More than 70 million Americans are affected by sleep disorders. There are more than 80 identified sleep disorders that include conditions such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and circadian rhythm disorders.(1) In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has said that insufficient sleep is a public health epidemic.

Getting too few hours of sleep, or poor quality sleep, is linked to a myriad of health issues like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, and inflammation.(2) Conversely, adequate sleep is great for your immune system, allows your body to repair itself, processes emotions and experiences from your day, and helps maintain metabolic function. (3)

It’s no wonder that most of us are obsessed with getting a good night’s sleep! In addition to proper nutrition and exercise, adequate sleep is essential to good health.

CBD Oil and the Endocannabinoid System

With the exploding interest in cannabidiol (CBD) as a potential natural remedy for almost everything, it makes sense that many people have started to turn to CBD, to help them sleep.

CBD is a phytocannabinoid, or, a chemical compound that naturally occurs in cannabis. There are currently over 100 phytocannabinoids in cannabis that have been identified. Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to balance pleasure, energy and well-being. A healthy, operating ECS works to gently prod the body back to a healthy state when facing injury or disease.

You can learn more about this by reading our article about the Endocannabinoid System and how CBD works with it.

Studies on CBD as a Sleep Aid

The question is, even though many people are trying CBD products to help them sleep… is it working?

Thorough studies on CBD as a sleep aid are still few and far between, but here are some of the more notable ones:

Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series

In this study, CBD was given to 72 adults that were being clinically treated for anxiety and poor sleep. The patients were given 25mg of CBD after dinner. A few patients ended up increasing their CBD dose throughout the trial. After one month, 66.8% of patients reported better sleep, and 79.2% reported a decrease in anxiety symptoms.

Effectiveness of Raw, Natural Medical Cannabis Flower for Treating Insomnia under Naturalistic Conditions

This study looked at the symptoms and cannabis administration of 409 patients with perceived insomnia. This study is not explicitly about CBD, and some patients used cannabis products containing THC. However, the summary states that, “Cannabidiol (CBD) was associated with greater statistically significant symptom relief.” This is a somewhat broad strokes study but does show potential promise.

Effect of cannabidiol on sleep disruption induced by the repeated combination tests consisting of open field and elevated plus-maze in rats

PTSD patients often report insomnia and REM sleep abnormalities. In this study, researchers compared the effects of CBD on sleep in normal rats vs. rats they induced PTSD symptoms in. They confirmed that CBD does have anxiety reducing effects. When given CBD to aid in non-REM and REM sleep, the study showed that CBD helped to improve REM sleep, but not non-REM sleep.

Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature

A review of the available research was summarized to suggest that annabidiol (CBD) may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of insomnia.

In this article by Consumer Reports, Dr. Joseph Maroon, MD suggests that CBD may work more indirectly with sleep by eliminating other factors that may keep you awake. Reducing pain, anxious thoughts or other negative symptoms with CBD oil, may in turn help you to sleep better.

To summarize, CBD may treat many of the root causes of poor sleep, allowing you to sleep better, but may not directly cause you to sleep better.

Customer Testimonials

Even though there isn’t an overwhelming body of evidence to suggest that CBD is a cure-all sleep aid, we do have anecdotal evidence from several customers. Here is what some of our customers have to say:

Customer Sarah F. says, “My hormones have been all over the place since I had ovarian cancer two years ago. The worst part is that it affects my sleep. I tried the tincture, and now I can get to sleep without a problem! Sometimes I wake up at 1 or 2 in the morning, but I just take a little more and fall back to sleep pretty quickly. Thank you!”

Guidelines for Taking CBD for Insomnia & Sleep Issues

Hope Botanicals offers CBD Oil products in tinctures, gel caps and gummies. Most of the studies that we looked at used 25mg-50mg as the dose, and were administered after dinner, or about one hour before bed.

For a more in-depth explanation about how much CBD to take, please read our article.

It is important to note that most people on a CBD regimen report that the positive effects of CBD build up over time, and are not always immediate.

The effectiveness of CBD depends largely on the underlying causes of a sleep disorder, individual factors such as how quickly CBD is metabolized, and the dose.

There are virtually no reported ill effects of CBD, as opposed to many pharmaceuticals that are available to use as sleep aids. Overall, CBD is a very safe and natural supplement that can benefit many people.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

All content found on the Hope Botanicals website were created for informational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

(1) https://www.sleephealth.org/sleep-health/the-state-of-sleephealth-in-america/
(2) https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-reasons-why-good-sleep-is-important
(3) https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-sleep-you-need#section1

There are a myriad of conditions that can afflict dogs which can by helped by the use of CBD.  Although veterinarians can’t prescribe CBD, some are willing to talk about the possible benefits of CBD for your dog, and even give you advice about using it.

How CBD Works in Dogs

All animals have an endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system in dogs is part of what maintains the natural balance in the body and it is stimulated by endocannabinoids, which are produced in the body. However, the endocannabinoid system can also be stimulated by external cannabinoids, such as Cannabidiol (CBD.)

The endocannabinoid system is made up of two types of receptors. Your dog has:

• CB1 receptors– located in the brain, nervous system, glands and organs
• CB2 receptors– located in the regulatory cells of the immune system

Humans have these same receptors as well, but dogs actually have the highest concentration of CB1 and CB2 receptors of any animal!

CBD works by targeting the endocannabionid receptors, restoring balance when things are out of whack. That’s why CBD so good for so many different ailments.

You can read more about the endocannabinoid system and how it works in our article, How the Endocannabinoid System Works with CBD.

Is CBD safe for your dog?

The first question every dog parent asks is, “is this safe for my dog?” Cannabis has actually been used in veterinary medicine for thousands of years! There is evidence of the ancient Greeks using it to treat colic and horses, and even to treat battle wounds.

However, when speaking specifically about dogs, its vital to make a distinction between CBD and THC. (You can read more about CBD vs. THC in this article.) CBD is 100% safe for animals, but there are some important things to be aware of to make sure you are getting a pet-safe product.

While CBD is safe for your dog, THC is not. A CBD product for dogs should never contain any amount of THC. Even the smallest amount of THC can spell big trouble for your pup.

Dogs are highly sensitive to THC because, as previously mentioned, they have much higher concentrations of receptors in their endocannabinoid system. Even the tiniest amount of THC will quickly overload them and lead to toxicity.

Any CBD product you purchase should clearly state 0 THC on the label.  If it is not clear on the label, don’t buy it.

What conditions can CBD help with in dogs?

Because of all the many wonderful benefits of CBD, it’s difficult to think of a condition or ailment that wouldn’t somehow benefit from a CBD regimen! Some of the most common conditions that our customers approach us for are discussed here.

CBD and glaucoma in dogs

One of the neatest things we have seen CBD do for older dogs is help with glaucoma.  The compounds in cannabis reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma.  With my own older dog, her eyes cleared up within 10 days of starting CBD and have stayed clear on a daily dose. This is not an unusual benefit of giving CBD to your dog!

CBD and Fatty Tumors in dogs

These type of tumors are benign but can become quite big and bothersome.  A customer reached out and said her dog had a fatty tumor the size of a grapefruit.  We worked to find her optimal dose, and she committed to giving CBD twice a day.  Within 10 days the tumor shrunk to the size of an orange.  We’ve had multiple customers use CBD for fatty tumors with great success.

CBD and dogs with arthritis

Arthritis is a huge issue for dogs. Arthritis is the inflammation of joints that cause aching, pain and other degenerative illnesses.  As CBD is a pain reliever, it targets aching joints and gives your dog relief.   It also soothes the chronic inflammation that prevents your pet from healing properly.  A consistent treatment plan using CBD for arthritis can have huge benefits for dogs.

This is a great study on CBD for arthritis:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC16904/

“I have an 11 year old lab that was developing arthritis in her hips. Vet said she will probably always be on meds from now on. My thought was to give this a 30 trial period if it works great if not back to the prescription meds. After 1 week on the medium dose for a 100 lb. dog she has already shown improvements! Can’t wait to see what the next couple of weeks will bring.” – Katie M. (https://hopebotanicals.com/2018/06/arthritis-relief-for-maggie/)

CBD and dogs with allergies

Allergies can be caused by many things including diet and environmental factors. Determining the cause of the allergies is always the first step.  Adding CBD to your dog’s diet will help boost the immune system and help with the inflammatory response in the body.  CBD will definitely help with the itching and scratching that can plague your dog.

Seizures in dogs and CBD

Seizures in dogs are a debilitating issue and can cause owners much distress.  Conventional pharmaceutical drugs have negative side effects. Many owners are seeking other, more natural options.   Even with medication, up to 30 percent of dogs with epilepsy continue to experience seizures. CBD has been shown to help reduce seizures substantially.

This article from the National Institutes of Health is very informative and a must read for people dealing with seizures in their dogs. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5767492/

If your dog’s ailment isn’t discussed above, additional research links can be found here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/

Administering CBD to your dog

We offer a couple of convenient ways to administer CBD to your dog. Because dogs are much smaller than humans, and therefore more sensitive to CBD, care must be taken when dosing. We always advise to start with the smallest recommended dose, and wait a couple of days to increase the dose to achieve your desired result.

First, we sell a tincture that can be administered in the side of the mouth. There is no added flavor, and most dogs will accept it without issue. If that can’t be accomplished, then sprinkling the dose on a small amount of bribe food between meals is an option. Learn more about our CBD Tincture for Dogs here: https://hopebotanicals.com/product/cbd-tincture-for-pets-natural-flavor/

We also offer beef-flavored CBD treats. These can be given any time you would normally offer your dog a treat. Each treat has 2mg of CBD. You can use the dosing chart above to figure out how much CBD is appropriate for your dog each day, and then feed treats accordingly. Learn more about our CBD Treats for Dogs here: https://hopebotanicals.com/product/750-mg-pcr-soft-chews-for-dogs/

Finally we offer a salve and a liniment gel that can be used topically on sore joints or muscles. We sell them as people and horse products, but they are safe for use on dogs as well.

CBD will likely be beneficial and a great addition to your dog’s daily regime.  I, and my customers, have found it to be very effective for a number of conditions as well.  I hope you choose to try this natural alternative for your dog’s health.

In order to fully understand how CBD is beneficial to us, it’s important to understand the endocannabinoid system.

The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system is the body system that CBD interacts with to give you all of the positive benefits of a CBD regimen. All mammals, birds, reptiles and fish have an endocannabinoid system.

Our bodies have many systems. Our circulatory system exists to circulate blood and transport important nutrients throughout the body. Our respiratory system takes in oxygen from our surroundings and rids the body of carbon dioxide. Our digestive system breaks down food and converts it to energy in the body.

If we could sum up the function of the endocannabinoid system in one word, it would be: BALANCE.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) exists to keep our bodies in a sort of “sweet spot.” The ECS balances pleasure, energy and well-being. It also gently prods the body back to a healthy state when facing injury or disease.

The importance of the endocannabinoid system can’t be overstated! It plays a critical role in the regulation of disease in our body. It heavily supports the immune system by keeping the immune system from being either over- or under-active.

The endocannabinoid system regulates all kinds of things, like inflammation, pain, bone health, growth of new nerve cells, fat and sugar processing, mood, energy, brain health, and hormone balance. We are hard-pressed to think of a disease or condition that isn’t related to one of those things!

The body has many internal processes that are continually either building things up or breaking them down. The ECS is constantly monitoring these processes to make sure that there is the right balance of building and breaking. When there is too much of one or the other, the ECS swoops in to restore the balance.

Think of it as the “behind the scenes” system that is working to make sure that your other body systems are all operating optimally.

Endocannabinoids and Phytocannabinoids

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds naturally found in cannabis. Endo means “within or inner,” and Phyto means “plant.” All this means is that endocannabinoids are cannabinoids that our body produces, and phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids that come from a plant, cannabis.

In 1992, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam discovered that animal bodies produce endocannabinoids.  Endocannabinoids are a type of neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the body that transfer signals between neurons in the nervous system.

The use of “cannabinoid” is a little confusing, but he termed these neurotransmitters “endocannabinoids” because they were so similar to the plant-based cannabinoids found in cannabis.

The ECS makes heavy use of endocannabinoids to do its job of keeping the body in a balanced state. Bradley E. Alger, Ph. D. calls endocannabinoids a “bridge between body and mind.”

CBD the Super Phytocannabinoid

There are currently over 100 phytocannabinoids that have been identified in cannabis. However, there is not extensive research on almost 90% of them!

Two of the most studied phytocannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC.) CBD is the most plentiful phytocannabinoid found in all varieties of the cannabis plant. (You can read more about cannabis varieties and the difference between hemp, hemp oils and hemp seed oil in this blog post: https://hopebotanicals.com/2019/03/cbd-oil-vs-hemp-oil/)

THC also gets a lot of attention because it is the compound in cannabis responsible for the “high” that cannabis users experience.

The “Bliss Molecule”

It’s difficult to understand the full scope of what the endocannabinoid system does for the body, and how cannabinoids like CBD can help, without talking about anandamide!

Anandamide is a type of endocannabinoid neurotransmitter that has been nicknamed the “bliss molecule” because it is a pleasure and reward regulator.

Remember that endocannabinoids are made inside the human body? If anandamide had a phytocannabinoid (remember, plant-based cannabinoid) twin, it would be tetrahydrocannabinol (commonly known as THC.)

(If you want to impress your friends at your next barbeque, you can tell them that anandamide is an endogenous analogue of THC. That’s the scientific term for all of this!)

THC is the compound in cannabis responsible for the “high,” because it acts like a major flood of this bliss chemical.

The Endocannabinoid System Receptors

The Endocannabinoid System is made up of two types of receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord.) CB2 receptors are primarily found in the peripheral nervous system like skin, muscles and other organs. These receptors respond to endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids.

However, not all cannabinoids work the same way.

THC binds directly to these receptors, flooding the body with a large amount of a “bliss molecule” lookalike. This causes a high.

CBD does not bind directly to these receptors. Instead, CBD works indirectly by blocking enzymes that break down the body’s own anandamide. When there is more anandamide in the body, there is more CB1 activation and a more active and effective endocannabinoid system.

If THC grabs and hangs on to the receptors, think of CBD as a football lineman, blocking and tackling enzymes to make sure that anandamide (the guy with the ball), gets to the end zone.

Although CBD doesn’t bind directly to the CB1 or CB2 receptors, there are many, many other types of receptors in the brain. CBD does directly bond to some of these. Many of these receptors have anti-depressant, anti-psychoactive, anti-cancer and other functions.

You can see the CBD is immensely helpful in improving the overall function of the endocannabinoid system, which is to nudge the body back to balance when faced with illness or injury. CBD helps the body to heal itself.

Glossary:

• Endocannabinoid System – A system that all mammals, birds, reptiles and fish have that works to keep the body in a state of equilibrium.
• Neurotransmitter – A chemical compound that carries messages around the body to the various parts of the nervous system.
• Endocannabinoid – Cannabinoid (chemical compound) that is produced in the animal body. A type of neurotransmitter.
• Phytocannabinoid – Cannabinoid (chemical compound) that comes from the cannabis plant.
• Anandamide – An endocannabinoid and neurotransmitter produced in the body that is a pleasure and reward regulator.
• Cannabidiol (CBD) – A phytocannabinoid that works in the body to block enzymes that break down anandamide. In short, more anandamide in the body means a more active and effective endocannabinoid system.
• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – A phytocannabinoid that mimics anandamide. THC is what is responsible for the “high” people experience after the consumption of some cannabis products.

More Reading

For even more information on the endocannabinoid system, you may want to check out these articles and books!

• https://herb.co/learn/cannabinoid-receptors/
• https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system
• https://www.amazon.com/CBD-Patients-Medicinal-Cannabis-Healing-without/dp/1623171830/

Anyone that suffers from migraines can tell you they are far different than the every-once-in-a-while sporadic headache that many of us get from time to time.  Some studies suggest that up to 13% of adults in the United States suffer from migraines, and that migraines negatively impact the educational, professional or social activities of more than 90% of sufferers.

It’s no wonder that migraine suffers are so passionate (and relentless) about finding tools and treatments to treat their pain. One promising treatment is using CBD for migraine.

What is CBD Oil?

In case you aren’t already familiar with CBD oil, here is a quick primer.

CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is one of the many natural compounds known as phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. You are probably most familiar with the most “famous” phytocannabinoid, which is THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol.) THC is responsible for the “high” when you ingest certain strains of cannabis.

These phytocannabinoids (like CBD and THC) work like little messengers that we already have in our bodies. The little messengers that already exist inside us are called endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids work in our nervous system and are also important to our immune function.

One of the reasons for the growing popularity of CBD, is that it has so many benefits to the body, without the psychoactive effect of a “high.” CBD works to nourish the endocannabinoid system in the body.

Why Would CBD Help With Migraine?

Some studies have shown chemical reactions and changes in the brain of migraine sufferers, but we don’t know for sure exactly what causes migraines. The American Migraine Foundation classifies migraine as a “neurological disorder that is characterized by over excitability of specific areas of the brain.”

Even though we haven’t been able to explain exactly what causes migraine, we do know that many migraine sufferers often have personal triggers such as:

• Stress
• Fatigue
• Foods and additives
• Smells
• Alcohol
• Hormonal changes
• Lights and sounds
• Hunger or thirst

A few things that stand out on that list are stress, fatigue, and hormonal changes.

CBD is anti-inflammatory

We know that certain intolerance to food, additives, alcohol, and sugars can create inflammation in the body, creating disease. As an anti-inflammatory, CBD helps to reduce inflammation and swelling in the body, which can help minimize migraine triggers.

CBD is anti-anxiety

If stress and anxiety are a major trigger for your migraines, the calming and restoring effects of CBD may help.

CBD is an analgesic

While not a trigger, pain is a common symptom of migraine. CBD is a pain-reducer and can help to dull or eliminate the pain associated with migraine.

CBD Oil & Migraine Studies

There are several studies that explore the effectiveness of CBD on migraines, with more research on the horizon.

The first is a study by the European Academy of Neurology that explored the use of cannabinoids (CBD is one!) to treat migraine. In this study, cannabinoids reduced pain in 43.5% of patients. The cannabinoid combination also outperformed the pharmaceutical, amitriptyline, by 5%! You can read the study summary here.

Another study looked at the overall frequency of headaches in those that used CBD and other phytocannabinoids as a migraine therapy. In 121 adults, the frequency of headaches over a one month period went from 10.4 headaches, down to 4.6! You can read the complete study here.

While there may not be overwhelming evidence from scientific studies to prove the effectiveness of CBD to treat migraines, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence from personal experience and testimonials from those whose lives have been changed for the better! This particular study looks at a lot of this anecdotal evidence.

With the 2018 Farm Bill legalizing hemp products containing less than 0.3% THC, as well as a burgeoning public interest, we expect more (and better) research on the therapeutic benefits of CBD on migraines.

How to Use CBD for Migraines

CBD works better as a preventative measure for migraine than as an acute treatment after the onset of migraine. For this reason, the most effective CBD regimen against migraine is a daily one! CBD is a natural supplement that is non-habit forming and safe for daily use.

Several of the above-referenced studies pointed out the importance of finding an appropriate dose. We recommend keeping CBD in your system by taking it twice per day. You can start with a minimum dose of 25mg each morning and night, and adjust accordingly. Make it a part of your morning and nighttime routines!

Tincture

We offer top-quality, pure tinctures in natural and peppermint flavors. The tincture is held under the tongue for 60 seconds, then swallowed. Holding the tincture under the tongue allows it to be absorbed quickly into the blood stream. The natural flavor is mild, but the peppermint is also tasty and lightly sweetened!

Gel Cap

We also have an easy to swallow gel cap that uses water soluble nanotechnology for maximum absorption. The effects of the CBD can be experienced quickly; within 15-20 minutes.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with your migraine experiences, or questions about using CBD for migraine!

CBD Oil vs. Hemp Oil vs. Hemp Extract vs. Hemp Seed Oil

There is a lot of confusion about the differences between hemp oil vs. hemp seed oil, CBD oil, or hemp extract. Most of this confusion stems from the fact that hemp and marijuana plants are from the same Genus (or category) called Cannabis.

Within this Genus there are three species, but many subtypes, often called strains (but more properly called cultivars.)
People grow hemp for incorporation into other products. These products range from clothing to paper to makeup to cereal. Hemp is really a raw material. Think of it like other resources such as cotton and wood.

Using hemp as a raw material was common prior to early last century.  People used hemp for paper, for clothing, and for rope.

Hemp seed oil is most often sourced from the Cannabis Sativa plant seed, also known as Industrial Hemp. Hemp seed oil production is regulated, and is tested for THC and CBD levels. However, hemp seed oil contains neither of those cannabinoids. Tests have shown that there are no cannabinoids present in the seeds of the hemp plant.

Hemp Seed Oil Nutrition

So just some quick nutrition information! Hemp seed oil contains a fatty acid profile of 4:1. For most people, an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 4:1 is ideal–that’s 4 omega-6s for every 1 omega-3. Anti-aging experts suggest even smaller ratios, maintaining a 1:1 ratio or higher in favor of omega-3s. 4.

The average American eats a ratio of anywhere from 12:1 to 25:1 omega-6 to omega-3. Not good. So Hemp seed oil is a good option for an oil with a good fatty acid profile.

CBD Oil, Hemp Extract or Hemp Oil

CBD Oil, Hemp Extract or Hemp Oil (not hemp SEED oil) is an extract that contains naturally occurring terpenes, flavonoids, Cannabinoids, and other beneficial phytonutrients from the hemp plant. They often refer to CBD oil to as “Hemp Extract” or “Phytocannabinoid-Rich Hemp Oil.”

Cannabis Oil

Cannabis oil is commonly from the marijuana plant but can vary depending on the manufacturer as Cannabis is also the botanical name of the Industrial Hemp plant. Cannabis oil from the Marijuana strain is extracted from the Marijuana plant. It contains high levels of THC and lower levels of CBD Oil. Cannabis oil from the Marijuana plant is illegal in most states. People use it for medicinal purposes and as a recreational drug. Cannabis oil production is not regulated.

Hope Botanicals sells THC free products and well as one product that contains the federal allowable limit of THC at 0.3% or less.

FAQ: Questions and Answers

Q: Is Hemp seed oil the same as Hemp Extract/CBD Oil/Hemp Oil or medicinal cannabis oil?

A: No, Hemp seed oil and CBD oil both are made from the same plant though. Hemp seed oil is beneficial containing a lot of antioxidants and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant. This means it contains little to no CBD or THC.  Hemp seed oil is often sold in 16oz bottles to 1 gallon jugs.

Q: Will CBD oil make me fail a drug test?

A: Depends. A lot of products contain a small amount of THC (usually the federal allowable amount of 0.3% or less) and if you use this, you will fail a drug test. If a drug test is a concern, you’ll want to find a product that contains 0 THC and says so on the label. If it doesn’t say “0 THC” on the label, it likely contains THC. Labs should be available on any product you purchase.

Another option is to purchase a CBD isolate which means all other cannabinoids and THC have been removed from the oil in a lab.

Hope Botanicals carries mostly 0 THC products, CBD isolate (called Hope Rx Clear) and one product, Super Full Spectrum Tincture, which contains 0.3% THC or less (0.3% is the federal allowable amount of THC). We use Hemp Seed Oil as the carrier oil for all our tinctures as we believe there is a natural occurring synergy between Hemp Seed Oil and CBD oil.

Q: How do I understand the label?

A. To delve further into the names for CBD oil, you will see labels that say “Full Spectrum” and “Broad Spectrum”. Full spectrum generally indicates the oil contains some THC, because full spectrum oil is mostly known as containing multiple cannabinoids, including THC. But with the advent of new extraction technology, labs can now extract the THC and leave behind multiple cannabinoids. So, to see a label that says “Full Spectrum with 0 THC” is not uncommon.

Broad Spectrum has generally been the term for oil that contains CBD with no THC, with slight amounts of other cannabinoids. Once again, new technology is enabling labs to extract the THC and leave behind other cannabinoids.

To emphasize the point, if you’re looking for a CBD product that contains 0 THC, look for “0 THC” on the label.

Hope Botanicals uses the terms CBD, Phytocannabinoid-rich Hemp Oil, Full Spectrum and Super Full Spectrum.

You can always contact us for more information on products. We know it can be confusing and we want to help you figure out which product is best for you, your horse and your pets.

There is a lot of buzz circulating that celebrates the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) for just about everyone suffering from any ailment. If you are just starting to research the benefits and uses of CBD, all of the wonderful success stories you hear might overwhelm you.

Uses for CBD Oil

Based on my research and the questions I frequently receive, here are the top 8 uses for CBD oil (in no particular order.)

Fibromyalgia Pain

Many women have asked me if CBD will help with Fibromyalgia. Doctors don’t know the cause of this painful issue, and Fibromyalgia sufferers are desperate for help. I took CBD for this condition and so I share my personal story. Within days of starting CBD, it helped to manage my pain and today I have little to no pain at all. I get a lot of feedback from women saying it helps control the pain, and that it works consistently.

Anxiety

The issue of our time. So many people are looking for relief from anxiety and are not willing to take, or are trying to get off of, traditional pharmaceutical options. The popular perception has been that you need THC for anxiety, but that is not true. In a clinical trial conducted at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust in London, brain scans of participants given CBD revealed changes in blood flow to the regions of the brain linked to feelings of anxiety. You can read this research on CBD and anxiety here.

Cancer

My first customer was a man with multiple myeloma blood cancer. He is in remission. There are many studies on CBD and cancer. NIH PubMed is a good resource for information. The side benefit that my customer didn’t know about is that CBD helped his kidney function. When opiates couldn’t control his pain, CBD did. You can read his story here.

Insomnia

Insomnia is a big issue that especially plagues women. CBD interacts with many receptors, proteins, and other chemicals in the brain. These interactions create changes in neurotransmitter activity, hormones, and other cells throughout the brain and body. Through these interactions, CBD appears to affect many of the body’s functions including sleep-wake cycles. For those with chronic insomnia, a slight amount of THC with CBD seems to be very beneficial. Using CBD within the federally allowable limit of THC (0.3%) would be a good option.

ADHD

Many parents of children with ADHD are looking for other options to prescribed medications for their children. There are many forums for parents researching CBD for ADHD and other subtypes. There is limited research on CBD for ADHD, but observational studies show it helps reduce the anxiety and hyperactivity associated with ADHD.

An issue that should be addressed is that some research has included CBD with THC or even medical marijuana. Opponents of CBD for ADHD like to bring this to the forefront of their opposition to CBD for ADHD. There is a clear differentiation between CBD and CBD containing THC or medical marijuana. CBD products can be a fairly broad spectrum oil (containing other cannabinoids and terpenes) without THC. This distinction needs to be clear.

Inflammation

We have known for years how inflammation effects every part of our well-being. CBD has shown to radically reduce inflammation in the body. In 2018, WADA (World Organization for Doping in Athletes) took CBD off the prohibited substances list, as athletes have known for a long time how well CBD works for inflammation and pain. Unlike ibuprofen, it is therapeutic for your body and good for your liver.

Arthritis

I receive many inquiries about CBD for arthritis pain. I also get many testimonials from customers that CBD has given much pain relief. People feel better, begin walking, and the cycle of pain fades. The research on CBD for arthritis is extensive, including this one that used a topical application of CBD. The application showed significantly reduced joint swelling and thickening of the synovial membrane.

According to another study about the positive effects of cannabidiol on arthritis symptoms, CBD has also shown to actually reverse the effects of arthritis. Using CBD daily in the form of a tincture or gel cap, along with a topical salve is a great protocol for arthritis.

Seizures

I have many people contact me to ask about CBD for seizures in people. There have been popular CBD brands that have proven to provide relief from seizures and have been used for a few years now. The FDA approved a by-product of CBD in June 2018 that had good results but horrible side effects. CBD with the legal limit (0.3%) of THC or less has been shown to control seizures with NO side effects. To be clear, never use CBD with THC for seizures in pets, as pets do not tolerate THC. CBD without THC has been shown to control seizures in pets. Please see my future blog post on how to use CBD for dogs.

There are many promising uses for CBD, with more on the horizon as research continues on this amazing compound.

I get many inquiries about how to use CBD oil for horses with arthritis, and the effectiveness of CBD for arthritis. My answer is always yes! CBD will not only make your horse more comfortable, but according to research about the effects of cannabidiol on arthritis published by the US National Academy of Sciences, it may reverse the effects of arthritis. Read the full study here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC16904/

While we do not have clinical tests of CBD for horses, there are rat and human studies. But having clinical tests on horses may not be necessary.

According to Craig Carter, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVPM, DSNAP, quoted in this article from The Horse, “Diseases in all mammals are pretty much a mirror of the physiology and pharmacology of people, with some key differences. But the use of antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, and treatment protocols are all very similar.”

I always subconsciously knew this, but once I used CBD on myself and my horse, read more about it and watched the results, I had an “ah ha” moment. Because Western medicine has not explained this well, or hidden it, many people think what applies to them and what can help is separate from what can work for their horse.

CBD and Degenerative Joint Disease

My personal experience has been with a 17-year-old gelding with degenerative joint disease and tendon lesions. We started with stall rest to try to heal the lesions and that’s where the CBD came into play for me the first time.

We could not keep the horse quiet for stall rest, on any amount of medication. I just wanted to keep the horse quiet and had no expectation for healing from CBD. What I saw astounded me.

His joint, which had always been abnormally large from inflammation, was shrinking to normal size. I did not understand what was going on in the joint, but I could tell the horse was becoming more comfortable.

We eventually did arthroscopic surgery on the joint (one of the messiest joints ever seen according to the surgeon), but this surgery was against the advice of vets involved. They told us he would never be sound. It is now one year post-surgery, and the horse is sound, being ridden 4-5 days per week.

Is it the CBD that has healed that joint? Back to the first paragraph of this post and the study on arthritis. It’s a fantastic study and the results are stunning. But some of the summary statements stood out to me:

“Oral Administration of CBD has an equally potent therapeutic effect on established arthritis.”

“Daily oral gavage of CBD immediately after onset of arthritis resulted in suppression of acute CIA.”

“This finding suggests that the therapeutic actions of CBD include the suppression of TNF-α, a proinflammatory cytokine known to be a major mediator of arthritis.”

Do I think CBD has healed my horse? Yes. Do I think CBD can help other horses with arthritis? Absolutely yes without a doubt. Am I going to wait for a pharmacy company to prove it works? No!

I have done my own research and I’ve had the perfect patient to give CBD to. He’s a testament to the fact it works.

I have many other customers that tell me the same thing. Their horses are feeling much better, the equine chiropractors are noticing the difference, joint injections are being minimized and in many cases they eliminate NSAID’s.

I’m seeing a lot of arthritis in horses as customers are sharing their stories with me. To see arthritis in a yearling colt is a head shaker for me.

To have something natural you can use as a supplement for arthritis, whether your horse has it now or not, should be something to be very excited about.

In the horse supplement market, we’ve never had anything that could do what CBD does, backed by hundreds of research studies in many countries.

Will CBD Oil Slow my Horse Down?

Another common question customers ask is, “will CBD slow my horse down?” There isn’t a definitive answer to be found to that question, but the testimonials here on HopeBotanicals.com about Boogie and Cash dispel this notion.

Both horses are over 17 years old and have had some of the fastest times in their careers after going on CBD.  Their owners put them on CBD specifically for arthritis. Their owners say they are super focused and just plain feel good.

The best thing about CBD for your horse is that it is natural, and it has no known side effects. It’s great for your horse for other issues, even those you aren’t fully aware of. As a daily supplement, there’s nothing like CBD for your horse.

How to Use CBD Oil for Arthritis in Horses

If it interests you to start a CBD regimen for your horse, CBD Oil is given as a daily supplement. We have two options for administration. The first is a tincture that is squirted into the horse’s lower lip using the included dosing syringe. Learn more about our CBD Oil Tincture for Horses here.

The second is pellets that are added to your horse’s regular feed. The pellets are palatable and horses readily eat them in their feed. Learn more about our CBD Pellets for Horses here.

A typical dose is 50-200 mg per day, depending on what issue you are treating, you can contact us for more help in getting started with a CBD regimen.