CBD OIL: A Miracle Phenomenon or Passing Fad?

Labels on CBD oil make certain that consumers know it won’t get them high, but given its recent burst of popularity, you’d think this substance is an enchanted potion with supernatural talents!

Former children of the not-so-long-ago ‘60s, did you ever think that Cannabidiol, or CBD, would not only become a household word, but THE cutting-edge rage? There’s not a day that goes by that someone doesn’t suggest “Have you tried CBD oil?” for just about every health-related or healing issue. This formerly underground ingredient is stealing the spotlight – and for some pretty good reasons!

As the Western world finally catches up with 5000 years of documented cannabis sativa use, you can now find CBD, the oil extracted from the plant, in over-the-counter supplements, sprays, food additives, patches, gels, salves, tinctures, vapes and even by prescription. Modern society is rediscovering that this simple ingredient relieves everything from pain to PTSD, anxiety to Alzheimer’s. The plant was considered sacred in many cultures, used in rituals and spiritual ceremonies for eons, and is now offering the world even more magic.

Current CBD research is quite impressive. Unfortunately, it’s spread all across the internet, packed with misinformation, wild claims and even some scary products. So, although this article focuses specifically on CBD skin-care products, here’s some useful information for shops wanting to educate themselves without spending hours of googling time.

CBDetails

CBD oil is obtained from the Cannabis sativa plant—the same plant producing marijuana and hemp. However, some varieties of the plant have been selected for their ability to yield high amounts of THC (the psychoactive part), while others are grown for hemp and don’t contain THC. The CBD oil is typically extracted from hemp so people can reap the benefits of cannabis without getting high or risking drug abuse potential.

CBD is touted as nature’s marvel by its enthusiasts since there are over 80 chemicals, known as cannabinoids, identified in this plant. It’s being explored by the scientific community for a wide range of uses and has already been shown to help in even the most common or complex conditions.

Such things as pain reduction, drug addiction, epilepsy, concussion protection, digestive aid, appetite increaser, cancer fighting and prevention, sciatica and back problems, acne, eczema, leukemia, PTSD anxiety, insomnia, Alzheimer’s, type One diabetes, anti-oxidant, antispasmodic, cell-regenerative, and more. One of the core benefits of CBD is its ability to bring calm to both restless, worried minds and tired, weary bodies, without harmful psychoactive side effects. It’s even great for pets! The list is expanding exponentially as research grows. Plus, all this with negligible, if any, side effects.

For those wanting a more scientific explanation, CBD acts on several types of nerve cells, binding and interacting with various protein molecules called receptors. These molecules send signals that impact bodily functions regulating sleep, mood, anxiety, and pain. Scientists don’t yet understand the exact way CBD acts on the body, and many health-related claims are still anecdotal. However, with dozens of studies and trials being conducted, the future is bright.

Medical marijuana and CBD, when taken as supplements, are very different. Medical marijuana actually uses the entire flower of the plant and is often grown for maximum THC content. CBD has little or no THC, even though there is some compelling evidence that it, too, can be therapeutic. As more benefits unfold, science is staying alert and open to possibilities of other uses for this CBD phenomenon.

Jumping on the CBD Bandwagon

As many dash to their local health food stores to conduct their own, at-home, CBD trials, not surprisingly, mind, body, spirit shops are joining in. As shelves get stocked with a plethora of CBD products overflowing with claims, here are some important things to know:

Most CBD products are derived from the hemp plant stalks and roots, with extremely low amounts of THC. Recently, hemp-derived products were removed from the Controlled Substances Act, meaning they are completely legal to sell. However, it’s not clear if hemp-derived CBD works in the same manner as marijuana-derived CBD.

As long as there are no associated medical claims, the FDA allows the use of hemp oil and seeds in cosmetics. However, the usefulness of hemp-produced cosmetics also remains to be scientifically determined. But until it is, since its use is harmless, individual results can offer proof without risks.

Addictive Body Care

With all that in mind, CBD skincare has attained the coveted position of hottest trend, with the sizzle only getting hotter! Although research into its uses and applications in dermatology is still in early stages, high-quality CBD beauty and skincare products are proliferating, with users belting out their praises. From rosacea to acne to eczema to plain ol’ dry skin, CBD is da bomb.

With abundant research and evidence, it’s no surprise that body-care brands are looking into this simple plant’s potential as a therapeutic, natural, sustainable way to have healthy skin. CBD oil provides an extra layer of protection, helping skin fight against everyday wear-and-tear, as well as preventing diseases.

The elements found in CBD can help soften, revitalize, and regenerate tired, dry, or inflamed skin. It also increases the elasticity of the skin and the flow of blood underneath while removing dead skin cells, which could give skin a more youthful, healthy glow. Because of that, it can be used as a long-lasting moisturizer, and may even reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Since specialty body care products are always great sellers in the indie shop environment, adding CBD to the equation takes skincare to an entirely different level. Carrying CBD-infused body products will become another reason for people to return repeatedly to your store for replenishments. CBD in such products as lotions, soaps, oils, balms, body creams, shampoos, and face-care, are completely addictive – in a good way!

The list of products is never ending, but if there’s just one product in highest demand, it’s CBD oil in lotions. Easy to use, amazing results, great gift: What could be better for your small shop? As CBD oil body products continue to explode onto the marketplace, if your shop carries, or is thinking about carrying them, here are some things to know to be an informed seller:

Moisturizing. CBD oil contains high levels of omega-3 and omega-6, which are essential fatty acids for use in the body. These ingredients are vital to maintain healthy, youthful skin since they keep the cell membrane flexible and lock in moisture. Cannabis oil contains all 21 known amino acids which helps combat everyday skin harms from dry weather, sun exposure, UV or other everyday factors. It helps protect against problems that can lead to a variety of medical issues such as eczema, psoriasis and even skin cancer.

However, for CBD to be effective on the skin, it needs to be paired with a fat molecule to serve as a transporter. Some of the best choices are camellia japonica oil, almond seed oil, rose hip oil, and macadamia nut oil, all rich in vitamins C, E, and oleic acid. These offer additional brightening, hydrating, and calming benefits.

 Antioxidant. According to dermatologists, skin shows signs of aging due to oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, neutralize these free radicals from the inside out. Now, researchers are adding CBD to the list to help combat the skin’s response to UV exposure.

Anti-Inflammatory. CBD applied topically to reduce inflammation has been well-studied, although mostly on laboratory animals. However, the research seems promising that the transdermal (through the skin) anti-inflammatory properties that many users experience is valid and repeatable.

 Acne. Interestingly, CBD may play a role in regulating sebaceous (sweat) glands, making sure their secretions are normal, protecting them from inflammation. This property of cannabidiol is one reason that it’s currently being studied as a potential therapy for acne. CBD delivers powerful terpenes that help to encourage rejuvenation of the dermal layer’s sebum production that reduces the chance of breakouts.

Anti-Bacterial. CBD is known to have anti-bacterial properties. It’s even effective against some resistant forms of staph infection! This can have positive benefits for overall skin health by making it less receptive to the damaging effects of infections, or skin problems related to bacteria.

Deeper Healing. Most cannabinoid skin-care products are designed to help surface issues, but topical applications are just the tip of the healing iceberg. A recent study found that CBD can control cell proliferation and differentiation, meaning it’s an effective treatment for skin diseases. CBD oil is effective on warts, moles, and even HPV outbreaks because it causes destruction of abnormally growing cell groups. Amazingly, cannabinoids have been shown to be particularly effective in controlling potential skin cancers such as melanoma.

Not All CBD is Created Equal

Shop buyer beware: All CBD oil is different. Make sure to do a thorough check of ingredients, seeking out products using organic, whole-plant extraction methods. This allows for a full spectrum of the chemical and botanical compounds contained in the oil, with the benefits of their interactions.

Also, products that contain higher concentrations are more likely to impart the unique characteristics and benefits of CBD. As of now, you’re likely to find products with higher concentrations in states where the recreational use of marijuana is legal. When in doubt, look closely at the ingredient list, since it will provide the percentages of active compounds in the product. Don’t be misled by the “total volume” of oil. It’s the milligrams of CBD that count and should be stated clearly on the label. Sometimes the label shows a percentage instead of the total milligrams. This shows the ratio of total CBD to liquid volume in the product.

Make sure to ask your vendors or the manufacturers to tell you the THC levels in their CBD products. If they won’t tell you, don’t carry it! To be on the safe side, look for CBD that’s hemp-based with no THC contained in it. Once you start carrying it, some of the most knowledgeable sources of information will be your customers using it. Talk to them about how it worked (or didn’t). Ask them to post honest reviews on your website to help others navigate the information.

Although CBD oil is arguably the poster-child for natural skincare, the industry is still very new and is not yet regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. As scientific research into the therapeutic applications proceeds, it’s possible that even more benefits for skin and well-being will be revealed. Stay tuned!

How Much to Use?

When customers ask that, and they will, the answer depends on both the product (concentrations are different for different creams, salves, and lotions) and also what effect they’re striving for. For example, a lotion intended for moisturizing a large area is designed to go on in a very thin layer and is less concentrated than one with a thicker base. On the other hand, a salve is more concentrated and takes only a pinhead sized amount applied to a small area for the product to be effective. Have customers read and follow the instructions on the product as a guide. However, because CBD is safe and non-narcotic, they need not worry about using it too much. In addition, inform your customers that pregnant and nursing women should not use CBD creams until more research demonstrates its safety for those conditions.

Can CBD be Used Directly on Skin?

In most cases, the answer is yes. Just make sure your customers check the ingredient list to see if they have any allergies to the carrier oil or added fragrances. The addition of CBD oil to other ingredients only adds to their healing properties. For example, it may combine with the soothing power of aloe, the cooling power of peppermint, or the anti-bacterial properties of tea tree oil to enhance the CBD.

Know The Quality

Since CBD products are in such huge demand, supply can be limited. In fact, some companies are actually running out of stock as they try to keep pace with consumer demand for this natural wonder.

Sadly, these make for perfect conditions for false claims, marketing scams, products that contain little or no actual CBD, products with residual pesticides or solvents, and companies that are just taking the money and running. Rest assured there are many trustworthy companies out there, but do your homework: research for the best; read reviews; talk to your vendors; ask for proof; find out what works for your customers. Then jump on in! Needless to say, there’s a lot still not known about CBD that only time and further research will reveal. However, the scientific community is finally catching up to what some of us have been espousing for decades: there’s gold in that thar’ weed!

Looking forward to re-reading this article in a few years when research has undoubtedly “proven” even more amazing value from nature’s miracle!