Facts VS. Myths

Cannabidiol (CBD) [pronounced: ka-nə-bə-ˈdī-ˌȯl] is one of more than 110 phytocannabinoids (plant based chemical compounds) found in the cannabis plant.

The Endocannabinoid System (EC system) is a complex network of cellular neurotransmitters, that send chemical signals to and from the brain, central nervous system, immune system, and nearly all other organs and systems within our bodies.

The EC system’s primary function is homeostasis, achieved by regulating, restoring, and maintaining balance within our bodies. The EC system is reported to modulate pleasure, energy, and well-being, while slowly nudging the body back to health in the face of injury.

The EC System is made up of receptors (the locks), endocannabinoids (the keys), and enzymes (break up the keys when not needed). These components work in harmony like a symphony orchestra within our bodies, creating a boost of the endocannabinoids we need when there are deficiencies, and breaking down the very same endocannabinoids when they are in excess or no longer needed.

The most well know endocannabinoid our bodies produce is called Anandamide. Ever experienced “Runners High?” That is Anandamide, the “Bliss Molecule” giving you a natural mental boost.

CBD and other plant-based or “phytocannabinoids,” react with receptors and enzymes in our EC System like keys in locks, and can supplement the endocannabinoids when we need them, and break them down when we don’t. By introducing cannabinoids like CBD into our bodies, we are allowing our bodies to heal themselves naturally by balancing the EC System.

CBD does not get you high. Primarily because CBD doesn’t bind with the endocannabinoid receptors in the body which can cause euphoria. Studies show that CBD actually counteracts the intoxicating “negative” side effects of THC (such as feeling “Scary High,” paranoid, and social anxiety), creating a more balanced euphoric “body buzz” amongst other beneficial effects.

CBD is often labeled as “non-psychoactive,” however this statement is somewhat misleading. Research reports CBD is very effective in helping with stress, anxiety, and depression, by creating an uplifted feeling. This mood-altering uplifting feeling could be considered a psychoactive effect, so it is more accurate to say that CBD can improve your mood and psyche, but it is “non-intoxicating” or “non-impairing.”

CBD and THC are a “power couple.” Research shows that the two compounds work synergistically and have the most medicinal benefits when they are used together. The pairing is most commonly known as the “Entourage Effect,” which researchers believe to be the best way to reap the full benefit of CBD. In other words, the whole plant is far greater than the sum of its single molecular parts.

CBD’s medicinal benefits are highly touted, while THC is best known for the intoxicating “High” feelings associated with Marijuana usage. However, a report from the Harvard Medical School shows Medicinal Marijuana [THC] to have a wide variety of undeniable therapeutic benefits, including treatments for: pain, tremors from Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, nausea, weight loss, glaucoma, HIV, irritable bowel syndromes, Crohn’s disease, and PTSD in veterans returning from combat zones.

Full Spectrum CBD contains up to 0.3% THC, which can show up on a drug test. Broad Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate contain (virtually) no THC and should not show up on a drug test. However, it is our belief that if you are subject to any form of drug testing, you should consult those in charge of your testing prior to consuming any CBD products.

CBD is biphasic, meaning that it reacts differently based on how much you ingest. Low doses of CBD are reported to have uplifting effects and can sharpen mental focus. Higher doses of CBD are said to make you feel more relaxed and can help induce sleep.

There are 421 chemical compounds found in Cannabis; more than 110 of which are phytocannabinoids. Researchers are just beginning to understand the pharmacological effects of only 10% of the known phytocannabinoids. There is a vast amount of research that is needed to fully understand the interaction between phytocannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System.

The top 9 phytocannabinoids to know are: Delta-9 THC (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (Cannabidiol), Delta-9 THCV (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabivarin), CBG (Cannabigirol), CBC (Cannabichromene), CBDA (Cannabidiolic Acid), Delta-9 THCA (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid), CBDV (Cannabidivarin), and CBN (Cannabinol).

In addition to phytocannabinoids another beneficial compound in Cannabis are the Terpenoinds, Terpenes, or “Terps.” Terpenes are the compounds that give Cannabis varieties (and other plants) their fragrance and flavor profiles. Studies are showing that terpenes hold many therapeutic properties and are a key element in the Whole Plant Therapy. Often thought to be an effect of CBD, the terpene Myrcene, is the chemical compound found primarily in Cannabis Indica plants that when ingested, makes you feel sedated.

CBD can be derived from both the Marijuana and Hemp Plants, however according to the DEA, CBD derived from Marijuana remains against the law, because of THC content.

Yes. It is especially important for those who are pregnant, nursing, chronically ill, elderly, or under the age of 18 to discuss the use of any CBD, Hemp, or Medicinal Cannabis products with a physician prior to consuming.

CBD when ingested orally at sufficient doses, temporarily alters the activity of Cytochrome P450, a family of enzymes found in the liver. This potentially affects the body’s metabolism of a wide range of compounds – including 60% of commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals. Ironically, components of grapefruit can have the same effect, which is why some doctors advise against consuming grapefruit when taking certain drugs.

According to a report written by Mary Barna Bridgeman, PharmD and Daniel T. Abazia PharmD: The most common conditions accepted by states that allow medicinal cannabis relate to relief of the symptoms of cancer, glaucoma, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and MS.

A 2017 report published by The National Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine highlights: Cannabinoids are effective antiemetics for treatment of adults with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The study reports that adults with chronic pain, who were treated with cannabinoids are more likely to experience a clinically significant reduction in pain symptoms. The study also concluded that oral cannabinoids improved patient-reported spasticity symptoms in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS)-related spasticity.

Compilations of medical research all point to CBD and cannabinoid treatment’s effectiveness. The following is an alphabetical list of health issues that CBD could benefit:

ADHD, Addiction, ALS, Alzheimer’s Disease, Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Infections, Anxiety and Stress, Arthritis, Asthma, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autoimmune Disorders, Cancer, Concussions and Brain/ Spinal Cord Injuries and Related Syndromes, Depression and Mood Disorders, Diabetes, Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Cachexia, Obesity), Inflammatory Bowel Syndromes and Diseases (IBS and IBD), Migraine, Multiple Sclerosis and Spasticity, Nausea and Vomiting, Neurodegenerative Diseases (Huntington’s and Parkinson’s), Pain, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Schizophrenia, Seizure Disorders, Skin Conditions (Acne, Dermatitis, Psoriasis), and Sleep Disorders (Insomnia, Sleep Apnea).

Additional Women’s health issues that could be benefited by CBD include: Menstrual Symptoms, Fertility, and Menopause.

Historical evidence shows that cannabis has been used to treat animals nearly as long as it has been treating humans, and many veterinarians have re-discovered the benefits of cannabis to treat pets for medical conditions such as: pain, inflammation, arthritis, cancer, seizures, and digestive issues.

CBD Research in the last decade around the world has exploded, and new reports of potential benefits of Medicinal Cannabis are appearing in the news and other trusted clinical sources at an exponential rate. PubMed, a highly respected online source for clinical peer-reviewed articles, currently contains over six thousand papers on phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids.

Many researchers agree that the side effects of CBD are very minimal, however, according to the Harvard Medical School Health Publishing: “Side effects of CBD include nausea, fatigue, and irritability. CBD can also increase the level in your blood of the blood thinner coumadin, and it can raise levels of certain other medications in your blood by the exact same mechanism that grapefruit juice does.”

According the Harvard Medical School Publication, Bioavailability is defined as how quickly and completely the body can absorb and use a nutrient. The bioavailability in CBD products is something that should be noted, as not all delivery methods will produce the same results. The following is a table showing the most common delivery methods their bioavailability, onset timing, and duration.

Studies are showing that CBD is “Biphasic,” meaning that there are different effects on the body at different blood concentration levels. Low doses can give you a mental boost, while higher doses can have a more sedentary effect.

The key to CBD is finding your “Sweet Spot,” by starting with low doses and maintaining that dose regularly for a few days. Pay close attention to your body and take notes on how you are feeling. Try experimenting with different delivery methods, such as: edibles, vapes, and tinctures. After a few days slowly increase your dose, and maintain that dose for a few days, while noting your experience. Gradually increase your doses until you find the dose and delivery method that works best to remedy your symptoms and provides you with the most balanced feeling.

[CBD Sweet Spot = Lowest Dose + Highest Efficacy]

This gradual increase in amount of CBD you take is called “Titration” and it is reported to be the best way to ensure that you allow your body to adjust to the (CBD) phytocannabinoids that are reacting internally with your body’s endocannabinoid system.

Be patient, CBD is not a miracle drug, and it is normal to not “feel anything” the first time you try it. CBD is here to provide a boost to your health and wellness – creating balance and harmony within your body, naturally.

Every human is different, and everyone reacts differently when different substances enter the body. Medicinal Cannabis and CBD are no different. There are a wide range of factors that affect how CBD could react with your body including: quality and delivery method of the CBD, your body weight and chemistry, your hormone and stress levels, your body’s sensitivity to cannabis, and many more.

You cannot become addicted to CBD. The National Institute of Drug Abuse reported that the lifetime risk for dependence on cannabis is 9%. A figure that scores lower than alcohol, opiates, and any other drugs that record abuse. Researchers believe 9% is artificially high due to recording methods that inaccurately report THC cannabis abuse, instead of medicinal or recreational use without dependency.

According to Dr. Kenneth Stoller, “It is fair to say that CBD is the anti-gateway drug, as it is shown to treat symptoms of withdrawal from other kinds of drug abuse.” Dr. Stoller also added that “CBD can be used in patients with nicotine, alcohol, high THC Cannabis, and opioid addictions, and it is synergistic with the pharmaceutical Baclofen in treating addictions.”

In over 5,000 years of documentation on Cannabis, there are 0 reports of even a single overdose from consuming too much THC or CBD.

In November of 2017 the World Health Organization (WHO) released a report showing CBD does not contain any adverse health effects and is well-tolerated in both animals and humans.

But is it safe for children?

Some of the most extensive research on CBD was conducted on the treatment of children with rare and severe forms of Epilepsy and seizures. It was this research and acceptance of the “drug” called Epidiolex (a CBD isolate), that really helped create the CBD boom in America. Clinicians are also recommending CBD to treat and help manage the symptoms of ADHD and other anxiety disorders in children.

Nationwide, the 2018 Farm Bill officially removed Industrial Hemp from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which means that cannabis plants and derivatives (including CBD and Hemp Extracts) that contain no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis, are no longer controlled substances under federal law, and are legal to poses and ingest.

It is important to note that CBD products derived from Marijuana, remain federally illegal. CBD derived from Hemp is the key to legality. All Pharm Revival Co. products are derived from 100% legal USA Grown Industrial Hemp.

Some states have chosen to disregard the federal ruling on Hemp and maintain that all forms of Hemp and CBD are illegal drugs. It is wise to do your own research before traveling throughout the US with Hemp or CBD, to ensure any state you may enter is “Hemp/ CBD Friendly.”

The FDA has also thrown a wrench in the “Hemp Spokes” by issuing statements about the legality of CBD, warning “fly-by-night” CBD retailers against making unsubstantiated health claims about CBD.

The legal Hemp landscape is ever changing, and we at Pharm Revival Co. are paying close attention to all developments, in order to maintain sound legal business practices, and to keep our customers well informed.

Full Spectrum: Full Spectrum CBD is the form of CBD derived from the whole cannabis plant, including the THC. Full Spectrum CBD contains less than 0.3% THC as well as a wide range of other highly beneficial “Minor” Phytocannabinoids, and Terpenes naturally found in Cannabis.

Broad Spectrum: Broad Spectrum CBD is the form of CBD derived from the whole plant (similar to Full Spectrum), however, Broad Spectrum CBD products have often gone through additional processing, to try to isolate and remove as much THC as possible while still maintaining the other cannabinoids and terpenes. In other cases, Broad Spectrum CBD products are isolate-based with additional cannabinoids and terpenes added back in. Broad Spectrum CBD is becoming increasingly popular because it provides the “Entourage Effect” without the perceived negative connotation of THC.

Isolate: CBD Isolate is a pure, crystalline powder that contains 99% pure CBD. All the plant matter contained in the hemp plant, including oils, waxes, chlorophyll, and more are removed, offering a finished product that’s CBD and nothing more.

We are in the midst of a CBD boom that is spreading worldwide. There are many that are looking to catch this economic wave and try to make a quick buck. Not all CBD products are created equal. There are a lot of low-quality products on the market, due to lack of standardized regulation in the industry. A recent study showed that of 84 products purchased online and tested, only 31% were accurately labeled for CBD content.

It is important to make sure the companies you purchase from are transparent and have the proper Certificates of Authenticity (COA), with 3rd party test results from current batches. At Pharm Revival Co. we take it a step further and “4th party” test all our products prior to placing them on our shelves. This is our way of keeping our vendors honest and to ensure that our products contain exactly what individual packaging declares. This added expense is well worth the piece of mind for our consciences and to ensure the safety of our customers.

This is a word play that is really causing some headaches in the industry (especially if you shop on Amazon). Hemp Oil is typically referring to Hemp SEED Oil. Hemp Seed Oil is an amazing product that is high in protein and essential fatty acids, but it is not CBD; it is a food product and contains no therapeutic value. Hemp Seed Oil is often sold in bottles larger than 2 oz. The packaging of Hemp Seed Oil will not mention any detail of milligrams of “Hemp Oil” contained per serving. If you do not see a description of Mg per Serving, beware!

Ethically produced CBD Oil Extracts, Full Spectrum Extracts, and Broad Spectrum Extracts are going to contain CBD. Some processors and manufacturers are weary to use “CBD Oil” on their labels, however they will include all of the important information, to let you know you are in fact ingesting CBD, including: a serving description that states how many milligrams per serving of the extract is contained. CBD products especially tinctures will be sold in smaller bottles (typically 1 oz or less), and will most often have a cap with a glass pipet dropper built in.