If you’ve been seeing CBD oil used successfully by friends and talked about increasingly online, you probably have questions on what is CBD oil? What is CBD oil good for? How is CBD made? How does it affect your health? And probably much more! We’ll attempt to address many of those questions here.
What is CBD?
CBD, which is short for cannabidoil, is what everyone is talking about these days (and for good reason!). The industry is on the rise and there are new products and players entering the market almost every single day, which is why as the consumer, you need to be ever vigilant in what you are consuming. At Warfighter Hemp, we don’t believe this is a passing fad, or a trend. In the beginning, our founder wanted a clean product to help veterans remove themselves from the toxic opioids given to them. As his mission grew, so did the Warfighter family.
Cannabidoil
Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids are chemical compounds found in hemp plants. Research studies show significant potential for phytocannabinoids to support health & wellness.* There are over 85 different phytocannabinoids (some say up to 200!) including the commonly known Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).
Tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC, is another well-known cannabinoid and is the psychoactive compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. The level of THC present in Cannabis sativa is what ultimately determines whether or not the plant is classified as hemp or marijuana. The Federal Drug Administration notes that hemp plants are legal under the Farm Bill, as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. Therefore, hemp, by definition, must contain no more than 0.3% THC.
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound (meaning you won’t feel the high sensation associated with marijuana when you take it) that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system or ECS. Though CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, medically speaking it is completely nonintoxicating and does not cause any of the mind-altering effects typically associated with THC.
Medical Effects: CBD verses Marijuana
So far, we’ve learned CBD is a cannabidiol that is extracted from the hemp plant and it doesn’t get the user feeling the “high” effects associated with THC. And we’ve learned CBD is one of 85 different strains found in the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant.
According to a report from the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
At Warfighter Hemp, we understand you may want as little THC in your CBD as possible. Therefore, we introduced Warfighter Hemp Broad Spectrum, which contains organic hemp oil, organic peppermint oil in the peppermint version, and CBD, only. Versus Warfighter Hemp Full Spectrum, which contains, along with the amount of CBD listed on the bottle, other cannabinoids in trace amounts.
How To Buy CBD Oils
1. Know the Production:
When shopping for CBD oils, look for hemp-derived CBD oil. In the cannabis category “organic” and “all natural” haven’t been scientifically vetted as of yet. However, you can help verify quality by checking out the manufacturer’s third-party testing. At Warfighter Hemp we manufacture our CBD “seed to bottle” meaning we know where it is grown and how it is produced because our experts monitor it every step of the way. Our hemp is grown on Colorado organic farms (no synthetics!) and our process is carefully controlled. Why is that important? Many CBD companies attempt to cut costs by purchasing hemp extracts from overseas, where the level of quality control and regulation of hemp farming can be more relaxed, depending where manufactured. These products ‘could’ be fine – but there is always the possibility of residual pesticides or solvents that haven’t been removed. Therefore, it is always best and strongly encouraged to purchase CBD products made from USA-grown hemp (like Warfighter Hemp!) to ensure you are buying the highest-quality hemp-based products available on the market.
2. Know the Testing
Not only are we stringent about our high production standards, Warfighter Hemp is also very strict about the importance of third-party testing and transparency – and we hope you are, too!
There are many hemp farms who claim to use pesticide-free hemp in their products, but how can you truly know? Lab results!
Any reputable CBD brand will offer third-party testing, called Certificate of Analysis (also just referred to as “lab results”) and made available easily on their website. Some companies ask you to email them for the results. At Warfighter Hemp, we feel that is a roadblock for the consumer, so we post our third-party testing results on our website here. We believe that the best way is to be transparent.
3. Know the Results
Just like anything else you are learning about for the first time, we bet you check out the customer reviews and customer testimonials, right? There are plenty of paid reviewers and affiliate sites that will gladly tell you that “X” product is the best and that you can get 10% off with their special code but hearing the praise and complaints of real customers will almost always be the most truthful and honest. At Warfighter Hemp, we have a few options for you to get honest reviews of our products:
- Warfighter Hemp Facebook Group: Feel free to join our informational group we created to help answer those burning questions about CBD and hemp. In there, you can also ask other people and fellow group members about their experience with Warfighter Hemp products. You’ll receive honest feedback.
- TrustPilot: Warfighter Hemp has been working with TrustPilot since 2019 and we have nearly 1,000 reviews! We automatically send out a request for review after every order was shipped – and we respond to everyone. Just click here to see what your fellow CBD enthusiasts have to say.
4. Know How CBD Works with Your Body
The body’s endocannabinoid system helps the body’s functions perform with greater efficacy. The cannabinoids in hemp extract communicate with the body’s endocannabinoid system to help further restore balance and physiological homeostasis. Our endocannabinoid system produces cannabinoids naturally, which maintain and regulate the body’s equanimity. When CBD is ingested, the cannabinoids trigger the body’s endocannabinoid system by attaching to specialized receptors that are found throughout the body and regulate functions such as memory, movement, appetite and more.
This adhesion activates an event in the cell and surrounding cells to aid in balancing sleep, mood, pain and inflammation for optimal function. Just as a particular key is designed to open a single lock, a given receptor may accept only certain classes of compounds and be unaffected by other compounds Therefore, every time you consume Warfighter Hemp’s Full Spectrum CBD Oil or Broad Spectrum CBD Oil—the endocannabinoid system is stimulated.
A note on buying CBD oil from a reputable source:
Warfighter Hemp has been in business for several years now and we’ve seen countless shady businesses come and go in the CBD market. Just like we shared above, you need to know the production of the product you are buying. Many people have been burned with buying a liquid in a bottle that they thought was CBD oil, but turned out to be something else. And that’s where CBD can sometimes get a bad rap – people think they are taking a quality product and then when it doesn’t work, they think CBD doesn’t work for them. When, in fact, it was the quality or quantity of CBD oil they consumed. We always encourage our customers to do their homework, ask questions either of us directly (send emails to info@warfighterhemp.us) or in our Facebook group.
How Is CBD Oil Made?
CBD oils are made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil. At Warfighter Hemp, we use hemp seed oil as our carrier oil. Other companies will use a variety of other oils, that may or may not be good and not be healthy for your body, so it is always good to check the label and if not found there, ask questions.
What are the Benefits of CBD Oil?
Some scientific studies have confirmed CBD may ease symptoms of ailments like chronic pain and anxiety. Warfighter Hemp customers have shared with us why they use our CBD oil in surveys we conduct regularly, and also in the TrustPilot reviews. Below are the most common reasons told to us as to how our customers are using CBD oil:
- Reducing seizures in both human and dog
- Reducing anxiety
- Helping to fall asleep
- Helping to stay asleep
- Helping with minor pain
- Helpful with chronic pain
- Helpful as a topical application, with Warfighter Hemp CBD Lotion.
CBD is commonly used to address anxiety, and for patients who suffer through the misery of insomnia, studies suggest that CBD may help with both falling asleep and staying asleep.
CBD may offer an option for treating different types of chronic pain. A study from the European Journal of Pain showed, using an animal model, CBD applied on the skin could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis. Another study demonstrated the mechanism by which CBD inhibits inflammatory and neuropathic pain, two of the most difficult types of chronic pain to treat. More study in humans is needed in this area to substantiate the claims of CBD proponents about pain control.
In June 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the prescription use of Epidiolex, a purified form of CBD oil, for treating two types of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, in patients two years of age and older. According to this announcement, “Epidiolex’s effectiveness was studied in three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials involving 516 patients with either Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome. Epidiolex, taken along with other medications, was shown to be effective in reducing the frequency of seizures when compared with placebo.”
What Are the Side Effects of CBD Oil?
Although CBD oil is well tolerated by many users, it does carry some risks and side effects are possible. This is why at Warfighter Hemp we always strongly encourage you to talk with your medical doctor before taking any form of CBD.
Side effect of CBD may include:
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Low blood pressure – interacting with other medications you may be taking
- Dry Mouth
- Diarrhea
- Withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability and insomnia
According to this article from Harvard Health Publishing, CBD can also interact with medication through “the exact same mechanism that grapefruit does.” While rarely a significant concern, on certain medications these interactions can be harmful or even deadly, according to the FDA. If you have blood pressure issues, are taking prescription drugs or have ever been warned about ingesting fruit juice, citrus or fermented products, consult your doctor before touching CBD oil.
More human studies are needed to fully understand the range of risks and side effects that CBD oils may cause. Studies of CBD oils aren’t common. This is partially because Schedule 1 substances like cannabis, under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), are highly regulated, causing some obstacles for researchers. With the legalization of marijuana products, more research is possible, and more answers will come.
Wrapping it Up on CBD Oils
CBD and THC are both cannabinoids from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. Though similar in what they may help treat, the most important difference is that THC will cause a person to experience a high while CBD will not. It is essential that people familiarize themselves with local laws before acquiring and using CBD or THC.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
