Willner Fall Sale 2019

Page 35 To place an order, go to www.willner.com or call (800) 633-1106 Since 1911 • Willner Chemists: The Nutritional Supplement Professionals Cannabidiol (CBD): What is it? Written by: Don Goldberg, RPh Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is not believed to be a psychoactive compound and it does not affect perception and behavior. The legal status of hemp products is confusing and in flux. The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill made it legal to sell hemp and hemp products in the U.S. But that doesn't necessarily mean that all hemp-derived cannabidiol products are legal. Since cannabidiol has been studied as a new drug, for example, it might not be legal to included it in foods or dietary supplements. Also, like anything else, cannabidiol can't be included in products marketed with therapeutic claims. Technically, if a therapeutic claim is made for any food or food supplement, it is considered a "drug." Cannabidiol can be included in "cosmetic" products if it contains less than 0.3% THC. There is confusion over state law and federal law, with differing interpretations from one area to another. Until the confusion is resolved, products labeled as dietary supplements have proliferated on the market that contain cannabidiol. This is due, it seems, to the fact that CBD supplements actually work. Word of mouth is driving demand. This should not be considered surprising, as there is a considerable body of research supporting the efficacy of CBD. The problem is that many of the studies utilize large doses of CBD, larger than the amounts found in most of the supplements currently on store shelves. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Remember, the dose utilized in these types of research studies is often arbitrary, or based upon whatever maerial is available. Lower doses may work just as well. Likewise, a study with negative results at one dose level may have produced positive results if a higher dose was used. We are well aware of the synergism that results from the action of the totality of an herbs components as opposed to the "drug like" action of one isolated component. For example, there are fish oil (omega-3) supplements on the market that boast extremely high levels of EPA and DHA and, at the same time, there are fish oil (omega-3) supplements that, instead, contain a purified fish oil with a full spectrum of healthy fatty acids. What is CBD used for? Cannabidiol is most commonly used for seizure disorder (epilepsy). It is also used for anxiety, pain, a muscle disorder called dystonia, Parkinson disease, Crohn disease, and many other conditions. It must be pointed out, in fairness, that conclusive scientific evidence is not yet available to support all these uses. Is it Effective? How do we answer that question? If we listen to people who have used CBD supplements and topical products, the conclusion is easy yes, it works. If we look only at scientific research, as it currently stands, the answer is not so clear. One area everyone seems to agree on is CBD's effect on seizure disorder (epilepsy). A specific proprietary cannabidiol product, on prescription, has been shown to reduce seizures in adults and children with various conditions that are linked with seizures. Other areas of interest include the following: bipolar disorder, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease), diabetes, a movement disorder marked by involuntary muscle contractions (dystonia), graft-versus-host disease, Huntington's disease, insomnia, multiple sclerosis (MS), withdrawal from heroin, morphine, and other opioid drugs, Parkinson disease, quitting smoking, social anxiety disorder, pain. Caution. The benefits of CBD for the above conditions are not fully supported by conclusive scientific evidence. Some are supported by preliminary studies. Some are only supported by conflicting studies. Some are dose dependent to an extent that makes it questionable whether or not levels found in over-the-counter supplements would work. Safety does not seem to be a problem. Talk to your physician or other health care provider. Experiment with dose and products. Talk to your friends who may have tried CBD with positive results. How does it work? "Cannabidiol has antipsychotic effects. The exact cause for these effects is not clear. However, cannabidiol seems to prevent the breakdown of a chemical in the brain that affects pain, mood, and mental function. Preventing the breakdown of this chemical and increasing its levels in the blood seems to reduce psychotic symptoms associated with conditions such as schizophrenia. Cannabidiol might also block some of the psychoactive effects of delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Also, cannabidiol seems to reduce pain and anxiety." (Natural Medicines patient handout) C annabidiol is a chemical found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Cannabis sativa is also known as marijuana or hemp. Over 80 chemicals, known as cannabinoids, have been identified in the Cannabis sativa plant. THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the major active ingredient in marijuana, CBD, or cannabidiol, is also obtained from hemp, which contains only very small amounts of THC. Notice: This information is designed to help you make informed decisions about your health, and the proper use of dietary supplements. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, nor a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your doctor. If you have a medical problem, you should seek medical help. Products described herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or mitigate disease.