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WILL CBD SOLVE MY SLEEP ISSUES?
Having trouble sleeping? So, are 50-70% of Americans. However, with emerging research on CBD and sleep, we may have a new solution to our sleeplessness.
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WHAT IS CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is derived from the Hemp plant. Both Marijuana and Hemp are strains of the Cannabis plant but differ in their uses. Hemp seed oil is commonly found in many hair and skin care products, and Hemp is often used to make textiles and paper.
CBD, which comes from the flower of the Hemp plant, has medicinal uses and is not psychoactive, meaning it does not create the “high” that is associated with the THC in Marijuana. Federally legal CBD products contain 0.3% or less THC, and Marijuana, which is only legalized in some states, contains more.
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HOW CAN CBD HELP WITH SLEEP?
There are many reasons why you may be experiencing difficulty sleeping. Some people experience anxiety around sleeping, or have trouble staying asleep throughout the night. People may start experiencing difficulty sleeping for many reasons such as experiencing a new life stressor, having poor sleep hygiene, or as a result of another mental or physical disorder such as chronic pain or PTSD.
Sleep disorders such as insomnia can also affect quality of sleep and can be difficult to treat. Whether you are looking for a solution to your sleep problems, or trying to replace your current sleep medication, CBD may be worth a try.
Human bodies have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is a network of chemical signals and receptors that regulate different cell functions. Cannabinoids, including CBD, interact with this system to produce different effects on the body including reducing pain and inflammation.
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REASONS TO CHOOSE CBD
CBD can help with sleep by treating the conditions that may be preventing quality sleep. CBD can decrease pain and inflammation which may inhibit sleep. Current evidence suggests that CBD also has a calming effect on the nervous system. CBD has been shown to decrease anxiety which can be a driving factor of sleeplessness. There is also early research suggesting CBD may be used to treat insomnia.
Other cannabinoids (compounds from the Cannabis plant that interact with our ECS), such as Delta-8 THC for anxiety, may also be effective at promoting sleep. Similar to CBD, Delta-8 can alleviate anxiety by inducing a calm and relaxing feeling.
Unlike CBD, Delta-8 is a mild form of THC and has mild psychoactive properties. Because the effects are mild, it is not associated with paranoia and anxiety which can accompany the more popular form of THC, Delta-9. Delta-8 products often contain more THC than CBD products. Make sure to check if THC products are legal in your state, and under what conditions before purchasing.
CBN is another cannabinoid that may help with sleep, especially when combined with CBD. CBN is a weaker version of THC that can help with sleep, chronic pain relief, and high blood pressure. CBD can be combined with CBN to make the effects of the solution stronger.
At Hempeutics Pharmacy, our Pharmacist, Dr. Peggy has formulated a Rest Tincture that combines full spectrum CBD and CBN to elicit a relaxed and drowsy state without psychotropic effects. Dr. Peggy has also formulated a Delta-8 Tincture to reduce stress and enhance sleep. Hempeutics Pharmacy’s Delta-8 tincture combines Delta-8 and CBD, so it is available to California residents only.
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IS IT LEGAL?
Unlike Marijuana, CBD, which contains less than 0.3% THC, is federally legal. Because California legalized Marijuana, CBD products are also legal in California and all other states that have legalized marijuana. All products at Hempeutics pharmacy contain less than 0.3% THC. The Farm Deal, passed in 2018, made CBD federally legal. However, some states are not honoring the Farm Deal and instead defaulting to their own laws.
All states are allowing CBD use to some extent but some are only allowing patients to purchase CBD products with a medical card, and some are only allowing online purchases. Here you can find updated information on the legal status of CBD by state. Patients who are concerned about having even small traces of THC in their products can choose THC-free products instead of full-spectrum products which can include 0.3% THC or less.
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IS IT SAFE?
CBD is a safer alternative to many prescription drugs, including sleep medications that can be addictive such as benzodiazepines. CBD has fewer side effects than many prescription drugs and no risk of addiction. Unlike many sleep medications, taking CBD before bed will not cause drowsiness the next morning. Because of the lack of psychoactive effects, CBD is safe to take while performing daily tasks, unlike some prescription medications. But like any substance, patients may experience side effects.
CBD can increase the risk of short-term memory loss, impaired attention, and foggy thinking. Other possible side effects include dry mouth, diarrhea, and reduced appetite. Patients should check with their doctor before taking CBD as it may interact with other medications. Older patients and children tend to have a low tolerance to THC, even in the low doses found in CBD products, so we recommend they choose THC-free CBD products. Older patients tend to have a lower tolerance due to decreased metabolism.
However, THC tolerance varies greatly depending on the individual. If a patient has used THC or Marijuana products previously, they may have a higher tolerance and may be able to use CBD with trace amounts of THC. At Hempeutics Pharmacy, our board-certified pharmacist, Dr. Peggy, consults with patients to ensure our older patients are receiving products that will work for them based on their history and conditions.
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HOW MUCH CBD SHOULD I TAKE FOR SLEEP?
CBD products come in many different forms including edibles (gummies), tinctures (edible oil), topical creams, oils, and sprays. For sleep, we recommend tinctures. Topical CBD cream is generally used to treat localized pain and inflammation, and gummies can have less reliable effects than tinctures due to the amount of time they take to digest.
Patients can take CBD tinctures most effectively by dropping oil directly into their mouth 30-60 minutes before bedtime, holding it for 30-60 seconds in their mouth before swallowing, and then drinking some warm water. When patients use tinctures or edibles, the dosage varies greatly based on the patient and the condition being treated, which is why at Hempeutics Pharmacy we provide consultations to meet assess each patient’s individual needs. It is always recommended to start with a low dose when using CBD for the first time, but patients are advised to consult with our pharmacist, Dr. Peggy before taking tinctures and edibles. Patients should take CBD either two hours before or after other medication.
Tincture Instruction pamphlet
Tincture Instructions
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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN CBD PRODUCTS?
The FDA does not regulate CBD products, so it is important to look for products that you can trust. Patients should look for independent lab-tested CBD products to ensure good quality. Products that are independently lab tested come with a certificate of analysis that outlines the amounts of each cannabinoid in the product, including CBD and THC.
The certificate of analysis should also contain the name, contact info, and address of the lab, and it is important to make sure the lab that is testing the products is FDA-compliant. Some patients may find the certificate of analysis difficult to read which is why we meet with patients to answer any questions.
Hempeutics pharmacy goes a step further and meets with all patients before prescribing them custom CBD treatments. Unlike dispensaries, Hempeutics is a CBD pharmacy. Our board-certified pharmacist and founder, Dr. Peggy, is extremely knowledgeable about CBD for sleep, traditional medications, and medical conditions. We provide both full-spectrum (includes THC) and THC-free CBD products that have been independently lab tested and certified.
Also read: https://www.setuppost.com/custom-cbd-oil-boxes-were-your-packaging-source-sireprinting/
