FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (CBD)
Where is your CBD grown and how potent is it?
The hemp used is organic Colorado hemp Certified by the US Hemp Authority. The grower also formulates our lotion. Our CBD extract is derived using kosher cold press extraction and is 3rd party tested. The CBD is in a lotion base and is 100mg CBD per 2ml. We can dilute it if requested. A copy of the Certificate of Analysis for the current batch is availabe
here.
What are the benefits of a topical CBD cream?
Stellar Massage LLC makes no medical claims. Listed below are some links that refer to the limited studies and research that has been conducted on CBD. I've seen and read empirical evidence that it aids in reducing stress and anxiety, but was unable to find any studies that specifically tied that claim to a topical application of CBD. CBD has not been legal very long in the US or other countries so there are not a lot of studies yet.
One of my favorite places to look for unbiased information is National Institute of Health. Here is the link to the article from nih.gov that concludes "there is overwhelming clinical evidence suggesting the beneficial effects of topical cannabinoids in treating a myriad of skin conditions. There is still much research that needs to be conducted, carrying the potential to revolutionise and widen the scope of dermatology treatment modalities."
ScienceDirect.com also summarized studies available and published an article on the benefits and side effects of CBD, both topical and oral.
Emma Chasen, co-founder of Eminent Consulting Firm, a cannabis education and consultancy firm, is quoted as saying: "It can be used to reduce pain and inflammation and/or help in the management of skin disorders when applied topically.” I searched for the quote and found it in a lot of places, but couldn't find the original source. Upon researching emma Chasen, I was impressed with her dedication to educating the industry about CBD.
University of Colorado research explored the use of CBD for dermatologic conditions and found it's itch relieving properties to be particularly noteworthy. Another paper published in "Dermitology" states "AAD 2018: Topical Cannabidiol Recommended as Adjunct Treatment for Acne, Eczema, and Psoriasis"
A Study published in the journal "Pain" stated that "These findings suggest that CBD may be a safe, useful therapeutic for treating OA (osteo arthritis) joint neuropathic pain."
An article in the Journal of Experimental Medicine states that "Cannabinoids suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting a3 glycine receptors"
Dove Medical Press published an article that states "The topical administration of selective cannabinoid receptor agents has been demonstrated to have analgesic effects in animal models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain (formalin, carrageenan hyperalgesia, and partial nerve injury), especially for the control of breakthrough pain."
How does CBD lotion work?
We have an endocannabinoid system that regulates appetite and mood, as well as pain and pleasure sensations. Cannabinoids activate our body's endocannabinoid system by binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors of this system. Our CBD lotion interacts with the receptors in the skin, muscle tissue and nerves giving relief to the localized area. Lotions do not permiate the skin deep enough to enter the blood stream, so are best used for localized effect. More study is needed to determine the effectiveness of topicals, via the receptors, for non-local issues such as stress and anxiety.
Why use a lotion instead of an oil?
You want a delivery system that will allow the CBD to be absorbed into your skin better. Oils tend to take longer to absorb and can end up on your clothing instead of in your skin. CBD oil is thick and needs to be diluted to be usable. Ours is diluted with a lotion to allow for better abosorbtion.
Is your CBD lotion full spectrum and will it show up in a urinalysis?
- Our CBD oil is from hemp, so the amount of THC is within the legal limits of .3%.
- Lotion is absorbed into the dermal and subdermal layers where cannabidiols function by way of receptors in the cutaneous layers.
- Even if taken orally and systemically absorbed, This post from US Drug Test Centers Blog says "According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the recommended cutoff level of THC is 50 ng/mL to pass a drug test. Most employers and legal services prefer to use SAMHSA-certified labs as the standard since it's more likely to hold up in court. Most hemp oil or CBD products are usually sold with much lower levels of THC (compared to marijuana), so most CBD consumers won't have trouble passing a drug test. For those using extremely high levels of CBD or hemp oil (over 2,000 mg per day), it's possible, though unlikely, that this could produce a "false positive" result on a drug test. Even then, a follow-up test can provide more conclusive results."
This report states that "Topical application of THC containing products is not able to cause positive cannabinoid finding in blood or urine."
The exception is transdermal patches which provide a concentrated dosage and products that contain higher amounts of THC than the legal limit. I have each batch of lotion I order tested by an independent lab to ensure the THC is within the legal limits. You are welcome to ask to see the certificate.
Full Sprectrum, Broad Spectrum, Isolate...What does it all mean and what's the difference?
Full Spectrum CBD gives you the full benefits of the plant, including all the cannabinoids, terpenes and flavinoids. Because ours is from Hemp, there is not enough THC to get psychoactive effects.
Broad Spectrum CBD removes the THC but also contains less of the naturally occurring terpenes and flavonoids.
CBD Isolate is just CBD, no other cannabinoids, no terpenes, no flavinoids.
Is CBD addicting?
No. The World Health Organization issued
a report (pg 15) that concluded that "While the number of studies is limited, the evidence from well controlled human experimental research indicates that CBD is not associated with abuse potential." The report actually indicated that CBD could be helpful to treat addiction of other substances as it has anti-addictive properties.
Can you overdose on CBD? Is it safe? What are the side effects?
No you cannot overdose, and yes it is safe.
The same report (pg 5) from the World Health Organization's Expert Committee on Drug Dependence stated that "it is generally well tolerated, with a good safety profile." While oral CBD can cause nausea, diahrea and drowsiness, topicals do not. It is recommended that you take care if you use them while you are taking medications that cause drowsiness as it may add to the effect.
How much CBD should you use?
There is no universal dosage for CBD. It is suggested that you start at smaller doses and see how it affects you and work your way up. With regular use, you can become used to the dosage and need higher amounts. We start at 100mg of CBD for our targeted therapy. For some people, this may seem high, but we are not advocating that amount as a multiple times a day dosage, it is for therapeutic massage.
Does your CBD lotion smell like pot? Do you have scented available?
It does until we add essential oils.
I premix it to use at the office so you have a choice of Peppermint, Lavender, or Sports (Menthol/Camphor).
- Peppermint is great for pain relief and increasing circulation.
- Lavender is known to be very relaxing and is an antiinflamatory.
- My favorite is the Menthol/Camphor because it REALLY helps relieve my pain.
I can get over the medicine smell. Menthol and Camphor interact with your nerve endings and overrides the "pain" signals with "cold" so it gives immediate relief.
Can I expect to feel a difference right away?
No, topical application takes 1-3 hours to be felt because it needs to absorb into the deeper layers of your skin and the muscles beneath. Because we apply it at the beginning of your massage, some report feeling the difference (in addition to the difference they usually feel) right away.