Explaining FAQ’s on Cannabidiol, Cannabis plants, and the medicinal benefits of CBD for holistic wellness.

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What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis Hemp plant. With the 2018 farm bill, American farmers became able to produce and sell hemp products containing 0.3% THC or less. Since then the acceptance and use of CBD and non-intoxicating hemp products has grown tenfold. 

Luckily, cannabis hemp products with 0.3% THC are legal to purchase in Iowa and the US without a prescription or registration card. In some states, medical cards can be acquired which allow cardholders to purchase products containing high levels of THC.

CBD comes in many forms, including oils, extracts, capsules, patches, vapes, and topical preparations for use on skin. If you’re hoping to reduce inflammation and relieve muscle and joint pain, a topical CBD-infused oil, lotion or cream – or even a bath bomb — may be the best option. (Source: www.health.harvard.edu)

How do I know CBD will work for me?

Just like you, many loyal CBD users began their journey with questions. CBD can be confusing to those who are unsure of the legality surrounding cannabis. With so many products on the market and claims made, it can be hard to know where to start.

The human body was built for CBD. All animals are equipped with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which consists of cannabinoid receptors residing in every part of the body.

Cannabinoid receptors lie in the brain, skin, eyes, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, digestive tract, bone marrow, and so on… Literally head to toe. These receptors are the exact fit for the CBD compound. This allows the CBD to help our cannabinoid receptors ‘do their job’ a little better, when they are slacking and causing your discomforts. The cannabinoids aid our cells in helping your body maintain homeostasis, like a receptor sidekick.

How can one plant, one product help to treat so many things?

The endocannabinoid system consists of the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are found mainly in the Central Nervous System. This effects the spine. CB2 Receptors lie in the Peripheral Nervous system. The system is responsible for our immune system.

Research has linked the ECS to the following processes:

Through research, it is believed that CBD can benefit:

• Arthritis
• Sleep
• Appetite, digestion, and nausea
• Epilepsy
• Anxiety
• Depression
• PTSD
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Migraines
• Menopause and Menopausal symptoms
• Seizures
• metabolism
• Chronic pain
• Inflammation and other immune responses
• mood
• Learning and memory
• Motor control
• Cardiovascular system function
• Bone remodeling and growth
• Liver function
• Gastrointestinal function
• Reproductive system function
• stress
• Skin and nerve function
• …and so much more!

CBD can help lower cravings for tobacco and heroin under certain conditions, according to some research in humans. (Source: www.health.harvard.edu)

These functions all contribute to homeostasis, which refers to stability of your internal environment. For example, if an outside force, such as pain from an injury or a fever, throws off your body’s homeostasis, your ECS kicks in to help your body return to its ideal operation.

Today, experts believe that maintaining homeostasis is the primary role of the ECS. (Source: www.healthline.com)

Using CBD

CBD oil tincture is taken orally by placing the dose (typically 1 ml) under the tongue and allowing the oil to soak in and absorb. The reason to take it this way is the CBD is able to absorb directly into the users blood stream and giving your body the best opportunity to take in the CBD.

CBD can be taken sublingual, eaten, applied topically, inhaled and more. The benefits for each method will vary based on the intended effects and benefits.

What is the big deal about cannabis?

The Cannabis plant is a massive umbrella of cultivars holding varying utility. Fiber from some cannabis plants is used in construction materials, clothing and rope, paper, plastic alternatives, and biofuels to name a few. 

There are also Cannabis varieties grown for the seed. Hemp seeds contain all Nine amino acids and high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids.

The third type of cannabis plant is grown for its flowers which contain the CBD, THC and other compounds. The hemp flowers have a wide range of uses as well.

Cannabis legality in Iowa

As the public perception of cannabis, CBD, hemp, and marijuana change, many wonder when laws will change too. In Iowa, the programs for cannabis are some of the tightest. Smokable hemp or cannabis is not permitted,

In Iowa, it is legal to farm industrial hemp and grow and harvest it within state borders. So the rules on how it is grown and harvested are fairly complicated. The first rule here is that you can only use hemp that has been legally inspected and certified by the Department of Agriculture. Farmers grow this plant at their own risk and may not receive any financial compensation from your activities.