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Organic Hemp

Q: How to choose the right product?

Select products with clear labeling of CBD content that have been third-party lab-tested for safety and potency.

Q: How to administer?

Follow the specific instructions for the product form you are using, whether oral, sublingual, or topical.

Q: What results can I expect?

Results vary by individual and condition; monitor your response and consult with a healthcare provider for guidance.

Q: Is it safe to use with other medications?

Consult healthcare providers before starting CBD, especially if you are on other medications, to assess potential interactions.

Also known as: Organic Hemp, Hemp Extract, CBD (Cannabidiol), Cannabis sativa

Overview

Organic hemp is derived from the *Cannabis sativa* plant, cultivated without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Known for its rich cannabinoid profile, including CBD and low levels of THC, organic hemp is frequently utilized for potential therapeutic applications such as pain relief, anxiety reduction, and seizure control. Hemp extracts exhibit variability in cannabinoid content, particularly CBD and THC ratios. Research on organic hemp is continuously evolving with notable gaps, especially concerning long-term effects and optimal dosing. Although there are high-quality studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses available, the body of evidence remains mixed, highlighting the need for standardized methodologies in future research.

Benefits

Organic hemp, particularly through its active ingredient CBD, has shown promising benefits in various therapeutic applications. Evidence indicates that cannabinoids, including those from hemp, are effective for pain relief, with systematic reviews revealing a moderate to large reduction in chronic pain, highlighted by a mean difference in pain intensity of -1.37 (95% CI, -2.18 to -0.56). For anxiety management, CBD has demonstrated efficacy, albeit with less robust evidence; a study showed significant reductions in anxiety scores for social anxiety disorder. Moreover, CBD has been beneficial for children with severe seizure disorders, with significant reductions in seizure frequency reported in affected populations. The overall effect sizes vary, with pain relief demonstrating the most consistent benefits.

How it works

Cannabinoids from organic hemp primarily interact with the endocannabinoid system, notably through CB1 and CB2 receptors, influencing various physiological processes including pain perception and mood regulation. This interaction extends to other biological pathways, affecting the central nervous, immune, and gastrointestinal systems. Cannabinoids may also influence other receptors like serotonin and opioid receptors, contributing to their therapeutic effects. Bioavailability is notably dependent on the administration route; for example, smoking has about 31% bioavailability, while oral forms significantly vary and can be improved by concurrent food intake.

Side effects

Generally regarded as safe for short-term use, organic hemp can lead to several adverse effects. Common side effects (occurring in more than 5% of cases) include drowsiness, changes in appetite, and diarrhea. Less frequent side effects (1-5%) may include nausea, fatigue, and irritability, while rare side effects (<1%) encompass severe issues like liver enzyme elevations and interactions with medications. Cannabinoids can particularly interact with blood thinners, necessitating caution in those on multiple prescriptions. Contraindications exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to insufficient safety data, while special populations, including children and elderly individuals, require careful oversight.

Dosage

The effective dosage of CBD varies significantly based on the condition treated, with recommendations ranging from 2.5 mg for pain relief to 20 mg/kg/day for seizure control. Common ranges for pain management include 2.5 to 50 mg of CBD daily, while anxiety typically requires lower doses of 1-10 mg. There is no defined maximum safe dose, yet daily doses above 1500 mg are not recommended due to insufficient data. The method of administration influences both bioavailability and onset, with oral doses benefitting from concurrent food intake, and varying absorption rates noted between oromucosal sprays, capsules, and sublingual drops.

FAQs

How to choose the right product?

Select products with clear labeling of CBD content that have been third-party lab-tested for safety and potency.

How to administer?

Follow the specific instructions for the product form you are using, whether oral, sublingual, or topical.

What results can I expect?

Results vary by individual and condition; monitor your response and consult with a healthcare provider for guidance.

Is it safe to use with other medications?

Consult healthcare providers before starting CBD, especially if you are on other medications, to assess potential interactions.

Research Sources

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2338251 – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of cannabinoids, showing efficacy in pain relief, nausea, and spasticity related to multiple sclerosis. It confirmed that while cannabinoids are beneficial, their evidence in other conditions varies, emphasizing the need for standardized assessments.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01365/full – This review focused on the pharmacokinetics of CBD, indicating significant variances in bioavailability depending on administration routes and food intake. It explored the implications of these pharmacokinetic properties for dosage and efficacy.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.15253 – This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed changes in THC and CBD concentrations in cannabis over time. It found that THC levels have generally increased, while CBD concentrations have not changed significantly, underscoring the importance of accurate product labeling.