CBD Oils & Tinctures

Yes, kind of.
CBD is legal on a federal level in the United States if it is derived from the hemp plant and contains no more than 0.3% THC. However, some states, including Idaho, have laws restricting the use of CBD. Marijuana derived CBD is illegal on the federal level but is legal under some state laws. CBD laws vary greatly from country to country, so be sure to research the applicable laws in your area.

CBD is found to be generally safe. There have been no deaths attributed to ingestion of the cannabis plant, including CBD. The FDA has approved one CBD based drug called Epidiolex used for epileptic seizure reduction. The FDA reports that CBD can cause liver injury and interact with other medications. There have been no reports of liver injury in humans who have taken CBD even at high doses. Side effects of taking CBD may include drowsiness, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and change in mood. There is more research needed around the safety and efficacy of CBD. Consult your health care provider before taking CBD to ensure it is right for you.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states CBD has been shown to reduce stress in animals including rats. Other studies show that participants with social anxiety disorder (SAD) experienced overall reduction in anxiety levels after taking CBD. CBD is also known to help with PTSD symptoms including replaying negative memories and enduring nightmares.

Yes. CBD inhibits an enzyme called Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase, or FAAH, which is responsible for breaking down an endocannabinoid called Anandamide. Ananda- is Sanskrit for joy or bliss and helps with elevated mood. People with anxiety may have lower levels of anandamide. Introducing CBD can help decrease the reuptake of anandamide and cause it to hang around longer which could decrease anxiety symptoms. CBD is also thought to stimulate serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in mental health. Having insufficient serotonin can also contribute to anxiety. CBD may be a viable option for those suffering with anxiety disorders.

Researchers have discovered that our endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating circadian rhythms. CBD is also known to reduce pain and anxiety, both of which can have a negative impact on sleep quality. This study found a significant decrease in insomnia symptoms for participants taking CBD and other cannabinoids. While more research is needed, CBD use as a possible sleep aid looks promising.

Yes. Arthritic and neuropathic pain have the most research and very promising results. The Arthritis Foundation states CBD appears fairly safe and might help certain types of pain. They conducted a survey of 2600 people and found that 79% are currently using CBD, have used it in the past, or are considering using it to help manage their arthritis pain. Research also shows that CBD inhibits inflammatory molecules in the body that contribute to pain.

No. CBD is nonintoxicating and does not produce a high, unlike its intoxicating sister cannabinoid THC. While full spectrum CBD does contain THC, it must have less than 0.3%, which is too low of an amount to produce a high, usually. Some higher potency CBD products can have as much as 2mg of THC which can be enough to cause a euphoric effect. Contrary to popular belief, CBD is psychoactive, because it does have an effect on the mind, including the ability to reduce anxiety. CBD is psychoactive but non intoxicating.

Always speak to your physician about taking any substance, including CBD, while pregnant or nursing. There are no studies that show the effects of CBD on a developing baby. Like with any other medication, your doctor will determine if the benefits of using CBD outweigh the risks of not using
CBD while pregnant or nursing. The FDA recommends against the use of CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of comprehensive research on CBD’s effects on the developing baby.

It all depends on what your health goal is and varies from one person to another. We at Leafreport always recommend you “Start Low and Go Slow”. In other words, start at the lowest dose you can and slowly increase that until your personal health goal is achieved. To figure out how much CBD is in a dropperful, take the total mg in the bottle and divide it by the total volume of the bottle. So, if the bottle contains a total of 300 mg and has a volume of 15 mL, 300mg/15mL= 20 mg/mL. Each 1 mL dropperful has 20 drops/mL, so each drop would have 20 (mg/mL) divided by 20 drops= 1 mg per drop of CBD.

The taste may be the first thing you notice! It is an “acquired” taste for some, but I would start with an unflavored product first– you never know, you might like it! (I do!). If not, there are many flavors to choose from! Set your health goal first (ie. better sleep, relief from pain, anxiety, depression etc) At first, if you Start Low and Go Slow, you might not experience any effects. In that case, slowly increase your dose until you find your “sweet spot” for whatever your health goal is. Keep a diary or journal to record any changes in how you feel. Be prepared to be patient– Starting Low and Going Slow is the best and safest way to approach dosing but it takes time and patience. Once you find your best dose, you are set!

With oils and tinctures, the best “delivery method” is for you to hold the liquid under the tongue for 30-60 seconds. That allows for the most effective absorption. How long it lasts depends on a number of factors– how much your dose is, your overall state of health and what you are trying to achieve. Overall, for most people, the effects last for 2-6 hours and some people report a cumulative effect.

The greatest benefit is the ability to control the dose and individualize your CBD regimen. CBD oils and tinctures can be used to address widespread pain, sleep issues, anxiety, depression and inflammatory issues.

Where CBD is legal (and there are only a few states left where it isn’t – check your local laws!), you do NOT need a prescription. We always encourage you to work with your healthcare professional or one that is knowledgeable in CBD before starting any regimen.

Hemp oil is usually derived from hemp seeds and contains very little CBD while CBD oil contains CBD as the main “ingredient”. Hemp seed oil has nutritional benefits.