What is CBD oil?

The most researched
substance in the world
right now —

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of many natural compounds found in the cannabis plant, classed as a cannabinoid. It has drawn the most attention recently as a key driver behind the legalisation of cannabis due to its extraordinary abilities to help fight disease and promote health and well-being. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid in cannabis responsible for the famous ‘high’, CBD has no intoxicating effects, in fact, it actually helps reduce the intoxicating effects of THC when they are used together. CBD is commonly consumed as an oil and is extracted from the resin glands of the female cannabis plant.

What makes CBD oil so good?

The reason cannabidiol (CBD) has so many reported benefits in humans is because we are all born with cannabinoid receptors found throughout our entire body. Human bodies have actually been created with the ability to absorb and use cannabinoids in order to support optimal health. The main receptors, called CB1 and CB2 receptors are designed to bind and interact with cannabinoids, resulting in the active compounds in cannabis to be extremely well absorbed and desired by our bodies. Aside from cannabis, there are other plant-based foods such as chocolate and black pepper that contain cannabinoids, as well as the small amounts our bodies naturally produce.

CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found broadly across the body where they combine to form the endocannabinoid system.

CBD oil induces the release of our own cannabinoids. Humans produce very small amounts of cannabinoids but supplementing small amounts of CBD oil will actually encourage our body to produce more.

Benefits of CBD oil

The benefits of CBD are extremely vast. While most have been clinically studied some are anecdotal and have been passed on through centuries of use. The key reported benefits of CBD oil are:

  • Cancer management
  • Pain management
  • Appetite control
  • Blood sugar control
  • Autoimmune Disease support
    • Arthritis
    • Crones
    • Lupus
    • Diabetes
    • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Epilepsy support
  • Anxiety and PMS
  • Colitis
  • Autism
  • Detoxing
  • Insomnia
  • Inflammation

With our endocannabinoid system spreading through all main organs of our body, it is easy to understand how CBD can have such a wide reach. In each tissue the cannabinoid system performs different tasks but the goal is always the same, and that is to maintain a stable internal environment, despite fluctuations in the external environment.

MORE INFORMATION – BENEFITS OF CBD OIL

Cannabinoids

Cannabis contains over 80 different compounds called cannabinoids where CBD and THC are a couple of the most abundant and well researched. These cannabinoids are generally extracted from the resin created by the cannabis flower.

While CBD alone is a powerful tool for your health, extracting and consuming singular molecules like this is not the optimal solution. When singled out, individual molecules can create side effects and will not work as well as the entire plant intended.

For example, taking pure THC will create a significant psychoactive effect and possibly result in a loss of control and anxiety. However when coupled with CBD, the high is reduced and the absorption and benefits of CBD are greater. The multitude of compounds have been designed to work synergistically together to enhance the benefits and decrease any negative side effects. Unfortunately, due to most regulations around the world, most forms of cannabis oils have the THC completely removed, whereas even at low doses it can improve the quality of the CBD oil, not produce a significant high and offer benefits in its own right.

Learn More

The Human
Endocannabinoid System

CBD, THC and other cannabinoids fit like a lock and key into existing human receptors. The endocannabinoid system comprises of two types of receptors, CB1 and CB2, which each serve distinct functions in human health and well-being. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system that impacts physiological processes such as memory, appetite, pain, inflammation and immune system responses.

CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system while CB2 receptors are mostly found in the peripheral organs and cells linked to the immune system.

Learn More

The Cannabis Library

There is a growing mountain of scientific evidence to support the use of the cannabis plant in medicine. Here you can view the research for more than 40 conditions than cannabis and its extracts can help with.

Visit the Cannabis Library
cannabis science

Synthetic Cannabinoids

Synthetic pharmaceutical cannabinoids are far inferior to the real plant and its natural extracts. When individual molecules are extracted and consumed as an isolate, they are far less potent that less refined whole plant extracts. Cannabinoids have an amazing synergistic effect and work together to produce incredible health benefits through the entire body. Single cannabinoids alone are not only less potent but they can also create unwanted side effects that nature did not intend. CBD for example reduces the high and anxiety effect high THC can cause while THC helps the absorption of CBD.

How to consume CBD Oil

CBD is most commonly consumed as an oil, mixed with a carrier such as olive oil, coconut oil or hemp seed oil. When CBD is consumed with fatty acids this maximises the bioavailability as it binds to the fat molecules during the absorption and digestion process. This same concept applies to other fat soluable vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E and K. As a general rule, consuming CBD with a fatty meal will improve absorption rates.

Drops can be placed under the tongue and absorbed into the blood, or the oil can be vaporised and inhaled.

Taking CBD oil in a dropper under the tongue is extremely easy, quick and efficient. Vaporising the oil and inhaling it can improve absorption and the speed at which it is absorbed, particularly useful for treating seizures and when an immediate reaction and response is required. When vaporising, the effect is faster and stronger but doesn’t last as long as if one was to consume CBD oil orally. Depending on the condition you’re treating either method of consumption will work.

What’s the difference between cannabis and hemp?

Cannabis, hemp, weed, marijuana, are all names for the cannabis plant.

Generally hemp is the name given to a cannabis plant containing less than 0.3% THC which is cannabis typically grown for it’s industrial use rather than it’s psychoactive properties. Cannabis is a very versatile plant and can be used to make such a vast range of products from paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction, health food, and fuel.

The term marijuana was introduced in the 1930s as part of a smear campaign on cannabis, an alternative word used to confuse the medical community while weed is just the slang term referring to the fact that cannabis grows like a weed.

Marijuana is typically referred to cannabis that is grown purely for a high THC content with the sole purpose of giving off a high. Specifically, the dried flowers of the female cannabis sativa and cannabis Indica plants.

CBD oil usually comes from hemp but hemp CBD is generally not the same as cannabis CBD. As hemp is grown for so many different uses, it might not necessarily be grown for premium CBD and doesn’t have the quality control rules that growing for cannabinoids does. Quality of soil is less of a factor when growing purely for the industrial use of the plant as opposed to the farmers growing premium cannabis in controlled conditions. Before choosing a CBD oil, know the source and understand what you’re getting.

Cannabis Infographic

cbd infographic
View the full infographic here

Cannabis and the pharmaceutical industry

Cannabis and governments

Governments have made it very difficult for the study of cannabis to progress. Human studies on cannabis are limited due to its classification as a schedule 1 drug. Drugs in Schedule 1 are defined as those with no medical use and a high potential for abuse. These are the drugs that are the most dangerous and the highest chance of psychical or physical dependence which include heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and of course natures miricle, cannabis. As a comparison, Schedule 2 drugs are those with a high chance for abuse, but less than schedule 1 and can be prescriped and used legally. This includes cocaine, methamphetamine, OxyContin and Adderall.

Keeping cannabis as a schedule 1 drug goes directly against current evidence, yet no rescheduling has taken place. In 2003 the US government took out a patent on cannabis’s ability to protect the brain from inflammation. Across many government websites cannabis is quoted to be beneficial for a range of health concerns and is clearly recognised as a promising health solution yet it remains a schedule 1 drug making new studies extremely difficult to take place.

It is amazing to know the US government owns the idea of using cannabinoids to protect the brain, yet keeps cannabis illegal at the federal level making it extremely difficult to be studied and better understood.

Cannabis Regulation in New Zealand

Currently in New Zealand possession and growing of cannabis is illegal, however due to strong public pressure this might change in the near future. In 2017 laws loosened around cannabis extracts and its use as a medicine due to the growing amount of evidence to support its benefits.

Considering CBD is non-intoxicating, you can not get high from it, it is not addictive and it is extracted from a plant, it did not make sense for CBD to be regulated like cannabis for so long. Unfortunatly progress is slow, maybe due to the threat it poses on drug companies, but it is now legal for a doctor to prescribe pharmaceutical grade CBD oil.

It is ILLEGAL to buy CBD oil and other hemp or cannabis oils online and import it into NZ.

Check here for New Zealand CBD Oil Current Legal Status

CBD/THC Ratios

CBD oil is best consumed with other cannabinoids such as THC, as they help the absorption and potency of the CBD oil and have their own benefits. Ideal ratios vary depending on the disease but most people will come out of a dispensary with a 1:1: ratio of CBD to THC. Unfortunately, over the counter CBD oil products have stringent regulations on the amount of THC and often only contain isolated CBD oil.

These ratios require trial and error with the individual taking it as cannabinoid dosages are not a one size fits all. Some may be more sensitive to the THC and require a lower level to be completely comfortable. It is best to seek an expert who can best advise you based on your medical history and current supplements and medication.

Once you add in more molecules of the plant over just CBD and THC, higher doses can be handled and more real cannabis benefits can be experienced. The more of the natural cannabinoids and terpenes present in the oil the better.

CBD Dosages

CBD dosages vary depending on the person and the goal or disease they wish to treat. A typical CBD dose may be 30mg per day but range up to 100mg for someone with a disease. However everyone is different and should experiment by starting off with low dosages and gradually increasing to where you believe you’re feeling the best.

When choosing a CBD oil you may come across some marketed as ‘hemp oil’ which could be a less refined oil that may not have as much CBD as some isolated CBD products but might contain higher levels of other important cannabinoids and terpenes.

Cannabis and its Cannabinoids like CBD and THC

Cannabis contains over 80 different compounds called cannabinoids where CBD and THC are a couple of the most abundant and well researched. These cannabinoids are extracted from the resin created by the cannabis flower.

While CBD alone is a powerful tool for your health, extracting singular molecules like this is not the best option. When singled out, individual molecules can create side effects and not work as well as the entire plant intended.

For example, taking pure THC will create a significant psychoactive affect and possibly result in a loss of control and anxiety. However when coupled with CBD, the high is reduced and the absorption and benefits of CBD are greater. The multitude of compounds have been designed to work synergistically together to enhance the benefits and decrease any negative side effects. Unfortunately due to most regulations around the world, most forms of cannabis oils have the THC completely removed, whereas even at low doses it can improve the quality of the CBD oil and offer benefits in its own right.

The Human Endocannabinoid System

CBD, THC and other cannabinoids fit like a lock and key into existing human receptors. The endocannabinoid system comprises of two types of receptors, CB1 and CB2, which each serve distinct functions in human health and wellbeing. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system that impacts physiological processes such as memory, appetite, pain, inflammation and immune system responses.

CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system while CB2 receptors are mostly found in the peripheral organs and cells linked to the immune system.

Synthetic Cannabinoids

Synthetic pharmaceutical cannabinoids are far inferior to the real plant and it’s natural extracts. When individual molecules are extracted they are fall less potent when working alone. Cannabinoids have an amazing synergistic effect and work together to produce incredible health benefits through the entire body. Single cannabinoids alone are not only less potent but they can also create unwanted side effects that nature did not intend. CBD for example reduces the high and anxiety effect high THC can cause while THC helps the absorption of CBD.

Cannabis and governments

Governments have made it very difficult for the study of cannabis to progress. Human studies on cannabis are limited studies due to its classification as a schedule 1 drug. Drugs in Schedule 1 are defined as those with no medical use and a high potential for abuse. These are the drugs that are the most dangerous and the highest chance of psychical or physical dependence and include heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and of course natures cure, cannabis. As a comparison, Schedule 2 drugs are those with a high chance for abuse, but less than schedule 1. This includes cocaine, methamphetamine, OxyContin and Adderall.

Keeping cannabis as a schedule drug goes directly against current evidence yet no rescheduling has taken place. In 2003 the US government took out a patent on cannabis’s ability to protect the brain from inflammation. Across many government websites cannabis is quoted to be beneficial for a range of health concerns and is clearly recognised as a promising health solution yet it remains a schedule 1 drug making new studies extremely difficult to take place.

https://www.google.com/patents/US6630507

It is amazing to know the US government owns the idea of using cannabinoids to protect the brain, yet keeps cannabis illegal at the federal level making it extremely difficult to be studied and better understood.

Cannabis and the pharmaceutical industry

One theory for the reason of the current unwarranted suppression of the cannabis plant is it’s a huge threat to the pharmaceutical industry. As a plant which people can grow at home and treat a wide array of health concerns, the pharmaceutical industry are in a position to lose huge amounts of money. By creating drugs to mask symptoms, then making more drugs to mask side effects from other drugs, the pharmaceutical industry would be threatened by a plant that has no addictive properties or health side effects that can treat diseases more effectively than pharmaceutical drugs.

CBD Dosages

CBD dosages vary depending on the person and the goal or disease they wish to treat. A typical CBD dose may be 30mg per day but range up to 100mg for someone with a disease. However everyone is different and should experiment by starting off with low dosages and gradually increasing to where you believe you’re feeling the best.

CBD/THC Ratios

CBD oil is best consumed with THC, as the THC helps the absorption and potency of the CBD oil and has it’s own benefits. Ideal ratios vary depending on the disease but most people will come out of a dispensary with a 1:1: ratio of CBD to THC. Unfortunately over the counter CBD oil products have stringent regulations on the amount of THC and often only contain CBD oil.

These ratios require trial and error with the individual taking it as cannabinoid dosages are not a one size fits all. Some may be more sensitive to the THC and require a lower level to be completely comfortable. It is best to seek an expert who can best advise you based on your medical history and current supplements and medication.

Once you add in more molecules of the plant over just CBD and THC, higher doses can be handled and more real cannabis benefits can be experienced. The more of the natural cannabinoids present in the oil the better.

How to consume CBD Oil

CBD is most commonly consumed as an oil, or vaporised. Drops can be placed under the tongue and absorbed into the blood, or the oil can be vaporised and inhaled.

Taking CBD oil in a dropper under the tongue is extremely easy, quick and efficient. Vaporising the oil and inhaling it can improve absorption and the speed at which it is absorbed, particularly useful for treating seizures and is generally regarded as the best way to consume it.

Cannabis Regulation

  • In the US, cannabis is currently a schedule 1 drug in the company of heroin, ectasy and LSD. Schedule 1 substances are the most tightly controlled and regulated and cannot be prescribed.
  • Below that, in schedule 2 sits methamphetamine, cocaine, opium and morphine which can be prescribed and used legally.

What’s the difference between cannabis and hemp?

Cannabis, hemp, weed, marijuana, are all names for the cannabis plant.

Generally hemp is the name given to a cannabis plant containing less than 0.3% THC which is cannabis typically grown for it’s industrial use rather than it’s psychoactive properties. Cannabis is a very versatile plant and can be used to make such a vast range of products from paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction, health food, and fuel.

The term marijuana was introduced in the 1930s as part of a smear campaign on cannabis, an alternative word used to confuse the medical community while weed is just the slang term referring to the fact that cannabis grows like a weed.

Marijuana is typically referred to cannabis that is grown purely for a high THC content with the sole purpose of giving off a high. Specifically, the dried flowers of the female cannabis sativa and cannabis Indica plants.

CBD oil can come from hemp but hemp CBD is generally not the same has cannabis CBD. Hemp isn’t grown to be high in cannabinoids and doesn’t have the quality control rules that growing for cannabinoids does. Quality of soil is less of a factor when growing purely for the industrial use of the plant.

Cannabis and its Cannabinoids like CBD and THC

Cannabis contains over 80 different compounds called cannabinoids where CBD and THC are a couple of the most abundant and well researched. These cannabinoids are extracted from the resin created by the cannabis flower.

While CBD alone is a powerful tool for your health, extracting singular molecules like this is not the best option. When singled out, individual molecules can create side effects and not work as well as the entire plant intended.

For example, taking pure THC will create a significant psychoactive affect and possibly result in a loss of control and anxiety. However when coupled with CBD, the high is reduced and the absorption and benefits of CBD are greater. The multitude of compounds have been designed to work synergistically together to enhance the benefits and decrease any negative side effects. Unfortunately due to most regulations around the world, most forms of cannabis oils have the THC completely removed, whereas even at low doses it can improve the quality of the CBD oil and offer benefits in its own right.

 

The Human Endocannabinoid System

CBD, THC and other cannabinoids fit like a lock and key into existing human receptors. The endocannabinoid system comprises of two types of receptors, CB1 and CB2, which each serve distinct functions in human health and wellbeing. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system that impacts physiological processes such as memory, appetite, pain, inflammation and immune system responses.

CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system while CB2 receptors are mostly found in the peripheral organs and cells linked to the immune system.

 

Synthetic Cannabinoids

Synthetic pharmaceutical cannabinoids are far inferior to the real plant and it’s natural extracts. When individual molecules are extracted they are fall less potent when working alone. Cannabinoids have an amazing synergistic effect and work together to produce incredible health benefits through the entire body. Single cannabinoids alone are not only less potent but they can also create unwanted side effects that nature did not intend. CBD for example reduces the high and anxiety effect high THC can cause while THC helps the absorption of CBD.

 

Cannabis and governments

Governments have made it very difficult for the study of cannabis to progress. Human studies on cannabis are limited studies due to its classification as a schedule 1 drug. Drugs in Schedule 1 are defined as those with no medical use and a high potential for abuse. These are the drugs that are the most dangerous and the highest chance of psychical or physical dependence and include heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and of course natures cure, cannabis. As a comparison, Schedule 2 drugs are those with a high chance for abuse, but less than schedule 1. This includes cocaine, methamphetamine, OxyContin and Adderall.

Keeping cannabis as a schedule drug goes directly against current evidence yet no rescheduling has taken place. In 2003 the US government took out a patent on cannabis’s ability to protect the brain from inflammation. Across many government websites cannabis is quoted to be beneficial for a range of health concerns and is clearly recognised as a promising health solution yet it remains a schedule 1 drug making new studies extremely difficult to take place.

https://www.google.com/patents/US6630507

It is amazing to know the US government owns the idea of using cannabinoids to protect the brain, yet keeps cannabis illegal at the federal level making it extremely difficult to be studied and better understood.

 

Cannabis and the pharmaceutical industry

One theory for the reason of the current unwarranted suppression of the cannabis plant is it’s a huge threat to the pharmaceutical industry. As a plant which people can grow at home and treat a wide array of health concerns, the pharmaceutical industry are in a position to lose huge amounts of money. By creating drugs to mask symptoms, then making more drugs to mask side effects from other drugs, the pharmaceutical industry would be threatened by a plant that has no addictive properties or health side effects that can treat diseases more effectively than pharmaceutical drugs.

 

CBD Dosages

CBD dosages vary depending on the person and the goal or disease they wish to treat. A typical CBD dose may be 30mg per day but range up to 100mg for someone with a disease. However everyone is different and should experiment by starting off with low dosages and gradually increasing to where you believe you’re feeling the best.

 

CBD/THC Ratios

CBD oil is best consumed with THC, as the THC helps the absorption and potency of the CBD oil and has it’s own benefits. Ideal ratios vary depending on the disease but most people will come out of a dispensary with a 1:1: ratio of CBD to THC. Unfortunately over the counter CBD oil products have stringent regulations on the amount of THC and often only contain CBD oil.

These ratios require trial and error with the individual taking it as cannabinoid dosages are not a one size fits all. Some may be more sensitive to the THC and require a lower level to be completely comfortable. It is best to seek an expert who can best advise you based on your medical history and current supplements and medication.

Once you add in more molecules of the plant over just CBD and THC, higher doses can be handled and more real cannabis benefits can be experienced. The more of the natural cannabinoids present in the oil the better.

 

How to consume CBD Oil

CBD is most commonly consumed as an oil, or vaporised. Drops can be placed under the tongue and absorbed into the blood, or the oil can be vaporised and inhaled.

Taking CBD oil in a dropper under the tongue is extremely easy, quick and efficient. Vaporising the oil and inhaling it can improve absorption and the speed at which it is absorbed, particularly useful for treating seizures and is generally regarded as the best way to consume it.

 

Cannabis Regulation

  • In the US, cannabis is currently a schedule 1 drug in the company of heroin, ectasy and LSD. Schedule 1 substances are the most tightly controlled and regulated and cannot be prescribed.
  • Below that, in schedule 2 sits methamphetamine, cocaine, opium and morphine which can be prescribed and used legally.

What’s the difference between cannabis and hemp?

Cannabis, hemp, weed, marijuana, are all names for the cannabis plant.

Generally hemp is the name given to a cannabis plant containing less than 0.3% THC which is cannabis typically grown for it’s industrial use rather than it’s psychoactive properties. Cannabis is a very versatile plant and can be used to make such a vast range of products from paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction, health food, and fuel.

The term marijuana was introduced in the 1930s as part of a smear campaign on cannabis, an alternative word used to confuse the medical community while weed is just the slang term referring to the fact that cannabis grows like a weed.

Marijuana is typically referred to cannabis that is grown purely for a high THC content with the sole purpose of giving off a high. Specifically, the dried flowers of the female cannabis sativa and cannabis Indica plants.

CBD oil can come from hemp but hemp CBD is generally not the same has cannabis CBD. Hemp isn’t grown to be high in cannabinoids and doesn’t have the quality control rules that growing for cannabinoids does. Quality of soil is less of a factor when growing purely for the industrial use of the plant.

How to get CBD Oil

in New Zealand

As of September 1st 2018, CBD oil and cannabis products are unavailable over the counter in New Zealand but prescription oils are available. If you have a doctor open to the use of CBD oil, they can apply to supply you with CBD oil (Tilray) or a pharmaceutical grade CBD/THC formula (Sativex), see the government resources here.

Sign up here if you would like to be notified and updated on the availability of CBD oil and cannabis products in New Zealand.


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