EDUCATION

What is CBD?

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a compound extracted from Industrial Hemp. It’s one of the hundreds of compounds found in the Cannabis plant, but it’s notable for its potential wellness benefits. Although many people are knowledgeable about body systems like the musculoskeletal, nervous and circulatory systems, there’s an essential system you may not know much about. The Endocannabinoid System, or ECS, helps keep you healthy. It helps regulate the brain and immune system, and it also responds to Cannabinoids once they enter your body. CBD has been shown to help reduce inflammation and improve sleep patterns because of the way it interacts with the ECS. CBD can also lead to increases of anandamide, a fatty acid neurotransmitter that affects your demeanor, which is why CBD is sometimes said to have mood-boosting qualities. As you learn more about CBD Oil vs. Hemp Oil, it's important to know the benefits of both.

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What is CBD Oil?

In its most natural form, Hemp looks like most other plants. To get CBD Oil, raw Hemp undergoes an extraction process. The most popular and pure way to make CBD Oil are through extraction and CO2 extraction. At EastCoastHealthyLiving.com, we only offer CBD Oil that has been extracted using the CO2 extraction method which allows us to separate each Cannabinoid and ensure that our CBD Oil is certified pure and 99 percent CBD.

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How CBD May Help Improve Your Health and Healthy Lifestyles

Helps to Revive Your Regular Exercise Routine

Sleep More Restfully

Helps to Manage Your Anxiety & Stress

Helps to Ease Chronic Pain & Arthritis

In Many, Effectively Eases Pain From Fibromyalgia

Buying CBD Products: What You Should Know

Consistent use is important for cbd effectiveness

Like other remedies, CBD is ONLY effective when used over time. Based on your condition(s), you may see relief in 5 - 7 days or 10 - 12 days. This depends on many factors because everyone is different.

Long term use is required

Like treating any condition, relief is maintained with consistent and longterm use. Always order early because you don't want to run out of product.

identify conditions you need help with

Research indicates very high-quality CBD is effective for many conditions - click on button below for more information.

Number of mg in product is the main key

Using a gasoline analogy, many cars can run on regular, some on mid-grade yet others on high-octane. Be certain to match your condition(s) -- mild, medium or tough -- with the proper level of CBD as measured in milligrams. Generally, mild conditions allow for lower milligrams of CBD while tougher conditions require higher milligrams of CBD.

Why is Lab Testing Our CBD Products So Important?

What is lab testing . . .

Lab testing refers to when companies or individuals send products to independent laboratories to test for molds, mildews, cannabinoid profiles, terpene profiles, water activity, moisture content, etc.

When it comes to CBD hemp oil, comprehensive lab testing typically involves testing for residual solvents, physical and microbial contamination, potency, and terpenes.

Due to the recent changes in laws regarding the use of CBD, the hemp industry is now growing rapidly especially the CBD sector. As is with all as medicinal products, products derived from CBD now undergo various regulatory procedures.

International organizations have currently set up regulations and standards for acceptable limits of specific compounds in other to ensure products derived from cannabis do not contain substances that compromise a person’s immune system. 

Cannabis products are mostly tested to verify if the products are safe for human consumption and to give consumers an idea of the potency of the product they are using. Hemp and CBD manufacturers and processors are not required to have their products tested to standards which will help ensure public health and safety.  

However, ALL of EastCoastHealthyLiving.com’s CBD products are rigorously tested on a regular basis to assure customers they get the highest quality CBD products available today.

The failure to conduct lab testing on CBD products puts an individual at risk of ingesting substances that are potentially harmful to their system or purchasing a product that does not contain an accurate amount of CBD.

Some of the tests done during lab testing procedures include:

  • Residual Solvent Analysis: This test is performed in a bid to determine the purity levels of the hemp extracts and CBD, it involves the extraction of active ingredients from cannabis using solvents such as ethanol, water, carbon dioxide, butane, and other materials. After the extraction, further testing is done in other to ensure that the highest possible percentage of solvents has been removed.
  • Physical Contamination:The packaging and handling of cannabis should take place in sterile environments and clean surfaces, and individuals who handle it are required to wear gloves in order to avoid physical contamination, this test is done to determine if any form of physical contamination has occurred during the handling and packaging process.
  • Microbial Testing:Hemp poses a major safety hazard without proper microbial testing, some of the procedures involved in the microbial testing of cannabis include statistical sampling, relevant microorganism testing, and sound assay design and validation.
  • Water content:The level of water activity in cannabis samples contributes to its microbial content. Therefore, it is important that the sample undergoes a thorough and sufficient curing process. If the hemp and CBD samples are fresh it is important to test for microbes like E. coli, Clostridium botulinum, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa which if ingested pose great harm to the body.
  • Potency Analysis:This analysis is done to determine the percentage of cannabinoids contained in a CBD hemp oil sample. Depending on the state in which the testing occurs, only the THC and CBD levels alongside tetrahydrocannabinolic and cannabidolic acids levels of the samples are tested while in other states their CBC and CBG levels are checked as well.
  • Terpene Analysis:This analysis is done to measure the level of terpene which is typically responsible for the fragrance and flavor present in hemp, it is usually done to determine the sample’s flavor profile.

CBD VS MARIJUANA

Most frequent questions and answers

While Hemp and Marijuana are both in the Cannabis family, Marijuana contains higher levels of THC, a substance that can cause psychoactive effects. A marijuana plant will contain anywhere between 5 and 35 percent THC, while Industrial Hemp contains less than 0.3 percent.

Hemp and Marijuana are sometimes called sister plants because of how similar they are in appearance and composition, but the way they affect us is very different. Legislatively, Hemp and Marijuana also differ: While non-medical, recreational Marijuana is legal in many states, products derived from Industrial Hemp are federally legal and can be consumed in all 50 states.

THC affects the brain by binding to naturally-occurring CB-1 receptors in the central nervous system. 

CBD is a differently-shaped molecule that binds to CB-2 receptors in cell and body tissues outside the central nervous system.

No, CBD will not get you high. It’s non-intoxicating. 

Like we said above THC is the molecule that binds to receptors in our brain and is the one responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana.  In fact, CBD is antagonistic to the marijuana high; some research expresses its potential to prevent THC molecules from binding to the brain’s receptors (hence the reason why it’s often used to subdue the ‘paranoia’ effects of super-potent THC strains).  

  

A high-quality CBD product with minimal THC is incredibly unlikely to show up on a drug test.  However, low quality CBD products may contain more traces of THC than they claim, in which case it is possible for a screening to pick up on the drug. (Research has shown that people who consume 6 mg of THC per day have a 25% chance of failing a drug test. This translates to about 2,000 mg per day of CBD oil with a THC content of 0.3% or less).  

CBD functions by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. 

These receptors have been found in virtually every cell and tissue type in the human body (hence the seemingly endless array of CBD uses).  All cannabinoids, including CBD, produce effects in the body by attaching to certain receptors.  CB2 receptors are present throughout the body, but many are in the brain. The CB2 receptors in the brain deal with coordination and movement, pain, emotions, and mood, thinking, appetite, and memories, and other functions.

CB2 receptors are also in high concentration in the immune system and affect both inflammation and pain.

CO2 Extraction is the best method to extract pure CBD isolate, in which state it exists as a clear/white crystal. This method is preferred over other methods because it leaves practically zero traces of chemical contaminants in the end product and results in the highest quality CBD products available.  

Alcohol Extraction is another method, wherein a liquid such as ethanol, butane, or hexane is run through the raw plant material to extract the CBD and then evaporated to leave only the active cannabinoid. This can be a dangerous method because it’s prone to leaving excess traces of the butane or hexane chemicals in the extract.  Also, infusing vegetable oil (i.e. olive oil) is another effective way of extracting CBD. All you do is grind up the raw plant material, decarboxylate (heat) it, and let it sit in boiling (100-deg Celsius) oil for about 2 hours.

Note:  ALL of East Coast Healthy Living CBD products are produced using the highly superior CO2 Extraction Method. 

One of the most common questions we get is, “How will CBD make me feel?” Everyone reacts differently to CBD, but many of our customers tell us they feel relaxed and more peaceful within 30 minutes of taking the supplement. We recommend taking CBD for the first time at home before bed, as the calming effects of CBD can make you feel sleepy. You won’t feel intoxicated or “high” after taking East Coast Healthy Living CBD, as it doesn’t contain any compounds associated with psychoactive side effects. Instead, you may feel more energetic, more relaxed and less pained than you did before.

People often wonder whether CBD’s purported benefits are a marketing ploy, but we can assure you that CBD has been shown to have a profound effect on the human body. While the compound isn’t guaranteed to treat health conditions, research has shown that CBD can reduce inflammation, ease anxiety and improve overall mood. We owe its effectiveness to the Endocannabinoid System, or ECS – an essential system found in all mammals that responds to CBD once it enters your body. The ECS has cell receptors that interact with cannabinoids or compounds derived from Cannabis. The Endocannabinoid System is responsible for regulating mood, memory, appetite, inflammation and much more, which is why CBD works.

The ECS is specifically equipped to respond to CBD, which is why it differs from other natural supplements. CBD products may help with a range of conditions thanks to the ECS, and an overwhelming number of our customers report therapeutic benefits like better sleep and reduced stress levels after experiencing CBD. Additionally, East Coast Healthy Living uses a proprietary blend of botanicals in many of our CBD products, which helps maximize the potential benefits of CBD and enhance the wellness boost it provides.

East Coast Healthy Living products are certified pure and use 99 percent pure CBD. 

Additionally, our products undergo a special isolation process to ensure that we’ve removed even trace amounts of THC. Why does it matter? Unfortunately, some of the companies that claim to have the best CBD products on the market take advantage of the lax regulations surrounding CBD and sell inferior-grade products – that’s why we have rigorous quality control standards designed to give you peace of mind about your East Coast Healthy Living order.

CBD for Your Pets

Generally, every animal with a backbone may benefit from regular use of CBD as a medicinal treatment for a number of health conditions and issues. Scientifically, Cannabidiol or CBD is an organic molecule most commonly found in the Hemp plant, and is also naturally present in the female Cannabis plant. CBD and other cannabinoids have been studied and are proven to help regulate many symptoms, diseases, and illnesses.  

Exhaustive research has proved that CBD is beneficial because in humans and animals with backbones there is an Endocannabinoid System through which compounds found in CBD works to help balance immunological, physiological, and psychological processes.  With Homeostasis (your body’s ability to keep and internal equilibrium in response to changes in the environment) as a goal, the use of high-quality CBD products may help both humans and animals feel better by working to maintain the balance of many vital organs and systems in the body. 

1. CBD is a Powerful Painkiller

In 1997, a study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology showed that the endocannabinoid system was deeply involved in managing pain.

Today, CBD has become renowned for its painkilling properties.  First of all, studies have shown that CBD can temporarily stop the absorption of anandamide, a chemical that helps dampen pain signals in the brain.

This temporary increase in anandamide can have various effects, one of them being reduced pain sensations. Secondly, CBD has been shown to be a powerful anti-inflammatory (more details listed below).

By reducing the inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis, for example, CBD is also able to reduce the painful symptoms caused by the condition.

2. CBD is a Known Anticonvulsant

Perhaps one of the best-known medicinal uses for CBD is its ability to help controls seizures, tremors, tics, and spasms.  That’s because CBD is a natural anticonvulsant.  News of CBD’s natural anticonvulsant properties first broke in 2013 when the story of Charlotte Figi, a young girl with epilepsy, made headlines across the globe.

Charlotte’s only hope for managing her 300 weekly seizures was a tincture now, made from CBD rich cannabis.

Since then, numerous studies have proven that CBD can help manage a wide variety of tremors, spasms, and tics.  For example, multiple studies have shown that CBD can help manage seizures caused by epilepsy.  Other studies have also shown that both CBD and THC can help manage spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis, and research also suggests that CBD can help manage the tics and tremors caused by Tourette’s syndrome.

Unfortunately, it isn’t quite clear how CBD works as an anticonvulsant. Seizures are generally believed to be caused by the rapid, uncontrolled firing of neurons in the brain. Preliminary research suggests CBD can help restore order to these neurons, causing them to fire normally and essentially prevent the onset of seizures.

3. CBD is Anti-Inflammatory

As I mentioned earlier, CBD is renowned for its anti-inflammatory effects.

In fact, the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD are believed to be one of the main reasons the compound is so useful in treating a wide variety of conditions.

CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects are believed to be linked to its ability to interact with receptors in immune cells. CBD interacts with CB2 receptors, which are generally located inside immune cells. By activating these receptors, CBD is able to evoke a wide variety of immune responses.

One of these responses is to fight inflammation. Conditions like arthritis, MS, irritable bowel disease, and many others, are characterized by chronic inflammation. In some cases, this inflammation can be caused by a malfunctioning of the immune system, causing it to attack healthy cells.

By helping lower inflammation, CBD can help reduce pain and other symptoms of conditions like IBD, arthritis, and more.

4. CBD Reduces Anxiety and Stress

It’s important to note that CBD doesn’t just help deal with physical symptoms.  In fact, many studies have shown that CBD can help manage the symptoms of a variety of mental conditions, including anxiety.

Much like humans, pets can also suffer from anxiety, stress or even specific phobias.  And while the exact source of anxiety may differ in pets, it can cause stress and specific physical reactions just like in humans.

Some common forms of anxiety affecting dogs include separation anxiety, noise anxiety, travel anxiety, and even specific phobias.  In humans, anxiety and stress might cause us to bite our nails, pace around, or become a little shaky.

In dogs, anxiety can cause similar repetitive behaviors.  Some common symptoms of anxiety in dogs include:

  • Persistent barking
  • Chewing (furniture, shoes, rubbish, etc)
  • Urinating and defecating (usually inside the house or crate)
  • Aggression
  • Tremors

CBD has been shown to help reduce feelings of anxiety and thereby reduce these symptoms.  How it does so, however, isn’t completely clear.  Typical anxiety medications tend to target a type of seratonin receptor in the body known as 5-HT1A. By targetting these receptors, anti-anxiety medications can help temporarily boost seratonin levels in the brain.  This can then lead to improvements in mood and help temporarily reduce feelings of anxiety or fear.

Research suggests that CBD might work in a similar way, also temporarily increasing seratonin levels in the brain.  In doing so, the compound can have anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects, while also helping reduce stress.

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5. CBD is Antiemetic

Nausea and vomiting are really common symptoms. They can be the result of a specific condition, or can also be caused by treatments or medications such as chemotherapy.

Both in humans and dogs, nausea and vomiting are serious symptoms, often leading to a decreased appetite, rapid weight loss, dehydration, fatigue, and more.

There are plenty of antiemetic medications on the market, and some of the most common given to dogs and cats include acepromazine, chlorpromazine, aminopentamide, and more.

These drugs, while often effective in controlling nausea and vomiting, can cause a wide variety of side effects, including:

  • Hypotension
  • Strong sedation
  • Lowered seizure thresholds for animals with epilepsy
  • Excessive drooling
  • Lethargy
  • Lack of appetite
  • Diarrhea

You can read more about antiemetic medications for animals and their adverse effects here.  There is a strong body of evidence that shows that CBD is a successful antiemetic, controlling both nausea and vomiting while also stimulating the appetite.  Interestingly, it seems to do so by stimulating 5-HT1A receptors, the same receptor which can help reduce anxiety.

By activating this receptor, CBD can significantly reduce feelings of nausea and also suppress the subsequent vomiting reflex.  Research also suggests that prolonged stimulation of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in the brain can also help reduce nausea and vomiting. In doing so, studies show that CBD can have powerful antiemetic effects. In fact, some studies suggest CBD is a better antiemetic than some modern medications.

Best of all, CBD doesn’t seem to cause any of the side effects of traditional antiemetic medications. You can read more about the side effects of CBD here.

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6. CBD May Slow Tumor Growth

Cancer and malicious tumors are common in pets and, in many cases, prove to be fatal.  Until now, there is no known cure for cancer, and treatment usually focuses on slowing the growth of a tumor while reducing pain and other symptoms.

The most common treatment for cancer and tumors in pets is chemotherapy.  Unfortunately, like with humans, chemotherapy can produce a wide variety of side effects, including:

  • Tiredness, fatigue, and lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

However, new research shows that cannabinoids like CBD can have unique anticancer effects, too.  In fact, a growing body of research is beginning to explore just how cannabinoids can help slow the growth and spread of cancer and even reduce the size of tumors.

For example, a 2011 study conducted at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston showed that CBD can cause programmed cell death and hence inhibit the growth of breast cancer.

Another study, published by researchers from the University of Naples Federico II, Italy, also showed that CBD can help protect against colon cancer in rats by stopping the development, growth, and spread of malignant tumors.

Research from Complutense University, Madrid, has also shown that CBD and other cannabinoids can enhance the effect of traditional chemotherapy. Researchers suggest it does so by increasing the rate by which cancer cells absorb chemotherapy agents, while simultaneously protecting healthy cells.

There are many more studies exploring the use of CBD and other cannabinoids in treating cancer.

To learn more, I suggest you check out this resource by the US National Cancer Institute.

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7. CBD Promotes Homeostasis

Homeostasis can best be described as the proper functioning of the body.  It occurs when our bodies are in balance, and ensures all our biological systems function to the best of their ability.

However, sometimes this balance gets thrown out, and that’s when disease and illness strike.  New research suggests that the endocannabinoid system plays a key role in maintaining this balance, mainly because it is involved in such a wide variety of bodily processes.

Hence, researchers suggest that, by stimulating the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids like CBD can help promote homeostasis in the body.

This is why many pet owners choose to use CBD not only as a medicine to treat a specific illness, but also as a regular supplement to promote the overall health and wellbeing of their pet.  I’ll cover CBD and its role in promoting homeostasis in more detail in future posts.

For now, I suggest reading this article by Perry Solomon, MD, Chief Medical Officer at HelloMD.

 

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Other Benefits of CBD

One of the wonders behind CBD is its many potential therapeutic uses.

Above I’ve listed some of the most popular therapeutic benefits of CBD for dogs and other pets, but there are many more.

Generally, if your pet suffers from chronic pain, anxiety/stress, epilepsy, chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis or IBD, or cancer, CBD products may be worth the effort in helping to find relief for both you and your pets.  

fun facts

  • Hemp produces twice as much fiber per acre as cotton
  • Until about 1883, 75% to 90% of all paper in the world was made from cannabis hemp fiber