{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/cannabis-101/3","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2988-markdown","title":"How Long Does Cannabis Stay in Your System? ","slug":"how-long-does-cannabis-stay-in-your-system","content":"The effects of cannabis can sometimes feel like a miracle, easing pain and stress and helping with the symptoms of hard-to-treat medical conditions. But when you’re applying for a new job—or trying to keep an existing one—there’s one thing that can turn this incredible blessing into a curse: **mandatory drug testing**. \n\nThere are few things as stressful as finding out that your job has required drug testing for marijuana. And it always brings up the same question: *How long does cannabis stay in your system?*\n\nUnfortunately, finding an answer to this question is a lot more complicated than you’d think. Variables can change the answer drastically, like:\n\n- Individual metabolism\n- Frequency of consumption\n- Potency of the medicine\n- Sensitivity of the drug test \n\nLet’s go over the science behind how we metabolize cannabis and find out what your chances are of passing that upcoming drug test. \n\n![Hello1-min (19).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello1_min_19_7ffdcd5854.png)\n\n### The Science Behind How Cannabis Gets Metabolized in Your Body\n\nCannabis has some pretty powerful effects, but how does it interact with the human body to produce them? Well, it all starts with the [endocannabinoid system (ECS)](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system). This crucial system of neurotransmitters is found all over the body and controls or affects some of its most important functions, such as:\n\n- Hunger\n- Pain\n- Stress response\n- Memory building \n- Inflammation\n- Sleep\n- Muscle control\n- Energy \n- Mood\n\nThe ECS both produces and gets activated via your body’s **natural endocannabinoids**. But [plant cannabinoids](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/cannabinoids-chemical-compounds-with-huge-therapeutic-potential), the medicinally potent chemicals in cannabis, such as [tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/thc) and [cannabidiol (CBD)](https://www.hellomd.com/tag/cbd), also activate the ECS. When these cannabinoids are consumed, they enter the bloodstream, causing cannabinoid levels to rise temporarily.  \n\nThese cannabinoid levels can be seen in drug tests hours after consuming cannabis but drop significantly in the days that follow. Unfortunately, this isn’t where things end.\n\nCannabinoids like THC (and their by-products or metabolites) are all fat-soluble and tend to accumulate in fat. So, even after these cannabinoids leave your bloodstream, they’re still stored in your fat reserves. Your body then slowly releases the cannabinoids over time. \n\nThis makes things complicated when it comes to drug testing because the signs of cannabis consumption can hang around for months, even after you’ve stopped consuming the plant completely. \n\n![Hello4-min (29).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello4_min_29_b54d3c337e.png)\n\n### The Different Kinds of Drug Tests for Marijuana\n\nIf you’re worried about how long drug tests can detect cannabis, understanding the actual test itself is important. Different types of testing can detect the signs of cannabis at varying rates. This means you’ll have different windows of time to consider, depending on the test.\n\nIf you’re taking a **blood or saliva** test, for example, you’ll have a much shorter window for detection than with other methods. Blood and saliva tests can detect the spike in THC in the hours and days immediately following consumption. But they aren’t able to detect the longer-lasting signs of cannabis. \n\nUnfortunately, it’s rare for drug tests to use blood or saliva. Instead, most drug testing uses the standard **urine test**. This method of testing doesn’t look for THC directly but instead detects its metabolite THC-COOH, which remains in the body much longer than THC does. \n\nStill, determining how long THC-COOH will stay in your system isn’t easy. There’s a huge amount of variability when it comes to these tests. Estimates range from 3 to 77 days for the metabolites in the urine to clear out of a given individual’s system. Meanwhile, hair tests can detect cannabis consumed as long as 90 days ago. \n\nSo, why is there such a huge range when it comes to testing for marijuana? \n\nFor one thing, the tests can have different levels of sensitivity to THC-COOH. Or in other words, some tests will allow higher levels of the metabolite to be detected before it’s considered a failed test. The more sensitive your test, the longer the window will be for detection. \n\n![Hello3-min (31).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello3_min_31_14b38eab5b.png)\n\n### Metabolism & Frequency of Consumption Affect How Long Cannabis Is Stored in Your Body \n\nIndividual metabolism can also play a big role in detecting marijuana and its metabolites. Research has shown a high variability from person to person when it comes to drug testing. Since cannabis is stored in fat, folks with a higher body fat percentage can have a harder time ridding their system of cannabinoids. \n\nPeople with faster metabolisms and leaner body types tend to be able to clear their systems of these markers more quickly. But even among people with similar body types and lifestyles, there can be differences in how they metabolize cannabis, thereby adding to the variability. \n\nThe frequency and potency of cannabis consumption may also play a factor. If you’re a chronic marijuana consumer who partakes over an extended period of time, you’ll likely take a lot longer to clear your system than folks who’ve only taken cannabis once or twice. This may be in part because chronic consumers have had more opportunity to store THC in their fat reserves and so have more stored THC that needs to be flushed out. \n\n![Hello6-min (8).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello6_min_8_fe2e21717c.png)\n\n### Can You Really Tell How Long Cannabis Stays in Your System? \n\nSo how long does cannabis stay in your system? There’s no easy answer.\n\nBut if you’re an everyday cannabis consumer, the chances are low that you’ll pass a drug test without undergoing a long period of cannabis abstinence. How long that period of abstinence should be is unclear. Unfortunately, in this kind of situation, there’s simply no accurate way to predict the timing. \n\nIt’s not even clear that testing for the cannabis metabolites ahead of time would help in checking whether you’ve rid your system of cannabis. Some folks have stopped consuming cannabis and had a negative test for THC but then have taken a second test that showed a positive result for THC. \n\nBecause cannabis is stored in fat, factors like dehydration or exercise can cause a sudden increase of available cannabinoids in your system. This can lead to a positive test result even if you’ve already have a negative test result and haven't consumed any cannabis since. \n\nStill, keeping these general warnings in mind, there have been a few studies that give us information about the usual windows for detection with different tests. \n\nFor example, in a 2005 review of drug detection literature, the author noted that while [it’s possible for cannabis detection times to exceed 30 days](https://www.ncjrs.gov/App/Publications/abstract.aspx?ID=234583), it’s a very rare occurrence. \n\n![Hello6-min (16).png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Hello6_min_16_5b81ea54c1.png)\n\nA study from 1989 shows a [maximum marijuana detection window of 25 days](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2550702) with an average window of 9.8 days for a test with sensitivity levels of 20 ng/mL. Still, this window is likely to expand with chronic cannabis consumption. \n\nA 1984 study looking at chronic cannabis consumption showed [some cannabis consumers can take up to 40 days to test clean](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6399325)  on a less sensitive test (50 ng/mL). Others in the study were able to get a negative result after just 13 days of cannabis abstinence. But fluctuation between negative and positive results was common in this window. \n\nWhile you should take any estimates about how long cannabis can be detected in your body with a big grain of salt, you may want to consider some general guidelines on how long you’ll need to wait for your system to clear. These may or may not hold true for you, but covers most cases: \n\n* If you’ve consumed cannabis once this month, abstain for up to eight days. \n* If you’ve consumed cannabis four to six times this month, abstain for up to 15 days. \n* If you’ve consumed cannabis 10–15 times this month, abstain for up to 30 days. \n* If you’ve consumed cannabis 20 times or more this month, abstain for 45–80 days.\n\n### Get a Medical Marijuana Card Online\n\nIt's easy to get your medical marijuana document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/get-started/). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and purchase medical cannabis today. You don't pay unless you're approved!\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/dc97a21e12454289d0e5557a87109a6e/14b42/603f8a30010eb3cb295622ca713ae233.jpg","srcSet":"/static/dc97a21e12454289d0e5557a87109a6e/f836f/603f8a30010eb3cb295622ca713ae233.jpg 200w,\n/static/dc97a21e12454289d0e5557a87109a6e/2244e/603f8a30010eb3cb295622ca713ae233.jpg 400w,\n/static/dc97a21e12454289d0e5557a87109a6e/14b42/603f8a30010eb3cb295622ca713ae233.jpg 800w,\n/static/dc97a21e12454289d0e5557a87109a6e/47498/603f8a30010eb3cb295622ca713ae233.jpg 1200w,\n/static/dc97a21e12454289d0e5557a87109a6e/0e329/603f8a30010eb3cb295622ca713ae233.jpg 1600w,\n/static/dc97a21e12454289d0e5557a87109a6e/ffa36/603f8a30010eb3cb295622ca713ae233.jpg 1773w","srcWebp":"/static/dc97a21e12454289d0e5557a87109a6e/58556/603f8a30010eb3cb295622ca713ae233.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/dc97a21e12454289d0e5557a87109a6e/61e93/603f8a30010eb3cb295622ca713ae233.webp 200w,\n/static/dc97a21e12454289d0e5557a87109a6e/1f5c5/603f8a30010eb3cb295622ca713ae233.webp 400w,\n/static/dc97a21e12454289d0e5557a87109a6e/58556/603f8a30010eb3cb295622ca713ae233.webp 800w,\n/static/dc97a21e12454289d0e5557a87109a6e/99238/603f8a30010eb3cb295622ca713ae233.webp 1200w,\n/static/dc97a21e12454289d0e5557a87109a6e/7c22d/603f8a30010eb3cb295622ca713ae233.webp 1600w,\n/static/dc97a21e12454289d0e5557a87109a6e/d1528/603f8a30010eb3cb295622ca713ae233.webp 1773w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2971-markdown","title":"Know Your Cannabis Terpenes: Alpha-Bisabolol","slug":"know-your-cannabis-terpenes-alpha-bisabolol","content":"Alpha-bisobolol is a fragrant terpene that adds a sweet floral scent to chamomile tea, soaps and a variety of cosmetic products for people with sensitive skin. But this little-known terpene with the strange name is also found in cannabis—and studies show it has [powerful health benefits](https://aocs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1007/s11746-009-1483-3) that include:\n\n* Fighting infection\n* Reducing inflammation throughout the body\n* Stopping the growth of cancer cells in a lab setting\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\n### What Is Alpha-Bisabolol?\n\nAlpha-bisabolol is also called a-bisabolol, levomenol and sometimes simply bisabolol. Alpha-bisabolol is found in a small number of plants, including:\n\n* Chamomile\n* The South African candela tree\n* Cannabis \n\nThere’s also beta-bisabolol, which has a slightly different molecular structure, but it’s found mainly in corn and cotton.\n\nTerpenes are a group of natural compounds that give plants their distinctive scents and flavors. You can often find terpenes in industrial products and cleansers to add scents like lemon or pine. \n\nMore than 200 terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant, and each cannabis strain has a unique terpene profile that contributes to its smell and taste. Many cannabis terpenes have healing benefits of their own, and they also create a synergistic effect when they interact with marijuana cannabinoids like:\n\n* [Cannabidiol (CBD)](https://hellomd.com/articles/whats-so-great-about-cannabidiol-or-cbd)\n* [Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)](https://hellomd.com/articles/the-pros-and-cons-of-psychoactive-thc)\n* [Cannabigerol (CBG)](https://hellomd.com/articles/cbg-is-this-cannabinoid-more-powerful-than-cbd) \n\nRELATED: [3 POPULAR QUESTIONS ABOUT MARIJUANA & TERPENES ANSWERED](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-terpenes-answered)\n\nIn the cannabis plant, alpha-bisabolol is a minor, or secondary, terpene. It’s found in smaller amounts than primary terpenes—a group that includes the potent terpenes such as:\n\n* [Myrcene](https://hellomd.com/articles/know-your-cannabis-terpenes-myrcene)\n* [Limonene](https://hellomd.com/articles/know-your-cannabis-terpenes-limonene)\n* [Linalool](https://hellomd.com/articles/know-your-cannabis-terpenes-linalool)\n\nAlpha-bisobolol shares many of their healing benefits, along with some [significant medicinal properties of its own](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29899828).\n\n### How Can Alpha-Bisabolol Help Boost Your Health?\n\nLike CBD, alpha-bisabolol:\n\n* Supports the immune system\n* Reduces inflammation\n* Promotes calm and relaxation \n\nBut a number of recent studies have shown that alpha-bisabolol alone can have a profound effect on some serious health conditions.  \n\nAlpha-bisabolol can be an effective antibiotic, and [it also works synergistically with conventional antibiotic medications](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10482-006-9139-x) to boost their effectiveness. This means this terpene could be an [effective treatment for infections caused by bacteria](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0753332216319886) such as E. coli or _Staphylococcus aureus_. \n\nAlpha-bisabolol can also reduce inflammation, and its extracts are widely used around the world as an anti-inflammatory and wound healer. This terpene seems to reduce the production of cytokines, proteins made by the immune system in response to inflammation. \n\nIt also appears to downregulate the production of COX-2 enzymes, which are expressed at sites of inflammation throughout the body. These enzymes promote the production of hormones called prostaglandins, which are responsible for the pain and swelling that accompanies inflammation.  \n\nMany people take medications known as COX-2 inhibitors for conditions such as arthritis, but these medications can also raise the risk of stroke by affecting the production of other hormones that nourish and protect blood vessels. Alpha-bisabolol could be a safer treatment for chronic pain and inflammation, without the potentially serious side effects.\n\nPancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult cancers to treat. But one lab-based study on the effects of alpha-bisabolol on pancreatic cancer cell lines reveals that this terpene [appears to reduce the mobility and invasiveness of these rapidly growing cells](https://www.ncbi.nlm.n ih.gov/pubmed/26851012). \n\nIn general, too, it can support a process called apoptosis, or programmed cell death, which may help to [prevent the spread](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0046674) of cancerous cells]. No alpha-bisabolol and cancer studies have been performed on humans as of yet, so more research will need to be completed before we know if this terpene can really form part of an effective cancer treatment. \n\nLike some other cannabis compounds and terpenes, alpha-bisabolol also appears to promote feelings of relaxation. That’s one reason many people claim chamomile tea can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. So, it seems alpha-bisabolol can be useful for treating conditions such as:\n\n* Depression\n* Anxiety\n* Insomnia \n\nIts calming properties also make it a useful ingredient in soothing skin preparations for both babies and adults.\n\n### How to Take Alpha-Bisabolol\n\nThe Food and Drug Administration has declared alpha-bisabolol generally safe for consumption (GRAS), so that folks can safely ingest it or use it on the skin without concerns about toxicity or side effects. Because it has a light, sweet scent, it’s often used in fragrances and to add a pleasing aroma to skin creams, lotions and balms. \n\nYou can also purchase alpha-bisabolol as an isolate that can be mixed with a variety of essential oils, added to cosmetic preparations or taken alone. But it’s important to keep in mind that the alpha-bisabolol sold in isolate form may be a synthetic version, or an extract from the South African candela tree, not from cannabis or hemp. \n\nTo get the benefits of alpha-bisabolol along with the many other healing compounds in marijuana, consumers can choose from among several cannabis strains that have relatively high levels of this terpene. These include:\n\n* Oracle\n* [ACDC](https://hellomd.com/strains/acdc)\n* Headmaster Kush\n* Pink Kush\n* [Harle-Tsu](https://hellomd.com/strains/harle-tsu)\n\nThough alpha-bisabolol is a minor terpene, we now know that it seems to have major healing properties that could help improve people’s health and well-being.\n\nPhoto credit: [Carolyn V](https://unsplash.com/photos/9xhtgJxjrS8)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/dc22789609a2f682cf09ee5d9b3f1469/14b42/acbd4e36d103034fcb163e323fd08ae0.jpg","srcSet":"/static/dc22789609a2f682cf09ee5d9b3f1469/f836f/acbd4e36d103034fcb163e323fd08ae0.jpg 200w,\n/static/dc22789609a2f682cf09ee5d9b3f1469/2244e/acbd4e36d103034fcb163e323fd08ae0.jpg 400w,\n/static/dc22789609a2f682cf09ee5d9b3f1469/14b42/acbd4e36d103034fcb163e323fd08ae0.jpg 800w,\n/static/dc22789609a2f682cf09ee5d9b3f1469/47498/acbd4e36d103034fcb163e323fd08ae0.jpg 1200w,\n/static/dc22789609a2f682cf09ee5d9b3f1469/0e329/acbd4e36d103034fcb163e323fd08ae0.jpg 1600w,\n/static/dc22789609a2f682cf09ee5d9b3f1469/d8255/acbd4e36d103034fcb163e323fd08ae0.jpg 1920w","srcWebp":"/static/dc22789609a2f682cf09ee5d9b3f1469/58556/acbd4e36d103034fcb163e323fd08ae0.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/dc22789609a2f682cf09ee5d9b3f1469/61e93/acbd4e36d103034fcb163e323fd08ae0.webp 200w,\n/static/dc22789609a2f682cf09ee5d9b3f1469/1f5c5/acbd4e36d103034fcb163e323fd08ae0.webp 400w,\n/static/dc22789609a2f682cf09ee5d9b3f1469/58556/acbd4e36d103034fcb163e323fd08ae0.webp 800w,\n/static/dc22789609a2f682cf09ee5d9b3f1469/99238/acbd4e36d103034fcb163e323fd08ae0.webp 1200w,\n/static/dc22789609a2f682cf09ee5d9b3f1469/7c22d/acbd4e36d103034fcb163e323fd08ae0.webp 1600w,\n/static/dc22789609a2f682cf09ee5d9b3f1469/25f09/acbd4e36d103034fcb163e323fd08ae0.webp 1920w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2970-markdown","title":"Can Taking CBD Cause Me to Fail a Drug Test? ","slug":"can-taking-cbd-cause-me-to-fail-a-drug-test","content":"By now, you’ve probably heard of cannabidiol (CBD), the incredible compound in the cannabis plant that provides relief from pain, anxiety and more without producing a high like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can. CBD is considered safe, nonintoxicating and without potential for abuse, so it greatly benefits folks looking to use cannabis’s healing powers without its mind-altering effects. \n\nCBD is also easy to access because you can extract it from hemp, which isn’t as strictly regulated as medical or recreational cannabis. \n\nWith all of these benefits, you may think that you could never get in trouble for taking CBD. But some CBD consumers are starting to ask one important question: Can taking CBD cause me to fail a drug test? \n\n### Is There THC in Hemp CBD Products?\n\nTo understand the issue with drug testing and CBD, you first have to grasp how the government defines cannabis and hemp. Hemp and cannabis are different varieties of the same type of plant, and both can produce CBD, THC and over 400 other organic chemicals. While cannabis cultivators focus on maximizing the production of these therapeutic chemicals, hemp farmers’ main concern is the production of hemp fiber, which companies then use for industrial purposes like making paper or fabrics. \n\nSince the government is primarily concerned with regulating THC, the highly psychoactive chemical in the plant, they distinguish between hemp and cannabis based on how much THC is present. A plant with less than 0.3% THC is considered hemp. Anything above 0.3% THC is considered cannabis and falls under much stricter rules.\n\nMany think that hemp-derived CBD products won’t have any THC in them. But in fact, most hemp products do contain at least some small amount of THC. Since drug tests are looking for THC, it’s an important distinction to understand. \n\n### How Cannabis Drug Tests Work \n\nThere are a few different ways to test for cannabis, but they all look for the presence of THC. To determine whether there’s been any exposure to THC, the screening may examine:\n\n* Blood\n* Saliva\n* Hair\n* Urine\n* Breath\n* Sweat \n* Fingernails \n\nIn blood tests, doctors can look for THC in the blood directly. Hours or up to a single day after consuming cannabis, THC levels will be temporarily elevated—and will likely show up in your blood. \n\nBut even after these levels go back down to normal, testers can still look for its metabolite, THC-COOH. A metabolite is a substance that your body makes in the process of metabolizing something. And THC’s metabolite hangs around in the body for much longer than THC itself. \n\nUrine tests are probably the most popular choice for drug testing, and these look for THC-COOH. Still, it’s not entirely clear how long these metabolites stay detectable in your body. \n\nResearch has shown high variability from person to person when it comes to this. Estimates have been anywhere from three to 40 days for the metabolites in the urine to totally clear someone's system. The reason for this wide range is the variability in people’s cannabis consumption and metabolism. \n\nThose who have been taking cannabis for longer or folks who take higher doses, may find it takes longer for the metabolites to leave their body. Some people may also be naturally quicker or slower when it comes to this process, so it’s notoriously hard to predict. \n\nHair tests have the longest window for detection, with the ability to find metabolites up to 90 days after consumption. \n\n### Can You Fail a Drug Test After Taking Only CBD?\n\nDrug tests only look for THC, not CBD. So, CBD consumers may think they have nothing to worry about. But while none of these tests look for CBD directly, it may be possible (although unlikely) for tests to detect the THC in your CBD products and cause a failed test. \n\nIn fact, this has already started to happen. A woman from Atlanta says she [lost a job opportunity because a pre-employment drug test showed THC in her system](https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeadams/2018/10/18/marijuana-madness-this-is-how-cbd-oil-can-cause-a-failed-drug-test/#4012d469713b). She says she never consumed cannabis, other than a doctor-recommended CBD oil. \n\nBut since CBD oil can contain trace amounts of THC, if taken in big enough doses these small amounts can start to add up. For those taking high doses, such as 1,000 mg or more of CBD on a daily basis, they may be consuming a significant amount of THC without even realizing it and it could be enough to fail a drug test. \n\nAnd don’t think that using CBD topically will help you avoid this problem. One study also looked at other CBD applications like using hemp oil products on hair and skin. In this study, [just applying hemp CBD oil to someone’s hair could cause them to fail a hair test for THC](https://norml.org/news/2019/02/28/study-cosmetic-application-of-hemp-seed-oil-to-hair-triggers-a-positive-drug-test). So, while both topical and ingestible CBD is widely available, depending on how it’s used either form could contain enough THC to trigger a positive test result. \n\nTo make matters more complicated, hemp is only approved for industrial uses—not as a food product—so it isn’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the way most products that we ingest are. No one’s checking to see if these products’ claims and dosing guidelines are accurate. It’s possible that a hemp-derived product has much more THC than is strictly legal for hemp. \n\nWithout regulation from the FDA, there’s no telling what’s in that random bottle of CBD oil you picked up at the convenience store. It may just be vegetable oil without anything else in it; it may have too much THC to be considered hemp; or it may be something more dangerous. \n\nIn Utah, [something sold as CBD oil poisoned over 50 people](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6720a5.htm?s_cid=mm6720a5_w#T1_down). In fact, it didn’t contain any CBD but rather a dangerous synthetic cannabinoid known as “spice.” This is why it’s so important to make sure you buy CBD from a reputable brand that lab tests their products. \n\nRELATED: [WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR WHEN BUYING HEMP CBD OIL](https://hellomd.com/articles/what-to-watch-out-for-when-buying-hemp-cbd-oil/)\n\n### Avoiding Failed Drug Tests When Taking CBD\n\nSo, CBD can make you fail a drug test, but it’s unlikely. Positive tests for THC are rare with CBD consumers, especially when the CBD isn’t taken in high doses. But it’s possible—and could be more likely for those with slower metabolisms. \n\nFor folks subject to drug testing, a failed test is a real risk to be aware of. Still, for most CBD consumers this will never pose a problem because they simply aren’t consuming enough CBD to trigger a positive THC result. \n\nTo reduce your risk of a failed drug test, aim for lower doses of CBD and go with lab-tested products so you know exactly what you’re putting in your body. Plenty of companies are rushing to put CBD on the shelf, but the gas station or corner store isn’t the best place to go for it. \n\nTo avoid accidentally ingesting too much THC with your CBD, make sure you go with well-established, extensively tested and medically-oriented hemp CBD brands. \n\nPhoto credit: EAK MOTO/Shutterstock.com\n\nWant to try CBD, but don’t know where to start? [Shop our selection of high-quality, lab-tested CBD products](https://hellomd.com/) and have them shipped to your door. And if you have questions about CBD, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/68a0bce1c47a5139187eacbd2f091d18/14b42/ee7f058607ffdcc15362e0d513cccd57.jpg","srcSet":"/static/68a0bce1c47a5139187eacbd2f091d18/f836f/ee7f058607ffdcc15362e0d513cccd57.jpg 200w,\n/static/68a0bce1c47a5139187eacbd2f091d18/2244e/ee7f058607ffdcc15362e0d513cccd57.jpg 400w,\n/static/68a0bce1c47a5139187eacbd2f091d18/14b42/ee7f058607ffdcc15362e0d513cccd57.jpg 800w,\n/static/68a0bce1c47a5139187eacbd2f091d18/47498/ee7f058607ffdcc15362e0d513cccd57.jpg 1200w,\n/static/68a0bce1c47a5139187eacbd2f091d18/0e329/ee7f058607ffdcc15362e0d513cccd57.jpg 1600w,\n/static/68a0bce1c47a5139187eacbd2f091d18/ffa36/ee7f058607ffdcc15362e0d513cccd57.jpg 1773w","srcWebp":"/static/68a0bce1c47a5139187eacbd2f091d18/58556/ee7f058607ffdcc15362e0d513cccd57.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/68a0bce1c47a5139187eacbd2f091d18/61e93/ee7f058607ffdcc15362e0d513cccd57.webp 200w,\n/static/68a0bce1c47a5139187eacbd2f091d18/1f5c5/ee7f058607ffdcc15362e0d513cccd57.webp 400w,\n/static/68a0bce1c47a5139187eacbd2f091d18/58556/ee7f058607ffdcc15362e0d513cccd57.webp 800w,\n/static/68a0bce1c47a5139187eacbd2f091d18/99238/ee7f058607ffdcc15362e0d513cccd57.webp 1200w,\n/static/68a0bce1c47a5139187eacbd2f091d18/7c22d/ee7f058607ffdcc15362e0d513cccd57.webp 1600w,\n/static/68a0bce1c47a5139187eacbd2f091d18/d1528/ee7f058607ffdcc15362e0d513cccd57.webp 1773w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2966-markdown","title":"CBG: Is This Cannabinoid More Powerful Than CBD?","slug":"cbg-is-this-cannabinoid-more-powerful-than-cbd","content":"Cannabigerol (CBG) accounts for 1% or less of the many compounds found in cannabis, but it may be the most important; it’s the chemical precursor for creating the better-known cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).  \n\nNow, it’s possible to purchase this relatively rare cannabinoid in isolate form for use alone or with other cannabis products. CBG has a number of potent health benefits on its own, and folks turn to CBG to relieve the symptoms of conditions such as:\n\n* Irritable bowel disorder\n* Anxiety\n* Glaucoma\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\n### What Is CBG?\n\nThe familiar _Cannabis sativa_ plant contains hundreds of separate compounds. Many of these occur in small amounts and haven’t been well studied, so their effects aren’t known. But researchers have identified a number of cannabinoids that have documented effects on the human (and animal) body and brain. \n\nTopping the list of these is THC, technically known as delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol; it’s the compound that causes marijuana’s well known high. You’ve probably also heard of CBD, an abundant cannabinoid that doesn’t cause a high like THC does, but does have considerable powers for:\n\n* Relieving pain \n* Easing inflammation\n* Protecting the nervous system and brain\n\nThese compounds exist because of CBG. Cannabis plants produce cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). Enzymes break this acid down and convert it into other acids. These include:   \n\n* [Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-to-make-the-most-of-non-psychoactive-thca/), a precursor of THC\n* Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), the path to CBD \n* Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), a precursor to cannabichromene (CBCA), a lesser-known member of the major cannabinoid family  \n\nAs the plant matures, ultraviolet light converts these acids into the cannabinoids THC, CBD and CBC.\n\nRELATED: [CANNABINOIDS: CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS WITH HUGE THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabinoids-chemical-compounds-with-huge-therapeutic-potential/) \n\nCBG also exists as a cannabinoid. It’s considered one of the four major cannabinoids—a group that also includes its “children”: THC, CBD and CBC. \n\nBut not many cannabis strains contain the cannabinoid CBG in significant amounts. Because CBGA is the starting point for the development of other substances in the cannabis plant, harvesting large amounts of it has been problematic. \n\nSome growers are able to extract the highest possible yield of CBG by harvesting cannabis plants early in the flowering cycle, before their CBG content diverts into the building blocks of other cannabis compounds. \n\nNow, too, some marijuana farmers are cultivating cannabis strains to produce higher amounts of CBG. These include:\n\n* Bleu Berries\n* Magic Jordan \n* Allen Wrench \n\nSome hemp farmers are also specifically cultivating hemp strains to contain larger amounts of CBG. \n\n### How Can CBG Help Improve Your Health?\n\nLike other cannabinoids, CBG works with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors in organs, tissues and neural networks found throughout the body. This system responds to cannabinoid-like chemicals produced by the body itself, called endocannabinoids, and also to cannabinoids from outside sources, including cannabis and some other plants. \n\nCannabinoids from both sources trigger responses in these receptors and also activate other kinds of processes involving:\n\n* The immune system\n* Central nervous system\n* Other networks that promote balance, or homeostasis, within all of the body’s interconnected systems\n\nCBG activates both of the known endocannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. CBG also appears to boost production of the natural endocannabinoid anandamide, a chemical that can increase dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep and appetite. \n\nRELATED: [EATING ANANDAMIDE: THE BLISS MOLECULE](https://hellomd.com/articles/eating-anandamide-the-bliss-molecule/)\n\nCBG is similar to CBD in terms of its health effects, but some research indicates that it may be more potent. \n\n* CBG is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent that can even be [effective against MRSA, an antibiotic-resistant form of staphylococcus](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18681481). \n* This also means CBG can effectively fight the inflammation of conditions like [irritable bowel syndrome](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23415610). \n* CBG is also a vasodilator—it can keep blood vessels open and flexible. This can help control high blood pressure and lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.\n\nLike CBD, CBG is also a neuroprotectant. It can support the integrity of the protective sheath around neurons and encourage the development of healthy neural pathways. \n\n* Some research suggests that [CBG can help relieve symptoms of neurological diseases like Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25252936). \n* Other in vivo lab studies reveal that [CBG can block cancer cell growth](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25269802), especially colorectal cancer cells.     \n* CBG appears to inhibit muscle contractions. This means it may [help with bladder problems](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26197538), too. \n* CBG may also be a potent pain reliever and antidepressant. \n\n### How to Take CBG\n\nLike CBD, you can legally purchase a variety of CBG products, because it’s largely sourced from hemp and doesn’t have the psychoactive effects that THC does. CBG isolate is typically available in powder, crystal or oil form. But unlike CBD, it isn’t sold in edible, tincture or topical forms. Producers say that you can add CBG to these products, or you can use it alone. \n\nSo, this means you can eat, dab or vape CBG. You can even apply it to your skin as a topical. It’s also possible to buy CBD products, such as oils, which contain added CBG.  \n\nTaken in therapeutic doses, CBG is safe and generally causes no side effects. Large doses—[in excess of 300 or so milligrams per kilogram of body weight](https://honestmarijuana.com/cbg/)—can trigger some unpleasant but temporary side effects such as:\n\n* Drowsiness\n* Diarrhea \n* Other digestive upset\n\nAs with other cannabinoids, it’s wise to start with small doses of CBG and work up to a dose that delivers the effects you’re looking for. \n\nPhoto credit: [WeedPornDaily](https://www.flickr.com/photos/weedporndaily/37719168475/in/album-72157662941773218/)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/tag/cannabis-101/) index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/3886a1b0e05ae8fe0148011316e15de4/14b42/2ac5ee9cf7d6b4cc9a7fabfbb6816b01.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3886a1b0e05ae8fe0148011316e15de4/f836f/2ac5ee9cf7d6b4cc9a7fabfbb6816b01.jpg 200w,\n/static/3886a1b0e05ae8fe0148011316e15de4/2244e/2ac5ee9cf7d6b4cc9a7fabfbb6816b01.jpg 400w,\n/static/3886a1b0e05ae8fe0148011316e15de4/14b42/2ac5ee9cf7d6b4cc9a7fabfbb6816b01.jpg 800w,\n/static/3886a1b0e05ae8fe0148011316e15de4/47498/2ac5ee9cf7d6b4cc9a7fabfbb6816b01.jpg 1200w,\n/static/3886a1b0e05ae8fe0148011316e15de4/0e329/2ac5ee9cf7d6b4cc9a7fabfbb6816b01.jpg 1600w,\n/static/3886a1b0e05ae8fe0148011316e15de4/83c6c/2ac5ee9cf7d6b4cc9a7fabfbb6816b01.jpg 1660w","srcWebp":"/static/3886a1b0e05ae8fe0148011316e15de4/58556/2ac5ee9cf7d6b4cc9a7fabfbb6816b01.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3886a1b0e05ae8fe0148011316e15de4/61e93/2ac5ee9cf7d6b4cc9a7fabfbb6816b01.webp 200w,\n/static/3886a1b0e05ae8fe0148011316e15de4/1f5c5/2ac5ee9cf7d6b4cc9a7fabfbb6816b01.webp 400w,\n/static/3886a1b0e05ae8fe0148011316e15de4/58556/2ac5ee9cf7d6b4cc9a7fabfbb6816b01.webp 800w,\n/static/3886a1b0e05ae8fe0148011316e15de4/99238/2ac5ee9cf7d6b4cc9a7fabfbb6816b01.webp 1200w,\n/static/3886a1b0e05ae8fe0148011316e15de4/7c22d/2ac5ee9cf7d6b4cc9a7fabfbb6816b01.webp 1600w,\n/static/3886a1b0e05ae8fe0148011316e15de4/3fd08/2ac5ee9cf7d6b4cc9a7fabfbb6816b01.webp 1660w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2950-markdown","title":"Is CBD Good for Your Hair?","slug":"is-cbd-good-for-your-hair","content":"Cannabidiol (CBD) is making headlines not only for its potential to relieve symptoms of various health conditions, but also for its [applications in the world of hair and skin care](https://www.thezoereport.com/p/cbd-oil-hair-products-might-be-the-secret-to-longer-stronger-hair-13182656). \n\nAlong with CBD vaporizers, tinctures and edibles, a variety of CBD-infused soaps, shampoos and other hair care products promise benefits ranging from sleeker, shinier hair to relief from hair loss. \n\nBut do these CBD products work? Consumers say they do—and research on the way CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) suggests that this abundant cannabinoid can affect hair follicles in different ways. \n\n### How Hair Works\n\nHair is a major part of the [complex ecosystem of the skin](https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/picture-of-the-hair#2) and is made of a tough protein called keratin. A hair follicle anchors each individual hair to the skin. At the base of each follicle is an organ called the hair bulb, where living cells grow and divide to build the hair shaft.\n\nAs these cells accumulate, they push the hair shaft out of the follicle and through the surface of the skin. Blood vessels feed the cells in the hair bulb with oxygen, hormones and other nutrients that support hair growth.\n\nHair doesn’t grow at a consistent rate. Many factors can affect the process, including genetics, age and overall health. But in general, normal hair growth happens in three distinct stages:\n\n1. **Anagen, or the growth stage.** Each hair spends several years in this stage of growth, adding length at about half an inch a month, or about six inches per year.\n\n2. **Catagen, a transitional stage.** This is when hair growth starts to slow down over a period of weeks, and the hair follicle begins to shrink.\n\n3. **Telogen, the end stage of hair growth.** Over several weeks or months, the hair stops growing. This old hair detaches from the hair follicle and falls painlessly out. Then a new hair begins to grow in the follicle, starting the process all over again. \n\nMany things can interrupt this cycle. Because skin and blood vessels support and nourish hair follicles, things that affect these systems can also affect hair growth. Factors that can weaken hair follicles and make it more likely for hair to grow slowly or fall out include:\n\n* Poor nutrition\n* Hormone fluctuations, like during pregnancy\n* Acute stress \n\nIn some people, genetic factors that affect the production of hormones called androgens can cause hair follicles to fail. This is what causes the form of alopecia known as pattern baldness, which affects otherwise healthy men (and sometimes women). \n\n### How Does CBD Help With Hair Health?\n\nHowever hair happens to behave, hair follicles are part of the skin—an often-overlooked organ despite it being the largest organ in the body. The skin provides protection against external factors, but it’s also a functioning organic system all its own, with neuronal networks and immune responses. \n\n[The skin is also rich in ECS receptors](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2757311). The ECS is a network of receptor cells that activate in response to both natural endocannabinoids the body produces and cannabinoids from outside sources like the _Cannabis sativa_ plant. \n\nHair follicles have an endocannabinoid signaling system based on the ECS receptor CB1 that manages hair growth in both negative and positive ways. This means that cannabinoids from internal and external sources can affect the activity of hair follicles. And new research shows\nthat [hair follicles actually produce two endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)](https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/ad20/e098620b7d73c37426b4bad66b06514207f7.pdf). So, the information from these studies reveals that cannabinoids, including CBD, heavily influence the behavior of hair follicles.\n\nCBD has documented properties for boosting the immune system, fighting infections and regulating many of the body’s subsystems. This is why [it can help support healthy skin and hair](https://marijuanapatients.org/alopecia/). Since hair is a part of the skin’s ecosystem, all of the reasons CBD is good for the skin can also apply to hair.  \n\nRELATED: [OH MY AGING SKIN: HOW CBD CAN HELP](https://hellomd.com/articles/oh-my-aging-skin-how-cbd-can-help/)\n\nCBD oil contains all 21 known amino acids. These amino acids are the building blocks of protein. This means CBD can support the buildup of collagen and elastin in hair shafts. This buildup can make hair stronger and appear thicker.\n\nCBD can also help regulate the glands in the skin that produce sebum, or oil, which can keep hair from being either too dry or too oily. CBD can also indirectly support healthy hair by relieving other conditions that contribute to hair problems:\n\nFor example, anxiety can contribute to thinning or unhealthy hair. CBD can relieve anxiety, and this can help hair look healthier. CBD also has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, so it can help reduce inflammation and eliminate infections that can contribute to unhealthy hair.  \n\n### How to Use CBD for Your Hair\n\nYou can use CBD in a variety of ways to boost hair health. You can ingest it in the form of edibles, tinctures or oils, which can be helpful in treating health conditions that cause hair problems. \n\nYou can also apply CBD topically in creams, ointments and salves, so that it’s absorbed directly into the skin. And cannabis-infused shampoos can deliver CBD directly to the scalp, an area of the skin that’s usually rich in hair follicles.  \n\nWhen choosing CBD products, it’s important to read labels and buy only from reputable sources. CBD isn’t closely regulated, so some products can contain harmful chemicals or may not contain much CBD at all. \n\nBe sure that CBD is high on the ingredient list of a product you’re interested in. Also, make sure that other ingredients in the product, such as carrier oils or flavorings, are safe to use and free of harmful additives. This way, you can make sure you’re using high-quality CBD products to tackle the root cause of your bad hair days. \n\nPhoto credit: TORWAISTUDIO/Shutterstock.com\n\nWant to try CBD, but don’t know where to start? Shop our selection of high-quality, lab-tested CBD products and have them shipped to your door. And if you have questions about CBD, ask them and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/058c35478db3501449ea3c767fd6a64f/14b42/59c4c7d495d81df04cbee3681047ac01.jpg","srcSet":"/static/058c35478db3501449ea3c767fd6a64f/f836f/59c4c7d495d81df04cbee3681047ac01.jpg 200w,\n/static/058c35478db3501449ea3c767fd6a64f/2244e/59c4c7d495d81df04cbee3681047ac01.jpg 400w,\n/static/058c35478db3501449ea3c767fd6a64f/14b42/59c4c7d495d81df04cbee3681047ac01.jpg 800w,\n/static/058c35478db3501449ea3c767fd6a64f/47498/59c4c7d495d81df04cbee3681047ac01.jpg 1200w,\n/static/058c35478db3501449ea3c767fd6a64f/0e329/59c4c7d495d81df04cbee3681047ac01.jpg 1600w,\n/static/058c35478db3501449ea3c767fd6a64f/391cf/59c4c7d495d81df04cbee3681047ac01.jpg 1772w","srcWebp":"/static/058c35478db3501449ea3c767fd6a64f/58556/59c4c7d495d81df04cbee3681047ac01.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/058c35478db3501449ea3c767fd6a64f/61e93/59c4c7d495d81df04cbee3681047ac01.webp 200w,\n/static/058c35478db3501449ea3c767fd6a64f/1f5c5/59c4c7d495d81df04cbee3681047ac01.webp 400w,\n/static/058c35478db3501449ea3c767fd6a64f/58556/59c4c7d495d81df04cbee3681047ac01.webp 800w,\n/static/058c35478db3501449ea3c767fd6a64f/99238/59c4c7d495d81df04cbee3681047ac01.webp 1200w,\n/static/058c35478db3501449ea3c767fd6a64f/7c22d/59c4c7d495d81df04cbee3681047ac01.webp 1600w,\n/static/058c35478db3501449ea3c767fd6a64f/edb99/59c4c7d495d81df04cbee3681047ac01.webp 1772w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2947-markdown","title":"Know Your Cannabis Terpenes: Camphene","slug":"know-your-cannabis-terpenes-camphene","content":"If you’ve been reading up on cannabis, you’ve probably found a lot of information out there about the cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These natural chemicals are the most plentiful active ingredients in the cannabis plant, and they get a lot of attention. \n\nBut did you know that marijuana’s other active ingredients—terpenes—also play a big role in the therapeutic effects, smell and taste of cannabis? These fragrant components are so important that they can make the difference between your favorite and least favorite marijuana strains. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\nIn our series on terpenes, we’ve been going over some of the most common terpenes, like:\n\n* Myrcene\n* Limonene\n* Beta-caryophyllene\n\nWe recently began covering some lesser-known terpenes like geraniol. Now, we’ll go over another powerful terpene that isn’t well known: camphene. \n\n### What Are Terpenes? \n\nCannabis is a plant that’s full of active ingredients. [Researchers have identified more than 400 chemical components in cannabis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736954/). And this includes over 60 cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. \n\nBut cannabinoids aren’t the only chemicals that create marijuana’s many effects. Around 200 of the identified compounds are terpenes, a different class of chemical that’s responsible for much of the smell and taste of different cannabis strains.\n\nResearch indicates that [terpenes can be the biggest chemical factor in the experiential differences between cannabis strains](https://www.fundacion-canna.es/en/variations-terpene-profiles-different-strains-cannabis-sativa-l). Not only do they provide cannabis with its wide range of scents and flavors, they also account for a large variety of cannabis’s therapeutic effects. \n\nWhile cannabinoids are mostly unique to cannabis, terpenes are found in many places. They give flavor and aroma to plants, fruits, vegetables. Some insects can even produce terpenes. \n\nLike cannabinoids, terpenes are subject to the entourage effect. This means that they work synergistically together and may cause different effects depending on the other cannabinoids and terpenes that they’re combined with. \n\n### What Is Camphene? \n\nCamphene is a marijuana terpene that gives off a pungent, musky, earthy scent with piney undertones. Some say it’s reminiscent of damp earth or fir needles. It’s sometimes mistaken for myrcene, because the aroma is so similar to that of myrcene—and because myrcene is much more abundant in cannabis. \n\nIn addition to marijuana, camphene is found naturally in plants and spices such as:\n\n* Conifer\n* Nutmeg\n* Ginger\n* Rosemary\n* Dill\n* Caraway\n* Hyssop\n* Cypress\n* Citronella\n* Valerian \n* Fennel \n\n\nBut camphene can also be synthesized from another cannabis terpene: [pinene](https://hellomd.com/articles/know-your-terpenes-pinene/). Since pinene is more plentiful than camphene is, [camphene is usually produced industrially through the catalytic isomerization of pinene](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/camphene#section=Human-Metabolite-Information). In other words, chemists rearrange the atoms in pinene to create camphene. \n\nCamphene is used in:\n\n* Fragrances\n* Oils\n* Topical creams\n* Foods as an additive for flavoring \n\nBack in the mid-19th century, it was also used as a fuel for lamps. But since the terpene is highly explosive in large amounts, folks abandoned camphene for this use. \n\n### Therapeutic Uses for Camphene \n\nCamphene may also have important therapeutic benefits when used medicinally. While research is still in the very early stages—and without any relevant human studies—in vivo (in something that’s living) and in vitro (in the lab) animal studies on mice and rats point to potential therapeutic benefits of this potent terpene. \n\n#### Camphene Shows Antioxidant Properties \n\nTwo studies point to potential antioxidant properties in camphene. One study from 2009, looked at [whether camphene could be used as an antioxidant to battle pulmonary inflammation](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19135518). \n\nOxidative stress is a critical factor in many cases of inflammatory lung diseases, so controlling for this could make a huge difference. The researchers found that treating stressed rat alveolar macrophages (a kind of white blood cell in the immune system that clears things like dust and other harmful particles in the lungs) with camphene resulted in:\n\n* Increased cell viability\n* Improved mitochondrial membrane potential\n* Significantly decreased lipid peroxidation (free radical damage to lipids, or fats)\n\nResearchers concluded that camphene has the potential to treat inflammation when oxidative stress is the control point. \n\nA 2012 study also pointed to [antioxidant properties in camphene](https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2013/459530/). In this in vivo study, mice treated with 200 mg doses of camphene were able to more effectively manage free radicals in the body than the untreated controls could. Of course, more research is needed to know whether this antioxidant effect will translate to humans.\n\n#### Camphene Appears to Regulate Heart Health \n\nCamphene also shows promise when it comes to regulating cardiovascular health. A 2011 study looked at [whether camphene could help reduce cholesterol and triglycerides—the two main causes for heart disease](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3207810/). \n\nIn this rat study, researchers found significant reductions in both cholesterol and triglyceride levels for rats treated with camphene. The scientists concluded that camphene merits further investigation as a lipid-lowering agent. \n\nAgain, this research is still in the early phases, and human studies are needed to evaluate whether this terpene would be an effective tool in the battle against heart disease. Still, initial results look promising that camphene could be helpful for regulating cardiovascular health. \n\n#### Camphene Could Help Ease Pain & Inflammation \n\nCamphene may also help reduce pain and inflammation. The same 2012 study that looked at camphene’s antioxidant properties also looked at its [ability to reduce pain and inflammation](https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2013/459530/). \n\nResearchers in this study injected rats with substances that cause pain and inflammation. They found that rats that had been pretreated with camphene reacted with fewer signs of pain, such as writhing or face-rubbing, than the untreated controls did. So, researchers concluded that camphene may have pain- and inflammation-relieving properties.\n\n### How to Use Camphene \n\nWhile camphene has a lot of potential medicinal uses, it’s important to remember that the research is in its early phases, and it’s not yet clear what the best treatment protocols would be to use camphene for any of the therapeutic uses covered here. If you’re interested in achieving a particular medicinal effect, it’s best to work with a doctor to make sure you’re on the right track. \n\nStill, if you’re interested in trying out camphene, the best way to start is by sampling marijuana products and strains that already have camphene as part of the blend. Camphene is more common in indica cannabis strains than sativa strains, so that’s a good place to start. That said, viewing a marijuana strain or product’s test results is always the best way to find a particular terpene. In the absence of terpene testing, strains known to usually contain camphene include:\n\n* [ACDC](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/acdc)\n* Banana Kush \n* [OG Kush](https://www.hellomd.com/strains/og-kush)\n\nWhile isolated camphene is available, it’s not recommended that consumers use this directly. Camphene isn’t the safest substance to work with in isolate form. In addition to being highly combustible (remember that it proved to be too explosive to work well as lamp fuel), [when concentrated by itself, camphene is considered harmful to inhale or ingest](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/camphene#section=Human-Metabolite-Information). It can cause irritation to the nose, throat, eyes or skin, and could be dangerous in higher doses. \n\nFor these reasons, it’s best to stick with natural sources of camphene like full-spectrum cannabis strains, or to consume high-quality marijuana products that contain safe and non-irritating levels of this potent terpene. \n\nPhoto credit: Madeleine Steinbach/Shutterstock.com\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://www.hellomd.com/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/491e305bbdf483e3978928c87549d87f/14b42/cc292e5c074b42afa144715a8aefd4d2.jpg","srcSet":"/static/491e305bbdf483e3978928c87549d87f/f836f/cc292e5c074b42afa144715a8aefd4d2.jpg 200w,\n/static/491e305bbdf483e3978928c87549d87f/2244e/cc292e5c074b42afa144715a8aefd4d2.jpg 400w,\n/static/491e305bbdf483e3978928c87549d87f/14b42/cc292e5c074b42afa144715a8aefd4d2.jpg 800w,\n/static/491e305bbdf483e3978928c87549d87f/47498/cc292e5c074b42afa144715a8aefd4d2.jpg 1200w,\n/static/491e305bbdf483e3978928c87549d87f/0e329/cc292e5c074b42afa144715a8aefd4d2.jpg 1600w,\n/static/491e305bbdf483e3978928c87549d87f/391cf/cc292e5c074b42afa144715a8aefd4d2.jpg 1772w","srcWebp":"/static/491e305bbdf483e3978928c87549d87f/58556/cc292e5c074b42afa144715a8aefd4d2.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/491e305bbdf483e3978928c87549d87f/61e93/cc292e5c074b42afa144715a8aefd4d2.webp 200w,\n/static/491e305bbdf483e3978928c87549d87f/1f5c5/cc292e5c074b42afa144715a8aefd4d2.webp 400w,\n/static/491e305bbdf483e3978928c87549d87f/58556/cc292e5c074b42afa144715a8aefd4d2.webp 800w,\n/static/491e305bbdf483e3978928c87549d87f/99238/cc292e5c074b42afa144715a8aefd4d2.webp 1200w,\n/static/491e305bbdf483e3978928c87549d87f/7c22d/cc292e5c074b42afa144715a8aefd4d2.webp 1600w,\n/static/491e305bbdf483e3978928c87549d87f/edb99/cc292e5c074b42afa144715a8aefd4d2.webp 1772w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2941-markdown","title":"How Fast Will CBD Work for Me? ","slug":"how-fast-will-cbd-work-for-me","content":"After a couple of years of writing and talking about cannabidiol (CBD), one of the most common questions I get asked is: “How long does it take for CBD to start working?” \n\nSome people complain that CBD didn’t work for them, because they didn’t feel anything. But was that because they didn’t wait long enough to feel CBD’s effects? Why does it take some people weeks or even months to get any benefits from CBD? And why, for others, does CBD seem to work like magic after the first use? \n\nLet’s dive into the question that everyone who’s interested in CBD seems to be asking: How fast will CBD work for me? \n\n### How Does CBD Work?\n\nBefore we can talk about the effectiveness of CBD, it’s important to start with some of the basics about how CBD works in the body. CBD is a naturally occurring compound, technically called a phytocannabinoid (a cannabinoid that comes from a plant), found in _Cannabis sativa_, including the hemp variety of the plant. \n\nThousands of species of mammals, humans included, are equipped with something called an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is made up of two types of receptors, CB1 and CB2, which are found all throughout the body. \n\nThe ECS plays a role in a long list of the body’s processes such as:\n\n* Sleep\n* Mood\n* Inflammation\n* Stress\n* Pain perception\n* Hunger\n\nThe main goal of the ECS is to maintain internal balance in the body. This is also known as homeostasis, and it keeps all systems working efficiently. \n\nRELATED: [IS YOUR ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM IN BALANCE?](https://hellomd.com/articles/is-your-endocannabinoid-system-in-balance/)\n\nPhytocannabinoids, like CBD, and naturally occurring endocannabinoids that our bodies produce, interact with the ECS receptors to spur physiological changes. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD doesn’t stimulate ECS receptors so much as it modifies them and the surrounding systems to promote balance. This is part of the reason why researchers believe THC is responsible for that classic marijuana head high, while CBD doesn’t have the same effect. \n\nWhile there’s still much to be researched, [CBD is thought to modify CB1 receptors](https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bph.12944), helping keep them from getting overstimulated or overactive. This is in part why CBD can tone down THC’s psychoactive effect. \n\n[CBD is also thought to increase natural levels of endocannabinoids](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2016.00370/full) by inhibiting reuptake. In other words, allowing these endocannabinoids to be more bioavailable for use in the body. \n\n### Using CBD to Balance the ECS\n\nWith this basic understanding of the ECS and how it works to maintain balance in our bodies, let’s get back to the original question: Does CBD work immediately or do CBD levels need to be built up before feeling its effects?\n\nUnfortunately, the answer to this question isn’t exactly simple. \n\nSome CBD products can offer more immediate relief from anxiety, pain and more. But taking CBD daily and allowing it to build up in your system can help maintain balance in the ECS in the long term. So, while you could feel the effects of CBD immediately, you may not enjoy its full potential until it’s had a chance to build up in the body.\n\nHere’s an example: You can take Tylenol to help manage the pain from a twisted ankle, but it’s not doing much to address the root cause of that pain. But if you continually work on balance training and building up the small muscles in your foot, you could avoid twisted ankles altogether. \n\nAnd to make things even more complicated, there are many factors to consider when addressing the question of whether CBD works immediately. Various facets of your life and properties of your CBD product will influence how quickly and how strongly CBD works for you, like; \n\n* Dose\n* Potency\n* Diet\n* Body weight\n* Metabolism\n* Genetics\n\nPlus, there are people out there who may never feel the effects of CBD. A “healthy” person could have a pretty balanced ECS naturally, in which case CBD may not make a material difference in their lives at all. \n\n### Does the Way You Consume CBD Make a Difference?\n\nResearchers are still making sense of the ECS and how CBD interacts with it. But one thing is certain: The consumption method used to ingest CBD makes a big difference for how quickly a person will feel its effects. This is because different consumption methods allow CBD to absorb into the bloodstream and brain faster than others do. \n\n* **CBD vaporizers:** Inhaling CBD via a [CBD vaporizer](https://www.hellolift.com/products?category=Vaporizers) is the fastest way to absorb it into your body. When inhaled, CBD goes from the lungs directly into the bloodstream, traveling to the brain quickly. \n\n> When consumed this way, the effects of CBD can be felt within minutes. The downside of vaping CBD is that the effects don’t last as long as other consumption methods do. \n\n* **CBD tinctures:** These are sort of the middle-of-the-road option when it comes to how quickly the body can access CBD. Not only are [tinctures](https://hellomd.com/tag/tincture/) very versatile (you can easily add a tincture to your coffee, smoothie or food), but they also act fast. Not as fast as a vaporizer, but the effects tend to last longer than when vaping CBD.  \n\n> A couple drops of CBD tincture applied sublingually (under the tongue and held for a few seconds) can be effective typically within about 15 minutes for most folks. This is because the mouth’s mucous membranes do a great job of absorbing CBD, so it goes directly into the bloodstream without having to pass through the digestive system to get there. \n\n* **CBD edibles:** There’s no doubt that [CBD edibles](https://hellomd.com/tag/edible/) take the longest of all the consumption methods to kick in. When eaten, CBD must make its way through the digestive system and then the liver to finally metabolize. This could take anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours, depending on all sorts of factors including how full you are and how fast your metabolism works. While it may take longest to kick in, the effects of CBD edibles tend to last the longest (up to four hours or more).  \n\nSo, to answer the question, CBD can work immediately depending on your individual body, symptoms and consumption method. But CBD can also be effective with regular use as levels increase, helping your body achieve homeostasis. \n\nPhoto credit: [rawpixel](https://unsplash.com/photos/dFNLKdJuFg0?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) \n\nWant to try CBD, but don’t know where to start? [Shop our selection of high-quality, lab-tested CBD products](https://hellomd.com/) and have them shipped to your door. And if you have questions about CBD, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3986013986013985,"src":"/static/c30f04b91224a7a0d2cafa6706f65253/14b42/3267b40bca5c62e8a4ff876245ae3372.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c30f04b91224a7a0d2cafa6706f65253/f836f/3267b40bca5c62e8a4ff876245ae3372.jpg 200w,\n/static/c30f04b91224a7a0d2cafa6706f65253/2244e/3267b40bca5c62e8a4ff876245ae3372.jpg 400w,\n/static/c30f04b91224a7a0d2cafa6706f65253/14b42/3267b40bca5c62e8a4ff876245ae3372.jpg 800w,\n/static/c30f04b91224a7a0d2cafa6706f65253/47498/3267b40bca5c62e8a4ff876245ae3372.jpg 1200w,\n/static/c30f04b91224a7a0d2cafa6706f65253/0e329/3267b40bca5c62e8a4ff876245ae3372.jpg 1600w,\n/static/c30f04b91224a7a0d2cafa6706f65253/b2131/3267b40bca5c62e8a4ff876245ae3372.jpg 3000w","srcWebp":"/static/c30f04b91224a7a0d2cafa6706f65253/58556/3267b40bca5c62e8a4ff876245ae3372.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c30f04b91224a7a0d2cafa6706f65253/61e93/3267b40bca5c62e8a4ff876245ae3372.webp 200w,\n/static/c30f04b91224a7a0d2cafa6706f65253/1f5c5/3267b40bca5c62e8a4ff876245ae3372.webp 400w,\n/static/c30f04b91224a7a0d2cafa6706f65253/58556/3267b40bca5c62e8a4ff876245ae3372.webp 800w,\n/static/c30f04b91224a7a0d2cafa6706f65253/99238/3267b40bca5c62e8a4ff876245ae3372.webp 1200w,\n/static/c30f04b91224a7a0d2cafa6706f65253/7c22d/3267b40bca5c62e8a4ff876245ae3372.webp 1600w,\n/static/c30f04b91224a7a0d2cafa6706f65253/ab9f8/3267b40bca5c62e8a4ff876245ae3372.webp 3000w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2927-markdown","title":"Know Your Cannabis Terpenes: Geraniol   ","slug":"know-your-cannabis-terpenes-geraniol","content":"There’s a lot of information out there about the major cannabinoids in cannabis like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). But cannabis’s other active ingredients, terpenes, play a big role in both the taste and smell of marijuana—and its therapeutic effects. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\nIn our series on terpenes, we’ve gone over some of the most common terpenes like:\n\n* Myrcene\n* Limonene\n* Beta-caryophyllene\n\nNext, we want to focus on another powerful, but lesser-known terpene: geraniol. This terpene smells sweet and floral, and also acts as an antioxidant, neuroprotectant and pain reliever.\n\n### What Are Terpenes? \n\nCannabis is a complicated plant. [Researchers have identified over 400 chemical components in cannabis—including more than 60 cannabinoids](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736954/). Around 200 of these identified compounds are terpenes—a different class of chemical responsible for much of the smell and taste we perceive in cannabis. \n\nUnlike cannabinoids, terpenes aren’t unique to marijuana. Terpenes give flavor and aroma to many plants, fruits and vegetables—some insects even produce terpenes, too. \n\nThese flavorful and aromatic chemicals have also been shown to have therapeutic properties, altering the effects of cannabis in powerful ways. In fact, research suggests that [terpenes can be the biggest chemical factor in the experiential differences between marijuana strains](https://www.fundacion-canna.es/en/variations-terpene-profiles-different-strains-cannabis-sativa-l). \n\nLike cannabinoids, terpenes are also subject to the entourage effect. This means that they work together synergistically, and may cause different effects depending on the other cannabinoids and terpenes present. \n\n### What Is Geraniol? \n\n[Geraniol is a fragrant terpene named for the geranium flower](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/geraniol#section=Top), which contains geraniol and has a similar odor: a sweet rose scent with a hint of citrus. \n\nGeraniol can also be found in:\n\n* Roses \n* Citronella \n* Lemon peel \n* Peaches\n* Carrots\n* Passionfruit\n* Bergamot\n* Nutmeg\n* Blackberries\n* Blueberries\n* Coriander \n\nHoney bees also produce geraniol from their scent glands. They use the terpene to mark nectar-bearing flowers and the entrance to their hives. \n\n### Therapeutic Uses for Geraniol \n\nTraditionally, manufacturers added geraniol to cosmetics or food products, because of its sweet fragrance and taste. The rose and citrus aromas make it ideal for enhancing flavors like rose, lemon, orange or lime. \n\nBut recently, researchers have been exploring the other potential uses for this terpene, and are finding some incredible results. It turns out there are many therapeutic uses for geraniol, including: \n \n* **As an insect repellent**: Geraniol’s first superpower is its incredible ability to repel insects. In one study, geraniol candles repelled mosquitoes and sandflies two times more effectively than linalool candles and five times more effectively than citronella candles could. \n\n> Studies also suggest [geraniol works against various types of mites and can even kill tiny parasitic worms found in certain fish](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19787148). Since it’s natural and biodegradable, it’s a great base for an insecticide that won’t harm the environment. \n\n* **For antimicrobial and antibacterial purposes**: Geraniol is also a powerful antimicrobial and antibacterial agent, which can destroy harmful fungi and bacteria invading the human body. \n\n> Studies on geraniol have found it can [protect against the fungus that causes yeast infections and thrush](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12380738), as well as many of the bacteria that cause food poisoning. Since these organisms can be deadly, geraniol could prove to be a key ingredient in life-saving treatment. \n\n* **As an antioxidant**: Geraniol can also help when it comes to slowing unhealthy cell growth. Its powerful antioxidant properties allow it to neutralize free radicals and keep your body safe from their DNA-damaging effects. \n\n> One study showed that [geraniol helped inhibit cell growth in rodents](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15450939). Another study showed that [geraniol slowed the growth and proliferation of prostate cancer cells in a lab setting](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27683099). Though there’s a long way to go to prove geraniol can affect cancer cells in humans, its antioxidant properties have cancer researchers excited for possible future studies. \n\n* **To fight inflammation**: Geraniol can also be used as an anti-inflammatory agent. In one study, scientists tested geraniol on rat subjects with traumatic spinal injuries. [Geraniol was able to suppress the pro-inflammatory signaling pathways to reduce inflammation](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5228434/) as well as the oxidative stress that can cause tissue damage. \n\n> In another study, researchers fed hamsters a diet that causes plaque buildup in the arteries  along with geraniol. Scientists found that [geraniol helped reduce the negative effects of the diet by inhibiting the inflammatory response](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26004525). \n\n* **For relieving pain**: Another big benefit of this terpene is its ability to ease pain. Studies on mice treated with geraniol showed that geraniol directly mediated activation of pain neuron sites in the brain. This allowed for [pain relief without negatively affecting motor skills](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26246838), a feature that’s much needed among our current pain treatment options. \n\n* **Enhancing topical cannabis**: As if geraniol didn’t have enough going for it, it can also help make other chemicals more effective. Geraniol can enhance the skin’s ability to absorb cannabis topicals. So, topical preparations high in geraniol may be more potent and effective than ones without the terpene. \n\n* **As a neuroprotectant**: One final therapeutic benefit of geraniol that’s important to mention is its ability to protect nerve cells. One study showed that [geraniol was able to help preserve the structure and function of nerve cells](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jnr.23393). The authors of the study note that this could make it particularly helpful in treating diabetic neuropathy, which causes pain, numbness and weakness in the limbs. \n\n### How to Use Geraniol \n\nLooking to take geraniol yourself? The best way to benefit from this terpene is to find cannabis products that contain higher levels of geraniol. While isolates of geraniol exist, it works best when blended into a ready-made product. \n\n[In high concentrations, geraniol can cause allergic reactions, skin discomfort and eye irritation](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18640215), so it’s not recommended that individuals use the isolates themselves. \n\nStill, finding products that advertise their terpene content isn’t always easy, and geraniol is one of the rarer terpenes. One trick for finding geraniol-rich marijuana strains is to look for cannabis flower or products rich in linalool, which tends to correlate with higher levels of geraniol. \n\nBut even when terpene results are absent, these powerful compounds just can’t hide—use your nose. The slight smell of roses and citrus in a marijuana strain may indicate higher levels of this terpene. You can also look for cannabis strains that are known to have higher levels of geraniol such as Amnesia Haze \n\nPhoto credit: [Erol Ahmed](https://unsplash.com/@erol)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. And if you have questions about cannabis, [ask them](https://hellomd.com/questions-and-answers/) and our community will answer.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/b7211e5de1afb21bfcf79b41b202a96d/14b42/b0f2aa7eedd7808405703966ec5c7b24.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b7211e5de1afb21bfcf79b41b202a96d/f836f/b0f2aa7eedd7808405703966ec5c7b24.jpg 200w,\n/static/b7211e5de1afb21bfcf79b41b202a96d/2244e/b0f2aa7eedd7808405703966ec5c7b24.jpg 400w,\n/static/b7211e5de1afb21bfcf79b41b202a96d/14b42/b0f2aa7eedd7808405703966ec5c7b24.jpg 800w,\n/static/b7211e5de1afb21bfcf79b41b202a96d/47498/b0f2aa7eedd7808405703966ec5c7b24.jpg 1200w,\n/static/b7211e5de1afb21bfcf79b41b202a96d/0e329/b0f2aa7eedd7808405703966ec5c7b24.jpg 1600w,\n/static/b7211e5de1afb21bfcf79b41b202a96d/3f1f6/b0f2aa7eedd7808405703966ec5c7b24.jpg 3689w","srcWebp":"/static/b7211e5de1afb21bfcf79b41b202a96d/58556/b0f2aa7eedd7808405703966ec5c7b24.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b7211e5de1afb21bfcf79b41b202a96d/61e93/b0f2aa7eedd7808405703966ec5c7b24.webp 200w,\n/static/b7211e5de1afb21bfcf79b41b202a96d/1f5c5/b0f2aa7eedd7808405703966ec5c7b24.webp 400w,\n/static/b7211e5de1afb21bfcf79b41b202a96d/58556/b0f2aa7eedd7808405703966ec5c7b24.webp 800w,\n/static/b7211e5de1afb21bfcf79b41b202a96d/99238/b0f2aa7eedd7808405703966ec5c7b24.webp 1200w,\n/static/b7211e5de1afb21bfcf79b41b202a96d/7c22d/b0f2aa7eedd7808405703966ec5c7b24.webp 1600w,\n/static/b7211e5de1afb21bfcf79b41b202a96d/66b96/b0f2aa7eedd7808405703966ec5c7b24.webp 3689w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2890-markdown","title":"6 Mistakes Hemp CBD Newbies Make","slug":"6-mistakes-hemp-cbd-newbies-make","content":"Cannabidiol (CBD) is having a moment in the spotlight. From actress Kristen Bell to UFC star Nate Diaz, everyone’s talking about the cannabinoid that helps them calm anxiety, ease pain and keep inflammation at bay.\n\nMaybe you’re curious about taking CBD, but haven’t taken the plunge yet. Or you’re working your way through your first CBD product. Or you’ve used CBD before, but it just didn’t give you the relief you were looking for. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\nIf any of this sounds familiar, take a look at our list of six mistakes CBD newbies make—and our advice on how to avoid them. \n\n### 1. Not Paying Attention to the Hemp’s Country of Origin\n\nDid you feel worse after taking a CBD product? It could be because there were some toxic ingredients in it. And this could be due to where and how the hemp was grown in the first place. \n\nOne important thing CBD newbies don’t typically pay attention to when ordering hemp-derived CBD is where the hemp comes from. But this is a critically important piece of information, since hemp isn’t closely regulated in many parts of the world.\n\nThe cannabis plant, of which hemp is one variety, is a bioaccumulator. This means that the plant readily absorbs substances present in the soil, and they accumulate in the plant’s tissues. \n\nThese chemicals, therefore, can show up in the final CBD product even after processing. This is especially alarming, since hemp farmers in certain countries use dangerous pesticides to grow their plants—and those pesticides are present in the final product.\n\nRELATED: [WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR WHEN BUYING HEMP CBD OIL](https://hellomd.com/articles/what-to-watch-out-for-when-buying-hemp-cbd-oil/)\n\nSo, when you buy hemp-derived CBD, make sure the company sources its hemp in North America or Europe. Steer clear of hemp grown in China or other parts of Asia, where the use of pesticides is widespread.\n\nIf the country of origin for the hemp CBD you’re considering isn’t listed in your product information, check the company’s website. If you can’t find out where the hemp came from, it’s best to move onto another product. \n\n### 2. Not Choosing Lab-Tested CBD\n\nEven if you’re confident your CBD product was made with hemp grown with good practices, you should still know all of the details. Any reputable hemp-derived CBD product should be lab tested—and some companies test both their raw and final products. \n\nThis is another way to make sure you’re ingesting exactly what you see listed in the bottle’s ingredients and that there aren’t any surprises that could make you sick or simply make the product not work for you. \n\nA reputable company will either have lab tests available on its website or at your request. If it doesn’t, time to start looking into other products.\n\n### 3. Not Paying Attention to the Dosage of Your Hemp CBD\n\nWhen you take a traditional medicine, you probably read the label to check how much a dose is. Well, you should do the same for hemp CBD. For example, if you’ve got a CBD tincture, the bottle should say how many milligrams of CBD are in each dropper full. Sometimes it’ll even tell you how much is in each individual drop. \n\nStart with the suggested dosing on the packaging, and go from there. Pay attention to how much CBD you’ve taken, and see if you’re getting the results you need. Maybe you need to increase your dose or take a dose more often. Or you may need to take smaller doses to get optimal results. \n\nYou’ll also need to be consistent with taking your CBD dose regularly. The truth is—and this is especially so if you’re trying to ease a chronic health condition—you may not find the CBD regimen that gives you the results you need if you’re inconsistent with dosing and only take a random amount of CBD at different times.\n\n### 4. Not Keeping a Journal of Your CBD Use\n\nFollowing on from paying attention to dosing is perhaps the most important thing a CBD newbie can do: keep a CBD journal. Since everyone reacts differently to cannabis, the CBD dose that works for one person may not work for another. \n\nBecause all things cannabis usually require a bit of experimentation, you need to keep a record of how much you take and when, so you know how to adjust your CBD medicine to get the results you’re after. \n\nIn your CBD journal, write down:\n\n* The CBD product you take\n* How much CBD you consume\n* What time you took the CBD\n* Any other information that could influence the CBD’s effects like if you took it on an empty stomach or after a big meal \n* How you felt the next day\n\nThis way, you can look back on your notes to fine-tune your CBD regimen. This is an especially helpful exercise if you’re sampling several different products and methods of administration as it’s so easy to forget which product made you feel a certain way. \n\n### 5. Expecting Instant Results\n\nMany hemp CBD newbies expect to feel something right away. And while this is possible, it’s not the norm. While THC consumers can feel a head high pretty quickly, this doesn’t happen with CBD. In fact, in some cases you’ll need to build up your CBD levels before you start to notice changes. And this can take weeks or even months.\n\nResearchers now think that many health conditions are a result of an imbalanced endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is the network of receptors found throughout the body, influencing everything from pain management to mood to digestion. \n\nYou can bring your ECS back into balance by supplementing natural endocannabinoids with cannabinoids in cannabis. That said, sometimes you have to consume CBD for months in order to see an improvement in your health. \n\nRELATED: [IS YOUR ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM IN BALANCE?](https://hellomd.com/articles/is-your-endocannabinoid-system-in-balance)\n\nOne person whose had success with CBD is HelloMD’s co-founder Pamela Hadfield, who [started taking the cannabinoid to help ease her debilitating migraines](https://hellomd.com/articles/migraines-how-i-got-off-pain-meds-and-found-relief-with-cannabis/). After a few months of daily CBD consumption, she was able to successfully manage her migraine pain. Another month taking CBD every day, and her migraines stopped completely. Now she’s been migraine-free for several years and finally feels like she has her life back. \n\nLuckily, Pamela wasn’t discouraged when she didn’t see results right away. And her consistent, daily consumption of CBD paid off. \n\nSo, if you’re new to CBD, our advice is to be patient. Give yourself enough time for CBD levels in your body to rise and see if this balances your ECS enough to help you feel better. \n\n### 6. Taking CBD the Wrong Way \n\nIt’s pretty amazing just how many ways you can take your hemp CBD nowadays. You can:\n\n* Rub it on your skin\n* Vape it\n* Put a CBD oil under your tongue or in the beverage of your choice\n* Swallow CBD gel caps \n* Use a CBD transdermal patch\n\nBut the condition you’re looking to improve should dictate the way you take CBD. If you want to take CBD to lessen anxiety, a topical may not provide the best relief. You’ll need to take the CBD internally; this means a hemp-derived CBD vape pen or tincture is your best bet. \n\nBut, if you want the CBD to target a specific area, say your shoulders where you have a sore muscle, a topical CBD preparation is ideal, rather than a CBD sublingual or edible.\n\nMake sure you’re taking CBD in the right way for you. And don’t be afraid to switch up your consumption method if you think it may help (and note it in your CBD journal).\n\nSome folks would have you think that CBD is a magical substance that can cure just about anything. And while various individuals have experienced life-changing results from taking hemp CBD, it doesn’t work this way for everyone. \n\nWhatever the case may be, if you take the steps to avoid these common mistakes, you’ll help set yourself up for a positive experience with CBD.  \n\nPhoto credit: [Christiana Rivers](https://unsplash.com/@christiana)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/f88df077c2cb73737fc07680a41adf91/14b42/862e3a99ddca87641cb837ccdebf4a37.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f88df077c2cb73737fc07680a41adf91/f836f/862e3a99ddca87641cb837ccdebf4a37.jpg 200w,\n/static/f88df077c2cb73737fc07680a41adf91/2244e/862e3a99ddca87641cb837ccdebf4a37.jpg 400w,\n/static/f88df077c2cb73737fc07680a41adf91/14b42/862e3a99ddca87641cb837ccdebf4a37.jpg 800w,\n/static/f88df077c2cb73737fc07680a41adf91/47498/862e3a99ddca87641cb837ccdebf4a37.jpg 1200w,\n/static/f88df077c2cb73737fc07680a41adf91/0e329/862e3a99ddca87641cb837ccdebf4a37.jpg 1600w,\n/static/f88df077c2cb73737fc07680a41adf91/6fe31/862e3a99ddca87641cb837ccdebf4a37.jpg 3668w","srcWebp":"/static/f88df077c2cb73737fc07680a41adf91/58556/862e3a99ddca87641cb837ccdebf4a37.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f88df077c2cb73737fc07680a41adf91/61e93/862e3a99ddca87641cb837ccdebf4a37.webp 200w,\n/static/f88df077c2cb73737fc07680a41adf91/1f5c5/862e3a99ddca87641cb837ccdebf4a37.webp 400w,\n/static/f88df077c2cb73737fc07680a41adf91/58556/862e3a99ddca87641cb837ccdebf4a37.webp 800w,\n/static/f88df077c2cb73737fc07680a41adf91/99238/862e3a99ddca87641cb837ccdebf4a37.webp 1200w,\n/static/f88df077c2cb73737fc07680a41adf91/7c22d/862e3a99ddca87641cb837ccdebf4a37.webp 1600w,\n/static/f88df077c2cb73737fc07680a41adf91/8f62f/862e3a99ddca87641cb837ccdebf4a37.webp 3668w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2884-markdown","title":"Boost Cannabis’s Benefits With Essential Oils","slug":"boost-cannabiss-benefits-with-essential-oils","content":"Thanks to a potent combination of cannabinoids, terpenes and other substances, cannabis is whole-plant medicine. And people who have a range of health conditions from anxiety and PTSD to seizures and cancer turn to the plant for its many benefits. But combining cannabis with essential oils can boost those benefits—and even provide new ones. \n\nWhether you smoke, vape or consume cannabis another way, adding essential oils from other plant sources like lavender or peppermint can enhance the healthy properties of _Cannabis sativa_ in all of its many forms.  \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### What Are Essential Oils?\n\nEssential oils are highly concentrated extracts of plant compounds that are usually mixed with a neutral carrier oil such as sweet almond oil. They’re made this way since pure essential oils are so highly concentrated that they can be harmful if used alone. \n\nThese essential oils are highly fragrant and depending on the source, can be used for:\n\n* Flavoring foods\n* Perfumes  \n* Aromatherapy treatments for a variety of health benefits such as relaxation and pain relief \n\nMany essential oils are made using a plant compound called terpenes, oils that are produced in the plant’s resin glands. Cannabis contains terpenes that are also found in other plants and fruits such as:\n\n* [Limonene](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a8e1261f24d1300077ccb5b/know-your-cannabis-terpenes-limonene), which is also in lemons \n* [Myrcene](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5be271ec26ef630008f055c2/know-your-cannabis-terpenes-myrcene), which is present in hops\n* [Beta-caryophyllene](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5ae15d2d049b4f000a64e8e7/know-your-terpenes-beta-caryophyllene), which you’ll find in black pepper \n\nThese and other terpenes not only have health benefits of their own, they also work together with other terpenes and cannabis compounds for more potent effects. So, you could combine your cannabis with essential oils in a variety of ways to enhance or moderate its effects. You can even create new effects for a customized experience that targets a specific health issue.  \n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS TERPENES PACK A THERAPEUTIC PUNCH](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a99e9f4f24d1300077ccb6f/cannabis-terpenes-pack-a-therapeutic-punch)\n\n### Combining Essential Oils & Cannabis: The Basics\n\nYou can use essential oils in lots of different ways. Some, like lemongrass or orange oil, are considered safe for consumption and can add flavoring to a variety of foods. Others, such as tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil, are intended for use on the skin or in topical preparations such as creams and salves. \n\nYou can either inhale most essential oils or diffuse them into the air. In all of these situations, the molecules of the plant extract are able to enter the body and brain, and affect a variety of processes such as:\n\n* Pain signaling\n* Stress reactions\n* Concentration \n* Focusing\n\nOils made from the whole cannabis plant and individual cannabis compounds and terpenes work in the same way, so that they can have these effects, too. A recent study reveals that [simply sniffing cannabis oil can affect brain wave patterns](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5822802/), causing an increase in the alpha and theta waves that are associated with relaxation and calm. \n\nCombining cannabis in any of its many forms with essential oils can offer benefits that can be greater then using either of these alone.  \n\nFor example, myrcene is a terpene found not only in cannabis, but also in many other plants and fruits, including lemongrass and mangoes. This terpene is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, which keeps many potentially toxic substances from entering the brain. For this reason, it can act as a kind of escort to help other cannabis compounds, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), reach the brain, so that its effects are felt more strongly. \n\nLavender essential oil can promote relaxation, and it can even reduce anxiety in people with Alzheimer’s disease and other kinds of dementia. Inhaling lavender oil while using cannabis products can help moderate the effects of THC, so that it doesn’t cause anxiety. And it can enhance the relaxing effects of cannabis strains that are high in CBD.  \n\nIn the same way, essential oils such as peppermint and cinnamon can help people who use cannabis treat digestive issues and other kinds of chronic pain.\n\nYou can combine essential oils with cannabis in a variety of ways, so marijuana consumers can mix and match them to find the right combinations. You can:\n\n* Add some kinds of essential oils directly to cannabis during dabbing\n* Put it in the water of your bong or water pipe\n* Add it to a cannabis tincture\n* Rub essential oils on your skin\n* Inhale it while taking cannabis, so that both the oil and the cannabis enter the bloodstream\n\n### Using Essential Oils With Cannabis Safely\n\nAlthough you can use many different kinds of essential oils with various ways of consuming cannabis, not all of them work the same way. Here are a few things to keep in mind:\n\n* **Never use essential oils in an undiluted form** as they are highly concentrated extracts that can be toxic or cause severe skin reactions. That’s why these oils are generally added to a carrier oil to make them safe to use. If you purchase a pure oil, you can also buy carrier oils separately and mix in a few drops of the pure essential oil to make it safer to use.\n\n* **Make sure you know how to safely use a particular essential oil.** Some, like orange oil, are safe to ingest or to add to foods for flavoring—but these oils can cause burns when applied to the skin. Likewise, oils that can be absorbed into the skin, such as tea tree oil, can be dangerously toxic when eaten. And some oils are safest when they’re inhaled, rather than eaten or rubbed onto the skin.  \n\n* **Buy organic, high-quality oils whenever possible.** These kinds of oils are produced with the safest extraction processes, usually from organic plants. This reduces the risk of ingesting added ingredients that could contain toxins.\n\n* **Read labels carefully.** Some products that are marketed as high-quality essential oils or terpenes may only have small amounts of these ingredients. Or they can contain mainly other ingredients such as vitamins and herbs.\n\n* **Avoid heating essential oils to very high temperatures.** When essential oils are subjected to very high heat as in dabbing or smoking cannabis, their chemical composition changes, and they can develop carcinogens and other kinds of toxins.\n\nEssential oils can add a pleasant—and healthful—boost to the many ways of consuming cannabis. They can enhance cannabis products of all kinds and offer health benefits of their very own.\n\nPhoto credit: [Daria Shevtsova](https://www.pexels.com/@daria-shevtsova)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/55976b3f617aea2ed28a1639e625fcee/14b42/f40cd3473c5d29703e7de24687b7f206.jpg","srcSet":"/static/55976b3f617aea2ed28a1639e625fcee/f836f/f40cd3473c5d29703e7de24687b7f206.jpg 200w,\n/static/55976b3f617aea2ed28a1639e625fcee/2244e/f40cd3473c5d29703e7de24687b7f206.jpg 400w,\n/static/55976b3f617aea2ed28a1639e625fcee/14b42/f40cd3473c5d29703e7de24687b7f206.jpg 800w,\n/static/55976b3f617aea2ed28a1639e625fcee/47498/f40cd3473c5d29703e7de24687b7f206.jpg 1200w,\n/static/55976b3f617aea2ed28a1639e625fcee/0e329/f40cd3473c5d29703e7de24687b7f206.jpg 1600w,\n/static/55976b3f617aea2ed28a1639e625fcee/f39a8/f40cd3473c5d29703e7de24687b7f206.jpg 2611w","srcWebp":"/static/55976b3f617aea2ed28a1639e625fcee/58556/f40cd3473c5d29703e7de24687b7f206.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/55976b3f617aea2ed28a1639e625fcee/61e93/f40cd3473c5d29703e7de24687b7f206.webp 200w,\n/static/55976b3f617aea2ed28a1639e625fcee/1f5c5/f40cd3473c5d29703e7de24687b7f206.webp 400w,\n/static/55976b3f617aea2ed28a1639e625fcee/58556/f40cd3473c5d29703e7de24687b7f206.webp 800w,\n/static/55976b3f617aea2ed28a1639e625fcee/99238/f40cd3473c5d29703e7de24687b7f206.webp 1200w,\n/static/55976b3f617aea2ed28a1639e625fcee/7c22d/f40cd3473c5d29703e7de24687b7f206.webp 1600w,\n/static/55976b3f617aea2ed28a1639e625fcee/f2c8e/f40cd3473c5d29703e7de24687b7f206.webp 2611w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2874-markdown","title":"Whole-Plant CBD vs. CBD Isolate: Which Is Better?","slug":"whole-plant-cbd-vs-cbd-isolate-which-is-better","content":"Maybe you’ve heard about cannabidiol (CBD) on a major news network, from a friend who’s been using it or seen hemp-derived CBD products on the shelf at your local organic grocery store. This prolific chemical compound has never been more popular than it is now.  \n\nBut this increase in popularity means there are now a vast array of CBD products to choose from. How do you choose which CBD product to buy? The first question to consider is whether to use whole-plant or isolate CBD. So, let’s dive into the differences between the two. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### What Is CBD?\n\nBefore we can discuss the difference between whole-plant CBD and CBD isolate, it’s important to get the basics down. CBD is an active chemical compound found naturally in cannabis and hemp plants. To offer an incredibly simple understanding of how CBD works, when consumed, it interacts with [the endocannabinoid system (ECS)](https://hellomd.com/articles/is-your-endocannabinoid-system-in-balance) in mammals, activating certain ECS cannabinoid receptors that cause cells to behave in different ways. \n\nCBD has gained much fame in recent years after what feels like endless positive news stories regarding its potential therapeutic effects. And in the past decade, over 50% of states in the U.S. have legalized some form of medical CBD. \n\nRELATED: [WHAT IS CBD AND HOW CAN IT HELP ME?](https://hellomd.com/articles/what-is-cbd-and-how-can-it-help-me) \n\nCBD shows promise in treating: \n\n* Inflammation\n* [Seizures](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-hemp-cbd-oil-can-help-kids-with-seizures)\n* [Cancer](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24373545)\n* [Chronic pain](https://hellomd.com/articles/5-hemp-cbd-products-for-your-aches-and-pains)\n* Arthritis\n* Migraines\n* Diabetes\n* PTSD\n* Depression\n* Epilepsy\n\nAnd these therapeutic effects can be felt without the high that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the other most well-known chemical compound in cannabis, is known to produce. Because CBD doesn’t make consumers feel that THC high, it’s been hailed as a mild but effective alternative to highly potent THC products or pharmaceutical drugs. \n\nWhen choosing CBD, one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is between whole-plant or isolate CBD. Let’s talk through the difference so you can make an informed decision. \n\n### What Is Whole-Plant CBD?\n\nAs mentioned above, CBD is an activated chemical compound found in cannabis, known as a cannabinoid. But it’s not the only one. In fact, there are hundreds of different ingredients that make the cannabis plant what it is. There are:\n\n* Flavonoids\n* [Terpenes](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-terpenes-pack-a-therapeutic-punch)\n* Fatty acids \n\nThey all come together and influence the taste, smell and the therapeutic effects of the plant.  Whole-plant CBD products contain all of these ingredients. They’re made using the entire hemp or cannabis plant, keeping as many of these ingredients intact as possible. \n\nSo, what’s the benefit of whole-plant CBD? Researchers have discovered evidence of something called the “[entourage effect](https://www.hellomd.com/articles/is-the-entourage-effect-why-cannabis-can-be-effective-medicine).”\n\nIn an Israeli study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, one of the leading research institutions for cannabis, observed that [in mice, CBD was more effective when used alongside other compounds](https://file.scirp.org/pdf/PP_2015021016351567.pdf) naturally found in the cannabis plant. This research provides scientific evidence of the benefits of whole-plant CBD over isolate. \n\t\n### What Is CBD isolate?\n\nCBD isolate is exactly as it sounds. It’s made by isolating CBD from all other cannabinoids or ingredients naturally found in the plant, like terpenes and fatty acids. When all of this processing is done, the CBD is typically left as a white powder. \n\nBefore research on the entourage effect came out, many believed isolating CBD from the other components of the plant would help it work more effectively. It wasn’t until more recently that this idea of isolate was challenged.\n\nThat said, isolate CBD can be effective against inflammation, but its effectiveness is also tied to dose; too much or too little can render isolate CBD as ineffective. Luckily, consumers can easily and precisely dose CBD isolate powder by the milligram. \n\nOn a less positive note, isolate CBD doesn’t seem to be as effective as whole-plant CBD because it lacks the synergistic components from the plant that can increase effectiveness. It’s also a less environmentally conscious option as it takes much more hemp to extract enough CBD for isolated CBD products. \n\nThe rise in CBD’s popularity and new research about its effectivness and versatility has skyrocketed its profile. There are so many products to choose from when it comes to CBD, which can make it confusing to sort through. Understanding the difference between whole plant and isolate is a great place to start. \n\nPhoto credit: [Alex Person](https://unsplash.com/@xelaperson)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/b15c7bc35c4766b09dae1be37f178ca8/14b42/0044ea06b78647c835f3208515eefeae.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b15c7bc35c4766b09dae1be37f178ca8/f836f/0044ea06b78647c835f3208515eefeae.jpg 200w,\n/static/b15c7bc35c4766b09dae1be37f178ca8/2244e/0044ea06b78647c835f3208515eefeae.jpg 400w,\n/static/b15c7bc35c4766b09dae1be37f178ca8/14b42/0044ea06b78647c835f3208515eefeae.jpg 800w,\n/static/b15c7bc35c4766b09dae1be37f178ca8/47498/0044ea06b78647c835f3208515eefeae.jpg 1200w,\n/static/b15c7bc35c4766b09dae1be37f178ca8/0e329/0044ea06b78647c835f3208515eefeae.jpg 1600w,\n/static/b15c7bc35c4766b09dae1be37f178ca8/2e21c/0044ea06b78647c835f3208515eefeae.jpg 3632w","srcWebp":"/static/b15c7bc35c4766b09dae1be37f178ca8/58556/0044ea06b78647c835f3208515eefeae.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b15c7bc35c4766b09dae1be37f178ca8/61e93/0044ea06b78647c835f3208515eefeae.webp 200w,\n/static/b15c7bc35c4766b09dae1be37f178ca8/1f5c5/0044ea06b78647c835f3208515eefeae.webp 400w,\n/static/b15c7bc35c4766b09dae1be37f178ca8/58556/0044ea06b78647c835f3208515eefeae.webp 800w,\n/static/b15c7bc35c4766b09dae1be37f178ca8/99238/0044ea06b78647c835f3208515eefeae.webp 1200w,\n/static/b15c7bc35c4766b09dae1be37f178ca8/7c22d/0044ea06b78647c835f3208515eefeae.webp 1600w,\n/static/b15c7bc35c4766b09dae1be37f178ca8/46715/0044ea06b78647c835f3208515eefeae.webp 3632w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2871-markdown","title":"Is Cannabidiol, or CBD, Really Non-Psychoactive?","slug":"is-cannabidiol-or-cbd-really-non-psychoactive","content":"Cannabidiol (CBD), one of cannabis’s most plentiful medicinal chemicals, has been getting a lot of press lately for being safe, medically effective and non-psychoactive. Most coverage of CBD mentions that it’s non-psychoactive, and it makes sense why. Compared to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid that imparts cannabis’s euphoric high, CBD seems like it doesn’t affect the mind at all.\n\nBut is this true? Or does CBD actually have its own set of psychoactive effects? \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \n\n### How CBD Works\n\nBefore we discuss CBD’s psychoactivity, we need to understand how it works. \n\nCBD, like THC, works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This crucial system of neurotransmitters is [found all over the body and controls or affects some of its most important functions](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a8a629cf24d1300077ccb53/want-to-improve-your-health-make-sure-your-endocannabinoid-system-is-balanced), such as:\n\n* Hunger\n* Pain\n* Stress response\n* Memory building \n* Inflammation\n* Sleep\n* Muscle control\n* Energy\n* Mood\n\nRELATED: [WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT CANNABIDIOL, OR CBD?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a8dafa0f24d1300077ccb59/whats-so-great-about-cannabidiol-or-cbd)\n\nThe ECS both produces and is activated by the body’s natural endocannabinoids. And it also happens to be activated by plant cannabinoids like THC and CBD, the medicinally potent chemicals in cannabis. These cannabinoids interact with the ECS receptors called CB1 and CB2 to produce a wide variety of effects. \n\nTHC mimics the natural endocannabinoid [anandamide](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a949d06f24d1300077ccb66/eating-anandamide-the-bliss-molecule), fitting into the CB1 receptor’s “orthosteric” primary binding site like a lock and key, and triggering a cascade of signals, which lead to THC’s high. This euphoric and psychoactive effect can leave some cannabis consumers (especially new ones) feeling like their mind isn’t functioning the same way: \n\n* Thoughts and reflexes may slow down.\n* Disorientation may occur.\n* Emotions may shift dramatically in positive or negative directions.\n\nFor many, this is a highly psychoactive event. \n\nBut CBD works differently, hooking into a different part of the CB1 receptor, known as an “allosteric” binding site. This doesn’t cause the same cascade of signals that we find with THC. Instead, it alters the way that THC and endocannabinoids can hook into the CB1 receptor. It actually limits the psychoactive effects of these other compounds, while allowing many of their other effects to come through. \n\nBut CBD doesn’t just dampen the psychoactive effects of THC. It also interacts with CB2 receptors to create calming and sedative effects. CBD also activates adenosine receptors, which regulate both dopamine and glutamate levels in the brain. \n\nThese functions clearly affect the mind. This leads to big questions about why we call CBD non-psychoactive. \n\n### The Non-Psychoactive Debate Around CBD\n\nWhen comparing CBD to THC, it’s clear that THC has a more dramatic and noticeable effect on mental activity. And many trying to describe the difference between the two—from doctors to scientists to the media—have used the term non-psychoactive when referring to CBD. \n\nBut is CBD actually non-psychoactive? \n\nNot if we use the word “psychoactive” literally, which simply means “affecting the mind.”\n\nWhile many are using the term “psychoactive” to describe the kind of heightened mental experience produced by THC or other highly mind-altering drugs, for something to qualify as psychoactive, it simply has to affect the mind. \n\nAnd there’s little doubt that CBD affects the mind. Its anti-anxiety effects, and even its ability to reduce the psychoactive effects of THC, show that it affects mental activity—just not in a way that reduces someone’s ability to function or makes them feel high. \n\nNow, [cannabis researchers like Dr. Ethan Russo are calling for scientists and the press to stop saying CBD is non-psychoactive](https://www.theleafnews.com/news/clearing-air-on-cbd-488904401.html) and revise their language. CBD won’t get you high, but it can affect your mind.\n\n### How Should We Describe CBD? \n\nSo how should we describe CBD, if “non-psychoactive” isn’t the right term? \n\nFrom a user-friendly point of view, it’s important to distinguish between the effects you may expect from THC and those you’d expect from CBD, so that people know what to expect from their medicine. Some say using the phrases “psychotropic” and “non-psychotropic” is the right shift, but this just pushes the problem back to another word that means the same thing: “affecting the mind.” \n\nOthers say “intoxicating” and “non-intoxicating” are the right terms—and for sure CBD is non-intoxicating. But I would argue that “intoxicating” isn’t the right way to describe THC’s effects either. This term means that something causes someone to lose control of their faculties and behavior, or that it poisons them. The term is usually associated with alcohol, which actually poisons the body as it causes people to lose control of their faculties (and a certain amount will cause a toxic overdose). \n\nSaying something is intoxicating suggests that something is also toxic. THC has no known toxic dose, and simply activates the body's natural receptors, so tacking on the term “intoxicating” seems as inaccurate to say of THC as “non-psychoactive” is of CBD.\n\nInstead, the real answer is the complicated one. We don’t have a simple medical term to substitute out for non-psychoactive. If we did, we likely wouldn’t have started using the term incorrectly with so much frequency. Instead we may have to use more words than one, and say things like:\n\n* CBD doesn’t have the _same_ psychoactive effects as THC does.\n* CBD doesn’t get you high like THC can.\n* CBD doesn’t impair your mental functioning the way THC sometimes can.\n\nThese phrases aren’t as quick and easy as a single word like “non-psychoactive,” but they’re a lot more accurate. \n\nUntil we invent a new word that distinguishes between these different kinds of mental experiences, adding specificity to the way we talk about CBD may be the best option we have. \n\nPhoto credit: [WeedPornDaily](https://www.flickr.com/people/weedporndaily/)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3793103448275863,"src":"/static/1efaf49903d476f313301b668ad0b20e/14b42/0519569db920fc0b2a330c79ad39145b.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1efaf49903d476f313301b668ad0b20e/f836f/0519569db920fc0b2a330c79ad39145b.jpg 200w,\n/static/1efaf49903d476f313301b668ad0b20e/2244e/0519569db920fc0b2a330c79ad39145b.jpg 400w,\n/static/1efaf49903d476f313301b668ad0b20e/14b42/0519569db920fc0b2a330c79ad39145b.jpg 800w,\n/static/1efaf49903d476f313301b668ad0b20e/47498/0519569db920fc0b2a330c79ad39145b.jpg 1200w,\n/static/1efaf49903d476f313301b668ad0b20e/0e329/0519569db920fc0b2a330c79ad39145b.jpg 1600w,\n/static/1efaf49903d476f313301b668ad0b20e/a5d0d/0519569db920fc0b2a330c79ad39145b.jpg 1645w","srcWebp":"/static/1efaf49903d476f313301b668ad0b20e/58556/0519569db920fc0b2a330c79ad39145b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1efaf49903d476f313301b668ad0b20e/61e93/0519569db920fc0b2a330c79ad39145b.webp 200w,\n/static/1efaf49903d476f313301b668ad0b20e/1f5c5/0519569db920fc0b2a330c79ad39145b.webp 400w,\n/static/1efaf49903d476f313301b668ad0b20e/58556/0519569db920fc0b2a330c79ad39145b.webp 800w,\n/static/1efaf49903d476f313301b668ad0b20e/99238/0519569db920fc0b2a330c79ad39145b.webp 1200w,\n/static/1efaf49903d476f313301b668ad0b20e/7c22d/0519569db920fc0b2a330c79ad39145b.webp 1600w,\n/static/1efaf49903d476f313301b668ad0b20e/b31dc/0519569db920fc0b2a330c79ad39145b.webp 1645w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":24,"numPages":15,"currentPage":3,"id":5053,"name":"Cannabis 101","slug":"cannabis-101","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}