• The crop is easy to grow organically without using chemicals and is very pest resistant.
• It is also low risk due to the fact that the plant is easy to grow.
• It gives high profit per hectare to farmers because they can profit from the whole plant and the seeds.
• It can replace fish oil as the plant is very rich in Omega 3 and contains the optimal 1:3 ratio of omega 3 to 6.
• There is a large population of people who believe it can have a relaxation effect. Therefore, it is popular for recreational use.
• There are also a lot of people claiming that the plant helps relieve different symptoms.

CBD stands for cannabidiol – one of over 100 natural cannabinoids found in cannabis sativa (one of the Latin names for this type of cannabis). It has a variety of health benefits, is legal in most countries, non-toxic and completely non-psychoactive.

What is CBD anyway?

We believe that CBD is the most amazing natural molecule found in the cannabis plant — and we’re dedicated to producing only the finest and purest quality CBD hemp oil. But, we understand that the term ‘CBD hemp oil’ can be a confusing one that creates a lot of questions.

 Hemp oil is derived from the common hemp plant, which naturally contains CBD — one of over 100 natural compounds found in cannabis plants. Yes, cannabis (cannabis sativa) is the cannabis species, hemp.

The definition of ‘hemp’ is commonly used for cannabis strains that contain very low levels of THC (the compound that will make you high). CBD hemp oil is completely legal because it contains very little THC — around 0.3 percent to be exact.

When cannabis is grown with high levels of THC, it is commonly referred to as marijuana and so has psychoactive effects. This makes it illegal in most countries.

Technically, ‘hemp oil’ refers to any oil that’s made from the hemp plant. It’s possible to extract oils in order to access things other than CBD, such as essential vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, fatty acids and other non-psychoactive compounds.

There tends to be two main oils that can be made from hemp:

This oil is extracted from the seeds to be used when cooking and typically contains no CBD.

This oil has been extracted from the stalk of a hemp plant for its CBD content (otherwise known as CBD hemp oil). To be legal, it must have no more than 0.3 percent THC.

CBD contains an extensive list of naturally-occurring vitamins, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Because of this, CBD hemp oil can be used as both a medical and food supplement. Essentially, it contains all the goodness of CBD, without the high of marijuana.

As well as being used as part of people’s daily diets, scientific research suggests that CBD hemp oil can also be used to treat a variety of conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain and skin conditions.

Cannabidiol oil (CBD) is a natural botanical extract of the hemp plant (which only contains trace amount of THC, less than 0.3%). CBD oil is often derived from other strains that contain more THC. The CBD compound is same in all CBD oils, whether its hemp or otherwise. CBD is CBD. But where it’s derived from makes the difference.

CBD hemp oil interacts with your body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This vast system looks after your body’s general state of balance (otherwise known as homeostasis). It’s made up of chemical compounds and receptors that all act to maintain your mind and body’s balance.

This means that when used, CBD hemp oil helps functions such as your appetite, mood, immune response, pain and sleep by correcting anything that’s slightly out of alignment in order to keep us nice and ‘level’.

As well as positively affecting the endocannabinoid system, CBD hemp oil has been shown to have a range of benefits, such as:

• May relieve pain
• May reduce inflammation
• May reduce anxiety
• May help to fight cancer
• May treat some neurological disorders and seizures
• May relieve nausea
• May promote good sleep/ help with insomnia
• May promote cardiovascular health

The endocannabinoid system is a homeostatic regulator of neuronal activity and almost every other physiological system in the body. It has a regulatory role on pain, inflammation, memory, emotion, sleep and metabolic function.

It comprises a vast network of receptors in the brain, central and peripheral nervous system and cannabis-like compounds called endocannabinoids.

It has been likened to a dimmer switch, constantly working to bring balance when there is too much or too little activity in the body.

Plant cannabinoids like CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system, which researchers believe may explain some of the reported physiological effects of the cannabis plant.

Scientists also believe that when this system isn’t working correctly, diseases can occur. This is known as Endocannabinoid Deficiency and could be at the root of many conditions such as migraines, fibromyalgia, IBS and multiple sclerosis.

Recent research has demonstrated that active compounds from other plants species such as carrot (Daucus carota), kava (Piper methyscum), New Zealand liverwort (Radula marginata), ginger (Zingiber officinale) and black pepper (Piper nigrum) contain compounds which interact with the endocannabinoid system.

CBDa is the acidic precursor of CBD. That means if you took some freshly harvested hemp plants, they would contain mostly CBDa and only a little CBD. It’s through the drying and heating process that CBDa turns into CBD (Cannabidiol).

THCa is the acidic precursor of THC. That means if you took some freshly harvested cannabis plants, they would contain mostly THCa and only a little THC. It’s through the drying and heating process that THCa turns into THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol).

Although CBD oil and hemp oil are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a difference.

• Hemp oil is technically any oil that is derived from the hemp plant
• CBD oil is an oil that contains the compound CBD (cannabidiol). The compound itself is extracted from the cannabis or hemp plant and used to create an oil.

Typically, CBD oils derived from hemp have low levels of THC. But, it’s worth noting that ‘CBD oil’ may also be referred to as ‘CBD hemp oil’. This is when the CBD oil has been taken from the hemp plant exclusively. When the CBD oil has been extracted from the plant and contains other plant compounds this is known as ‘whole plant’ CBD oil, or full spectrum CBD oil. 

CBD products have a shelf life of 2 years when stored in a sealed container, away from moisture and light.

Over 23,000 studies have been published in peer-reviewed medical journals over the past ten years studying the effects of cannabis, cannabis oil, and cannabinoids on the body. As CBD Ultra cannot make any medical claims regarding the health benefits of hemp supplementation due to the UK's MHRA laws, we advise all customers to research this area themselves extensively.

There are various ways to take CBD oil. These are:

• Taking CBD oil sublingually/ under the tongue
• Ingesting CBD through edibles
• Inhaling CBD through vaping
• Applying CBD to the skin topically
• Using CBD suppositories vaginally or anally

The best way to take CBD oil depends on the individual. For example, if you’re after a quick and effective way to take CBD oil that can be done anytime, anywhere, then taking CBD oil under the tongue could be the best method for you.

However, if you don’t like the taste of hemp and want an easier way to see how many milligrams of CBD you’re taking, swallowing CBD capsules could be the best way to take CBD.

Alternatively, if you want to avoid digestion completely (or have isolated pain for example), then applying CBD skin care or using CBD suppositories could arguably be the best method for you. To see the best way to take CBD depending on your preferences.

Also known as sublingual, this method is better than simply swallowing as the CBD is allowed to enter the bloodstream far more quickly via the capillaries under your tongue. 

Follow our step-by-step guide to fully experience the effect of CBD. The CBD drops come into effect after about half an hour. 

• Don’t eat, drink or smoke for around five minutes before and after using CBD
• Stand in front of a mirror to see how many drops you’re placing under your tongue (around two to three drops, dosage may differ person to person)
• Let the drops sit there for around one to two minutes
• After two minutes, swallow what’s left of the CBD oil
• Repeat this twice a day 

• You like the taste
• It’s easy to use
• It can be done anytime, anywhere
• It’s quick and effective
• It’s easy to manage dosing if you’re new to CBD

If you’re still wondering what CBD hemp oil is all about, If you need a helping hand making an informed decision, you can also send us a message via email — our support team will be happy to help. healthleaf@protonmail.com 

    Preventive medicine is a hot topic these days as everyone is looking for ways to stay healthy and avoid illness.    

By Bonni S. Goldstein, MD On August 29, 2018       

Our bodies consist of many unique physiologic systems whose sole purpose is to maintain an internal balance called homeostasis. We know the pancreas releases insulin to balance glucose levels between the bloodstream and cells. The thyroid gland releases thyroid hormone, which regulates vital bodily functions related to metabolism, body temperature and much more. Simply put, our bodies are working constantly to stay balanced in response to our external environment.

In the quest to understand how THC causes its well-known intoxicating effects, scientists discovered that we have yet another regulatory physiologic system, called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), whose role is to maintain homeostasis of the messages sent between our cells. Further research has shown that sickness, inflammation, and injury will trigger the ECS to take action, working to reset our internal environment back to homeostasis. This system has been described as being protective and necessary for life. What if we could target this system to prevent illness and maintain better health?

The ECS is the most widespread receptor system in the human body. It is made up of three main parts: cannabinoid receptors; compounds called endocannabinoids; and the enzymes that make and break down the endocannabinoids.

Another factor that promotes well being of the ECS is aerobic exercise. Animal studies report that voluntary wheel running increases cannabinoid receptors in the brain and increases the sensitivity of the receptors to endocannabinoids. Human studies have shown that exercise such as running, biking and hiking enhance
well as the gut, immune system, and peripheral nervous system. When there is a trigger that causes an imbalance, such as an injury or illness, endocannabinoids are released, acting as “keys” that bind to the receptors, which act as “locks” on our cells. Once the receptor is activated, a chemical reaction takes place in the cell, telling the cell to change its message.

ECS functioning depends on many factors, including genetics, age, stress levels, diet, and overall level of health. There can be variants in the genes that code for the ECS which can lead to propensities for certain conditions, such as ADHD and PTSD. Additionally, chronic illness, chronic stress and/or chronic sleep deprivation may lead to depletion of the endocannabinoids. These disruptions in the normal functioning of the ECS interfere with its ability to regulate cellular imbalances and achieve homeostasis.

In 2004, Ethan Russo, a neurologist and research scientist, published Clinical endocannabinoids Deficiency (CECD): Can this concept explain therapeutic benefits of cannabis in migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and other treatment-resistant conditions? in the journal Neuroendocrinology Letters. Russo theorized that certain individuals with the listed conditions responded to cannabis-based treatments because they had endocannabinoid deficiencies that allowed the condition to manifest in the first place.

Subsequent research has demonstrated that endocannabinoid deficiency plays a role in autoimmune diseases, epilepsy, complex regional pain syndrome, cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, nausea, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, menstrual symptoms, failure to thrive in newborns, and other difficult-to-treat conditions.

The cannabis plant produces over 100 phytocannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds mimic the endocannabinoids by interacting with the ECS and restoring homeostasis. Rather than wait until illness is present, there are many ways to take good care of your ECS, which will allow it to function properly, avoid deficiencies and maintain homeostasis.

It’s common knowledge that a healthy, balanced diet is necessary for emotional and physical well-being. Our bodies rely on our diet to produce the right amount of endocannabinoids to function at optimal capacity. Cannabinoids are synthesized from the fatty acids in our diets and require a specific balance of omega-6 and omega-3 in order to be produced in the right quantities.

For maximum bioavailability, the optimal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids from food is between 5:1 and 1:1, the lower the better for those with chronic illness. Western diets routinely consist of ratios of 20:1, mainly due to the overconsumption of omega-6 fatty acids which come from vegetable oils in many packaged foods. Western diets with higher ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids results in a reduction of endocannabinoids, leading to the inability to maintain homeostasis.

Another factor that promotes well being of the ECS is aerobic exercise. Animal studies report that voluntary wheel running increases cannabinoid receptors in the brain and increases the sensitivity of.
the receptors to endocannabinoids. Human studies have shown that exercise such as running, biking and hiking enhance endocannabinoid levels in the bloodstream. In fact, endocannabinoids are likely responsible for the phenomenon described as the “runner’s high.”

Probiotics may also benefit the ECS. Lactobacillus acidophilus, a probiotic bacteria found in fermented foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut, was shown to induce the expression of cannabinoid receptors in the gut, promoting intestinal homeostasis.

Both acupuncture and osteopathic manipulation enhance the ECS. Yoga and meditation elicit the “relaxation response,” a physiological phenomenon whereby one can consciously engage in behavior that promotes mental and physical wellness; although no studies have been done to date, most experts suspect these stress management modalities enhance the ECS thereby promoting homeostasis.

Lastly, what about the ability of cannabis to prevent illness? Plant cannabinoids are well-known to be very safe and to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. In cases of endocannabinoid deficiency, cannabis use may be the correcting compound, eliminating the symptoms of the condition. Regular cannabis use can decrease chronic inflammation and buildup of free radicals, both of which are thought to be the root causes of many conditions, including autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders.

Cannabis is associated with lower fasting insulin levels and lower insulin resistance, suggesting protection against the development of diabetes. Early this year, German scientists found that chronic low doses of THC reversed the age-related decline in cognitive performance in old mice.

Additionally, research has documented the significant reduction of the use of prescription medications in states with medical cannabis laws, resulting in about a one quarter reduction in opiate deaths.

Many patients report that cannabis use enhances their overall health by promoting quality sleep, reducing anxiety and depression, and lessening pain and inflammation so that they can continue to be active participants in their lives. Although exact doses and cannabinoid combinations for preventive indications have not been researched, it is likely that low intermittent doses that include both THC and CBD will augment the ECS without causing adverse effects. A healthy diet (including fatty acids in the correct balance), aerobic exercise and stress management will help your ECS to maintain homeostasis.

Take care of your endocannabinoid system and it will take care of you.

Dr. Bonni Goldstein, a Los Angeles-based physician, is the author of Cannabis Revealed and the medical director of Canna-Centers, which offers educational seminars and webinars on cannabis therapeutics.

Looking to buy CBD but don’t know where to start? It’s a common issue for those looking where to buy CBD oil; as awareness grows around the benefits of CBD, it can be hard to decide where to purchase your CBD oil from. You may wonder about a range of factors before deciding to purchase  - the quality, strength and ingredients in your CBD oil, or perhaps the legality and safety around using it. 

It can be frustrating when looking for CBD oil for sale online to navigate the maze of webshops and companies offering different CBD products. However, it’s important to fully research your purchase to ensure companies are legitimate, safe and transparent in their methods of production.

You can either buy direct from a CBD oil producer like CBD Ultra or you can find a reseller who stocks the brand you want. Buying direct from a producer can sometimes work out cheaper but this isn’t always the case.

A reseller can be a better choice if the legality of CBD is in question in your country or you don’t want to go through the risk or hassle of importing CBD through customs or across state lines. It’s always a good idea to contact the producer or reseller and check where their shipping facilities are located.

Exercise caution with companies making strong medical claims or attempting medical advice; this goes directly against the current FDA guidelines. Even though CBD Oil has many anecdotal health benefits, in most countries making medical claims is rightfully against the law.

For more information on accessing CBD in Australia email healthleaf@protonmail.com

All are actually cannabis plants. However, hemp or industrial hemp is a term commonly used for cannabis strains that contain very low levels of THC – to be precise below 0.3% THC. Marijuana, in general, is a word used for plants that contain high amounts of THC.

Our grandfathers did not know anything about THC (that it is psychoactive) and were just growing cannabis and calling it hemp. It’s only in modern times that the definition of hemp means low levels of THC.

On street level, when a cannabis plant is analysed it’s found to contain 1%-22% THC. Cannabis products can even contain up to 98% THC.

Hemp and Cannabis are scientifically and genetically the same plant that has been cultivated in different ways to achieve different effects.
Medical cannabis plants have been selectively bred over the years to produce female flowering plants that yield budding flowers, and it's these buds that contain THC.  These plants are purposefully cultivated to contain high levels of psychoactive THC as they are then used recreationally, spiritually, and medicinally and are available in Australia on prescription.

In contrast, hemp plants are tall and do not produce any flowering buds, therefore containing trace amounts of THC.  The hemp plant is legally grown all around the world for use in products ranging from textiles to building materials, and food and supplements and it is legal to buy and sell in the UK and Australia. If you would like help or information on accessing either hemp or medical cannabis please e-mail, healthleaf@protonmail.com

The definitions of what is classified as marijuana, cannabis or hemp are quite clear – at least according to the codes of the United States. Under U.S. law, cannabis is the plant itself, and hemp and marijuana are specific parts of the plant. Hemp refers to the sterilized seeds, stems, stalks and roots. Marijuana is in reference to the viable seeds, leaves and flowers.

While this is the easiest way to explain it, research has shown that the differentiation between hemp and marijuana goes much deeper, and their traditional names are not necessarily indicative of the true genetic makeup of these plants. Through trait-mapping and genotyping, researchers have found the differences extend far beyond the genes involved in the production of THC.

Unfortunately, marijuana has come to be the all-in-one term for the cannabis plant and all of its useful parts. When one refers to marijuana or any of its other common names or derivatives (Mary Jane, pot, hash, hashish, whacky-tobacky, etc.) they are referring to the leaves and flowering portions of the plant that contain many cannabinoids, which have both mental and physical effects on the human body when ingested. Marijuana with these effects is produced on cannabis plants with greater than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the principal psychoactive portion of the plant. Some strains can go up to as much as 20 percent. Concentrations of THC are largely dependent on how it is ingested as well. The average for marijuana is 1-5 percent, 5-10 percent for hashish and 20 percent for hashish oil.

The recreational use of the cannabis plant to produce a “high” has overshadowed the myriad of industries that hemp is viable for, and this is precisely how and why the plant has and continues to receive such bad press. Hemp comes from cannabis plants with less than 0.3 percent THC. The petrochemical and textile industries realized they had a lot to lose monetarily if hemp came into widespread production, and thus the corporate elite set into motion a literal smokescreen of lies to bulldoze the public opinion into outlawing this productive plant in its entirety by including it in the Uniform Narcotic Drug Act in 1932.

Hemp is indigenous to Central Asia, and the cultivation of the crop for fibre can be traced back as far as 2800 BCE in Ancient China. Modern researchers have determined what ancient civilizations already knew – that hemp fibre is durable and extremely strong. Under heavy scrutiny, they found that although a myriad of factors affects the tensile strength of hemp, single fibre's obey Hooke’s law – which refers to the elastic behaviour of solids in direct proportion to an applied force.

It is for this reason that industrial hemp fibre is viable for many uses, including artificial sponges, burlap, cable, canvas, linens and clothing, paper, rope, twine, string and yarn. Moreover, its roots and seeds produce oil that can be used for medicinal purposes, hold nutritional value for human consumption, and can be used in the production of paints, varnishes and soaps.

The cannabis plant can offer so much to the world in its varying forms. If the laws and industry allow, soon we may find it in some form or another in our everyday life, from the paper we write on and the clothes we wear to how we heal ourselves from illness and disease.

There are 2 main considerations....

Price per MG and ease of use, how many drops can you take a day. Many of the 30 and 50 ML bottles contain the same amount of CBD mixed in with a carrier oil such as MCT which is fine it just means your likely to have to take 10 x the amount of drops per day and not saving your self any money. See below how to calculate, we  are using 1000mg as an example. Most peoples sweet spot is between 20-40mg a day 

It doesn’t get you high, but it’s causing quite a buzz among medical scientists and patients. The past year has seen a surge of interest in cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating cannabis compound with significant therapeutic properties. Numerous commercial start-ups and internet retailers have jumped on the CBD bandwagon, touting CBD derived from hemp as the next big thing, a miracle oil that can shrink tumors, quell seizures, and ease chronic pain—without making people feel “stoned.” But along with a growing awareness of cannabidiol as a potential health aid there has been a proliferation of misconceptions about CBD.

#1 “CBD is medical. THC is recreational.”

Project CBD receives many inquiries from around the world and oftentimes people say they are seeking “CBD, the medical part” of the plant, “not THC, the recreational part” that gets you high. Actually, THC, “The High Causer,” has awesome therapeutic properties. Scientists at the Scripps Research Centre in San Diego reported that THC inhibits an enzyme implicated in the formation of  amyloid beta plaque, the hallmark of Alzheimer’s-related dementia. The federal government recognizes single-molecule THC (Marinol) as an anti-nausea compound and appetite booster, deeming it a Schedule III pharmaceutical, a category reserved for drugs with little abuse potential. But whole plant cannabis, which is the only natural source of THC, continues to be classified as a dangerous Schedule I drug with no medical value.

#2 “THC is the bad cannabinoid. CBD is the good cannabinoid.” 

The drug warrior’s strategic retreat: Give ground on CBD while continuing to demonize THC. Diehard marijuana prohibitionists are exploiting the good news about CBD to further stigmatize high-THC cannabis, casting tetrahydrocannabinol as the bad cannabinoid, whereas CBD is framed as the good cannabinoid. Why? Because CBD doesn’t make you feel high like THC does. Project CBD categorically rejects this moralistic, reefer madness dichotomy in favour of whole plant cannabis therapeutics. (Read the foundational science paper: A Tale of Two Cannabinoids.)

#3 “CBD is most effective without THC.

”THC and CBD are the power couple of cannabis compounds—they work best together. Scientific studies have established that CBD and THC interact synergistically to enhance each other’s therapeutic effects. British researchers have shown that CBD potentiates THC’s anti-inflammatory properties in an animal model of colitis. Scientists at the California Pacific Medical Centre in San Francisco determined that a combination of CBD and THC has a more potent anti-tumoral effect than either compound alone when tested on brain cancer and breast cancer cell lines. And extensive clinical research has demonstrated that CBD combined with THC is more beneficial for neuropathic pain than either compound as a single molecule.

#4 “Single-molecule pharmaceuticals are superior to ‘crude’ whole plant medicinals.” According to the federal government, specific components of the marijuana plant (THC, CBD) have medical value, but the plant itself does not have medical value. Uncle Sam’s single-molecule blinders reflect a cultural and political bias that privileges Big Pharma products. Single-molecule medicine is the predominant corporate way, the FDA-approved way, but it’s not the only way, and it’s not necessarily the optimal way to benefit from cannabis therapeutics. Cannabis contains several hundred compounds, including various flavonoids, aromatic terpenes, and many minor cannabinoids in addition to THC and CBD. Each of these compounds has specific healing attributes, but when combined they create what scientists refer to as a holistic “entourage effect” or “ensemble effect,” so that the therapeutic impact of the whole plant is greater than the sum of its single-molecule parts. The Food and Drug Administration, however, isn’t in the business of approving plants as medicine.

#5 “CBD is not psychoactive.”

CBD is not an intoxicant, but it’s misleading to describe CBD as non-psychoactive. When a clinically depressed patient takes a low dose of a CBD-rich sublingual spray or tincture and has a great day for the first time in a long time, it’s apparent that CBD is a powerful mood-altering compound. Better to say, “CBD is not psychoactive like THC,” than to simply assert that CBD is not psychoactive. CBD won’t make a person feel stoned, but it can impact a person’s psyche in positive ways.

#6 “Psychoactivity is inherently an adverse side effect.” 

According to politically correct drug war catechism, the marijuana high is an unwanted side effect. Big Pharma is keen on synthesizing medically active marijuana-like molecules that don’t make people high—although it’s not obvious why mild euphoric feelings are intrinsically negative for a sick person or a healthy person, for that matter. In ancient Greece, the word euphoria meant “having health,” a state of well-being. The euphoric qualities of cannabis, far from being an unwholesome side effect, are deeply implicated in the therapeutic value of the plant. “We should be thinking of cannabis as a medicine first,” said Dr. Tod Mikuriya, “that happens to have some psychoactive properties, as many medicines do, rather than as an intoxicant that happens to have a few therapeutic properties on the side.”

#7 “CBD is sedating.” 

Moderate doses of CBD are mildly energizing (“alerting”). But very high doses of CBD may trigger a biphasic effect and can be sleep-promoting. If CBD-rich cannabis flower confers a sedating effect, it’s likely because of a myrcene-rich terpene profile. Myrcene is a terpene with sedative and painkilling properties. CBD is not intrinsically sedating, but it may help to restore better sleeping patterns by reducing anxiety.

#8 “High doses of CBD work better than low doses.”

CBD isolates require higher doses to be effective than whole plant CBD-rich oil extracts. But that doesn’t mean single-molecule CBD is a better therapeutic option than CBD-rich cannabis, which has a wider therapeutic window than a CBD isolate. Reports from clinicians and patients suggest that a synergistic combination of CBD, THC, and other cannabis components can be effective at low doses – as little as 2.5 mg CBD and/or 2.5 mg THC. Some patients may require significantly higher doses of CBD oil to obtain satisfactory results. Keep in mind that CBD and THC and cannabis in general have biphasic properties, meaning that low and high doses can produce opposite effects. An excessive amount of CBD could be less effective therapeutically than a moderate dose.

#9 “CBD converts to THC in a person’s stomach.”

Orally administered CBD is well-tolerated in humans. But concerns about possible harmful side effects, which might limit CBD’s therapeutic utility and market potential, were raised by misleading reports that CBD converts to high-causing THC in the stomach. It does not (read the evidence). There have been extensive clinical trials demonstrating that ingested CBD—even doses above 600 mg—does not cause THC-like psychoactive effects. On the contrary, CBD in sufficient amounts can lessen or neutralize the THC high. The World Health Organization studied the issue and gave CBD a clean bill of health in a 2017 report that asserted: “Simulated gastric fluid does not exactly replicate physiological conditions in the stomach [and] spontaneous conversation of CBD to delta-9-THC has not been demonstrated in humans undergoing CBD treatment.”

#10 “CBD is fully legal in the United States because it’s no longer a controlled substance.” 

Not quite. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp (defined as cannabis with less than 0.3 percent THC) in the United States and removed various derivatives of hemp, including CBD, from the purview of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Controlled Substances Act. But the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) views CBD as a pharmaceutical drug. And because it has already approved CBD as a pharmaceutical (Epidiolex) for treating two forms of paediatric epilepsy, the FDA maintains that it is illegal to sell hemp-derived CBD as a dietary supplement. The DEA, meanwhile, retains jurisdiction over CBD derived from marijuana (cannabis with more than 0.3 percent THC), which is still prohibited under federal law. Rooted in reefer madness racism and enforced disproportionately against people of colour, marijuana prohibition is akin to the Confederate statue still standing – a testament to enduring bigotry and social injustice.

#11 “Legalizing CBD, but not cannabis, adequately serves the patient population.” Seventeen U.S. states have enacted “CBD only” (or, better said, “low THC” or “no THC”) laws. And 30 states have legalized medical marijuana (not just CBD) in one form or another. Some states restrict the sources of CBD-rich products and specify the diseases for which CBD can be accessed; others do not. But a CBD-rich remedy with little THC doesn’t work for everyone. Parents of epileptic children have found that adding some THC (or THCA, the raw, unheated version of THC) helps with seizure control. For some epileptics (and many other people), THC-dominant products are more effective than CBD-rich products. Most patients are not well served by CBD-only laws. They should have access to a broad spectrum of whole plant cannabis remedies, not just low THC medicine. Anything less is a national scandal. One size doesn’t fit all with respect to cannabis therapeutics, and neither does one compound or one product or one strain. (Read more: Prohibition’s Last Gasp: “CBD Only”.)

#12 “CBD is CBD—It doesn’t matter where it comes from.”

It may be possible to extract CBD oil from some low-resin industrial hemp cultivars, but fibre hemp is by no means an optimal source of CBD. Industrial hemp typically contains far less cannabidiol than high-resin CBD-rich cannabis flower tops. Huge amounts of industrial hemp are required to extract a small amount of CBD, thereby raising the risk of contaminants because hemp is a “bio-accumulator” that draws toxins from the soil. But the debate over sourcing CBD is quickly becoming moot, as plant breeders focus on developing high-resin cannabis varietals (marijuana) that satisfy the legal criteria for industrial hemp – with THC measuring less than 0.3 percent and CBD levels exceeding 10 percent by dry weight. “Pure” CBD extracted and refined from industrial hemp or synthesized in a lab lacks critical medicinal terpenes and other plant compounds that interact with CBD and THC to enhance their therapeutic benefits. (See also: Sourcing CBD: Marijuana, Industrial Hemp & the Vagaries of Federal Law.)