CBD Health

CBD crystals sure sound exquisite. And even though they have nothing to do with jewel-type crystals, they are one of the purest forms of CBD you can buy.

Appearance

CBD crystals come in the form of powder.

Creation Process

CBD crystals are basically the next natural step in the purification evolution of CBD isolate.

After extracting CBD from source material and obtaining a CBD isolate, an extra step of purification is performed. This aims to purge all other plant material, including terpenes. Some companies do this by way of chromatography and others via winterization. Perhaps the general rule of thumb is the latter, since it’s precisely that extra step of winterization that CBD crystals are most likely named after, being that this process is also known as fractionate crystallization.

The result is 99% CBD purity.

Quality

CBD crystals are also completely devoid of odor and taste.

Modes of Intake

A lack of taste and odor provides versatility.

Cooking

You can infuse your coconut or olive oil with CBD crystals and then add the mixture to anything you like. Just keep in mind CBD’s boiling point if you’re going to heat it: 160-180 Celsius or 320-356 Fahrenheit.

DIY Tincture

On the “oily” note, you can also dissolve CBD crystals into medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil, for example, the gold standard for carrier oils, and use it as a tincture.

Topicals

You can also mix CBD crystals into your existing creams, simple as that.

Sublingual 

You can also put CBD crystals under your tongue and wait for the mucus membrane to soak it up and transmit it to your blood stream. This is generally the easiest and most effective mode of intake from a bioavailability standpoint.

Drinking

Simply dissolve CBD crystals into a drink. Just keep in mind CBD doesn’t mix with water all that well, so you should probably go for fatty, creamier beverages like milk, and make sure nothing is left on the bottom of the glass.

Dabbing/Vaping

You can dab CBD crystals like you would wax or any other similar extract. Just place it on a hot surface so that it starts melting, and then vape or dab it, using the necessary equipment.

What CBD crystals may lack in terpenes and other cannabinoids and respectively the entourage effect that occurs between them, they make up in purity, versatility, and user-friendliness.

Image Credit: Hilga

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/crystals-stones-rock-crystal-5188661/

Few chronic issues can be as debilitating as back pain. While opioids, invasive surgeries, and other treatments are certainly an option, preliminary research indicates cannabidiol (CBD) may represent another solution.

CBD is anecdotally known for its pain-relieving properties. In fact, many healthcare providers indeed recommend this cannabinoid for different types of pain.

But back pain is a tricky thing to manage. There can be multiple underlying symptoms responsible for chronic back pain, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, chronic spinal pain, or fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

In 2016 review, researchers looked at four separate studies that evaluated 159 patients with rheumatic disease-related pain and sleeplessness; the conditions treated included RA, FMS, and non-cancerous spine pain.[1] These studies measured symptoms before and after use of cannabinoid-based treatments.

Different cannabinoid products were evaluated, including synthetic pharmaceutical products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD. Herbal cannabis derivatives were not used.

Results from three out of four studies indicated that cannabinoids was effective in reducing pain levels. However, since these treatments also contained THC, it is difficult to conclude the specific contributions of CBD. This is often the case in the literature.

A study published this year conducted a review and highlighted case reports to further shed light on how a CBD topical may address pain.[2] Two patients used the same CBD cream (400mg per two oz) – one was a 40-year-old man with intense low back pain due to a compression fracture in his spine and one was a 61-year-old female with several conditions causing back pain.

The first patient felt relief from pain for 10 hours following topical application of CBD; in fact, after four weeks of treatment, his pain subsided. The second patient achieved pain relief as well for seven to eight hours following treatment.

While these findings are promising, they are not conclusive. Data on CBD alone for pain are sorely needed so patients and physicians can better understand how it can be used safely and the best method of use.

That being said, people should talk to their doctor if they are interested in trying CBD for pain, as it may provide much needed relief.

References

1. Fitzcharles M-A et al. Efficacy, tolerability and safety of cannabinoids in chronic pain associated with rheumatic diseases (fibromyalgia syndrome, back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Der Schmerz. 2016;30(1):47-61.
2. Eskander JP, et al. Cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment of acute and chronic back pain: A case series and literature review. J Opioid Manag. 2020;16(3):215-218.

Image Credit: Jesper Aggergaard

Image Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/CEM52sAHR80

CBDfx launches CBD Pet Treats that support canine calmness, mobility and joint comfort.

Los Angeles, CA (December 17, 2020): Leading CBD products company, CBDfx, is expanding its wildly popular, vegan CBD pet line with the addition of all-natural, crunchy Pet Treats targeted at two of the most common canine ailments: anxiety and joint pain.

The pet cannabidiol (CBD) industry is seeing significant growth, with an expected market valuation of over $1.7B by 2025, according to the Brightfield Group. Pet ownership is also increasing, with more than half of US households having a pet dog or cat, and 64% of CBD consumers are buying pet CBD to reduce levels of anxiety or stress for their pets.

“Pet owners are seeking more natural remedies to keep their furry family members calm in stressful moments and improve their overall quality of life,” said Jameson Rodgers, Co-Founder. “CBDfx is committed to creating high-quality, safe and effective CBD products, and those standards extend to all of our pet products, first with our CBD Pet Tinctures and now our Pet Treats. Our best friends deserve the same relief that their owners have found with our products.”

The new line of CBDfx Pet Treats features two all-natural, vegan variations: Joint & Mobility and Stress & Anxiety.

• Joint & Mobility: A combination of Turmeric, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid to help ease pain, reduce inflammation and repair cartilage.

• Stress & Anxiety: A mix of anxiety-busting botanical extracts like Chamomile, Passion Flower, and Valerian Root with L-Tryptophan and GABA to help calm even the most stressed pooch.

These crunchy, soy-free treats are naturally flavored with sweet potato and loaded with antioxidant powerhouse superfoods — blueberry, spinach and parsley — along with 450mg of broad spectrum CBD (15mg of CBD in each treat). Both treats are vegan, made with non-GMO hemp extract, batch certified for guaranteed purity, and packaged in resealable 30 count bags that follow CBDfx’s standard approach to transparency with a QR code linking to the corresponding lab report.

CBDfx Pet Treats are the company’s second pet product, joining the line of vegan CBD Pet Tinctures launched earlier this fall. Available in three concentrations, CBDfx Pet Tinctures are made to the same exacting standards as their human tinctures, but with all-natural bacon flavor for tail-wagging approval. Learn more about CBDfx and shop all CBDfx Pet Treats and Pet Tinctures at www.cbdfx.com.

 

About CBDfx: CBDfx is a Southern California-based company founded on providing high quality, organically sourced hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) wellness products to customers in a wide variety of formats; from tinctures to topicals, and gummies to capsules. Founded in 2014 with a mission to push quality to the forefront of the CBD industry, CBDfx continues to provide some of the finest, purest, and most effective CBD products in the world. CBDfx products are sold in more than 32,000 points of distribution in 21 countries, and online through the company’s website at www.CBDfx.com.

A report by Brightfield Group found that cannabis use increased to 44% during the pandemic in November, up from 34% in March. Gen Z saw the most significant change at 52% with Millennials not far behind at 49%; Baby Boomers saw the lowest change at 25%. Still, no matter the generation, all segments increased usage.[1]

The report also found that, of heavy cannabis users (5+ days per week), 52% further increased their usage; 87% of these users noted that cannabis has helped them deal with stress from the pandemic. Not to mention, some users found cannabis helpful in fighting boredom during lockdowns.

About 37% of users are smoking and/or vaping cannabis, with about 35% using edibles more often. Only 21% find themselves using other products, such as tinctures and creams. It’s worth noting that the majority of those smoking and/or vaping are Gen Z and Millennials.

Another Brightfield Group report evaluated how people were purchasing cannabidiol (CBD). With social distancing and an overall effort to avoid in-store purchases, it comes as no surprise that online sales skyrocketed. With that, there has been greater popularity in curbside pickups and deliveries.[2]

Throughout the first quarter of 2020, about 23% of CBD consumers purchased products online. However, that number more than doubled to 47% by Q2 and Q3. Still, specialty retailers also saw an increase in sales throughout the first, second, and third quarters. Generally speaking, there’s simply been even more interest in CBD products.

Most notably, 2020 saw a number of new CBD users enter the marketplace. In Q1, 12% had been using the cannabinoid for three months or less; by Q3, that number rose to 14%. While these aren’t anything comparable to 2019 statistics, it shows that CBD is continuing to garner interest. It’s worth mentioning that most of these new users were purchasing CBD edibles and tinctures.

It’s also interesting to note that beauty and skincare product usage also increased from 18% in Q1 to 33% in Q3; in fact, their usage surpassed theapeutic topical use in Q3.

2020 has been one of the most difficult years in modern history. Yet, cannabis and CBD use and sales have prevailed and even surpassed expectations, likely attributable to its anxiolytic and sleep-inducing benefits. While the upward trend we’re seeing may not be as notable in 2021, it will definitely continue, proving that the industry is certainly booming and will be for some time.

Image Credit: Mohamed Hassan

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/visa-business-buying-card-3082813/

References

1. Brightfield Group. “Changes in Cannabis Consumer Behavior Due to COVID-19.” November 2020.
2. Brightfield Group. “Buying CBD During a Pandemic: Channel and Consumer Trends.” November 2020.

For many years, the cultivation of hemp was illegal in different parts of the world. However, this has changed in the last couple of years and many countries have relaxed their laws on hemp production. This has contributed to positive growth, as in the US alone, the sale of hemp-based products is projected to reach 2.61 billion dollars by 2022. The nutritional segment is one facet of the hemp industry that represents great potential.

Legal hemp is defined as plants with very low levels of the cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The European Union defines hemp as cannabis cultivars that contain less than 0.2% THC, while in the US the threshold is set at 0.3%.

Hemp is a crop with diverse applications in industries such as manufacturing, and cosmetics in the production of textiles, biodegradable plastics, paper, paint, animal feed, and medicine, as well as ingredients for nutritional supplements.

Hemp is packed with biologically active cannabinoids such as the popular cannabidiol (CBD), which offers significant therapeutic benefits including anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and spasmolytic effects.[1]

As hemp is becoming mainstream, the nutritional segment is carving out a niche aside from industrial and therapeutic segments. This nutrient-rich plant has been consumed as a food for thousands of years. Hemp leaves, sprouts, and flowers are used to make juices and green salads for nutritional benefits.

Hemp seeds are a rich source of amino acids including methionine, cystine, and arginine. They are also loaded with fiber, minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids. This can be used to fortify foods and increase their nutritional value.[1]

Hemp seeds are also used to make flour, which is rich in moisture, protein, and carbohydrates. Hemp seed oil can be used in cooking as a substitute for olive oil, and hemp seed oil may positively impact cholesterol levels.[1] Hemp sprouts are also rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and flavonols, which have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health.

The described nutritional benefits of hemp qualifies it be classified as a superfood and has the potential to revolutionize the nutritional industry.

Image Credit: Nicky Pe

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/hemp-cannabis-leaves-green-plant-5438493/

Reference

1. Cerino P, et al. A review of hemp as food and nutritional supplement. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2020; in press.

Companies made unsupported claims that their oils, balms, gummies, coffee, and other goods could treat serious diseases such as cancer and diabetes

Note: The FTC will host a media call-in on this announcement with
Andrew Smith, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection
Date: Thursday, December 17, 202
Time: 11:00 a.m. ET
Call-in: 844-291-6360; Access Code: 389969
Call-in lines, which are for media only, will open 15 minutes prior to the start of the call.

The Federal Trade Commission today announced the first law enforcement crackdown on deceptive claims in the growing market for cannabidiol (CBD) products. The FTC is taking action against six sellers of CBD-containing products for allegedly making a wide range of scientifically unsupported claims about their ability to treat serious health conditions, including cancer, heart disease, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, and others.

The FTC is requiring each of the companies, and individuals behind them, to stop making such unsupported health claims immediately, and several will pay monetary judgments to the agency. The orders settling the FTC’s complaints also bar the respondents from similar deceptive advertising in the future, and require that they have scientific evidence to support any health claims they make for CBD and other products.

“The six settlements announced today send a clear message to the burgeoning CBD industry: Don’t make spurious health claims that are unsupported by medical science,” said Andrew Smith, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Otherwise, don’t be surprised if you hear from the FTC.”

The crackdown, Operation CBDeceit, is part of the Commission’s ongoing effort to protect consumers from false, deceptive, and misleading health claims made in advertisements on websites and through social media companies such as Twitter.

Each case the FTC is announcing today is described below:

Bionatrol Health, LLC

According to the FTC’s complaint against Utah-based companies Bionatrol Health, LLC and Isle Revive, LLC, and two former managers and owners, since at least December 2019 the respondents sold a CBD oil to consumers on two websites. Among other things, the respondents allegedly claimed without substantiation that their CBD product is safe for all users, treats pain better than prescription medications like OxyContin, and prevents and treats age-related cognitive decline and chronic pain. The respondents also claimed, without scientific evidence, that CBD oil is “medically proven” to improve a variety of conditions, according to the FTC’s complaint. In addition, the FTC alleges the respondents deceived consumers who ordered one bottle of their CBD oil by changing the order to five bottles without consumers’ consent.

The proposed administrative order settling the FTC’s charges prohibits the respondents from making certain prevention, treatment, or safety claims about dietary supplements, foods, and drugs without human clinical testing to substantiate the claims. It also requires competent and reliable scientific evidence for other health-related product claims, and prohibits the respondents from misrepresenting the cost of any good or service and from charging consumers without their express, informed consent. Finally, it requires the corporate respondents and individual respondent Marcello Torre to pay $20,000 to the FTC and to notify consumers of the Commission’s order.

Epichouse LLC (First Class Herbalist CBD)

According to the FTC’s complaint against Utah corporation Epichouse, LLC, which operated under several names, including First Class Herbalist, and the company’s founder and owner, John Le, since at least September 2019 the respondents sold several CBD products on their website, including oils, a pain-relief cream, coffee, and gummies.

Among other alleged unsupported claims, Epichouse and Le promoted CBD as safe for all users, able to treat pain better than prescription medications such as OxyContin, and able to prevent a wide range of serious conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. In their advertising, they also falsely claimed that CBD is scientifically proven to improve many serious health conditions—including chronic pain and hypertension—and provide neurological benefit—such as preventing age-related cognitive decline—according to the FTC’s complaint.

The proposed administrative order settling the FTC’s charges prohibits the respondents from making certain prevention, treatment, or safety claims about dietary supplements, foods, and drugs, unless they have the human clinical testing to substantiate the claims. It requires them to have competent and reliable scientific evidence when making any other health-related product claims. Finally, the order requires the respondents to pay $30,000 to the FTC and notify consumers of the Commission’s order.

CBD Meds, Inc.

According to the FTC’s complaint against CBD Meds, Inc.; G2 Hemp, Inc.; and Lawrence Moses, a/k/a Lawrence D. Moses, Jr., individually and as an officer of the corporate entities, the two companies advertised CBD oil on their website and on YouTube. In their ads, the FTC contends, the Winchester, California-based firms made a number of false or unsubstantiated claims, including that CBD effectively treats, prevents, or mitigates serious diseases and conditions like artery blockage, cancer, glaucoma, autism, and schizophrenia, among many others. The respondents also falsely represented that some of the efficacy claims were scientifically proven or that the U.S. government has confirmed the health benefits of CBD.

The proposed administrative order settling the FTC’s charges prohibits the respondents from making certain prevention, treatment, or safety claims about dietary supplements, foods, and drugs, unless they have the human clinical testing to substantiate the claims. More broadly, it requires them to have competent and reliable scientific evidence when making any other health-related product claims. Finally, the order requires the respondents to notify consumers of the Commission’s order.

HempmeCBD

According to the FTC’s complaint against EasyButter, LLC, also d/b/a HempmeCBD, and its owner and officer Michael Solomon, since at least January 2018, the respondents have sold CBD products on their website, including CBD-infused shea butter, gummies, lozenges, honey sticks, vape pens, and oils. The complaint alleges that HempmeCBD claimed its CBD products could treat or cure serious ailments like cancer-related symptoms, substance abuse, and AIDS. The complaint alleges HempmeCBD lacked the scientific substantiation for such health claims and falsely claimed to have studies showing CBD is effective at treating autism.

The proposed administrative order settling the FTC’s charges prohibits the respondents from making certain prevention, treatment, or safety claims about dietary supplements, foods, and drugs, unless they have the human clinical testing to substantiate the claims. It also requires them to have competent and reliable scientific evidence when making any other health-related product claims. Finally, it requires the respondents to pay the FTC $36,254 and to notify consumers of the Commission’s order.

Reef Industries, Inc.

According to the FTC’s complaint against California-based Reef Industries, Inc.; Cannatera, Inc.; AndHemp, Ltd., and the companies’ three principals, the respondents have sold a variety of CBD products directly to consumers on their website and Twitter accounts since at least January 2019 and misrepresented the health benefits of CBD. The FTC alleges that the respondents made unsubstantiated claims that CBD can prevent, cure, mitigate, or treat diseases and serious health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, autoimmune disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. The complaint also alleges the respondents falsely claimed that studies or scientific research prove that CBD is effective at treating, curing, or mitigating these diseases and conditions.

The proposed administrative order settling the FTC’s charges prohibits the respondents from making certain prevention, treatment, or safety claims about dietary supplements, foods, and drugs, unless they have the human clinical testing to substantiate the claims. More broadly, it requires them to have competent and reliable scientific evidence when making any other health-related product claims. Finally, it requires them to pay the FTC $85,000 and notify consumers of the Commission’s order.

Steves Distributing, LLC

According to the FTC’s complaint against Steves Distributing, LLC, d/b/a Steve’s Goods; and the company’s CEO Steven Taylor Schultheis, since beginning operations in 2018, the respondents have sold a variety of products containing both CBD and cannabigerol (CBG), which, like CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound derived from hemp. The company advertises its CBD and CBG products, including tinctures, gummies, capsules, topical balms, suppositories, bath balms, and coffee, on its website and through social media companies like Twitter.

The FTC alleges that the respondents claimed, without adequate substantiation, that their CBD and CBG products are effective alternatives to prescription medications and treat a wide range of diseases and serious health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and diabetes. The complaint also alleges the respondents falsely claimed that their CBD and CBG products have antibacterial properties, prevent or reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other diseases, and that certain of these claims were supported by scientific evidence.

The proposed administrative order settling the FTC’s charges prohibits the respondents from making certain prevention, treatment, or safety claims about dietary supplements, foods, and drugs, unless they have the human clinical testing to substantiate the claims. More broadly, it requires them to have competent and reliable scientific evidence when making any other health-related product claims. Finally, it requires the respondents to pay the FTC $75,000 and notify consumers of the Commission’s order.

The Commission votes approving each of the six administrative complaints and proposed consent orders were 5-0, with Commissioner Rohit Chopra and Commissioner Christine S. Wilson issuing separate, concurring statements. A complete list of respondents can be found in the complaint for each respective case.

The FTC will publish a description of the consent agreement package in the Federal Register soon. The agreement will be subject to public comment for 30 days after publication in the Federal Register after which the Commission will decide whether to make the proposed consent order final. Instructions for filing comments will appear in the published notice. Once processed, comments will be posted on Regulations.gov.

NOTE: The Commission issues an administrative complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. When the Commission issues a consent order on a final basis, it carries the force of law with respect to future actions. Each violation of such an order may result in a civil penalty of up to $43,280.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Like the FTC on Facebook(link is external), follow us on Twitter(link is external), get consumer alerts, read our blogs, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.

Original Article: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/12/ftc-announces-crackdown-deceptively-marketed-cbd-products

To the delight of both businesses and medical cannabis consumers in Florida, medicinal edibles are now legal within the state.

In 2016, citizens of the Sunshine State voted to add an amendment to its constitution which would allow for the consumption of medicinal cannabis. However, not all forms of cannabis were initially available to medicinal consumers. It was only in 2019 that flowers were deemed legal to smoke, when Governor Ron DeSantis voted to repeal a law banning this form of consumption.

And although legalized in 2017, medicinal edibles hadn’t hit the shelves of dispensaries until late summer of 2020 because the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) had not released the necessary regulations to guide the manufacture, sale, and consumption of this form of cannabis.

The rules laid out by the OMMU are sensible, not overly burdensome, and seek to keep the public, especially children, safe. For example, edibles that resemble candies that are currently available on the market are banned under the new regulations. Additionally, OMMU regulations also stipulate that, “Edibles shall be produced in a manner to minimize color intensity and other color and visual characteristics attractive to children.”

The OMMU also released specific potency rules. No single edible serving can have more than 10 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). And a product that contains multiple servings shall not have more than 200 milligrams of THC.

Other notable restrictions include the banning of colorants, natural or artificial, a prohibition on the use of icing, sprinkles and toppings, and a ban on the addition of fish, meat or poultry.

Per the regulations, consumers have the option of choosing edibles in the following forms:

• Lozenges
• Gelatins
• Baked Goods
• Chocolates
• Drink Powders

Some analysts believe that the addition of edibles to the medical cannabis market could add over $200 million in revenue to the sector.

Image Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-and-black-chocolate-cake-on-white-ceramic-plate-6072104/

To the delight of both businesses and medical cannabis patients in Florida, medicinal edibles are now legal within the state.

In 2016, citizens of the Sunshine State voted to add an amendment to its constitution that would allow for the consumption of medicinal cannabis. However, not all forms of cannabis were initially available. It was only in 2019 that flower was deemed legal to smoke, when Governor Ron DeSantis voted to repeal a law banning this form of consumption.

And although legalized in 2017, edibles hadn’t hit the shelves of dispensaries until late summer 2020 because the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) had not released the necessary regulations to guide the manufacture, sale, and consumption of this form of cannabis.

The rules laid out by the OMMU are sensible, not overly burdensome, and seek to keep the public, especially children, safe. For example, edibles that resemble candies currently available on the market are banned under the new regulations. Additionally, OMMU regulations also stipulate “edibles shall be produced in a manner to minimize color intensity and other color and visual characteristics attractive to children.”

The OMMU also released specific potency rules. No single edible serving can have more than 10mg of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). And a product that contains multiple servings shall not have more than 200mg.

Other notable restrictions include banning colorants, natural or artificial, prohibition on the use of icing, sprinkles, and toppings, and a ban on the addition of fish, meat, or poultry.

Per the regulations, consumers have the option of choosing edibles in the following forms:

• Lozenges
• Gelatins
• Baked goods
• Chocolates
• Drink powders

Some analysts believe that the addition of edibles to the medical cannabis market could add over $200 million in revenue to the sector.

Image Credit: Alesia Kozik

Image Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-and-black-chocolate-cake-on-white-ceramic-plate-6072104/