Happy CBD Day: How Much Do You Know About CBD?
Did you know that CBD Day is this Sunday, August 8? In honor of this important cannabis holiday, Vireo and Green Goods are proud to offer discounts on CBD items at our dispensaries in Minnesota, New York, Maryland and New Mexico. Check your local dispensary menu for more details.
So, with the holiday approaching, how much do you know about CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. While THC, which causes the intoxicating effect, is the most abundant cannabinoid, CBD is the second-most prevalent and does not exhibit the same intoxicating effects
Like other cannabinoids, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in our body. The human body naturally produces endocannabinoids, which are similar to the cannabinoids found in plants, like THC and CBD. Both the endocannabinoids produced by our bodies and the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant interact with cannabinoid receptors in our brains, connective tissues, organs, immune cells and glands, and help the body regulate immune response, appetite, pain sensations and more.
Read on to learn more about the unique benefits of CBD, or visit one of our dispensaries around CBD Day for discounts on CBD-prominent products.
What does CBD do?
Research studies support the idea that CBD helps address some types of anxiety and some of the symptoms of PTSD. Research also suggests that CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help reduce pain at injury sites by modulating the actions of local signaling and repair cells. Unlike THC, CBD does not create a feeling of intoxication, though some CBD consumers may feel a gentle “buzzing” sensation similar to caffeine. CBD can be found on its own in different products, including topical and ingested products, that contain no THC. But some studies show that CBD works best when combined with other cannabinoids like THC, flavonoids and terpenes – something called the ensemble effect.
What is the ensemble effect?
The ensemble effect suggests that when combined, cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes enhance the natural properties of one another and produce a compounding effect, delivering a stronger and more diverse effect than CBD or THC alone – the sum of the parts is greater than the whole when it comes to efficacy. Additionally, CBD may help reduce some of the negative effects of THC that some people experience, like feelings of anxiety or overstimulation. (That is why all of Vireo Health’s THC products contain some CBD, even in the highest-level THC products.)
How does CBD benefit anxiety and PTSD?
A number of studies, as well as anecdotal evidence, in recent years have shown that CBD may be an anxiolytic, or anxiety reducer. One experiment that recreated the anxiety of public speaking found moderate doses of CBD reduced anxiety in the test subjects.
“CBD, one of the major cannabinoids, is an excellent adjunct treatment for a variety of mental illnesses, including most notably for PTSD and anxiety,” said Paloma Lehfeldt, MD, Director of Medical Education for Vireo Health. “CBD has been helpful for our veteran communities, and for people with new onset mental health diagnoses post-pandemic. It is a great product for people who don’t want to experience the intoxicating effects of THC alone.”
How can CBD help as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic?
In addition to anxiety about the health of ourselves and our loved ones and grief following the loss of more than half a million lives in the U.S. alone, the global COVID-19 pandemic has meant increased isolation and reduced access to friends, family and support networks for many people. For many, the pandemic has exacerbated existing mental health concerns; for others, it has created new ones. One study found that one in five people who had survived COVID-19 were diagnosed with anxiety, depression or insomnia for the first time within 90 days of their positive diagnosis.
And as we’ve already seen, research indicates CBD may be helpful for anxiety, either on its own or assisting patients in reducing their dosage of traditional pharmaceuticals.
“Traditional single-agent pharmaceuticals like SSRIs and benzodiazepines come with a variety of debilitating side effects that the cannabis plant and CBD may not. Some of the side effects associated with these pharmaceuticals may include extreme lethargy, a higher risk of suicide, a potential for abuse, and other debilitating effects that can make it difficult to function in daily life. CBD doesn’t carry those same side effects, making it a great treatment alternative or adjunct therapy for people with new onset mental health diagnoses from the pandemic.”
Where you get your CBD matters.
While CBD can be helpful in many situations, it’s clear that small details – like the ratio of CBD to THC and which terpenes are in the product – can make a big difference in the benefits and effects of CBD products. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the details on the label – but equally important to make sure the products you buy have accurate labels.
Cannabis regulations currently vary greatly from state to state, contributing to a lack of regulation and oversight in the industry and inaccurate labeling of some products. One study that sampled different CBD products from dozens of companies found that only 30.95% of products tested accurately labelled the amount of CBD in the product, with 26.19% of tested products containing less CBD than listed on the label and some containing no CBD at all. The same study also found unlabeled THC in 21.43% of products and unlabeled cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) in 15.48% of products tested.
Unlike many of the CBD products available in gas stations and bodegas, all of Vireo Health’s CBD products are third party tested, meaning you can trust that you’re getting the amount of CBD on the label. We know you can’t make informed decisions about which cannabis products are best for you without accurate information, and we take seriously our responsibility to ensure accurate labels.