Foreword by Michael Pile
Throughout our lives we are confronted with many health challenges facing our physical body. From infancy through maturity our body addresses a variety of transitions which will undoubtedly include pain management. Pain is categorized as acute and chronic.
Pain management is an aspect of medicine and health care involving the relief of pain in various dimensions depending on the severity and diagnosis of the ailment causing the pain.
There are a wide variety of strategies employed by medical experts to address the complexities of pain. In traditional medicine there are three primary pain management strategies: physical therapies, psychological therapies, and mind/body techniques to be employed in over 19 different types of bodily pains (chronic,natural pain relief, spine pain and treatments, foot pain, lower leg pain, alternative therapy, pain medications, nerve block medications for pain (anesthesia), trigger point injections, spinal cord stimulation, spinal drug delivery systems, pain controlled analgesia pump, electrothermal and bioelectric therapy, and alternative treatments for chronic pain)
In these more progressive times many people try to avoid traditional pharmaceutical options and lean towards more natural non-pharmaceutical options to address pain when necessary. The introduction of Cannabis and CBD as a viable option to relieve pain is a relatively recent therapy which deserves your consideration. The following presentation is an introduction to these progressive treatments.
CBD Resource Guide Frequently Asked Questions
by Aaron Andrew Grove
What is CBD?
“CBD” is an abbreviation for cannabidiol, a non-psychotropic chemical compound found in the hemp plant. CBD is also found in marijuana, which is a cousin of the hemp plant. At Maka Sihu, we only use CBD that is derived from the hemp plant—not marijuana.
What do people use CBD for?
CBD has gained widespread attention for its potential to ease symptoms
of insomnia, anxiety, chronic pain, and a host of other health conditions. While studies are ongoing as to how effective CBD is, many people are giving it a try.
Does CBD get you high?
No. CBD does not have psychoactive properties and does not cause a “high”.
Is CBD legal?
With the passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the “2018 Farm Bill”), signed December 20, 2018, hemp was officially legalized in the U.S., and its designation as a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Schedule I controlled substance was removed. CBD products can be legally sold in the U.S., but they must contain less than 0.3% concentrations of THC.
Will CBD show on drug test?
CBD shouldn’t show up on a drug test, nor is it something that is tested for. However, Full Spectrum CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, marijuana’s main active ingredient. If enough THC is present, it will show up on a drug test. For those who do get drug tested, we recommend a Broad Spectrum CBD product. When in doubt, check the lab results for the product you are interested in to be sure no THC is present. Our CBD is made from hemp, and lab tested to meet FDA requirements for THC concentrations.
What is the difference between Broad Spectrum and Full Spectrum CBD?
Broad Spectrum CBD products do not contain THC but do include other beneficial cannabinoids alongside the CBD such as CBDA, CBN and CBC. This is a good thing! Cannabinoids work best together. It’s like a team- the more players, the better it performs. Full Spectrum CBD products are just like Broad Spectrum, except they contain 0.3% THC or less.
Is CBD addictive?
No, CBD is non-addictive because its non-psychoactive.
Can I take CBD if I am using other medications?
Research to date shows that CBD is generally safe and has few, if any, minor side effects. CBD does have the potential to interact with some medications. The concern has to do with how the body metabolizes certain substances, and how, much like grapefruit, CBD can interfere with the absorption of certain medications. Before trying CBD, it’s always recommended to talk to your doctor about all of the vitamins, supplements, prescription and over-the-counter medications you’re taking.
Do you have to build up CBD in your system over time?
No. Your body processes it and uses it right away. It does not get “stored”.
Can I overdose on CBD?
There are no reports of anyone overdosing on CBD as our body uses only what it needs. It’s like pouring water on a full sponge; what is not used just goes to waste.
What types of CBD products are available?
There are many different types of CBD products on the market, each with their own pros and cons. The most popular product is called a CBD oil tincture, which is taken sublingually (under the tongue). It can take up to an hour to become fully absorbed into your body, but once it does, it stays with you for 8-12 hours on average. The tinctures also give you much flexibility in your serving size. Edible CBD products are also very popular as they are easy for those who are on the go and for people who prefer a more controlled amount of CBD. Like the tinctures, edible products can also take up to an hour for full absorption, but it only stays with you for 3 – 6 hours. Another CBD item that many people enjoy are smokeables which include vapes, hemp flower and prerolls. Inhalation is the fastest way to get CBD into your system (it’s near instant) but it only lasts 1-4 hours. Topical CBD creams are extremely popular and are the most widely available. With near instant absorption, it is great for
on-the-go use. Also in the marketplace you will find skin and body products, capsules, pain patches and so much more. New products are coming out all the time.
Can I give CBD to my pets?
Yes! Your cat or dog (along with most other mammals) actually have the same system to process cannabinoids that you have. This system is known as the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and it helps moderate a whole variety of bodily processes using endocannabinoids. The CBD and other compounds found in CBD products stimulate this system by either activating or blocking the group of receptors it contains. And that’s the same for humans, dogs, cats, horses, and most other mammals!
How can Maka Sihu CBD help?
First and foremost, one of our beliefs is promoting the help not the hype, so we are here to help! We feel strongly about educating our customers on the ins and outs of CBD. We are happy to answer any and all questions you may have so that you can make the most informed decision possible. We take the time to talk with you about each product and how to find the amount of CBD that gives you the results you are looking for. We believe plants are the best medicine.
What is the difference between marijuana and hemp?
- Cousin plants from Cannabis Sativa
- MJ has been bred over time to remove most all CBD
- Marijuana creates a “high” feeling
- Hemp naturally has higher amounts of CBD, and lower THC
- Industrial hemp must have less than .3% THC to be considered legal in the US
- CBD made from industrial hemp is legal in all 50 states
- Marijuana has it’s own healing properties, but is not legal in all US states
- Industrial hemp must have less than .3% THC to be considered legal in the US
What is the difference between CBD and THC?
- CBD is nontoxic, non-euphoric and there is no “high” from CBD
- CBD naturally counteracts the effects of THC
- CBD has been shown to have tremendous healing properties on it’s own
What is an Endocannabinoid system?
- Just like your nervous or circulatory system, all animals have one
- The ECS has been called “the most important physiologic system involved in establishing and maintaining human health”
- We have only known about it for about 30 years
- Though we do not have a full and complete picture of what the ECS does, we do know that the ECS helps fine-tune most of our vital physiological functions.
- This system is designed to keep the body in homeostasis
- aka the “Goldilocks Zone”, somewhere in the middle
- Homeostasis affects everything from sleep, appetite, pain, inflammation, memory, mood, and reproduction
- The ECS helps modulate the regulation of homeostasis across all major body systems ensuring that all systems work in concert with one another.
- We have cannabinoid receptors throughout our entire body
- Dogs have more than we do
- The total number of endocannabinoid receptors in the body is believed to be greater than all other neuromodulatory receptors found in the body combined, including receptors for the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.
- Over time and evolution, our body produces less on its own
- Receptors are like sponges that need to be hydrated
- Scientists have found that certain conditions which are associated with hypersensitivity to pain or stimulus, such as migraines, fibromyalgia, and IBS, the ECS is dysfunctional.
This hypothesis, that the ECS may lie at the root of some disorders, is known as
the Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency hypothesis. It is believed that by supplementing the body with naturally occurring cannabinoids from plants, we can correct this deficiency, relieve symptoms, and restore health.
What are cannabinoids?
- A chemical compound that triggers the cannabinoid (and other) receptors in the brain and body
- More than 100 cannabinoids have been identified in the hemp plant
- CBD and THC have been studied most extensively
- All cannabinoids have their own healing properties
- CBD and THC have been studied most extensively
What exactly is CBD?
- Also known as cannabidiol
- A non-psychotropic cannabinoid compound
- Has strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasm, anti-convulsant, antipsychotic, anti-tumoral and neuro protective properties
- Directly activates the serotonin receptors, causing an antidepressant effect
- We naturally produce CBD
- Breast Milk has high amounts of naturally occurring CBD
- Lots of plants produce cannabinoids not just cannabis
What is CBD used for and who uses it?
- A variety of mental and physical health challenges
- All ages
Can CBD help with all types of physical pain?
- Generally, there is nerve, joint and muscle pain and when CBD is internalized it becomes bioavailable. These cannabinoids fit like a lock and key into existing human receptors. These receptors are part of the ECS, which impacts physiological processes affecting pain modulation.
- Nerve pain: The CB1 receptors are attached to the brain and nervous system assisting with any neurological issue or nerve related The CB2 receptors are attached to the gastrointestinal and immune system that can assist with any GI or auto-immune related pain.
- Joint Pain: These receptors are aligned with major areas of the body where our joints are that regulate pain A highly bioavailable product will break down uric acid, the primary cause of most arthritic issues because of the high
anti-inflammatory effect.
- Muscle Pain: CBD is a vasorelaxant which relaxes the blood vessels allowing blood to flow easier increasing circulation and decreasing lactic acid build up that prevents muscle CBD is also anti-spasmodic which is going to suppress muscle spasms.
Can CBD help with all types of mental health issues?
- Yes. As an example anxiety and depression are neurological conditions stemming from neuroinflammation in the neural pathways. They are stress induced and produce cortisol, the stress hormone which is acid forming and creates plaque in the synapse making it so that the neurotransmitters like serotonin which helps regulate mood cannot fire properly. This creates an imbalance. You need your CB1 receptors to fire in your endocrine system which are attached to the brain and nervous system. When that happens, it is called neurogenesis. It is going to chip away that plaque and establish a new connection. One way to accomplish this is with cannabinoids because the ECS is built specifically for stabilizing mood and behavior. The brain gut connection is huge. A lot of the serotonin is produced in our gut. The CB2 receptors are attached to the gastrointestinal and immune system. So again, cannabinoids will help tremendously in restoring GI balance.
What makes a quality CBD product?
- Where and how is the hemp grown
- Domestic vs international
- Organic
- Where is it processed
- FDA approved facility
- GMP Stamped
- HACCP Compliant
- How is it extracted
- Cryogenic Ethanol Extraction
- Hemp flower is frozen and soaked in food grade 190 proof certified organic cane alcohol
- Traditional method for extracting from plants
- Hemp flower is frozen and soaked in food grade 190 proof certified organic cane alcohol
- Cryogenic Ethanol Extraction
- CO2
- CO2 is carbon dioxide that is pressurized to remove cannabinoids, terpenes and waxes out of plant material
- The FDA has labeled CO2 safe for industrial extractions
- Cleaner than alcohol because there are no solvents
- Can draw out more of the plant cannabinoids
- More cannabinoids are preserved in the process
- Isolate vs Broad Spectrum vs Full Spectrum
- Like a sport team, the number of players matter
- Isolate crystals have shown to be hard on the pancreas
- Broad Spectrum cannabinoid profile matters
- aka The Entourage Effect
- Full Spectrum contains THC
- Additives
- Artificial flavoring vs terpene flavoring
How is CBD consumed?
- Concentrate Oil
- Usually in a syringe and taken in amounts the side of a grain of rice
- AKA RSO
- Oil Tincture
- Mixed with a carrier oil such as MCT oil
- MCT oil is a supplement made from a type of fat called medium-chain triglycerides
- You can absorb MCT in your bloodstream quickly, which turns it into energy you can use.
- Most MCT oil comes from coconut oil
- Great for weight loss, energy and inflammation
- This is NOT the same as hemp seed oil
- Hemp seeds have their own healing properties when used topically for a surface relief, softer skin etc
- MCT oil is a supplement made from a type of fat called medium-chain triglycerides
- Mixed with a carrier oil such as MCT oil
- Taken sublingually and left under the tongue for 60-90 seconds
- Effects are felt 10 – 60 minutes after consumption and can last up to 8 hours
- Varies depending on weight, metabolism
- Best used for ongoing health challenges, both physical or emotional
- Water Soluble
- Added to an 8oz beverage
- Not recommended to add to a hot (or unhealthy) liquid
- Higher bioavailability, as the CBD particles are broken down to nanoparticles so our bodies can absorb it faster and easier through the stomach
- Added to an 8oz beverage
- Effects are felt 1-2 minutes after consumption and can last up to 8 hours
- Varies depending on weight, metabolism, tolerance
- Best used for ongoing health challenges, both physical or emotional
- Capsules/ Pills
- Often have high bioavailability because it is ingested
- Easy way to be more exact in your serving size
- Effects are felt 10 – 60 minutes after consumption and can last up to 8 hours
- Edibles, such as honey sticks, gummies and chocolate
- Generally taken as a “bridge” product
- In between scheduled oil regimen
- Best used for occasional health challenges, both physical or emotional
- Effects are felt 10 – 60 minutes after consumption and can last 4-6 hours
- Vapes
- Often used as a “bridge” product
- Near instant relief
- Lasts 1-3 hours
- Discreet
- Low odor profile
- Flower/ Concentrates
- Near instant relief
- Lasts 1-3 hours
- Strain profiles similar to marijuana
- Ability to enjoy smell and flavor
- Near instant relief
- Flexibility in how it is consumed
- Preroll – pipe -bong
How do I know how much I need?
- Everyone’s body is different
- Metabolism
- Age
- Weight
- Tolerance (Everyone has different concentrations of CB1 and CB2 receptors)
- Depends on health condition
- Occasional physical/mental challenges
- Can start with a lower strength
- Can use occasionally
- Chronic health issues
- Start mid-range and titrate up slowly until optimal results are achieved
- Occasional physical/mental challenges
- Extreme health issues
- Start at a high mg strength and saturate the receptors up front
- Avoid chasing the pain
- Can lower amount after results are achieved
- Start at a high mg strength and saturate the receptors up front
Getting started on your CBD regimen
- Choose the method that appeals to you most and fits your health concerns as outlined above
- For best results, take daily
- The first bottle is a “tester” bottle to find your “sweet spot”
- Once you know how much CBD works best for you, you can scale up in mg strength to make the bottle last longer