact info, and address of the lab, and it is important to make sure the lab that is testing the products is FDA-compliant. 

Hempeutics pharmacy goes a step further and meets with all patients before prescribing them custom CBD treatments. Unlike dispensaries, Hempeutics is a CBD pharmacy. Our board-certified pharmacist and founder, Dr. Peggy, is extremely knowledgeable about CBD, traditional medications, and medical conditions. We provide both full-spectrum and THC-free CBD products that have been independently lab tested and certified.