Dr. Jason DuBois shares the story of Hybrid Remedies.

Ever since the 2018 federal farm bill legalized hemp (cannabis with less than 0.3 percent THC), non-euphoric yet widely medicinal CBD-rich cannabis products have flooded the market. CBD and more drug-like THC are the two best known and the most abundant cannabinoids in cannabis, yet 100 to 200 cannabinoids can exist in the plant.

Is CBD Legal?

The ever-evolving legality of cannabis products and specific cannabinoids continues to shift within the federal government as well as state by state.

Cannabidiol (CBD) supplements are obtainable in much of the US. A non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant, CBD is being studied for its effects on many health conditions. Each state has laws regarding CBD with varying degrees of restriction. Learn about CBD’s status in your state at www.CBDCentral.com.

However, it’s clear that Pandora’s cannabis box has opened, and our interest continues to develop in the diverse phytochemistry of cannabis strains and products as well as the various health benefits.

Current CBD Research

As our interest in medicinal cannabis grows, we are seeing an increasing spotlight on some of the other common cannabinoids. The research on non-THC cannabinoids is still highly preliminary and mostly consists of preclinical lab and animal studies.

CBD (cannabidiol) started the non-THC cannabis movement and remains a promising cannabinoid to relax and uplift without getting high, support folks with anxiety, indirectly support sleep, decrease inflammation, modulate immune function, and support neurological well-being.

Cannabinoids To Watch

Here are two emerging cannabinoids of note that do not contain the psychoactive euphoric effects of THC:

• CBDA (cannabidiolic acid)

  CBDA is the precursor to CBD that is found in raw and fresh cannabis flower buds. It’s transformed into CBD via heat/decarboxylation.

  However, it’s gaining attention for its own health benefits: It is anti-inflammatory and analgesic, and it binds to serotonin receptors 100 times more powerfully than CBD.

  Serotonin has mood-boosting and relaxant properties, but be careful to avoid high doses of CBDA and don’t use it alongside serotonin-enhancing medications like SSRIs until we better understand the effects and potential risks.

• CBG (cannabigerol)

  CBG (cannabigerol). We’re still learning about CBG’s benefits, which appear to include analgesic, muscle relaxant, and anti-inflammatory effects for pain; anticancer, antinausea, and appetite stimulation effects helpful for people with cancer; and antimicrobial and neuroprotective effects.

Cannabinoids and Mental Health

Mental health professionals who work with cannabinoids with their clients report impressive benefits, but that can vary by cannabinoid and by person. For example, Vicki Anderson, PsyD, a licensed psychologist in New Hampshire and a cannabis educator, often considers the following:

• CBD for anxiety support
• microdoses of CBDA for depression
• CBG for relaxant effects

Individuals may find that one works better for them than another, so taking time to explore your options and listen to your body can be helpful.

Choosing Your Cannabinoids

These are just a few of the potentially beneficial cannabinoids. If you hope to work with them, consider seeking strains specific in these constituents, which might be harder to find in general commerce.

Read labels carefully and consider asking suppliers for guidance, including for a Certificate of Analysis for the full cannabinoid profile of the product you hope to buy.

Products made with only isolated CBD are unlikely to provide the other cannabinoids, whereas full spectrum, whole plant, and crude hemp flowers are more likely to provide a greater array of cannabinoids as well as the “entourage effect.”

Cannabinoid Dosage

With cannabis, taking the minimum effective dose will often provide the most long-term benefit. With high doses, the body is likely to reduce cannabinoid receptors and have a decreased effect over time.

Cannabinoids in Home Remedies

You can purchase specific strains of hemp flowers from growers or dispensaries and then make your own remedies at home to emphasize the cannabinoids you want, at a reduced cost. The Wholistic Healing Guide to Cannabis by Tammi Sweet is an excellent resource. Research shows synergistic and entourage effects from the whole flower form.

Let’s face it: life can be stressful.

Work, family, world events, the changing of the seasons—even in the best of situations, they can take a toll, emotionally and physically.

If you’re suffering from the effects of mild stress or anxiety, take heart. There are effective strategies for coping with the stress of day-to-day life.

How to Manage Stress

• Self-Care

  Small changes in your lifestyle can make a big impact.

  • Regular Exercise

    Exercise is one of the best things you can do to relieve stress, and it works best when you do it on a regular basis. Find something physical that you like to do, and start a routine.

  • Eat Healthfully

    Avoid meal-skipping and junk-food snacks. Reach for nutritious energy-boosters when you’re flagging.

  • Relaxation Techniques

    Relax by practicing yoga or mindful meditation, taking deep breaths, listening to music, or getting a massage.

  • Organization

    Organize your tasks to help avoid procrastination and stay on top of what needs to be done. Make prioritized to-do lists. Do one thing at a time rather than multitasking. Learn how to say no.

  • Keep Perspective

    Challenge your negative thoughts. You may be able to free yourself from a cycle of anxiety by letting go of things that are not in your control.

  • Get Enough Sleep

    In times of stress, it’s critical to get a good night’s sleep every night. Exercise, relaxation, and supplements like melatonin can help.

    You can also try aromatherapy—calming scents include lavender, geranium, rose, sandalwood, and bergamot—and reducing caffeine.

    Other tips for enhancing sleep include:

    • skipping long daytime naps
    • sticking to regular sleeping and waking times every day
    • keeping your bedroom dark and quiet
    • avoiding exercise within a few hours of bedtime

• Nutritional Support

  Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to the symptoms of stress and anxiety. If you’re not getting the following in your diet, consider supplements.

  • Vitamin A

    The antioxidant properties of vitamin A can help keep symptoms of stress under control.

  • B-complex Vitamins

    The Bs keep your nervous system healthy.

  • Vitamin C

    Another antioxidant, C can guard against oxidative damage—which can pump up anxiety—to your nervous system.

  • Vitamin D

    Your body uses vitamin D to help absorb other vitamins, so if you’re D-deficient, you may be deficient in other vitamins as well—which can aggravate stress.

  • Vitamin E

    A stressed-out body uses up vitamin E quickly, so supplementing can bring things back into balance.

  • Magnesium

    The mineral magnesium is critical to health; a deficiency can bring on symptoms of stress.

  • Omega 3s

    Research indicates that omega 3s can help with stress. In one study of medical students, those who supplemented with omega-3 essential fatty acids saw their anxiety symptoms go down by 20 percent.

    Omega 3s also reduce the body’s inflammatory response, which can help with pain.

• Other Supplements

  Consider alternative medicine for more support.

  • Reishi Mushrooms

    They contribute to a calm, centered feeling of physical and emotional well-being.

  • Cannabidiol

    CBD may also be useful. After evaluating results from 76 studies, a team of scientists deemed CBD to show promising results in the treatment of anxiety and stress.

According to the National Institutes of Health, 116 million Americans live with chronic pain and inflammation. Most are in constant search of relief. Chronic pain is discomfort that lingers for more than three months after a condition has been medically treated or repaired.

Pain Relief, Chronic Pain & Inflammation

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, cancer, and multiple sclerosis are just a few of the root causes. 

Opioids are often prescribed. But they can lead to dangerous addictions. Even over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs and acetaminophen can have damaging side effects in the liver and kidneys. 

Without pain relief, emotional side effects are common complications of chronic pain and inflammation. When physical motion is restricted by pain, the quality of life can be diminished and depression may result. 

Safe & Effective Pain Relief with CBD

If opioids and other pain relievers aren’t working, there is an alternative for those willing to think outside the box. Consider a regimen of cannabidiol (CBD), which is a promising treatment drawn from the cannabis plant. 

Some people reject CBD for fear of the “high” associated with marijuana. But marijuana has a significant concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Most CBD products screen out nearly all of the THC. “We’re talking about something with a safety profile that looks like vitamin C,” Joel Stanley, CEO of CW Botanicals, told the Denver Post. 

CBD has become a useful tool for some in the medical community. “I use it in my practice because, unlike pain medications such as Tylenol, CBD does not cause kidney or liver issues while providing the same pain relief,” Texas-based Charlton Woodly, DPM, said in US News & World Report. In the same article, Dr. Philip Blair, MD, said that he concluded CBD was safe and has prescribed it for thousands of patients with chronic pain and inflammation. “I see the relaxation of their facial muscles,” he said. “I hear a deep sigh of relief.”

CBD for Reducing Pain & Inflammation 

Not all doctors agree with Woodly and Blair. But scientific research is under way to assess the full potential of CBD. 

One study in the European Journal of Pain suggested that topical use of CBD creams lowered pain and inflammation in rodents afflicted with arthritis. A second study in the medical journal Pain showed promise in treating pain and anxiety with CBD.

Former NFL quarterback Jake Plummer has suffered from chronic pain and inflammation after years of hard tackles on the football field. He found that CBD provided significant relief.

“The inflammation in my joints that stiffened up in the cold winter months was gone,” Plummer told the sports website FanBuzz. “The random headaches that would throb behind my eyes to the beat of my heart? Gone. The only thing different? CBD.” 

CBD Product Options

If the taste of CBD tincture is off-putting—and for many it is—consider CBD gummies or topical creams and lotions. 

There are many CBD products on the market, so choose wisely. Legal restrictions on CBD vary by state.

Since its legalization in 2018, more people are using CBD oil as a natural remedy in their daily lives. It's created waves in the health and wellness industry, which has outpaced the studies that back up the claims.

A lot of pet owners are confused about whether or not they can use CBD oil for their dogs. Here's what you need to know about if it's safe for dogs and how it can affect them.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is a derivative of the cannabis plant. In the USA, only CBD oil made from hemp plants is legal— marijuana-based CBD is not. CBD is one of the organic compounds found in the plant that has been shown to have a lot of potential as a natural remedy. It's not to be confused with THC, which is the psychoactive component of marijuana.

Is CBD Effective?

While there are a lot of studies underway, there's still a lot of unconfirmed scientific claims. However, there's a lot of evidence indicating that CBD might be an effective treatment against anxiety, depression, joint inflammation and pain, etc. It's recently been approved by the FDA as a treatment for epilepsy after completion of studies in that arena.

Using CBD Oil for Dogs

Our four-legged friends are susceptible to a lot of the same ailments as humans. Anxiety during thunderstorms, joint pain and inflammation that comes with aging, and even seizures affect dogs. Initial studies have shown improvements in these areas for humans and animals (rats) through CBD oil use.

Risks Associated with CBD for Dogs

While initial studies haven't shown any harm in using pure CBD oil with cats and dogs, pet owners must exercise caution. CBD oil can cause side effects for both humans and animals, and those can vary case-by-case. CBD can alter blood pressure, cause dry mouth, cause drowsiness, and even trigger an increased appetite. While none of these are serious to a healthy person or pet, they're worth considering if your dog has any underlying issues.

The other risk is ensuring that your CBD oil is under the legal threshold for THC (0.03%). THC can cause a negative, worrisome reaction in dogs.

How to Choose CBD Oil for Dogs

• Control the Dosage

  When picking the right CBD oil for your dog, it's better to buy a tincture or salve, so that you have more control over the dose. That way, you can start with a small dose and see how it affects them before you scale up. With a salve, you can apply it topically if your pet has sore joints.

• Read the Label

  As mentioned before, read the label carefully and note the THC component. Purchase your product from a reputable supplier that you can trust. Suppliers who are transparent about their third-party testing are more likely to have a pure product.

• Do Your Research

  When choosing CBD oil for a pet, quality is everything. It's worth spending more to ensure that you're getting something that won't harm your beloved animal. Bonus if you can find organically-sourced CBD oil.

• Ask a Vet

  Never hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian with questions before using CBD oil with your dog.

  While vets can't legally prescribe CBD, they can highlight any concerns based on your animal's health history. They can also tell you what signs of distress to look for when administering CBD oil for the first time.

  A vet with CBD experience can also help you identify the right dosage based on your dog's size.

Should I give my dog CBD?

CBD oil has the potential to be a powerful treatment for your dog's ailments. However, it's important to be smart when using CBD to protect your pets' best interests.

Congressional passage of the Farm Bill in 2018 launched the hemp industry into hyperdrive, and with it the sale of CBD, a powerful cannabinoid that is found in both hemp and marijuana.

Reputed to contain healing properties that reduce stress, alleviate pain, and provide a good night’s sleep, tens of thousands of products have appeared online and in stores, making outrageous and illegal claims.

Here’s what you need to know to make a wise purchase.

Issues Around Hemp and CBD

First, the politics.

Why Does The FDA Consider CBD a Drug?

There’s a political power struggle brewing over CBD between pharma and everyone else with a vested interest. The FDA believes that since they approved the drug Epidiolex—which contains CBD in an isolate form—the law requires all CBD to be categorized as a drug.

Why Aren't CBD Supplements Regulated?

If an ingredient first becomes an approved drug, it can never be a dietary supplement.

The dietary supplement industry and hemp industries disagree. A lack of clarity is what enabled the sale of subpar products.

How to Avoid Bogus CBD

Do your research. Only buy from a trusted source.

• Pay Attention to Branding

  • Certificate of Analysis

    Visit the company’s website and look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA). The COA, while not foolproof, demonstrates transparency. Hemp cleans the soil, absorbing heavy metals and pesticides. A COA provides test results for both, and confirms ingredient identity.

  • CBD vs. Hemp Oil

    Be aware that the terminology is changing rapidly. Quality companies are moving away from labeling their products as CBD, in exchange for these terms:

    • hemp oil concentrate

    • full-spectrum hemp (a hemp extract with less than 0.3 percent THC)

    • broad-spectrum hemp (all THC has been removed through processing)

  • Avoid Hemp Seed Oil

    Don’t buy products labeled as hemp seed oil. The cannabinoids you seek are only in the plant, not the seeds. Many of the hemp products marketed as CBD are derived from hemp seed oil.

• Read the Label Carefully

  • Avoid Disease Claims

    Do not buy a product that claims to treat, cure, or mitigate disease. It’s illegal to say those things. If it seems too good to be true, it is.

  • Look for Contact Info

    Read the label. It needs a lot number and company contact information. There must be someone you can call with a question, report an adverse reaction, or contact in the event of a recall.

  • Check the Dosage

    The label should include a recommended dose. Many products don’t.

  • Spot Fraud and Deceit

    If the label says it’s been approved by the FDA, walk away. The FDA doesn’t approve dietary supplements.

• Use a Trusted Source

  • Avoid Online Retailers

    Don’t buy CBD on Amazon, the largest of all gas stations. We’ve tested their products: They aren’t what you want.

  • Consult a Dispensary

    Do seek guidance from practitioners trained to prescribe medical marijuana when available. Many dispensaries carry quality CBD products derived from hemp.

  • Always Check with Your Doctor

    Remember, if you are seeking treatment for serious health issues, consult with your personal physician.

More Information

You can track these issues on Organic & Natural’s Facebook page.

Excerpted with permission from Road to Ananda: Simple Guide to the Endocannabinoid System, Hemp Phytocannabinoids/CBD and Your Health by Carl Germano, CNS, CDN ($21.65, Healthy Living Publishing, 2018)

The presence of endocannabinoids in our bodies is abundant. Researchers find more endocannabinoid receptors than the neurotransmitter receptors of serotonin and dopamine. In total, the number of endocannabinoid receptors in the body is believed to be greater than all other neurotransmitter receptors combined.

Receptors are proteins that act as doorways on the surface of cells for messengers to deliver information into the cell. They act as the cell’s eyes and ears for what is happening in the body. Every cell in every organ has specialized receptors to react to signaling throughout the body. Compounds that have the ability to sit at the doorway to deliver messages into the cell are called ligands. Ligands you may be familiar with are neurotransmitters and hormones that bind to receptors to initiate certain and specific activities.

Endocannabinoid receptors, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), live on the surface of cells and act as the binding sites for the endocannabinoids we produce in the body (anandamide, 2-AG). They are also influenced directly and indirectly by many plant cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) we consume. 

Hemp extracts represent a highly concentrated source of phytocannabinoids. Hemp’s most popular and dominant phytocannabinoid is called cannabidiol or CBD. However, CBD is only one of 100-plus phytocannabinoids present in hemp that are equally important or more effective than CBD in addressing certain conditions. Most notably, the phytocannabinoids CBG (cannabigerol), CBC (cannabichromene), CBN (cannabinol), and BCP (beta caryophyllene) are but a few that are equally important.

CB1 Receptors

CB1 receptors are abundant in the brain, especially in the cerebellum, basal ganglia, hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, and spinal cord regions. They play significant roles in regulating pain signaling, memory processing, movement, motor control, and many other neurological functions. In addition to their concentration in the brain, CB1 receptors reside in the cardiovascular system, digestive tract, heart, liver, lungs, and immune system as well as other parts of the body. Their presence in these regions expands their activity to include functional roles in bone, heart, liver, and immune modulation.

CB2 Receptors

CB2 receptors are predominant in the brain and immune system, but are present throughout the entire body. Researchers have found an abundant amount of CB2 receptors scattered throughout the brain along with its CB1 counterpart. In addition, CB2 receptors are present in our bones, as well as peripheral organs such as the spleen, liver, and pancreas. As situated in these organ systems, CB2 receptors have many roles, including immune modulation, bone mass enhancement, brain protection, pain and inflammation control, liver support, and healthy stress response.

Many people rely on supplements to fill nutritional gaps or to prevent and treat various ailments. It might surprise you to learn that some of these same supplements are good for pets too! Read on to learn more about how you can boost the health of your furry friends.

Relief for Pets Aching Joints

As pets age, they can suffer from some of the same health problems that humans do. This is especially true when it comes to their joints. Although dogs and cats can be affected by several different types of arthritis, the most common is osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, which impacts up to 20 percent of adult dogs and 60 percent or more of older cats. Osteoarthritis can be caused by aging, injuries, or health conditions like diabetes and obesity.

Both dogs and cats may get relief from aching joints with collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, or a combination of all three. One study found that dogs who were treated daily with type-II collagen, glucosamine hydrochloride, and chondroitin sulfate showed a marked reduction in arthritis-related pain, with a maximum improvement observed after 150 days.

Omegas are Essential for Pets

Omega-3 fatty acids may help ease osteoarthritis pain in companion animals. A recent study reported that omega 3s reduced inflammatory markers, cartilage degradation, and oxidative stress, as well as pain and dysfunction, in both cats and dogs. Another study found that cats whose diets were supplemented with omega 3s for 10 weeks had higher  activity levels—including more walking up and down stairs and less stiffness compared to those receiving a placebo.

In addition to easing arthritis pain, omega 3s have also been shown to help with some behavior disorders in dogs. A recent study found that dogs receiving a supplement containing omega 3s, magnesium, and zinc demonstrated a reduction in negative behaviors including fearfulness, destructiveness, and inappropriate elimination.

Another study found that a nutrient blend containing omega 3s from fish oil, antioxidants, B vitamins, and l-arginine was positively linked to improved cognition in aging dogs, especially for more complex tasks.

Pets & Probiotics

Probiotics help to ensure your pet has a healthy microbiome, which in turn supports GI health, immunity, and  more. Different strains of probiotics  offer different types of support. Research has shown that supplementation with probiotics can help prevent or treat everything from acute inflammation of the intestines (enteritis) to allergies in both dogs and cats.

One recent study found that a strain  of Bifidobacterium longum (delivered via queso blanco cheese) had positive effects on intestinal microbiota and metabolites in dogs. Another study from earlier this year found that dogs receiving a probiotic supplement experienced improvements in daily feed intake, weight, and beneficial bacteria; this was especially true of the oldest dogs whose gut microbiota shifted to a more youthful composition after two months of treatment.

CBD Shows Promise for Pets

Research into the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for pets is underway. One study found that dogs treated with 2 milligrams of CBD per kilogram of body weight, twice daily, experienced a significant decrease in osteoarthritis-related pain and an increase in activity. There were no side effects reported.

A new study found that dogs with intractable idiopathic epilepsy had a significant reduction in seizure frequency when treated with CBD-infused oil in addition to conventional anti-epileptic treatment.

Choose Pet Supplements Wisely

Not all supplements are created equal. Look for brands that specialize in one type of supplement or have research that supports the efficacy of their products. Read labels carefully and make sure the ingredients you want are actually in the product. Always use supplements formulated for pets—some products created for humans can be dangerous to animals.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be a disabling impairment. Presently available medications to treat it are often ineffective or a cause of considerable side effects.

A significant body of research points to the role of the human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the anxiety, fear, and intrusive repetitive thoughts and behaviors that are common in OCD. Some patients have shown improvements in OCD symptoms after receiving cannabinoids, and a new review of studies suggests that the ECS may be a target for new treatments of OCD.

Serotinin reuptake inhibitors are the only medications approved by the FDA for OCD treatment. They usually provide only limited relief; some patients find them ineffective.

CBD’s Potential in Treatment of OCD

The authors of the 2019 review see potential in cannabidiol (CBD) for relief of OCD symptoms.

“CBD has garnered increasing interest as a potential treatment for a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions, including anxiety,” the authors wrote. “CBD has been shown to reduce experimentally induced anxiety and enhance the extinction of fear memories in healthy adults.” They also stated that CBD has been shown to reverse some of the negative effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), “including paranoia and memory impairment.”

Much more research is needed, and much is ongoing. The authors concluded that “further exploration of this topic will determine whether cannabinoids pass the most important test: Helping more patients with OCD to achieve wellness.”

*Cannabidiol (CBD) supplements are obtainable in much of the US. A nonpsychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant, CBD is being studied for its effects on many health conditions. Each state has laws regarding CBD with varying degrees of restriction. Learn about CBD’s status in your state at www.CBDCentral.com.