Plant Medicine: CBD

As recreational marijuana dispensaries continue to open up throughout New Jersey, so have conversations about the plant and its impact on mental and physical health. However, for those who want to reap the plant’s benefits without the high, there’s CBD.

CBD is an abbreviation of cannabidiol, which are natural compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. However, it’s worth noting that there’s a big difference in the plant that’s bred to make you feel “high” versus the plant that’s used to extract CBD.

“The Cannabis sativa plant grown for CBD looks very similar to that grown for marijuana, but the variety grown specifically to harvest CBD is known as industrial hemp,” says Joel Schon, who co-owns Green Buffalo Pharmz in Jackson alongside his father, James. “Back in the day*, hemp was used for everything from paper money to textiles and clothing, because industrial hemp grows so tall and its fibrous stalk was what was used,” he says, adding the plant can grow upwards of 15 feet while plants grown for marijuana have a wider spread.

Another big difference between the two is that the flowers of industrial hemp are far lower in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

“There has to be less than .3% THC in order for us to legally process the plants and extract the CBD,” says James. “Our plants have to get tested by the State before harvesting them to be sure of this. If there’s a higher percentage, we have to destroy the crop.”

CBD is harvested from female plants because the beneficial compounds are found in the flower (or bud). There are a few methods in which CBD is extracted from the plant: C02 extraction is the most common, and other methods include cold pressed or natural ethanol extraction. “Some companies use chemical solvents, which are best to avoid,” says Joel. “It’s important to ask questions and make sure you’re getting a product that’s high quality.”

As far as why folks take CBD, the list of purported benefits is seemingly endless. From PTSD to digestive issues to anxiety—it appears there’s nothing these compounds can’t handle.

“Every mammal on the planet has an endocannabinoid system (ESC), which is in charge of regulating many functions of the body,” says Jeffrey Devine of Strictly CBD in Jersey City.

While this system is complicated and still being studied, Devine explains that the cannabinoids in CBD travel through our system and interact with receptors found throughout the body. CB1 receptors mainly stimulate the nervous system, and CB2 receptors stimulate the immune system.

“What’s more, there are nearly 100 different types of cannabinoids found in CBD, and each one plays a different role,” he says. “For example, there’s one called CBG that has been shown to alleviate gastrointestinal issues including IBS and Crohn’s disease, and another called CBN that has been shown to help aid in sleep.”

While there are isolates of certain cannabinoids, Devine recommends taking a full-spectrum product that contains all the cannabinoids to get the most benefit. “The cannabinoids work together to bring the most effect (also known as the entourage effect), he says. “Think of it like a multivitamin for the body.”

It’s worth noting that full-spectrum CBD contains additional compounds with various health benefits.

These compounds are called terpenes and they are what give plants their fragrance. Like cannabinoids, each has a different effect. Some terpenes include linalool, limonene, and pinene. Linalool has been shown to have calming effects and relieve anxiety; pinene has been studied in relation to memory retention and focus; and limonene has been touted for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Terpenes are found in many familiar plants, but are highest in those with an oil content, like citrus, or herbs like sage or lavender—but the highest concentration of all has been found in Cannabis sativa.

As far as how to incorporate CBD into your daily routine, it’s best to ask an expert and to be choosy as to what product and what dosage is right for you based on your needs. From gummies to tinctures to beverages and snacks, there are many ways to give it a try.

“There’s so much happening in the food world of cannabis and CBD,” says Matha Figaro, owner of But-A-Cake, a cannabis-infused edibles company based in Jersey City. “From edibles to bitters for drinks, it’s an exciting time in the cannabis community.”

Figaro says she saw a huge spike in her business and the use of CBD not so very long ago.

“A few years back when the world was most anxious and stressed out, business really skyrocketed,” she says. “People have seen how this plant can soothe their stress and anxiety, and it’s wonderful that it’s getting the respect it deserves.”

Figaro explains there are unlimited ways to use it from a culinary perspective.

“If you’re using the whole flower, it imparts a savory and herbal taste,” she says. “You can also find flavorless oils, which you can add to foods both sweet or savory, as well as CBD-infused salt and sugar.”

So instead of reaching into the medicine cabinet, consider giving CBD a try—a natural remedy that gives ‘flower power’ a whole new meaning.

• Hemp was a popular North American crop for centuries until it was banned in the U.S. by the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937. The ban was the result of the (incorrect) belief that hemp was, essentially, the same product as marijuana with similar potential to adversely affect American’s health and morality. At the time, hemp, widely used in the manufacturing of everything from rope to textile to paper, was also entering a stage of increased competition with cotton, timber, and plastics. The Farm Bill of 2018 lifted the ban on hemp.

6 TIPS FOR SELECTING QUALITY CBD

With so many different types of CBD products and brands available, choosing the best option can be difficult. Here are some thoughts to consider when sourcing a quality product, courtesy of Dr. James Totten of PharmDoc Organics (drtotten.com), an organic hemp and CBD farm in Long Valley. Totten is also a practicing foot and ankle surgeon in Newark, and runs the farm with his wife, Dr. Daria Klachko, a retired OBGYN doctor.

“CBD gives patients an alternative to toxic pharmaceutical medications, and allows them to take some control of their health and the freedom to choose,” says Dr. Totten

1.  Know your farmer/producer and research their practices: A COA (Certificate of Authenticity) will tell you the major components of the cannabinoids as well as testing methods and total number of milligrams of CBD per bottle.
2. Look for clear labeling: The bottle should have the ingredients listed clearly, and include a website or phone number to contact the grower or distributor if problems or questions should arise.
3. Beware of imports: The cheap CBD that you see in gas stations and some CBD stores may be ridden with heavy metals and potentially toxic pesticides. Most experts as well as Consumer Reports recommend avoiding imported products or products made with hemp grown overseas as they are usually not subject to state or federal testing. Buy from an American manufacturer or farmer, as the regulations are more stringent in the U.S.
4. Consider the packaging: Make sure the bottle is dark or amber in color as light breaks down the cannabinoids. Also be sure the bottle has a dropper marked with the number of milligrams so exact dosage can be given.
5. Watch out for imposters: There are companies that try to sell hemp seed oil as CBD. While hemp seed oil is nutritious, it contains no CBD.
6. A word about gummies: Gummies are full of sugar and a person needs to be careful as there may be variability in the amount of CBD within each gummy. One can easily take too much because the oral route takes longer to take effect. Since they taste like candy, one needs to be careful and keep them away from children.