What Is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol; which is one of the many cannabinoids (chemical compounds) found in the cannabis plant. Hemp, which is produced from the male cannabis plant, can be used to make a variety of products such as rope, beauty products and CBD oil.
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, CBD is “a neuroprotectant and antioxidant.” A neuroprotectant basically helps reduce damage to the brain and nervous system, and encourages growth and development of new neurons. An antioxidant can help reduce the number of free radicals in the body that damage cells and potentially cause chronic diseases.
There are many claims for what CBD can help with, but some of the prevailing uses are for pain management, help with sleep or to reduce anxiety. CBD will not make someone feel high, but will, rather, induce a state of calmness. Other health issues that CBD could help with include mood disorders, neurological and gastrointestinal concerns.
Marijuana, on the other hand, is derived from the female cannabis plant, which contains both medicinal and psychoactive properties. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is another type of cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, produces a psychoactive effect (commonly known as a high). THC is found in many CBD products because THC amplifies CBD, and CBD offsets the effects of THC.
Legalization of CBD
The legalization of CBD in Indiana and the laws and policies surrounding it are confusing, but to summarize, on March 21, 2018 Governor Eric Holcomb signed an act that legalized CBD – but the product must contain less than 0.3 percent THC (the chemical compound that produces the high). On July 1, 2018 retailers began selling CBD products that comply with the state’s laws.
So why then have people gotten fired because they failed a drug test due to use of CBD oil? Rob Coulter, store manager of Copper Canyon dispensary, explained that THC, which is present in the full spectrum of CBD oils, attaches to fat cells in the body and can build up over time, often to a level that may be detectable in a drug test. “At Copper Canyon, people can shop for CBD products in different colors which indicate if the product contains THC,” he said. He also explained many CBD companies put QR codes on their products, so they are easy to scan and to get the level/percentage of the cannabinoids in a specific product.
Types of CBD
Full Spectrum: A whole plant extract consisting of everything the hemp plant contains, including the 0.3 percent of THC. Usage of 0.3 percent THC overtime may cause a positive drug test. The 0.3 percent THC is not enough to be psychoactive, but the THC does help the CBD to work better.
Broad Spectrum: Contains everything from the hemp plant except the 0.3 percent THC.
CBD Isolate: Contains 99.9 percent CBD isolate and no other cannabinoids. When a single isolate is used regularly, the body may build up a tolerance in 20 – 30 days. Isolates are good for short-term use, such as managing pain or to supplement another CBD regimen.
Types of CBD Products
There are a variety of ways to consume CBD. One of the more popular methods is ingestible CBD, which has seen a huge spike in sales at Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market since it was put on the shelves, said Jonathan Lawrence, Fresh Thyme’s director of vitamins.
Tincture: A liquid cannabis extract that uses a dropper to dispense the dosage under the tongue. Some types of tinctures can be used for vaping. CBD tincture is also available in capsules.
Topical: Active properties of the cannabis plant are extracted and added to lotions or balms.
Edibles: Common items include baked goods, candy and drinks that are infused with cannabis extracts.
Precautions
According to Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market Registered Dietitian, Kerry Clifford, it’s a good idea, as with any supplement, to check with a physician before starting a CBD regimen to ensure medications or medical conditions won’t interact negatively with the CBD. Greg Russell, pharmacist and owner of Custom Rx, said people who are interested in trying CBD, but have hesitations, are welcome to come in and have a pharmacist screen them to determine if CBD would be appropriate to use.
Where To Find CBD Products:
The CBD Store of Fort Wayne
Offers tinctures, topicals, edibles, bath products, pet products and smoking/vaping devices.
3629 N. Clinton Street, 260.483.7575;
5808 W. Jefferson Boulevard, 260.459.6688
cbdstoreoffortwayne.com
Copper Canyon
Offers tinctures, topicals, edibles, pet products and smoking/vaping devices.
3261 St. Joe Center Road, 260.387.6002
coppercanyoncbd.com
Custom Rx Fort Wayne
Offers tinctures, topicals, children’s chewables, pet products, and bath bombs.
425 E. Dupont Road, 260.490.3447
fwcustomrx.com
Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market offers tincture and topicals.
4320 Coldwater Road, 260.373.1677
freshthyme.com
The Pure Dream LLC
Offers tinctures, topicals, edibles, pet products and smoking/vaping devices.
702 W. Coliseum Boulevard, 260.484.4367
thepuredreamfortwayne.com