Menopause is one of the most common reasons women use CBD products. While CBD research is still in its infancy, science and reputation tell us that products like cannabis-derived CBD oil relieve various symptoms of many health conditions. Here we will help you understand how CBD oil can help menopause symptoms. Many symptoms are those women experience during menopause, including:
Hot flashes
Weight gain
Muscle aches
Joint pain
Vaginal dryness
Atrophy
Mood swings
Depression
Inflammation
Memory loss
Insomnia/Sleep disruptions
Women experience menopause when the supply of fertile eggs completely diminishes, something that occurs naturally as we age. When the eggs are gone, periods stop, and estrogen goes away. It seems cut and dry, but things are not so clear.
Before the finality of estrogen and egg production, women experience perimenopause, a time in which estrogen levels swing high and low along a rollercoaster ride of hormones. This causes neurochemistry changes in the brain along with inflammatory molecule production that interferes with brain function to bone resorption. Every woman has a different menopause tale to tell but most include a triumph of challenges amidst the change.
Even scientists do not quite understand menopause and why our bodies change in such rapid succession, only that it does.
CBD products like City Hemp Rx CBD oil ease many of the symptoms and side effects that women experience during the menopausal change.
Menopause symptoms that women treat using City Hemp Rxproducts include:
Joint Pain & Muscle Aches:
Higher levels of inflammatory molecules increase arthritis symptoms during menopause. Over 60% of women aged 40 – 64 experience joint pain and muscle aches during perimenopause. Cannabidiol has proven anti-inflammatory properties that lower levels of TNFa, a common inflammatory that attacks the body.
Hot Flashes/Night Sweats:
Hot flashes and night sweats can negatively impact our quality of life. When a woman enters perimenopause stages, changes in hypothalamus neurochemistry -the body’s thermostat control- cause the body to switch abruptly. Even a 1.5-degree change in body temperature may trigger discomfort in a menopausal woman. CBD influences the body’s serotonin system, which could be one cause of hot flashes and night sweats.
Mood Swings/Depression:
Changes in estrogen and progesterone influence serotonin levels and neurotransmitters in the brain, both of which impact the mood. Talk to a doctor if you are depressed or emotionally distressed. They may offer pharmaceutical solutions that benefit your condition. Supplementing with City Hemp Rx CBD oil can help activate serotonin receptors in a fashion like that of buspirone, an anti-anxiety drug.
Weight Gain/Diabetes:
Without estrogen, our bodies burn less fat even during exercise, even when we cut calories, and even when we strive to maintain a stable weight. Ongoing hormonal shifts cause your body to trade lean muscle mass for fat. In turn, your predisposition to insulin resistance also increases. Studies indicate CBD users have lower insulin levels than people who do not use the cannabidiol.
Vaginal Dryness/Genitourinary Syndrome:
Atrophy and vaginal dryness commonly impact a menopausal woman. Also known as genitourinary syndrome, many women also experience problems with bladder control. Without estrogen production, blood does not deliver fresh oxygen to the pelvic region, resulting in the problems above. CBD reinstates proper blood flow to the pelvic region, keeping tissues healthy and moisturizing the vaginal canal.
Insomnia/Sleep Disturbances:
Most women experience insomnia or sleep disturbances during perimenopause and post-menopause. Lack of sleep causes a rash of problems during the day, including poor decision-making skills. Track your sleep and talk to a doctor to troubleshoot the cause of sleep disturbances. Add CBD products to your daily regimen for extra benefits that help you get a good night’s sleep again.
Osteoporosis:
Bone resorption occurs once a woman enters perimenopause. This causes more bone loss than what is added. This lowers bone density and increases the risk of fractures. A diet high in calcium can benefit a woman during perimenopause and menopause. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD oil make it a go-to remedy for many women seeking additional help for bone health.
Memory Loss:
Many people blame memory loss on age, but it can happen due to menopause as well. Without estrogen and progesterone production that encourage neurons in the hippocampus to form new connections to the outside world, memory loss occurs. The neuroprotective activities found in CBD improve those connections, decreasing memory loss.
CBD products benefit women before, during, and after menopause. Women count on CBD for fast, effective, safe relief from the above symptoms and others. Tommy Chong products are some of the best on the market today. Give the oil or other products a try and soon, the symptoms of menopause no longer burden your life
What is Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome?
Could some of your health issues be linked to a deficiency in endocannabinoids in your body? According to researchers, many ailments that people suffer from could be a result of what’s known as “clinical endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome,” (CED) which is a condition that is believed to occur when the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is not performing up to par. Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant may serve as supplementation when this system needs a boost. The ECS, or the body’s built-in cannabis system, works to keep the body’s internal environment in proper balance.[1] It’s made up of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes that help to regulate several bodily functions, including pain, mood, and appetite, among others.
Cannabinoid receptors are found all over the body on cell surfaces, and endocannabinoids interact with or bind to these receptors to induce a certain reaction. Endocannabinoids are then are metabolized, or broken down, by enzymes in the ECS. [1]
When there aren’t enough endocannabinoids in the body, problems can arise. CED is a condition whereby the levels of endocannabinoids produced in the body are much lower than required to maintain proper health and well-being.
Cannabinoid researcher Ethan Russo, MD first suggested in 2001 that deficient levels of endocannabinoids may help to explain the development of certain conditions.[2] Migraine, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome have most strongly been associated with endocannabinoid deficiency. However, there are data suggesting that additional conditions, including multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and autism, may also be linked to reduced function of the ECS.[2]
While additional research is certainly needed to better understand ECS function, CED could explain why taking cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) can be so effective at alleviating certain ailments. Considering the idea that a shortage of endocannabinoids may be behind the lack of homeostasis in the body and therefore may lead to various ailments, cannabinoids may provide important supplementation to the ECS to fill a void.
Zou S & Kumar U. Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system: Signaling and function in the central nervous system. Int J Mol Sci. 2018; 19(3):1-23.
Russo EB. Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency reconsidered: Current research supports the theory in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel, and other treatment-resistant syndromes. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2016; 1(1):154-165.
If you’re taking any other medications, you shouldn’t do it at your own risk. Even over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen could have serious contraindications when mixed with CBD. The following will give you basic information on potential adverse drug events, but the individual recommendations on mixing specific drugs should only be prescribed by your physician.
Taking CBD with other drugs: the importance of the “Cytochrome P450” system
So, how is it possible that a seemingly benign substance can cause threatening health issues?
Before answering, let us tell you that similar problematic interactions can occur even when mixing an innocent slice of grapefruit with certain medications.
In plain words, our bodies are complex systems, which are fields of even more convoluted chemical operations.
One such system resides in our liver and is responsible for metabolizing various compounds, potentially harmful toxins, along with 60% of all medications being sold on the market today.
It is referred to as the Cytochrome P450 system because it contains more than 50 CYP enzymes in the liver alone. What’s more, the latest studies have suggested that several cytochrome isozymes are also expressed in the brain, but the impact of this fact is not researched yet.
It is now an established scientific fact that cannabidiol is a potent inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 system. It interferes with the enzymes’ functioning by partially or completely blocking their processing activity.
CBD and the secondary metabolism
Besides inhibiting the Cytochrome P450 enzymes, it was shown that CBD could also interfere with pathways in secondary metabolism (Phase II Metabolic Pathways).
Secondary metabolism is a term that refers to the body’s production of metabolites that are not vital for the growth and maintenance of the cellular functions (antibiotics and pigments, for example).
In essence, the interference leads to similar effects as those observed with inhibiting the Cytochrome P450 enzymes but applies to the different list of medications, as seen in the following table.
Table 1: Drug to drug interactions between CBD and secondary metabolism or transport proteins.
Information source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Interaction between CBD and other drugs can induce side effects
A 2019 summary review performed by a team of scientists from the University of Florida is, to our knowledge, the most extensive report on various drug-drug interactions (DDI) between CBD and other medications.
It features a list of prescribed pharmaceuticals that impose an increased risk of side effects related to substrate.
Namely, because CBD interferes with their metabolism, some substances can remain present for a prolonged time in the bloodstream and cause complications described in drug labels.
The extreme examples of such an interaction are anticoagulants (Warfarin is possibly the most commonly prescribed among them) and all the medications that impose a risk of blood-thinning (ibuprofen, for example). By inhibiting the CYP enzymes, CBD impairs their degradation, which can lead to bleeding.
On the other hand, some medications may inhibit the enzymes that are responsible for the breakdown of CBD molecules, which then leaves our bloodstream with higher concentrations of this cannabinoid.
Such a “drug event” would lead to increased CBD bioavailability and impose a higher risk of adverse effects associated with this compound, such as lethargy, fatigue, diarrhea, loss of appetite, insomnia, etc.
Table 2: Drug to drug interactions between CBD and enzyme substrates, inhibitors, or inducers.
In some cases, the use of CBD might not lead to adverse events but can affect how much of the prescribed dosage is being absorbed.
That has a particularly significant impact in patients that scientists characterize as “medically complex”.
At the same time, the “complex medical profiles” also implicate health conditions for which medical marijuana (or CBD) is recommended: epilepsy/seizures, chronic pain, nausea/vomiting, muscle spasms, inflammatory conditions (e.g., Cohn’s), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, HIV/AIDS, and cancer.
The complication may arise when CBD interferes with the metabolism of the vital medications prescribed by a specialist. For example, it was shown (see Table 2) that cannabidiol can decrease the absorption rates of certain chemotherapy drugs, which could potentially have a negative impact on the illness outcome.
The safest way to avoid interfering with prescribed dosages is to have an honest talk with your specialist. He can adjust the dosages, recommend adequate means of administration, and, more importantly, monitor your condition.
Microdosing Cannabis: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
CBD and “prodrugs”
Prodrugs are medications that produce the active ingredient only when metabolized within our body. For example, codeine is a medication that produces morphine when processed by the CYP2D6 enzyme.
Naturally, if a substance has the power to inhibit that metabolic pathway, the desired therapeutic outcome would be missing.
In some cases, this wouldn’t implicate anything serious, but patients with complex health conditions should take extra care. Coadmistering CBD with prodrugs might significantly affect the course of their therapy.
Below is a list of important prodrugs metabolized by the Cytochrome P450 taken from a 2014 study performed by the University of California:
Cyclophosphamide/ifosfamide
Dacarbazine/procarbazine
Tegafur (Ftorafur®)
Flutamide
Tamoxifen
Duocarmycin/ICT2700
2-aryl-benzothiazoles
As you can see, this is not a full list. Additional examples include the mentioned codeine, Vyvanse, and Concerta (used for treating ADHD). For specific recommendations, please consult a medical expert.
A “two-hour rule”
An anecdotal dosing suggestion that it is wise to take any drug two hours after consuming CBD in any form is misleading and potentially dangerous.
It’s important to understand that each medication has its own ingredient profile and that each ingredient has specific metabolic dynamics. By generalizing claims like this, we fail to realize that there is a vast field of chemical interactions to be considered here.
Furthermore, when we take into account the various CBD administration methods, and that all have different absorption rates, the pharmacological equation becomes even more perplexing.
Also, once you consider that there are gummy bears on the market with higher CBD concentrations than those prescribed for epilepsy, anecdotal recommendations such as this begin to sound dangerous.
The only way to be on the safe side is to avoid substances that have a “grapefruit warning” and consult your healthcare provider on any co-administration of CBD and other drugs.
Recommendation: the only thing you should know before taking CBD with other drugs
To wrap it up, we hope that this article sounded like a huge disclaimer.
The potential therapeutic value of CBD is truly amazing and widely recognized. But that doesn’t mean that it’s a passive compound that can’t cause complications.
Quite the contrary, anything that holds such a power to heal might also have the ability to affect our bodies otherwise. That’s why drugs come with labels and warnings. That’s why even grapefruit can cause complications.
The importance of professional medical advice cannot be repeated enough. Anecdotal claims and online reading are perfectly fine for obtaining general information, but specific prescriptions can only be provided by an expert.
CBD: Avoid Being Swayed by Misleading Product Information and Sales Scams
As the popularity of CBD increases, so does the potential for confusion. Unfortunately, too many people have been taken advantage of by misleading marketing and advertising practices. A few clicks on your keyboard could direct you to hundreds of CBD vendors, all with the same goal of selling their products.
This presents a situation where the buyer, you, need to be aware of some of the misleading information that could result in purchasing an inferior product, a product that you are not pleased with, or a product with no potential benefits. Knowing a few simple details could help you avoid some of the pitfalls and scams that lurk within the shadows of the CBD industry.
“Not All Hemp is Created Equal, Not All CBD Is the Same”
City Hemp Rx uses NEAT – NANO EMULSION ABSORPTION TECHNOLOGY
Increasesbioavailablity in your body by 500%
WAT – WATER ABSORPTION TECHNOLOGY
Absorbs in your body in minutes vs hours
Too often people are swayed by the misconception that hemp seed oil and hemp CBD oil are the same product. Unscrupulous vendors of hemp seed oil products may knowingly lead you to believe that hemp seed oil, which costs much less than hemp CBD oil, is as potentially beneficial. This is simply not the case.
Hemp CBD oil is extracted from the stalks, flowers and stems of the hemp plant. The problem is created by retailers who knowingly misrepresent hemp seed products as CBD.
Because of this type of misinformation, it’s important to verify that the product you select is made with hemp oil extracted from the stalks and stems of the hemp plant. Hemp oil contains the natural cannabinoids, plant terpenes, vitamins, minerals and flavonoids of the original plant source. Hemp seed oil, which you can find at your local grocery store does not contain any cannabidiol and does not offer the same potential benefits as a dietary supplement.
This is not to say that hemp seed oil is not a good product. It has its place. Hemp seeds are an excellent protein source; hemp oil adds a nutty flavor when replacing olive oil on your salad and is often used for making soaps and lotions. But if you are looking for a hemp product, look for a product that informs you of how many milligrams of CBD it contains.
Beware of Large Bottles that Seem to Offer More for Your Money
You need to know that the size of the bottle has little to do with the amount of CBD in a product. There are companies who will use vague terms such as “high potency” or “the strongest,” to lead you to believe you are getting a potent product. Often, these vague terms are trying to camouflage the fact that the supplier is not providing any indication of how much CBD the product contains.
The CBD products sold by a reputable vendor will specify exactly how many milligrams of CBD are present in each of the products they offer. You will typically have a choice of several CBD concentration levels, and the prices will rise accordingly. It’s important to know how many milligrams of CBD are in your product before making a purchase.
Choose Product QUALITY over Price
If you are finding a CBD product that is priced drastically lower than product competitors, proceed with caution. The low price typically means a low concentration of CBD, particularly if the seller uses vague terms such as “high potency” without providing any information about how many milligrams of CBD is in the product. These products could contain significant amounts of coconut or olive oil, used to dilute the CBD. Just because a product claims to have CBD, does not mean there is enough CBD in the product to be of any value.
Avoid Products with Too Little CBD Content to Provide Potential Benefits
Once you understand how vendors should be documenting the amount of CBD in their products, you should also be leery of purchasing a product with too little CBD per serving to be of any value. You can determine this by dividing the milligrams of CBD by the number of milliliters in the bottle.
For example, a 30 ml bottle containing 250 mg of CBD contains 8.3 mg of CBD per ml. A milliliter is typically ten drops, depending on the size of the dropper opening. It is also common to find that a dropper full is typically about a milliliter.
Your physiology is unique, the right CBD dosage for you will be different than anyone else’s. When trying to determine your ideal CBD dosage, it is often recommended to start with a small dose and increase your dosage, if necessary, until you discover the appropriate amount of CBD to satisfy your needs.
Avoid Companies That Do Not Provide Product Verification
When selecting CBD products. It’s essential to purchase from a company that values transparency. That means that they are able to provide verification that the products they sell, meet the requirements of the product claims. In simple terms, if you order a 500 mg CBD product, the seller should provide some form of documentation that the product in your bottle contains 500 milligrams. You can be more confident in your product selection if your product provider is willing to share their batch-testing information. Not only should you watch for verification of the CBD content, but also the levels of THC. To comply with federal laws, the THC content of hemp-sourced CBD needs to be 0.3 % or less. City Hemp Rx products contain Zero THC. A reputable vendor will also be transparent in their extraction methods and the quality of their hemp plants. It is imperative that you only buy CBD that is extracted from non-GMO, pesticide-free hemp.
Avoid Any Company Who Promises a Cure
Although CBD is a potentially beneficial dietary supplement, it is not a cure or a medical treatment for any medical conditions. CBD (cannabidiol) is a dietary supplement that may provide benefit to your body by supplementing the processes of your endocannabinoid system.
Your endocannabinoid system is the network of neurotransmitters and receptors that facilitate the communication system between your body and your brain. CBD is a dietary supplement that has the potential to mimic the effects of the neurotransmitters (endocannabinoids) produced by your body. The potential benefits of CBD supplementation are based on laboratory tests, animal studies and the testimony of those who use CBD products. There are no medical claims made at this time.
Protect Yourself by Purchasing from a Trusted Source
It’s important to be aware of some of the misleading information that could result in purchasing an inferior product. Unfortunately, there are too many unethical people willing to take advantage of those who are still learning about products. Once you understand the potential hazards, it’s much easier to find what you are looking for through a trusted supplier.
Visit www.cityhemprx.com for a high-quality assortment of NEAT and WAT CBD products, including tinctures, soft gels, balm for pain and skin, gummies, vape products and pet products. Our CBD assortment is sourced from non-GMO, certified organic hemp, vegan, gluten free, certified kosher, certified halel and manufactured in the USA. All of our products are tested by a third party to verify their potency, quality, and purity. We supply a Certificate of Internal Analysis and a Certificate of Quality Assurance for each product.
Scientific research now shows the many Common Health Benefits of CBD (cannabidiol). Cannabidiol is a component of marijuana but it does not produce the psychoactive effects that have made marijuana attractive for recreational use. CBD benefits are real because CBD does produce strong medicinal and therapeutic effects for even the most common conditions.
Digestive Aid
A healthy appetite is vital to a healthy body, especially when the body is healing. Some illnesses decrease the appetite to the point of preventing the body from healing itself. CBD stimulates appetite, according to the National Cancer Institute. In the human body, CBDs bind to cannabinoid receptors in the body. Scientists believe these receptors play an important role in regulating feeding behavior. CBDs stimulate appetite when they dock onto these receptors.
CBD also eases nausea and vomiting. This is especially helpful for individuals enduring chemotherapy and other treatments for serious diseases.
Analgesic
CBDs bind to CB1 receptors in the body to relieve pain. CBD also has an anti-inflammatory effect that reduces swelling.
Anxiety Relief
CBD may alleviate severe social anxiety. Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder, or SAD, is one of the most common forms of anxiety disorders that impair quality of life. Some consumers complain of increased social anxiety after marijuana use but this may be due to low levels of CBD proportionate to the higher levels of THC.
In a 2011 study, scientists wanted to study the effects of CBD on people with SAD. The scientists selected 24 people with this condition who had never received treatment for SAD then divided participants into two groups. One group received 600 mg of CBD while the control group received a placebo. The scientists then asked study participants to take part in a simulated public speaking test while researchers measured blood pressure, heart rate and other measurements of physiological and psychological stress.
The CBD group showed significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment and discomfort in their speech performance. In comparison, those in the placebo group presented higher anxiety, cognitive impairment and discomfort.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 15 million adults in the United States have social phobia and about 6.8 million have a generalized anxiety disorder. Traditional treatment usually involves counseling and medications. Treatment with CBD may be better than anti-depressants because it acts quickly and does not cause side effects or withdrawal symptoms.
Cancer Spread
The National Cancer Institute details several studies into the anti-tumor effects of CBD. One study in mice and rats suggest CBDs “may have a protective effect against the development of certain types of tumors.” CBDs may do this by inducing tumor cell death, inhibiting cancer cell growth, and by controlling and inhibiting the spread of cancer cells.
One study by California Pacific Medical Center suggests CBD “turns off” the gene involved in the spread of breast cancer. These scientists found CBD inhibits ID-1, an action that prevents cancer cells from traveling long distances to distant tissues.
Antipsychotic
CBD relieves psychotic symptoms associated with schizophrenia, according to research by University of Cologne in Germany. Schizophrenia affects about 1.1 percent of the population, or approximately 2.4 million adults in the United States.
CBD continues to surprise medical researchers with the variety of common health benefits it provides. An increasing number of scientists, physicians and consumers are learning about these health benefits and incorporating CBD into a healthy lifestyle plan.
Are you experiencing difficulty falling asleep at night? If you are reading this, and if your answer to this question is “yes”. Read on to find out how CBD could be the solution to your problem with insomnia.
One such condition that can be treated with CBD, is Insomnia. In the United States alone, approximately 70 million citizens suffer from insomnia, and that figure grows significantly when the rest of the world is taken into account. It has been determined that, in certain doses, CBD can effectively treat insomnia, ensuring a good night’s rest without the alarming side effects of conventional drugs that are commonly used to treat insomnia.
CBD keeps you alert in lower doses, and induces sleep in higher doses.
CBD for Insomnia: Recent Studies
According to the most recent research, Cannabidiol (CBD) may be a viable option for treating people who suffer from insomnia. Different doses of CBD was administered to groups of rats in order to compare their sleep habits, and a control group was given no CBD at all. Results were that those rats treated with CBD have shown a larger total amount of sleep time than those in the control group. CBD was found to have an overall effect of having larger amounts of total time sleeping. It was also determined that the rats were less inclined to fall asleep during the daytime, resulting in the rats getting enough sleep during the nights, inducing a normal wake/sleep pattern.
CBD for Insomnia Wakefulness at day – sleepy at night
It has been found that administering CBD to rats during the day promoted wakefulness. Rats that were deprived of sleep during the night found it easier to stay awake during the day.
And, essentially, rats that received CBD under those conditions slept normally the next night and did not seem to need extra sleep (sleep rebound) that would usually be the case after a night of poor sleep.
Note that humans also experience sleep rebound when they do not get enough sleep. These exciting results suggest that CBD may have a much more intricate role in regulating sleep. And maybe of higher significance in natural sleep-related patterns than potentially addictive conventional drugs that are usually prescribed by medical professionals for treating sleep disorders, and specifically insomnia. Note, however, that these are early findings that will need to be followed by studies with humans. New findings will be reported as soon as results are available. Trouble falling asleep at night or staying awake during the day? You may benefit from a CBD supplement, and you might find a product that will be ideal for you on our website www.cityhemprx.com.A good night’s rest is important for a long, active and productive day. Sleeping well is key to feeling healthy and energetic all day long.
Research has begun to demonstrate that cannabidiol (CBD) has the potential to effectively help a large number of people. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in a way that produces very few unintended side-effects. While the majority of the vast majority of the science indicates CBD is safe for use and consumption, it does pose a few risks that, if not properly understood, could be dangerous. One of these risks is the inhibition of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system.
What is the Cytochrome P-450 System?
Found within the liver, the cytochrome P450 enzyme system is responsible for metabolizing potentially toxic compounds, including over 60% percent of any drugs you have consumed. According to Davis’s Drug Guide, this system contains more than 50 enzymes that process and eliminate toxins.
Why Does CYP450 Matter?
In order to determine the appropriate dosages of medications, doctors make calculations using the average amount of time it takes for various drugs and medications to be processed through the cytochrome P450 system. If only one drug is being processed, and the system is generally healthy, these averages provide accurate dosage information. However, certain substances have the ability to affect processing times within this system, making drugs metabolize faster or slower than they would on their own. Similarly, if the cytochrome P450 system is unhealthy due to problems with the liver or other pre-existing conditions, drugs may not metabolize as they should.
Cannabidiol in the Cytochrome P-450 System
Cannabidiol can inhibit the cytochrome P450 system’s ability to metabolize certain drugs, leading to an overall increase in processing times. Interestingly, CBD is not alone in its effect on drug metabolism. Grapefruit, watercress, St. John’s Wort, and goldenseal all have a similar impact in terms of CYP450 inhibition. When the CYP450 system is impacted in this way, it leads to higher levels of certain drugs in your system at one time. This can cause unwanted side effects, and sometimes, an overdose. If you are taking a medication affected by cannabidiol, you should consult your doctor to make sure that it is safe for you to supplement your personal care routine with CBD. From there, the two of you may consider adjusting the dosage on your medications so that you can use both products safely.
Drugs that Interact with Cannabidiol
Any drug metabolized by CYP450 enzymes could potentially interact with cannabidiol. According to the Indiana University Department of Medicine, drugs known to use the CYP450 system include:
Steroids
HMG CoA reductase inhibitors
Calcium channel blockers
Antihistamines
Prokinetics
HIV antivirals
Immune modulators
Benzodiazepines
Antiarrhythmic
Antibiotics
Anesthetics
Antipsychotics
Antidepressants
Anti-epileptics
Beta blockers
PPIs
NSAIDs
Angiotensin II blockers
Oral hypoglycemic agents
Sulfonylureas
This list does not include all of the potential medications impacted by cannabidiol. Nor will every medication in the categories contained on this list will cause an interaction. For these reasons, you should consult with a medical professional before supplementing with CBD. There are certain medications, known as “prodrugs,” that need to be metabolized to produce the therapeutic compound. In other words, you ingest an inactive compound and once in the body, it is processed into the active drug. If this processing is dependent on CYP3A4 (part of the larger CYP450 system), then inhibitors can result in too little active drug in the body for the desired therapeutic effect. Codeine, for example, is a prodrug that is metabolized into morphine which provides the effect. Vyvanse and Concerta are two other popular pharmaceutical medications for ADHD that fall into this category. If you are worried that your CYP450 pathway may not be functioning properly, physicians can test the system to ensure that the medications you take are metabolizing as expected.
Can CBD Oil Be Addictive?
One of the most common questions we get is: Can I get addicted to CBD oil? The answer depends on what you mean by “addicted.” When looking at the chemical impacts of CBD, the answer is no. Cannabidiol is not physically addictive in the same way opiates, cocaine, alcohol, and other drugs can be. Also, CBD does not produce any physical withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. In fact, CBD is currently being researched as a potential tool for minimizing the severe withdrawal from drugs like opiates. But, having said that, human beings can get addicted to just about anything including exercise, music, sex, and food. Because CBD can alter essential liver enzymes, it is crucial to do your research, talk to your physician, and figure out how to best consume CBD for your specific situation. Information and education will be your most powerful weapons going forward.
How to Use CBD Oil
When taking cannabidiol, it is important to consume only the recommended serving size. Raising or lowering this amount may produce the opposite of the desired effect. Keep in mind that some people may metabolize cannabidiol differently because of anomalies within the cytochrome P45O (CYP450) enzyme system. And depending on when you take your medications, you may find an unintended increase or decrease in CBD concentrations in your blood. If you suspect that you are not metabolizing CBD as expected, ask your doctor to test your cytochrome P450 enzyme system before adjusting your dosage.
What is Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome?
Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD) is a condition where an individual produces a lower amount of cannabinoids than experts consider to be essential in the promotion of health, vitality, and well-being.
Scientists now believe CECD may play a role in many conditions.
What Are Endocannabinoids?
Human, reptiles, birds, and fish all synthesize endocannabinoids (research is still being done on invertebrates) naturally. In fact, the prefix “endo,” literally means “made in the body.”
Endocannabinoids are part of the more extensive endocannabinoid system that regulates appetite, pain sensation, mood, memory, and so much more.
There are three essential parts to the endocannabinoid system:
Endocannabinoids (anandamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), n-arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA), and virodhamine (OAE))
Endocannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2)
Endocannabinoid-moderating enzymes (such as MAGL and FAAH)
How Does the Endocannabinoid System Work?
Enzymes regulate the endocannabinoid system by stimulating the synthesis of endocannabinoids in order to raise their levels or signal their destruction in order to reduce their levels. Endocannabinoids are lipids, which are a particular type of fat that interacts with the nervous system to cause specific changes in the body. Endocannabinoids latch onto individual endocannabinoid receptor cells to make these changes in the nervous system happen. All mammals produce endocannabinoids that bind to endocannabinoid receptors. Endocannabinoids act in contrast to more well-known neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Dopamine, for example, is synthesized in advance, stored in the vesicle, and then released (in response to stimuli) from the presynaptic cell, where it crosses the synapse, lands on the postsynaptic cell, and causes activation. Endocannabinoids, on the other hand, are integral components of cellular membranes that we appear to manufacture on demand. As they are hydrophobic, they cannot travel very far in the body and exert only local effects. This limited effect contrasts with things like hormones, which reaches farther and impacts the whole body. Endocannabinoids also travel backward. They begin by leaving the postsynaptic cell and end at the presynaptic cell where there are high concentrations of axons that release conventional neurotransmitters. This allows the postsynaptic cell a ‘flow control’ of sorts, enabling endocannabinoids to mitigate the flow of neurotransmitters coming from the presynaptic cell.
Endocannabinoid Receptors
There are two main types of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2; CB1 receptors are most highly concentrated in the brain, while CB2 receptors are primarily in the immune system. In the brain, these CBD receptors are found to have the highest concentration in the limbic system. The limbic system is not a separate part of the brain but is a collection of the hippocampus, hypothalamus, piriform cortex, amygdala, and more.
There are many benefits of activating the CB1 receptor.
First discovered in 1993, CB2 receptors occur most commonly in the spleen, tonsils, thymus, and immune cells such as mast cells, monocytes, macrophages, B and T cells, and microglia. Only a small number of these receptors exist in the brain. Activating the CB2 receptor induces macrophages to destroy beta-amyloid protein — the primary component of the amyloid plaque found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. This may help explain why there is research underway to try and determine if CBD can help Alzheimer’s patients. Changes in CB2 receptor function happen are not unusual and can happen with nearly every type of human disease whether they are cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurodegenerative, psychiatric, autoimmune, or pain-related illnesses. The better we can understand this system, the better we can understand what happens in our bodies and how to find relief and functionality.
The Magic of Phytocannabinoids
Some plants, cannabis, in particular, produce a substance similar to endocannabinoids that interact with our body’s cannabinoid receptors. These phytocannabinoids, literally plant-made cannabinoids, can have a profound effect on the body. While there are many plants that produce substances that act upon cannabinoid receptors, the cannabis plant is the only know to produce cannabidiol (CBD). Other plants containing cannabinoids include:
Kava (Piper methysticum)
Black Pepper (Piper nigerum)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Liverwort (Radula marginata)
Helichrysum (Helichrysum umbraculigerum)
Electric Daisy (Acmella oleracea)
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Cacao (Theobroma cacao)
Truffles (Tuber melanosporum)
When phytocannabinoids interact with our body’s endocannabinoid receptors, they often have a therapeutic effect – improving the overall functioning of the endocannabinoid system. Excessive or deficient endocannabinoid levels can cause body systems to perform poorly, as can be seen by the cluster of illnesses believed to have a root in CECD.
Endocannabinoid Deficiency, CBD Oil, and Migraines
Research published in Neuroendocrinology Letters reviewed scientific publications to study the concept of CECD and the possibility that endocannabinoid deficiency can cause migraines.
This study found that anandamide controls the receptors associated with migraines and that this endocannabinoid strongly influences the periaqueductal gray matter – an area known as the “migraine generator” in the brain.
The researchers also found cannabinoids block spinal, peripheral, and gastrointestinal actions that promote the pain associated with headaches, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and other conditions.
In other words, increasing cannabinoid levels may reduce symptoms associated with clinical endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome.
By inhibiting FAAH, CBD is known to boost anandamide levels in the body.
Other ways which CBD may assist with migraines include:
Activating the 5-ht1A Receptor (at high doses): The 5-ht1a receptor helps regulate many illnesses. CBDA (the raw form of CBD) shows an even higher affinity for this receptor than CBD. [S]
Antagonizing GPR55 Receptors: GPR55 receptors are widely distributed in the brain (especially the cerebellum) and help control bone density and blood pressure. Additionally, GPR55 promotes cancer cell proliferation when activated.
Activating TRPV1 Receptors: Involved in regulating pain, body temperature, and inflammation. Substances targeting TRPV1 receptors include anandamide, AM404 (a metabolite of acetaminophen), capsaicin, and various cannabinoids.
How to Use CBD Oil for Endocannabinoid Deficiency
It would be great if we could you one number and say is the perfect amount for consumption across the board, unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. There are many factors that go into deciding on the ideal serving size and it would be irresponsible to ignore these variations between individuals.
While it is not as ideal as a single number, we at CBD Oil Review (COR) have done an extensive analysis of hundreds of products that has lead us to develop an official COR Serving Standard.
The COR Serving Standard is 25mg of CBD, taken twice daily.
If this amount does not have any impact, our analysis also suggests increasing the amount of CBD you are using by 25mg every 3-4 weeks until you have found the results you are after. Similarly, if your condition gets worse, reduce the amount you are using by 25mg until you find the right balance. You can refer to our page on serving size for CBD for additional information. As always, before you start any natural supplementation regime, please consult with your primary care provider to make sure this is the best, and safest path for you.
By and large, the acceptance and use of cannabidiol as a therapeutic, healing substance is in its infancy. Medical professionals and scientists are only now beginning to develop dosing schedules for medical marijuana, medicinal hemp, and their extracts (including CBD).
Even with the current wave of states legalizing medical marijuana, many physicians are hesitant to prescribe cannabinoids like CBD. This is for two reasons:
1 – Doctors cannot prescribe (only recommend) cannabinoids, because there’s no recommended daily allowance (RDA) or universal dose for all people.
2 – Most medical schools never cover CBD/cannabidiol therapy in their pharmacology courses (the drug curriculum revolves primarily around substances that can be patented).
Because there is no recommended dose, the information presented on this page is intended to serve only as an informational guide – a starting point of reference – and should never be considered medical advice.
When it comes to cannabinoids, there is one universal truth to keep in mind:
Everyone Is Different
There are countless variables such as weight, diet, metabolism, genetics, environment, product consistency, and more that make a universally prescribed dosage an impossibility.
While we wish we could provide the public with a mathematical CBD dosage calculator, it isn’t quite that simple – very rough estimates are about as good as it gets.
With these facts in mind, most people who are new to cannabidiol begin their journey by starting with the minimal suggested CBD dosage on any product, then gradually increasing the dose until they achieve the desired results.
We at CBD Oil Review (COR) have created an official COR Serving Standard through an extensive analysis of hundreds of CBD products.
The (COR) Serving Standard is 25mg of CBD, taken twice daily.
Additionally, our analysis suggests increasing the amount of CBD you take every 3-4 weeks by 25mg until you attain symptom relief (inversely, decrease by 25mg if symptoms worsen).
Additionally, you might find it useful to record your daily experiences in a notebook so you can accurately narrow in on what works and feels best for you. With that understanding in place, it is now time to learn more about CBD oil and how to find the right CBD oil dosage for you.
Learn the Types of CBD Products
CBD hemp oil comes in seemingly endless forms, each with a different concentration of CBD and other phytocannabinoids. Determining how to use CBD oil first starts with choosing your route of administration – in other words, choosing the best way to take CBD oil for your needs and lifestyle.
These include…
Ingestibles:
Liquid hemp oil, like CBD tinctures or CBD drops
CBD concentrated into a thick paste (often referred to as Rick Simpson Oil, or RSO)
Encapsulated CBD oil
Phytocannabinoid-rich sprays/spritzers (generally designed for application beneath the tongue)
Bottled water containing nano-sized CBD particles
CBD-infused chewing gum
On-the-go dissolvable powders containing CBD (oftentimes blended with other adaptogenic herbs)
Cooking oils (such as coconut oil or olive oil) with added cannabinoids
CBD-infused edibles (i.e., gummies, brownies, cookies, etc.; generally for individuals who are sensitive to smoking/vaping)
Smokables:
Crystalline isolates
Wax (similar to THC-containing marijuana concentrates called “shatter”)
CBD-rich e Liquids and/or vape cartridges (akin to an e-cigarette)
Topicals:
Transdermal patches with CBD (similar to a nicotine patch)
Cannabidiol-infused salves, balms, lotions, shampoos, or soaps (for topical use)
Bath bombs infused with CBD
Decide How to Use CBD Oil
While many options like chewing gum need no instructions, we have compiled these tips on how to take CBD oil:
Liquid CBD Oil/Tinctures/Extracts: Drops or tinctures should have a “suggested serving size” and the total milligrams of CBD listed on their packaging. From there, you can determine the amount of CBD you would like to ingest. Simply place the correct quantity of drops under your tongue using the dropper and hold the CBD oil in place for a minimum of 60 seconds. The 60-second hold allows for absorption via the blood vessels underneath your tongue – efficiently bypassing first-pass metabolism. Once 60 seconds have passed, swallow the CBD oil.
CBD E-Liquid/Vape Cartridges: Vaping is excellent for people looking for an immediate response, as inhalation is the fastest way to deliver CBDs to your brain and body. To use vape simply exhale gently the air from your lungs then inhale through the mouthpiece slowly for 3 seconds. Then fill your lungs the rest of the way with additional breath and hold for a few seconds, exhaling when ready. There are pre-filled, cost-effective vape pens and cartridges available as well as more expensive vaporizers that you can refill with CBD-infused e-liquid.
CBD Edibles: With edibles, the only required steps are open, eat, and enjoy! This method of consumption will result in more drawn-out effects that also take longer to kick in than some of the other options. Edibles are great for those seeking sustained effects, or for those who want to be subtle about their usage of CBD.
CBD Isolates/Concentrates: Anyone familiar with smoking hash or other cannabis concentrates like wax and BHO will be no stranger to this delivery method. Simply sprinkle some into a vaporizer or water pipe, ignite, inhale, and enjoy! We find that this option is useful for individuals looking to elevate their regular consumption of CBD-rich cannabis flowers or other smokable herbs.
For quick reference, refer to this chart of ingestion methods for the pros and cons of each delivery method so can decide for yourself the best way to take CBD oil:
Choose a CBD Brand with a Dosage You Can Trust
Figuring out how much CBD oil to take can feel like trying to navigate through a complicated maze. The sheer volume of CBD brands on the market can create confusion for consumers, and when you take a closer look, it’s not difficult to understand why. Not only do vendors use different source materials (CBD-rich cannabis vs. industrial hemp, different strains, etc.), but they also implement different extraction techniques.
Adding to the confusion, many vendors recommend excessive doses, while others suggest amounts that are a fraction of what experts would consider effective.
As with a fermented food like kombucha, slight natural variations are normal and to be expected in a product such as CBD oil because it is made from living plants. Changes in the weather, soil, and water can all impact the biology of the source material. While we verify Certificates of Analysis (and take many other criteria into consideration during our review process), even the most reputable five-star companies have no way to control for every variable in this organic process.
While perhaps not as ideal as a CBD dosage chart, we at CBD Oil Review (COR) have created an official COR Serving Standard through an extensive analysis of hundreds of products.
The (COR) Serving Standard is 25mg of CBD, taken twice daily.
Additionally, our analysis suggests increasing the amount of CBD you take every 3-4 weeks by 25mg until you attain symptom relief (inversely, decrease by 25mg if symptoms worsen).
Keep in mind that this CBD benefits list is in no way complete; we are only beginning to discover how cannabinoids can help.
Know You Cannot Overdose on CBD
There is no established lethal dose of CBD, and chronic use/high doses of up to 1500 mg per day (30x MORE than the COR Serving Standard!) have been repeatedly shown to be well tolerated by humans.
As with any natural product, it is important to speak with your physician prior to beginning use. There are some slight risks associated with using CBD in high doses or for extended periods of time, including:
Mild Low Blood Pressure
Dry Mouth
Lightheadedness
Sedation
Reduced activity of T and B Cells
Decreased Fertilization Capacity
Reduced p-Glycoprotein activity
Reduced activity of Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) Enzyme
Keep in mind that these side effects illustrate worst-case scenarios with CBD, and are not necessarily typical.
There is one major exception to the “generally harmless” attitude about CBD and that is the negative effect cannabinoids can have on the functioning of the liver’s CYP450 enzyme. Approximately 60% of all pharmaceutical drugs undergo metabolism by this enzyme, including:
Steroids
HMG CoA reductase inhibitors
Calcium channel blockers
Antihistamines
Prokinetics
HIV-antivirals
Immune modulators
Benzodiazepines
Antiarrhythmics
Antibiotics
Anesthetics
Antipsychotics
Antidepressants
Anti-epileptics
Beta blockers
PPIs
NSAIDs
Angiotensin II blockers
Oral hypoglycemic agents
Sulfonylureas
Before you start taking CBD, please read about drug interactions.
It is important to note that even something as benign as grapefruit juice can cause the same CYP450 enzyme inhibitory action as CBD.
The most important things to do before taking CBD (or any other herbal product) are research any possible drug interactions and talk with your physician to address any additional questions regarding CBD drug interactions or overdose concerns. You and your doctor together will always know best!
Understand How Your Genetics Impact CBD Dosing
As if you didn’t have enough factors to consider when deciding your ideal CBD oil dosage, now you have to think about how your own genetics can impact this amount.
Some individuals have been found to have mutations on the CNR1 gene, which is responsible for coding the CB1 receptor (a type of receptor in cells throughout your body that interacts with cannabinoids). Issues with the CNR1 gene can ultimately result in a poorly functioning endocannabinoid system, which is an important variable when figuring out how to use CBD oil.
Here are some other cellular-level factors that can affect how CBD is absorbed in your body:
Various substances can profoundly affect CB1 receptors. There are certain lifestyle choices can impact how your body metabolizes CBD.
What does this mean? For example, THC increases the activity of CB1 receptors [1], while ethanol (alcohol) increases its expression [2]. So, theoretically, smoking cannabis and drinking alcohol may increase the effects of CBD.
Morphine and epinephrine decrease the activity of the CB1 receptor [3],[4].
What does this mean? It may mean those currently using opiates could, with approval and guidance from their physician, find CBD useful in decreasing opiate use .
Exercise and nicotine both increase anandamide levels (while similar to THC – this is a cannabinoid that we naturally synthesize in our brains) which is a natural CB1 receptor activator [5].
What does this mean? Being active, as well as ingesting nicotine (while the latter is not recommended), might increase the effects of CBD.
DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) increases CB1 receptors [6].
What does this mean? Theoretically, those eating a diet rich in fatty fish would naturally need to use less CBD oil.
Prolonged elevated glucocorticoids (such as cortisol) reduce CB1 receptor density [7].
What does this mean? Those under high levels of chronic stress would potentially need higher CBD oil dosage to achieve the same effects achieved by people who are not chronically stressed.
We are only beginning to understand genetics, and as such it’s a good idea to take anything related to this emerging science with a grain of salt. As with any natural substance, consult with your physician about any questions and/or concerns you may have regarding CBD and how to use CBD oil.
Rest Easy Knowing CBD Oil Is Not Physically Addictive
People often ask us, “Can I get addicted to CBD oil?” This is a tricky question, and the answer ultimately depends on your school of thought.
Based strictly on chemistry, the answer is no. Cannabidiol is not physically addictive in the same way substances like heroin, cocaine, alcohol, opiates, benzodiazepines, and related substances can be. Further, CBD cannot produce any physical withdrawal symptoms in and of itself upon cessation of use.
(Interestingly, CBD is currently undergoing study for its ability to minimize withdrawal from drugs with severe cessation symptoms, like opiates.)
However, human beings can get addicted to just about anything that isn’t chemically addicting: exercise, music, sex, and food are great examples.
Those who take CBD daily to relieve symptoms of chronic illness and other severe conditions may find that their unpleasant sensations return shortly after they miss a dose. This is no different than one’s headache returning once the effects of ibuprofen wear off.
However, because CBD can alter the levels of essential liver enzymes, it is crucial to do your research, talk to your physician, and figure out the best way to take CBD oil for your specific situation. Information and education will be your allies in your quest for healing.
Consider a Cannabis Doctor to Answer Your Difficult Questions
Most doctors don’t specialize medicinal cannabis and CBD oil. This means they may not be able to help you as thoroughly as you had hoped and they may be unable to offer guidance when it comes to helping you decide how much CBD oil to take. It is also worth noting that many patients feel uncomfortable talking to their doctor about cannabis and CBD.
If you have detailed questions about how much CBD oil to take, how to take CBD oil, drug interactions, or just want to know what to do next, consult with a cannabis doctor today!
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two primary cannabinoids that occur naturally in the Cannabis sativa plant, most commonly known as cannabis.
Both of these substances interact with the cannabinoid receptors found in the human body and brain, but they differed dramatically in their effects.
CBD is non-psychoactive which means that it will not get the user high. Because of this trait, CBD appears more frequently than THC in dietary and natural supplements.
What is THC?
THC is the main psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. In other words, THC is the primary agent responsible for creating the ‘high’ associated with recreational cannabis use.
This compound works, in part, by mimicking the effects of anandamide and 2-AG. These neurotransmitters are produced naturally by the human body and help to modulate sleeping and eating habits, the perception of pain, and countless other bodily functions.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol is one of the most critical cannabinoids contained in the cannabis plant. It exists both in agricultural hemp, as well as medical cannabis. While cannabinoids are present within several plants in nature, cannabis is the only plant known to contain CBD.
CBD has the same chemical formula as THC, with the atoms in a different arrangement.
This slight variance causes THC to create a psychoactive effect, while CBD does not. This fact means that when you ingest CBD for medical purposes, you will more likely experience a relief of your unwanted discomfort, with little or no noticeable effect on your cognitive abilities.
What Are the Medical Benefits of CBD?
Research studies indicate that CBD may be useful in helping many illnesses.
What Is the Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect describes a phenomenon in which the 400+ compounds in cannabis work together to create a particular effect on the body.
For example, 100mg of isolated CBD may be substantially less effective at alleviating symptoms than 100mgs of a whole-plant, CBD-containing cannabis extract. Many argue that consuming the plant in its whole form provides all the necessary cofactors to facilitate proper absorption.
This argument is at the heart of the debate over CBD oil from hemp vs. CBD oil from cannabis.
While it may be cheaper and more cost-effective to extract CBD from industrial hemp, users may ultimately experience less benefit due to the absence of clinically significant levels of terpenes and other compounds (which occur in abundance in high-CBD marijuana).
While high-CBD cultivars of cannabis do contain much higher levels of various cannabinoids, terpenes, etc., it does not mean that there aren’t potential drawbacks to its use.
Agricultural hemp is much closer to the kind of cannabis that one would find growing naturally in the wild, whereas high-CBD marijuana is hybridized and toyed with by growers to produce the highest levels of the desirable compounds.
There is no hard science when it comes to the theory of the entourage effect theory. It is up to each individual to decide which option is best for them.
Why does CBD see more usage than THC in natural supplements?
THC is an illegal drug with considerable immediate and long-term cognitive side effects. These include impaired thinking and reasoning, a reduced ability to plan and organize, altered decision-making, and reduced control over impulses. Also, chronic use of THC correlates with significant abnormalities in the heart and brain.
CBD lacks the harmful cognitive effects of THC. In fact, CBD can counteract the psychoactive effects of THC.
Cannabis plants containing small amounts of CBD and high levels of THC result in a stronger ‘stoned’ feeling, while plants with more CBD and less THC create a weaker, more relaxed, effect. Given the increasing popularity of medical cannabis, breeders are currently creating strains with higher CBD to THC ratios to minimize the psychoactive side effects. Overall, the lower health risks of CBD, combined with its efficacy, make it a better candidate for natural applications than THC.
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Menopause is one of the most common reasons women use CBD products. While CBD research is still in its infancy, science and reputation tell us that products like cannabis-derived CBD oil relieve various symptoms of many health conditions. Here we will help you understand how CBD oil can help menopause symptoms. Many symptoms are those women experience during menopause, including:
