We believe the prominence of Cannabis reflects the shift back to traditional medicine occurring throughout the globe.
Naturopathic medicine naturally turns to the Earth and to shamanic practices for optimal sources of healing.
Given Cannabis is likely the oldest medicine on the planet, with ancient ruins repeatedly discovered covered in this sacred plant, it’s time for the general public to take another look.
Dr. Erin met one of the founders of the Charlotte’s Web brand while in England a few years’ back. Josh Stanley, also featured in CNN’s multi-part special Weed, gave a riveting talk about how their company was the flagship brand, breeding low THC/high CBD hemp specifically to help a family whose daughter had unstoppable seizures. Charlotte. Charlotte had a genetic condition that had not responded to medication, leaving her with over 300 seizures a day. Developmentally delayed, the Stanley brothers’ product enabled her to stop seizing, walk, talk and develop as best she could with her limitations.
Curious about the dark green-brown extract, indicating the broader terpines and alkaloids claimed by the Stanley brothers, we decided to give this brand a try. Our experience shows it does not disappoint. We especially feel it helps the fast-paced, left-brained orientation of modern society and enables patients get back to what Dr. Erin calls “Divine Flow”. Titrate up in 5 drops increments until you can feel it. Each person’s dosing is unique.
CBD or cannabidiol is also used for other ailments including but not limited to: cancer-related side effects, reducing Parkinson’s tremors, mitigating depression and anxiety, and, as mentioned, decreasing seizure intensity and frequency.
Here at Options Naturopathic we did the legwork to provide the highest quality products to address your needs so you don’t have to worry about buying a bad product. Let us know if you’d like to try it!
(Note: Due to restrictions from Paypal, online sales are prohibited, please call the office to place your order)
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What are some good brands that would have high amounts of therapeutic CBD without all of the junk?
At Options Naturopathic, we researched different Hemp Extract oil brands tested by ConsumerLabs.com for content, quality, and price.
Out of many brands that we have tried over the years, we found that Charlotte’s Web (CW) Hemp Oil stands out as a high quality Hemp Extract, as well as in clinical efficacy. It is also more economical when priced per mg.
Charlotte’s Web is transparent about their process from seed to product and are working to achieve USDA Organic Certification. CW goes on to explain that they use soil that is cleared of heavy metals and other contaminants prior to planting with organic and sustainable cultivation techniques. Compared to other competitors who import their hemp plants, CW grows their own hemp, processing their products from seed-to-seed. We are unaware of any other CBD manufacturer who does this.
From this information we concluded that CW would be the best Hemp Extract for its potency, quality, and economic value.
What strengths of CW are available?
While we have a 17mg, the CW Hemp 60mg Max Strength, is one of the most potent hemp products available on the market. Although this maximum strength formula has more upfront cost, the largest (100mL) bottle is more concentrated than others, where less drops are needed to reach therapeutic dosage. Along with having a delicious mint chocolate taste it is an easy recommendation we make to our patients who would use these products more frequently and in higher dosages like in debilitating pain or cancer. 60mg/100mL now also comes in a plain Olive oil base, too. (The Orange Blossom is only available in the 30mL size).
Some Common FAQ’s on CBD:
Can CBD make you high or have the potential for abuse?
It is entirely reasonable for many people to be concerned about potential dependence or abuse with CBD, given that THC or tetrahydrocannabinol another compound found in cannabis may have those effects. However, WHO’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence investigated CBD and after reviewing the evidence from animal and human studies, the committee concludes that “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.”
Where does CBD come from and how is it absorbed in the body?
CBD is made primarily from the flower buds of low-THC Cannabis and thus has a low risk of hallucinogenic effects. CBD is fat-soluble, similar to other fat-soluble compounds like Vitamin D or fish oil, hence it is best taken with foods rich with healthy fat and oils. (In fact, we don’t believe it will work until you are up to snuff on your Fat soluble vitamins, like A, D, and K.
ConsumerLab.com tested the most popular CBD products for their quality and potency and then ranked them by price per mg of CBD. Their president, Tod Cooperman, reported “It’s not absorbed well if you take it on an empty stomach.”
Is there any risk to taking one bought online or at the health food store?
Unfortunately, since there is no current federal regulation on the production and manufacturing of CBD products, many consumers are receiving products with contaminants like pesticides and herbicides or products containing mislabeled amounts of CBD. A new study by a Penn Medicine researcher, Marcel Bonn-Miller, PhD, published last year in JAMA, found that nearly 70% of all CBD products sold online are either over or under labeled, causing potential serious harm to its consumers. Dr. Bonn-Miller believes the mislabeling of cannabidiol products is a direct result of inadequate regulation and oversight.
Look at the label to see from where the CBD product was sourced.
Many researchers advise against taking CBD from China; since the standards for purity don’t match those of American manufacturers, which typically grow cannabis in Europe, Colorado, Kentucky, or Oregon. Some Chinese CBD has been found to be contaminated with heavy metals and large amounts of pesticides. That is why we decided to start our own investigation and find out which brand is the safest and highest quality for our patients.
What are the differences between “Cannabinoids”, “Hemp oil”, “Hemp Seeds”, and “Hemp Extract”? Do they all have CBD?
Until the FDA reviews the CBD research and creates quality standards, it is advisable to be cautious with products that claim to contain CBD. Look for a product that lists the amount of CBD per serving. If it only lists “cannabinoids,” it may or may NOT contain CBD. If “hemp extract” is listed it likely contains CBD, but if “hemp oil” is listed as the only ingredient the product is made from hemp seeds. Hemp seeds, unfortunately, DO NOT contain CBD in any significant amount.
