uses for CBD distillate

What Do Most People Use CBD for?

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uses for CBD distillate

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Are you curious about the uses for CBD distillate? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, at least 33% of Americans have reportedly tried CBD at least once. As of 2022, 26% of American adults are currently using CBD, and 64% of Americans are familiar with the ingredient. 

To state it another way, according to Consumer Reports in 2019, 64 million Americans had used CBD sometime in the previous 24 months. And that number continues to grow. In the same report, Consumer Reports found 22% said CBD helped them lower the amount of prescription or over-the-counter drugs used. 1 

In comparison, in 2018, only 6% of Americans had used CBD. Now, more than a quarter of the U.S. population uses CBD, and 1 in 7 adults report using it daily. And within the next couple of years, CBD usage is expected to hit 35% of Americans.

What Is CBD Distillate? 

CBD distillate is made by extracting the CBD or cannabidiol oil from the cannabis plant. Many people raise their eyebrows when hearing the word “cannabis,” immediately thinking of marijuana or its psychoactive ingredient, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). While the two may be related, they are definitely not the same. And the two compounds have very different effects on the body.

Unlike THC, CBD comes from the industrial hemp plant and does not produce any psychoactive effects. This is because industrial hemp is nearly free of the psychoactive THC, containing less than 0.3% by law. That doesn’t mean CBD isn’t effective. One of over 100 cannabinoid chemicals found in cannabis, CBD is one of the most intriguing. In fact, this natural plant compound is sought after by millions to support them through various conditions.

What CBD Isn’t

There are a lot of misconceptions about CBD and what it is. For instance, 26% of Americans think CBD and marijuana are the same thing (they aren’t). Another 57% are afraid CBD will result in a positive drug test. This will not happen with any pure CBD distillates, which have 0% THC. 

Another 47% think that CBS is federally regulated as a drug. However, CBD is seen more like a supplement. So, while there is government oversight, the regulation differs from medications. 

Uses for CBD Distillate

The most common reason Americans use CBD is to help ease pain, with 64% reporting this as their primary reason. In second place comes anxiety and stress (49%), followed by 42% stating sleep and insomnia as their main reasons for using CBD distillate.

Other common reasons include:

  • Arthritis: 27%
  • Depression: 26%
  • Headaches (including migraines): 21%
  • Other mental health issues: 8%
  • Digestive health: 8%
  • Skincare: 6%
  • General health: 5%

Of course, we also know CBD may be helpful for pets as well, and 8% also list pet care as a primary reason. 

Women tend to use CBD for health reasons, including improved relaxation, stress and anxiety relief, and pain relief for muscles, joints, and headaches compared to men. Men are more likely to use CBD more socially and for spiritual use as well as to improve sleep.

In most cases, CBD users have found CBD to be effective for what they’re using it for. Nearly 62% of CBD users, for instance, say CBD helped with conditions like pain, anxiety, depression, or sleep issues. And, 36% of those people used CBD alone. On the other end, only 4.3% reported that CBD didn’t work very well for their condition. 2

Not everyone has jumped on the CBD bandwagon as of yet. For instance, 30% report they just haven’t found a product that appeals to them, another 25% aren’t familiar enough with CBD and its benefits, 16% have found CBD products don’t fit into their budgets, and 13% are concerned about side effects.

Younger folks—ages 18 to 29 years old—tend to be the most familiar with CBD and its benefits. Forty percent of this age group has tried CBD. In comparison, only 8% of people over 65 use CBD, though nearly half (49%) know what it is.

Results, of course, also vary from person to person. There are just so many variables when it comes to CBD distillates, such as:

  • Products
  • Hemp strains
  • How the product is used (e.g., tinctures, tablets, sprays, lotions and balms, bath bombs, foods, coffee, gummies, etc.)
  • Dosage
  • Weight
  • Condition
  • And more.
uses for CBD distillate

Photo by Юлія Вівчарик on Unsplash

State of CBD Appeal

While CBD is available throughout the U.S., not all states use equal amounts of it. The states that use the most are California, Florida, and New York. In addition, people in western states are more likely to use CBD at 21%, while eastern and midwestern states are less likely with only 11% usage. 

Yet even in states that use less, interest and popularity are growing due to the potential benefits of CBD. 

What Is CBD Distillate Good for?

There are many uses and claimed benefits of CBD distillate. But it isn’t a one-size-fits-all miracle compound. To find out how effective CBD may be, we need rigorous double-blind, controlled studies. Fortunately, more and more research is coming in, and CBD has been found in studies to potentially help decrease: 

  • Chronic neuropathic pain 3
  • Anxiety 4, 5
  • Pain and inflammation (in both animal and human studies and with and without THC) 6 – 14 
  • Insomnia and symptoms of PTSD like nightmares 15 – 17
  • Nausea and vomiting 18 
  • And even seizures in some cases 19, 20  

Other research found CBD may help promote:

  • A calm mental state 5
  • Quality sleep 5
  • Heart health by helping reduce resting blood pressure 21, 22 

Uses for CBD Distillate Takeaway

CBD usage and popularity have skyrocketed over the last several years, and its use is only continuing to grow. CBD distillate can be found not only as tinctures but in a variety of products from bath bombs and gummies to dog drops, salves, and treats. Fortunately, the science is ongoing to help us understand how and why CBD distillate can benefit human and pet health.

Ready to explore more CBD distillate uses for pets and how the best CBD for pets—ABSC Organics—can help your pet live a more vibrant, healthy life? Get started here. 

 

Related Information: 

 

References: 

  1. Gill LL. CBD goes mainstream [Internet]. Consumer Reports. 2019 [cited 2022Dec1]. Available from: https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/cbd-goes-mainstream/
     
  2. Corroon J, Phillips JA. A cross-sectional study of cannabidiol users. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2018 Jul 1;3(1):152-61. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043845/
  3. Hoggart B, Ratcliffe S, Ehler E, Simpson KH, Hovorka J, Lejčko J, Taylor L, Lauder H, Serpell M. A multicentre, open-label, follow-on study to assess the long-term maintenance of effect, tolerance and safety of THC/CBD oromucosal spray in the management of neuropathic pain. Journal of Neurology. 2015 Jan;262(1):27-40. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00415-014-7502-9
  4. Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015 Oct;12(4):825-36. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
  5. Shannon S, Lewis N, Lee H, Hughes S. Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: a large case series. The Permanente Journal. 2019;23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
  6. Hammell DC, Zhang LP, Ma F, Abshire SM, McIlwrath SL, Stinchcomb AL, Westlund KN. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain‐related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. European Journal of Pain. 2016 Jul;20(6):936-48. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
  7. Darkovska-Serafimovska M, Serafimovska T, Arsova-Sarafinovska Z, Stefanoski S, Keskovski Z, Balkanov T. Pharmacotherapeutic considerations for use of cannabinoids to relieve pain in patients with malignant diseases. Journal of Pain Research. 2018;11:837. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5922297/
  8. Eskander JP, Spall J, Spall A, Shah RV, Kaye AD. Cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment of acute and chronic back pain: A case series and literature review. J Opioid Manag. 2020 May 1;16(3):215-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32421842/
  9. Schilling JM, Hughes CG, Wallace MS, Sexton M, Backonja M, Moeller-Bertram T. Cannabidiol as a treatment for chronic pain: a survey of patients’ perspectives and attitudes. Journal of Pain Research. 2021;14:1241. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33981161/
  10. Russo M, Calabrò RS, Naro A, Sessa E, Rifici C, D’Aleo G, Leo A, De Luca R, Quartarone A, Bramanti P. Sativex in the management of multiple sclerosis-related spasticity: role of the corticospinal modulation. Neural Plasticity. 2015 Jan 29;2015. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25699191/
  11. Überall MA. A review of scientific evidence for THC: CBD oromucosal spray (nabiximols) in the management of chronic pain. Journal of Pain Research. 2020;13:399. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7027889/
  12. Boehnke KF, Gagnier JJ, Matallana L, Williams DA. Cannabidiol use for fibromyalgia: prevalence of use and perceptions of effectiveness in a large online survey. The Journal of Pain. 2021 May 1;22(5):556-66. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33400996/
  13. Fitzcharles MA, Clauw DJ, Hauser W. A cautious hope for cannabidiol (CBD) in rheumatology care. Arthritis Care & Research. 2020 Mar 7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32144889/
  14. Linares IM, Zuardi AW, Pereira LC, Queiroz RH, Mechoulam R, Guimarães FS, Crippa JA. Cannabidiol presents an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve in a simulated public speaking test. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry. 2018 Oct 11;41:9-14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30328956/
  15. Shannon S, Opila-Lehman J. Effectiveness of cannabidiol oil for pediatric anxiety and insomnia as part of posttraumatic stress disorder: a case report. The Permanente Journal. 2016;20(4). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5101100/
  16. Elms L, Shannon S, Hughes S, Lewis N. Cannabidiol in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: a case series. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2019 Apr 1;25(4):392-7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30543451/
  17. García-Gutiérrez MS, Navarrete F, Gasparyan A, Austrich-Olivares A, Sala F, Manzanares J. Cannabidiol: a potential new alternative for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders. Biomolecules. 2020 Nov 19;10(11):1575. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7699613/
  18. Johnson JR, Burnell-Nugent M, Lossignol D, Ganae-Motan ED, Potts R, Fallon MT. Multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of THC: CBD extract and THC extract in patients with intractable cancer-related pain. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2010 Feb 1;39(2):167-79. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19896326/
  19. Devinsky O, Marsh E, Friedman D, Thiele E, Laux L, Sullivan J, Miller I, Flamini R, Wilfong A, Filloux F, Wong M. Cannabidiol in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: an open-label interventional trial. The Lancet Neurology. 2016 Mar 1;15(3):270-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26724101/
  20. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves new indication for drug containing an active ingredient derived from cannabis to treat seizures in rare genetic disease. URL https://www.FDA.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-indication-drugcontaining-active-ingredient-derived-cannabis-treat-seizures-rare (accessed 3.15. 21). 2020 Mar 5.
  21. Jadoon KA, Tan GD, O’Sullivan SE. A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study. JCI Insight. 2017 Jun 6;2(12). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5470879/
  22. Sultan SR, O’Sullivan SE, England TJ. The effects of acute and sustained cannabidiol dosing for seven days on the haemodynamics in healthy men: A randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2020 Jun;86(6):1125-38. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7256118/
CBD for Dog Pain Relief

CBD for Dog Pain Relief

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What can you do when your dog is suffering from intense pain? Of course, a visit to your vet is the first step. But depending on the condition, even with proper care, pain can be so debilitating it’s difficult for your dog to drink, eat, or squat to use the bathroom. Prescribed medications can help, but they don’t always take away all of the pain, which is why many pet owners look for alternatives like CBD for dog pain relief.

Because CBD isn’t “prescribed” by veterinarians, many people look to other pet owners for information and inspiration on how to use CBD for dog pain relief. It is important, however, to remember that all pets are different. And it’s also crucial to keep your vet informed about the supplements, including CBD, you are giving to your dog, especially if they are also using medications. This is because CBD may affect how a substance is metabolized by the body, which could reduce how effective the medication is. 

CBD for Dog Pain Relief

Photo by Atanas Teodosiev on Unsplash

What Is CBD?

CBD is one of the most well-known and well-studied cannabinoids. The other is THC. These compounds have been found to mimic natural chemicals found in all mammals called endocannabinoids, so there are receptors found in every system in the body. Endocannabinoids are used by the body to regulate signals and help stabilize the body to maintain homeostasis. Because cannabinoids affect the same receptors, they may also affect these systems.

Cannabinoids are found in various foods, but the most common source is the cannabis plant. Some of these plants produce high levels of the THC compound, which causes users to feel high or stoned. Others, however, have very low levels of THC (less than .3%) and are typically referred to as industrial hemp. These plants can be grown to create higher levels of CBD, which avoids the “high” and instead may increase relaxation and pain relief. 

How Effective Is CBD for Dog Pain Relief?

CBD research is only in its infancy, but the results so far have been very promising when it comes to CBD for dog pain relief, especially arthritic pain. For instance, one study from Cornell University found that 2 mg/kg of CBD given twice per day helped increase comfort in dogs with pain from osteoarthritis. 1 According to the lead investigator, some dogs’ conditions were so bad that their owners had considered euthanasia. Within days of supplementing with CBD, some dogs were found to be significantly more mobile and even able to climb stairs. 2

CBD may be helpful for dogs by:

  • Managing pain
  • Supporting healthy levels of inflammation
  • Reducing the use of other pain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)—remember to work with your vet if your dog is on any medications
  • Promoting greater mobility

Many pet parents are more concerned with the safety of CBD for their dogs. Fortunately, a study done at Colorado State University found that CBD was well tolerated at dosages of 10 to 20 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks. 3 Minimal side effects were found, including mild diarrhea.

CBD appears to help relieve pain by reducing inflammation as well as affecting the opioid receptor response and the central nervous system. 3 And human studies as well as pre-clinical studies suggest CBD may help reduce other types of pain and the anxiety and stress that pain can cause. 

Photo by Luis Negron

How Soon Will Your Dog Find Relief?

Again, the research is still new, and all dogs are different. Depending on the condition, how well your dog metabolizes CBD, and how much you give them makes a big difference on how soon you’ll see results. 

In general, however, many pet parents have found that pain and mobility start to improve within two to four weeks. You may, however, have to adjust how much CBD you give your dog, starting with the lowest dose and slowly increasing as you find the sweet spot for your pet.

CBD Oil for Pain in Dogs Takeaway

CBD is showing so much promise in many aspects of the body. While the endocannabinoid system is one of the largest systems in the body, it’s also one of the latest to be discovered and, thus, the least explored. So keep checking back here with this blog as new research and uses emerge to help our furry friends. 

Ready to see how the best CBD for pets—ABSC Organics—can help your pet live a more vibrant, healthy life? Get started here. 

Related Information: 

References: 

  1. Gamble LJ, Boesch JM, Frye CW, Schwark WS, Mann S, Wolfe L, Brown H, Berthelsen ES, Wakshlag JJ. Pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical efficacy of cannabidiol treatment in osteoarthritic dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2018:165. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165/full
  2. Morrow L, Belshaw Z. Does the addition of cannabidiol alongside current drug treatments reduce pain in dogs with osteoarthritis? The Veterinary Record. 2020 May 2;186(15):493. https://www.proquest.com/openview/2c104cf1e29cb68615b962606a33adc2/1
  3. Richter G. The Current State of Cannabis Research in Veterinary Medicine. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/03/TVP-2020-0102_News.pdf
endocannabinoid system and CBD

The Endocannabinoid System Explained

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Most of us learned about various systems in the body back in high school biology. You may remember (at least vaguely) learning about body structure, the circulatory, respiratory, musculoskeletal, digestive, nervous, reproductive, and immune systems. But there was likely one entire system left out: the endocannabinoid system. And that’s left many people wondering what the endocannabinoid system is and CBD’s effects on it. 

So, what is the endocannabinoid system, and why didn’t we learn about it in school? 

While the endocannabinoid system has evolved in mammals for over 500 million years, it wasn’t discovered until the early 1990s by researchers who were studying cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. Since that discovery, researchers have found that cannabinoids affect sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction, and more. 

And the endocannabinoid system is active even for those who don’t use cannabinoids like CBD, THC, or others found in the cannabis plant. Interestingly, cannabinoids can be found in other plants such as licorice, echinacea, cacao, and black pepper. The body also produces endocannabinoids or endogenous cannabinoids.

endocannabinoid system and CBD

Photo by Krista Mangulsone on Unsplash

How Do the Endocannabinoid  System and CBD Work Together?There are three core components of the endocannabinoid system: the cannabinoid compounds, receptors, and enzymes. And two main types of endocannabinoids—anandamide (AEA) and  2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG)—are produced by the body as needed to run smoothly or keep the body in homeostasis. 

Homeostasis is any process the body uses to maintain a constant environment internally even in the face of external factors. It’s the process that allows the body to function normally when it comes to:

  • Body temperature
  • Respiration
  • Heart rate
  • Blood pressure
  • Fluid levels
  • Blood glucose levels
  • And sleep

Throughout the body are receptors (or cell proteins) the endocannabinoids can bind to. Two main receptors are CB1, which is primarily found in the central nervous system, and CB2, which is found in the peripheral nervous system, including immune cells. CB1 receptors, for example, are highly concentrated in the brain, lungs, vascular system, muscles, reproductive organs, and digestive system. CB2, on the other hand, is found more commonly in the bones, skin, spleen, and glial cells (found in the brain).

Where the receptor is located and which cannabinoid (endo or from plant cannabinoid) it binds to determines how it affects the body. For instance, some endocannabinoids help relieve pain or decrease inflammation. Others may support immune cells. And others may affect mood or cognitive functioning. 

The third core component of the endocannabinoid system is the enzymes that are needed to break down endocannabinoids, including the fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol acid lipase. 

Why Is the Endocannabinoid System Important?

Research is still early, and experts are still learning about the important functions of the endocannabinoid system. So far, they’ve discovered the system is linked to:

  • Digestion, appetite, and metabolism
  • Pain and inflammation
  • Immune response
  • Mood, memory, learning, and stress response
  • Motor control
  • Sleep
  • Muscle and bone strength and growth as well as motor control
  • Cardiovascular and reproductive system function
  • Skin, nerve, and liver function

The common element that affects all the above functions is how they contribute to homeostasis or the stability of your whole body. This, researchers contend, is the main role of the endocannabinoid system.

endocannabinoid system and CBD

Photo by Esther kowanda

The Endocannabinoid System and CBD

There are two main (and dozens of other) cannabinoids found in cannabis plants: THC or tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD or cannabidiol. 

THC is the phyto or plant cannabinoid that’s most well-known for its psychoactive effects or its ability to get you stoned or “high.” It’s also been shown to help reduce pain and stimulate appetite. Negative effects include causing anxiety and even paranoia in some people or when too much is consumed. 

In contrast, CBD doesn’t make you high and may even help counteract the high when people get too much THC. It also doesn’t come with the negative effects of THC like increased anxiety. 

Research is still needed to understand how CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system. It doesn’t appear to bind to the CB1 or CB2 receptors in the same way THC does. Rather, it’s believed to potentially prevent the natural endocannabinoids in the body from breaking down, so they can have more beneficial effects on the body. Or, there are other receptors in the body that CBD binds to that have not yet been discovered.

Even though the mechanism hasn’t been clarified, CBD has been found to help relieve pain, nausea, stress, anxiety, and other issues.

CBD for the Endocannabinoid System in Animals

The endocannabinoid system isn’t only found in humans. In fact, it’s pervasive in all mammals as well as invertebrate species. Because of the system’s importance in homeostasis, we’re now seeing research on our canine companions as well. 

For instance, researchers are finding CBD’s effects on the endocannabinoid system may help target:

  • Pain management
  • Neurologic disorders
  • Stress and anxiety
  • And inflammation

Because the endocannabinoid system is universal to all animals (except insects), CBS provides similar benefits. As well, the CB1 receptors are very similar among all mammals. That said, there do seem to be differences in the CB2 receptors in humans vs. dogs, so the signaling pathways may differ. 

This may explain why THC toxicity is higher in dogs than in humans, for instance. Fortunately, the safety profile for CBD given to dogs in moderate amounts is good. Research from a Colorado State University study from 2018 demonstrates it is safe for dogs.

Specific benefits of CBD for the endocannabinoid system in dogs may include:

  • Promoting greater mobility and activity levels
  • Decreased discomfort due to age or injury
  • Help protect neurons
  • Help lessen stress levels to keep your pet calm 
  • Support healthy skin and ease conditions that lead to hair loss and rashes
  • Promote wound healing
  • And promote better focus and attention. 

The Endocannabinoid System and CBD Takeaway

This is an exciting time as we continue to learn more about the endocannabinoid system and CBD. We don’t yet have a full picture as more research is needed. That said, the research results and anecdotal reports are very promising for both humans and their furry friends. 

Ready to explore more CBD distillate uses for pets and how the best CBD for pets—ABSC Organics—can help your pet live a more vibrant, healthy life? Get started here. 

Related Information: 

 

References: 

Silver RJ. The endocannabinoid system of animals. Animals. 2019 Sep 16;9(9):686. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770351/

Martin BR, Dewey WL, Harris LS, Beckner JS. 3H-delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol tissue and subcellular distribution in the central nervous system and tissue distribution in peripheral organs of tolerant and nontolerant dogs. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 1976 Jan 1;196(1):128-44. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1246007/

McGrath S, Bartner LR, Rao S, Kogan LR, Hellyer PW. A report of adverse effects associated with the administration of cannabidiol in healthy dogs. Vet Med. 2018;1:6-8. https://www.ahvma.org/wp-content/uploads/AHVMA-2018-V52-CannabisAdverseEffects.pdf

Taylor L, Gidal B, Blakey G, Tayo B, Morrison G. A phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose, multiple dose, and food effect trial of the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of highly purified cannabidiol in healthy subjects. CNS Drugs. 2018 Nov;32(11):1053-67. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40263-018-0578-5

Lucas CJ, Galettis P, Schneider J. The pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2018 Nov;84(11):2477-82. https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bcp.13710

Millar SA, Stone NL, Yates AS, O’Sullivan SE. A systematic review on the pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol in humans. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2018 Nov 26;9:1365. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01365/full