CBD Topicals

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.

If the topical is a cream, gel, or lotion, start with a pea-sized amount in the palm of your hand. Apply it with circular motions to the affected area and let it “sink in”. Wait for about 20 minutes and repeat if needed.

It all depends on the level of pain/soreness and your perception of the pain/soreness, but in general, it will begin to work in 10-20 minutes and last from 2-6 hours. For some, onset of relief is faster, for others, the relief may last longer.

Again—it depends on the individual but for most, two- four applications over a 24-hour period seem to be effective. You may have to go to five or six applications. If you need more, it is recommended that you see your physician.

Generally, most people seem to feel the effects within 10-20 minutes. For some, it is sooner and in others, it may take longer.

By Starting Low and Going Slow, you can expect to find that “sweet spot” of relief—it may take some time to find it, but once you do, the relief is usually relatively fast and lasts for hours.

CBD has anti-inflammatory actions that may benefit some skin conditions including acne, psoriasis and eczema. Research is in the early stages but looks promising. If you have a skin condition, try a spot test first just to ensure that the product won’t cause any further irritation. Just try a very small amount of a CBD topical on a small, affected area and wait 24 hours. If there is no reaction (or possibly improvement) then go ahead with the Start Low and Go Slow trial and error process.